Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday, June 15, 2012 by Peoples Media Limited

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 60

Friday, June 15, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Rajab 25, 1433 AH

N150

Divorce: Angry husband sets Sharia court ablaze From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

middle-aged man, Ahmad Ubale Mai Nama, has set ablaze an Upper Shari’a Court in Funtua, Katsina State

over alleged dissatisfaction with the judgement of the court on a marriage suit. Our correspondent gathered that about a fortnight ago, the court had, to the chagrin of the

aggrieved man, terminated his marriage of nearly 10 years with his wife, in spite of his passionate plea against that to the judge. By yesterday morning therefore Mai Nama went to the

court premises to express his disappointment and anger with the court’s decision by setting it on fire. The man, we gathered, had at the hearing begged the court to

preserve his marriage and promised to abide by suggestions to keep the union intact. However, the judgement disfavoured him as the marriage was dissolved Contd on Page 2

Cowed Lawan begs for soft-landing As 190 Reps endorse his suspension Police quiz ‘Mr Integrity’ By Lawrence Olaoye

L-R: Representative of FCT Minister of State, Mrs. Blessing Onuh, presenting a certificate to one of the most outstanding corps members, who's also a special person, Cosy Evelyn, during the passing out ceremony of Batch 'B' corps members, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

he embattled Chairman of the adhoc committee on fuel subsidy probe, Rep Farouk Lawan, who is currently enmeshed in a $3 million bribery scandal, yesterday scampered to Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal's residence to beg him to provide him a soft-landing as the House of Representatives decides his fate at its emergency plenary today. A subdued Lawan, who will be the subject matter of the reconvened plenary this morning, our source disclosed, went to the Speaker's residence to plead with him to tamper justice with mercy as his colleagues deliberate on his matter. According to our source, Tambuwal in his reply told the beleaguered Kano Rep that he had no personal issue with him but that helping him at this period Contd on Page 2

Kwankwaso fires Chief of Staff

5 killed as Hausa, Berom youths clash

>> PAGE 4

>> PAGE 3

Clashes: Yobe demarcates cattle route >> PAGE 2

Dangote aims for N6.4tr London listing >> PAGE 20

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-11

Editorial

Op.Ed

Letters

Opinion

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

S/Report

Religion

Discourse

Yobe demarcates cattle routes to curb farmer-grazer clashes

he Manager, Yobe Livestock Development Programme, Dr. Mustapha Gaidam, has said the programme has demarcated and set beacons for 755 kilometres of cattle routes in the state to facilitate the movement of livestock. Gaidam told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Damaturu, that “from 2009 to date, the programme surveyed, demarcated and erected beacons on all the routes”. He said that “130-kilometre route was demarcated from Ngelzarma to Badegana, 50 kilometres from Jakusko to Gogaram and 42 kilometers Gumsi to Nguru totaling 222 kilometres. The programme manager said that the demarcated cattle routes had substantially checked cases of farmer/grazer conflicts in the state. He said: “We do not have cases of farmer/grazer conflicts in Yobe

because we erected heavy beacons that cannot be moved.”We also embark on periodic monitoring to ensure that there is no trespass on the routes by farmers.’’ Gaidam said that grazing reserves had been developed across

the state to provide good pasture for livestock grazing families. He said, “In Yobe, we have 31 secondary grazing reserves, out of which 16 have been put in the gazette, while 15 were

still being processed. “Some of these grazing reserves have large pastoral families and government provided them with single phase bore holes for human and animal use.’’ (NAN)

Jonathan denies plot to unseat Tambuwal, others By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

gainst the report in some media that he is interested in removing the House leadership, President Goodluck Jonathan, has denied any interest in the removal of the House Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and other principal officers, calling on media houses to allow the Lower Chamber handle the matter in its special plenary scheduled for today. He also expressed displeasure over alleged attempts by some media houses and political opponents to link his name and the

Presidency to the allegations of bribe taking involving House of Representatives fuel subsidy probe committee chairman, Farouk Lawan and famous oil magnate, Femi Otedola. A statement signed by Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, however reiterated the President’s determination to ensure that everyone indicted in the mismanagement of the subsidy funds are investigated and prosecuted. “The Presidency denounces the lame and diversionary attempt by some newspapers to drag the person and office of the President

into the very unsavoury bribery scandal involving the Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Fuel Subsidy Probe Ad-Hoc Committee and a well-known petroleum products marketer. The mischievous insinuation in today’s (yesterday’s) editions of the newspapers that the entire affair, in which the two key players have publicly confessed their roles, is part of a plot by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the executive arm of government to unseat the leadership of the House of Representatives, is totally false and baseless,” the statement said.

Cowed Lawan begs for soft-landing Contd from Page 1

FG should invest more in ICTs to create jobs, says Hon. Gusau, Page 37

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

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

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may be difficult as majority of members were unhappy with his role in the scandal. Although, it has been settled that Lawan would be suspended as the Chairman of the ad-hoc committee and that of Education committee to allow for unhindered investigations into his role in the bribery scandal, it was not particularly clear whether the House would set up another ad-hoc committee to probe him or allow its Ethics and Privileges Committee undertake the assignment. It was equally gathered that members are divided between those who wanted Lawan to be suspended outright from the House to allow him face the security agencies to clear his name and those who are of the opinion that it would be unfair to push for his total suspension when he has yet to be proven guilty of the bribery allegation. As at press time yesterday, the leadership of the House has yet to reach a consensus on whether Lawan should be suspended outright or not. Barring last minute changes, the motion for his suspension from

the two Committees would be moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Rep Isiaka Bawa (PDP, Taraba) and this is expected to be followed by a debate. Our reporter however gathered that a close associate of Lawan, who was in the last parliament with him, has been contacted to mobilize some youths to the National Assembly today to protest his possible arrest by the security agencies over the matter. It was gathered that the former lawmaker from the South West has mobilized funds to hire the protesters. Out reporter equally learnt that the scam is getting messier by the day with some other oil marketers swearing to affidavits and approaching the Police with 'evidences' that Lawan actually received huge sums of money from them in the course of the investigation. Our source disclosed that an oil marketer (Name withheld) approached the Police Headquarters yesterday in Abuja with an affidavit accusing Lawan of receiving some amount of money from him in the course of the subsidy probe. The Police, according to the source, urged the marketer to

formally present a petition and attach the affidavit to same so that they could take appropriate action. Meanwhile, Lawan who is commonly referred to as 'Mr. Integrity' in the House was quizzed for several hours at the Police headquarters yesterday alongside the Clerk of the Committee, Mr. Boniface Emenalo. Lawan arrived the Louis Edet House Force headquarters around 4pm in company of five of his lawyers. The lawmaker after six hours of interrogation maintained his innocence claiming that he never solicited for bribe from the Chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas, Femi Otedola. Head of the Police Interrogating team and Commissioner of Police, Ali Amadu, earlier expressed displeasure at the inability of the lawmaker to honour its previous invitation. As the investigation was progressing, Clerk of the ad hoc committee, Emenalo who was accused of receiving about $120, 000 on behalf of his principal also joined the

lawmaker. Police sources last night said that one of Lawan's lawyers had earlier written to the Police that they should not expect any tangible evidence from his client now but that they will present it in due course and at the appropriate time. Our reporter also gathered that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, who had closed earlier returned to the office to solicit the cooperation of the lawmaker with the police investigators in the matter. It was learnt that the IGP ordered for the detention of the duo of Lawan and Emenalo as suspects for further investigation. When contacted on Phone, the Ag. Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba confirmed that Lawan and Boniface are in Police custody but that it would be too early for him to tell whether they will be released or not. As at press time last night it was not clear if the police had released Lawan and Emenalo even as a source said they would be released on bail on self recognition.

Divorce: Angry husband sets Sharia court ablaze Contd from Page 1 following which he allegedly vowed to do everything possible to get the marriage restored. An eyewitness, Malam Shu’aibu Garba, who confirmed the incident, said after setting the court ablaze, the alleged arsonist engaged the security man on duty in a scuffle and attempted to escape but was apprehended by passersby who had been attracted to scene by the ensuing commotion.

Our correspondent learnt further that after the man was overpowered and detained by the passersby, they assiduously attempted to put out the billowing flame to no avail as it consumed virtually everything in the judge’s office, the court registry and the judge’s chamber. Consequently, it was feared that vital court documents, including judgements in the last 40 years may have been lost to the fire.

A source close to the court, who pleaded anonymity said, “The fire has destroyed almost all case files in the court, particularly those that were kept in the judge’s chamber and the registry where all important records are kept. In fact, case files for the past 40 years have been lost.” The suspect was later handed to the police at the Funtua Police Area Command and was subsequently transferred to the Katsina Police headquarters

where he is expected to help the police in their investigation. When contacted, the Katsina Police Command’s deputy spokesman, ASP Muhammad Koko Shehu referred our correspondent to the State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji. However despite repeated calls to his phone and text messages sent to his line the commissioner failed to respond to the calls or reply the text messages.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

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Stop killing our people, Borno elders tell JTF

Minister of State for Education, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (2nd right) exchanging greetings with Chairman of ZSUBEB, Hon. Murtala Adamu Jangebe (left), during his arrival to the advocacy and sensitisation meeting with stakeholders on girl child education, yesterday in Zamfara state. With him are Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Modibbo Ahmed Mohammed (right), and other personalities.

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

5 killed as Berom, Hausa youths clash in Bukuru From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

he Special Task Force (STF), otherwise known as "Operation Safe Haven" yesterday, confirmed that five people were shot in Bukuru, JosSouth local government area in a gun fire exchange between Berom and Hausa youths. The STF, in a press statement signed by its media and information officer, Captain Salisu Mustapha, said they heard the exchange of gunshots between the two factions and rushed to the scene where the men of STF recovered a fabricated revolver with seven rounds of 7.62mm.

The statement said the situation has brought under control by men of STF but that the police have commenced investigation to ascertain the cause of the clash between the two groups. STF advised citizens to always allow security agencies to take control of security situation in an event of break down of law and order and warned members of the public not to take laws into their hands as any act of lawlessness would not be tolerated. It was gathered that the clash between the groups was as a result of enforcement of state government's ban of the operation of motorcycle popularly known as

okada within the Jos Greater Master Plan. However, the commander of the STF, Major General Henry Ayoola has taken delivery of relief materials ranging from drugs and food items to the victims of the last Sunday's bomb blast that rocked Christ Chosen Church in Rukuba road. He visited the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) where the victims are on admission and presented the items to the chief Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Yohanna and Ishaya Pam of JUTH for upward distribution to patients.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the three persons who were killed on Wednesday, in Bukuru have been buried at the Jos burial ground. It was gathered that the that the deceased - Liti, Gambo and Shagari, were shot dead by unknown gunmen, who opened fire on them just when they finished their obligatory Zuhur prayer, at about 2:00 pm, in their business premises along Bukuru express way. The secretary, Bukuru Muslim Elders Committee, Baba Bala Muhammad, said the three persons were killed as a result of a protest staged against the ban on motorcycles operation.

2012 budget: FG releases N404.bn for Q1 & Q2 allocations ...Rules out tenure elongation for SEC board By Abdulwahab Isa

he Federal Government yesterday released the sum of N100 billion to Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government as second quarter budgetary allocation for this year. The co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja while briefing the media on the implementation of budget 2012. It said it had also released through the office of the Accountant-General (OAGF) the first quarter allocation of N304.1 billion, which was cashed back with a warrant of N239 billion, bringing the total of first and second quarter releases to N404.1 billion. She said of the N304.1 billion released for first quarter and

N239.8 billion cashed backed, only 39 percent had been spent and explained that some agencies could make request for releases when they are set to execute projects budgeted for. Peoples Daily had exclusively reported last week of the dire straits in the finances of most MDAs due to non-release of funds from the treasury which had crippled their functions. Government was said to have placed a ban on the execution of development projects by a sizeable number of ministries but however, granted exemption to ministries of power, agriculture, works, petroleum, housing, lands and urban development as well as health. At yesterday’s briefing, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala attributed the delay in the release of salary payment of some MDAs to the implementation of Integrated Personnel Salary System (IPSS)

mechanism recently introduced to bring efficiency in to payment system. Meanwhile, government has reacted to the on-going imbroglio at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as it declared no tenure elongation for senator Udo Udoma-led board members and some Executive Commissioners of SEC whose

tenure expires today. Commenting on the development yesterday, Ngozi said nobody is attempting to extend tenure and declared that SEC Director in charge of finance and administration, Ibrahim Bello has been appointed in acting capacity as SEC DirectorGeneral, with effect from Monday next week.

he Borno Elders Forum rose from an emergency meeting in Maiduguri, the state capital yesterday, with an urgent call on the operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), to halt the killings of innocent residents and other inhuman treatment meted out on them under the guise of hunting suspected members of the Boko Haram sect. Members of the forum, who met at the at the residence of their chairman, an elder statesman and pioneer indigenous Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, also called on the Federal Government to urgently checkmate the activities of the JTF, so that the situation in Maiduguri does not turn out to be like the US’s Guantanamo Bay prison. Spokesman of the forum, Bulama Mali Gubio, who addressed a press conference alleged that hundreds of people were killed, with many maimed and traumatised following the looting and destruction of houses by the soldiers, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. According to Gubio, the forum was seriously disheartened by the negative impact caused by the ‘atrocities’ of the security task force as people can no longer engage in any meaningful activity to sustain their lives. “In fact, the problem has also undermined our religious obligations, because presently, we cannot perform the five obligatory prayers in congregation in several areas; we are no longer practicing our religion as desired; formal and Tsangaya education have collapsed as children stay indoors for fear of being killed. The forum said there was need for the Federal Government to quickly wade into the sufferings encountered by the residents, through directing the soldiers to immediately cease fire and remove all blockages as well as security check points mounted by the JTF within Maiduguri and environs to enable the people go about their normal activities unhindered.

Fashola swears-in new chief judge From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

agos state governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday swore in the 14th Chief Judge (CJ), of Lagos state, Justice Ayotunde Adeyoola Phillips, with a commitment to put an end to judge-bashing and unnecessary bickering. The governor attested to the courage and independent-

mindedness of the new CJ. “I can assure the people of Lagos state that not only have we appointed a fearless and independent judge, but we have appointed a reformist and transformer judge,” the governor stated. He reiterated the independence of the three arms of government but said their interdependence in the state has led to the success of

the reform agenda of his administration. Fashola said the appointment of Justice Phillip marked the commencement of another leg of the reform agenda for the judiciary in the state. In her assurance speech at the occasion, the new CJ said she came with a burning desire to leave the Judiciary much better than she met it.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

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Sim registration: NCC arrests 5 suspects in Benue From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

ive suspects who trade preregistered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card were yesterday arrested in Makurdi by officials of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC). Parading the suspects, NCC Head of Enforcement, Mr. Efosa Idehen said the raid of the suspects was done under tight surveillance with the Police. He further explained that the Commission was moved to carry out the raid because the sale of preregistered card is unlawful as it contravenes the laws governing the telecommunications sector. "It is illegal for anyone to

purchase pre-registered SIM cards. This is just as it is wrong for anyone to buy such SIM cards in the open market for use. "The law provides that anyone buying a SIM card for use must personally have the card registered so as to enable the service provider capture his or her biodata", the enforcement officer said. He maintained that a situation where already registered SIM card were sold in the open market raises a serious security concern and thus ought to be nipped in the bud. Idehen who disclosed that his team was on the trail of some sponsors of the trade in the state, said the commission would hand over all the arrested suspects to the police for prosecution at the Federal High Court, Makurdi.

Jos: STF commander pledges to strengthen security

he Commander, Military Special Task Force (STF), Maj.-Gen. Henry Ayoola said yesterday that the outfit was capable of safeguarding lives and property in Jos. Ayoola, who gave the assurance at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, during a visit to victims of Sunday’s suicide attack on Christ’s Chosen Church, said the STF was not

Pa Uduaghan’s abductors demand N50m ransom

equel to the abduction of Pa Sam Uduaghan, a line of communication has been established between the kidnappers and the family of Pa Uduaghan. Sources close to the family, on account of anonymity, revealed that the abductors have placed a ransom of N50 million on the governor’cousin. The call to demand the ransom was made yesterday morning. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Muka said that the Police was still on the trail of the kidnappers.

overwhelmed by the situation. The commander said that the new STF had a ''human face'' and was not only concerned about the security of lives and property, but also interested in the well being of the residents. “The STF is not just concerned about quelling riots and maintaining peace, we are actually concerned about the well being of the populace too and whenever there is an incident, we feel very responsible about it. “Following the incident on Sunday, we thought it wise that as an extension of our concern, to come and see the patients that are still in the hospital. “We also want to appreciate the hospitals for the role they are playing in responding promptly to casualties during attacks. “We are very concerned about the recent suicide attacks and the security situation.” (NAN)

L-R: President-General, Court Martial, 2 Div. Brigadier-General Okon Ekanem, taking oath of allegiance, during the inauguration of the court martial by GOC, 2 Div, Major-General Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday in Ibadan. With him are Colonel Francis Akanji, Colonel Musa Mohammed, and Colonel Mohammed Masanawa. Photo: NAN

Govt can’t fight corruption — Tsav From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

ocial crusader, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav has labelled government as ‘irresponsible,’ contending that it is promoting corruption rather than fight it. Tsav, who spoke with journalists in his Makurdi residence yesterday, regretted that the government is not matching words with action in the

fight against corruption as people who indulge in fraudulent acts are not prosecuted. He made these comments against the backdrop of the bribe scandal rocking the House of representative members, noting that politicians are a bunch of disappointment. The former Lagos state police commissioner wondered why Farouk Lawan who has had a good legislative career, would get

himself involved in such a scandal. On the Oteh/Humbe saga, he expressed dissatisfaction with the suspension of the former while the latter is still a member of the House. “Why did Farouk go to Otedola’s house to incite him to bribe him? He should have gone there with policemen. Humbe too should be suspended. These politicians are money mongers and their action may invite revolution in this country,” he fumed.

17 corps members to repeat service in Adamawa From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

eventeen corps members out of the 2011 Batch ‘B’ set that served in Adamawa state will have to repeat their service year or have it extended while six others received state

honours award and certificates of commendation. The 17 corps members are being punished for either absconding or committing certain offences during the service year while the awardees distinguished themselves meritoriously and

bagged state recognition. State coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Alhaji Aliyu Hudu Taura praised the 1, 136 corps members passing and said they used their initiatives to improve their respective host communities in several ways.

Governor Murtala Nyako urged the youths to take advantage of government initiatives aimed at promoting citizens’ empowerment and participation in the development process which abound in various parts of the country.

Boko Haram: Court decides Ndume’s fate today By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

Federal High Court sitting before Justice Gabriel Kolawole will today decide whether or not to quash the 4count charge preferred against Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume who is standing trial over his alleged romance with the Jamaatu Ahlil Sunna Lidawati wal Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram sect. Ndume had in April asked the Court in Abuja to quash charges preferred against him by the Federal Government on the ground that the proof of evidence does not link him with the alleged criminal charges and that the charge is devoid of essential

ingredients to suggest the commission of the offences for which he stands charged. The senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, in the motion filed on his behalf of by his counsel, Ricky Tarfa (SAN) also asked the court to discharge him of the said charges. While faulting the manner of his prosecution, he said as at the time he was arraigned before the Federal High Court, there was a similar case pending before another court with similar charges. The senator further submitted that the role played by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who is the Chief Law officer, by

signing the charges against him makes the entire action an abuse of court process. Tarfa, representing Ndume told the court that the charge against the accused person centered around his alleged relationship with the spokesperson of the Boko Haram sect, Ali Sanda Umar Konduga (alias Usman AIZawahiri), which he said he had always communicated to Vice President, Namadi Sambo, who has not deposed to any affidavit countering it. The embattled lawmaker who said the first telephone exchange between him and the sect was on October 4, 2011, insisted that the reason the sect approached him was as a result of his being a

member of the Presidential Committee that was inaugurated on August 2, 2011, with a view to addressing the security challenges in the North Eastern part of the nation. He said prior to his appointment on the committee, he had no contact or relationship with the spokesperson or any other member of the sect, saying that the prosecution has placed nothing to form the basis for him to stand trial. The prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Olufumilayo Fatunde who is a Deputy Director in Federal Ministry of Justice, in a counter affidavit argued that since Section 33(2) of the Federal High Court Act still subsists and binding as a

statutes and the defence counsel has not controverted in their application, the court should hold that the trial of the accused person must proceed summarily. She submitted that there is sufficient link between the accused persons and the offences for which he was charged before the court. Ndume is standing trial for allegedly hoarding information on planned terror attacks and providing logistics to the convicted spokesman of the Boko Haram sect. Having listened to the submissions of the counsels in the matter, the trial Judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole adjourned till June 15, 2012 to rule on the application and that the bail of the accused persons continues.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Suntai assures new Minister inaugurates câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ttee on health coalition Taraba CP of support By A'isha Biola Raji

he minister for Health, Prof.Onyebuchi Chukwu has inaugurated a 13-man local organising committee for the hosting of the 13th board meeting of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Partnership (PMNCH) in Nigeria. Inaugurating the committee members in Abuja Wednesday, the minister explained that the

PMNCH is a coalition of global health partnership launched in 2005 to bring the three leading maternal, newborn and child health communities into an alliance of almost 300 members. In a press statement signed by Alhaji Yusuf Isiaka, Deputy Director Press, Federal Ministry of Health, he said the board is the partnership's governing body and holds decision-making authority in areas of organisational policy, fund

mobilisation, setting goals and objectives and making medium and long term plans with the view to assisting countries in moving forward the maternal, newborn and child health agenda. The statement also said, Nigeria accepted to host the 13th Board Meeting of the Committee in October 2012 as an affirmation that she is committed to the Every Woman Every Child Initiative of the UN Secretary General.

Federal Government of has invested a lot of efforts to interrupt malaria scourge in the country. According to the statement, a lot of campaigns have been done in the media to raise awareness on malaria adding that the ministry has recorded remarkable progress in the distribution of long-lastinginsecticide treated nets (LLIN). He maintained that the commitment is not lacking but the major challenge is funding "because we are dealing with a large population," he stressed. He commended the United

States government for their supports in the Malaria Control Initiative. The leader of the delegation, Elise Ayers said they were in Nigeria to review the programme and projects they are involved in and chart the way forward with a focus on the 2013 Annual Operational Plan. She further stated that the purpose of their visit to the ministry was to brief the minister about their visit, their activities in Nigeria and future visit to some states which include Oyo, Zamfara, Cross River, Ebonyi and Nasarawa States.

...reaffirms govt pledge to fight malaria

ealth Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has restated government's resolve to eradicate malaria scourge in Nigeria. The Minister stated this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a courtesy visit by US Presidential Malarial Initiative led by Elise Ayers, Health Population and Nutrition, USAID. In a press statement signed by Alhaji Yusuf Isiaka, Deputy Director Press, Federal Ministry of Health, the minister said the

NEMA's drilling on casualty evacuation for emergency management agencies in the North-Central Zone, yesterday in Lafia. Photo: NAN

From Yusha'u Alhassan, Jalingo

he new Taraba state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Maishanu has been assured of government support to enable him succeed in his assignment in the state. Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai gave the assurance yesterday while receiving the commissioner at Government House, Jalingo. Suntai said government and people of the state were hospitable and asked the commissioner to feel at home. The governor expressed

Immigration officer redeployed over journalist assault By Etuka Sunday

mmigration personnel attached to the office of the Pension Reform Task Team in Abuja who on Tuesday assaulted Joshua Uma, a journalist with Leadership newspaper who was on assignment covering a protest by retirees over non-payment of pensions, has been reposted. Uma was said to have been assaulted by the personnel identified as Akinmodiro, while trying to speak to the team of officials for their reaction to the pensioners' grievances, according to media reports. The journalist said Akinmodiro, who was attached to the office, refused to allow him and other journalists gain entrance, and an attempt to identify him through his name tag resulted in the assault. "The guy came after me from behind the counter. I tried to restrain him but he grabbed and started pulling me. He cut my wrist watch in the course of the scuffle and didn't want to return it to me" Uma said. Meanwhile, in a telephone interview with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the spokesman for the Pension Reform Task Team, Hassan Salihu, said an official apology had been offered to Uma. He said although Uma's watch was later returned, the team Chairman Abdulrahman

Nasarawa sets up committee to probe N25m COE Akwanga loan From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

he Nasarawa state government has set up a committee to investigate activities of the management of the College of Education, Akwanga, in relation to obtaining N25 m loan, N12m overdraft and the utilisation of the said money. Inaugurating the committee in his office yesterday, state deputy governor, Hon. Luka Dameshi Barau, charged the members of

the committee to discharge its duties with high sense of responsibility and fairness. The deputy governor noted that the investigation is not intended to victimise anybody but to ascertain the true position of the finances of the institution in the spirit of probity and accountability, calling on the members of the committee to live up to their bidding, while also urging the college community to cooperate with members of the

committee to enable them discharge their duties successfully. The terms of reference of the committee, according to the Hon. Luka, include among others: to investigate the issues and circumstances that led the management of the institution, to access N25 million loan facilities from a commercial bank, the rationale behind the N12 million overdrafts and to ascertain whether the transactions were in accordance with financial regulations.

confidence that the new commissioner would promote peaceful co-existence in the state. Earlier, the CP Ibrahim Maishanu, said he received his posting to Taraba state as a challenge rating Taraba as a low-crime state. He solicited support from government and people of the state to put heads together and maintain the peaceful coexistence that was known in the state. Priorto his new assignment, CP maishanu was commissioner of police in charge of Ebonyi state.

The committee which is headed by Alhaji Jibrin Usman has two weeks within which to submit its report to the government. Meanwhile, another committee, the Nasarawa state House of Assembly (NSHA) committee on education, has conducted its findings on issues relating to the N25 m loan accessed by the management of the institution sometime in November last year.

Maina has also promised the journalist a new watch, Salihu told CPJ. "What happened is regrettable. The immigration officer has since been removed from his post to be reposted back to his command," Salihu said.

Subsidy probe scam: Corruption a national phenomenon Lamido By Lawrence Olaoye

igawa state governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido yesterday declared that corruption is not the preserve of the members of the House of Representatives alone but a national phenomenon. Lamido made the declaration while commenting on the $3 million bribe allegedly received by the chairman of the House adhoc Committee that probed into the nation's subsidy regime, Rep Farouk Lawan. Lamido who was on a solidarity visit to the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, lamented that corruption has permeated every segment of the society and only restitution and reformation at individual level will curb the menace. According to him, the malaise is beyond Lawan Farouk and the National Assembly as no segment of the society can lay claim to have zero level of corruption and this should be a source of concern to every Nigerian He said "Again, you are speaking like a typical Nigerian. You are also part of the Nigerian crisis. People in the National Assembly, government houses, in the armed forces, in the police, in the market, in the universities are all drawn from the Nigerian environment. "So, when we are speaking about corruption, why don't you do some kind of reflection? Are we upright? It is a very serious problem.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

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L-R: Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, Managing Director, Hatlab Place, Mrs. Latifat Balogun, and her husband, Hakeem Balogun, during the commissioning of Hatlab Place building, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

North-east leaders decry marginalisation by FG

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

eaders of the North-east geopolitical region have declared that the area is the most neglected geopolitical zone in the country with no Federal Government presence. “There is a glaring lack of Federal Government presence

as evident in the absence of parastatals of the Federal Government and it is the only region in Nigeria without a dual carriage way, apart from the Kano Maiduguri one that is currently stultified under construction”, they said. A communiqué issued at the end of the North-east leaders

meeting held at Fharia Suites, GRA, expressed dismay over educational backwardness, lack of proper health facilities, poverty level, unemployment, and insecurity trends that ravage the region. They noted with concern that the spate of insecurity and unemployment could be

12 corps members face penalties for flouting scheme laws in Kwara

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

or violating the by-laws of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), 12 corps members who had served in Kwara state under the Batch ‘B’ schedule would have to face disciplinary action by repeating the service without allowances. The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Barrister Anthony Kayode Towoju who confirmed this development yesterday during the passing out ceremony of the Batch ‘B’ corps members at the Metropolitan Square, said 20 members have been selected for the awards out of which 10 would receive state honours, six

for certificates of merit while four would receive commendation letters. In his address, the Head of Service (HOS), Kwara state, Alhaji Muhammed Dabarako, appealed to the outgoing corps members to contribute to the stability of the nation’s polity. He said: “There are fundamental challenges in the socio-economic and political spheres of our nation that require the collective efforts of all Nigerians to stabilise the polity. This is why the Federal Government has introduced the skill acquisition programme into the NYSC scheme to enable you forge ahead in whatever endeavour you find yourselves to

build a stable and prosperous society”. Dabarako who delivered the message of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to the outgoing corps members, said the state government will continue to give support to the scheme advising that they should always be patriotic Nigerians wherever they find themselves. Earlier, the Kwara state Coordinator of NYSC, Ezinne Ngozi Ezekwe, disclosed that a total of 1,979corps members, made up of 1,161 males, 818 females were issued certificate of National Service and they have contributed positively to the socio economic growth of Kwara state.

Minister donates blood, says FG is to establish 2 production centres by 2013 By A’isha Biola Raji

he Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, yesterday, donated his blood at the National Blood Transfusion Centre (NBTS) located in Wuse Zone III, Abuja, with a promise by the Federal Government to build two Blood Component Production centres by the end of 2013. The minister said this at a press briefing to mark the 2012 World Blood Donor Day

celebration with the theme ‘every blood donor is a hero’. He said the initiative is to guarantee that utmost advantage is achieved from every unit of blood donated. The two centres according to him will serve as model sites while effort continues in promoting blood services. In addition to this, the minister has directed the delivery of 80 blood bank refrigerating units to hospitals and NBTS centres nationwide. “I have approved that all

hospitals should have blood transfusion committees for effective implementation of NB policy. I urge all hospitals to institute a haemovigilance system to monitor and improve the safety of the transfusion process in our hospitals as no negligence will be condoned,” he called. The permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Fatima Bamidele in her remarks, called for people to show compassion by choosing to donate blood willingly without compensation, hence saving the lives of those they do not know.

resolved through the evolvement of a thorough and scrupulous leadership development and recruitment processes at all levels. The leaders also resolved to revive societal information and security networks based on long standing moral (religious), traditional and

political institutions at all levels of society in solving the current predicaments. Specifically Wazirin Fika, Alhaji Adamu Chiroma who chaired the meeting, lamented the problem of illiteracy in the region. He called on governments at all levels to put more effort in the sector.

Oba to NMA: Seek solutions to preventable diseases From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

enin monarch, Oba Erediauwa yesterday challenged the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to find solutions to preventable diseases like malaria, infant mortality and maternal morbidity which early missionaries in Nigeria could not eradicate decades ago. The royal father stated this when the new executives of the NMA, led by its president, Dr. Osahon Enabulele paid him a

courtesy visit. He wondered why so many Nigerians could still die of preventable diseases like malaria and infant mortality, appealing to NMA to ensure that solutions are provided to eradicate them. REsponding, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Osahon Enabulele said his leadership is already planning to reposition the health sector in order to further expand the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to actualise very important aspect of the scheme to community based health care.

Land revocation: Katsina govt threatens emir, 35 others From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

he Katsina state government has threatened to revoke commercial plot allocations made to the emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman and 35 others. The state’s Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Alhaji Hussaini Garba ‘Yammama who issued the threat in a press conference, disclosed that also affected by the threat was the son of the Emir of Daura, Muhammad Daha Umar Faruq and the governor’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Salisu Yusuf Majigiri. The commissioner noted that

the allottees were given a one month ultimatum to develop the plots given to them since 2009 or have them revoked. “The allottees were 55 and were given a benchmark of reaching linter level in one year but only 19 developed their plots. This is unacceptable”, he added. He stated that the government established commercial layouts to enhance economic activities in the state, adding that it was counterproductive to leave them undeveloped. Similarly the commissioner said the only allottees that would receive their certificates of occupancy for the plots are those who develop them.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

National Youth Service Corps members in a march pass, during the passing out parade of Batch â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; corps members, yesterday in Abuja.

L-R: Vice-President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Otis Anyaeji, President, Mustafa Shehu, and former Managing Director, Bank of the North, Alhaji Mohammed Bulama, during a condolence visit to the Bulama family over the death of the past president of the NSE, Mustafa Bulama, on Wednesday in Maiduguri. Photo: NAN

L-R: Chancellor, Lagos State University, Chief Molade OkoyaThomas, Lagos state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, and chairman of the governing board, Mr. Akin KekereEkun, during the 17th convocation of the university, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Sokoto state governor, Alhaji Aliyu Makatagarda Wamakko (middle), commissioning a mosque, on Wednesday at Rogan Gezo, Sokoto state. Photo: NAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Niger compensates victims of fuel subsidy crises From Iliya Garba, Minna

iger state government has disbursed N275.7 million as compensation to victims of the January 16, 2012 fuel subsidy riots which took place in parts of the state. As a result of removal of subsidy from petrol by the federal government, law and order broke down in parts of the state leading to the burning down of public and private property in Minna, Bida

and Mokwa. Releasing cheques to the victims the Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Government approved White paper on the fuel subsidy removal report, Hajiya Hadiza Abdullahi, said that the government was only giving help to the victims because no amount of money could pay for what they had lost. She said government wants the beneficiaries to use the assistance received to replace what

they have lost so that the communities will return to their old glory. Hajiya Abdullahi said that government has set up a monitoring committee to see to the use of the money, saying that the administration expects that most of the damaged property will be replaced within three months. Responding on behalf of the victims Alhaji Aliyu Maka, who happenned to be the highest beneficiary of the assistance when

he collected a cheque of N50 million for his property burnt in the centre of Minna, commended the boldness of the government for assisting the victims saying that the administration has actually extended their hands of magnanimity to those affected. Other beneficiaries of the government assistance include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) state office which lost over 20 utility vehicles to the carnage got a cheque of N20 million, a trader at the premises of the state pilgrims welfare board got N300,000 while the state Board of Internal Revenue which also lost about 18 vehicles got N27 million.

Police arraign man for alleged impersonation

he Police yesterday arraigned a 32-year-old man, Adeoye Olatunji, before an Osogbo Senior Magistrates' Court for alleged impersonation and fraud. The Police Prosecutor, Mr Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the accused on Oct. 20, 2011 in Osogbo, impersonated as a staff member of the Nigeria Customs Service. Olusegun added that the accused promised to assist the son of one Olatundun Lawal to be enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service and obtained N1. 2 million from the complainant (Lawal) for the assistance. According to him, the offence contravenes Section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 1 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. The defence counsel, Mr Sunday Atofarati, pleaded that the accused be granted bail in liberal terms, adding that he would not jump bail and would provide credible surety. The Senior Magistrate, Adewunmi Makanjuola, upheld the prayer of the counsel and granted the accused bail in the sum of N1. 5 million with one surety in like sum. Makanjuola added that the accused should deposit N1. 2 million to the court or produce certificate of ownership, swear to an affidavit of means and two passport photographs. He adjourned the case to July 31 for hearing. (NAN)

L-R: Chief of Army Staff , Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika, with his Pakistan counterpart, General Ashfaq Parvez, during the former's visit to Pakistan on Wednesday.

Economy open to N48tr investment for 10,000mw of power – NERC From Samuel Ayodele, Lagos

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said that the economy is open to about $300 billion (N48 trillion) investment in the power sector to achieve 10,000 megawatts. The commission gave this hint while explaining the rationale behind the increase in the tariff to investors at Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Policy Dialogue with NERC in Lagos on

Wednesday. This amount of money, it said, cannot be provided by the government, hence the need to introduce a cost-reflective tariff that will attract private investors and make them active participants in the sector. It says that the country will need an average power generation of between 1,500mw and 2,000mw per annum within a period of five years to meet the power needs of its 160 million population. NERC’s commissioner for

marketing, competition and rates, Eyo Ekpo, who represented the chairman of the commission, Sam Amadi, said government alone could no longer sustain power supply. “The Federal Government alone cannot invest in filling in the investment gap that has widened astronomically in the last three decades - to match our peers (RSA, Brazil, Egypt) we should have at least 100GW today – that means a $300 billion investment,” he noted.

Benue govt displaces 2,000 blockmakers From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

ver 2000 members of the Makurdi Block Industry, Solid Minerals and Welfare Association, (MABISMWA) have been displaced by the State government during a demolition exercise yesterday. Speaking with journalists, chairman of the association, Alhaji Tanko Barde, said no prior notice was given by officials of the Urban Development Board before carrying out the demolition exercise. He described it as ‘illegal,’ intimating that there was a court injunction restraining government from demolishing their structures which they violated. Alhaji Barde further explained that about 4 years ago, government announced on the radio that it had revoked their Certificate of Occupancy, (COC) and asked them to go to the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment and collect their compensation. “When we heard this, we became frightened that something was fishy and quickly sought the advice of our lawyer Barr. Ucha Ulegede who wrote to government stating it clearly that his clients will not collect any compensation. Afterwards, government issued a demolition notice in 2004 and gave to 4 out of the 8 members of the association that were affected by today’s demolition. I was not served either”, Barde said. The MABISMWA Chairman said the court case was won by government but they have since appealed the judgment at the Appeal Court, Makurdi and notice of appeal was duly served on government. General Manager of Urban Development Board Barrister Musa Suleiman explained that the block makers did not have perquisite requirement to operate in the area, disclosing that compensation had been paid to some of them. He intimated that government intends to build a beach project along the river bank, maintaining that an alternative place at Agboughoul village have been provided for them. “Their continued stay on the land is an act of trespass. We served them notice of the demolition exercise today but they wanted to resist us with weapons like machetes and improvised petrol bombs so we had to engage the police to assist us”, the GM claimed.

Yuguda asks political hangers-on to seek waste-to-wealth employment From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

he Bauchi state Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, has said that the era of undeserving political appointment into government services is over with the Bauchi state’s waste to wealth project through re-cycling plant coming into operation.

The governor stated this while commissioning the state waste recycling plant in Bauchi, saying the operation of the waste re-cycling plant has offered the teeming unemployed youths in the state the opportunity to scavenge for used polythene bags and plastic waste for sale to the factory to earn a living “There is no reason why any

unemployed youth in Bauchi state will not generate a minimum of N500 to N1,000 a day through the sales of used polythene bags which are spread all over the state and even beyond for a living”, Yuguda said. He said with the establishment of the waste re-cycling plant, youths in the state now have

windows for employment, but warned that employment can only be guaranteed when there is peace in the society. The Governor said, however, that the plant will eventually be established into a liability company and sell up its shares to private investors, saying there is no reason for government to run

such a business. The Commission’s chairman, Prof. Musa Maisamari has earlier in a welcome address revealed that three re-cycling plants were procured by the state government from China at a total cost of N157.2 million, each with a production line and generating plant in case of power failure.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

PAGE 11

Day of the African Child: NGOs decry labeling disabilities as witchcraft By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

hild rights nongovernmental organisations - Stepping Stones Nigeria [1] and Stepping Stones Nigeria Child Empowerment Foundation[2] - have called on the Nigerian government to take action to demystify the common ailments that are associated with

witchcraft and prevent the labeling of children with disabilities as 'witches'. The NGOs in a statement issued in Lagos and signed by Stepping Stones Nigeria's Advocacy Officer, Dr. Emilie Secker, said there was an urgent need for the federal and state governments to raise awareness about the nature of physical and

mental disabilities and to combat the belief that these are evidence of witchcraft in children. Speaking at the occasion, Acting Director of Stepping Stones Nigeria Child Empowerment Foundation, Utibe Ikot, said: "Around the world, thousands of people are celebrating the Day of the

African Child on 16th June. This year, the theme of the day is the rights of children with disabilities. I am very sad to report that we have seen many cases where a child with a disability, for example autism, epilepsy, or Down's syndrome is automatically considered to be a witch due to their condition…" Dr. Secker further explained

that there is lack of understanding of disability around the countries of the world, which he said affected the level of support needed by the victims. He also called on the Nigerian government to educate the public about the nature of disability and to make sure that people understand it properly.

Extend development to rural areas, Oyo lawmakers urge Ajimobi From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

embers of the Oyo state House of Assembly have urged Governor Abiola Ajimobi to extend developmental projects to nook and cranny of rural areas in the state. The lawmakers explained that rural communities were groaning and lamenting absence of developments after one year in office adding that people’s expectation were high from this present administration. The Minority Leader, Hon. Rafiu Adekunle accused the executive of concentrating developmental plan to the capital city while the rural areas are neglected.

He said most of the projects initiated by the past administrations remain abandoned which he said can improve standard of living. The speaker, Hon. Mosurat Sumonu in her remarks commended Governor Ajimobi’s disposition to revamp the state from years of decadence She admonished the governor to divert attention to rural areas so as to reduce influx of people to the state capital. In his address, governor Ajimobi assured that most of his developmental programmes will mature in the second year and the benefit will become accruable to the people.

Road maintenance: FERMA inaugurates c’ttees on funding By Mohammed Kandi

he Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has installed two separate Committees to coordinate a working arrangement for sustainable partnership on road maintenance in the country. This followed the resolution of the Stakeholders Forum held April 2012, on the need for the agency to establish the committees. In a statement issued by the Agency's head of communications and public relations, Maryam M. Sanusi, the Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Gabriel Amuchi said the committees were in line with the stipulated Amended Act, 2007, of the agency. It further stated: “The stakeholders committee on funding is to consider and explore ways of additional funding for road maintenance to ensure that funds generated are properly allocated for the purpose they are

meant for.” Also, the same committee is to ensure that funds accessed are effectively utilised for road maintenance.

L-R: Gombe state FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Kuteb Galadima, handing over N1 million recovered from an accident victim along Gombe-Dukku road to the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Katagum branch, Malam Babangida Bello, on Wednesday in Gombe. Photo: NAN

NYSC, tool for promoting national unity - Lamido From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

overnor Sule Lamido of Jigawa state has implored corps members to remain steadfast in their aspirations and commitment to the nation as they prepare to move in to the larger society. The governor made the plea at the passing out parade ceremony of the batch “B” corps members held at Malam Aminu

Kano Triangle in Dutse the Capital. Governor Lamido, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information Youths, Sports and Culture Alhaji Babandi Ibrahim, said the end of every service year represents an important stage in the life of the Nigerian youth. “I’m convinced that your exposure to diverse cultures and

Group rejects creation of Okura state From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

group of young undergraduates led by Mallama Raheematu Usman have called on traditional rulers to be careful in their actions concerning the issue of state creation as any wrong decision would have a telling effect on the generation yet unborn She said the issue of Okura state as being demanded was not in the best interest of the majority of the people since ordinarily, the issue would be for the minorities to seek for a state, and not the reverse as

being witness in Kogi state Raheematu who made the call yesterday, while speaking with journalists with some other students from University of Maiduguri, in Lokoja stated that "nobody should drag the Igalas into minority for the interest of one person. She noted that carving part of Igala into any state creation would reduce the majority status of the people who would be major minority if they were divided into the interest line of the agitators, stressing "if Okura state could not meet the demand for a status of a state, nobody should divide the

Igalas" The student warned traditional rulers in Igalaland and those selfish individuals who wanted to mortgage their birth right and future of the generation yet unborn for peanut to stay clear from their intended interest. “The minority who are supposed to demand for a state are not asking why the most populous tribe be crying for one,” she stated. According to her, those who were crying of marginalisation have suddenly kept quiet and watching the majority to do the job for them.

ways of life of the people in the communities where you served has broadened your understanding of the ways and life styles of the people of the state,” he added. Lamido reminded the outgoing corps members the goals of the NYSC scheme among which is the promotion of National Unity and cohesion. He pointed out that the state government has recognized their

contributions to the nation’s growth through your campaign against HIV/AIDS, Polio eradication, mass literacy and several other initiatives in executing personal community development services. Among 1,500 corps members that passed out, seven of them were honored by the state government for selfless service to their host communities.

Oshiomhole may not use orderlies on election day - Police From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

do state Police Commissioner, Mr. Olayinka Balogun, on Wednesday says the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN) Governor, Adams Oshiomhole’s convoy may not be allowed to go voting centre on July 14 governorship election, even as politicians have been barred from parading their orderlies for the exercise. Balogun who disclosed this during his visited the Nigeria

Union of Journalists, NUJ centre in Benin, threatened to treat as a common criminal, any politician caught on election day flouting this order. “We will treat as a common criminal anyone who disobeys these electoral guidelines.” He assured that the police would provide adequate security coverage to both men and materials on ground during the July 14 election. “Anybody who has no business to do with election should stay clear of the polling stations,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

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EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

The future of Somalia

etween May 31 and June 1, Turkey, along with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), hosted an international conference on Somalia in the beautiful city of Istanbul. The conference, dubbed Istanbul II, was actually a follow-up to the first conference hosted by the Turkish government in 2010 and another held in London at the beginning of the year. The Istanbul II conference on Somalia, with the theme "Preparing Somalia's Future: Goals for 2015", was attended by top level representatives from 57 countries, 11 international and regional organisations as well as the authority of Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. All major sectors of the Somalia society were brought on board in the Istanbul II conference. The conference was addressed by, among other persons, the Prime Minister of Turkey, Tayyip Edorgan, United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon and President of the Somalia Transitional Government. The conference reaffirmed the previous international efforts at helping stabilise Somalia, as well as the several national initiatives such as the Kampala Accord, Galkayo Constitutional Meetings and the recommendations of the Garowe I and II. In addition to emphasising the primary responsibilities of Somalis themselves in establishing a framework for an inclusive and sustainable political solution, it also highlighted the role of the

international community, especially in continuing to demonstrate goodwill to the process through fulfilling its pledges to the Somalia political process. Very crucial to the Somalia political process, the conference reaffirmed the August deadline for the conclusion of the transitional period, even as it hoped for the creation of an all-inclusive government to enable the emergence of institutions necessary for

“

We appeal to all Somali factions and groups to tap into the international goodwill by putting their acts together. Turkey's selfless and exemplary effort in seeking a solution to this terribly war-blighted nation is indeed commendable rebuilding the country. Somalia has been in the eye of the storm since 1991 when its government and public institutions failed, following the collapse of the Siad Barre regime. Since then, the country has suffered from one international intervention to the other, including the notorious American misadventure which led to the death of several American soldiers, which in turn prompted a quick Washington retreat from the debacle. Over time, the domestic conflict of

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the once beautiful country, with a capital previously nicknamed the Pearl of the Horn, has mutated and became almost intractable. In the closing decades of the last century, the Islamic Court Union (ICU), a militia of Islamic purists, stormed Mogadishu and restored order to the previously chaotic capital held by different armed groups. The ICU did not last long before it was polarised between the moderates willing to share power and the extremists that were allegedly allied to al-Qaeda. That extremist faction constitutes the bulk of al-Shabab, the group with an avowed aim to scuttle the current political process. We at the Peoples Daily are glad that they are not only in disarray but also in retreat. We support the international and domestic efforts to put back Somalia on the map. Somalia was a pivotal country both in its sub-region and Africa as a whole. Its long suffering people deserve to find a new lease of life. After the devastating famine last year, which forced huge numbers into badly managed refugee camps, Somalia needs helping and we wholeheartedly support the process. We urge international donors to fulfill their obligations in line with the affirmation of the Istanbul Conference. Similarly, we appeal to all Somali factions and groups to tap into the international goodwill by putting their acts together. Turkey's selfless and exemplary effort in seeking a solution to this terribly war-blighted nation is indeed commendable.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

PAGE 13

At the mercy of cabals and rapacious lawmakers By Na-Allah Mohammed Zagga

nce again, the House of Representatives is in the storm of another bribery scandal, coming two months after the suspension of the Committee on Capital Markets, led by Herman Hembe. In the latest scandal, the Chairman of the ad-hoc committee on Fuel Subsidy Probe, Malam Faruk Lawan, was allegedly caught on video receiving a 600,000 dollars bribe from one of the powerful oil moguls in Nigeria, Mr. Femi Otedola of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited. The current scandal rocking the lower chamber of the parliament has already dampened the enthusiasm of many Nigerians who had thought that the probe into the N1.6 trillion subsidy frauds would be the beginning of the end of impunity in Nigeria. Alas, we are now left with a sour taste in the mouth. Although blackmail could be deployed by members of the subsidy cabal to suppress exposure and avoid prosecution, Faruk Lawan himself didn’t help matters either by his equivocation on the issue when the scandal became public knowledge. His discrepancies and inconsistencies

expose him to allegations and suspicions of insincerity. In a press statement on Sunday (10-62012), Faruk Lawan denied either demanding or receiving bribe in the course of the fuel subsidy probe, claiming that the allegation was a set up to discredit his committee’s report. His subsequent equivocations however, have left even his admirers confused about who is actually telling the truth between him and Femi Otedola. In a new version of explanation he issued, Lawan finally acknowledged receiving the dirty dollars from Otedola, but insisted that he collected the money in order to use it as exhibit against the oil mogul for bribing the committee to doctor the report to exonerate his company. Even this new version of Lawan’s explanation didn’t convince discerning Nigerians that he is altogether whiter than white! Many wonder why Lawan kept mum until the cat was let out of the bag, and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal confronted him with the facts. The time it took Lawan from when he allegedly collected the bribe and when it became public knowledge leaves his explanation open to more

to see through the mesh of blackmail as he alleged? If his intention was to use the bribe money as “exhibit”, why didn’t he lure the business mogul to his own house or any place of his choosing and have him secretly recorded as he was delivering the bribe? The SSS operatives that staged

allegations against Faruk Lawan, who once led the Integrity Group in the House of Representatives, who had worked tenaciously for the impeachment of former Speaker Patricia Etteh over a house renovation scandal. When he was elected Speaker of the House, Hon. Aminu Waziri

of worrying defaults even before its original owners, a US-based Alaska Airlines sold it to Dana Airlines on February 17, 2009. The aircraft was acquired by Alaska Airline sometime in November 13, 1990 with registration number N944AS. Twelve years later, in November 2002, it developed fault and did an emergency diversion due to smoke and electrical smell in the cabin area, which engineers said was “because light ballast had over-heated”. Four years later, the plane’s shape worsened when on August 20, 2006, it was again evacuated after landing at the Long Beach, California “due to a chaffed wire bundle that discharged and produced smoke in the cabin area again.” Also a DANA employee disclosed that “the ill-fated Dana Air flight 0992, MC Donnell Douglas was faulty shortly after it left Lagos and stopped over in Calabar. The Indian owners of the airline threw caution to the wind and insisted that the plane must fly in a bid to maximize profit, thereby sending the plane over to Abuja to pick passengers, when it should have being returned to Lagos for further repair.” For sure, they can do whatever they like. Is it not Niger? If the regulatory agencies were alive to their responsibilities, that plane could have been grounded long ago and those 153 people would have been alive today. For money and other little favours, they betrayed their

brothers and sisters. The first thing I said when I heard about the crash was: how could a plane crash in a 45 minutes journey, with airports littered on the route where it could make an emergency landing? How could both engines fail at the same time? Answers to my questions later emerged. From what we all now know, over 153 lives were cut short as a result of corruption and the ongoing shortchanging of our generation by people we entrusted leadership to. All for money, and no matter the costs, Nigerian leaders sold and will continue to sell their fellow country men and women. The Dana crash is only an offshoot of the shortchanging of a generation. If the leaders cared for the people, such a plane would never be allowed to operate in the first place. Despite the fact that Nigeria tops the list of countries with the most expensive inland flights, planes that have been rejected in other climes, where flights are even cheaper, are smuggled into Nigeria, with the connivance of untrustworthy leaders for business. In so far as the pockets of those in charge are filled with bribe-money, fellow Nigerians could perish for all they care. Our leaders have no regard for our people. They don’t even see why Nigerians who pay a cutthroat $200 US dollars for a 45 minutes journey should be entitled to a decent flight.

How in hell could the majority of the management staff of DANA be foreigners? Because our leaders share in the bounty, they look away. Nigerian jobs must be for Nigerians first. It is so all over the world. But unfortunately, in the case of Nigeria, due to corruption, our leaders don’t care for their fellow Nigerians. Just as they don’t care when Nigerians are fed with rubbish food items and provisions, despite the fact that they pay more for groceries than people in the West, whose governments force manufacturers to conform to agreed standards and keep the price reasonable. Our government has banned almost everything because it wants only some businessmen to flourish, yet they pay fake lip service to a free market. How can our leaders deny Nigerians access to a better life in this era of globalization? Are we practicing communism? How could a democratic government dictate to the people what to eat or buy? Just because those in government get a share of the monopolists’ profit. This aside, what breaks my heart is that government allows them to sell at cut-throat prices. How could a 1.5l bottle of water sell for almost $1 in a country where the minimum wage is a meager N18.000? Nigerians today pay more for everything than their counterparts in the West who

suspicions and skepticisms. His final admission that, indeed, he collected the money as “exhibit” was like trying to make a virtue of necessity. Admittedly, Faruk Lawan is one of the most brilliant and active lawmakers in the National Assembly. If he was set up, why was he not smart enough

the sting operation while he was allegedly receiving the bribe didn’t help matters either. Why didn’t they arrest Lawan at the point he was collecting the money? The case of the SSS, despite the video “evidence,” is also weak in this matter. This does not however, diminish the gravity of the

“

Although blackmail could be deployed by members of the subsidy cabal to suppress exposure and avoid prosecution, Faruk Lawan himself didn’t help matters either by his equivocation on the issue when the scandal became public knowledge

Tambuwal, had declared his intention to refurbish the image of the House, which was battered by frequent incidents of corruption and bribery scandals. About two months ago, the Chairman of the House Capital Markets Committee, Mr. Herman Hembe and members of his committee were forced to stand aside to allow an investigation of corruption against them after the former Chairman and his Deputy allegedly demanded and collected gratifications from the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). In fact, this was not the only incident that tarnished the reputation of the House. The report of the House committee on power, led by Mr. Elumelu died a natural death after the chairman soiled his hands in corrupt practices. The report, which exposed how 16 billion dollars went down the drain in the name of power projects, died along with the reputation of the committee chairman and members. It is no secret that our lawmakers are using their office to elicit financial favours from those they are investigating. Ministries and departments of government have to cough out millions during Continued on page 15

The shortchanging of a generation By Charles Ofoji

he Dana flight 992 tragedy at a touching distance from the Lagos airport has again exposed the legendary greed of the ruling class. Nigeria was equipped with all a nation needs to be great, except that our rulers (not really leaders) sit on the aspirations of Nigerians and God’s desire for them. The greed and callousness of our rulers provides a case study of the mindset, inhumanity and insatiability of the specie called human beings. It is an illustration that God must have underestimated the wickedness and heartlessness of man, when he thought He could create man in His own image. Over 153 lovely people perished on the ill-fated Dana 992 plane because some coldhearted business people, who were hell-bent on maximizing profit (and who are allowed by an irresponsible government to exploit Nigerians) allowed an overloaded troubled MD 83 plane that was not airworthy to fly. Such number of lives were destroyed because those whose duty it was, failed woefully or colluded with greedy capitalists as they failed to regulate what they were mandated to police. If they did what they were supposed to do, how would such a plane be authorized to fly in Nigerian airspace? The Dana Air MCDonnell Douglas (MD 83), I learnt, had a well- known history

earn about 20 times more than them. Yet we expect to rid the country of corruption. Where do we expect the workers to get the money to stay alive from? We can mourn that over 153 people died due to corruption ( and my heart goes out to the directly bereaved), but we should not lose sight of the fact that so many Nigerians die daily because our leaders allow industrialists and businessmen to feed us with rubbish, which they call food and beverages. Diabetes, High blood pressure and other heart related diseases, obesity, bad eye sight, thyroid gland disorders etc, are on the increase because our government decline to control what Nigerians are served as groceries, especially salt and sugar. Because our leaders have shortchanged us for money, they look away as capitalist predators devour the populace. The DANA air disaster is only part of the aftermaths of the shortchanging of our generation. The government, as usual, has set up another panel to find out what happened. Nigerians have little faith in such games any more. In serious countries, prosecution for murder and manslaughter should follow the outcome of such investigation since obviously the people that died ought not to have died if some people did their jobs. Charles Ofoji is reachable at checkpointcharley@yahoo.de

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

For the attention of Nigerian parents By Muhammad Jameel Yusha'u

his piece is targeted at Nigerian parents who would like to send their children to study in foreign countries, particularly the United Kingdom where I am writing from. Since the collapse of our educational system, particularly tertiary education, a lot of parents are confused about letting their children remain in Nigerian universities or sending them to other countries that offer quality education. Before I write about the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad, it will be relevant to discuss the attitude of parents who send their children out of Nigeria for higher education. For the purpose of this discourse, let us categorise them into three. The first group includes the old guards among the Nigerian elites who have held positions in the country, amassed so much wealth and developed a thirst for anything foreign. They are the variety who own houses in the cosiest areas of London and, to be frank, some of them have contributed in killing our educational system. The second group includes politicians and senior civil servants who have amassed so much wealth by holding public

office and who would also like to the leaders who will manage the abroad, for example the UK, here are some dos and don'ts. compete with the first group so resources of the country. First of all, as a parent, to that their children would also not Secondly, by studying for their be left out in the scheme of things. first degree in Nigerian what extent do you understand The third group includes the universities there is the likelihood the country you would like to average businessmen, middle that they will understand the send your kids to? You know your cadre civil servants and other weaknesses of the system so that child better than anybody else; members of the public who when they take over leadership are you confident that he/she cannot be easily understand the overtaken by the value of artificial beauty education and and temptations would not like Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text attached to to see their f o r e i g n children left out messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written countries? or become contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 Secondly, do second class words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and you have citizens in their a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed contacts in that own country. to: country? People Regardless whom your of the category The Editor, children can you fall into, Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, respect and listen parents are 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. to their advice? l a r g e l y Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com Some parents do interested in of course identify working for the SMS: 07037756364 some people as success of their guardians; children. However, the challenge is parents responsibilities, they may try to unfortunately, not all the send their children, a lot of them address the inadequacy of the children see things from the teenagers, to foreign countries system. In addition, by studying perspective of their parents, as without fully understanding the in local universities, they may not such once the father/mother joins the next flight to Nigeria, that is implications. suffer from cultural alienation. I would rather suggest that In foreign countries they are the last time the guardians would Nigerian parents should likely to become isolated or be see them. Thirdly, one of the mistakes encourage their children to have easily swayed by the temptations their first degree in Nigeria. At of foreign cultures. The resources made by parents is in the choice least, they would develop contact spent by parents can also be an of universities. As a father or a with people who share the same investment within the Nigerian mother, do your homework by country with them, and in the economy. If you decide that the identifying the best university future they are likely to become preferred option is to take them for the course your child wants to

WRITE TO US

study. Some parents think that as long as a university is in the UK or the US, then it is good. But it is not so. There are a lot of dodgy institutions whose certificate are not worthy. They are simply money-making ventures that will come to Abuja, Lagos or Kano, distribute the best brochures in town, while the quality of their education is not worth the glamour of the public relations effort. Fourthly, when you make the decision to send your kid abroad, do not just give him money as if he is out shopping rather than coming to learn. Many parents lose their children this way. Frequently visiting your child and maintaining contact with him/ her on phone will be helpful. In fact, in this age you should sign on Facebook and Twitter and join the list of his/her contacts. You should have a copy of his timetable, his assignments and let him send a copy of his results to you once they are available. And when he has finished his exams let him join the next available flight home. These are still not enough, your prayers and mentoring will be useful. Also making your child understand that the essence of sending him abroad is to help him build a successful future, not to brag before his friends back home that he is no longer in their league.

Aviation Panel: Inclusion of ADC Airline boss is in bad taste By Sumner Shagari Sambo

he inclusion and participation of Captain Mfon Udom, MD/CEO and Co-owner of ADC Airlines (whose aircraft killed many passengers in the 29th October, 2006 crash) in the Federal Government’s Technical and Administrative Review Panel on Domestic Airlines (a committee investigating DANA and other domestic airlines) is an unfortunate scenario. It is sad that President Goodluck Jonathan and his government would include a man in the review panel whose own failure and negligence contributed to the death of many Nigerians; who also has Indian connection (his insurers are Indians and DANA is an Indianowned company) and who brought a team of lawyers to negotiate downwards some of the compensation paid to the victim’s families to “only’ what ADC could afford.” Aviation Development Company Airlines’ (ADC) Flight 53 was a scheduled passenger flight operated by ADC Airlines that crashed on 29th October 2006 shortly after take-off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at around noon local time.

Immediately after take-off from Abuja, the Boeing 737 broke up and caught fire in a corn field. The flight is reported to have had 104 people on board. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Maccido, his son, Senator Badamasi Maccido, Dr. Nnenna Mgbor, the first ever female West African E.N.T. Surgeon and Abdulrahman Shehu Shagari (no relation to the writer), son of former president Shehu Shagari, among others, were on the passenger list. About nine people survived. Among the survivors were the three (3) daughters of Ibrahim Idris, former Governor of Kogi state and a woman earlier counted among the dead but was discovered alive with no serious injuries from the plane which was heading to Sokoto state. Like the current DANA crash, the ADC crash sparked intense national protest for the improvement of the nation’s aviation sector thereby leading to the suspension of ADC’s operating license and replacement of the minister of aviation (Prof. Babalola Aborisade with Femi Fani-Kayode) and a complete overhaul of the Nigerian aviation sector. After about six years without ADC’s investigation result made known to the Nigerian public, one feels it is an insult on both the

memory of ADC and DANA’s victims, their families and the entire nation for Mr. President to approve the inclusion of Captain Mfon Udom in the aviation review panel. Where is due diligence? How can Capt. Udom still be asked to perform a public service in the aviation sector whose failure he has partly contributed to. After being named as a member of the panel, one thought that the ADC boss would honour those who died in his company’s plane crash or DANA crash victims by rejecting the appointment, either on the grounds of sympathy for the victims or the airline involved or

the feeling that the public may suspect his job on the panel. But trust some Nigerian elites; Capt. Udom appeared at the inauguration of the panel on Monday in Abuja, unfazed. Agreed that Captain Udom is an expert in his field but the moral (and what many see as an unhealthy) burden he carries should have made the Minister of Aviation or Mr. President to have a rethink on his inclusion. Is it that our public officials have a short memory or it is simply a pure case of selective amnesia? How can Aviation Minister Princess Stella OduahOgiemwonyi include a man who

“

Although President Jonathan has promised to fully implement the review panel’s recommendations, the inclusion of people like Captain Mfon Udom is one that has left many Nigerians asking if it is not a precursor to the report being dumped under the smelly Aso Rock rug of dead reports, like previous efforts

still owes the dead compensation and forgiveness in a panel that ironically is supposed to look into how to avert future crashes or ensure prompt payment of compensation to crash victims? While other members of the review panel led by the Chairman, Retired Group Captain John Obakpolor and Captain Ibrahim Mshelia are seasoned professionals who have had a distinguished career in the aviation sector, the inclusion of Capt. Udom will leave many discerning Nigerians and foreign aviation experts wondering if there is no sinister motive for including him...maybe to help water down the panel’s recommendation or never to allow the panel’s report to be made public like that of the 2006 ADC crash. Although President Jonathan has promised to fully implement the review panel’s recommendations, the inclusion of people like Captain Mfon Udom is one that has left many Nigerians asking if it is not a precursor to the report being dumped under the smelly Aso Rock rug of dead reports, like previous efforts. Sumner Shagari Sambo is a journalist and Editor of NEWSMAN, an online news blog on Facebook.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

By Collins Uma

ooking at his background, not a few Nigerians believed this was a man who would usher in the country’s economic prosperity, having grown up with so much lack himself. Nigerians, majority of whom live in abject poverty, surviving on less than two dollars per day, felt in him a kindred spirit. His ‘humble’ mien got him perceived as that lamb that would sacrifice himself, challenge the status quo and rescue the nation from the oppressive jaws of the oligarchs. In short, this was the messiah. But Nigerians were wrong. And Jonathan’s spin doctors and PR men knew this. They knew Nigerians could neither differentiate between humility and inferiority complex nor contrast gentility and docility. So, what did they do? They ensured he was always dressed in his somberlooking attires, wrote him a speech and gave repeated airplay to the portion that said “I had no shoes....I am one of you”.

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The audacity of hype (II) Jonathan may have been one of them as a young canoe man’s son, but he forgot all that when he joined the thieving administration of DSP Alameseigha, former governor of Bayelsa who, it was widely reported, disguised himself as a woman to escape back to Nigeria after he’d been arrested outside the shores of the country for money laundering. He also forgot he was one of them when he became Vice President via an election that the President himself, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (God rest his gentle soul) confessed was seriously flawed. Did Jonathan also remember he was one of them and he ‘had no shoes’ when, through a palace coup and a never-before-heardof ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ he got David Mark and the National Assembly to transfer to him full Presidential powers when President Yar’Adua was still

receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia. Someone once compared Goodluck Jonathan’s ascension to the Presidency to that of America’s Barack Obama because both of them were from demographics considered as minorities. But that is as far as the similarities go because while Obama became president through the audacity of hope (as the title of his book suggests), Jonathan became president through the audacity of hype. With a horde of scams pension scam, subsidy scam, NSE scam, Malabu scam etc - all within the first year of his administration, running into trillions of Naira, the highest ever since the creation of Nigeria, and the degree of insecurity in the country which has left thousands dead, I wonder what made Ms JohnsonSirleaf believe that …the country

has grown out of its past of corruption, mismanagement and brutality…. But this is part of the hype the outside world believes about the man. Self-appointed leaders of the South-South represented by Edwin Clark and Asari Dokubo have been telling anybody idle enough to grant them audience that Goodluck Jonathan MUST be president again in 2015. This is funny. He has just completed the first year of his 4-year term and he is constitutionally entitled to a 2nd term but Nigerians have already seen beyond the facade he put up in 2011. We do not want a president who only seeks the approval of other presidents (“Obama is happy with me”). We do not want a president who is all bark and no bite (“I will soon make public the list of Boko Haram sponsors”). We do not want a president who has no

intention of implementing the recommendations of any of the various committees he sets up (Oronsanye etc). We do not want a president who will punish ordinary Nigerians to protect his friends who got paid trillions of Naira for fuel they NEVER supplied. We do not want a president who does not know that October 1st, May 27th and May 29th ought to be days of celebration and not days to hide within the confines of Aso Rock. Nigerians deserve better than Goodluck Jonathan. Hype can only take you so far. 2015 may just be too far to implement this much-needed change. It may just be. If only we had a legislature that was not spineless. But that is a story for another day. Concluded Collins Uma can be reached on twitter @CollinsUma 08053066564

as chairman of the Capital Markets Committee was itself a tribute to Tambuwal’s neutrality, impartiality and courage. The passion with which Nigerians identified with the subsidy probe demonstrates the level of their yearning for an end to corruption and impunity in Nigeria. It would be sad, therefore, if the fuel subsidy report dies on the account of the venality of the committee or its leadership. Many Nigerians are unimpressed by Faruk’s account of the scandal. If the greed of the oil cabal is intolerable, the venality of

the lawmakers is no less so. How can our lawmakers take the moral high ground and then be found wanting? Our lawmakers are SUPPOSED to be commanding moral figures. However, with increasing incidence of corruption and bribery by our lawmakers, including previous cases involving former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Dr. Zwingina and others, can we trust them to expose or fight corruption? If they cannot resist the temptation of corruption, then they morally lack the right to be

harassing ministries and Departments on accountability issues. This was not the kind of legislature we had in the First and Second Republics. In those days, lawmakers never demanded nor received bribes to do their jobs. As a result, they maintained their dignity and reputation in the eyes of fellow compatriots. The current crop of rapacious lawmakers is not the democracy of our expectation or desire. The prosecution of the oil cabal would have been a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s anticorruption crusade. But alas, the lawmakers’ inability to abide by

their own moral standards has made this feat impossible to achieve. If the cabal escapes justice, our lawmakers’ greed provides them the chance to do so. If these lawmakers are morally weak to contain their greed, cupidity and venality, how would they fight fuel subsidy fraud and win? Greed and principle are diametrically opposed; they can hardly coexist. Na-Allah Mohammed Zagga is a journalist based in Abuja Email: muhazagga@yahoo.com. 08065344741

At the mercy of cabals and rapacious la wmak ers lawmak wmakers Continued from page 13

budget defence or oversight assignments being carried out by the lawmakers. Speaker Tambuwal is one of the most humble and affable gentlemen you can ever meet. However, the rapacious greed of our lawmakers is making nonsense of his commitment to restore the dented image of the House. So far, the House leadership under him has demonstrated admirable courage by saying that it would not shield anybody involved in corrupt practices. The decision of Hembe to stand down

Genocide: The bloody price of Nigeria’s corruption By Lawrence Chinedu Nwobu

he DANA Air plane crash that took the lives of over 150 people is a grim reminder of the bloody price of corruption in a geographical space that is better renamed “the federal republic of corruption.” It is also evidence of the genocide to which corruption subjects millions of Nigerians annually. Those innocent victims perished because they were unfortunate enough to be Nigerians or to be in Nigeria where the airline industry is not spared the ravages of Nigeria’s monumental corruption. The Indian owners of DANA Air know Nigeria is a vast estate of corruption where anything is possible and thus they brought old, faulty and ill maintained planes (flying coffins) that would not be allowed anywhere else to ply Nigerians routes and profit from the dehumanization of the citizenry. The context of Nigeria’s stupendous corruption is better understood from the gravitational pull of Abuja, a city that is totally bereft of any productive or commercial activity but yet has become a bustling centre of gravity that pulls governors, local government chairmen,

councillors, commissioners, senators, permanent secretaries, generals, godfathers, ministers, special advisers, traditional rulers, area fathers, cultists, ritualists, civil servants, contractors, pastors, imams, entrepreneurs, sycophants, native doctors, contractors and others into its orbit, creating a global capital of corruption and the largest congregation of criminals feeding on “the corruption industrial complex” in the world’s most notoriously corrupt nation. In normal climes, a nonproductive administrative city like Abuja would be serene and saved from the madness of productive industrial and commercial centres, but the trillion dollar corruption industry has ensured that Abuja has become a vortex that sucks all within its radius into the vast criminal syndicate that constitutes Nigeria’s psychopathic leadership. As the DANA Air plane crash exemplifies, the Nigerian masses are in an open prison and death row faced with penury and genocide as a consequence of a sadist and mentally retarded leadership that thrives only on corruption. Every month, each of the 774 local governments receive

hundreds of millions destined for the provision of basic services such as pipe borne water, construction and maintenance of primary health care centres, primary schools, rural roads amongst other functions. State governments likewise receive tens of billions monthly destined for the provision of major health centres, state schools, roads, job creation, vocational training, urban development schemes, agricultural schemes, security, housing and other developmental and social programs. The federal government formulates policy and has overall control and responsibility for the rest of the nation with an annual federal budget in trillions destined for the national maintenance of security, the provision of federal schools, electricity, the construction and maintenance of major federal roads, health centres, the formulation and implementation of policies on industrialisation, job creation, defence, foreign affairs and others. Alongside the offices of the local government chairmen, governors and the president are councillors, commissioners and state assembly members, special assistants and advisers, secretaries, federal ministers, national assembly

members, federal boards, parastatals and other government agencies, all with varying degrees of budgets, constituency votes and responsibilities for which they all get substantial monetary allocations destined for infrastructural, economic and social development across the nation. The sum total of budgets and allocations accruing to different tiers of government annually amounts to billions of dollars, enough to build all the necessary infrastructure, create jobs and substantially reduce poverty across the nation. In spite of the colossal annual amounts accruing to all sectors and tiers of government, the nation is a failed state lacking in all of the most critical infrastructure such as pipe borne water, roads, electricity, rail lines, functional hospitals, functional schools and other basic infrastructure as the funds are simply looted by the leadership at every level. The immediate effects of such massive looting have condemned the citizenry to the genocidal consequences of corruption with Nigeria having the single highest poverty rates in the world, one of the highest road accident, infant and

maternal mortality rates in the world and one of the lowest life expectancy rates in the world which all constitute a veritable death sentence with the average Nigerian expected to die young from the genocidal ravages of corruption. The absence of pipe borne water and functional hospitals have ensured that thousands of citizens die needlessly on a daily basis from water borne diseases and other treatable diseases, while bad roads constitute death traps killing thousands on a daily basis. Poverty, homelessness, hunger and social violence send other thousands to an early grave added to the mass exodus of thousands of youths through perilous routes in tragic circumstances leading to the untimely deaths of many of such youths. As the empirical evidence have shown, the cumulative genocidal effects of corruption is unquantifiable and Nigerians will continue to be in an open prison and on collective death row, paying the bloody price of corruption until they rise-up against the corrupt and unconscionable leaders holding the nation hostage. Lawrence Chinedu Nwobu is reachable at lawrencenwobu@yahoo.com.

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AMAC chair blames poor sanitation to lack of dump site By Sunday Etuka

hairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba has identified the absence of dump site for the heaps of refuse in many parts of the council. Jiba, who spoke at an interactive session with journalists, noted that effort to keep the AMAC clean is continuous, adding however, that the major problem the council has been facing is a dump site. He said the council was not in the capacity to provide a dumping site for residents and with following a request one each was provided for Nyanya and Karu. His words:”There was no consideration for dumping sites in the planning of the FCT and that is the problem. When I came on board, I sent a request to the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide and she has given us one dump site in Nyanya, one in Karu, Kurudu, but there is no dump site in Gwarimpa being one of the largest estates in Abuja”. The AMAC boss however, promised that awareness would be created to ensure that people dispose their refuse properly as he also assured that all the projects that have been embarked upon by the council would be completed.

Butchers in Bwari appeal for office By Usman Shuaibu

hief of butchers (Sarkin Pawa) in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Dalhatu Haruna Jakiri has appealed to the chairman of the area council, Hon. Peter Yohanna to build a befitting office for butchers in the area. Jakiri, who made this Known in an interview with Peoples Daily in Bwari, lamented that the Bwari Butchers Association had not benefited anything from the area council. He therefore, called on the Bwari chairman to carry the butchers along in the scheme of things in the area. The Sarki Pawa asked the officials as well as members of the association to shun tribal sentiments. Jakiri advised the Bwari chairman not to neglect the ideas and efforts of traditional rulers in governance in the area.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

FCTA to set up museums, mini archives in area councils •••To commence e-archiving soon By Josephine Ella

rrangements have been concluded by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration to establish a mini-archive and museums in the six area councils of the territory. The Director, FCT Archives History and Bureau, Nnodim Charles dropped the hint yesterday, at an event to

commemorate this year’s International Archives Day, held at the archive house at Area 11 in Garki. ”We are making in-road into the area councils to establish miniarchives/ museums in each area council to ensure that historical and traditional records and values of the indigenous people are well preserved”, said the director. He said this would ensure that records are in active use by

the records creators; last long enough to meet the needs for which they were created, adding: “ This is based on the awareness that the present world of climate change and man-made catastrophes, preservation challenges are on the increase”. He revealed that following the completion of networking of the bureau, the e- archiving processes would commence soon for a more efficient service delivery.

A gardener trimming flowers, along Yakubu Gowon way, recently, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

He said the yearly event, which is being celebrated in the FCT for the first time; following the registration of the bureau into category “A” membership of the International Council of Archives is aimed at making the general public aware of the importance of archives and the need to support the profession. Among others, Nnodim said the bureau in line with its mandate, has collected an encouraging number of important documents which are currently being processed for archiving. He commended the FCT minister for his supports, pledging the resolve and commitment of the bureau towards providing world class archives and documentation outfits that would be dynamic enough to withstand all manner of challenges in order to satisfy the information and record needs of planners, research scholars, policy makers and the larger public. Delivering a lecture on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Knowledge sharing: The role of archival institution, Professor G.O Alegbeleye noted that the nation, state or local government needs to provide an enabling environment that will support the creation, management and dissemination of knowledge. The librarian and record manager, from university of Ibadan, said ”this can be achieved directly through adequate funding of archives and putting in place laws and policies that are conducive to the development of the archives”.

FCT attains 90 per cent polio immunization coverage By Josephine Ella

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has achieved 90 per cent coverage of polio eradication and routine immunization exercise. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Sen. Bala Mohammed said this yesterday at the inauguration of the FCT Task force on Polio eradication and routine immunization Exercise in Life camp Abuja. Senator Mohammed said the move was to re-enforce the

measures aimed at eradicating poliomyelitis in the FCT and the country in general: “Indeed it is gratifying to state that we have achieved 90 per cent coverage of polio eradication and routine immunization in the FCT”. The committee membership comprised chairman of the six area councils, traditional and religious leaders with the FCT minister of state as it’s chairperson. It was mandated to amongst others ensure the highest level of political commitment for the polio eradication initiative, by engaging all relevant stakeholders

for action; advocate to all area councils policy makers for support towards this emergency and alerting the chairmen of their responsibility for local eradication. The committee also mandated to draw up activities that would help mobilize and engage local communities in the fight against the wild polio virus in the FCT. In view of the nation’s unenviable position among the list of four (Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan) polio endemic countries, Bala charged the committee to put measures in place that will make for polio

eradication by the end of 2012 and strengthen routine immunization service delivery. Bala said this last push for the eradication of the limb-cripplingdisease is a “collective responsibility to see that our children are fully immunized and polio is eventually eradicated”. The minister, who said that parents and guardians in the FCT have been properly sensitized on the negative effects of polio in the lives of children in the territory, added that series of programmes have been held in the FCT to eradicate the disease.

DANA crash: ALGON, FCT chapter urges FG to sanction culprits By Adeola Tukuru

he Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), FCT chapter has called on the Federal Government (FG) to ensure that those implicated in the DANA

plane crash which occurred recently, in Lagos are sanctioned accordingly, upon completion of the investigation. The Publicity Secretary, Hon. Danladi Etsu Zhin, who spoke to newsmen in Kuje, urged airline operators to ensure

routine checks before departure of aircrafts. His words: ”We encourage the Federal Government to go a step further to ensure that any agency, airline or individuals indicted at the end of the investigation are brought to book

with a view to avoiding future occurrence”. Zhin, who is also chairman of Kuje Area Council appealed to regulators in the aviation industry to ensure strict compliance to aviation regulations.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE15, 2012

ABUJA DIARY with Josephine Ella Jomarch4@yahoo.com 08065327178

Boosting the FCT agricultural sector for food security

FCT Minister of State, Olajumoke Akinjide

ood security and agriculture was one of the action plans of late President Umar Musa Yar’adua’s administration which stood out in his Seven Point Agenda. We need not be told why during his reign, Yar’adua pin-pointed this in his blue print because the importance of agriculture to any growing economy cannot be over emphasised. No wonder therefore, even after his demise, his successor, President Goodluck Jonathan has keyed into this singular agenda in his Transformation Agenda. Expectedly, some members of his cabinet have also followed suit to drive home this vision of transformation in the area of agriculture which this piece would be focusing on. The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide, is particularly, one of such cabinet members, who is rigorously pursuing this programme, especially at the grassroots. Upon her assumption of office July last year, Akinjide, who supervises the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCT administration, had assured that her administration would leave no stone unturned to make sure the agricultural sector of the FCT is revamped achieve the overall objective of self sufficiency in food production. In demonstration of her passion for the development of the rural communities in the six area councils, the minister had since her takeover of the mantle of leadership, initiated diverse agricultural projects that if sustained, have the potential of ushering in the intended objectives. Notable among these initiatives is the launch some three weeks ago in Gwagwalada Area Council, of the subsidized tractors scheme to empower FCT farmers, as part of intervention to farmers to kick off 2012 farming season. This saw to the distribution of 80 Holand tractors worth N560 million to the six area councils of the FCT, at 50 per cent

subsidy of the prevailing market price, which are expected to be further subsidised by the area council chairmen for onward distribution to farmers’ cooperatives for use by farmers. For Akinjide, it appeared, a moment of fulfilment as she launched the tractors, noting, “Agriculture being the largest employer of labour should be made the bedrock of economic development of the Nation not only in boosting food production for Nigerians but Africa as a whole”. Another lofty agricultural policy being pursued with vigour by the administration is the Agricultural Services Training Centre. On Tuesday, 15th May 2012, the minister of state and her entourage embarked on a one-day tour of Plateau state, to share experience with the state government on how the FCT can replicate the Agricultural Services Training Centre that has recorded significant results in transformation of the agricultural sector in the state. Following this, the administration has finalized arrangements to partner with SEC Equipment and Communication Nigeria Limited to perform similar feat in the Federal Capital Territory as was successfully done in Plateau state. Already, plots of land have been made available to fast-track this policy. Reference must be made to the Integrated Farm Centre, akin to the famous Songhai Integrated Farm in Port Novo in the Republic of Benin, which has also been put on ground in Bwari on the 300 Hectares Land. Again, in Bwari, the administration has concluded arrangements to kick-off a Fish Farm Estate soon. In view of this, plots of land in the estate have been allocated to private individuals who have intentions of operating fish ponds, while so far over N17 million fishing inputs has been distributed to co-operative and fisher folks. Furthermore, under the supervision of Akinjide, Chanrai Foundation with the support provided by the Federal Capital Territory Administration has rehabilitated 56Units out of 60 Wells earmarked for rehabilitation in the Federal Capital Territory. The administration is also making efforts to transform FCT Fishing Festival Village in Yaba, Abaji Area Council into a global standard and it is expected that in due time, it will be a Tourism One-StopCentre for fish shows, angling and international seminars. As storage had in the past posed serious challenge to the FCT, Akinjide’s led administration is presently embarking on the renovation of the specialized ware house (Buffer Stock) located at Tungan Maje in Gwagwalada Area Council, meant for storing of grains to keep the grain safe. This analysis would not be complete without making mention of the administration’s intervention in the area of fertiliser distribution. For the 2012 farming season, over 14, 800 metric tons of assorted fertilizer has been procured for distribution to farmers in FCT under the Growth Enhancement Scheme while the E-Wallet System is in the pipeline to ensure that targeted farmers receive subsidies on fertilizer. Distribution of these fertilisers to farmers has already been flagged off in some rural communities of the FCT and is expected to continue as we go deeper into the season. Judging from all these, it is not in doubt that the office of the minister of state has in this short while, recorded a remarkable feat. However, the fear is that, will all these laudable projects be sustained? There is need therefore, for the administration to ensure sustenance of all these and many other agricultural projects that are in the offing, if the vision of the FCT becoming self reliant in food production must become a reality.

Stones breakers at work in Lugbe New Extension Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Murder case: Ruling on bail application June 19

n Abuja High Court will deliver ruling on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 in a bail application filed by one, Azi Adamu, 35, in a case of conspiracy and culpable homicide. Adamu, a medicine store owner, was arraigned on January 16 for causing the death of an 18-year-old through illegal abortion. The FCT Police Commissioner’s office filed a criminal suit against Adamu on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, contrary to sections 97 and 221 of the Penal Code. Under the sections of the law, an offender is liable to death or life imprisonment. The prosecution said Adamu terminated the pregnancy of an 18-year-old woman in Bwari in 2010. Adamu, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in Kuje Minimum Prison. At the hearing of the application on Wednesday, the trial Judge, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, fixed Tuesday for ruling, after

Adamu’s Counsel, Steve Uwem, filed a motion for bail. Uwem argued that the bail was based on the presumption of innocence and a conditional right as guaranteed by Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Under the section, every person shall be entitled to his personal liberty and no person shall be deprived of that liberty. He further argued that the mere allegation of culpability would not automatically suspend the provisions of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution, on the right to bail for an accused. Uwen also argued that bail was the constitutional right of an accused person and that there was a presumption of innocence of the individual. He stressed that it was not the duty of the court to believe or not to believe anything at this stage of the proceedings when exhibits had not been tendered at the trial. The counsel urged the court to release the accused from custody, pending the determination of the case against him. (NAN)

Infrastructural development: Firm to solicit fund for FCTA By Josephine Ella

private firm, Cowry Asset Management Limited has expressed the readiness to assist the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration to pool financial resources from private investors for infrastructural development of the territory. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, who made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, lauded his efforts towards acquiring alternative sources of funding for infrastructural development in the FCT. This was as he said his “firm intends to assist the FCT Administration to raise the needed funds from the Organized Private Sector, getting funding partners to execute the land swap model as well as help manage of its diverse investments”. In his remark, Senator Mohammed reiterated that his administration is

determined to reduce housing deficit and crash high cost of rent in Abuja to make it affordable for ordinary Nigerians. The Minister lamented that the current high cost of rent is beyond the reach of medium and low earning Nigerians as their incomes tend too far below what property owners charge. He said it was because of this, among others, that his administration has embarked on opening up 10 new districts to be undertaken between now and 2015. According to him, the FCT Administration will be unbundled to make it self-sustaining by not relying on the yearly budgetary allocation from the Federal Government. His words: “It is our vision to make the FCT Administration dynamic and Abuja selfsustenance without going cup in hand to the Federal Government”. The minister therefore, directed the team to meet with technical officials of the FCT Administration to see where the firm can be of assistance.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

PAGE 17

3 1. Where is the job? Some bricklayers waiting to be engaged, yesterday at Garki, in Abuja.

. A young man taking hot tea in a sunny afternoon, yesterday in Area 3 motor park, Abuja.

3. You can't cheat nature. A sachet water seller taking a nap, yesterday at Area 1, in Abuja.

. Abuja Environmental Task Force officials loaded impounded motorcycles in a truck, on Monday in Area 3 junction, Abuja.

Photos: Justin Imo-Owo

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE - Pg 20 Sugar council to meet 1.3m tonnes

Mob: 08033644990

An OPEC report released Wednesday showed that its members are already producing nearly 33 million barrels a day.

Photo: AP

Venezuela overtakes Saudi in oil reserves By Aminu Imam with agency report

enezuela now holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, overtaking Saudi Arabia, according to British Petroleum (BP) Plc. The South American country’s deposits were at 296.5 billion barrels at the end of last year, surpassing Saudi Arabia’s 265.4 billion barrels, BP said today in its annual Statistical Review of World Energy. The 2010 estimate for Venezuela was revised to the same amount, up from 211.2 billion in the previous report. Global reserves advanced to 1.65 trillion barrels at the end of last year, a 1.9 percent increase from a revised 1.62 trillion in 2010, BP said. North Sea Brent crude, a benchmark for more than half of the world’s oil, averaged $107.38 a barrel in 2011, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. One reason for the revisions is that the company publishes its report in June, before most governments issue their annual

reserves figures, said Robert Wine, a BP spokesman. Last year’s record average oil price also had an effect, increasing the commercial viability of hard-to-reach deposits, he said. Venezuelan reserves account for 17.9 percent of the global total, with Saudi Arabia’s share at 16.1 percent, according to the report. Canada ranks third with 175.2

CFA • £ RIYAL $

By Muhammad Nasir

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has so far paid N2.4billion to the seven vendors contracted to carry out Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card registration exercise, a report has shown. The National Assembly had appropriated N6.1 billion for the project, expected to provide a credible data for the registration of telecoms

SELLING 0.2953 195.5921 242.1907 41.5678 155.9

PARALLEL RATES • £ RIYAL $

BUYING 210 250 40 156

SELLING 212 252 42 158

subscribers. Seven consultants were recruited to carry out the exercise in the six geo-political zones.

They are: Chams PLC (Lagos), DataGroup IT (NorthEast), Eagle/CBC Consortium (North-West), E-keneth/ Sagemetrics (South-South),

declines, according to BP. The country’s deposits rose to 6.9 billion barrels, compared with a revised figure of 6.8 billion in 2010. BP said the estimates in yesterday’s report are a combination of official sources, OPEC data and other third-party estimates. Deposits include gas condensates and natural-gas liquids, as well as crude.

he Debt Management Office (DMO) yesterday said it plans to sell 83.91 billion naira ($515.26 million) worth of sovereign bonds ranging between 5 and 10 years at its regular auction on June 27.

The office said it would sell N30 billion each in 5-year and 7-year paper, while it plans to auction 23.91 billion naira worth of the 10-year instrument. Two of the bonds, the 5-year

Find that needle-in-a-haystack job

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Joint Komputer Kompany (Southwest), Private Networks Nigeria (North-Central) and SW Global Limited (SouthEast).

DMO to auction N84bn in bonds

Management Tip of the Day

11th June, 2012 BUYING 0.2753 194.3375 240.6372 41.3012 154.9

website. Russia, the world’s biggest crude producer, boosted its deposits to 88.2 billion barrels from a revised 86.6 billion a year earlier, according to BP. Russia’s share of the total is 5.3 percent. Brazil’s share rose 7.3 percent to 15.1 billion barrels, BP said. Reserves in Norway increased last year, snapping 11 years of

SIM registration: NCC pays N2.4bn to contractors

EXCHANGE RATES

CBN

billion barrels, or 10.6 percent of the worldwide total, unchanged from the revised number for 2010. Hugo Chavez, Venezuela’s president, will more than double the country’s oil-production capacity to 6 million barrels a day by 2019 if re-elected on Oct. 7, according to a government plan released on Wednesday on his

best match the jobs you want. If you cast too wide a net, such as searching for "marketing" or "Atlanta", you'll receive too many results. Focus on a few niches. Find the niche job boards for your field. Bookmark these sites for easy daily reference and sign up for email alerts so you're notified when new jobs post that

fit your criteria. Use Twitter wisely. Do an advanced search (using the specific terms you've now defined) to find the kinds of job postings you're looking for. Then follow the feeds that provide the best postings, adding them to a list so you can check them daily. Source: Harvard Business Review

and 10-year, are re-opening of previously issued ones, while the 7-year paper is a fresh issue. The 5-year bond has a termto-maturity of four years and 10 months, while the 10-year will mature in nine years and seven months time. “The DMO reserves the right to alter the amount allotted in response to market conditions,” The debt office said in a statement sent to Reuters by email. Nigeria, Africa’s secondbiggest economy after South Africa, issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit. (Reuters)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Vitafoam commences N15m consumer promotion to reward customers

anufacturer of flexible and reconstituted foam products, Vitafoam Nigeria plc, has commenced consumer promotions to the tune of N15 million, to reward existing and potential consumers, the company’s director of sales and marketing, Peter Folikwe has said.

Palm oil output seen reaching record highs as crop area expands

Dangote aims for N6.4tr London listing By Aminu Imam with agency report

hairman, Dangote Group of Companies, Alh. Aliko Dangote is aiming for a valuation of up to $40 billion (N6.4 trillion) for his cement company at its London listing next year, several times that of top global rival Lafarge. Dangote told Reuters in an interview in Lagos that funds from the offer of 20 percent of the shares in the company were not needed for its rapid expansion, but would be used to pay off investors, including himself. Dangote’s cement empire stretches from Senegal to South Africa, benefiting from a construction boom across one of the world’s fastest growing continents. In a difficult global environment for share offerings, Dangote said he was not

discouraged by the tumble in Facebook’s shares since they listed last month. “Where the assets of Facebook were hype, we have real assets,” said Dangote, setting out the market capitalisation he expected for his firm at the listing planned for late next year. “It depends on the market, but it should be something like $35 to $40 billion dollars. We are targeting something like that,” said Dangote, 76th on the Forbes list of the world’s billionaires and its fastest riser in 2011. He said his main aim of the London share offer was to strengthen corporate governance. If he raises as much as he hopes, it would value Dangote cement at much more than rival Lafarge, which has a market capitalisation of around 9 billion euros ($11 billion).

Dangote Cement, Nigeria’s biggest listed company, currently has roughly the same market value as Lafarge. Dangote Cement trades at 9.3 times forward earnings whereas Lafarge trades at 11.4, according to Reuters data. But Lafarge’s revenues were more than 13 times as high as Dangote’s last year. Dangote said his rapid expansion would make his company considerably larger than it is now by the time of the listing - with new plants due to be completed in 13 other African countries by then. Lafarge, meanwhile, is in the midst of a cost-cutting programme in an effort to offset the impact of stagnation in its main markets and to cut its debt. Dangote said he had raised his production target to 60 million tonnes a year by 2015 from

around 28 million tonnes at the moment. Dangote commissioned an expansion of his Obajana cement plant in central Nigeria on Monday to raise capacity to 10.25 million tonnes a year, making it one of the world’s largest. The speed of the company’s expansion across Africa has raised alarm bells amongst some analysts, but Dangote said he had no concerns at burning through cash too quickly. “Cash flow is excellent, so the cement business does not really need to raise funds,” he said in his office in a Lagos business district, adorned with a giant photo of the Obajana factory and a large map of Africa. He said the company’s lack of debt would be a big advantage if conditions turned harsher. (Reuters)

lobal palm oil production may rise to a record in the next season, as Indonesia and Malaysia, the world’s biggest producers, expand crop area, Oil World said.

Fitch drops Rivers state’s expected notes’ rating

itch Ratings has withdrawn Rivers state proposed maximum NGN150bn five-year fixed rate bond’s Long-term local currency ‘B+’ and National Long-term ‘AA-’ expected ratings. The bond was scheduled to be issued between the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012.

NAHCO to increase authorised share capital to N3bn

Frozen products seized by the Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service, displayed during a news conference, on Wednesday in Ibadan. Photo: NAN

Group releases report on SIM card registration credibility By Muhammad Sada

Action Committee on Information and Communications Technology Awareness and Development (JACITAD), the influential industry association devoted to the growth of ICT Journalism in Nigeria. In a statement, which was signed by its President, Mr. Shina Badaru, the survey sheds light on the accuracy and credibility of the exercise; though the

“importance of the exercise was never in doubt”. However, there were divided opinions on some issues which actually necessitated the Survey. These include: Who are the parties involved in the registration process? What is the integrity of the data gathered? What is the ability of the regulatory body to meet the objectives of the exercise? How judiciously utilised is the N6.1

billion fund appropriated by the National Assembly for the scheme? The public reactions generated by the scheme, so far, are unexpected given the outcomes of past national ID schemes. Badaru argued that Nigeria is arguably the only country in the world without a single trusted means of identifying the citizens but yet “suffused with silos of ID initiatives”.

CBN may review cash-less policy, mum on cheque truncation date

Sugar council takes steps to meet 1.3m tonnes demand

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), may review the cashless policy to address inadequacies discovered in the course of the implementation of pilot scheme in Lagos.

he National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has stepped up efforts to meet up with Nigeria's annual 1.3m metric tonnes sugar demand.

he Board of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) at its 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) got shareholders approval to increase the authorised share capital of the company from N1.5 billion to N3 billion.

o ascertain the credibility of the processes adopted in the SIM card registration exercise conducted by Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) across the country, and evaluate the responsibilities of parties involved in the exercise, a survey tagged “the Nigeria SIM Card Registration Survey 2012” has been released by the Joint

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr Lateef Busari, who spoke yesterday at the annual stakeholders' forum of nationallycoordinated research projects on sugarcane, said the gathering aimed "to

develop improved sugarcane varities that will meet the demand of sugar industries and their outgrower farmers through multi-locational evaluation." He added that the annual forum also aimed "to test

promising sugarcane clones in different ecological zones of Nigeria, with a view to identify national/ specific varieties and also, "to sustain the development of new improved varieties through active collaborative efforts of different institutions.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

PAGE 21

Objectives of the Nigerian tax system T

What you should know and do about the Personal Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2011 (2)

ith respect to the possible implications of the amendment, this will actually mean different things to different people, possibly with some unintended consequences. Many may have to pay more while some will pay less and a few will be indifferent. Investors will enjoy 100% exemption on interest income while landlords will pay less on rental income due to personal allowance now available on gross income as against earned income under the old law. Ironically the poorest of the poor such as those who earn minimum wage (and are liable to minimum tax) will suffer 100% increase in their taxes. Highly paid individuals who earn over N12 million per annum and whose compensation under the old personal income tax act is structured for tax efficiency will also pay more under the new amendment. On the contrary persons who earn higher income than the level which is liable to minimum tax but below N12 million per annum will enjoy a reduction in their taxes. However where the compensation under the old law was not structured for tax efficiency the new amendment will result in a decrease in tax liability for all individuals except the poorest of the poor who will suffer 100% increase in their tax liabilities. There are some contentious issues with the amendment including the commencement date given that it was signed on 14 June 2011 but only announced during the budget presentation by the president on 13 December 2011 and yet to be officially gazetted. Technically, the amendment should become effective from the date it was signed into law and gazetted unless a specific commencement date is indicated in the act. In addition, it is not clear if existing tax free allowances such as housing and transport allowances etc will continue to apply along with the consolidated allowance given that the section on these allowances was not deleted in the amendment. However, Schedule 6

contained in the amendment states specifically that the remainder of income after deducting the consolidated allowance, personal relief and specified exempt deductions is taxable. Expatriates who meet all the conditions for tax exemption including being liable to tax in another country may now be exposed to tax in Nigeria if the other country does not have a double tax agreement with Nigeria. The place of residence rule which has been modified to include location of branch office or similar presence with a minimum of 50 staff means that an individual (regardless of status) may become liable to tax in more than one state for a given year of assessment. It may however be difficult to track the movement of employees between different states for tax purposes in order to implement the modifications to the place of residency rule. There is no doubt that the personal income tax amendment will have implications for all taxpayers - employers and employees. Employers should therefore review their employee tax compliance structures and processes including review of employment contracts, expatriate arrangements, staff policies, pay structure and component, payroll software etc to align with the new amendments and optimise their tax positions. Employers must bear in mind possible impact of any compensation restructuring on statutory contributions such as national housing fund, pension contribution etc and other benefits especially post employment benefits which are linked to certain components of salary such as basic pay. It is advisable for employers to carry out a tax health check for open periods and consider remediating any identified non compliance. This will reduce the risk of higher penalty and accumulating interest on annual basis pending audit by the tax authority. Overall, the amendment will reduce the income tax rate for many individuals in line with the National Tax Policy objective of reducing direct tax and increasing indirect tax. (Concluded)

he Nigerian tax system is expected to contribute to the well-being of all Nigerians and taxes, which are collected by Government and should directly impact on the lives of the citizens. This can be accomplished through proper and judicious utilisation of the revenues collected by government. In line with the above, there are certain objectives, which the Tax System is expected to achieve. These objectives include: a) To promote fiscal responsibility and accountability One of the primary objectives of the National Tax Policy is to create a tax system, which ensures that Government transparently and judiciously accounts for the revenue it generates through taxation by investing in the provision of infrastructure and public goods and services. Where this in place, Nigerians would have a tax system that they can fully relate to and which is a tool for National Development. b)To facilitate economic growth and development. The overriding objective of the Nigerian tax system should be to achieve economic growth and development. As such, the system should allow for stimulation of the economy and not stifle growth, as it is only through sustained economic growth that the potential ability to offer improvements in the well-being of Nigerians will arise. The tax system should therefore not discourage investment and the propensity to save. Taxes should not be a burden,

but should be applied proactively with other policy measures to stimulate economic growth and development. c)To provide the government with stable resources for the provision of public goods and services For Nigeria to pursue an active development agenda and carry out the basic functions of government, its tax system should generate sufficient resources for government to provide basic public goods and services (e.g. education, healthcare, infrastructure, security etc.). It is therefore a primary objective of taxation to provide the government with resources that it shall invest in judicious expenditure that will ultimately improve the wellbeing of all Nigerians. d)To address inequalities in income distribution Nigeria's tax system should take cognisance of our peculiar economic circumstances and seek to narrow the gap between the highest and lowest income groups. Those with the highest incomes should pay the highest percentage of tax and tax revenue should be utilised to provide Nigerians with affordable social amenities, basic infrastructure and other utilities. e)To provide economic stabilisation Nigeria should use its tax system to minimise the negative impacts of volatile booms and recessions in the economy and also to help complement the efforts of monetary policy in order to achieve economic stability. f) To pursue fairness and equity

Nigeria's Tax system must be fair and shall institutionalise horizontal and vertical equity. Horizontal equity ensures equal treatment of equal individuals. The Nigerian Tax system should therefore seek to avoid discrimination against economically similar entities. Vertical equity on the other hand addresses the issue of fairness among different income categories. In this regard, the Nigerian Tax System shall recognise the ability-to-pay principle, in that individuals should be taxed according to their ability to bear the tax burden. Individuals and entities that earn high incomes should pay a corresponding high percentage of tax. The overall tax system shall therefore be fair, so that similar cases are treated similarly. In addition, any ambiguity or conflicting provisions in the law shall be resolved in a manner as to ensure fairness to the taxpayers and the tax authorities. g) To correct market failures or imperfections One of the objectives of the Nigerian tax system is the ability to correct market failures in cases where it is the most efficient device to employ. In this regard taxes National Tax Policy for Nigeria may be reviewed upwards or downwards as may be necessary to achieve government's intentions. Market failures which the Nigerian tax system may address are those that are as result of externalities and those arising from natural monopolies.

Sitting (L-R): Director, Human resources, Malam M.L Halidu, representing the Perm. Sec., Director, Economic Planning and Resources (FCT 1), Mr. D.I Kifari, FCT 1 VP, chartered Institute of Taxation (CITN) representing Chairman, FIRS, Alh. Kabir Mashi, FCT1 District N. Nwokolo Standing (L-R): FCT 1 member, O.C Ijaleye, K.A Abdulhamid, A.Olaosebikan, Chairman, O.T Oluwalana and Secretary, S.N Kato. The participants attended the Abuja and District society 2012 Tax Week held last week.

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

We want to assist each and every Nigerian to own their homes- Aso Savings & Loans ED Mohammed Inuwa Shehu is the Executive Director, Operations and Technology of Aso Savings & Loans Plc, Nigeria’s fastest growing mortgage institution. In this interview with Abdulwahab Isa and Muhammad Nasir, Inuwa says Aso Savings is repositioned to provide shelters to Nigerians. Excerpts:

so Savings & Loans Plc is one of the Nigeria’s fastest growing mortgage institutions; What is it doing differently that edged it above other competitors in the mortgage sector? There are one or two things which distinguish us from the rest players in the sector. For a fact, Aso Savings & Loans Plc is an institution embodied with honesty of purpose. That is, cl rity of what you want to do and you are honest about it; you are honest about it and you are willing to do realistically whatever it’s to achieve the set objectives you set for yourself. For Aso, it’s clear and simple: we want to assist each and every Nigerian owning their home. This objective is very clear to us; this is what we set out to achieve and we are very much committed to doing this. We will do all within our power to assist people. With this clarity and honesty of purpose; we are focused on our objectives and we are committed to it. And we found that we are making progress, which itself, is a major success, because from the MD down to the driver, if you ask them what they will tell you about is mortgage and owning homes. So, in the institution, everybody is focused; everybody is committed to that single objective. So, to my mind, I think that is one of the successes we have achieved. Secondly, I believe Aso, as an institution, has an array of very good dedicated team. If you look at the institution, there are very talented people at various strategic positions. These are people who have accomplished a lot. If you take the MD for instance, I have worked with him, I know the things he has achieved. It doesn’t stop with him alone. We have gone out there and we have made our mark. If you look at the pedigree of most of the people and you look at their career, it is not just at the top, even at the middle and lower cadre, Aso Savings & Loans is peopled with talents in various fields. Thirdly, it’s an institution that is dynamic, vibrant and where best practices are achieved. If you put these three factors together, they are the ingredients that really set Aso in a very good course. I look at Aso as a moving train that is picking up its speed; we are nowhere close to our destination but every day we are picking up

The best way, and most convenient in an ideal setting is for you to have your cash, but is that possible? Is that feasible? In Nigeria, people are now taking mortgage. And that is precisely why I decided to join Aso team because, I feel it is important for people to get assisted in their quest to own their homes, and I know that to be one of the top is the agenda of everybody and the most difficult on the list. These are the two things every ambitious individual likes to have. He wants marry, own a home and buy a car. If you take the three, only housing is the most challenging because you can decide not to marry, you can decide not having a car but one way or the other, you have to put a roof on your head.

Mohammed Inuwa Shehu speed.

ow many Nigerians in terms of numbers have Aso Savings been able to assist in owning his/ her home and what is the current value of mortgage of Aso Savings, in terms of monetary value? We have assisted over 30,000 people, and we have a mortgage value in excess of N40 billion in our balance sheet. Experts have expressed worry over the high level of housing deficit, conservatively put at 17 million. Do you think Nigeria, given the present odds confronting it, can deliver on the Millennium

Development Goals (MDGs) target of housing for all by 2015? For housing, I can tell you certainly, no. It will be sweet for me to say yes, because nothing is impossible. But if you are asking me to do some calculation and giving an answer, whether it will be 17 million houses in three years, I think something will be wrong about that equation; I doubt it. What are the number of houses built per annum? You will be shocked that all the housing programmes that have come and gone, right from Shehu Shagari era, are not up to 50,000. So, building 17 million houses in three years may be a tall order for a country like Nigeria.

“

Basically, we are trying to reduce waste within the system and making sure that as an institution, we deliver quality value to the shareholders as well as the customers.

ut the high interest rate charged on mortgage facility is beyond ordinary Nigerians and this is a factor that hinders people taking mortgage as the best alternative? ...(Cuts in) Again, looking at the exorbitant rent people pay in Abuja for instance, if you break it down into interest payment, you will understand that people can afford the highest interest rate if they confirm what they pay for rent. It’s high in Nigeria simply because the cost of fund in Nigeria is high; cost of doing business is also very high. Aso Savings recently entered into partnership with Oyo state government to build Ibadan transformation estate. What does this strategic partnership entails and why limiting it to Oyo state? We are not limiting it to Oyo state only. We have entered into partnership with Oyo state; we have an estate there. It’s called ODA road housing Estate. It’s a partnership between Aso and Ondo state government. We have presence in most of the states. People think Aso is just in Abuja, but is not like that; we have branches in Kano, Kaduna, Akure, Port-Harcourt, Benin and we have branches in Lagos which is located at Ikeja and Victoria Island. Aso is a national institution, having presence everywhere. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced new capital base for operators of PMIs in two categories: N5billion for PMIs that operate a national status and N2.5billion for those whose operations are restricted to a state; What do you make of CBN plan, and what is being done by your organisation to comply with the new recapitalisation plan whose deadline is December? I’m not commenting on this because we are making plans on that. Right now, Aso has a

shareholders’ fund of N5billion, but we are not resting our oars. Our target is to surpass the minimum requirement. We want to always excel in whatever we do.

our department, operations, customer service and information technology is a very strategic towards realising the core value of the organisation. Could you give an insight into its workings, its challenges? As a division, we are primarily the engine of the institution, because we are responsible for service delivery. If we were a manufacturing industry, we would have been more or less the production line. As it is , whatever product Aso is selling, we are the division responsible in terms of the quality of the products, in terms of accessibility of the products, in terms of how much customer satisfaction is derived from the products. Aso as an institution serves the customer out there. We are responsible for ensuring that Aso operates efficiently, not just to ensure that the customers are happy with the products and services, but as an institution, we run efficiently. It then, means that we try as much as possible to operate at optimal cost, employing the best technology, employing the best people and processes, employing innovation. Basically, we are trying to reduce waste within the system and making sure that as an institution, we deliver quality value to the shareholders as well as the customers. Your experience in the banking sector spanned over two decades. The most recent was Citigroup where you held a very senior position. Could you share with us your responsibilities and in what way those years of experience prepared you for the new task of heading a very strategic unit of Aso Mortgage Savings & Loans Plc? I have been around in the industry for more than twenty years, going to twenty two years. I will say that my past experience, especially with Citibank, tremendously helped me to carry out my responsibility and functions. I rose through the ranks starting as a cashier in 1991 at Kano. I joined Citibank as teller receiving and paying cash; gradually, I rose to the position of the chief cashier, graduated to become cash officer and later, senior country operations officer. The benefit of rising through the ranks is that you have an inside out of the standing of the processes, you can always relate to the people that are delivering the services to, you can understand what there challenges are, and the key success factors.

PEOPLES DAILY, |FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

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Achaba ban: Jalingo residents face hard times The ban of commercial motorcycles in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, is biting hard on the socio-economic activities of the residents. Ayodele Samuel reports.

ow I can’t feed my family, my children are out of school, my 15year old boy cannot write his final exams because one man has put me out of work; Governor Danbaba Suntai has banned Achaba”. These were words of lamentation from John Danlanmi, 48, a Jalingo based commercial motorcyclist and father of four. “72 percent of the people in the state capital depend on Achaba (commercial motorcycles) for their commute, with 18 percent of the riders being owners of their vehicles. Only about 10 percent of resident in the state capital own private cars,” records according to the Federal Road Safety Commission FRSC in Taraba State reveals. With motorcycles serving as the most common means of transportation in Jalingo, as is the case in many places in the country, the ban on the operations of both private and commercial motorcycles in the state capital placed by the state Governor Danbaba Suntai following several security threats, has dented the economic viability of many people who in one way or another are dependent on commercial motorcycles. Mr. Joshua said life had been very difficult for him since the ban of Achaba, “I am living a miserable life now. Since the government cannot provide another job for us, why should they take the one we have? The Governor fly with helicopter everywhere in the state, so he does not feel the pains of the people, he does not know the untold hardship he has brought to my life”. Following the ban, Police were drafted to all corners of the state capital where they arrested thousands of motorcyclists, including non commercial ones; those who were out for their legitimate duties. “I.D. card or no I.D. card, the governor said we should arrest anybody who is riding on a bike whether commercial or private”, a police

“

man at MTD checkpoint told a principal staff of Federal Medical Centre who was on duty with his motorbike. The ban has also led to thousands of people trekking on the streets of Jalingo while others wait endlessly on the roadside for the scarce commercial buses to get to their destinations. Residents

become the refuge of many youths in the city. Most of the roadside mechanics, who survived through the repair of motorcycles, have deserted their work sites. Ditto, the motorcycles spare parts dealers. School children have been trekking long distances to attend classes and return home. The

Governor Danbaba Suntai

bemoan the government’s failure to provide visible palliative measures to ease transportation hardship.

hile many a family bread winner eked out a living from commercial motorcycling, even many more survived on repairing of the motorcycles and selling of spare parts, occupations that had

situation is not different with the civil servants, who do not own personal vehicles.0 Alhaji Suleiman Isa, a motorcycle dealer, expressed bitterness over the ban of motorcycles, which has led to the stoppage of his business, saying that he no longer opens his shop because nobody would even look at it. “I am pleading with the government to please find another

“

Now I can’t feed my family, my children are out of school, my 15year old boy cannot write his final exams because one man has put me out of work; Governor Danbaba Suntai has banned Achaba”.

way of providing security in the state, apart from banning of motorcycle”.

e-echoing Isa’s plea, Chairman of the Taraba state chapter of Motorcycle Mechanics union, better known as the Nigeria Automobile Technicians and Allied Trade Association, NATATA, Mallam Danjuma Mainaira, bemoaned the ban on the use of motorcycle, describing it as a “thoughtless harsh punishment on the people by the government. He said, since the ban took effect, it was his wife that was feeding the family from what she was earning from the petty trading she was doing at home. “My main concern now is the boys working under me; because it is from the little they get here that they use to take care of their schooling and their needs.” Also, the Concerned Taraba Youths Forum condemned the indefinite ban on the use of motorcycles (Achaba) and the unlawful detention of youths in the state capital by the state Government. The forum described the action of the state Government under Governor Danbaba Suntai as illegal and a violation of the fundamental human right of the people. In a press Statement signed by its Coordinators Danjuma Gambo and Talima Grace, the Concerned Taraba Youths Forum alleged that more than 50 innocent and helpless youths are presently languishing in the prison under the order of the state governor. It declared that “the molestation and continued detention of these helpless youths by security agencies amounts to gross violation of our fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution. “The government has since resolve to unlawfully imprisoning our youths without trial and access to any legal assistance. “We are concern of the security situation in the state and efforts of the government to protect its citizenry which has led to the ban

Achaba patiently waits for customers

on the use of motorcycles in the state capital for past’s weeks, however this highhandedness of the state government has result to the gross loses of earnings to many families who lived on the business. “We are totally against the ban which has brought untold hardship on the residents and economy of the state since the Motorcycle is the only visible means of transportations in the absence of good roads networks in

the state capital”. The group also rejected the surreptitious plan by the government to unlawfully limit the use of motorcycle in the state capital to indigenes of the state. “As a developing state, our land is open to all Nigerians in respective of their tribes, religion and background, the laws of Nigeria provide its citizens the right to reside and work in any part of the country, including Taraba state,” the forum chided the government.

The youths also demands “the state government to immediately reverse the unlawful ban on motorcycles since it has failed to provide alternative means of transportation. “If the government fails to yield to our demands within the period of 14 days, we will mobilize youths to peacefully take over the streets and explore every lawful means available to drive home our demands”.

owever, Peoples Daily gathered that there is more to the Governor’s decision to ban the operation of commercial motorcycles than meets the eye. It was learnt the measure was a preemptive move to frustrate his “number one political enemy”, Senator Asia Al Hassan, who was planning to celebrate her one year anniversary as a Federal legislator with the distribution of motorcycles

to her loyalists in Jalingo. A source said the Governor deliberately “ordered the ban to frustrate her plans of donating Achaba to her supporters on May 29th” However, the Special Adviser to Governor Danbaba Suntai on Security Matters, Group Captain Sule Gani (rtd), said the ban on the use of motorcycles in Jalingo was effected because the two bomb attacks carried out in the state were by motorcycle riders, who

were also believed to be linked to the killing and dumping of dead bodies in the state capital. “We want our people to be secured; you know the atrocities these motorcycle riders have been committing in Jalingo; the two bombings we have witnessed were by motorcycle people. So, I discovered that if we take Okada off our streets, our people will be safe”, Group Captain Gani said. He added that the government was fully aware that many people

might undergo some hardship with the new policy, but assured that government would soon alleviate their hardship. According to him, “government will come in, but it may not be immediately; definitely whatever policy you bring, people will have to undergo some certain difficulties, but definitely the government will do something; we are going to meet and I believe that the governor is going to provide an alternative”.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Universal prophetic wisdoms (IV) Allah says: “Nor does He say (aught) of (his own) desire. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: He was taught by one mighty In power. Endued with Wisdom: for He appeared (in stately form).” [anNajmi:3-6]

n the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time. Our discussion today is a continuation of our last week topic which was taken from the treasures of the Apostle of Allah (SAW). We will as time goes on learn live touching advice, wisdom, guidance, admonishing and knowledge from this limitless treasures. The words, speeches and statements of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) under any state of affairs are direct guidance from Allah (SWT). It Him Who, concerning this greatest man, says: “Nor does He say (aught) of (his own) desire. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: He was taught by one mighty In power,. Endued with Wisdom: for He appeared (in stately form).” [anNajmi:3-6] If you remember, last week we conversed on the first item of the Hadith; “Avoid the unlawful (deeds), and you will be the most pious of people.” We were able to realize that the best servants of Allah are those who fear him most! The Hadith again: The messenger of Allah peace be upon him once said to his Companions (RD): "Who will take these words and apply them, or knows someone who will?" Abu Hurairah (RD) answered, "I will, O Messenger of Allah," whereupon the Prophet ((SAW)) took his hand and enumerated five things, saying: "Avoid the unlawful (deeds), and you will be the most pious of people." "Be satisfied with what Allah has allotted you, and you will be the richest of people." "Treat your neighbour well, and you will be a believer." "Love for others what you love for yourself, and you will be a Muslim." "Avoid excessive laughter for too much laughter kills the heart." [Ahmad: 2/ 310, No. 8081, Tirmizi: 4/ 551, No. 2305, Baihaqy: 7/ 78, No. 9543] The next item for the discussion today, Insha Allah, is the fourth point: "Treat your neighbour well, and you will be a believer." No doubt, this is a very significant subject most especially our present circumstance in which people live in perpetual fear, apprehension and trepidation. People, today no longer sleep with one eye opened, but two eyes! it seems no one is safe from the

expectable unexpected. The days not the arrogant, the vainglorious." when neighbours will run to render [an-Nisa'i: 36] This verse is one the major assistance and protection at the shout of their neighbour are almost canonical and non-abrogated gone. everyone is to himself, and command in the Holy Qur'an until thus no one is secured. may Allah bless those days when neighbours lived as they are siblings; where everyone was for everybody By Husain Zakariyya and everybody Yawale was for all. But today we have +234-8052952900 (sms only) become captives islamexplained35@yahoo.com and hostages to our misdeeds eternity. No part of it can be and mischief. Allah says: "Mischief has appeared on land substituted for another ruling or and sea because of (the deed) that command. That is to say as long as the hands of men have earned, that you believe and worship Allah ((Allah)) may give them a taste of alone, you must, as a matter for some of their deeds: In order that accomplishing the belief and They may turn back (from evil)." [ar- devotional aspect of Islam. The injunction means that doing good Rum: 41] The situation has escalated to to one's parent is on the same level such a level that no one is sure if he with believing in the oneness of or she will return home in one piece Allah worshiping alone, and so are or wake up the next day alive! the other eight components of the

ISLAM EXPLAINED

People, for not knowing what to do to alleviate the horrible situation, are reluctantly submitting to the bondage and repression of their handiwork. ''Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because on the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants Forgiveness." [as-Shura: 30] This particular item emphasized the obligation upon all Muslims, wherever they may be, to live in harmony with their neighbours in cognizance with the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. This harmonious living includes the non-Muslim neighbours. Our traditional kindness and assistance must extend to them in line with traditions of the Sunnah. Islam has not only sternly commanded us to treat humanbeings with honour and respect but also treat animals with kindness and sympathy. Allah in says in His Book concerning the various types of neighbours we associate with on daily basis: "Serve Allah, and join not any partners with him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those In need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: for Allah loveth

message. In other words, you cannot remain a good Muslim unless and until the entire injunctions are fully observed to the latter. A good Muslim does not only believe in the oneness of Allah but submit to Him unconditionally in all his or her dealings. That includes, doing good to one's ‘parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those In need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and what your right hands possess…’ Thus, even if you say you are a Muslim who regularly pray, promptly pay zakat, dedicatively fast during the month of Ramadan and perform Hajj that does not make you good a Muslim. It is not really enough to do these things to justify yourself to be a good Muslim. If anyone thinks that is enough, then, why is it that despite having so many Muslims who perform these fundamental act of worship around, but we still have so many serious problems in our communities? We have problems of domestic violence, gambling, drugs and alcohol abuses, thefts, burglary, fraud, arm robbery, assassinations and political thuggery, and crimes of all sorts. Thus, every Muslim must aspire to be higher than just an ordinary

Muslim! His or her Islam must be beyond mere praying, paying zakaat, fasting and going on Hajj annually? He or she must be a Muslim loved by his or her parent, respected by his or her kinsfolk, regarded by the destitutes and the needy, trusted by his or her friends and colleagues, above all feted by his neighbours; the kinship, the proximate and the t r a n s i t o r y neighbours. It is fundamental in the tradition of the Apostle of Allah to relate peacefully and harmlessly to all the residents of your neighbourhood. The Messenger of Allah, narrated by Abu Shurayh (RD) said, ''Whoever believes in Allah and the last Day must respect his neighbour....'' Another proofs of the need to live in perfect harmony and cordiality with the various tiers of neighbours is expressed in the following ahadiths of our beloved Messenger, (PBUH): Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The best companion in Allah's estimation is the one who is best to his companion, and the best neighbour in Allah's estimation is the one who is best to his neighbour." Tirmidhi and Darimi transmitted it, Tirmidhi saying this is a hasan gharib tradition. Al-Tirmidhi, Number 1287 Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Allah Most High has allotted you your characters just as He has allotted you your provisions. Allah Most High gives worldly things to those whom He loves and those whom He does not love, but He gives religion only to those whom He loves, so he who is given religion by Allah has been loved by Him. By Him in Whose hand my soul is, a man is not a Muslim till his heart and tongue are submissive, and he is not a believer till his neighbour is safe from injurious behaviour on his part." [Ahmad and Bayhaqi, in Shu'ab al-Iman transmitted it. Al-Tirmidhi, Number 1292] Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) observed: He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct.'' [Sahih Muslim, 15] The Qur'a has given us the detail behaviours of the Ansar of Madinah when the Muhajiruns met them on their lasd, with little or no provission to sustain good life. it gave us a vivid account in the following words: ''But those who before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the Faith,- Show their affection to such As came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire In their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over themselves, Even though poverty was their (own lot). and those saved from the covetousness of their own souls,- They are the ones that achieve prosperity.'' [al-Hashr: 9] This cordial feat was not possible but because of earlier legislation in the following verses: ''The believers are but a single Brotherhood: so

make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear Allah, that ye may receive mercy.'' [al-Hujraat: 10] And: ''The believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: They enjoin what is just, and forbid what is Evil: They observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. on them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted In power, wise.'' [at-Taubah: 71] In Islam, neighbours are so important that during the Sermon of the Messenger of Allah's Farewell Pilgrimage his companions thought he would tell us to include our neighbours as aparent heirs in the administration our inheritance. Islam describes neighbours as being from near and far, and in one way or another, every human being on earth is a neighbor to one another. According to Abu Shurayh: The Messenger of Allah said, "By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!" (This was repeated 3 times.) The companions asked:, "Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?" and he answered, "The person whose neighbour does not feel safe from his mischief" - [Sahih AlBukhari, Volume 8, Number 45] The following Hadiths, I hope, will make tremendous positive revolution in changing the present deplorable conditions of especially northern Nigeria if strictly observed by all Muslims: The Apostle of Allah said: "He who unfairly treats a nonMuslim who keeps a peace treaty with Muslims, or undermines his rights, or burdens him beyond his capacity, or takes something from him without his consent; then I am his opponent on the Day of Judgmen." [Abu Dawud and AlBayhaqi] "He who harms a non-Muslim who keeps a peace treaty with Muslims has harmed me, and he who harms me has harmed Allah." [At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat] "He who kills a non-Muslim who keeps a peace treaty with the Muslims will not smell the scent of Heaven, though its scent can be traced to as far as a march of 40 years." [ Al-Bukhari and Imam Ahmad] Finally, from the adumbrated hadiths can best be understood from the mode of their tones, indicated how the prophet was disturbed and concerned as to the safety and security of non-Muslims living amongst Muslims. The essence of the command is that if any Muslim whose character is such that his Muslim brothers and the non-Muslims neighbours live in perpetual panic and ordeal of death and destruction of their properties whenever there is a small misunderstanding or quarrel between two friends, brothers or neighbours, which can under normal situation can be resolves amicabily, cannot be regarded in the sight of Allah as a Muslim! The same condition must have constrained the Messenger of Allah to have said that anybody whose neighbour is not safe and secured from his harm is not a believer! May Allah in His infinite mercy endow us to guarantee safety, protection and sanctuary of all our neighbourhoods whoever they may be!

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

By Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde

ike a victim of a ghastly accident, Kano went into a coma last January when it recorded the most elaborate bomb attack yet in the country. The scale was as devastating as it was elaborate. Over 150 people were killed and hundreds injured that afternoon. The city was thrown into uncertainty about its future. Some felt it was its version of 9/ 11. Many feared it would go the line of the north-eastern states of Yobe and Borno, where all activities remain in constant state of paralysis for more than one a half years. Few – and I was not one of them – entertained the hope that it would overcome the shock and not only forge ahead but also regain its vibrancy in the few months ahead. That was the physical and mental states of Kano when I visited it last February for the first time after the bombings and before I continued on my tour of the bomb-affected areas of the North then. The old Kano of traffic jams at junctions, of two-million okadas polluting its air, of hundreds of thousands of richly packed shops, of several supermarkets that remain open until midnight, of seven million people each waking up every morning to one commercial activity or another, of clubs and cinemas, “of women and vehicles”, as Shata would put it, was pathetically absent. The new Kano I met three weeks after the attack was totally strange. It was a patient in the intensive care unit. It was a Kano that very few traders would visit, of few opened shops, empty streets, scarce and difficult movement, checkpoint in every hundred meters, few commercial vehicles, and people trekking on its roads. There were no customers for the few shops that opened even in the large Sabongari market. Few Igbo traders remained after sending their families back to their hometowns in the East. At Kantin Kwari, there were no traders to buy the bulk textile materials. They hardly came. Those who came arrived late due to checkpoints, and leave early to avoid spending the night in their buses and trucks due to same reason. The market had to close at 4.00pm and the scamper for the few buses to convey people to their homes would immediately start. Many would start to trek. At the bus stop along the nearby Ibrahim Taiwo Road, I saw many men and women compete in joining the one or two buses that arrived after a long wait, some getting in through the booth, some through the window, and only few through the door because it was blocked by disembarking passengers. Life, with all the vastness of its space and time, was reduced to few hours and places .My heart appealed to my eyes for tears. I restrained them and allowed it only to share in the sorrow of the departing passengers. I took few snapshots of the scene of despair and confusion at the bus stop before starting to trek back to the hotel. Back in my room, I sat down to review my experience of that day. My mind remembered Uzair, the prophet who once

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Kano bounces back from coma (I)

Kofa Mata - one of old Kano's city gates passed by the ruins of an ancient city and wondered, asking, “How long would it take God to revive this city after its death.” The same question readily came to me: how long would it take the city of Kano to regain its normalcy? And would that path be littered with blood, rape, arson, summary executions and other human right abuses that characterized the path of Maiduguri? How long would the distress last? The following day, I gave my advice to the authorities before I headed for the epicenter of the crisis, the two states in former Borno State. My experience there made me pray that Kano be spared from the pain and horror of their unending trauma. Less than six months after the first attack, God in his mercy seems to have answered our prayer. As I now sit in the hotel to write this article, I can hear that the noise of the old city has returned, including that of a train that is filling the air with its siren. In the past one week I have been in the city, I have seen almost everything return to normal except for those things that would require time to heal. I have gone round in the mornings to witness children going to school like it was before and just as in other cities. All schools are open. I have witnessed vehicles take over the streets at dawn and continue to build up

their presence as the days grow. Throughout the town, I have seen shops open – all shops, except those that are near police stations. At the peak of activity, I have visited the Sabongari and Kantin Kwari markets, as well as the numerous Igbo spare part shops in the neighbourhood of Ibadan Street. I could breathe freedom and calm in the surrounding atmosphere. I interviewed a number of traders, each of whom expressed delight at how quick the recovery took place. In particular, I met the family of Ugochukwu, the satellite parts dealer, in his shop. His daughter, Chidimma, told me that they returned to Anambra after the January bombings. Now they are back.

With little reservation, she agreed that there is little to worry about now, except that business is still not as much as it was before the bombings. At France Road where last February I listened to traders complaining about the closure of their shops in the whole segment of the dual carriage street where a police station is located, I found all shops opened, though traffic is still controlled on the side of the station. “We are happy that traffic now flows freely, unlike before”, said Auwalu, a dealer of ceramic plates and other kitchen wares at Sabongari market, when I interviewed him. “Our only remaining problem is the 6.00pm ban on motorcycles”, he complained. Though he

“

Less than six months after the first attack, God in his mercy seems to have answered our prayer. As I now sit in the hotel to write this article, I can hear that the noise of the old city has returned, including that of a train that is filling the air with its siren

corroborated Chidimma’s assessment that business has not fully returned, he nevertheless expressed delight that it is picking up, especially from the past one month. “Auwalu”, I tried to remind him, “when you wake up from illness, it takes time to fully recover your apetite and vigor. Let us hope that the trend continues and very soon you will see your customers return fully.” Across the road and on the recently rehabilitated overhead pedestrian bridge, I took the photographs of the mass of people below who were preoccupied with their businesses on both sides of Murtala Mohammed Way. I took the steps down and as I walked up Bello Road, I found myself greeted by hundreds of small and large trucks, each loading bulk household items like flour, biscuits, soaps, etc. This is the centre of bulk commerce in Kano. On the eastern side of Ado Bayero Street that cuts across Bello Road, I found trucks of Alhaji Harisu and other traders from Niger Republic that come to Kano for trade every Saturday and Tuesday. “Are things okay now, Alhaji,” I asked him. “Wallahi”, he replied, “we are grateful to God. Things have normalized and all my colleagues have resumed their weekly trips.” Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde is a renowned columnist based in Jos

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Using the NAF expo as tool for national transformation By Constance Athekame

ince its maiden edition in 2010 in Kaduna, the biennial Nigerian Air Force Air (NAF) Exposition has remained an international event conceived to project Nigeria’s military capability. It is about the only major air exhibition in Africa that aims at promoting the development of the aviation industry, especially in West Africa. The event provides opportunities for multinational and indigenous companies to showcase their products, thus encouraging participation by established and up-coming names in the aviation industry. The second edition of the biennial event,tagged “Air Expo 2012’’,kicked off recently in Kaduna with aerial display involving 10 planes, including a display by the first Nigerian Air Force female pilot. The five-day ceremony also witnessed a parade mounted by 297 troops from the various Air Force commands, as well as air dropping and parachuting from a DO 228 Dornier aircraft. The event was watched by President Goodluck Jonathan who led a group of government officials and top Nigerian military personnel, including the service chiefs. Also present were top military personnel from more than 10 African countries, as well as India and Pakistan. Jonathan commended the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar, for ensuring 40 per cent female representation on parade. According to him, this was in compliance with his directives on affirmative action which is a component of the Federal Governments’ Transformation Agenda. “Women were asking for 35 per cent, the Air Force has given 40 per cent. I am passionate about women participation, and being full combatant officers which was why I directed that the Nigerian Defence Academy start the recruitment of women in its regular courses. “The Air Force now has a woman pilot; and one day, a woman will fly the presidential aircraft in this country,’’ he said. Jonathan also expressed happiness that the Air Force was being transformed into a modern and formidable force, and is gradually acquiring an enviable position in sub-Saharan Africa. He said that sundry security and development challenges call for unwavering patriotic commitment of all stakeholders in the Nigerian enterprise. “As we vigorously prosecute our administration’s national Transformation Agenda, I expect that members of our armed

NAF Mi-24 Hind at an Air expo services will continue to partner with us in the military tradition of courage, loyalty, dedication, and steadfast patriotism. “We are convinced that a strong, modern and proactive military is pivotal to the attainment of the goals of the Transformation Agenda. “It is against this backdrop that the 2012 national budget gave priority consideration to the enhancement of the operational readiness of our armed forces, the police and other security agencies. “As part of our commitment to enhancing the capacity of the Nigeria Air Force in particular, the Federal Government has, in the last few years, substantially funded fleet enhancement. “I am glad to note that the results of our efforts are steadily becoming visible with the induction of brand new aircraft and reactivation of some existing ones,’’ he said. Air Commodore Rufus Ojuawo, the chairman of the event’s organising committee, said the NAF conceptualised the expo to reflect the desire of the Federal Government to integrate the armed forces into nation building. He said in line with the policy, NAF remodelled its yearly anniversary celebration to incorporate air exposition. “The new concept is fashioned after the new trend of air shows to boost foreign direct investment in the aviation sector

in Nigeria,’’ he said. In his remark, the Chief of Air Staff explained that the expo was anchored on the need to continually seek innovative solutions to national and global challenges. Umar said that the aim of Nigerian Air Force was to seek every foreseeable and available knowledge and technology to facilitate the attainment of its primary goal, including securing and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity from the air. Kaduna State Gov. Patrick Yakowa said that the glamour of the event showed a clear commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to excel. “I am also delighted to have our foreign partners as exhibitors; indeed your esteem presence gives credence to the occasion.

“It inspires the organisers and the airmen of the Nigerian Air Force to strive towards excellence. In his lecture at the occasion, the India Defence Adviser in Nigeria, Col. Rajesh Sethi, said the bond of friendship between Nigeria and India was forged by similarities in the experiences gained by their armed forces in various operations. He said that India has a lot to share with Nigeria in its extensive military training infrastructure and defence industry. “Our Nigerian brothers can benefit by utilising the training infrastructure, conduct joint exercises and establishdoctrinal and tactical training institutes. “Bilateral defence cooperation can also be exploited through assistance in capacity building

“

Observers say that even though many citizens go for used electronics and electrical products because of their affordable prices, they should, nonetheless, be sensitised to the dangers inherent in using some of the products

and latest military technologies,’’ he said. In his remark, the Chief Director, Air Policy and Plans of South African Air Force, Maj.-Gen. Zakes Msimang, commended NAF for its high level professionalism, and the enthusiasm displayed at the event. He said that the South African Air Force would work with NAF to build a powerful and formidable air force in Africa that would meet global standards. “I must be honest; I am overwhelmed by the level of professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by the Nigerian Air Force. “From what we have observed, we can see a platform of collaboration through which we can put more effort to ensure that we build a formidable air force in Africa,’’ he said. Lt.-Col. Toure Abdelaziz, the Deputy Chief of Air Staff of Niger Republic, said his country would like to partner with NAF in training and maintenance of its military equipment. “The air expo is very rich; we see the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force and therefore seek collaboration in training and maintenance,’’ Abdelaziz said. The participants agreed that effective partnership and participation in the NAF exposition would complement the efforts of the government in achieving the objectives of the Transformation Agenda. Source: NAN

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Church built where Jesus was born nominated to be Palestinian Territory’s first World Heritage Site

he church standing where Jesus is believed to have been born could become the Palestinian Territory’s first World Heritage site, it was revealed yesterday. Bethlehem’s venerated Church of the Nativity has been nominated for the honour before a UNESCO meeting later this month. The nomination, which includes the church and surrounding route taken by religious pilgrims, is the Palestinians’ first bid for inclusion on the prestigious list. Sites included are deemed as holding ‘outstanding universal value’ as part of the world’s shared heritage. It comes after Palestinian membership to UNESCO, the United Nations’ heritage body, was granted in October 2011, when UNESCO’s general assembly voted by 107-14 to accept the Palestinians. The vote proved controversial with the U.S., which holds the view that a peace deal must be reached with Israel before the Palestinian Territories can be granted full membership of international organisations. The U.S. and Israel’s subsequent funding cut to the body saw UNESCO lose more than a fifth of

its revenues. Bethlehem, situated in the West Bank, about five miles south of Jerusalem, is considered the Palestinian Territories’ top visitor destination partly due to the religious significance of the church. One of the oldest surviving Christian churches in the world, it drew two million visitors last year, according to Nada Atrash, an architect and head of the research and training unit at Bethlehem’s Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation, which has been lobbying for the site’s inscription as a World Heritage destination. She told CNN the centre considered Bethlehem’s inclusion on the list ‘as a Palestinian dream, and as a reward of 11 years of work in the field of preserving the cultural and natural heritage in Palestine’. Visitor numbers have hit record highs in recent years, but, according to a report into developing tourism in the town, Bethlehem has yet to properly capitalise on its potential. The majority of the visitors were day trippers on short visits, meaning the full economic benefits of tourism did not flow into the town. Atrash said it was hoped that gaining World Heritage status would

Venerated: Christians march at Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in the Biblical town of Bethlehem.

Holy site: Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy Land Eireneos I conducts midnight mass in the crypt under the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

A Christian pilgrim touches an icon of the Virgin Mary inside the Church of the Nativity

Palestinian Christian girls walk through the sunlit Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus. help efforts to boost Bethlehem’s appeal as a destination and keep visitors in the town for longer than a visit to the church. ‘We are mainly seeking to extend the stay of the visitors, who usually drop (in) to Bethlehem for few hours to visit the church and leave without visiting the town,’ she said. ‘We hope that this inscription would contribute to both the promotion of the site and its protection.’ The condition of the church, which has suffered extensive earthquake damage in its history, has been of concern. One of the issues is that responsibility for its administration is shared between three religious authorities — the Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic churches. On occasion, tensions

between the groups have spilled over into violence; in December, about 100 Greek Orthodox and Armenian clerics fought with brooms when a tussle broke out while cleaning the church. One of Christianity’s most holy places, the site’s focal point is the Grotto of the Nativity, a rectangular cavern beneath the church that has been considered the site of Christ’s birth since at least the 2nd century. A 14-pointed silver star set into the marble floor marks the precise spot where Jesus is said to have been born. In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine founded a church on the site, which was destroyed in the year 529, only to be replaced by larger structures, which form the basis of the church today.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee will consider the Church of the Nativity among 36 sites nominated for inclusion on the list at its next meeting, to be held from June 24 to July 6, in St Petersburg, Russia. UNESCO spokeswoman Susan Williams said it was not possible to predict the outcome of the meeting, where the committee would make its decisions ‘based on the information that is provided by the expert bodies, and the different presentations that are made’. ‘If the committee approves, it it’s a done deal,’ she told CNN. For the first time in its 40-year history, members of the public and the media will be able to follow the debates of the Committee through live streaming on the internet. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PAGE 30

schoolgirl missed nine exams and even her birthday because of a rare condition which leaves her sleeping for weeks at a time. Stacey Comerford, 15, from Telford, Shropshire, suffers from Kleine-Levin syndrome and has recently come out of her longest episode, which lasted two months. She is just one of 1,000 people worldwide to suffer from the disorder which is commonly known as Sleeping Beauty syndrome. Despite being predicted straight As in her GCSEs, she has managed just a 30 per cent attendance record this year because of her crippling condition. Her mother Bernie Richards, 53, said: ‘There’s never any warning. I’ve even found her fast asleep on the kitchen floor. ‘When she’s in an episode, she might get up to go to the toilet or get a drink but she’s not awake. I call it sleep mode. ‘When she wakes, she thinks it’s the following day. She doesn’t have any memory of it.’ During an episode, Stacey can be in a deep sleep for more than 20 hours a day. She only rises to go to toilet or sip water in a trace-like state. Amazingly in this state she is up just long enough for her mother to give her some food before she goes back to bed. Stacey has lost almost two stone because of her condition. Ms Richards, who is a full-time mother-of-six, describes it like ‘living with Jekyll and Hyde’ because the change in her daughter is like a switch flicking. She said: ‘She needs reassurance during an episode. It’s like she reverts back to being five years old. When she talks, she sounds like a child. ‘When she’s in sleep mode she can be quite moody but she can’t help it. She’s like a toddler who wants to do things her own way. She stamps her

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Schoolgirl misses exams after nodding off for months foot if she doesn’t get what she wants. ‘It’s like having two different kids in the house.’ Stacey started experiencing symptoms about a year ago, but she was only diagnosed in March as the condition is so rare. When her illness first emerged, doctors put it down to her being a ‘moody teenager.’ Bernie said: ‘Stacey was tired all the time. She couldn’t concentrate at school. She’d come home zonked out and have to sleep the whole weekend. When it came to Monday morning, I couldn’t wake her up. ‘Then one day I got a call from school to come and pick her up because she wasn’t very well. ‘I took her to our GP. I had to pull Stacey’s legs to get her out of the car and get her into the surgery. All she wanted to do was sleep. ‘The GP said: ‘I know it sounds awful but she looks like a moody, depressed teenager’.’ Stacey was referred to the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, where doctors feared she had a brain tumour. She was given a brain scan and was also checked for conditions like narcolepsy and epilepsy. When the results came back clear, doctors were left baffled until a neurologist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital eventually diagnosed Stacey with Kleine Levin Syndrome. Ms Richards, said: ‘Having a diagnosis means Stacey knows it’s not all in her mind. She’s had that much stick off people. They don’t understand.

Missing out: Stacey Comerford, 15, from Telford, Shropshire, suffers from Kleine-Levin syndrome and has recently come out of her longest episode, which lasted two months.

Disorder: She missed nine exams and even her birthday because of a rare condition which leaves her sleeping for weeks at a time. ‘I was even investigated by the local education authority because Stacey’s school thought I was deliberately keeping her out of school. They’ve stopped now we’ve got a diagnosis. ‘I always knew there was something wrong. I know my

daughter. ‘She’s gone from a fresh faced teenager, full of energy to sleeping all the time. ‘We can’t plan anything because Stacey might be asleep. ‘She could go to sleep tonight and wake up next week.

“

Changes: Ms Richards, who is a full-time mother-of-six, describes it like 'living with Jekyll and Hyde' because the change in her daughter is like a switch flicking.

I was even investigated by the local education authority because Stacey’s school thought I was deliberately keeping her out of school. They’ve stopped now we’ve got a diagnosis. I always knew there was something wrong. I know my daughter

‘We try and laugh and joke about it because it’s the only way to get through it.’ There is no known cure for Kleine Levin Syndrome, although some experts believe that some sufferers do grow out of it. Since her diagnosis, Stacey has been put on a high does of a stimulant drug called modafinil to help keep her awake. Ms Richards, said: ‘It seems to be working. She’s more awake and it’s improving her quality of life. We will have to see how she gets on.’ Stacey, who hopes to go back to school on a part-time basis soon, said: ‘I’ve missed nine exams and my birthday in November. ‘It’s easier now people know what it is. It’s easier to explain to them. Before, people didn’t believe me. That was the hardest thing. ‘People would pull faces at school if I said I was tired and needed to go home.’ Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

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Syriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Houla Massacre: A pretext to intervene?

President Assad

ANALYSIS By Charles Onunaiju

he horrible massacre in Houla, a cluster of villages situated in a rural area of central Syria on May 25, has elicited a barrage of demands from the West and some Arab countries that the government led by Bashar al-Assad be removed by force. Around 100 people, including women and children, were reported killed in Houla. Initial reports in the international media concluded that all those killed were victims of shelling by a Syrian army unit stationed nearby. These reports were clearly based on information provided by rebel sources. The BBC had, in fact, aired pictures of mutilated children, claiming that they were the latest atrocities committed by Assad's security services. The BBC had to retract its story after it was pointed out that the footage was of an incident in Iraq. However, if news coming out of Syria is to be believed, it would seem that the entire country is in flames. As a matter of fact, there are only a few pockets of resistance. At the same time, the armed groups have shown that they are capable of staging terror attacks in cities like Damascus and Aleppo. But despite the uncertainties, people carry on with their daily routines. The Houla attack has made Syria once again the centre of international attention. The West is trying to replicate the strategy it used successfully in 1999 to break up Yugoslavia and last year in Libya. In Kosovo and Libya, Westerntrained-and-financed proxies staged grave provocations against the state. When the governments responded, their actions were described as "genocide" and the United Nations Security Council was bamboozled into authorising intervention. The NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) war on Yugoslavia

and later Libya are only illustrations. Syria is the ultimate prize. If Syria falls, the Hizbollah and Iran will be isolated and open to a frontal attack. The entire resource-rich region will once again be the playground of the West. President Assad, in an emotional speech delivered on June 3, said recent events showed conclusively that the country was engaged in a "real war" with outside forces. He said the "masks had fallen and the international role in the Syrian events is now obvious". While admitting that "terrorism has undermined us all", he said it was a "war waged from outside and dealing with a war is different from dealing with the grievances of Syrian citizens". The Syrian President bemoaned that "terrorism" was the response he got for the political reforms he had initiated. He blamed "armed groups" for the horrific killings in Houla. "What happened in Houla and elsewhere are brutal massacres which even monsters would not have carried out," he said in his speech. Assad emphasised that "terrorism has to be fought for the country to heal". He added: "A battle was forced on us, and the result is this bloodshed we are seeing." Members of the U.N. observers' mission have reportedly said that some of the killings in Houla are the handiwork of pro-government militias. With the crisis in Syria fast assuming the contours of a civil war, there have been rising instances of mindless killings, linked to ethnicity and sect, by both sides in the conflict.

Shia pilgrims from other countries have been targeted by the Syrian opposition. Recently, the Hizbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah issued an ultimatum to the Syrian "jehadi" groups fighting the government to release Lebanese Shia pilgrims they have been holding hostage. The bloody strife in Syria has already spilled over to Lebanon; in the town of Tripoli fighting broke out again on sectarian lines in early June and left many people dead. Travel between Syrian cities has become dangerous with militias, some owing allegiance to the government, setting up checkpoints near their strongholds. The U.N. and Arab League special envoy on Syria, Kofi Annan, told an Arab League meet in Doha that the country was slipping into a civil war with "an alarming sectarian dimension". A few days after the Houla incident, 13 bodies with their hands tied and bearing bullet wounds were found near the rebel stronghold of Deir Ezzor. Plenty of arms, including anti-tank weaponry, much of it bought with Saudi and Qatari funding, are now in the hands of the rebels. Many of the rebels have been trained in Turkey. The government there allows the "Free Syrian Army" (FSA) and other armed opposition groups to operate freely from its territory. A recent article in The Washington Post reported that the Barack Obama administration in the United States was coordinating the supply of weapons paid for by the Gulf monarchies. The bulk of the 300 U.N. observers under the "Kofi Annan plan" have already been deployed inside Syria. Immediately after the first U.N. peacekeepers landed in Syria, there was a spurt in violent incidents, including two suicide bombings in Damascus on May 10, which claimed 55 lives. The next day a suicide attack against a government building was thwarted in Aleppo, Syria's second biggest city. An Al Qaeda affiliated front, Al Nusra (Victory), claimed responsibility for the bombings and said that "Sunni Muslims" needed protection from Alawites, "who will be made to pay a price". Al Nasra had also claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing in Damascus in March, which killed 27 persons. In Afghanistan and Yemen, Al Qaeda is an enemy of the West. In

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Libya and Syria, Al Qaeda is aligned with groups supported by Washington. The Muslim Brotherhood has emerged as the most influential opposition group inside Syria. It has reassured the West that it will not push for an Islamic state and has distanced itself from the jehadists. But the party, which is financed heavily by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies, is not opposed to a NATO intervention to topple the Syrian government. The main opposition groups insist that the government has a hand in orchestrating even suicide bombings. It was obvious that opposition fighters were responsible for most of the terror attacks against government installations and the targeted killings of senior officials in the last 14 months. The U.N. says more than 9,000 people have been killed in the past one year. Syrian officials say a significant number of the casualties belong to their security forces. The last thing the Syrian government would have wanted at this juncture was carnage on the scale that occurred in Houla. That massacre, the Syrian government feels, was done to derail the Annan Peace Plan, which called for a ceasefire by both government forces and rebels. The Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in late May that since the signing of the ceasefire agreement, there had been 3,500 violations by the opposition. After the Houla incident, the FSA and other opposition groups were quick to pronounce the Annan Peace Plan dead and demand that the U.N. withdraw its team of observers forthwith. The U.S. and most of the European Union nations were not happy with the Annan Plan. Even before the U.N. peacekeepers were on the ground in Syria, the West imposed more draconian sanctions on Syria, where the common man was already facing the brunt of sanctions already in place. After the Annan Peace Plan was announced, Washington and its allies pledged millions of dollars for the FSA to buy arms, pay salaries and finance defections from the Syrian army. An "initial" official report of the judicial committee set up by the Syrian government to probe the Houla massacre concluded that all

The U.N. and Arab League special envoy on Syria, Kofi Annan, told an Arab League meet in Doha that the country was slipping into a civil war with "an alarming sectarian dimension".

the victims "belonged to peaceful families" that had opposed the "armed groups". The initial findings confirmed that the victims were killed by "sharp tools" and firing from close range. Brigadier General Qassem Jamal Suleiman, who conducted the probe, said the investigation committee depended on testimonies of eyewitnesses. He said the area where the massacre occurred was under the control of two "armed groups" and that the security forces had not entered the area "either before or after the massacre". Gen. Suleiman added that "killing children does not serve the law enforcement members or the state, but serves the armed terrorist groups which incite sedition". Following the Houla incident, several Western countries and Turkey were quick to expel the remaining Syrian diplomats and call for air strikes against Syria. The White House spokesman said the "military option" against Syria was very much on the table. The newly elected President of France, Francois Hollande, said on national television that he could not rule out military intervention in Syria. The 47-nation U.N. Human Rights Council met in Geneva at the end of May and voted overwhelmingly to condemn "the outrageous use of force against the civilian population" in Houla. The resolution blamed "pro-regime elements" and government troops for the massacre. Only Russia, China and Cuba voted against the resolution sponsored by the U.S. and the Arab League. Uganda and Ecuador abstained. Russian diplomats in Geneva dismissed the resolution as "unbalanced" and blamed the militant groups fighting the Syrian government for the violence. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the Houla massacre was a well-planned attempt to thwart a political solution and "lead the situation in Syria to a new cycle of gory violence". Vladimir Putin, on his first official visit abroad after assuming office as President, told the German and French leadership that Russia remained opposed to any outside interference to bring about regime change in Syria. He emphasised that a "political solution" to solve the crisis was possible. "It requires a certain professionalism and patience," he told the media in Germany. He said Russia wanted to ensure that civil war did not break out in Syria. Germany, unlike France, has adopted a more cautious approach. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said there was no question of a "military option" in Syria. Germany, he said, wanted to "avoid a wildfire in the region".

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Court rules Shafiq can run in Egypt election Tunisian leaders condemn ‘extremist’ riots

he Tunisian government has issued a statement condemning the "extremist groups" that have rioted across the country over the last few days, and the artists whose provocative works partly inspired the riots. The rioting left one man dead, injured 62 security personnel and led to more than 160 arrests. The joint statement was signed by Moncef Marzouki, the president, Mustapha Ben Jaafar, the head of the constituent assembly, and Hamada Jebali, the prime minister. It warned against "plans by provocateurs and extremists to perturb authority and sow terror". "Extremist groups are threatening freedoms, claim the right to substitute themselves for state institutions and try to bring places of worship under their control," the statement said. "These groups are infiltrated by criminals ... the ghosts of the ousted regime are trying to block the process of transition." But the three men also said that "attacks on religion do not stem from freedom of expression, [but] aim to provoke and sow discord as well as take advantage of a sensitive situation to stoke tension." The government on Tuesday imposed a dusk-todawn curfew in eight areas of the country, including the capital, in a bid to stem the violence, much of which targeted courts and other state buildings. Police in the capital Tunis had fired tear gas to disperse protesters who torched a local courthouse and attacked several police stations. Protesters blocked streets and set tyres alight in the working class Ettadamen and Sidi Hussein districts, hurling petrol bombs at police in some of the worst confrontations the city has seen since last year's revolution. There was evidence of looting in some areas, where shop windows were smashed. A day earlier, a group of Salafis, who follow a strictly conservative interpretation of Islam, forced their way into an art exhibition in the upscale La Marsa suburb and defaced works they deemed offensive. The interior ministry vowed to punish the perpetrators.

gypt's constitutional court has ruled against a law that would have barred ousted president Hosni Mubarak's last premier Ahmed Shafiq from standing in this weekend's presidential poll runoff. The court also ruled yesterday that one third of the seats in the Islamist-dominated parliament were invalid, stirring fresh uncertainty in the politically divided country. "The constitutional court ruled unconstitutional some articles of the parliamentary election law related to the direct vote system," MENA, the country's state news agency, reported, referring to the third of seats elected on a first-pastthe-post system. The Muslim Brotherhood said it would continue in the presidential election after the constitutional court ruled as unconstitutional a law that would have thrown Ahmed Shafik, Hosni Mubarak's last prime minister, out of the election. "It's a reality now, and we must deal with it as such,"

Ahmed Shafiq Mahmoud Ghozlan, spokesperson for the Brotherhood, said. The parliament had been elected on a complex electoral system in which voters cast ballots for party lists which made up two thirds of

parliament, and also for individual candidates for the remaining seats in the lower house. The individual candidates were meant to be "independents" but members of political parties were

subsequently allowed to run, giving the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party an advantage. That system was challenged in court. The ruling will cast all of parliament's legitimacy into question. Parliament speaker Saad alKatatni, an Islamist, had said before the ruling that the parliament would have to consider how to implement it. In the absence of a constitution, suspended after last year's overthrow of Mubarak, no authority had the right to dissolve parliament, Katatni said. He said one possibility would be to hold by-elections for the seats ruled unconstitutional. A judicial body had already recommended that both laws be overturned, allowing Shafiq to continue his bid and possibly dissolving the parliament. Seeking to derail presidential bids by senior Mubarak-era officials, parliament approved the law on April 12 to strip political rights from anyone who served in top government or ruling party posts in the last decade of Mubarak's rule.

‘US expanding spying network’ in Africa

he United States military is expanding a secret network of air bases across Africa in order to spy on alQaeda and other such groups, a US newspaper said. The surveillance is carried out by small, unmarked turboprop planes with hidden state-of-the-art sensors that fly thousands of kilometres between air bases and bush landing strips across the vast continent, the Washington Post

reported on Wednesday. The programme, dating back to 2007, underscores the massive expansion of US special forces operations in recent years and the steady militarisation of intelligence operations during the decadelong war on al-Qaeda. Bases in Burkina Faso and Mauritania are used to spy on al-Qaeda in the Islamic‘ Maghreb (AQIM), while bases in Uganda are used in the

hunt for the Lord's Resistance Army, a brutal guerrilla movement led by Joseph Kony, who is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court. The paper said there were plans to open another base in South Sudan to help hunt for Kony, who is wanted in connection with a series of atrocities and operates in some of the most remote and inaccessible parts of central

The fleet of surveillance planes is made up of single-engine Pilatus PC-12s [Wikipedia: Creative Commons]

Africa. In East Africa, US aircraft operating out of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and the Seychelles archipelago spy on Somalia's Qaeda-inspired AlShebab militia and have reportedly launched attacks on wanted fighters. The paper said the fleet of surveillance planes was made up of single-engine Pilatus PC12s, small passenger and cargo planes manufactured in Switzerland. The newspaper said one of the secret bases was in a secluded hanger in Ouagadougou, capital of the predominantly Muslim country of Burkina Faso in West Africa. It said dozens of service members and contractors strived to be discreet, but stood out in the city centre and were appreciated for the business they brought to bars and restaurants. Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Djibril Bassole, in an interview with the paper, declined to answer questions about US special forces operations in his country but said he appreciated US security co-operation. "We need to fight and protect our borders," the paper quoted him as saying. "Once they infiltrate your country, it's very, very difficult to get them out," he said, referring to al-Qaeda.

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PAGE 33

Media inquiry grills British prime minister

ritish Prime Minister David Cameron, under fire for courting an exclusive media clique led by Rupert Murdoch, has appeared before a judicial inquiry to try and neuter claims that his ministers tailored policy to

further Murdoch's interests. Cameron's once cosy ties with Murdoch's inner circle mean he is under pressure to pull off a virtuoso performance on Thursday at the inquiry, which has sharpened the perception that Britain has been run for

years by an elite that fawned on the News Corp chairman. The coalition government has divided along party lines over Cameron's backing for a minister accused of doing Murdoch's bidding when responsible for impartial

oversight, as he struggles with an economy in recession and growing unease about his leadership within his own party. Cameron, 45, who himself set up the Leveson inquiry into media ethics last year after a newspaper phone-hacking

US prosecutors drop case against John Edwards

The US justice department has dropped its criminal case against former senator John Edwards, closing the book on a prosecution that had threatened the two-time presidential hopeful with prison and a further fall from grace. "We knew that this case - like all campaign finance cases would be challenging," Lanny Breuer, assistant attorneygeneral, said in a statement on Wednesday. "The jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict on five of the six counts of the indictment, however, and we respect their judgement. "In the interest of justice, we have decided not to retry Mr Edwards on those counts." Edwards, 59, was indicted in June 2011 and accused of seeking more than $900,000 from two wealthy supporters to conceal his pregnant mistress from voters during his bid to win the Democratic presidential nomination four years ago.

Assange bid to reopen case rejected David Cameron gives evidence to the Leveson inquiry. Photograph: -/AFP/Getty Images

Germany raids target Salafists

erman police have carried out raids in seven different states targeting individuals suspected of belonging to Islamic Salafist groups, the interior ministry said. At the same time, Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich banned one particular network known as "Millatu Ibrahim". Three ultra-conservative Muslim organisations were targeted in the raids yesterday, a ministry spokesman said, without providing any further details. Some 70 different premises were raided, including flats, mosques, schools and local associations, with the biggest operations taking place in the states of North RhineWestphalia and Hesse, the ministry said. In a statement, the regional state interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Ralf Jaeger, described the police operation as a "decisive step by the security services in the fight against dangerous extremists." "Today's operation shows that we're turning up the pressure on the Salafists," Jaeger said.

scandal erupted, is due to be questioned for at least five hours, streamed live on television. Cameron, appearing at the Leveson inquiry yesterday, said the text referred to the fact his party and Brooks's newspapers would be "pushing the same agenda". "I think that is about the Sun had made this decision to back the Conservatives, to part company with Labour, and so the Sun wanted to make sure it was helping the Conservative party put its best foot forward, with the policies we were announcing, the speech I was going to make and all the rest of it, and I think that's what that means," he added.

Edwards was accused of secretly soliciting more than $900,000 in illegal campaign funds from two donors [Reuters]

Police carried out raids in seven different states targeting individuals suspected of belonging to Salafist groups [AFP]

he Supreme Court has reaffirmed its rejection of Julian Assange's appeal against his extradition to Sweden, turning down an unusual, lastminute request to reopen the case. In a short statement, issued only two days after Dinah Rose QC submitted a written plea for the case to be reheard, the court declared that her application "is without merit and it is dismissed". The terse phrasing suggests a degree of judicial disapproval of the extended process and leaves Assange's lawyers with the choice of appealing the decision to the European court of human rights in Strasbourg or agreeing to the extradition requests. Assange is wanted in connection with accusations of sexual assault and rape in Sweden. He disputes the allegations. He is being sought under a European arrest warrant (EAW). The Supreme Court case revolved around the question of whether a prosecutor, in this case in Sweden, constituted a "judicial authority" as the EAW specifies. The Supreme Court found by a majority of five to two against Assange, saying that the warrant was valid. In its statement refusing to reopen the case, the Supreme Court said it had agreed unanimously that extradition proceedings should not begin for another two weeks. It added: "Had Ms Rose been minded to challenge the applicability of [the Vienna convention on the law of treaties] or the applicability of state practice [on interpreting treaties] â&#x20AC;Ś she had the opportunity to do so. She made no such challenge.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

China vows to probe â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;forced abortion photoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; C

hina has said it was investigating the case of a woman who was allegedly forced to abort seven months into her pregnancy, after images posted online of the baby's corpse caused an uproar. Activists have criticised authorities in north China's Shaanxi province for allegedly forcing Feng Jianmei to abort her pregnancy because she failed to pay a hefty fine for exceeding China's "one-child" population control policy. The government of Zhenping county, where the abortion took place, have since promised a "transparent probe" under a special committee, while national family planning officials said any perpetrators would be punished. An official at the National Population and Family Planning Commission who declined to be named said the commission viewed the matter as "serious and important" and that the investigation was being handled at the "top level". Chinese web users have reacted in anger to the abortion, with one comparing it to acts perpetrated by "Japanese devils and Nazis", after photos online showed Feng lying on a hospital bed next to the blood-smeared body of her baby. A relative told the AFP news agency on Wednesday that Feng and her husband had opposed the termination. The Zhenping government

Deaths in India steel plant blast

t least 10 people were killed and several others seriously injured in an explosion in a steel factory in southeastern India, a local government official said yesterday. "Ten people died in the blast on Wednesday evening and about nine are battling for their lives in hospital," Lav Agarwal, district administrator of Visakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. A spokesman for the plant said that first reports suggested that the explosion occurred in a control room, but that the cause of the blast was uncertain. "We found people with 75 per cent burns who were rushed to the hospital," he said. "An oxygen supply pipe burst and we are investigating." The state-owned Rashtriya Ispat Nigam plant, situated in Visakhapatnam, 600km from state capital Hyderabad, was hit by another fatal accident last month when two workers were killed at the furnace site.

Syria accused of organised attacks

Chen Guangcheng achieved renown for helping to expose forced sterilisations and late-term abortions [AFP] said in a statement on its website that it had set up a special committee headed by senior local officials to investigate the matter, adding it hoped the probe "will reveal the truth as soon as possible". An earlier statement on the website, which stated that Feng had consented to the procedure, could no longer be found.. China has implemented its family planning policy since

the late 1970s in an effort to control a population that has grown to 1.3 billion people, the world's largest. Under the policy, urban families are generally allowed to have one child, while rural families can give birth to two children if the first is a girl. They have to pay a fine if they contravene the rules. Rights groups says that as a result of the policy, thousands of women have been forced by

authorities to terminate their pregnancies. Blind activist Chen Guangcheng, who recently left China for the United States after fleeing house arrest, was once jailed after angering local officials for bringing to light hundreds of forced abortions. Official statistics show that since the start of the policy, the number of abortions peaked in 1983, with a total of 14.37 million terminations that year.

Iran arrests suspects over nuclear scientistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deaths I

ran has claimed to have arrested the "main elements" behind the assassination of two of its nuclear scientists, alleging they were spies working for Israel. The intelligence ministry said yesterday it had identified a number of agents affiliated with the "Zionist regime" involved in the January assassination of Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, a key figure at one of Iran's main uranium-enrichment facilities and the 2010 killing of Majid Shariari, a senior nuclear scientist. Local news agencies published what appears to be a terse statement by the ministry, which does not shed light on the numbers, names or nationalities of those said to be detained nor clarify where and when they were arrested. "A series of heavy and thorough intelligence operations which begun after the assassination of our first nuclear scientists led to the identification of a number of agents [gathering information] for the fake regime that rules over the occupied territories," it said. In January, attackers on a motorbike stuck a magnetic bomb to a car carrying Roshan, deputy director of the Natanz

Iranian nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan was killed in a car bomb blast in Tehran in January. His driver was also killed in the attack. Photograph: Fars/EPA plant. The car's driver, Reza Ghashghaee, was also killed in the attack, which took place during morning rush-hour in Tehran. Roshan was the latest victim in what is widely seen as a covert war against the Islamic republic's nuclear programme. It was the fifth assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist in the past two years.

Shariari, a member of the nuclear engineering faculty at Tehran's Shahid Beheshti University was killed in November 2010 when bomb attacks targeted two Iranian nuclear scientists. Shahriari was killed. His colleague, Fereidoun Abbasi-Davani, who was wounded in the attack, was later promoted as head of the country's atomic energy agency.

yria is committing crimes against humanity as part of state policy to exact revenge against communities suspected of supporting rebels, Amnesty International has said in a report. The London-based rights group called for an international response yesterday after claiming it had fresh evidence that victims, including children, had been dragged from their homes and shot dead by soldiers, who in some cases then set the remains on fire. "This disturbing new evidence of an organised pattern of grave abuses highlights the pressing need for decisive international action," said Amnesty's Donatella Rovera on release of the 70-page report entitled "Deadly Reprisals". The group interviewed people in 23 towns and villages across Syria and concluded that government forces and militias were guilty of "grave human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law amounting to crimes against humanity and war crimes". Reporting on the revolt which broke out in March last year, Amnesty described how soldiers and shabiha militias burned down homes and properties and fired indiscriminately into residential areas, killing and injuring civilian bystanders. The report also accused the regime of routinely torturing those who were arrested, including the sick and elderly. In the report, Amnesty called on the United Nations Security Council to refer the case to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and to impose an arms embargo on Syria. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said he will call on the UN Security Council to make United Nations envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan for Syria mandatory. France would propose that Annan's six-point plan be enforced under the UN's Chapter Seven provision, he said on Wednesday, describing the conflict in Syria as a "civil war". Fabius said he hoped Russia would agree to using Chapter Seven, a measures which can authorise the use of force, and he said that a no-fly zone was another option under discussion. "We propose making the implementation of the Annan plan compulsory," he told a news conference. "We need to pass to the next speed at the Security Council and place the Annan plan under Chapter Seven - that is to say make it compulsory under pain of very heavy sanctions."

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

By Nina Golgowski

t's said to be a one-in-twomillion chance of catching a lobster with a royal blue shell. For lobster boat captain Bobby Stoddard, 51, of Nova Scotia, who has spent the last 33 years fishing at sea, that exquisite catch came last month. Hauling in his traps in early May, Mr Stoddard recalled the curious call sent out by one of his crew members: 'Hey, we got a pretty one in this trap!' Mr Stoddard told CNN. 'I turned around and said, "Holy Smokes!" The 1.5lbs crustacean, found too unique by Mr Stoddard to eat, is coloured by a rare genetic variation according to researchers at the University of Maine Lobster Institute. 'The coloration comes from a genetic defect that causes the lobster to produce an excessive amount of a particular protein that

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Fisherman hauls in a blue lobster off Canadian shore a 1-in-2-million find

gives the lobster that unique coloration,' the Lobster Institute states. Normally appearing brown or dark green in nature prior to boiling, and first considered 'garbage' food given to peasants during the 17th and 18th century according to the Institute, lobsters have been found in even more rare colours than blue. According to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, one-out-of-10 million lobsters are found in a bright red colour. Even rarer, however, are yellow and calico lobsters - speckled with yellows and oranges - which both have an estimated one-in-30 million chance

Rarity: A rare blue lobster, pictured, was caught last month off the Canadian coast in a one-in-two million find thanks to a naturally excessive amount of a particular protein

of finding. While having much greater odds of catching a blue lobster, than a red or yellow one, Mr Stoddard said - despite hauling in about 3,000 lobsters on a good day - this was the first blue one he has personally ever seen. 'Even overtop his eyes and underneath, he's just really blue,' he told CBC News. Unsure what to do with his new find, Mr Stoddard said he placed the animal in a tank at his business and then on an online auction after a suggestion by his girlfriend, at a starting bid of $200. 'I wanted to put a number high enough on it so nobody would be interested in it,' Mr Stoddard later admitted to CNN. Changing his mind after some hassle for attempting to sell the lobster, he offered it to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography but they had no interest. 'I don't know what the best thing is to do,' he told CNN. 'It probably belongs back in the ocean, but I'd like for as many people as possible to see it.' He promises that he'd faster throw it back in the ocean than allow anyone to eat it, however. In 2010, the BBC reports a fisherman in Rhode Island catching one of the rare yellow lobsters, opting to display his find in a fishermen co-op in Newport. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Ordinary: Prior to being cooked and turning red, most lobsters are found in browns and dark greens, as seen in this file photo of them removed from a cage at sea

Natural reds: Even more rare than blue lobsters are red lobsters which are found this color, pictured, in one out of 10 million before being cooked

Anambra: The limits of propaganda Contd. from Back Page Anambra State is a rural state and nobody can deny that. It has no airport, no stadium and no good public secondary school. If you fall sick in the state and you are unable to navigate yourself to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Federal University Teaching Hospital, you are finished. The State University Teaching Hospital, Awka, which was ‘commissioned’ by President Jonathan in 2010, is still an ongoing project in 2012. Yet, the money is in the bank! None of the three ‘cities’ within the state; Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi is really habitable. There is no public water supply system in those areas. The Government of Obi competes with individuals in the provision of boreholes all over the state with his so called development partners. No place like that can attract talents who will contribute to the development of the state. Little wonder then, that two out of every three property/land transactions in Asaba and Enugu involve indigenes of Anambra State. Most members, past and present of Anambra State House of Assembly and commissioners including most of the bank managers in Anambra State, all have their houses in Asaba and Enugu from where they commute to Anambra State. Why not? Their children have to attend good schools which do not exist in Anambra State. What Obi has managed to achieve in six years, is

sustaining the rural status of the state. The only habitable estate in Awka Capital Territory is the Udoka Housing Estate built by the Chukuemeka Ezeife administration in 1991/92. Across the other side of the Enugu – Onitsha expressway is the Ngozika Estate built by Obi’s government of a quality much lower than the Jakande houses of the eighties. He claims to have secured accreditation for School of Health Technology, Obosi, School of Midwifery, Nkpor, School of Nursing, Iyienu. Fine! But these are institutions built by his predecessors and he is listing securing accreditation as his achievement. He announced that he invested N4 billion of state funds in Orient Petroleum but it was conceptualized and set up by Dr. Mbadinuju. The Anambra State University was set up by the same Mbadinuju and when Peter Obi builds a faculty building or hostel in the school, he will advertise it as a monumental achievement. Yet he claims that there was nothing on ground when he became governor of the state. Even the Women Development Centre, Awka, which is Anambra’s equivalent of the International Conference Centre, Abuja [Don’t laugh] was built by Mbadinuju. And I ask, apart from the State Secretariat, what project of note has Peter Obi initiated and completed in the past six years? Thisday newspaper in awarding Governor Obi (4) four stars in its

rating of governors stated among other things that he built 77 bridges and 103 Schools. These are unsubstantiated claims. Some bridges, yes but not a single school was built under Peter Obi. What he did was that he awarded contracts to the 177 town unions in Anambra State to build 4000 classroom blocks in the schools within their communities. Unprecedented absurdity! He has no coherent educational policy. He would donate computers to some schools, give some principals money directly to build toilets in their schools and then supply some with generators as the spirit moves him. When the cacophonous interventions failed, he then out of frustration, rather

than a carefully thought out policy, handed over the schools to the missions to continue from where they stopped 40 years ago. Lord have mercy!! Thisday again listed a new Onitsha hotel and convention centre under construction as one of his achievements. This brings me to the issue of transparency and due process. Contracts under Obi are generally not advertised and are usually arbitrarily awarded. This ongoing convention centre was one of the few advertised and tenders received from companies all over Nigeria. After the pre-qualification and opening of the financial and technical bids, Costain won the bid and was invited by the Anambra

“

three years ago when people complained about the lack of development in the state, Governor Obi Northern elite amass so much wealth, announced to Anambra people that he apparently from the national treasury. What was developing a base map for Awka, stops them from floating media houses? We Onitsha andhad Nnewi with a United would have more voices at leastNations to tell group, Habitat, in order to have orderly the world about the gang-up against Northern development. Great idea! Three years Muslims by a propagandist sectional media after,incan someone please ask the some parts of the country governor the status of the ‘base map’?

State Ministry of Commerce to collect the award letter. Before that could be done, Obi unilaterally awarded the contract to another company. Serious companies avoid Anambra State resulting in the poor quality of work seen in the projects undertaken by Obi’s government. Governor Obi has announced two years to the end of his tenure that he will build a new Governor’s Lodge and Governor’s Office before he hands over in March 2014. Informed citizens are asking him not to bother. Since he has lived in a temporary Governor’s Lodge and operated from a temporary governor’s office for six years there’s no hurry. Lest I forget, three years ago when people complained about the lack of development in the state, Governor Obi announced to Anambra people that he was developing a base map for Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi with a United Nations group, Habitat, in order to have orderly development. Great idea! Three years after, can someone please ask the governor the status of the ‘base map’? Hon. Chudi Offodile is a Lawyer and former member of the House of Representatives who served between 1999-2006 representing Awka North/ Awka South Federal Constituency, Anambra State. He was also Chairman of the Public Petitions Committee of the House of Representatives.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Throw away that paper bag... you CAN control panic attacks Rapid breathing, chest pains, sweating, hot or cold flushes and numbness in the hands, feet or other body parts are a few of the terrifying symptoms of a panic attack. One in ten of us will experience one at some point, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and many claim it feels as if they are about to die or ‘go mad’. But they can be overcome with some therapeutic exercises... RECOGNISE THE CAUSE lthough it’s not known why some suffer panic attacks, experts believe they are the result of a ‘fight or flight’ response in which the body is flooded with the stress hormone adrenaline, which increases the heart rate and blood pressure. This is a useful physical response to danger as it readies the body for action. In a panic attack, however, the onset is abrupt with no obvious trigger. Lasting about 20 minutes, they can occur sporadically, and for no reason, but are a symptom of anxiety disorder, a mental health condition characterised by irrational overwhelming feelings of tension, uncertainty and fear. I N V E S T I G A T E BEHAVIOUR THERAPY A form of counselling known as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is accepted to be the gold standard of treatment for anxiety, and effective for 70 to 90 per cent of patients. It can reduce panic attacks through control of the earliest symptoms, or make them disappear instantly, depending on the severity. Unlike other talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, CBT focuses on the difficulties a person is experiencing now rather than delving into their past, encouraging them to identify and take control of thought processes that trigger attacks. START THE HOMEWORK TODAY Claire Taylor, a psychotherapist and CBT specialist, says there are many CBT techniques you can try at home to alleviate panic attacks. The first stage is identifying and understanding the nature of the problem. ‘Panic attacks can be linked to a trauma – from bereavement or bullying to a one-off incident,’ she says. ‘I treated a rugby star who suffered an asthma attack in a scrum that left him in hospital. He became so scared of having another attack in that situation that he suffered panic attacks when thinking about rugby – irrational but it was ruining his life. ‘After an attack, the sufferer should step back and analyse

what happened, looking at it in a positive way. For the rugby player this meant focusing on how many hundreds of times he’d been in a scrum and not had an asthma attack. It’s about making the problem smaller in your own head.’ PRACTISE ‘BELLY BREATHING’ Most people get warning signs that an attack is about to happen, including a racing heart, disorientation and a sense of needing to get out of wherever they are. According to Taylor, controlled breathing is key at this point. A normal breathing rate for an adult at rest is eight to 16 breaths per minute. But in a state of heightened anxiety, we take

Art attack: Edvard Munch's famous The Scream was inspired by a panic attack suffered by the artist.

Hormone overload: Experts believe panic attacks are the result of a 'fight or flight' response.

rapid, deep breaths. This is sometimes called hyperventilating and leads to low levels of carbon dioxide in your blood, which causes many of the symptoms of a panic attack. ‘Sufferers should place one hand on their chest and one on their stomach,’ says Taylor. ‘As they breathe in, the chest should stay still while the stomach is pushed out, counting slowly to exhale for a couple of counts longer than they inhale.’ REMEMBER: YOU WILL NOT DIE ‘When an attack happens, it’s important to control your thoughts immediately,’ says Taylor. ‘Repeat a simple mantra to yourself such as, “My heart will stop racing, I’m not going to die, I can overcome this.” FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE Between attacks, keeping a mood and thought diary aids a shift to positive thinking. ‘Write a list of people, things or memories that make you happy. It could be a place that holds lovely memories where you felt in control. Read this list morning and night. ‘The more positive energy you generate, the less likely you are to have a panic attack.’ DON’T RELY ON CRUTCHES Nicola Turner, a clinical psychologist specialising in CBT, says there are also techniques that can reduce the risk of an attack. ‘Stress can cause panic attacks

and the fear of having another attack can become greater than the anxiety itself, so relaxation is key,’ she says. ‘Be aware of tension in your body.’ ‘Many withdraw socially as a result of attacks, avoiding places where they’ve suffered one before while arming themselves with ‘‘crutches’’ should an attack happen again, such as a paper bag to blow into. I encourage them to remove these crutches and return to the place of an attack, concentrating on their breathing and positive affirmations to increase confidence.’ ACCEPT ATTACKS MAY RETURN Even when symptoms or attacks are under control, you should never take your eye off the ball, according to Nicky Lidbetter, a clinician and CEO of charity Anxiety UK. ‘I’ve seen so many abandon the CBT techniques once they’ve overcome their panic attacks, only for the problem to return,’ she says. ‘Lifestyle adjustments are also vital. Too much caffeine and sugar in the diet creates unstable blood sugar which can cause a panic attack. Adopting a balanced diet is very powerful, as is exercise to use up adrenaline and release moodenhancing endorphins and increase self-esteem – a lack of which is at the core of many anxiety disorders.’ Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

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FG should invest more in ICTs to create jobs, says Hon. Gusau Hon. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau is a member of the House of Representatives representing Gusau, Tsafe Federal Constituency of Zamfara State under the platform of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform. Gusau who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in this interview with Lawrence Olaoye and Umar Mohammed Puma urges the Federal Government to invest more in ICT to solve the nation’s challenges of insecurity and unemployment. Excerpts:

INTERVIEW It is exactly one year since the 7th Assembly was inaugurated, how would say you have fared so far? irst, we have to thank the Almighty Allah for granting our lives up till today, and I think by and large, we would give ourselves a pass mark and Nigerians can attest to that, from what Nigerians are saying so far that the House of Reps has performed wonderfully especially in several issues that affect our lives. The House of Reps has demonstrated its commitments in its capacity to fully represent the aspirations of the peoples who voted us into power. How can you rate the performance of the executive who has also celebrated one year in office; can you say the government has impacted positively on the lives of the people? When you talk about government, then you know that there are three arms, Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary. We as legislators have done our parts in terms of over-sighting and putting the budget together, thereby providing enabling budgetary allocation to the executive for implementation and the Judiciary handles the legal aspect. For the Executive, I think there are many serious challenges that were not met; in the issues like unemployment, the issue of power, Health, Infrastructures. All those issues that Nigerians have expected to see improvement, but sadly there is nothing. So I’m calling on the executive to stand up to their promises and try to deliver the dividend of democracy, this government is lacking in bringing people oriented programmes that would affect the citizens positively. So, to me personally, the executive have not done enough in the last one year in office. As a member of the 7th Assembly, what have been your achievements in the last one year? Let me be humble, my score card I think I have done very well; more than what is obtainable in the last representation. I have provided some communities with drinkable water, roads, and I have intervened in some communities with electricity by providing transformers. In terms of education,

I have also done so much, it is a pity today that you find out that education is dwindling especially in the north; I thought the best way is to encourage the pupils at the grass root, and at the primary education, secondary and the tertiary level. At the primary level, what I do was to go to the 22 wards of my constituency and find the indigents, the poorest schools and try to find the motivational aspect that we could give. What are these schools lacking the most? And the pupils of those school in order to encourage them, I then realize that some parent could not even provide school uniform for their children so we quickly intervened and so far, we have provided about 1500 uniforms to the school children that we would distribute to students and in each set of uniforms would be accompanied with pencils, exercise books, cleaners and sharpeners in order to encourage them do to more. This is at the primary level. And this is for this year alone, and my next year target is to try to develop the schools, most times you would find class rooms leaking, no desks or chairs to sit on. There are two locations that I found out that the children have to work about 5km to go to the nearest primary school; so we provide at least two classrooms for a start and Alhamdullah I’m doing that, and it would soon be in place. In the secondary schools, again we felt there is the need to also encourage them. Recall when we are in secondary schools we used to have quiz and debates, so we have perfected plans to organized inter secondary schools’ quiz competition and debate. This is to build their skills in English, Maths and General Studies in their various schools; it is going to be statewide debate on various subjects in which there is going to be a First, Second and Third winners with accompanying prizes of trophy, and certificates for the winners. And this is going to be an annual event until the end of my tenure, Insha Allah. For the tertiary institutions, so far we got admission

Hon. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau for about 60 students in various Institutions, Colleges of Education, Federal and State Polytechnics, School of Nursings. We also went further to help indigent students in their school registration and maintenance allowances for them to stay in schools and complete their education; this is what we are doing in the education sector. Of course, in the daily lives, we were able to help where there are accident victims; and other health related issues where they cannot afford to pay the hospitals bills for different ailments and operations. We have come in to intervene in these areas and Alhamdullah we have achieved a lot in that so by and large we have done a lot in terms of constituency projects. When I was campaigning, there is an Islamic school that is almost a hundred years old where I found about 200 students sleeping in a small rooms; so you can imagine if there is an epidemic, it could wipe out the entire students so when I went there, I promised to build a good hostel and a sickbay, and by God

“

Of course, in the daily lives, we were able to help where there are accident victims; and other health related issues where they cannot afford to pay the hospitals bills for different ailments and operations

grace we have achieved that, work is being completed , and his excellence, the Hon Speaker would be commissioning the project. We are only looking for the right time to commission it; it has been completed along with that hostels that would be able to accommodate 400 to 500 students and it has a sickbay where there would be a Nurse serving in the sickbay in order to intervene on any health issues. We are equally commissioning a factory. It is sad that the whole of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, have to go to Kaduna or Suleja to buy aluminum roofing sheet; so we feel this is not good for our states. So I was able to put the structures together and the factory is almost being completed, in line with our earlier promises of providing employments for different kinds of peoples. There would be marketers, engineers, carpenters and lot more working in the factory. In your response to the performance of the Executive, you made mention of the failure of the government to provide employment; how are can the country use your ICT Committee to generate more jobs opportunity for our youths? Today India has become a force to be reckoned with in terms of ICT because of cheap labour there and because they have invested heavily on ICT and have put a lot of manpower into it, that is why they achieved their goals. So if Nigeria replicates the same thing,

unemployment problems would be a thing of the past; where capacities would be built. Nigeria have all it takes to achieve that; we have manpower, and our labour is cheap; so if the government would invest a lot of money into this sector, like I said unemployment would drastically reduce. Just recently, Nigeria lunched a satellite, if this is properly harnessed, I can assure you nobody would like to work in government. We need to build our incubation centers where our students would be encouraged to develop software and these softwares could be used and sold by Nigerian companies and even sold abroad. So through this we can create a lot of jobs. Customer services for example, if you lose a flight today or you need to rebook a flight, you call a UK number or US number your call would be answered in India and your issues would be sorted out; that is ICT. So if we perfect all these things, these companies would use us, the Apples of the world and Microsoft would want to come to Nigeria to invest because there are lots of opportunities here; and one of the big opportunity is cheap labour. But if you don’t prepare ground, these would not be achieved. So this is what I think the government should do. Coming to security, you still can’t take it away from unemployment. If you tackle unemployment, I can assure you all these issues are basically solved. Until you engage people to become busy, they won’t have time to do anything evil. And another major problem is lack of electricity. That is an area that the government needs to tackle as quick as possible in order to achieve that. How far has the government gone in implementing the rural telephony projects? The rural telephony is a Ministry of Communication project, where the government feels the telecommunication companies are not extending their services to rural areas because there was no business in the rural areas. It is a gap filling measures; it is a white elephant project. Of course, we are asking the minister to explain to us, we gave the minister some time because she was a new minister, so she needed to be updated about what happened and we are expecting them to brief us on the project status. But I can assure you we would get to the bottom of it as to what has happened to the rural telephony project.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Adamawa Assembly clears 26 nominees as commissioners, rejects Nyako’s aide From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

damawa state House of Assembly yesterday rejected Governor Murtala Nyako's former information c o m m i s s i o n e r , Abdulrahman Abba Jimeta, and cleared all other nominees submitted by the governor as commissioners. The Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Ahmadu Fintri began the screening of twenty seven nominees submitted by the executive on Tuesday while it was a smooth ride for most nominees, Jimeta was not asked any question but was told to submit his curriculum vitae and leave the Assembly complex. When asked of his chances of being cleared by the Assembly to serve again as a commissioner, a pessimistic Jimeta told newsmen that "this is a political matter, I cannot explain." Those cleared by the Assembly to be sworn-in include Gabriel Hamman Adama (Demsa), Mrs Lilian Steven (Ganye) Mrs Jumai

Philip Windibiziri (Guyuk) , Yakubu Ma'aji (Jada), Mrs Talatu Yohanna (Lamurde), Mrs Magret Nzombato (Numan) Ahmadu Philip Batuwa (Shelleng) Umar Mohammed Gidado (Toungo), Aminu Iyawa (Fufore), Umar Atiku (Girei) and Mrs Arziki Sawa (Gombi). Others are Dr Lawan Hamidu (Hong), Salihu Hayatu Zumo (Song), Mustapha Barkindo (Yola South), Hamza Bello (Madagali), Tijani Maksha (Maiha), Dr Drambi Ngidda (Michika) Haj Halima Mohammed (Mubi north), Gidado Sajoh Gela (Mubi south) as well as Felix Tangwami and Barr. Ibrahim Tahir both from the southern zone. Former UBE state Chairman Salihu Bakari, Mrs. Lucy Ishaku and Ibrahim Buba Vokna represent the central zone while the rejected nominee was meant to represent Yola north. It may be recalled that Jimeta as Commissioner of Information, when

leadership of the House changed hands and thugs cordoned the Assembly complex, repeatedly went on air in a local radio and insisted that unless the Speaker was picked from Adamawa central zone, the Assembly complex would continue to be cordoned. The crisis lingered for at least six days during which each time the lawmakers attempted to convene for a sitting, the thugs attacked and chased them away under the watch of police detachment attached to the complex. The Deputy Speaker, Barr. Kwamoti Laori in an interview with Peoples Daily had said "The issue of picking the Speaker from the Central Zone is neither here nor there; so it doesn't follow when the House is changing leadership. If you look at the history of the House anytime there is change of leadership it doesn't matter where the person comes from because the members believe that whoever they elect can lead the House better for it to function properly."

Rep denies involvement in subsidy scam By Lawrence Olaoye

member of the House of Representatives, Jerry Alagbaoso, representing Orlu/Orsu/ Oru East Federal Constituency yesterday denied any involvement in the ongoing $3 million allegation against the Chairman of the ad-hoc Committee on fuel subsidy

probe, Rep Farouk Lawan. Alagaboso who was alleged to have been the link between Lawan and most of the oil marketers that offered bribes to Lawan in the course of the investigation said the accusation was a fabrication of his political enemies who would stop at nothing to pull him down. The lawmaker in a release made available to newsmen said “I wish to state

that I am neither a member of the ad-hoc committee on oil subsidy investigation nor a frontman to its Chairman cum any member(s) as written or implied by the Lawyers League and that the said publication is malicious and te handiwork of political traducers and detractors aimed at tarnishing my hard earned reputation which was built over the years.”

CPC reinforces to oust PDP in Delta Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Delta State chapter, has concluded plans to reinforce itself and sharpen its strategy in order to wrestle power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. According to a communiqué issued after the meeting of CPC stakeholders meeting in Warri over the weekend, and signed by a CPC chieftain in the State, Prince Asobi Oyemike, the party stated that the party’s key stakeholders and leaders in the state have finalized plans to reposition the party towards this responsibility. It also disclosed that it would effectively mobilize its members and other progressives in the state

towards the upcoming local government elections adding that the party will ensure that proper democratic processes were followed in the electoral exercise. “In accordance with our great party’s constitution, we have made strategic and all encompassing decisions on the resuscitation of the CPC in Delta State. We are going to work in accordance to the recommendations of the Mallam Nasir El-Rufai led Renewal Committee to make Delta CPC a beacon in the South South region of the country,’ the statement said. It would be recalled that the CPC leader, Muhammadu Buhari, on December 13, 2011, inaugurated the Renewal Committee headed by former FCT Minister, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, with the mandate to

reposition the party towards structuring a new membership drive, as well as to make the party more formidable to wrest power from the ruling PDP in 2015. Since then, the committee had carried out its assignment and submitted its recommendations to the CPC National Executive Committee (NEC). Nevertheless, a CPC chieftain, who does not want his name in print, confided in our reporter that the success of the CPC Renewal Committee headed by el’Rufai, explained why Buhari rescinded his earlier decision during the last lap of his Presidential campaign at the International Conference Center, where he stated that he would not contest for President again, if he failed to make it.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

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Insecurity: NSA is distracted, CNPP, SNG By Augustine Aminu

he Save Nigeria Group (SNG) and the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) have urged the National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoeye Azazi (rtd) to focus on his area of core competence of perfecting the nation's security response and not allow himself to be distracted by administrative politics. Reacting to reports that Azazi has been dabbling into the running of parastatals and government agencies including trying to investigate cases of corruption in such establishments, both groups said in a joint statement that the present security challenges in the country are overwhelming enough without the NSA further distracting himself. In a statement issued by Comrade Rotimi Adeyemi for SNG and Secretary General of CNPP, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the

two organisations said the NSA should have been able to seek the co-operation of the EFCC and ICPC if he has genuinely established any case of corruption in any government office.

"The security situation in the country is worrisome as it is and we cannot afford to have the man responsible for coordinating security efforts to get bogged down in the daily running of parastatals. We say

this because the NSA has not made any effort to clarify what his mission was in the parastatals which ordinarily fall under the supervision of ministries. "His recent outburst against

PDP chieftain counsels Tukur not to betrayed the North From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

hieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP (PDP) in Bauchi state, Alhaji Bukar Rimin Zayam, has counselled the National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, not to betray the northern in 2015. Zayam who is also the Assistant Publicity Secretary of PDP in Bauchi state gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in Bauchi yesterday According to him, Tukur is a well respected leader from the north which has suffered neglect and set back and should be fair enough to help the region get back what it lost. Bukar said "even though nobody knows the president of Nigeria the way things are going but since the north was denied the opportunity to produce president as contained in PDP agreement by 2015, it's time to compensate the northern Nigeria and we the people of northern Nigeria must unite ourselves, close our ranks and all differences in order to come out very strong" The Assistant Publicity Secretary noted that PDP as the largest party in African Sub region needed people with proven integrity and vast experience of global politics of Bamanga caliber to run the affairs of the party He assured they will continue to render their services for the party to grow stronger and stronger The PDP chieftain commended the efforts of PDP government in Bauchi State to deliver dividends of democracy in the areas of education, health care, youth empowerment, human empowerment, and advised people of the state to continue to cooperate and support the administration for the development of the state.

Adamawa House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Hon. Laori Kwamoti (right), sharing jokes with some female commissioner nominees, at the Assembly Complex shortly before their screening on Wednesday. Photo: NAN

his own political party, the PDP and the fact that this same man has been whipping up ethnic and sectional interest is further impetus for us to question his mission in administrative matters. His alleged claim that the corruption in the said parastatal threatens national security is laughable particularly when it is now a norm that the so called investigation of corruption in Nigeria is now a smokescreen to extort other public officials," the statement said. It said it is unfortunate that the NSA could shirk his area of core competence at a time terrorists are having a field day in parts of the country and divert his attention and public resources into areas that other agencies have the statutory duty of policing. "It has been said by others before that the position of the National Security Adviser is not that of the anti-corruption chief. EFCC and ICPC have the statutory responsibility of investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption. We are not aware of any instance in which the NSA alerted these agencies to the perpetration of corruption and they refused to act," the statement added. The two organizations said they have begun "the process of mobilizing Nigerians and the civil society to build consensus how best to pressure Azazi to do his work as NSA or resign to let those who are willing to focus to do the job." They said the first priority was to make Azazi focus on his job in the interest of preventing further deaths from insecurity.

Sen. Jibrin advocates legislation for grazing reserves

he Sarkin Fulanin Nasarawa in Nasarawa state, Sen. Walid Jibrin, yesterday called on the National Assembly to pass a law to secure grazing reserves and punish trespassers. Jibrin made the appeal while speaking at a one-day conference on security, conflicts, peace building and settlement of pastoralists in Nigeria organised by Pastoral Resolve (PARE), an NGO, in Kaduna. He said that the legislation should be targeted at preventing clashes between pastoralists and farmers in the country.

Jibrin, who is also the Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees, also urged the Federal Government to demarcate the existing reserves and provide functional amenities and infrastructure along cattle route. He also called for the establishment of more grazing reserves across the country to check incessant conflicts between farmers and livestock rearers. According to him, experts have identified that Nigerian pastoralists need 22 million hectares or 10 per cent of the country's total land mass for grazing. He later told the News Agency

of Nigeria (NAN) that there were about 21 million pastoralists in the country or 14 per cent of Nigeria's population. ``This number is also responsible for producing about 90 per cent of nutritional needs of Nigerians from about 20 million cattle, 30 million goats and 50 million sheep, besides poultry. “Over 90 per cent of Nigeria's cattle come from pastoralists, generating approximately 200,000 tonnes of beef per year and 450,000 tonnes of milk per year. “A conservative estimate of the Nigerian beef industry alone is between N160 billion and N200

Kwara Assembly urges FG to re-award road contract

he Kwara House of Assembly has urged the Federal Government to re-award the contracts of Ajase-Ipo, Ijagbo-OffaErin-Ile roads in the State to ease vehicular movement. This was one of the resolutions of the State Assembly yesterday in Ilorin after the consideration of the Report of the House Committee on Works, on the slow pace of work on the rehabilitated road. The committee had noted that the road had caused untold

hardship to the people of the affected communities and commuters. The Assembly, however, directed its Committee on Works and Transport to collaborate with members representing the State at the National Assembly to ensure that all FERMA road projects in the state were completed according to specifications. Hon. Giwa Afolabi, who presented the committee report,

observed that there was a stop order on the project, awarded by the Federal Government at a cost of N248 million in March 2011. The Assembly also urged the state government to include Idofian-Igbowu-Maloko-Igbaja in the Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, in the road construction budget of 2013. The lawmakers, however, directed the Ifelodun LGA to ensure regular maintenance of the road, pending its completion.

billion or about 1.2 billion dollars, while the overall cattle industry is estimated to generate over N250 billion or about 1.6 billion dollars. On earnings, Jibrin noted that livestock was responsible for about seven per cent of the country's GDP and employed over 30 million people in its value chain from pastoralists through transporters to the fast-food industry workers. “The lack of organised market is partly responsible for the 20 per cent yearly increase in the cost of red meat. “But with adequate provision of grazing reserves, the quality and quantity of livestock products, including meat, hides and skin, etc, would increase and eventually force prices down. “Secondly, improved efficiency would attract the formal commercial sector, potentially taking the industry from about 14 billion dollars about 20 billion dollars annually,'' he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Water Resources, academics, livestock farmers, community leaders, some relevant NGOs and other stakeholders attended the event.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Amosunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LG politics breaks Assembly From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

he face-off between the Ogun state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and some members of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) over candidates imposition ahead of the local government election has split the ranks of the State Assembly. The crisis has now pitched eight members of the assembly, allegedly loyal to Chief Olusegun Osoba against the other group who are known to be in the camp of the incumbent governor. As part of way to express their displeasures against the governor, the eight lawmakers shunned the assembly one year anniversary party. Similarly they did not put on the uniformed Ankara fabric being used by the Assembly for the celebration, but they all retired into their various offices, while the Amosun loyalists remained in the Chamber. Those identified as Osoba lawmakers include; Hon Femi Allen-Taylor, Hon Samson Onademuren, Hon Adijat Olaleye-Adedapo, Hon Elizabeth Anifowose, Hon Ojodu Olawale, Oludaisi Olusegun,Hon Adeyinka Mafe and Hon Victor Fasanya. Peoples Daily learnt that the aggrieved lawmakers were equally not happy over the sole decision of the governor to have imposed candidates for both chairmanship and councillorship elections, which they claimed was

against the choice of majority. Therefore, they regarded the one year anniversary party as a slap on the cheated members of the Assembly even as they submitted that partying away would amount to non-challant attitude in spite of the political plight of the party faithful. One of them was quoted "They would see us as being selfish and not bothering about their welfare; so what kind of

celebration, we cannot be part to such, it is coming at a wrong time and we are not interested. The people voted us into office and we must be responsible to their course." However, at the plenary session before the party, the Assembly set up a 5-man committee to look into the last week demolition of a boysquarters being built by Hon (Mrs) Adijat Oladapo-Adeleye

within the premises of her official quarters in Abeokuta. Committee members include Honourables Babatunde Edunjobi (Chairman), Segun Elemide, Victor Fasanya, Joseph Adegbesan and Victor Fasanya. Ironically, as at the end of the plenary, the Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi could not give the committee terms of reference but promised to get back to them.

Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, addressing Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) supporters, during his re-election campaign, yesterday at Emu, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.

Groups honour Edo lawmaker with award of excellence

he National Union of Benin Students (NUBS), Auchi Polytechnic chapter and Edo Patriotic Youth Forum (EPYF) on Thursday in Benin honoured Mr Friday Ogieriakh, member representing Orihonmwon with an award of excellence. Presenting the award, the President of NUBS, Mr David Obasuyi, said the lawmaker has remained a reference point on good governance, diplomacy and a rallying point for all Orihonmwon youths. Obasuyi noted that the union was particularly proud of

Ogieriakhi landmark achievements and remarkable leadership qualities. He said the lawmaker had demonstrated a strong political will in accelerating the growth and development of Edo state and Orihomwon constituency in particular. ``We are here to identify with you as great achiever and being the most vibrant lawmaker in the assembly and to say thank you for your support and role in bringing Orihonmwon to limelight.'' Mr Stephen Osiagie, who led the EPYF to the award ceremony,

said the youth were particularly happy with the lawmaker in ensuring that youths were not left out of the ongoing developmental process in the state. Responding, Ogieriakhi , who is also the chairman House Committee on Oil and Gas and Security, thanked the groups for the honour and promised to put in greater effort in the Edo project. Ogieriakhi noted that Oshiomhole development stride brought progess to Orihonmwon; a constituency, which, he said, was marginalised by past administrations. He called on students to

remain good ambassador of Benin cultural heritage, adding that the Benins were known for truth, justice and fairness. ``You must all ensure that you remain shining examples to all and I appeal to you not to forget your primary purpose in school while piloting the affairs of the nation'' adding that`` there are people who want to take the state back to the dark era and we must all resist them''. According to him, do not allow any politician to use you as thugs, because if you are killed in the process you will not be there when we arrive at the promise land.

Bauchi plans to tackle illegal land allocation, abuse, says govâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

he Bauchi government yesterday said it would take far-reaching measures to address the illegal allocation of land and abuse of land use in the state. Alhaji Haliru Abdullahi, the Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Isa Yuguda on Land Matters, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi. He said government would no

longer tolerate a situation where land speculators sold off plots land without recourse to laid down rules and regulations. The governor's aide was speaking against the background of alleged illegal allocation of plots of land at Gida Dubu, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis. With the government wading into the matter, those who bought the plots have been asking for the refund or alternative

plots. On this account, the dealers, who claimed to have bought the plots from some traditional rulers in the area, decided to contact the state Ministry of Land and Survey for land allocations with which to compensate people whose monies they had collected. Abdullahi said the plot of land in question was for the construction of a mass housing unit which had already started

in earnest. "Already the government has built 250 houses and is planning to build another set. Without informing us, they (speculator) just started selling the plots of land to people, which is wrong.'' Meanwhile, the leader of the dealers, Malam Mustafa Abdullahi, told NAN that some traditional rulers in the area had issued out documents to back up the sale of the plots of land.

INEC expresses readiness to consolidate, improve nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electoral process

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its preparedness to consolidate and improve on the nation's electoral system until it becomes the best in Africa. Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Chief Timothy Ibitoye, said this on Thursday at the Voter Education held at the Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, for Secondary School Principals, to check voter apathy in the state. He said the workshop with the theme: ``Catch them Young for Democratic Governance" was part of INEC's efforts to ensure efficiency and productivity in election management through voter education. "It is a very important step to entrench in the minds of the youth in the state, an enduring democratic culture and civic responsibility rather than becoming ready-made instruments in the hands of politicians". Ibitoye said the voter education for the school pupils would go a long way to ensure that youths were not engaged as thugs and vanguards during electoral activities, particularly elections. "This programme is also to check voter apathy, imbibe the democratic values in the minds of children so as to avoid the violence which has characterised the political system. "It is to establish a good relationship with INEC and school authority as partners in Nigeria's democratisation process and eventually build a generation of future ad hoc staff to manage our electoral process. "Our democratic sojourns in the past 13 years have proved that there are absolute necessities to constantly undergo an in-depth voter education and public enlightenment on the electoral process." Ibitoye said that the commission was fully prepared to keep the teeming stakeholders alert and well informed in the performance of their electoral responsibilities. In a goodwill message, Alhaji Mohammed Atolagbe, the State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, lauded INEC for taking the appropriate step to strengthen the nation's electoral process. He assured INEC of the cooperation of the ministry in its bid to build a virile democratic culture and educate the youth on their responsibilities. Earlier, the host Principal, Hajia Munirat Ayinla, said that the programme was timely because it had been expected for long. She assured the Commission that the Voter Education Club, inaugurated in the school, would be monitored to achieve the desired goal and objective.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

PAGE 41

Bash Ali says professional boxing is dead in Nigeria

ash Ali, a former World Boxing Association (WBA) Champion, has decried the poor state of professional boxing in the country, stressing that it is non-existent. Ali told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos that the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the private sector had also

contributed to the demise of the sport. “Professional boxing is dead in the country because those responsible for its wellbeing have not done what they ought to have done to keep it alive. “The NSC is in charge of amateur boxing while the Nigeria Boxing Board

of Control (NBB of C) is in charge of professional boxing, but they hardly relate due to reasons beyond me. “It seems to me like the NSC does not even have a plan for the amateurs either; so, the system is not working, that is what it seems to me,” Ali said. He urged the government to come to the aid of Nigerian boxers,

stressing that most times they hardly get support from any quarters. “Boxers are left to struggle on their own, most times they wait until their dying days, before they release funds that are not sufficient for them (boxers) to train to get better,” he said. The former wrestler turned boxer, said that he had done all he could to ensure the growth of boxing in the country. He, however, said his efforts always got stalled by undue officialdom. “I have always informed the government of the need to also focus on boxing, apart from football, and you know the way our government operates, so the situation in boxing

seems hopeless,” he said. The former WBA Cruiserweight champion said that Nigeria should not expect anything from boxing at the Olympics Games as preparation for the London Olympics was not encouraging “The officials did not organise any training tours for the boxers, there were no local competitions. So I am not expecting any medals from them, and I advise Nigerians not to expect because they will be disappointed as the boxers are ill-prepared. “I have always said that every Nigerian boxer is a potential world champion, because we are natural fighters, and if given the opportunity, we will deliver good results,” he said.

NFSC wants CAF to immortalize Abiola,Yekini

John Utaka

Oshinawa Juwon

Stephen Keshi

Stories by Patrick Andrew

repeat of that and has consequently warned Stephen Keshi to stoke up the amber in the players and ensure they score plenty goals and so early in the match as to afford the luxury of entertaining spectators later on with delectable display of skills and flair. “I acknowledge what the NFF and Keshi are trying to do by raising a new team, but we must avoid the type of pressure that the team put all football lovers in the game against Namibia by going for early goals and I know we have the quality of players to do exactly that,” he said. About a fortnight ago, the Eagles had struggled against the Brave Warriors of Namibia in Calabar, managing to score less than 10 minutes to termination of the proceedings and Galadima believes that was a nerve breaking experience something similar to

the 2005 World Cup finals qualifying game against Angola. In Blantyre, Malawi last Saturday, the Eagles again struggled and barely managed to contain the Flames who piled up pressure on them. Gabriel Reuben handed the Eagles needed respite enough to earn the three points at stake but Vincent Enyeama fluffed a seemingly easy aerial and the Eagles got punished less thirty seconds to the end of the match. Galadima believes had the Eagles scored more than single goal, Enyeama’s blunder would not have had as much effect as it had, and therefore wants Keshi to seal the deal early on with a number of goals. Peoples Daily Sports recalls that the first leg last February ended goalless, a result Nigeria badly needs to change to ease pressure on their path to the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup fiesta.

No more heartaches, Galadima warns Eagles, demands early goals

brahim Galadima, former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation wants the Super Eagles not repeat the sad experience of failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals by not just scoring goals but doing so early into Saturday’s Nations Cup qualifier against the Amavubi Stars of Rwanda. Galadima was in charge when the Eagles under Christian Chukwu fired blank in several matches. But that was not the headache, what was the failure to score even the paltry goal without fans being subjected to anxious care and finally the issue of head-to-head versus Angola with the latter having the edge having beaten the Eagles 1-0 and forced a draw in Kano. Now, Galadima wouldn’t want a

Five judges to review Pacquiao-Bradley title bout

he World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has appointed five judges to review Timothy Bradley’s controversial split decision victory over Manny Pacquiao. Bradley had won a 2-1 split decision to clinch the Welterweight title, but sundry protests from the camp of the Filipino and boxing bluffs alike tended to have stained the integrity of the fight thus forcing the WBO to institute a review. WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel said in a statement that the WBO’s championship committee will review video of the fight with five “recognized

international judges” and make a recommendation. He said the WBO does not doubt the ability of the scoring judges. Most reporters seated ringside and the vast majority of fans inside the MGM Grand arena on Saturday night thought Pacquiao had easily defended his welterweight title against Bradley. But two of the judges had a different; Jerry Roth had it 115113 for Pacquiao, while judges Duane Ford and C.J. Ross had it for Bradley by the same score. Bob Arum, a chieftain of the organisation behind Pacquiao submitted a formal request to the Nevada Attorney General’s office

on Monday asking for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fight. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the senior senator from Nevada, also has asked for an investigation. Statistics compiled by Compubox, according to Associated Press showed Pacquiao landing 253 punches to 159 for Bradley, and having a 190-108 edge in power punches. Pacquiao landed at 38.5 percent to 27.7 percent for Bradley. The decision ended Pacquiao’s 15-fight winning streak, but also sets up a potential rematch later this year. There has been talk that it could happen in November.

he Chairman, Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Yisau Olatunde, has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to immortalise the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and Rashidi Yekini. Olatunde made the call yesterday in Ibadan during a novelty match to mark the 40-day Fidau prayer for the late Yekini and regretted that CAF has so easily forgot late Chief Abiola, the Pillar of Sports in Africa, whose immense contribution to sports in the continent has remained unequalled. Olatunde, who also urged ex-Super Eagles players to come together to honour Abiola and Yekini, noted that both had contributed immensely to the growth of football in Nigeria. The chairman said that great sports administrators like the late Abiola, the Pillar of Sports in Africa, should not be forgotten by CAF for his immense contributions to football and the organisation. He said that Abiola deserved a federal sports complex named after him in Nigeria to ensure his memories lingers in the consciousness of Nigerians both now and in future. The chairman added that the Federal Government should also accord similar honour to other late sportsmen such as Sam Okwaraji. He said Yekini and Okwaraji left a legacy of honouring national calls without gratification, adding that they were gentlemen to the core, and recalled that the late Yekini had on several occasions donated to the Supporters Club. According to him, the NFSC will institute scholarship fund for Yekini’s children and will also honour him with a posthumous award during the next GLO CAF awards. Mr Gboyega Okegbenro, General Manager, Gateway Football Club, at the event donated N2 million to the family of the late Yekini

on behalf of the Ogun government. “Rashidi represents a major loss to us and Nigeria as a whole,” Okegbenro said. The match played at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, ended 1-0 in favour of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan against Gateway FC of Abeokuta.

Late Rasheed Yekini

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

unde Disu, a former head coach of the Flying Eagles, has urged Super Eagles technical crew-led by Stephen Keshi to adopt the right tactics to beat the Rwanda national team, the Wasps. The Nigerians and their Rwandan counterparts will play an African Nations qualification match at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Saturday. Disu said in Lagos

Disu says Eagles must stay focused to win yesterday that the Super Eagles should exploit the weaknesses of the Wasps from their previous encounter to claim the three points at stake. ‘’The coach must put the best players at his disposal to prosecute the match because we cannot afford to lose. The coach must have a good team plan and

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since they have played them in the first leg, Keshi would have studied and understood the strengths and weaknesses of the Wasps,” he said. Disu stressed the need for the team to adopt a coherent approach to the match to guarantee the three points at stake. He said there was no hiding place for the Wasps and assured Nigerians that the Eagles would prevail over their East African opponents. “They don’t have any chance of winning, we shall overcome their challenge,’’ he said. Disu, who is the Technical Director of the Lagos Junior League, urged the team to remain focused throughout the match to ensure victory. "IF the Eagles remain focused, they would do well,’’ he said. Kaduna hosts Zonal U-17 Handball tourney The Kaduna Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Ademola Are, said on Wednesday that Kaduna

Vincent Enyeama, Eagles stand-in skipper would host the U-17 Zonal Handball Championships. Are said in Kaduna that the competition would hold

Onigbinde, Erico hail Abdullahi for terminating saintfiet’s appointment

wo former national coaches on yesterday lauded the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, for terminating the process of hiring a Belgian, Tom Saintfeit, as the Technical Director. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had said that its decision to hire a foreign technical director was to help identify and groom talents at the grassroots for the national teams. Adegboye Onigbinde and Joe Erico said that the decision of the Minister was a right step in the right direction. The coaches who berated the conception of the idea of hiring a foreign technical director said that the idea was a slap in the face for several competent Nigerian coaches. “The initiators of the idea are selfish because they are aware that several competent Nigerians coaches can do the job better,’ the coaches said. According to them, the aim of the football administrators was to cause confusion through the hiring of foreign technical director since they always benefit most in controversial situation. “What experience exactly does the foreign technical director have that Nigerian coaches do not have?”

Benue ready for National Sports Festival, says Commissioner

Onigbinde, a former Coach of the Super Eagles asked. The FIFA and CAF instructor who faulted the initial plan by the NFF to hire the adviser wondered what qualified Saintfeit for the position that Nigerian’ coaches do not have. “It is an insult at this time that our country still believes very strongly in outsiders to do things for the country than the citizens. With the calibre of coaches we have now in the country, I think nobody is needed to come and develop our football for us. “If it is competence and knowledge, I personally do not have any problem to do the job just as many other coaches. If there is a need to employ a foreign technical director, it should be somebody with vast knowledge about our dynamism, and cultural background,” he said. Erico, former Super Eagles Assistant Coach, in his own assessment noted that the NFF must have a hidden agenda for the move to hire a foreign technical director. Erico alleged that the NFF was being selfish for a purpose best known to them saying: “We have 101 million Nigerians who can do the job”. The coaches then enjoined Abdullahi to look inward for the appointment of a technical director for the national teams.

in the male and female categories, from June 14 to June 18. He said the event, jointly sponsored by the NSC and Mark Jacob, a member of the National Handball Federation (NHF), would hold at the indoor Hall, Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS), Kaduna. Are said the competition was part of the NSC's effort to pick young talents and train them to become future champions and national athletes. He said the Commission would provide the facilities and the technical officials, while the NHF official would provide the trophies and cash prizes for the outstanding players at the competition. According to him, eight teams comprising four male and four female ones have indicated interest in the competition, from the four states of the zone. The NSC official identified the four states as Kaduna, Katsina Kano States, including Jigawa.

r Aondowase Chia, the Benue Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, says the state is prepared for the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos in December. Chia said on Wednesday in Makurdi that the state had commenced camping of athletes, adding that the ministry was working hard to ensure that the state had a good outing at the sports fiesta. The commissioner said the state had exposed its athletes to various tournaments across the country in readiness for the festival. He said that following their high performance in competitions, some of them had been invited to national camp for the London 2012 Olympics and African championship slated for Cotonou. Chia said five of the athletes, Tsafa Ferdinand (Javelin), Shimenege Agber (800m), Priscilla Zever (Javelin), Barnabas Abu (150m), and Iwanger Akaha (10,000m) had been selected to represent the country in junior athletics in Spain in July. He said Zever won a gold medal at the West African Junior Athletics Championships in Cote d'Ivore in javelin, covering a distance of 41 metres. The commissioner assured indigenes of the state was hopeful to win more medals at the biennial sports festival.

10 for Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey August

Coaches Adegboyega Onigbinde, Joe Erico, James Peters

he 10 outstanding players at the just-concluded trials in Abuja will represent the country at the World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey, in August. Femi Solaja, the Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) confirmed that the players are five males and five females. Solaja said that the players were Inimo Kigigha, Osas Omoifo, Maduagbuna Emmanuel, Oluwasinumi Bamidekle and Dapo Abu, while the female were Vivian Dzaayem, Funmilola Akinola, Doris Adebayo, Nsisiong Bassey and Tobi Olatunji. He said that the players were selected at the trial held last week at the Velodrome of the National Stadium, Abuja. According to him, 60 men and 23 women took part in the five-day trials. He said that the Olympiad would hold between Aug. 27 and Sept. 10 with 140 countries participating.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

PAGE 43

EURO 2012

Croatia fight back to deny Italy

Portugal captain mock by Denmark fans

roatia went into the Group C encounter knowing a win over Italy would guarantee them a last-eight place, but they were decidedly second best in the opening 45 minutes at Poznan’s Municipal Stadium. Italy deservedly led at the half-time interval courtesy of Andrea Pirlo’s stunning free-kick, but was never the same attacking force in the second period, allowing Mandzukic to equalise in the 72nd minute. Luka Modric first fired a 20-yard shot a yard over the bar the encounter turned scrappy, dominated by niggly fouls and challenges until Balotelli came within inches with a fierce drive on the hour. Then finally, in the 72nd minute, Croatia made their presence felt in the right way as their two-goal hero from the 3-1 win over the Republic of Ireland struck again. Ivan Strinic’s ball from deep on the left wing was missed by Giorgio Chiellini, allowing Mandzukic to control and beat the advancing Buffon in off the right-hand post from six yards. Croatia finished the game the stronger as they went in search of the winner that would have sealed their last-eight place, but it was not to be, leaving both sides facing a dramatic final group game.

Mario Mandzukic

ussia’s football union has announced that it is to appeal against sanctions imposed by UEFA after improper behaviour by Russia fans at the match against Czech Republic on Friday. UEFA imposed a suspended six-point penalty in qualifying for the 2016 European Championship, to be imposed if Russia’s fans misbehave again, with the action taken after fireworks were set off and “illicit banners” displayed amongst supporters in Wroclaw. The

ristiano Ronaldo has taken a swipe at Lionel Messi after the Portugal international was mocked by Denmark supporters. Portugal claimed a 3-2 win over Denmark to revive their qualification hopes, but Ronaldo was in the spotlight after squandering a string of chances. The Real Madrid star’s form has been a concern for Portugal at Euro 2012 and during the win over Denmark, Danish fans chanted Messi’s name whenever Ronaldo was on the ball. Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure throughout and he picked up a late yellow card. Following the game, Ronaldo was asked about the Messi chants and he responded with a dig at his great rival. He said: “You know where he was at this time last year? Do you know? He was being eliminated in the Copa America, in his own country. I think that’s worse, no?” Portugal coach Paulo Bento was staunch in defence of his captain when asked if Ronaldo was wilting under the weight of expectation. Ronaldo would appear to be unfazed by his struggles in front of goal. He said: “If I don’t score a single goal and Portugal win the Euro I’ll take that right now.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Russia appeals against sanctions union was also fined •120,000. A statement on the Football Union of Russia (RFS) website said: “The Russian football federation is entitled to prepare and submit a written appeal against UEFA’s decision, and this will be done within the allotted time for this

procedure. The federation will do all it can to ensure the national team avoids such a severe punishment.” Russian and Polish fans clashed before the second Group A game in Warsaw on Tuesday night, prompting European football’s governing

body to open another disciplinary case. UEFA, which also began proceedings against co-hosts Poland over the violence, said the incidents would not impact on Russia’s suspended six-point deduction, announcing that the new cases would be dealt with this weekend.

We must be clinical, says England Coach

oy Hodgson accepts England must start being more “clinical” if they are to progress to the latter stages of Euro 2012. England produced a solid, if unspectacular, display to draw with France in their opening Group D clash on Monday, but goals will be of paramount importance as they look for a first victory in the competition against Sweden on Friday. Much of the reaction to England’s performance has been positive, although the overriding feeling appears to be that the Three Lions will need to show more going forward if they are to worry the leading contenders later in the tournament. Hodgson agrees with this assessment, the manager insisting his team must make the most of chances when they present themselves. “I was happy with the start, I thought we played quite well against the French,” he said. “I thought certain aspects of our game were good and we must maintain that and of course, if we are going to win matches, we have to work hard on the attacking side of our game and to try and make certain that when we do get these good counter attacking opportunities we maximise them and take advantage to the full.

Steven Gerard

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Bastian Schweinsteiger

Schweinsteiger positive over fitness

ermany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger hopes that he has now put his injury problems in the past. Schweinsteiger had been struggling with a calf problem in the build-up to the tournament, but he was deemed fit enough to play in the opener against Portugal and he looked to be back to his best during the 2-1 victoryover Netherlands on Wednesday. Germany have taken all six points from their first two games, with Mario Gomez netting three goals, and Schweinsteiger is delighted with the way his Bayern Munich team-mate has performed. “Mario has played a great season for Bayern Munich and, as we saw against Portugal and Holland, he is very important for the team with his goals,” he said. Schweinsteiger said: “I think we have not only a good bench but a very, very good bench. There are other players in the squad too - Miroslav Klose, for example, is also important for the team. I think other nations would be delighted to have two strikers like them.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

PAGE 45

The last time Germany won a major international title, at UEFA EURO 1996 in England, Matthias Sammer was the driving force behind the success. Sammer’s playing career started at Dynamo Dresden, where he won two league titles as well as the East German Cup, before moving on to Stuttgart, Inter Milan and finally Borussia Dortmund. His long list of winner’s medals also includes three Bundesliga titles, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup Sammer took time out to speak exclusively to FIFA.com about emotions, memories, motivational strategies, what it means to be a leader on the pitch and football’s tactical development.

ou were the first big East German football star after reunification. That must have been quite an emotional thing to deal with. At the beginning, when I played my first game for the unified German team I was subdued. A few months earlier I had scored two goals for East Germany against Belgium and all of a sudden I heard a different national anthem. But I was able to get over that quite quickly. I was just proud to be part of a German team. I didn’t care about the origin. Maybe in my heart I’d always been a West German (laughs). Who did you want to be? (Laughs) It was always someone different. But Franz Beckenbauer, what an unbelievable player he was! Or Gerd Müller. Of course they were my idols.

With young players nowadays I see an incredible will to win and impressive levels of professionalism from an early age.

With EURO 2012 just days away, do find yourself thinking about the 1996 tournament in England? I don’t to be honest. At the moment I’m more concerned with why we’re not winning decisive matches any more. There’s no doubt that we’ve had a very positive development with our youth teams, our clubs and the national side. But the fact is that in the last few important games we’ve played, we haven’t won. For example in the European U-17 Championship or in the Champions League final.

Winning mentality is as important as discord among players, says Sammer

In your playing days you were a true leader on the pitch. Is that what is missing from the German national Matthias Sammer team at the moment? You would never hear me say that I was a leader in 1996. But you need to say things the way they are and employ both carrot and stick measures. In my opinion that’s an essential part of what it takes to be successful. That will be one of our next tasks in training our players. I believe we have players who carry the right genes. We just need to activate them. But above all in Germany we need to realise that a certain amount of discord is an important component. I’m not talking about egoism but using certain stimuli with the aim of helping the team. I don’t know what I’d be like today. In the past, discord was desired and encouraged by the coaches. I think it’s connected to the fact that we don’t win any decisive games. The last few minor details are missing. On the one hand the tendency in football is to play within a system. But on the other hand individual performers are wanted. Isn’t that a contradiction? You need to differentiate between the sporting and mental aspects. On the sporting side of things we need to make sure that we encourage players who are a little bit different. We are doing that. You can see that in the examples of Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira at Real Madrid. They are completely different in terms of the way they play but both of them have an unshakeable winning mentality. The two things are compatible. The contradiction is that you can’t first have a system at the centre of things and then make players fit into it. Then you would leave no room for individuality. If you can combine a system with spirit, then it works. You have said that in developing German players it is important to not only push their sporting abilities but also to build character. How exactly can that be done? By first of all making sure that leadership structures are accepted. We have analysed every world and European championship winning team from the last 20 years. There were no flat hierarchies. That’s a fact. In the successful German teams there were always clear leadership structures that were defined by different figures. In an ideal world the side has a leader, a healthy mix of team players and of course superb individual players. How do you go about doing that? You need to give different tasks to the different characters in the team. And everyone has to know that the leaders need to use both incentivational and punitive measures. Even just by recognising these structures, an interesting process is set in motion. Is going into a major tournament on the back of losing a Champions League final a disadvantage for the German team? You can see that it’s still affecting Bastian Schweinsteiger a bit. He feels very responsible and I think that’s good. After all he did shoulder a lot of responsibility in the final. He’ll manage to switch his focus to the European Championship though. For a club team the Champions League is as good as it gets. But with all due respect, a European Championship is another step up!

Mesut Ozil

Can Germany become champions of Europe? (Without hesitation) Yes of course! We can do it. But we need to prove it. The conditions are there. We have a very good team, a very good coach and a very good support staff. The question is: can the team cope with difficulties? And there are always difficulties at a tournament. If they’re able to find solutions, then we have a very good chance. What are the differences between young players of the past and those of today? There are very different influences today. But with young players nowadays I see an incredible will to win and impressive levels of professionalism from an early age. On the other hand I miss the openness in dealing with each other. Today the guys often prefer to keep themselves busy with new technology and social networks than with the team. I miss people playing funny pranks on each other. I notice it because our teams are all so quiet. On the team bus they have no problem listening to loud music. But why aren’t they making a loud noise out on the pitch? The two go hand in hand. In certain situations in a match there’s not enough communication for my liking. That little bit of audacity, craziness and emotionality is missing. We haven’t managed to reactivate that completely yet. At the moment I don’t have a magic solution, but that’s the thing I notice. Is that just a problem in Germany or is it more widespread? Honestly, I have to say that when I go to youth tournaments, we’re (Germany) the quietest. Being loud doesn’t mean you automatically win, but there are situations in which joyful emotionality is helpful. We need to think about that. You are an incredibly passionate and thoughtful man who says things that aren’t always easy to hear. Doesn’t being a coach tempt you? Definitely not! I don’t say that for tactical reasons, it’s just that my current role satisfies me completely. Every tactical formation has had its era. You were an elegant sweeper before 4-4-2 came along, then 4-3-3 and all the other different variations. What do you think the system of the future will be? I think having four at the back will remain, although some teams are experimenting with a three man defence again. It’s actually very exciting to see how the formations in the middle and further up will develop. Of course it depends on the type of players a team has available. Modern tactical systems are designed to get wingers into one-on-one situations on the flanks. In the future will we see tactics revert back to having a conventional No10 as the main point of attack? That depends on whether you have a conventional No10 to play with. Mesut Ozil is one without doubt. But ultimately it boils down to the definition of a No10. If he plays just off the striker, does that mean he is not a classic No10 just because the second striker is missing? I think we’ll see a classic No10 again in the future, but only if they’re strong enough and fit enough to defend as well.

Sami Khedira

You mentioned Mesut Ozil. Could he win the FIFA Ballon D’Or? I think there are several players in the German team who would be worthy winners. Ozil is one of them but there are others too. To be honest, these awards tend to go hand in hand with a team’s victory in a major tournament. Not always, but often. That will be the decisive factor. I’d certainly be very happy for someone else to be the last German winner of a major individual award (laughs).

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

PAGE 47

Between 2,000 and 10,000 dollars

ad the Flames of Malawi beaten the Super Eagles last Saturday in Blantyre, they would have had the honour of receiving a fabulous amount of United States dollars. The entire nation had pledged to rain down on each of the 23 players a huge 50,000 Kwachas. And the Flames came smoking, burning with passion, glowing and determined to earn the honour of a nation eager to enlist in the comity of football super powers. How else would one enrolled in such prestigious club other than by beating a sagging giant in the shape of Nigeria? The Eagles were kept on the back foot so much so that the fans were seriously divided about the status of the team Nigeria presented. The dominant conviction among the fans, especially those with a half a logical knowledge of Nigerian players who plied their trades abroad and some of whom weekly received raving headlines, was that the leadership of the NFF had foisted a fast one on Malawi by parading a phony senior national team. That inflamed the fans, angered the players and motivated them to double

efforts to punish Nigeria on the pitch. So, the Flames spared no effort, took no chances and dominated possession with Aristocratic disdain, except that the duo of Azubuike Egwekwue and Godfrey Oboabana, the new generals in Eagles’ last quarter, stood Trojan-like and declined answers to questions sought by them. Pray! How much does 50,000 Kwachas translate to? No, the Kwacha is less in value to US dollars than Nigeria’s Naira and goes for 250 per US dollar. Conversely, the Eagles were ‘begged to manage $10,000’ because that’s the regular ‘entitlement’ for winning any match. This in addition to what an official refers to as “cyber café kick’ something for the players to browse the internet with and communicate with their peers within and beyond Nigeria. Ironically, the man promised $2,000 practically stepped out ready to kill himself just to earn what Nigeria’s Super Falcons consider grossly inadequate and are vigorously canvassing for fair balancing in the remunerations for national service. Even members of the Falconets are paid $2,000 nominal bonus for their troubles for representing

Nigeria. We saw in Blantyre angry officials and the press who were held bent on crucifying the leadership of the NFF for always setting bad precedence. The debates on this ‘irresponsible’ attitude by Nigeria were indeed on the front burner in Blantyre. People wonder why Nigeria should pay players fabulous amount just to represent the nation? They worry about the thinking capacity of Nigerian leaders, and were aghast that the leaders lack the mental capacity to appreciate the enormous platform wearing the national colours availed these players. One security personnel whom I tried to convince by insisting that Nigeria is enormously rich, and therefore have enough to reward her heroes with simply ask a question. How much does the average civil servant earn in Nigeria? I snapped up by saying N18,000. To which, he followed up, “that’s how much in dollars?” My reply was, about $112. How embarrassed I was when he smiled rather sheepishly and left me without a word only for another person whose presence I was unaware of to enthuse, “it’s obvious your leaders excelled in misplaced

WATCH DOG

priorities, no wonder, as portrayed in your home movies, your leaders are externally corrupt” That’s enough embarrassment owoidoho_ng35@yahoo.com for a day. How wrong I was. In front of the Sunbird Hotel between well deserved $2,000 felt having been so reduced where the Eagles were and wasted $10,000, rich by people we hitherto accommodated, I ran into thought are poor, and likely though Nigeria claims to be.” Musanga, who demanded to Musanga is a Sports to be awed by our display of know how Nigerians back home Journalist and knows his opulence. would react to the draw in But is the NFF listening? The onions. I wanted to defend my Blantyre. I warmed up to the complaint is everywhere. country, but he delivered an question and vomited what I Nigeria abuses players with so uppercut, “by the way what’s assumed would please him, the latest on your subsidy much money that national made excuses for Keshi and scam? Sure, you must delight service is just seen as harped on the ongoing in the steady power supply in another golden opportunity rebuilding exercise. Blantyre? Well, we receive to have one’s hands on the Then, he smiled in a manner supply from South Afrique. rich apple; the enormous cake that left me dumbfounded. “I What’s become of your power that circulates only within the see, he said, ‘I ‘m sure your probe, nothing lately, or is ranks of few greedy and NFF must now have seen that there another round of corrupt politicians and their money does not motivate, what watchers becoming the cohorts, both within and does is real patriotism. That’s watched?” He thrust in my outside the public service. A the edge we had over your face a copy of the ‘Nation’ country endowed with so players. The Flames are published in Blantyre with the much but which remains at patriotic. subsidy scam story. the far end of the poverty “You were lucky those fat I walked away bemused by rung. One, that a good cows of yours were not in the his humour or so I thought until number of its acclaimed team today. Honestly, the I shared my experience with leaders, like were plainly told Flames, with their physical Olawale Alabi of NAN at our in Blantyre, lack the capacity strength and zest, would easily lodging at Dorvic Hotel. He for transparency not to talk have taken them to the related his own experiences on of having priorities beneficial cleaners. Well, I am sure you same the matter. How little we to the larger society. can see the difference

By Patrick Andrew

Gumba pays tribute to Yekini at fidau

en. Ibrahim Gumba, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, has described the late Rasheed Yekini as one of the best footballers Nigeria ever had. Gumba spoke during the 40 days fidau prayer for the goal king held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan. “Yekini was one of the best footballers Nigeria ever had,’’ Gumba said. He said the late goal maestro was a hero the country and the football world would never forget, adding that his immense contribution to sports could not be measured. Gumba, whose inspection visit to the stadium coincided with the fidau, prayed for the repose of the soul of Yekini.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Sports, Mr Dapo LamAdeshina, urged the people to emulate the late Yekini’s humanitarian attitude. Lam-Adeshina enjoined the people not to make the death of Yekini a controversial one, saying he was not an Ibadan indigene but a Nigerian hero who contributed to the state and the nation at large. “We should not wait till the death of our heroes before they are celebrated,’’ LamAdeshina said. He called on journalists to be more objective in their reportage, adding that negative reporting was unhealthy for the emancipation of the society. Mr Jubril Mohammed,

counsel to the late Yekini, said the late football icon contributed a lot to humanity. Mariam, the first wife of the late footballer, described him as a loving and caring husband, adding that he would be missed a lot. Adeola, the second wife of the footballer, said nothing was wrong with her husband before his death. Abiola, the daughter of the deceased, Dimeji Lawal, an ex-international, Mr Steve Olarinoye, Mr Leye Adepoju, clerics and a host of other prominent sportsmen were present at the occasion. The occasion featured a novelty match between 3SC of Ibadan and Gateway FC of Abeokuta in honour of the late Yekini.

Lagos Sports Council’s swimming pool suffers neglect

Rasheed Yekini

Aguma Kickboxing Championships aims at identifying talents

mmanuel Peters, a board member of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria (KFN) has said that the body intended to groom talents from the ongoing Aguma National Open Championship to stardom. Peters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, that the competition was mainly geared to the discovery of talents from the grassroots in order to popularise the sport. NAN reports that the championship holds from June 12 to June 17 at the Akper Aku Stadium, Makurdi in Benue State. ``The federation intends to target athletes in the different weight categories that will be mentored to a competitive level, where they could represent the country in international competitions,’’

he said. The board member also told NAN that the programme was also organised to keep the athletes engaged in competitions through which they would be made conversant with the rudiments of the sport. He added that the ongoing championship was an initiative of his, to act as a stopgap through which viable investors could be enticed to partner with the federation in its subsequent programmes. He also said that the competition was open to all categories of competitors to enable them to showcase their innate talent in the sport. ``It’s open, and representatives from the 34 weight categories are expected to feature in the competition,’’he said. Peters stated that the annual event which is in its

third edition had produced athletes who have represented their states at the National Sports Festival and other continental tournaments. He noted that the programme would also include officiating course for coaches and referees, to acquaint technical officials with the current trends in the sport.

“As instructors of the athletes, they should have a full knowledge of the latest rules so that they will be able to train them accordingly,’’ he said. Peters appealed to private/ public sectors to help contribute to the development of the sport in the country by way of funds/ gift items, kits and scholarship for athletes.

he swimming pool at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Yaba, earmarked for the swimming event of the forthcoming National Sports Festival, is in a deplorable state and has yet to be renovated. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) check at the swimming pool on Wednesday indicated a long period of neglect in spite of the government's pledge to reactivate it. It was under lock when the NAN reporter visited, while the volume of water, recently evacuated from the swimming pool had increased, due to the rainfall. The water has turned green, while the surrounding was bushy, and the engine room, from where water was pumped into the facility showed signs of corrosion. NAN also reported that the poor state of the pool was responsible for the poaching of the state’s swimmers by other states. The facility, built by R. Boyd contractors, was commissioned on Sept. 30, 1965 by the late Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, who was the President of the then Lagos City Council. The pool continued to suffer neglect since the inauguration of the Olympic-sized swimming pool at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, in 2007. NAN recalls that the state government contracted the general renovation of the whole complex to TDA Consulting Ltd. in 2008, and the swimming pool was the only facility left untouched at the completion of the renovation in 2010. The administrative block, the indoor hall, basketball, tennis, volleyball, squash and handball courts were renovated including the wrestling and weightlifting gyms. Damola Lawal, the Lagos State Sports Council secretary, said the state government would do another round of general renovation in preparation for the sports festival. “It's just a matter of time, the government will do another round of general renovation at the complex and none of the facilities will not be left untouched,'' Lawal.

Kebbi athletes in camp for zonal competition

he athletes who will represent Kebbi in the North-West Zonal qualification competition in September have started open camping in Birnin Kebbi. The Director of Sports, Alhaji Ibrahim Kamba, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi that the state would host the zonal competition between

Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi. He appealed to the athletes to always be punctual, dedicated and disciplined. ``We also expect their coaches to be good supervisors and guides to the athletes during the open camp,’’ he said. Kamba said that proposals for the upgrading of facilities would be presented to state

executive council approval and urged the sports associations to put in their best in the training. Some athletes, who preferred anonymity, however, expressed doubts that modern facilities would be provided for the zonal competition to enable them to qualify for the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos in

December. The Chairman of the Basketball Association, Alhaji Lawalli Na-Allah, said they were working closely with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to ensure the upgrading of facilities. ``We will also pave the way for coaches to be trained on conventional techniques,’’ he said.

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

UERO 2012: Two-goal Torres eliminates Ireland

wo goals by Fernando Torres helped Spain secure an easy 4-0 win over Ireland in Group C and ensured the Irish became the first team to be eliminated in UERO 2012. The bashing of the Irish also meant that the defending remained on course for a repeat of the delectable race to retain the trophy they two years ago. David Silva and substitute Cesc Fabregas were also on the scoresheet after Torres, starting for the first time in the tournament, punished hesitant defending by Richard Dunne to open the scoring in the fourth minute. Spain controlled the match with their trademark precise passing and doubled their lead four minutes into the second half when Silva latched on to a poor punch by Irish keeper Shay Given to score past three defenders into the corner. Torres netted again when he broke clear to tuck home Spain's third goal 20 minutes from time before Fabregas lashed the ball home from a tight angle off the far post in the 83rd minute.

Woods off to strong start at US Open

iger Wood got his bid to win a fourth US Open title, four years after he won his last major, off to a strong start at San Francisco's Olympic Club yesterday. The 14-time major winner looked comfortable and confident throughout his early morning round as he carded a one-under par 69, which left him near the top of the leaderboard. But Phil Mickelson, his partner, struggled losing a ball in the gnarled Monterey Cypress trees with his opening drive and never really settling into his game but limped along to a six-over 76. Ulsterman McIlroy was bidding to become the first player to successfully defend the US Open title since Curis Strange in 1989, while Donald and Westwood were again seeking to win their first majors after years of failure.

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. . . putting the people first

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE Goodluck Jonathan is the President today but he is not going to stay more than eight years. Nigeria belongs to all of us and not for one person — Ahmed Gulak, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters

Anambra: The limits of propaganda By Hon. Chudi Offodile

here did Mallam Nasir el-Rufai go wrong in his presentation on Anambra’s budget of misplaced priorities? Is it the facts he presented that Anambra State with adult literacy at 74.0% is behind Imo (80.8%) and Abia State (78.2%) or that the two major contributors to IGR will be N6.76 billion from taxes and about N4 billion from fines and fees? If this IGR is measured against the state projected personnel costs of N16.3 billion, Anambra cannot pay its staff salaries without reliance on federal allocation; this means it is one of those ‘dependent’ states and is not economically viable for independent existence. Can anyone fault this simple analysis from information provided by the government itself? I need not restate all that elRufai laid out in that piece but I was surprised that he was accused by Governor Obi of insulting the Igbos and that only Anambra State indigenes can assess his administration not outsiders who have never visited the state like el-Rufai. Anyway, I am an Igbo from Anambra State and I state as follows: I do not feel insulted in anyway by the article in question and being from Anambra State, I wish to exercise the right which the governor graciously granted only the indigenes of Anambra state, which is the right to assess his administration. Peter Obi brought civility into governance in Anambra State at a time politics in the state had degenerated to dangerous and unacceptable levels. That I must concede. But he has also taken, as they say, liberty for licence, engaged in needless propaganda, pursuit of federal lucre and in the process, squandered a golden opportunity to positively transform a fruitful virgin state. Propaganda works and it has worked well for Peter Obi, but it has its limits. One of the areas where a lot of propaganda has gone into in Anambra state is road construction. A lot of quality roads were constructed by the Ngige administration. But the present government claimed to have ‘Asphalted’ over 500km of roads and claims that Anambra State has the best network of roads in the country. How much did it cost the state, assuming the

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NASIR EL-R UF AI EL-RUF UFAI ON FRID AY FRIDA elrufai@aol.com

Gov. Peter Obi number is accurate and of what quality? A government that prides itself as the most prudent in Nigeria should present the whole picture to its citizens. For instance, in May, 2011, the government of Cross River State under Senator Liyel Imoke, signed contract agreements publicly with eight contractors for the construction of 474 km of roads valued at N20.325 billion to cover 28 communities across the state under the Cross River Rural Access and Mobility Project. The projects are being jointly funded by the African Development Bank contributing N7.016 billion and Cross River State contributing N13.308 billion.

How much exactly did the 500km of roads built in Anambra State by Governor Obi cost? Informed citizens have put the figure at between N48 billion and N60 billion, more than double of what Cross River State is spending for corresponding kilometers of roads. As regards the quality of the roads, most indigenes would admit that you can determine which road was done under Ngige and the ones under Peter Obi by the standard. The roads built under Ngige are of a much higher quality. Most of the roads done by Peter Obi will have to be reawarded, a case of penny wise, pound foolish. Another major propaganda point is that the government of Peter Obi has not borrowed while other profligate states have been borrowing recklessly. How can a state with massive infrastructure deficits keep its funds in the bank while the governor’s major developmental efforts will be in commissioning of boreholes, immunization programmes and giving grants to schools seeking accreditation? How much of the state government money is actually in the bank and can the government come out categorically and deny the rumor that over N150 million is paid out by the ‘banks’ as commission

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Peter Obi brought civility into governance in Anambra State at a time politics in the state had degenerated to dangerous and unacceptable levels. That I must concede. But he has also taken, as they say, liberty for licence, engaged in needless propaganda, pursuit of federal lucre and in the process, squandered a golden opportunity to positively transform a fruitful virgin state

every month? Is there a correlation between these monthly commission payments from the banks and the fact that the average cycle of contracts and payment in the state is two to three years sometimes more in order to maintain a certain minimum bank balance? While rebuking el-Rufai for daring to point out the facts about the state, the governor claimed that he has attracted industries to the state and mentioned two: Innoson Motors and SAB Miller Breweries in Onitsha. Innocent Chukwuma is from Nnewi in Anambra state. His company, Innoson has always been in Nnewi, long before Obi became governor. It started as a motorcycle assembly plant before moving to buses, and other vehicles. So Peter Obi did not attract Innoson to Anambra State. He considers as a major achievement the fact that he built the road leading to the Innoson factory and brought the President to commission it. Congratulations! On Sab Miller, the governor will need to address the rumour making rounds in the state concerning the ownership of 22% of Sab Miller shares. Anambra State Government owns 10% while the remaining 12% is said to be owned by other businessmen from Anambra State. Who are those other businessmen? Since they are not ghosts, it is important that their names be made public to avoid ugly rumours. Talking about investment in the state, the governor is known to be a successful trader before he became governor. If the state is so attractive for business, what informed the decision of his own company NEXT International to invest over N12 billion building the two largest shopping malls in Abuja, one in Mabushi and the other in Central Area, opposite federal ministry of transport? The governor announced proudly that this year, he will pay N32 million as tax in Anambra State. Why invest and create employment outside the state and then pay tax in Anambra State? It is a very strange way of doing things. Anambra State needs the investment and jobs that the governor outsourced to Abuja and other places. I call on the Governor to publish his tax returns to know exactly where the N32 million income tax is coming from. Is it from dividends or other sources? Since he mentioned it, we need to know more. Contd. on Page 35

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