Peoples Daily Newspaper, Monday 15, July, 2013

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 11 No. 41

Monday, July 15, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Ramadan Timings Sacked Taraba for Abuja SSG, others sue MAGRIB

ALFIJR

Ag. Gov >> 5

Ramadan 6, 1434 AH

N150

Fuel crisis looms over unpaid subsidy >> 3

Al-Mustapha in tears, seeks compensation 6.57 p.m.

4.59 a.m.

lArmy declines comment on his status lWe’ll ‘rehabilitate’ him, says Kwankwaso From Edwin Olofu, Kano and Joy Baba, Abuja

M

ajor Hamza Al-Mustapha, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late Head of State,

General Sani Abacha, yesterday openly wept while recounting his almost 15 years’ incarceration, during which he lost his parents.

Al-Mustapha, who was discharged and acquitted by

Ceasefire deal: Shekau grandstanding — Committee

an Appeal Court in Lagos, of murder charges preferred against by the Lagos state government, was narrating his ordeal while briefing Kano state governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at the

Government House in Kano, shortly after his arrival in the commercial City, after he was freed on Friday.

This is coming as the Kano state governor assured that the government and Al-Mustapha’s

friends and associates would join hands in “rehabilitating” him by helping him to settle down in any part of the country he may so wish.

Also, fielding questions from Contd. on Page 2

By our special correspondent

T

he Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts in Northern Nigeria has dismissed the weekend statement of the spiritual leader of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal Jihad - popularly known as Boko Haram- Abubakar Shekau, in which he denied a ceasefire deal with the federal government as mere grandstanding.

The sect leader had in a new video released on Saturday denied entering into any ceasefire deal with the federal government.

Shekau’s denial contradicted the claim, early last week, by the dialogue committee, which is led by Minister of Special Duties, Barrister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, that it had stroke a ceasefire deal with the Islamic sect.

Contd. on Page 2

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (1st right), acknowledging cheers from the mammoth crowd of smypathisers, supporters and relations that thronged the Kano airport to welcome him, during his arrival, yesterday at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, in Kano. In front of him is the founder, O’odua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Faseun who escorted him home from Lagos.

4-day old baby rescued from pit toilet >> 3

PAGE 2

News

CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 12 Op.Ed 13 Letters 14 Opinion 15 Metro 16-18 Business 19-22 Stockwatch 23 S/Report 24-25 Law 26 Education 27 Health 29-30

Pillars’ chairman demands NFF caution for LMC boss, Irabor, Page 41

Int’l 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest 36 Politics 37-38 Newsxtra 39 Sports 41-44 Leisure 47 Columnist 48

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Saudi Arabia warns pilgrims over coronavirus

H

ealth officials in Saudi Arabia have asked pilgrims visiting its holy sites to wear masks in crowded places to stop the spread of the MERS coronavirus.

A list of requirements issued by the health ministry also tells elderly people or those with chronic diseases to postpone their pilgrimage.

Thirty-eight people have died

from the virus in Saudi Arabia.

Millions of Muslims from around the world are expected to take part in the Hajj this October.

Once a year, pilgrims make the journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and pray together before the Ka’aba.

Muslims also travel to the site at other times, as well as visiting the Masjid Al-Nabawi, or Mosque of the Prophet, in Medina.

Health officials urged people taking part to maintain personal hygiene standards, use a tissue when sneezing and coughing, and have the necessary vaccinations.

The MERS (Middle East respiratory-syndrome) coronavirus emerged in the Arabian peninsula in September 2012 and is part of a large family of viruses, which includes the common cold and

Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome).

The World Health Organization has so far confirmed of a total of 80 cases of infection, including 44 deaths worldwide.

Saudi Arabia introduced requirements for polio immunisation certificates in 2003 after fears of a resurgence of the virus.

Al-Mustapha in tears, seeks compensation

Contd. from Front Page newsmen at the end of his visit on the governor, Al-Mustapha hinted of a possibility that he would seek payment of all his entitlements as an Army officer, and possibly compensation from his persecutors in the past nearly 15 years.

He cited the decree that set up the Nigerian Military which stipulates that whoever suffers persecution must be compensated.

Since he has been acquitted by the court, he inferred that he must be adequately compensated in line with the Code of Conduct and conditions of Service in the Armed Forces.

The former security chief, who said he was on a “thank you” visit to the Kano state governor, was accompanied by members of his family, close associates, as well as founder of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr. Fredrick Faseun, who flew into Kano yesterday, along with Al-Mustapha.

Al-Mustapha told Kwankwaso in an emotion laden voice that “I have an empty house to go to.”

He also told his host that he was a victim of trumped-up charges concocted by his detractors to undo him.

He said:“I must say that even though I lost my father and my mother whom I was forced to see only two times in 15 years and I am their first child, I was equally their confidant and best friend in my family; and yet, even when the Court forced the authorities to allow them set their eyes on me, the approvals of the Court were flagrantly refused. And I was kept and punished the more just a ploy to ensure that I don’t set eyes on my parents.

“I saw my father in 2001, and later I saw him in 2007 (May); my mother, I was allowed to see her in 2001 August, and then I was allowed also to see her after a long battle, despite all instructions from

the Federal High Court, Lagos, I saw her in 2006 and she died last year, in the month Ramadan.

“Things we went through are things that I cannot sum up anywhere, but all I can say is that yesterday is gone. Those who have perpetrated what they did against us have done it in their own deductions, analysis, feelings; but to us yesterday is gone. We have drawn a line and we have forgiven them. We are forging ahead to set examples,” he stated.

“I am yet to reconcile with my freedom for I am yet to believe that this was the same Al-Mustapha that was brought into this House in tattered shirt, and in chains October 24th, 1998. I was kept between Kano and Yobe between 24th and 26th all in attempt to incriminate me over an alleged coup to overthrow the civilian government. I am yet to understand what is happening to me, is it still a dream? I’m finding it difficult to adjust to the reality”, he said.

He, however, told the governor that, “now, Your Excellency, I have found a father—highly dogmatic, a senior citizen of this country, a detribalized elder, an intellectual, a person that is a father indeed with a wide shoulder and a big heart, a man that is very reliable, responsible, dependable; that is Dr. Fredrick Fasheun.

“He stood by me, having taken time to come to the Court to realize that what was going on in the Court of Law and on the other hand, what was being scripted and sponsored on the pages of newspapers, magazines, television and the radio were different; he now decided to stay on the part of justice and insist that justice must be served. In rainy season, dry season, cold season, he was always in Court.

“I know of the humiliation he faced. Your Excellency, I must say that I have a father in the South-

Western part of this country; that is my own and that is a personality I look on to for vision and guidance and I respect him as a father that can look through issues in this country beyond tribal sentiments, beyond religious issues; he is an asset to the country. And that is why I have anchored upon him as a father with whom we can look into the future together with”, he said.

While receiving the freed military officer at the state Government House besieged by thousands of well-wishers, friends and sympathizers, Kwankwaso urged them to join the government in welcoming back to Kano, Major Al-Mustapha, adding that they should also give thanks to Allah for making his release possible, after all these years.

“What happened to him is a big lesson not only to the family but to every one of us; but I give thanks to the Judiciary for this bold verdict.

The few times I visited him in prison, I saw the commitment and his faith in Allah, and it was obvious that he would one day regain his freedom and today, that has been actualized; and the government, friends and associates of this great son will pull resources together to ensure his ‘rehabilitation’ anywhere he chooses to live,” Kwankwaso assured.

Al-Mustapha had earlier in the day arrived Kano to a rousing welcome as hundreds of thousands lined the streets of the City to catch a glimpse of him.

Commercial activities were brought to a stand still till late evening as people defied Ramadan stress to join others on the streets to be part of history.

Armed soldiers took over his personal security on arrival, while a combined team of police, and local militias complemented in controlling huge but orderly crowd of supporters and well-wishers.

Al-Mustapha was forced by

the huge crowd to embargo the proposed visit to the grave of his late parents, where he was earlier billed to offer special prayers.

In an interview with reporters at Government House, Al-Mustapha defended his visit to Pastor T.B. Joshua, describing him as “an old friend who cannot be forgotten so easily”.

According to him: “Immediately I regained my freedom, I headed straight to the palace of Oba of Lagos, then I visited T. B. Joshua and other important dignitaries that identified with us during our travails”.

Asked to confirm when he is going to resume office against the backdrop that he is still a serving officer of the Nigerian Army, the former chief security officer said: “The decree that set up the military is very explicit on the issue, and the court verdict left no vacuum on same. The code of conduct of the Armed Forces is there; for whoever suffered persecution has to be compensated in the laws of the Armed Forces; it is specific,” he stressed.

Efforts to clarify the present status of the Abacha’s CSO from the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Attahiru Ibrahim, was rebuffed.

After several unanswered calls to his cell phone, our reporter sent an SMS which reads thus: “Good evening sir. Hope you are fine? Pls I’d like to make some clarifications on certain issues concerning AlMustapha’s current status within the Army and oda info.”

But up to the press time late last night, the Army spokesman had yet to either reply the text nor respond to the several calls to his cell phone.

The Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade had earlier when contacted advised us to redirect our questions to the Army spokesman.

Ceasefire deal: Shekau grandstanding — C’ttee Contd. from Front Page However, a reliable source close to the dialogue committee who spoke exclusively to Peoples Daily yesterday, affirmed that the committee had an agreement with the violent sect, saying “it is only a matter of time before the committee will be vindicated”.

The source emphasised that the committee prefers not to join issues with Shekau “because, the presidential committee doesn’t think it’s healthy for it as it may keep going back and forth on this same

issue”, adding that, “it also doesn’t want to lose focus from the relative success it has so far recorded in this very challenging assignment”.

According to the source, if Shekau was not grandstanding, “why didn’t he deny (Imam Muhammad) Marwana, the person whom the committee has been talking to? Or, why didn’t he deny that Marwana is his second-incommand?

“You know the presidential committee never said it spoke to Shekau himself. It said it has been

speaking to Marwana, his secondin-command, who himself has publicly confirmed the ceasefire deal with the government.

“And remember too, Marwana publicly admitted that they (Boko Haram) didn’t carry out that attack at (Government Secondary School) Mamudo, which Shekau himself has confirmed in the latest video he issued.

“More so, if the committee has been talking to the wrong persons, Shekau would have publicly disowned Marwana or

deny that this fellow the presidential committee is in talk with is his second-in-command, the way he publicly dissociated the sect from one Sheikh Abdulazeez that purported to be speaking for it some months back”, the source stressed.

He emphasised that the Presidential Committee was talking to genuine members of the Boko Haram sect, and that it was only a matter of time before it will be vindicated, “when Shekau himself would have eventually owned up to the discussions”.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 3

JTF dislodges ‘last’ Boko Haram stronghold, kills insurgents From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

T

h e Joint Military Task Force in Borno state (JTF) yesterday said its operatives have dislodged the last strong hold of members of the Boko Haram sect, killing several insurgents and discovered hundreds of shallow graves of innocent civilians allegedly killed and buried by the terrorists.

Spokesman for the JTF, LtCol. Sagir Musa, led newsmen to some Wards comprising of Bulabulin Ngarnam, Aljajeri and Falujja in Maiduguri metropolis, where special forces engaged the terrorists in a gun duel, killing many insurgents.

According to Musa, the operation which was carried out based on intelligence report has dislodged Boko Haram terrorists from their main enclaves and the only strong hold which hitertho remained under their siege.

“During the encounter some terrorists were killed in the fire fight including the main Ameer of Bulabulin Ngarman Ward, who was on the wanted list of the JTF with N10million placed as reward on anyone who offer useful information that could lead to his arrest.

“He was responsible for the killing of a teacher and three students of Sanda Kyarami secondary school in Ruwan Zafi Ward of Maiduguri metropolis”, the statement further alledged.

The spokesman also said the troops have succeeded in rescueing many women, girls and children, who were allegedly abducted by the insurgents and held in their enclaves, saying the victims were handed over to their respective relations.

He explained that during extensive search of the areas, many arms and ammunition of various calibres, buried inside houses and cemetried were recovered.

He also led reporters to an

open field used littered with the decomposing corpses of those killed by the terrorists.

Similarly some corpses of victims of the Boko Haram killings were buried in hundreds of shallow graves, with several others stocked inside soak-aways and water tunnels.

The spokesman also took pressmen mass graves of terrorists killed by security forces and taken away by their colleagues and buried there.

“Our troops also discovered vast network mouse- holes linking compounds and underground tunnels as well as bunkers underground bunkers, which were tactically built to look as soak-aways.

We are still searching the area for more weapons, ammunition and mass graves”.

“The JTF uses this opportunity to appeal to members of the public for support and more information on the terrorists’ activities”, he further appealed.

Four days old baby rescued from pit toilet in Oyo From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

A

baby believed to be four days old was found crying in a pitch toilet at Salvation Primary School, Kube, Atenda area behind New Castle Hotel opposite Apapa Street in Ibadan the Oyo State capital at about 9. 15 a. m on Saturday 13th July 2013.

The identity of the mother was not known.

The baby according to a boy who wanted to defecate in the toilet was crying as at the time he wanted to obey the call of the nature.

It was the boy who raised the alarm that made the members of the community landlord association to rescue the baby girl.

The case was later reported to the Yemetu Police Station for investigation.

The discovery of the baby, according to the Chairman Landlord association, Kube Atenda, Chief Odeyale was when a boy came to report to them shortly after their landlord association meeting of Saturday at about 9 am.

“It was one of the community leaders Alhaja Sariyu Olaniyan that called me that a boy came to him that there is a baby crying in the toilet”.

According to his, it was God that helped because the girl was still crying when she was brought from the pitch with the assistance of the youths in the areas.

“We had to break the soak away before we were able to bring her up” “The baby is still much alive, we have taken her to UCH, and the doctors tested her to be alright.

Chief Odeyale said, “we later took

her to University College Hospital (UCH) emergency unit; it was there they referred us to the child Care Unit at Otunba Tunase, we spent more than an hour there. But we thank God that the baby is still much alive.

The baby has since been in the custody of the Child Care Unit of Juvenile/ Correctional Institution, Poly- Eleyele road in Ibadan for proper care.

The Director of the Social Welfare in the state Mr. Kolajo a social worker who witnessed the delivery of the baby to the institution said all efforts are being taken to get rid of cases of babies’ abandonment in the state. He advised parents to always take care of their children to avoid abortion, abandonment of babies and other social vices in the state.

Fuel crisis looms over unpaid subsidy claims

By Abdulwahab Isa

A

fresh fuel crisis may soon hit Nigeria as the country’s fuel marketers, under the aegis Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) have threatened to stop importation of petroleum products unless they were paid an accumulated subsidy claim amounting to N50 billion.

MAMON, which issued the threat yesterday in Lagos, said its members have already started considering reducing their workforce due to paucity of funds as a result of nonpayment of the subsidy arrears by the government.

Though the Ministry of Finance claimed to have released fresh N56.80 billion as subsidy claims to oil marketers, which it said, brought the total amount released so far for the 2013 fiscal period to N192.50 billion, our reporter gathered that

the marketers had only received N9.4 billion as subsidy on imported products for the first quarter of the year.

Our reporter also learnt that some marketers were yet to receive payment for subsidy from 2011 to 2013.

For instance, an industry source disclosed that government is yet to complete subsidy payment to Mobil from 2011 to 2013. “The company has only received N2 billion with outstanding N8.5 billion”, said our source.

Also, NIPCO has only received N7 billion out of the N17 billion; Forte oil received N2 billion for this year with outstanding N5.6 billion; Oando, which is being owned N26.7 billion, has not received anything at all.

Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Thomas Olawore, who confirmed the development to journalists at the weekend, said that the marketers

were planning to halt importation of fuel.

“We are actually planning to reduce our staff strength due to our inability to continue to finance fuel importation and I don’t think this is good at all for the country.

“Our capacity to import has greatly reduced, meaning that it could get to a point where we can no more be able to do so.

“Some banks have started to complain about non-payment. But many of them are busy calculating their interests, which the marketers are expected to pay. Apart from the interest, the foreign exchange rate is also affecting our reserve.

Sometimes, we buy products at a certain amount and by the time we are to make payment, the exchange rate would have escalated. We cannot pass this extra cost to the consumers because the sector is deregulated”, he said.

News Ramadan Timing Day 6 TOWNS MAGRIB ALFIJR Aba 6.52 5.03 Abakaliki 6.50 5.05 Abeokuta 7.09 5.22 Abuja 6.56 5.03 Akure 7.01 5.14 Argungu 7.10 5.02 Ankpa 6.49 5.04 Auchi 6.57 5.10 Azare 6.48 4.45 Bama 6.33 4.32 Bauchi 6.47 4.51 Benin 6.58 5.15 Bichi 6.56 4.52 Bida 7.01 5.08 Birnin Gwari 6.59 5.03 Birnin Kebbi 7.13 5.08 Biu 6.36 4.33 Calabar 6.46 5.06 Damaturu 6.41 4.38 Daura 6.57 4.49 Dutse 6.52 4.50 Enugu 6.51 5.06 Funtua 7. 00 4.58 Gombe 6.41 4.45 Gwoza 6.34 4.34 Gumi 7.08 5.05 Gusau 7.01 4.58 Gwadabawa 7.10 5.02 Hadejia ` 6.50 4.44 Ibadan 7.06 5.19 Ife 7.05 5.16 Ilorin 7.06 5.17 Jalingo 6.39 4.46 Jere 6.55 4.59 Jos 5.50 4.54 Kabba 6.59 5.10 Kafanchan 6.53 4.58 Keffi/Nasarawa 6.56 4.53 Kaduna 6.57 4.59 Kano 6.55 4.52 Katsina 7.01 4.53 Kontagora 7.04 5.08 Lafia 6.49 4.58 Lagos 7.07 5.22 Lokoja 6.56 5.22 Maiduguri 6.34 4.33 Makurdi 6.49 5.00 Malumfashi 7.01 4.52 Minna 7.00 5.05 Port Harcourt 6.51 5.11 Ringim 6.52 4.50 Shagamu 7.07 5.20 Sokoto 7.10 5.02 Warri 6.57 5.15 Yola 6.35 4.42 Zaria 6.56 4.57 Cotonnou-Benin 7.10 5.27 Ndjamena-Chad 7.25 4.26 Niamey-Niger 7.23 5.15 Younde-Cameroun 6.31 4.55 Source: Society for Propagation of Islam Kaduna

Photo News

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

INEC seeks powers to disqualify candidates

I

Supporters of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, surrounded his motorcade after his arrival yesterday at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, in Kano.

Section of the mammoth crowd that welcomed Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, yesterday into the ancient city of Kano.

Kano state Governor, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (2nd right), Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (2nd left), his wife, Hajiya Hafsat Al-Mustapha (left), and Alhaji Mohammed Abacha (right), during AlMustapha’s visit to the governor, yesterday at the Government House, in Kano.

n its determination to improve on its performance in subsequent polls, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has written the National Assembly seeking amendments to the 1999 Constitution (amended) and the Electoral Act, 2010 (amended).

In the letter dated June 13 and addressed to the Senate President, David Mark, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, the Chairman of INEC, Attahiru Jega, reminded the Legislature of its request for the amendments last November, which are yet to be effected.

It also introduced a few other requests to strengthen the earlier ones.

According to the letter, “please, recall that in November 2012, the Independent National Electoral Commission submitted a compilation of sections of the Constitution and Electoral Act in respect of which amendments were proposed to the National Assembly. As you are aware, the proposals are based on observed shortcomings in the management of the electoral process.

“I urge you to kindly consider and give speedy effect to the proposals for Amendments to the Electoral Act which will strengthen the electoral legal framework as the Commission begins its preparations towards the 2015 Elections. A copy of the proposed amendment is attached hereto.”

The Sections of the Electoral Act INEC is seeking amendment to include Section 8, 13, 18, 25, 28, 30 and 33.

The amendments In Section 8 of the Act which deals with the tenure of the Secretary of the Commission, the electoral body is pushing for a four-year renewable period for the position as against the current five years single tenure.

“This should be amended to include a statutory tenure for the Secretary – the Secretary shall serve for four years which may be renewable for another four years. Thus, a new paragraph (c) should be inserted under subsection (1) of Section 8,” it said.

The Commission also suggested that Section 13 Subsection 2 (Transfer of Voters) be amended to make an applicant seeking for the transfer of registration as a voter accompany the application, made to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, with his/ her voter’s card not later than 60 days before the date of the election.

Proposing an amendment with regards to days of election, INEC said, “In consonance with the amendments suggested to Sections 76, 116, 132 and 179 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, there is the need for a consequential amendment to Section 25 of the Electoral Act as amended by deleting some words and phrases in the section. ” It is also seeking amendment to Section 28 (1) which deals with the oath of neutrality and loyalty of its staff partaking in any election with an undertaking to defend their actions when called upon in any election tribunal.

In the proposed amendment, INEC suggested that such oaths should also apply to registration and all electoral activities (including referendum). It also said that the oath may be taken before any court of law or Commissioner for Oaths and not just High Court as currently obtains.

The Commission is seeking to limit conduct of bye-elections to two periods yearly.

It therefore suggested to the federal

legislature that Section 30 (3) should be deleted consequent upon the proposal that the provision of Sections 75 (2) and 116 (2) of the Constitution be amended to allow for the two periods for conduct of elections to fill vacancies (bye elections).

It also proposed that Section 31 (1) (List of Candidates), should be made subject to Section 87 of the Electoral Act while the proviso to sub-section (1) of Section (1) of Section 31 should be deleted.

“The reason for this proposal is that the Commission cannot disqualify a person who has qualified as a candidate under Section 87. The proviso to Section 31 takes away the import of Section 87 and it is therefore undemocratic,” INEC explained.

Guided by the provisions of Section 87 of the Electoral Act, which requires candidates of political parties to emerge from democratically conducted primary elections, INEC recommended that political parties should submit the name of a candidate who won a primary election along with the name of the candidate who scored the second highest number of votes at the primaries as the substitute candidate.

It therefore canvassed the amendment of Section 33 of the Act by numbering the existing Section 33 as subsection (1) and introducing a new subsection (2) to take care of the proposal.

In Section 45 which deals with Polling Agents, the Commission proposed that parties should given sufficient time to sort out who their agents would be and that the time should be extended from seven days to 14 days.

It, however, suggested that such notice shall be accompanied with two passport photographs of each polling agents and sample signatures of the polling agents, all of which will be useful for production of identification cards.

Improvement of voting procedure Furthermore, INEC says Sections 48, 49, 50, 52, 54, 55 and 60 of the Electoral Act, which provide details on the procedure to vote in an election are restrictive and do not allow for improvement on procedure for voting.

Consequently, the Commission suggested that it should be allowed through Regulations/Guidelines to determine the mode of voting at an election.

Accordingly, it said that the sections should be replaced with the following “Voting at an election under this Act shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by Independent National Electoral Commission.”

INEC noted that to further promote internal democracy, the emergence of candidates for elections should be on a democratic basis.

It therefore said that a variant of the provision in Section 87 (9) of the Act (before amendment) should be re-introduced thus: “Where a political party fails to comply with the provision of the Constitution or this Act in the conduct of the Primaries or nomination of any candidate for elections under this Act, its candidate for the affected constituency shall not be included in the list of nominated candidates for the election.”

In the spirit of Section 285 of the Constitution, which makes provision for timeline for the determination of election matters, INEC said there was the need for timeline determination of pre-election matters to reduce distractions and allow the elected officials to settle down early enough in their respective offices.

News

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 5

Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima (left), presenting gifts to cleaners with the State Environmental Protection Authority after he hosted 50 of them for breaking of Ramadhan fast, at the weekend in Government House, in Maiduguri.

Sacked Taraba officials sue Ag. Gov, Speaker From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he sacked Secretary to the Taraba State Government, Mr. Emmanuel Njiwah, five commissioners and two special advisers have prayed a High Court sitting in Jalingo to set aside their purported sack by the state Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, following their indictment by the House of Assembly which adopted the report of its committee that investigated the utilisation of flood funds provided by the federal government.

The sacked officials of the state government are seeking a declaration that the purported sack was null and void, as well as an order setting aside the adhoc committee report of state house of assembly.

Other plaintiff alongside the SSG are Anthony Jellason (Agriculture), Rebo Usman (Water Resources and Rural Development), Yakubu Agbaizo (Education), Charity Green (Women Affairs) and Jonah Agyo (Works) , and Special Advisers : Joshua Augustine (Revenue

Matters) and Mannaseh D. Kaura(Boarder Development).

Praying the court for “an order setting aside the ad-hoc committee report of the state assembly, the plaintiffs also sought the court for another order restraining the acting governor from appointing or forwarding any names to the state house of assembly for confirmation as public officers replacing them in the Taraba State public service.

Not satisfied, they further prayed the court to issue an order, compelling the Acting governor to tender a written apology to them “for defamatory and/or libelous publication vide the press release” announcing their sack.

Joined in the suit filed by the plaintiffs’ counsel, Mr. F. O. Obanye, are Speaker, Chairman of the ad-hoc committee that investigated the plaintiffs, Tanko Adamu Maikarfi as well as members of the committee namely Edward Baraya, Yahaya Abdulrahman, Ibrahim Adamu Imam and Yohana Iratsi Adaki.

The plaintiffs also asked the court to cross check properly

whether the failure of the adhoc committee to invite them to appear before it and respond to the allegations leveled against them did not breach their fundamental rights to fair hearing as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution.

Praying the court to declare that both the adhoc committee report headed by Maikarfi and the resolution passed the whole house of assembly presided over by the Speaker contained in the votes and proceedings of Monday July 8, 2013 was not in law an indictment, the plaintiffs also sought a declaration that the said report “is null and void for violation of the right to fair hearing” of the plaintiffs.

They asked the court to also declare that the press release announcing their sack over indictment for misappropriation of public funds which was widely published “is libelous and defamatory of the plaintiffs’ character and reputation.”

The sacked officials wondered “ why the Acting Governor could not wait for the Executive Council Committee set up to review the

Kaduna set to pull down dilapidated buildings

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

K

aduna state government has set up a committee to identify and pull down all dilapidated buildings in the state.

The General Manager of Kaduna Public Work Agency (KAPWA), Tanimu Badmasi Abubakar,disclosed this while speaking to newsmen at the weekend.

Abubakar said it was pathetic and painful that landlords and caretakers throw safety to the winds and erect anything as buildings.

“Some of these buildings are already old and dilapidated and need to be replaced but all efforts to let the owners or caretakers of such building see reasons has not yielded positive results and with the recent tragedy in Kaduna, the State Government will not fold it arms for similar incidence again in the state.” He said The Committee, according to him is made up of members of the Councils of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), Nigeria Institute of Building, Nigeria Institute of Architect and KAPWA.

In a related development, the Nigeria Institute of Buildings has said the collapsed building along Hadeja road in Kaduna was substandard and not properly maintained.

The Chairman of the Institute, Kaduna Chapter, Monday Barau Madaki, disclosed this while speaking to media at the scene of the collapsed building.

Madaki said all the staircases and the pavement were not properly constructed and doubted if professional builders’ services were sought for at the initial point of construction of the building.

reports of the two procurement sub-committees and the submissions of SEMA to submit their report before taking his decision on this matter remains a mystery.

“But in this case, the House of Assembly adopted the report on Monday 9th July, submitted it to the Acting Governor the following day, and that same day, a press release was issued for our removal on grounds of the House of Assembly report.

“On the whole, it is our submission that the House ad hoc committee was not interested in finding out the true position of the flood disaster assignment, otherwise, they would have

invited us to furnish them with information which were available with us for their use.

“Even the experience of the two members purportedly indicted who were invited by the committee showed that they were not interested in any serious matter concerning the issue as only some documents were collected from them, and the interactions largely petty and personal.

“It is therefore clear that they deliberately refused to invite all committee members (particularly the six of us purportedly indicted) because they were pursuing a completely different agenda from what they have misled the Nigerian public into believing.”

Sudan’s al-Bashir arrives Nigeria

S

udan’s leader, Omar alBashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide in Darfur arrived Sunday in Abuja to a redcarpet welcome and a full guard of honor despite complaints from activists against the visit.

Mr. al-Bashir is expected to participate in an African Union summit on HIV/AIDS conference starting today.

He was indicted by the ICC in 2006, accused of masterminding atrocities during Sudan’s Darfur conflict, which left hundreds of thousands dead.

He has been refused trips to Uganda, South Africa, Malawi and Zambia in the past because of his indictment. Only Chad and Djibouti have received al-Bashir in the past year.

The trip to Nigeria is his first to West Africa since the warrant was issued.

Minister of Police Affairs, Kenneth Olubolade, was at the Abuja airport to meet the private

presidential jet conveying Mr. alBashir on Sunday, along with troops in ceremonial green and white uniforms and a military brass band, the Associated Press reports.

The visit, despite calls from rights activists to arrest Mr. alBashir, has sparked condemnations.

Human Rights Watch said in statement that Nigeria had “the shameful distinction of being the first West African country to welcome ICC fugitive Sudanese President Sudan al-Bashir”.

Presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati said Nigeria only acted in line with the position of the African Union, which had earlier rejected the warrant, initially saying it will hamper peace effort in Sudan, and later accusing the ICC of targeting only African offenders.

“The Sudanese President came for an AU event and the AU has taken a position on the ICC arrest order, so Nigeria has not taken action different from the AU stand,” Mr. Abati was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying.

PAGE 6

News

Fashola plants India devil tree in Lagos

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Night rain wrecks havoc in Jigawa A From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

n overnight downpour has reportedly destroyed over 1,000 houses in Mallam Madori town of Jigawa state.

The rain which lasted for about

one hour 20 minutes also destroyed electrical installations and trees leaving the town in total blackout.

The affected areas include Kamfala, Dunari ,Sirinya, Sabon gari and some parts of the primary

health center and civil defense office.

Our correspondent observed that some of the affected people have relocated to schools and other places in the town.

The council Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, has paid a sympathy visit to the affected communities.

He said the council will set up a committee to assist the victims.

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

G

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state yesterday planted over 1, 000 imported trees from India and Borno state, to mark the annual tree planting day.

Fashola however tasked parents to look after their children and be conscious of the kind of values, trainings given to them in order that they will not constitute nuisance to the society.

The governor who spoke at one of the centres for the 2013 Tree Planting Campaign, themed ‘Green is Peace’, held Onipetesi, Agege, said that the aim is to protect flooding in the state.

H e a d d e d , “ I ho p e that these trees will do the people of Lagos the good that they have done to the people of India.”

The new trees of two species called blackboard tree or Indian devil tree and Milaila Abori from India and Borno state respectively.

According to him, “the two major trees that we are planting today are not indigenous plants. They are the two plants I brought from my trip to Borno state and India 8 weeks ago.

“What I do whenever I travel out of this state, I ensure that I bring new things that will benefit the residents.

“And when accompany some of my brother governors to Borno, I brought back some 1, 000 new trees that were given to me by the Governor of Borno state, and another one from my trip to India 8 weeks ago.

“And they have been tested by various agencies in the country to ascertain their safety level.”

Fashola assured residents saying, “today, I want to let you know that we will not relent; we will continue till our environment, our heritage and collective property is restored to its glorious state.”

“And when we plant these trees, it signifies peace. This is because the absence of trees is a threat to the survival of all creatures that depends on oxygen,” the governor said.

Fashola who spoke at the 5th Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu Memorial Ramadan Lecture held at the Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, said that instead of blaming the government for security lapses, people should also critically look at their families and observe the training being given to their wards.

L-R: Wife of Lagos state Governor, Mrs. Emmanuela Fashola, widow of late Alhaji Kafaru Tinubu, Alhaja Bintu-Fatimah Tinubu, Oyo state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, his Lagos state counterpart, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and Mr. Wale Tinubu, son of late Kafaru Tinubu, during the 5th Alhaji Kafaru Tinubu memorial Ramadan lecture, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Rivers crisis: ACN wants thorough investigation From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has called on the Police Service Commission (PSC) to address the causes rather than the symptoms of the crisis in Rivers State in its ongoing investigation into the role of the police in the flare-up in the State House House of Assembly last week.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the statement credited to PSC Chairman Mike Okiro suggests that his commission is only interested in the role of the police in last week clashes, rather than how the police hierarchy in the

state wantonly allowed the flare-up simply because it is acting to protect certain interests at the expense of public interest. ‘’Governor Amaechi of Rivers has documented, in a muchpublicised letter to Mr. Okiro, how the Police Commissioner in Rivers, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, has thrown professionalism to the winds in pursuing his narrow agenda at the expense of the security of the state. ‘’It is on record that this ‘political policeman’ has worsened the security situation in the state since he assumed office in February 2013 by undermining the authority of the Governor as the Chief Security Officer of his state; undermining the security structure put in place by the State Security Council and

compromising the council to such an extent that members no longer speak their minds freely during meetings. ‘’These are the issues we expect a non-partisan PSC to address with a view to sanctioning whoever it is that paved the way for the disgraceful show that was put up under the klieg light last week.

“While the PSC will be right to sanction even the policemen shown to have acted badly that day, the sanctions must extend to their bosses who allowed that to happen.

“Anything short of that will be akin to punishing a bus conductor for an accident involving his vehicle while exonerating the bus driver,’’ it said.

ACN also insisted, in line with

its earlier statement, that President Goodluck Jonathan cannot be absolved of blame over the crisis, much as his aides and party have struggled to distance him from it.

“Anyone with a conscience knows that the root of the problem in Rivers lies in the President’s bedroom, and no amount of fanciful statements or name calling targeted at those who are conscientious enough to call a spade a spade will change that. ‘’This is why we are insisting that the President must be impeached by the National Assembly for his failure to respect the rule of law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which he has taken an oath to uphold,’’ the party said.

…Brawls are common feature of parliament, says PDP

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said brawls are common feature of parliament all over the world just as it wondered why the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) would call for the impeachment of President Goodluck Jonathan over the crisis in Rivers House of Assembly.

The party in a statement signed by its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Caesar Okeke, also accused the

opposition ACN of plotting to destabilize the system.

According to him, the call for Jonathan’s impeachment was an indication that the opposition party is indeed unserious, lacked direction and only seeks to destabilize the polity.

The statement said, “our attention has been drawn to the renewed call by the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the impeachment of President Goodluck Jonathan over the recent developments in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“This is indeed a sign that the ACN is bereft of direction, plagued by inadequate understanding of the laws and only seeks to destabilize the polity for selfish reasons.

“For the avoidance of doubt, President Goodluck Jonathan has nothing to do with the activities of the Rivers State House of Assembly and has no link whatsoever in the recent developments in that legislative house.

“Much as we do not condone the violence witnessed recently

in the Rivers State House of Assembly, it is imperative to point out that brawls are usual phenomena in parliaments and on no occasion has any reasonable person called for the impeachment of the President of a country as a result of legislative brawls”, the statement said.

The party recalled the fracas in Ogun State House of Assembly earlier this year, during which the mace was destroyed and noted that nobody called for the impeachment of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

News

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 7

Muslim communities allege discrimination in Plateau land allocation

From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

M

uslims in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state have alleged that the government of Plateau State has been denying them Certificates of Occupancy (Cof O) as citizens of Nigeria who have the right to own landed property in any part of the country.

They blamed the Plateau state government for being sentimental in the issuance of the C of O among the people of the state, adding that only one side of the population is being issued the certificates.

Part of the complaint was that, there was a policy tagged, “rule of title”, brought under the administration of the former Plateau state

governor and incumbent Senator representing Plateau Central, Senator Joshua C. Dariye, that for one to be issued the certificates, such a person must present a “rule of title”, which means the document of the first owner of a land within Jos North must be of ‘Berom parentage’.

The Plateau state government was also accused of deliberate delay in issuing certificates to the few lucky Jos North Muslims, adding that the Christians from the Berom tribe are issued the certificates without any hindrance.

A source from the Muslim communities said Muslims’ applications for house documents are not usually accepted, adding that, “your application can only be pro-

cessed at the ministry for land and survey if you have the approval of your local government where segregation and differences will disqualify you from getting the approval.

“I have seen several people who have applied for their house documents yet they have not been given. In fact, their applications were not accepted not to talk of issuing the certificate.” He alleged further that, “once your application form carry Muslim name, it will not be processed to the next step.”

Similarly, another source alleged that the government doesn’t allocate plots of land to the Muslims in Jos North and that most of the houses built at the river sites are as a result of none allocation of

*It’s not true, says,Commissioner land to Muslims on flat land.

Debunking the allegation, the Plateau state Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Yilji Gwomwalk, explained that all the allegations raised against the government were untrue, adding that his ministry does not work for a particular religion or tribe.

According Gwomwalk: “I think the allegations are in errorsbecause, the ministry for land and survey is not working for a particular people, tribe or religion.

“It is not established to work only for a certain people. It is meant to work for citizens of Plateau state and Nigeria as a whole including foreigners who live on the Plateau and want to purchase land in the state.

“It is not for a select group of people. So I think that the allegation that says we are not giving land or C of R, or C of O, to a certain religion is not true”, he said.

He further stated that since Governor Jonah Jang assumed office in 2007, they had not issued either of the certificates to any individual or group for certain reasons; that it was found in the ministry that things were not done well, that the manual system of recording title document, was very compromised and that the then survey general was death.

The commissioner also, debunked the assertion that government only allocates land to Muslims, at the water side, and stressed that once land is located at the water channels or the river side, the ministry will not approve the land for erection.

Niger commences sale of fertilizer

T

R-L: President Goodluck Jonathan, and CEO, Shanghai Electric Power Company, Mr Lin Zhen Ya, during a meeting, last week in Beijing, China.

Tafawa Balewa: Rep accuses Yuguda of creating hostility

By Umar Muhammad Puma

A

member of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has accused the Governor of Bauchi state, Mallam Isa Yuguda, of divisive tendencies and constitutional breach over attempts at relocating the headquarters of Tafawa Balewa local government area of the state to another village, Bununu.

Dogara in a press conference in Abuja said, the purported foundation laying ceremony of the new local government area secretariat on 6th June 2013 in a location not recognized by the Constitution is

an exercise in futility and a joke carried too far by the governor.

He said every action of the House of Assembly, and from relocation to creation, boundary adjustment of a local government area was subject to Section 8(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“It is subject to an Act of the National Assembly and the action of the state House of Assembly is clearly in violation of the constitution and to that extent void ab initio and of no effect whatsoever.

“This unconstitutional action of the House of Assembly and

the governor has no basis in law, logic and morality.

“It must be seen in its true light, as very provocative, divisive and a dangerous precedent for our nascent democracy.

“If the solution to recurring crisis is relocation of headquarters, why is the Federal Government wasting money in fighting terrorism?

“Why can’t we simply relocate the headquarters of say, all LGAs in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa States thereby restoring peace in those areas at once? For the avoidance of doubt, let me state in unequivocal terms that T/

Balewa as headquarters will survive Mallam Isa Yuguda and his administration,” he said.

According to the lawmaker, the problem dated back to 27th of January, 2011 when violent ethno-religious crisis erupted in the town, forcing some residents of Tafawa Balewa to fled to other parts of the state.

He said that, “At the wake of the crisis, the governor of the state, Mallam Isa Yuguda, threatened to destroy the town if there was a repeat of violence.

“This threat was very much published in major national dailies”.

he Niger state government has commenced the sale of 6, 000 metric tonnes of assorted fertilizer to farmers to complement the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) in 2013 farming season.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Ahmed Matane, told newsmen during an interactive session in Minna on Sunday that the state government spent N7.9 million to buy the fertilizers.

Matane said the government would sell the fertilizer to farmers at a subsidised rate of N3, 000 for SSP brand, while the NPK and Urea would cost N4, 000.

He said the state government had completed the movement of the fertilizers to its warehouses and stores as well as commenced the sales of the commodity.

The commissioner said the state government provided the fertilizer, to ensure that the two million farmers, who were not captured under the scheme, could have access to the product.

He said that only 270,000 farmers were registered under the GES scheme, adding that 65, 331 farmers had received inputs.

He said that the state and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture were working to ensure that the farmers were reached early, to enable them collect the commodity.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 10

News

Fulfill your promise, Zamfara NYSC tells Yari

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

C

oordinator the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Zamfara state, Ruth Bakka, has called the government to pay its monthly obligations to the corps members saying the delay poses a serious challenge to the future of NYSC Scheme in the state.

The Coordinator made the call yesterday while pleading with the fleeing members from the camp to return, urging them to exercise patience as events may soon change for good.

She said lack of infrastructural development in the orientation camp, especially absence of power generating sets in the premises, has become a great challenge to the camp.

“It was discovered that in the list of “Batch B” Corp members posted to Zamfara, no single medical doctor was deployed to the state, and even those that studied medical related courses are making consultations to leave the state, as soon as they complete their 3 weeks mandatory orientation camp in Tsafe”, she disclosed.

Mrs Ruth further disclosed that, it would be at the best interest of the state for the orientation camp to be developed.

“The NYSC orientation camp is somewhere very important to the development of education as all talents from across the country have converged to benefit the hosting communities”, she stressed.

It was gathered that over 800 corps members have fled the camp within eight days, over nonpayment of allowances, while on the other hand, the insecurity situation prevalent in the state and in the camp, have forced the corps members posted to the state to relocate to other places.

Group scores Nasarawa SUBEB high

T

he Pan African Students’ Union, an umbrella organisation for students of tertiary institution across Africa and the Diaspora, has rated the Nasarawa State Universal Education Board (NSUBEB) as the best in the north, over its commitment in enhancing basic education in the state.

The union gave its assessment at the weekend in Lafia, during the conferring of the Pan African Education Merit Award on the executive chairman of the board, Mallam Abdulkarim Muhammad Abdullahi.

Kamgue Bertin Gullaume, secretary general of the PASU, who presented the award, disclosed that the union arrived at its decision to confer the award on the NSUBEB chairman after a careful assessment of the basic education boards across the north, following which Mallam Abdulkarim stood out as a leader capable of mobilising his management to reposition basic education in the state.

Gullaume, a student of Universite Lumumbashi, Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said after careful assessment of the commitments to the development of education made by northern state governments, which is the most backward in terms of education development Indices, Nasarawa has performed ahead of its peers.

L-R: Chairperson, House of Representatives committee on the Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, and a member of the Committee, Hon. Abdulrahman Terab, during a press briefing on the forthcoming Diaspora Day Conference, at the weekend in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

World Bank disburses N209m to Kano farmers

By Etuka Sunday

Task Team Leader of the project, Lucas Akapa, who disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 8th World Bank Project Implementation Mission to Kano state said “these achievements are directly attributable to increased adoption of improved technologies, increased access to improved infrastructure and enhanced capacity of the beneficiaries to effectively participate in project implementation.”

Akapa further disclosed that the project in Kano has promoted Draught Tolerant Maize (DTM) in

the traditionally non-maize growing areas, which is in addition to the adoption of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) amongst rice farmers, resulting to average yield increase from 2.7 Metric Ton to 3.6 Metric Ton per hectare.

In his remarks, the National Project Coordinator of CADP, Amin Babandi, said the mission is aimed at gathering suggestions from the participating states, which will be used to restructure the project so as to align with their agricultural policies for enhanced performance that will make the required impact.

Earlier in her address, the Kano State Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hajiya Baraka Sani, said if properly restructured, the project will get more support from stakeholders, especially the state governments, which will in turn translate to more support for farmers.

“Kano state is the home of irrigation farming in Nigeria; the state has seventeen functional dams. It is therefore my hope and prayer that CADP will take advantage of these potentials to boost commercial production of dry season rice and maize,” she said.

It said the power outage which was caused by system over-voltage, resulted in the explosion of many transmission equipment at Ayede in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Others affected are Osogbo, Osun State; Ganmo in Ilorin, Kwara State, as well as Shiroro, Niger State, which caused Grid

System collapse.

In a statement issued by the General Manager (Public Affairs) of TCN, Dave Ifabiyi, he said it’s engineers has replaced the damaged equipment, which tripped the 330 kV Transmission Lines from Osogbo in Osun State to Ikeja- West in Lagos State; Benin

in Edo State to Omotosho in Ondo State; Omotosho to Ikeja-West and Egbin to Ikeja-West in Lagos State, as well as Okpai in Edo State to Onitsha in Anambra state.

It therefore regrets that repair efforts to restore power supply took a while due to the enormity of the incident.

Rivers supports police church project

curbing militancy in the state, also said there is no way militancy would have ended in the state but for the sacrifice of officers and men of the police force.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Kachi Udoji, who represented the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, said he had given his full support to the church building project, pointing out that the event would not have been possible without his approval.

Meanwhile, over N22m was realised from the launch, which also had the Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, represented by his deputy, Chief Pius Odubu.

W

orld Bank over the weekend disclosed that it has disbursed N209 million to over three thousand farmers in Kano state, through its Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP).

According to a breakdown of the disbursements which was given by World Bank, 1,637 male farmers benefited from the project, in addition to 1,502 women who also benefited.

The World Bank Senior Operations Specialist and

TCN ends power outage in Lagos, Onitsha, others

By Etuka Sunday

F

ollowing a nationwide power outage last Thursday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), at the weekend said it had restored power supply to most parts of the country that were affected by the outage.

By Lambert Tyem

T

he Rivers state government at the weekend said the current crisis rocking the state is personalized on an individual.

The state’s Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, gave the hint in Abuja when he represented the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, during the launch of N100 million Christian Police Chapel building fund.

According to him, “as a matter of fact, one will wonder

why Rivers state is here today, especially when you know we are having issues with the police here and there.

“It is neither here nor there, but the bottom line is whether we are having issues or not, wherever we see good things, we support it.

“I say so because today, for the first time in the history of the police force, at your headquarters, for the first time, you have been able to muster enough courage to say it is time we seek the face of God.

“And seeking the face of God, you say let use put an edifice. Let us gather and build a house of the God. “I want to reassure you that the Rivers state government is your partner. Whatever may have happened is on individual basis.

“As a government in this entire country, for those who have been privileged to serve in Rivers state, you know that Rivers state supports the police most in this entire country,” he said.

The Deputy Governor who extolled the role of the police in

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

R

ecently, we’ve seen some pretty solid examples of consumers taking charge and demanding better service — and better prices — from companies. The consumer victories related to Verizon, GoDaddy, Bank of America and others underscore the point that you have the power to get want you want, or take your business elsewhere.

With bank fee hikes in the news, often following on the heels of stories about fat profits for the very same banks complaining that they need to raise revenue, many consumers are switching financial institutions in search of companies that are more in tune with their needs.

Unfortunately, changing banks can be a hassle, especially with all of the automation that goes on now. If you want to switch things up, here is how to make the change with a minimum of fuss: Figure out what you want, and where you can get it Your first step is to figure out what you want in a financial institution. Prioritise your requirements for what you consider a good banking fit for you. Do you want feefree banking? Good customer service? The ability to bank on-line? Decide which factors are most important.

Once you know what you want, shop around and see where your most important needs are met. Online banks, credit unions and smaller, local banks might serve your needs better than banking giants.

Call around, and look online for reviews and information.

You can move your money to a financial institution that better fits your needs, and costs you

Money Tip:

Ways to save money

Don’t count on windfalls When projecting the amount of money you can live on, don’t include dollars that you can’t be sure you’ll receive, such as year-end bonuses, tax refunds or investment gains.

Beware of spending creep As your annual income climbs from raises, promotions and smart investing, don’t start spending for luxuries until you’re sure that you’re staying ahead of inflation. It’s better to use those income increases as an excuse to save more.

Quote

Wisdom finds its literary expression in wisdom literature.

Paul Ricoeur

Money Sense PAGE 11

How to change banks

less in fees.

Switching your accounts Once you know where you would like to do your banking, open an account. You will need to fund the account, so figure out how you can get the

money for funding. In some cases, if you are just using the money as part of your banking shift, you can use some of your emergency fund cash. Just make sure you replenish the account immediately, once

everything is switched over.

The difficult part is switching your financial life over to a new institution. In order to ensure that the switch is made as smoothly as possible, list out all of your automatic

transactions — and what day of the month they take place on.

Make sure you list your direct deposits, automatic bill pay, and other obligations. Know when the transactions take place, and contact the involved parties to find out how soon in advance your request to switch accounts.

Do your best to move your accounts in an orderly manner.

Watch to see that everything has been switched, checking it off the list. You will need to make sure that there is enough money in your old account to cover any straggler checks, or bills that are slow to be taken out. Once you can confirm that everything has been switched over, and your automatic transactions are attached to your new account, close your old account.

Don’t forget to confirm your new account with other accounts you might have with third-party payment processors, credit card issuers and other banks.

You want to make sure that everything is integrated. This can take some time and effort, but if you are happier with your new financial institution, it’s all worth it.

Starting investment newly: How not to burn your fingers

I

t is never too early to start investing because it is the smartest way to secure your financial future and to begin letting your money work for you.

Contrary to what many may think, investing is not only for people who have truckloads of spare cash; you can get started investing with just a little bit of money and learning from the experience.

Today, there are myriads of investment vehicles and financial instruments available, as a novice investor you should stick to the basic rules.

No matter how much money you are investing or what securities you are buying; ensure that your

investment portfolio is diversified.

This is a very importance strategy which most people who got their hands burnt in various markets in the past were found to have ignored.

The message is that clarifying your current situation and your future needs for capital, as well as your risk tolerance, will determine how your investments should be allocated among different asset classes.

In practice, to cushion the risks associated to investing, it is far better to invest a sum of money in say twenty different stable companies than in just a single company you perceive to be doing well; this way, the investments

hedge against each other and keep you from losing a lot of money based on one company’s poor performance.

“In today’s financial marketplace, a well-maintained portfolio is vital to any investor’s success. As an individual investor, you need to know how to determine an asset allocation that best conforms to your personal investment goals and strategies.

In other words, your portfolio should meet your future needs for capital and give you peace of mind. Investors can construct portfolios aligned to their goals and investment strategies by following a systematic approach,” said Chris Gallant, a personal finance expert.

Gallant believes that ascertaining your individual financial situation and investment goals is the first task in constructing a portfolio. “Important items to consider are age, how much time you have to grow your investments, as well as amount of capital to invest and future capital needs. A single college graduate just beginning his or her career and a 55-year-old married person expecting to help pay for a child’s college education and plans to retire soon will have very different investment strategies,” the expert added.

Once you have determined the right asset allocation, you simply need to divide your capital between the appropriate asset classes. The more risk you can bear, the more aggressive your portfolio will be –for instance devoting a larger portion to equities and less to bonds and other fixed-income securities.

Conversely, the less risk that’s appropriate, the more conservative your portfolio will be. The main goal of a conservative portfolio is to protect its value. A moderately aggressive portfolio satisfies an average risk tolerance, attracting those willing to accept more risk in their portfolios in order to achieve a balance of capital growth and income.

Another important factor to take into account is your personality and risk tolerance.

“Are you the kind of person who is willing to risk some money for the possibility of greater returns?

Everyone would like to reap high returns year after year, but if you are unable to sleep at night when your investments take a shortterm drop, chances are the high returns from those kinds of assets are not worth the stress,” the expert indicated.

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

EDITORIAL

Neither president nor senators impressed Nigerians attempting to coerce him into making the presentation on a particular date when the Constitution has given him the liberty to address them on a day of his choosing. Lawmakers, however, argued that the State of the Nation Address bill did not contradict other provisions of the Constitution such as the provision that

“

N

igeria’s distinguished senators put up a behaviour last week that was not so distinguished when they nearly descended to fisticuffs to resolve the debate over whether to veto the President or not with regard to a State of the Nation Address bill they had passed. Senators Paulinus Nwagu from Ebonyi Central and her Zamfara Central counterpart, Garba Kabiru Marafa, had to be separated by their colleagues as they went for each other’s throat in what was seen by many as a show of shame in the hallowed chambers. The brouhaha started when it became unclear after a voice vote conducted by the Senate President, David Mark, whether it was the ayes or nays who carried the day on either overriding the president or opening a fresh debate on the issues raised by the president in the bill that was returned to the National Assembly.

In the harmonised bill sent to the president, senators and House members had requested the president to appear before a joint session of the National Assembly to present a State of the Nation Address as is the case in some advanced democracies like the United States of America where the president yearly presents a State of the Nation Address to Congress.

However, President Jonathan refused to assent to the bill, citing portions of the Constitution which empower him to address the National Assembly on issues concerning the state of the nation. He also objected to the manner in which the lawmakers were

We are concerned that for the first time in a long while the Senate resorted to the disgraceful conduct seen penultimate week mandates the president to present an annual budget before the two chambers.

They contended that the new bill specifically asks the president to address them on the state of affairs in the nation and that the Constitution gives them the liberty to enact such a law.

When the issue came up for discussion, some senators were of the view that the Senate should go ahead to override the president and make the bill become law but others insisted on a closer look at some of the president’s observations.

We are concerned that for the first time in a long while the Senate had failed to stick together and resorted to the

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

disgraceful conduct seen penultimate week. Although we acknowledge that tempers may rise in the process of law making that brings together persons with varied opinions representing varied interests, it behoves on our distinguished senators to show maturity in conduct and comportment. We are also disturbed about the manner issues regarding the president seem to be polarising the Senate. Tension rose in the chamber last week during a debate over the crisis in the Rivers state House of Assembly. It was evident during that debate that senators were divided along pro-Jonathan and pro-Amaechi lines over what action to be taken by the Senate. What this suggests is that the Senate is fast allowing itself to be a tool of the president in forging his rather divisive politics that is not at all in the interest of the nation.

All considered, It is baffling why the president would be so averse to the idea of a State of the Nation Address. One would have thought he would seize on the opportunity to elucidate his vision of the country and seek the support of all Nigerians in actualising it. Since he is not going to be in power for ever, chances are that the next president may welcome the idea. We, therefore, view the president’s obstinacy as uncalled for. By objecting to the bill, he reinforces the widely held view that he is averse to criticism and debate which we believe enriches democracy.

We urge him to go ahead and assent to the bill otherwise the Senate should override him.

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PAGE 13

Opinion Waiting for the Tambuwal revolution

By Chido Onumah

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his piece has nothing to do with what is happening in Egypt. Ultimately, Nigerians, based on their experience and the existing reality, will determine the trajectory of the current impasse.

It was spurred by the recent call for a revolution by AminuTambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives and a 2015 presidential wannabe.

Last week, the speaker of the House of Representatives joined the growing list of public officials calling for revolution in Nigeria, a call that is not only cynical but downright hypocritical.

Tambuwal was guest speaker at the 2013 Distinguished Management Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Managemen (Chartered) and he spoke on the theme, ‘The role of the legislature on the economic, infrastructural and ethical revolution in Nigeria”.

“Nigeria is due for revolution – Tambuwal”, was how the Punch headlined its report of the speech.

According to Tambuwal, “The most compelling reasons for revolution throughout the ages were injustice, crushing poverty,marginalisation, rampant corruption, lawlessness, joblessness, and general disaffection with the ruling elite.

You will agree with me that these describe conditions in our nation now, to a very large degree”.

It was the same chorus that former president, OlusegunObasanjo, sang last November in a speech at a West

African regional conference on youth employment in Senegal.

“Unless the government of Nigeria takes urgent steps to arrest the menace of youth unemployment and poverty, it is a certainty that Nigeria will see a revolution soon”, Obasanjo said. For a man who had eleven years – three years (1976-79) as a military dictator and eight years (1999-07) as an “elected” president – to change the fortune of Nigeria but wasted it, it is understandable that Obasanjo is seeking to make restitution and redeem himself.

For Tambuwal who was represented by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Mr. OpeyemiBamidele, “That these conditions exist is well known to all persons in authority but the results of these successive efforts have failed to yield the desired results. This therefore is the justification for the radical change from the present approach to a revolutionary one”. We can see a common thread that is worrying in the extreme in this cacophony of revolutionary battle cry. These voices belong to those who have brought us to this sad end. Both Tambuwal and Obasanjo, examples of the opportunistic and vain-glorious elite that has held this country hostage since independence, are leading figures in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP-led national government

has in the last 14 years either created or exacerbated “injustice, crushing poverty, marginalisation, rampant corruption, lawlessness, joblessness, and general disaffection with the ruling elite”.

Considering Tambuwal’s pedigree, it is unlikely that he authored or had any input in drafting that speech that was clearly a publicity stunt. I am inclined to believe that Mr. Bamidele, former radical student activist and ex-president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) who represented the speaker was merely expressing himself while invoking the name of the speaker. Of course, Nigeria is due for revolution. Nobody who has witnessed the way the country has been run, particularly in the last 14 years will deny that revolution is imminent. A country where the ruling class connives with multinationals to dupe citizens in every sector deserves nothing but a revolution. A country where homelessness is the rule rather than the exception; a country where poverty, unemployment and hopelessness persist in the midst of abundance, is ripe for a revolution. Not just any revolution, but one that will usher a new era of wealth redistribution and reward for genuine hard work as opposed to rewarding the indolence of our ruling elite.

Tambuwal and his people can’t “dash” us this revolution.

His grandstanding should, therefore, be noted for what it

is. As one commentator put it, “When the root of a problem starts recommending the solution to the problem, something is amiss”. I will give it to Tambuwal. He has become a star overnight; an adept at using politically correct lingo for whatever it is worth. Is Tambuwal really interested in revolution, ethical or otherwise? I doubt it. In his opinion, “The most critical role that the legislature plays is through the annual appropriation bill.

As representatives of the people, the legislature ensured that the more critical needs of the people got priority attention, as efforts were made to ensure equitable distribution of projects”. Which critical needs is Tambuwal talking about? The collapse of education, health and social infrastructure across the country?

Let’s even leave the issue of the scandalous salaries and allowances Tambuwal and his colleagues receive as “representatives of the people” – salaries and allowances that are the highest in the world – and focus on the “more critical needs of the people” that Tambuwaltalksabou. In a country where universities have become glorified secondary schools, where workers are expected to survive on N18,000 ($110) a month; a country with one the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, where over 10 million school children are out ofschool, Tambuwal’s House of Representatives approved over aN1 billion ($6million) for food in 2012 for the presidency,

President, who will rot in hell?

By Adekoya Boladale

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ew days ago I woke up to a very disturbing news story - one of the ‘usual’ that has characterized our social, political and economic lives. Forty two young promising school children in Yobe state, Nigeria were murdered in cold blood. All evidence pointed to the dreaded Islamic sect Boko Haram as the mastermind behind the attack. In one of the reports, a young boy who was shot at recounted how he lost four of his fingers while trying to escape.This is one of the scenarios that have become part and parcel of our daily lives. It is so shattering that even the media now choose which of the tragic news is worth reporting, depending on the impact of such attack. The usual headlines like ‘Two killed, seven injured’, ‘Gun attack in Kaduna, 3 dead’, that has characterized our national tabloids for a while are now considered soft touch and no longer catchy.

Journalists now see it as not news worthy to report attacks or killings if the death toll is not up to at least ten. This is how far we have come to embrace anarchy, insecurity and chaos. Nigeria presently is second only to Somalia which is then next to Syria in terms of state of insecurity.

Alas, while these young children who ought to be our future leaders were screaming to high heaven in horrifying pains, our dear president was nowhere to be found. To make matter worst the trio of Reuben Abati, DoyinOkupe and acclaimed Pastor Reno Omokri who continuously are being paid with tax payers money went missing

in a time when they should be out not just condemning the attack but giving the people hope and reassuring the citizens of the ability of the government to put an end to the madness.

Almost 72 hours after, the presidency ‘got its bearing’ and President Jonathan speaking through his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, made one of the most outrageous statements a president could ever make: “anybody who will target innocent children for any kind of grief or emotional dysfunction will certainly rot in hell.” The interpretation of this is that government now sees the protection of the citizens and justice for the bereaved as a divine duty better left for God, that government is no longer responsive to the security of the people and cannot be held accountable for the inability to provide justice but rather the citizens must wait till the religious day of judgment. This is not surprising to me and shouldn’t be to any Nigerian who voted for

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Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 merely because of his ‘shoeless tales’ and ‘goodluck’ syndrome; we shouldn’t complain the moment we chose pity and appeal over credibility and substance.

Every step the presidency has taken to eradicate these insurgents has continued to make mockery of the political and social institutions of our country. Recently the president through a nationwide broadcast announced a declaration of the state of emergency on some northern states viewed as the hub of the sect. The power of a state of emergency is so huge that it has been highly effective in managing major crises around the world such as Tunisia, Mali, Kyrgyzstan, United States (in cases of natural disasters) to mention just but a few. But the Nigeria situation is different because the declaration has not stopped the onslaught against innocent citizens of the country by the Boko Haram terrorist group, the only change is that the usual Sunday attack mode

has been eradicated as most attacks are now impromptu. Another down side is that children and students are now the major point of attack.

Most times I wonder how the president relate with the families of these children or how do you inform a parent that his/her child was brutally murdered because you fail to perform your duty as a political office holder. How do you inform a mother that her only child whom she suffered to carry for nine months was fell by a terrorist’s bullet because you continue to play ping pong with the security of the country in order to award outrageous funds for security in the budget?

It is high time the presidency understands that hell isn’t meant for murderers and terrorists alone.

Every individual who continues to feed fat on the collective resources of others, every leader who fails to live up to his/her promises, every soul placed in the position to better the lives of others but continue to use such position for

Every step the presidency has taken to eradicate these insurgents has continued to make mockery of the political and social institutions of our country. Recently the president through a nationwide broadcast announced a declaration of the state of emergency on some northern states viewed as the hub of the sect. The power of a state of emergency is so huge that it has been highly effective in managing major crises around the world such as Tunisia, Mali, Kyrgyzstan, United States (in cases of natural disasters) to mention just but a few.

N1.7billion ($11.3million) for the vice president on trips and N1.3 billion($8.6million) on office stationeries in 2012. This amount includedN12 million ($80,000) on books, N45 million ($300,000) onnewspapers, and N9 million ($60,000) on magazines andperiodicals. A breakdown showed that the VP would spend N723 billion ($4.8 million) on local travels and N951 million ($6.3 million)on his international travels. That is the kind of profligate housethat Mr. Tambuwal superintends.

We have heard from those who say Nigerians are too timid to carry out a revolution. Now, it is the turn of those who want to wage the revolution on behalf of Nigerians on the pages of newspapers. Of course, if we wait for Tambuwal’s revolution, we’ll wait in vain. When the mass of our people know that when they confront this oppressive system, they have nothing to lose but their oppression, poverty and indignity they will embark on the necessary journey of genuine revolutionary transformation of Nigeria. An essential part of this revolution is to tinker with the structure of the country which feeds the corruption and impunity of which Tambuwal is a major beneficiary. Tambuwal, by his own words, has invited the rebellion on himself and others in his class.

They should be concerned, really concerned!

ChidoOnumah is on LinkedIn selfish interest are all candidates of hell. Local government Chairmen who receive monthly allocation and use such to build houses and acquire personal property, send their children to expensive schools abroad and expand their empires are candidates of hell.

State Governors who shortchange local governments of its monthly allocation, siphon state revenue, divert state resources for personal use, award ghost contracts are candidates of hell. Ministers who make the ministry a family fun fare, divert public fund to personal use, escalate project expense and travel at will on frivolous trips are candidates of hell. Presidents and first ladies who move around the world with floods of unnecessary entourage, would rather award oil blocs to family and associates rather than promote local refineries, would prefer to render lip service on electricity rather than see to adequate power generation, would prefer to give out amnesty to rogues and thieves rather than stand up to defend the helpless citizens, would prefer to see the growth of capitalist while common citizens lavish in abject poverty are candidates of hell.

There are no doubt people who have been a source of sorrow to fellow humans will not go unpunished, the Bible and Holy Quran are specific on this, but does that warrant the president to sit down and do nothing? Does that give political officers who have sworn before God and man to protect the lives and properties of the citizens the license to hold their peace? Was God the man that stood up in front of the mammoth crowd to declare his intention to govern the country?

Adekoya Boladale is on twitter @adekoyabee

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Online Comments Peace with the beast?

By Peregrino Brimah

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n July 8th, the unbelievable happened. The Jonathan administration announced that it had agreed to a ceasefire with the beast. Ceasefire with terrorists. The news sounded impossible to believe. Who were they ceasing fire with? But Boko Haram is being defeated. Why will the victor sign a ceasefire with the vanquished? What can this mean? Who is the government struggling to protect? Is the government trying to allow this wicked formation a chance to remain relevant, to regroup and to continue to be a potential terror threat to the good people of Nigeria?

As the civilian JTF began going for top level sponsors of Boko Haram, more names of possible senior official, government friends and current and ex-government officials have been thrown about in the streets and in the press.

Elite have been getting scared.

An ex governor pleaded with the current governor of Borno to halt his trip to China and quickly

return to facilitate the release of a party chairman, currently arrested by the military JTF in concert with the civilian JTF on suspicion of Boko Haram sponsorship.

Other top level sponsors were obviously getting uncomfortably warm, feeling the heat at their toes. It is only

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reasonable to suspect that these elite impressed it on the president to “cease fire,” so they can stay out of the fire.

In a news report last week, a former Nigerian president at a meeting of Nigerian presidents,

Let me speak on behalf of the brave civilian JTF of North Nigeria, whose shoelaces, I am not fit to fasten. We the people reject any form of ceasefire with the beast. We the people will never stop and we will never renege. We will never stop until all terrorists have been given the judgement they deserve. We will never live with murderers.

We will never forgive the sponsors of the murderers.

said, “the security situation should be dealt with in house.” Whatever does this mean? But the question is what do we, the people, say and what do we want? Let me speak on behalf of the brave civilian JTF of North Nigeria, whose shoelaces, I am not fit to fasten. We the people reject any form of ceasefire with the beast. We the people will never stop and we will never renege. We will never stop until all terrorists have been given the judgement they deserve. We will never live with murderers. We will never forgive the sponsors of the murderers.

For the sake of those who have died, for the sake of those who are injured, for those who have lost loved ones, for those who suffer, due to the hunger and poverty this insane terrorism has caused. For the sake of the brave military men, who have died saving Nigeria, not from external war as they signed up to engage in, but rather in internal terrorism. For the families of the soldiers, the only peace will be when Boko Haram has met its peace. We implore the government stay with us on the right side of history.

Dr. Peregrino Brimah is reachable on drbrimah@ ends.ng

Rivers crisis: Issues, sense and nonsense

By Bamidele Aturu

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iven the rampancy with which Nigerian lawmakers have resort to pugilism in order to settle differences, it seems many of them believe that they are immune from criminal proceedings for violating the penal laws in the precincts of the Houses. Of course, assuming as one does, that the violent behavior of the lawmakers is premised on ignorance is a very lenient way to view their galling acts of unrestrained barbarism. Without prejudice to a few truly honourable members of our various legislative houses, the truth of the matter is that our lawmakers are a product of a violent anti-democratic process.

We cannot tire of reaching this conclusion. The evidence stares us starkly in the face. Politics in our country no matter what anyone says is dominated by people who have either failed to earn a living decently or are only interested in easy money.

The very law under which the lawmakers derive their limited immunity puts it beyond any peradventure that any legislator who assaults or obstructs a member or officer of the House is not immune from criminal prosecution. If the police have neglected to make arrests and to prosecute those hoodlums we saw on television, it is not because they are immune; it is simply that the Police are either complicit or ignorant of the law. If the former then they are unworthy of their uniforms or commissions as the case may be, if the latter then they should be told plainly that the law

does not excuse their ignorance.

They could be making themselves liable subsequently for the tort of the breach of statutory duty. The law is certain and in this instance inflexible. It is that assaulting another member of a House is a crime that is inexcusable and legally unacceptable.

Another common misconception among our lawmakers is that they can at will rely on the provisions of the Rules of Procedure of the various Houses to suspend the Constitutional provision on quorum. In the specific case of Rivers State can 5 members in a 32-member House suspend the provision of the Constitution that prescribes quorum? The answer is clearly in the negative. Section 96(1) of the Constitution that provides that ‘the quorum of a House of Assembly shall be one third of all the members of the House’ cannot be altered or suspended by any member of the house or faction of the House or even by all the members of the House.

The reason is pretty obvious.

The only procedure for altering

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the Constitution is prescribed by section 9 of the Constitution. Thus, any other method of altering the provisions of the Constitution is illegal, null and void. The point therefore is that it is legally impermissible and wrong for any segment or faction of a House to suspend section 96 of the Constitution.

Now, if a set of members of a House not forming a quorum cannot sit as a House of Assembly known to the Constitution, it stands to reason that they cannot even proceed to impeach its Speaker.

In any case, in order to impeach a Speaker there must be strict compliance with section 92(2)(c) which unambiguously provides that a Speaker can only be removed from office by a resolution of the House of Assembly of not less than two-thirds. Again, in the Rivers state’s case, in order to impeach the Speaker at least 21 lawmakers must vote for his removal. Anything outside this is legislative brigandage.

The sort of animalism that makes only 5 members of a House make a claim that they have impeached a Speaker in spite of the Constitutional

provision referred to makes one feel ashamed to be a Nigerian. The earlier this nonsense is checked by the Police the better for all of us.

There have been allegations that the current Commissioner of Police has been in cahoots with the forces opposing the State Governor. This raises again the need for the States to have their own Police Services. One often hears the incorrect description of the State Governors as the Chief Security Officers of their States. That description certainly does not owe its existence to the Constitution. The State Governors as far as security matters are concerned are truly not better than glorified prefects. Section 215 of the Constitution is our authority for this conclusion. Although section 215(4) empowers a State Governor to give lawful directions to the Commissioner of Police in the State with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety within the state as he may consider necessary, there is a proviso to the effect that before carrying out any such directions the Commissioner of Police may

The matter is not as simple as just having state police. We need first to deal with the feudal culture that is ingrained in the consciousness of our politicians. Unless we uproot one way or the other this culture nothing stops the State Governors from also using State Police to intimidate the minority within the State. The abysmal fraud that takes place all over the country in all the elections conducted by the states’ so-called independent electoral commissions cautions us to be balanced when making a case for state police.

request that the matter be referred to the President or such Minister of the Government that the President may authorize to give directions to the Police. It is therefore crystal clear that the Commissioner of Police is not ultimately answerable to the Governor of a State.

The matter is not as simple as just having state police. We need first to deal with the feudal culture that is ingrained in the consciousness of our politicians.

Unless we uproot one way or the other this culture nothing stops the State Governors from also using State Police to intimidate the minority within the State. The abysmal fraud that takes place all over the country in all the elections conducted by the states’ so-called independent electoral commissions cautions us to be balanced when making a case for state police.

The truth is that these politicians are all steeped in the culture of emasculating their opponents and only have recourse to democratic sloganeering whenever they are at the receiving end. We should work out a formula that allows state police to exist side by side with federal police.

The inescapable conclusion is that our democracy is endangered, not as a result of underdeveloped laws but principally because we have crude politicians who lack the democratic culture and temperament. And the unfortunate thing is that they abound in all the parties without any exception.

Politicians will not save our country, our people will.

Bamidele Aturu’s professional profile is on LinkedIn.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 15

Comment

Namadi Sambo and New Nigerian

T

he trade mark of the incoming Murtala Mohammed administration in July 1975 was that all its decisions were to be implemented with “immediate effect”. On September, 1975, General Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters in the government, rolled out yet another decree.

The New Nigerian Newspapers, property of Northern states and the Daily Times of Nigeria, wholly owned by private investors, were forcefully taken over by the Federal Military Government.

Lest we forget, this too was with “immediate effect”.

The Daily Times was incorporated in Nigeria on 6th June, 1925 as the Nigerian Printing & Publishing Company Limited and started printing The Nigeria Daily Times on June 1 as Nigeria’s premier newspaper company and one of the earliest to be established on the African continent. By the time of its take-over, the newspaper had become a household name and a toast of the Nigerian public. It dominated the Nigerian publishing industry with its newspapers and publications circulating in all major cities and towns in the country including neighbouring West African countries of Ghana and Cameroun. It also had offices in London, New York and East Africa.

It is on record that Daily Times is the only Nigerian newspaper group to have attained a 500,000 copy circulation with one title – the Sunday Times. By 2004 when the Federal Government decided to return the Daily Times to private investors, the place was completely

ruined. The government forwarded it to the scandal besotted Bureau for Public Enterprises under Nasir el-Rufai who gave it out to Folio Communications and recorded zero kobo as payment for the ‘sale’.

The New Nigerian Newspapers Limited was established by the government of then Northern Region on 23rd October, 1964 with headquarters in Kaduna.

The founder of New Nigerian, Sir Ahmadu Bello, wanted the best newspaper in the country so he imported the first Goss web offset printing press in Nigeria for the New Nigerian. The first copies of the paper were issued on January 1st 1966. In March, 1973, the company set up the southern plant (printing machine) alongside the one in Kaduna. The simultaneous printing of the newspaper in both Kaduna and Lagos enhanced its wide circulation.

The New Nigerian, edited by competent hands and neatly printed was a successful venture by all standards.

When 12 states were created by the Federal Government in 1967, the ownership and management of the company was transferred to the Northern states, managed by the Interim Common Services Agency (ICSA). This was the situation until the military snatched it in 1975 and placed it under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Information. Thus began the process of gradual decay.

The forceful acquisition created fundamental contradictions for the newspaper. It was established to be the trumpet of the north; now as federal mouthpiece, how

Emmanuel Yawe 08024565402 royawe@yahoo.com was it going to consummate it’s primary mandate of fighting for the north? In its first ten years of operation, the paper had developed its own traditions and conventions especially as they related to hierarchy and succession. These conventions and traditions were breached by the federal usurpers, thus creating serious management and image problems for the newspaper.

I walked into the New Nigerian in 1982 as a young reporter. It is said by those who were there before me that by then the decay had started. Even then, it was a lovely place to work. The office complex was modest but beautiful. The printing machines were in a perfect form and the quality of print was excellent. I met bright and great minds editing the newspapers: Dan Agbese, Abba Dabo, Mohammed Haruna, Victor Awogu, Clem Baiye and others. It was an honour to be in their midst.

The New Nigerian was widely read and respected; I hesitate to say feared in government circles. As a

young columnist, I was invited once or twice by Ministers in Lagos who opened their files to give me access to Exco conclusions or even those of the expired Supreme Military Council. I met Alex Ekwueme, the Vice President, had lunch with President Shehu Shagari and the other five presidential candidates in Abuja on October 1, 1982. The great Zik was there; so was Awo. When, a year later, Bamanga Tukur, governor-elect for Gongola State appointed me his Chief Press Secretary, my Editor, Abba Dabo, advised me to reject the offer arguing not without reason - that it was better to be a reporter in the New Nigerian than a Press Secretary to the governor of a rather remote state.

By 2006, after 25 years of forceful occupation, the vagaries of mismanagement by the Federal government had taken its tool on the once vibrant and proud newspaper. It was now a ruined, spindrift company with a debt profile of N1.9 billion. Tired of carrying the carcass of a dead company with its putrid stench, the federal government returned it to the Northern state governors. The battle to resurrect the killed giant thus began.The northern governors argued that since the federal government took over a healthy company in 1975, it should at least clear its liabilities on return.

The late governor Yar’adua of Katsina state led the crusade, at a point loaning the newspaper N50 million from his state funds to the New Nigerian on behalf of other northern states. It was agreed then that the federal government

should pay N1.2 billion out of the N1.9 Billion liabilities, leaving the balance to the northern state governors. When he became president, Yar’adua directed his Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to clear the mess. These efforts were yet to bear fruit when the president died and his Vice took over.

The appointment of Namadi Sambo as Vice President has brought fresh air to the problems of the New Nigerian. Abdulrahaman Tukur, the Managing Director of the New Nigerian told me last week that Sambo even prior to his appointment as Vice President had bailed out the newspaper on several occasions when he was governor of Kaduna state. As Vice President, he vigorously fought for the redemption of the N1.2 billion pledge made by the Federal Government to the Company.

According to Tukur, N400 million of that amount has so far been released and another release of a similar amount is around the corner. He expressed confidence in the Vice President, saying the man is committed to making sure that the total amount is released.

The biggest problem of the New Nigerian today still remains the refusal of some of the northern governors to contribute their agreed quota. The Vice President who has so far demonstrated a great commitment to reviving the legacy of the Sardauna of Sokoto should therefore use his powers on these recalcitrant state governors by deducting the monies due to the NNN from their monthly federal allocations at source.

Kwankwaso’s son’s wedding and challenge of discipline

By Abdulsalam Mohd. Sani

M

uch unlike the wedding ceremonies of the high and mighty, the wedding Fatiha of the son of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Mustapha RM Kwankwaso, went almost unnoticed. There was no display of ostentation or flamboyance. To most residents of Kano and scores of government officials, the wedding still remains a rumour due to total absence of media hype and the low-key manner of event. This is a lesson to our party-loving leaders who do not only squander public funds on jamborees at home but go an inch further to junket abroad and organise wedding bash. The new dismaying craze is junketing to Dubai, UK or America to tilt the till in the name of marriage ceremony. Ideally, ceremonies are private matters that should be handled privately, but in Nigeria it is elevated well above state matters. While other governors use the opportunity of ceremonies to flaunt both their affluence and influence by inviting innumerable notable personalities to add glamour to the event, Gov. Kwankwaso thinks otherwise as only a handful of political associates and close relatives and allies attended the low-key event.

Not only on the occasion of his

son’s wedding that Kwankwaso displayed sense of simplicity and frugal management of public funds, the governor is one person whose sense of discipline always manifests in every facet of his life. Kano’s financial discipline under Kwankwaso is second to none. He would rather give you a million from his pocket than to unjustifiably give you N20,000 from the treasury. The governor’s moral discipline is also very strict.

You cannot see his son or other members of his family jumping from one office to another in order to secure contract, interfere with the official duties of government officials or curry favour. Gov. Kwankwaso is one person who does not brook indiscipline at home or in office. Towards safeguarding the

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image of his family and abiding by the dictate of the constitution, the general public may note that there is no ‘Office of the First Lady’ in Kano. Also, there is no any special allocation or vote in whatever guise that is channeled to his wife as obtained elsewhere.

What interests me most in the previous Saturday’s wedding Fatiha of the governor’s son was that Kano roads were not blocked, the airwaves were not inundated with jingles, the television stations never got a simulcast of the event from government, the pages of newspapers were not adorned with bride and groom’s photos, no billboard was erected to show the beaming faces of the celebrants, no procession of motorcade of dignitaries. This is Kwankwaso’s

Kano, a state where public funds bear their name — PUBLIC FUNDS. What is meant for the people will certainly go to the people as justified by the executed and ongoing projects taking place in Kano today.

As a member of the organizing committee of the wedding, we initially planned big, thinking that the governor would accede to our demand for a grand event. But the term of reference given to us left us ‘rolling our eyes out’: That government will not use a kobo from the treasury to finance the event, that invitation should only be sent to those residing in Kano, that the wedding Fatiha should only hold at the weekend in order not to bring inconveniences to the public, that no single announcement of the

Kano’s financial discipline under Kwankwaso is second to none. He would rather give you a million from his pocket than to unjustifiably give you N20,000 from the treasury. The governor’s moral discipline is also very strict. You cannot see his son or other members of his family jumping from one office to another in order to secure contract, interfere with the official duties of government officials or curry favour. Gov. Kwankwaso is one person who does not brook indiscipline at home or in office.

wedding should be placed on radio, TV or in newspaper, that vehicular movements must not be hampered around the city, that no contractor or public office holder should be consulted for ‘contribution’, that musicians (however low-profile) must not be invited... The list of the ‘dos and don’ts’ reeled out by the governor is just endless. Even the wordings in invitation card were also made to appear so simple and prideless as the governor stroke out titles of the family patriarch, a respected traditional title holder in Kano. It is the most artless wedding event I have ever seen!

As American motivational speaker and author, Jim Rohn, says “We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment.”

The first American president George Washington capped it all as he observed that “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”No doubt, Kwankwaso’s discipline coupled with his selfless service to the people, is what makes that small number of his team “formidable” and as George Washington would say, “procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”

Abdulsalam Mohd Sani wrote from Nassarawa GRA Kano.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 17

Metro Sports director denies poor funding allegation

By Adeola Tukuru

F

Nigeria Police dispatch rider performing stunt on his motorcycle, during the Nigeria Police Day celebration, recently in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Ramadan: Minister enjoins residents to pray for Nigeria

By Adeola Tukuru

A

s Muslims Worldwide embarks on spiritual rejuvenation through Ramadan fast, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has enjoined them to pray for the country and her leadership.

The Minister used the occasion

to congratulate Muslim faithful, resident in the Federal Capital Territory on the commencement of fasting in this holy month of Ramadan.

Senator Mohammed admonished residents to use the holy month of Ramadan for spiritual rededication and spread the spirit of love, selflessness, sacrifice, patience

and modesty.

He used the opportunity to call for peaceful co-existence amongst all residents of the Fe deral Capital Territory; insisting that all residents have a stake in the project Abuja.

The Minister reiterated that only through peace and stability would the FCT and indeed the entire country achieve sustainable development in

all spheres.

Senator Mohammed remarked that the holy month of Ramadan is an inspiration to Muslims to show compassion, mercy and kindness to their fellow brothers irrespective of religion and also advised that they should not miss this opportunity to at least put a smile on the faces of others by being their brother’s keeper.

Village head commends Fadama III on poverty alleviation

T

he Village Head of Kwaku Community, in the Kuje Area Council of the FCT Alhaji Abubakar Ishaku, has commended the territory’s Fadama III Project Coordination Office for its commitment.

Ishaku, who made the commendation in Kwaku, near Kuje, said it was heart-warming that the office was committed to poverty alleviation among rural communities in FCT. Ishaku was speaking at the commissioning of a market subproject executed by the Fadama III

office in the community The village head said the community had, over the years, not felt any government’s presence. ``Apart from the market being commissioned, the only thing in the community is the bore hole, which was sunk during the Fadama II Project,’’ he said.

Ishaku called for renewed commitment on the part of the project’s management so as to empower more communities, particularly youths and women in the FCT.

The village head, who pledged the community’s commitment to continue to partner with the project, assured that proceeds to be generated from the market would be judiciously utilised.

In his remarks, Alhaji Salisu Abdullahi, the FCT Fadama III Project Coordinator, urged the project’s beneficiaries to take advantage of their investment to generate more income and improve their living standards.

Abdullahi, who said Area Councils’ involvement in the project would guarantee its suitability,

called for a judicious use and regular maintenance of machines installed for other sub-projects in the community.

He identified apprehension among community members, based on past experiences and nonreadiness to embrace the project as well as difficulties in group formation as challenges the project faced in the community.

Earlier, Mr Shabban Tete, Chairman, Kuje Area Council, had expressed satisfaction with efforts put in place to alleviate poverty at the grass roots. (NAN)

NUJ Abuja Council urges NGE new leadership to promote genuine democracy

C

hairman of NUJ FCT Council, Chuks Ehirim has urged the executives of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), to reposition the association to support the struggle to enthrone genuine democracy in the country.

Ehrim, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja said that

the NGE election was worthy of commendation, especially with the calibre of persons who emerged to lead the group in the next two years.

He said that journalists had been in the forefront of the crusade for a credible, free and fair electoral system in the country.

He urged the editors to redouble their efforts in the fight to enthrone true democracy and ensure that the country got an electoral system where the votes of the people would count. ``The Nigerian Union of Journalists FCT, Abuja Council congratulates the newly elected

executive members of the NGE. The new executives will be led by the Deputy Managing Director of `The Sun’ publishing company, Mr Femi Adesina.

Ehirim compared the NGE election to NUJ Abuja Council election of July 7, 2012, which was devoid of rancour. (NAN)

ollowing media report insinuating that the Director of Sports in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had accused the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed of poor funding of the sector, the Director of Sports, Mr. Mohammed Alim Musa has said that there is no iota of truth in the said publication.

Musa who spoke at the weekend expressed dismay over the publication, noting that the story published in one of the National dailies was the figment of the reporter’s imagination.

Specifically, the director was of the view that funding of the sports sector under the present FCT Administration has been the highest since the creation of the Territory.

“To be candid, I don’t want to join issues with the media, but it is painful to publish distorted facts in an attempt to malign another’s man imagine. It is on record that since the inception of the present Administration in 2010, sports, in terms of its administration and organization have been restructure, redefined and tailored towards human development, empowerment, enhanced inter-personal and community co-existence, tourism promotion, accelerated infrastructural development, among others,” he stressed.

The director affirmed that the achievements recorded by the FCT sports could not have been possible without adequate funding of the sector by the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed and his counterpart, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, pointing out that both minister have taking sports to the next level in the Territory.

According to him, “sports development requires adequate funding and this can be attested to by what is happening at the six Area Councils. In the Area Councils, for the first time since the creation of the territory, funds have been earmarked for the construction of sports centres at the headquarters of each of the six Area Councils. It is expected that each Area Councils will compliment this efforts that is meant to give them a push”.

The Director noted that the newly introduced “Know, Understanding and Appreciate the Games” program would be used to identify youth from all the 62 wards for various zonal and national competition, especially the National Youth Games being contemplated by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

He stressing that the program will compliment the “Athletes of Hope”, an inter-collegiate athletics championship that begins in the territory since 2006, and have been used to produce young athletes for the 17th and 18th National Sports Festivals.

“This singular achievement, the first and best of its type since the territory joined National competitions especially the National Festival in 1987, portray the appreciable level of sports development in the Capital Territory particularly, that the FCT athletes were said to be the most youthful of all other participants. The performances placed the territory 1st among all the 19 States North of the River Niger”.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 16

Task force nabs 2,000 illegal migrants

By Adeola Tukuru

A

s the battle against insecurity across the country continues, a total of 2,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested in Abuja and repatriated to their various countries.

The feat was achieved through the inter-agency committee comprising military, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC), Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Immigration Services and the State Security Services (SSS) constituted by the FCT administration with the help of social workers in the Social Development Secretariat of the administration.

Speaking in Abuja on the activities of the secretariat, the Secretary in charge of Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Blessing Onuh warned miscreants bent on constituting nuisance in Abuja to steer clear of the territory.

She noted that Abuja has continued to witness rapid influx of people for years now and observed that the situation came with so many attendant socio-economic challenges which included rise in unemployment, crime and other anti-social vices.

Mrs. Onuh disclosed that the secretariat, in furtherance of its efforts to address the issue of poverty in the territory, currently works with wives of area council

chairmen to mobilize women to take advantage of the secretariat’s empowerment initiatives.

The secretary noted that the secretariat within the past year organized various skills acquisition training programs in which about 5000 women received support.

According to her, the secretariat initiated a poverty alleviation and job creation tricycle scheme and distributed a total of 100 customized tricycles to youths from the six area councils of the territory.

She disclosed that the abandoned Bwari vocational centre for physically-challenged persons has now been renovated and re-opened for public use.

She said, “Over the years,

Abuja has continued to witness a rapid influx of people and this has come with so many attendant socio-economic challenges such as rise in unemployment, crime and other anti social vices.

“Since the inception of the present FCT administration in 2010, concerted efforts have been made to deliver efficient social services to residents in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Despite all these achievements, we are also facing challenges in the areas of inadequate infrastructure and facilities requiring urgent intervention to enable us carry out our social responsibilities in the FCT”.

Wife of the Fct Minister, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed (left), receiving an award from the President, Market Women Association of Nigeria, Chief Felicia Sani (middle), during the 2013 FCT press week’s award night, on Friday in Abuja. With them is the representative of FCT Minister, Chief Ikemefuna Awodu (right).

Photo: NAN

Sure-P: RTEAN doles out 1,000 vehicles to members Usman Shuaibu

T

he leadership of Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has distributed about 1,000 new cars to its members for taxi operators in the territory as part of the FCT Sure-P programme in

empowering the Nigerians.

The President of RTEAN, Alhaji Musa Shehu Isiwele, who distributed the vehicles advised the drivers to use the vehicle judiciously to generate funds for the association.

He pointed out that the beneficiaries of the vehicle were expected to pay a monthly deposit of

N63,000 for the three years as part of revolving scheme.

His words: “This is just phaseone of the program and if we succeed in this, more of the vehicles will be provided. This has never happened before in the history of our association. So, I call on the beneficiaries to stay off alcoholic

and concentrate on the business because if you fail to pay returns, we will collect the cars and give them to serious people.”

The RTEAN president explained that none of the vehicles is authorized to go outside Abuja and that every beneficiary is expected to come with two guarantors.

Chief urges FCTA to provide dustbins at Dei-Dei livestock market

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he village chief in charge of Dei-Dei international livestock market in Bwari Area Council, FCT, Alhaji Muhammad Saleh Kusaleh, has called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to provide the dustbins across the market to prevent dumping of wastes anyhow in the

area.

He also urged the FCT Administration to rehabilitate the dilapidated roads within the market to enable their customers have access to the market in time.

Kusaleh, who made the call in an interview with Peoples Daily at DeiDei, further appealed to the FCTA to construct culverts in the market in order to curb erosion in the area.

He explained that since the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo who commissioned the market in 1999, there was no tangible structure being put in place in the market.

He called on the FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed to fence the market so as to arrest the security situation faced y the market for long now, noted that the FCTA

had generated a lot of revenue through the livestock market.

He pleaded with the government functionaries to purchase their cattle or rams in the market during the festivities, instead of travelling to other states to buy the cows, while warning the officials of the livestock markets against leading the customers to buy the cattle outside the market.

Proprietress harps on teachers training to improve quality education

T

he proprietress of Prime Scholars’ school, Karu, in the FCT, Dr. Wosila Shittu, has said that teachers training would help to improve educational standard in the country.

She said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) advised that teachers should be trained because they could impart the knowledge they don’t have, adding that it was essential for communication between them and the children. “I think the government should do a lot about teachers training.

“A lot of these teachers, you wouldn’t believe it a lot of these teachers we rejected in our school after interviewing them government take them over.

“Most of these teachers going into government services can’t even speak good English. `` So if you cannot communicate how you get to these children how you do come across to them. `` So we need government to do a lot on teachers training and teacher’s quality improvement. ``Improve their quality in terms of what they are getting, in terms of what you are paying them.

The proprietress, who said that her school is ten years old, attributed the success to dedicated teachers and administrators but urged parents to take their children’s upbringing seriously.

She said that children’s welfare should be at their heart and that proper upbringing calls for some corrective measures, including smacking, when necessary. `` I think parents are not doing enough they leave a lot for the teachers to do. When I was growing up the parents then did a lot not the parents the family because in Yoruba there is this adage that says that ‘one person gave birth to a child but 200 people train that child. ``Now we are not allowing that 200 people to train these children as you know we don’t allow teachers or anybody to smack these children. Most of these children are not smacked at home. ``We can’t be copying the western world they also have it in their adage that` spare the rod and spoil a child ‘ ``So why are we sparing this rod and spoiling these children if you don’t beat, if you say don’t beat my children in school but when they get home there are little, little things and is better this is the stage that you need to correct them. ``Once they grow up there is little or nothing you can do so they leave all these things to we teachers yet. ``They don’t allow us to give them the kind of moral upbringing that we want to give them.` (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 18

Metro

Two men in court for attempting to snatch lady’s bag T wo men Abubakar Awolu, 18, and Umar Shuaibu, 25, were on Friday charged before a Wuse Zone 2, Senior Magistrates Court, Abuja, for attempting to snatch a lady’s bag.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Abdullahi Adamu, told the court

that Blessing Dalandi of Mpape village, Abuja, reported the accused at Wuse Zone 3, Division Police Station.

Adamu, alleged that on June 31, at about 9. 30 p.m., the accused attacked Danladi at Wuse Zone 4 bus stop as she was trying to board

a bus.

He told the court that accused, who grabbed her bag, were caught by some commuters and brought to the police station.

They pleaded not guilty.

Senior Magistrate Binta Dogonyaro granted them bail in the

sum of N10,000 each and a surety each in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court and must swear to an affidavit of means.

Dogonyaro adjourned the case to July 17, 2013 for hearing. (NAN)

INSIDE FCT COURTS

Man, 23, charged with theft

T

he Police on Friday arraigned Christian Kelvin of Sudan Street, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, at the Karu Upper Area Court in Abuja for alleged theft.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Ezra Nongo, told the court that Ifeanyi Lawson of Durumi 3, Abuja, reported the matter at the Apo Police Station on July 5.

Nongo said the accused stole the complainant’s N35,750, a generator valued N45,000, a Blackberry phone valued N25,000, and some clothes and shoes.

He said the accused was arrested on July 5.

Nongo said the offence contravened Section 287 of the Penal Code.

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

The accused denied committing the offence.

The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000 with a credible surety who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He adjourned the case to Sept. 3, 2013 for hearing. (NAN)

Court sentences man to 2 weeks imprisonment for stealing paint

A truck driver lost control of his vehicle and found his truck lied by the road side along Airport road in Abuja, recently. Photo: Joe Oroye.

Court remands driver, 33, in prison for alleged robbery

A

Karu Upper Area Court, Abuja, on Friday, remanded one Sunday Eze in prison for alleged criminal conspiracy and robbery.

He denied the charges.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Umoh Inah, told the court that one Miss Gift Mark of Wuse, Abuja, and three others reported the matter at the State Criminal Investigation

Department, FCT Command, on May 3.

He said that the accused and four others, still at large, went to the complainants’ residence on the said date and robbed them.

Inah said that they were robbed of six cell-phones, one laptop, N40,000 cash and other valuables.

He said Eze was arrested by

the complainants while the four others escaped through the fence to an unknown destination.

Inah said the alleged offences contravened sections 97 and 296 of the Penal Code.

Section 97 states: “whoever is a party to criminal conspiracy shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or be fined

or both.”

Section 296 states: “theft is robbery if in committing theft, the offender voluntarily attempts to cause any person death,hurt or instant wrongful restraint.”

The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, ordered that he be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to Sept.

3,2013 for hearing. (NAN)

Court adjourns case of alleged extortion against prayer warrior to Aug.8

T

he case of extortion filed against one Emmanuel Pam, 31, of Mararaba at a Grade 1 Area Court, was on Friday adjourned to Aug. 8 for continuation of hearing.

Pam pleaded not guilty.

The judge, Mr Albert Maga, adjourned the case after the prosecutor, Cpl. Inuwa Maigida, informed the court that witnesses were not present and applied for adjournment.

Pam was arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and extortion.

At the mention of the case on July 1, Maigida told the court the matter was reported at the ‘A’ Division Police Station, Mararaba by one Blessing Nnaji on June 26.

He said that on June 26 at about 11 a.m at Mararaba pedestrian bridge, Pam conspired with one other person

now at large, and told Nnaji that her mother at the village was sick. ``Pam asked Nnaji to bring all valuables in her possession and keep them on the ground so that he can pray for her and her sick mother at the village. ``In the process, he lured her to a distance and told her to fetch sand for him.’’

Maigida said that before Nnaji returned from fetching the sand,

the accused had made away with her Nokia X2 cellphone, valued at N13,000 and N1,500 cash.

The prosecutor said that Pam was seen and arrested in the evening of the same day at the same spot.

He said that the offence contravened sections 97 and 292 of the Penal Code.

The accused faces a fiveyear jail term or a fine or both if convicted. (NAN)

A

n Abuja Senior Magistrates Court has sentenced one Musa Muhammed of Pyakasa Village along Airport Road, Abuja, to two weeks in prison for stealing two buckets of paint.

Senior Magistrate Aliyu Shafa, who handed down the judgement after the accused pleaded guilty, however, gave him an option of N1,000 fine.

Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Cpl. Paul Anigbo, told the court that the convict was reported at the Lugbe Police Station by one Muhammed Jibril of Lento Estate, Pyakasa on July 6.

The prosecutor said that the convict stole two buckets of paint and five empty paint buckets from a site belonging to the estate.

Anigbo said that during police investigation, the convict confessed to have committed the crime and that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 288 of the Penal Code.

Section 288 states that ``whoever commits theft in or from any building, tent or vessel, which building, tent or vessel is used as a human dwelling or used for the custody of property, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine or with both. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 19

INSIDE

World Bank disburses, N209m to over 3,000 farmers in - Pg 20 Kano Shareholders: NAHCO to raise N25bn fresh capital

- Pg 21

People queuing to register their GSM SIMs in Yola, a day after restoration of communication networks, on Friday in Adamawa.

Customs suffers revenue loss as crisis hits port commands From Olawuni Oladapo, Lagos

T

here is palpable tension at the Ports and Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) command of the Nigeria Custom Service as it has suspended its operations over an attack on its Deputy-Controller in charge of valuation by some aggrieved clearing agents.

The aggrieved clearing agents had last week pounced on the valuation officer, whose identity was simply given as Deputy Controller Jack, over allegation of compromise and bribe taking on imported vehicles.

Consequently, the customs had suspended operations at its valuation unit until the perpetrators of the act are produced by the various freight forwarding associations at the command.

Speaking with our correspondent on Thursday after a meeting with the leadership of the associations; namely National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), image maker of the command, Mr. Steve

Okonma explained that the order to suspend operations had been given from the customs headquarters in Abuja.

Heavily armed officers of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A’ Ikeja were seen at the PTML port as they barred freight forwarders from entering into custom premises.

Speaking, Okonma said that “two days ago, some hoodlums attacked the DC valuation, by so doing they have attacked an institution, if an action is not taken, this action will continue because this is not the first time, this should be the end. All we are saying is that they should produce the people who did the crime”.

“For two days now, the legitimate revenue that is suppose to accrue to the government is not coming in because of an action of some disgruntled elements, the terminal operators also could not work”, he added.

He claimed that the valuation officer was in his office when the agents attacked his office and destroyed office windows. According to him, trouble started because the officer had refused to compromise over a vehicle of 2012 being declared wrongly as 2004.

But speaking, Chairman of PTML chapter of ANLCA, Prince Bola Adesokan explained that the said perpetrators whom he claimed are not members of ANLCA or NAGAFF had produced evidence to show that the officer had been collecting bribe from clearing agents to release vehicles wrongly declared.

Adesokan however said that the associations cannot produce the culprits because they are not members of any of the associations.

He said that the associations chapter executives had appealed to the Nigeria Customs Service management, at a meeting on Thursday, to resume operations as the issue is not the fault of the associations, but that there was no positive response from the Controller, Mr. Tajudeen Olanrewaju “We got to know that these people are not ANLCA member or NAGAFF member they are just ordinary agents”.

“We asked them why they fight the Nigeria Customs Service, and they brought their documents to show their name and number to show that the Officer in-charge of valuation took money from them, the document is still with us; these

agents were very aggrieved and they asked him to give them their money back or raise a debit note; if you have taken bribe, you cannot eat your cake and have it”.

“I cannot tender somebody I don’t know; they are not my members, we have a register of our members, I only took the document they brought to us to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)”, he stated.

CBN

Exchange Rates

as at 12th July, 2013 Buying Selling

$

154.76

155.76

€

233.54

235.05

£

201.63

202.92

Riyal

41.26

41.53

Parallel Rates Buying

Selling

$

157.50

158.40

€

250

253.00

£

206.00

210.00

Riyal

43.00

45.00

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY

3 people to talk to when you’re new on the job

W

hen you start at a new company, there is so much new information that it’s difficult to know where to focus. Here are three important sources you don’t want to overlook: Frontline employees. People who develop and manufacture products or deliver services can familiarize you with the organization’s basic processes and relationships with key customers.

Integrators. Colleagues who

coordinate interaction across functions (think project or plant managers) can tell you how different areas mesh—or don’t.

They can shed light on the true political hierarchies.

Natural historians. Keep an eye out for “old-timers” who have been with the firm for a long time.

They’ll be able to teach you about the company’s mythology and the roots of its culture.

Source: Harvard Business Review

Money Market

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 20

Company News

Diamond Bank Plc

D

iamond Bank Plc has recently concluded its Annual Performance Review exercise and upgraded certain staff. This is in line with global best practices where companies or institutions intermittently review their human resource talent as a means of achieving their corporate growth agenda.

The statement also indicated that the performance review exercise is hinged on the Bank’s Enterprise Assessment Framework called the Balanced Score Card.

The framework spells out carefully itemized parameters with which members of staff are measured and these parameters are communicated to staff at various points in the year under review. The framework equally stipulates the parameters for disengagement for underperforming staff.

Ajaokuta Steel Co.

T

he Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on use of training facilities.

The Information Officer of the ITF, Mr. Thomas Bajeh, who said this in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Abuja said, the agreement was signed on behalf of the ITF by its Director-General, Prof. Logmas Wapmuk and Mr. Onobere Isah, the Sole Administrator of the ASCL. The MoU, signed at the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Abuja, was to enable the ITF to use the ASCL facilities for training and capacity building programmes for the youth.

Shell Petroleum Development Co.

S

hell Petroleum Development Company has shut down the Trans-Niger pipeline after locating another leak on the line. This is the second time in less than a month the pipeline is being shut down.

Shell says the shutdown of the Trans-Niger pipeline which is a major pipeline in Nigeria will result in a cut of about 150,000 barrels of oil per day.

Nigeria’s total output has been at around two million barrels per day.

External Reserves stock appreciates by $4.05bn, hits $47.9bn Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he level of external reserves as at end-March, 2013 stood at US$47.88 billion as against US$43.83 billion and US$35.20 billion in the preceding and corresponding quarters, respectively says the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The current level of reserves could finance 22.8 months of current foreign exchange disbursements and 11.2 months of imports compared to 16.8 and 10.8 months of foreign exchange disbursements as well as 10.7 and 6.7 months of imports recorded in Q4 and Q1, 2012, respectively.

The external reserves recorded an accretion of US$4.05 billion and US$12.68 billion in Q1, 2013 over its level in Q4 and Q1, 2012, respectively, largely due to positive terms of trade shock.

The vulnerability of the Nigerian economy to short term capital flows increased with the rising ratios of short term capital flows

to external reserves at 12.7, 12.8 and 14.3 per cent, respectively, in Q3 and Q4, 2012 and Q1, 2013 The structure of the external reserves holding revealed that the share of CBN to the total stock of external reserves stood at 79.0 per cent while that of the Federation and Federal Government stood at 18.0 and 3.0 per cent, respectively In the Forex inflow and outflow, available data showed that foreign exchange inflows to the economy in Q1, 2013 stood at US$34.20 billion as against US$32.24 billion and US$28.19 billion recorded in Q4 and Q1, 2012, representing increases of 6.1 and 21.3 per cent, respectively.

Total outflows in the review period amounted to US$6.40 billion as against US$8.15 billion and US$10.09 billion recorded in Q4 and Q1, 2012, representing declines of 21.5 and 36.5 per cent, respectively.

Consequently, a net-inflow of US$27.80 billion was recorded in Q1, 2013 as against the US$24.09 billion and US$18.10

billion recorded in Q4 and Q1, 2012, respectively. The foreign exchange inflow through the CBN was US$10.30 billion in Q1, 2013 compared with US$11.17 billion and US$12.12 billion, respectively in Q4 and Q1, 2012.

Inflows, through autonomous sources, increased by 13.4 per cent while outflows through CBN and autonomous segments declined by 19.2 and 72.9 percent respectively in the period under review.

Meanwhile, the aggregate demand for foreign exchange by the authorized dealers consisting of WDAS and Bureau De Change (BDC) operators during the review period stood at US$4.88 billion, indicating an increase of 13.9 per cent and a decrease of 32.6 per cent when compared with the levels recorded in the preceding and corresponding quarters, respectively.

A total of US$4.56 billion was supplied in Q1, 2013, consisting of US$3.59 billion and US$0.97 billion to the WDAS and BDC

World Bank disburses, N209m to over 3,000 farmers in Kano

By Etuka Sunday

T

he World Bank, at the weekend, disclosed that it has disbursed the sum of N209 million to over three thousand farmers in Kano State through its Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP), giving the break down at 1, 637 males and 1, 502 women respectively as beneficiaries.

The World Bank Senior Operations Specialist and Task Team Leader of the project, Lucas Akapa, who disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 8th World Bank Project Implementation Mission to Kano state said, “These achievements are directly attributable to increased adoption of improved technologies, increased access to improved

infrastructure and enhanced capacity of the beneficiaries to effectively participate in project implementation.”

Dr. Akapa further disclosed that the project in Kano has promoted Draught Tolerant Maize (DTM) in the traditionally non-maize growing areas using and adoption of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) amongst rice farmers resulting to average yield increase from 2.7 metric tonnes to 3.6 Metric Ton per hectare.

In his remarks, the National Project Coordinator of CADP, Dr. Amin Babandi also informed the gathering that the main purpose of the mission is to gather inputs from the participating states for the restructuring of the project to align with their agricultural policies for enhanced performance

and the required impact.

Five farm access roads have been constructed at a total cost of over N465million to open up inaccessible agrarian communities.

The World Bank further said the project is expected to impact on 10,000 small and medium commercial farmers while many households will benefit indirectly through access to farm access roads, energy and market through spillover effects in the state.

The Commercial Agriculture Development Project is piloted in Kano, Cross River, Enugu, Kaduna and Lagos states.

The US $150 million World Bank-assisted project, which commenced on July 30, 2009, is expected to close on December 31, 2014.

Earnings Report for Banks

operators, respectively.

This indicated a decline of 33.2 per cent and an increase of 6.9 per cent when compared with the corresponding and preceding quarters of 2012, respectively.

A total of US$10.40 billion was utilized in Q1, 2013 compared to US$10.22 billion and US$10.00 billion utilized in Q4 and Q1, 2012, respectively.

The total amount utilised in the re-view period consisted of US$6.62 billion and US$3.78 billion for visible and invisible trade, representing 63.7 and 36.3 per cent, respectively. This pattern of domination by visible trade was evident during the three quarters analyzed.

Analysis of foreign exchange utilisation by sectors revealed that US$6.6 billion, representing 63.7 per cent of total was spent on the importation of visible goods into the country during the review period. This represented an increase of 3.2 per cent and a decline of 18.6 per cent when compared with the levels recorded in the preceding and corresponding quarters, of 2012, respectively.

Fiscal Responsibility Commission wants law to apply to states of the federation

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he Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) wants the law establishing it to apply to states of the federation and local governments to ensure greater accountability and prudence in the management of the nation’s resources.

Its Commissioner, Policy and Standards, Dr. Sylvester Mordi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja at the weekend, that such amendment was pertinent since the states and local governments spend 48 per cent of federally-collected revenue.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act was enacted in 2007 to provide for prudent management of the nation’s resources and to ensure long-term macroeconomic stability.

He said that currently, not more than 52 per cent of federallycollected revenue was covered by the Act since the Commission had no jurisdiction in the states and local governments. ``In Nigeria the Federal Government’s share of federallyallocated revenue is not more than 52 per cent. The rest goes to the states and local governments. So, if Fiscal Responsibility Act applies to only 52 per cent, the impact on the economy will be reduced. So we want the states to come along. ``Originally, the Fiscal Responsibility Act was proposed to cover the entire federation, but the states through their agencies, the National Assembly and so on argued that the Nigerian federation is a unique one.

Capital Market

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

TOP GAINERS

PAGE 21

Source: NSE/Proshare

TOP LOSERS

Intestor’s Newsbit

StarTimes

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Nigerian stocks hit four consecutive days of gains

Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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ast week marked the start of earnings seasons and Global markets, specifically the U.S and European markets, opened the week positive on speculation Global companies will report better-thanforecasted earnings and an improvement in Euro economic data.

However, by mid-week markets reversed gains on a report showing company earnings reported were the weakest in four years. Subse-

quently, equity markets gained after the U.S Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke stated that the U.S will continue to need stimulus.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is proposing some changes to trading rules. The proposal will see the NSE suspend trading activities in the event of extraordinary market volatility with the introduction of market-wide circuit.

This circuit breaker will be triggered by a 5% decline in the market, and will last for 30 minutes. The

reasoning behind implementing this strategy is to ensure that there are no sharp swings in the market.

The NSE is calling for comments on the proposed new rule and is yet to finalize.

The Nigerian equity market recorded improved volumes, accruing an average daily turnover of N3.8 billion, a welcome 25% increase from the previous week, though this was driven by the cross trade in United Bank for Africa (UBA) shares – 492 million

the revenue base by 3.7 per cent from N7.142billion in 2011 to N7.404billion in December 2012 as a sign that the company was on the right track in view of the fact that the result reflects only ten months of performance due the fuel subsidy strike in early part of 2012.

The shareholders also commended the growth of the cash reserve ratio by 14 percent in 2012 from 11 per cent in 2011 which is equivalent to the saving of N520million.

Chairman, Shareholders’ Trustees Association of Nigeria, Otunba Mukhtar Mukhtar said all these are indicators that the company was moving on the right direction.

He said the continuation of the transformation agenda of the former chairman by his successor reflects continuity, progress and profitability in the company.

Mrs. Oludewa Thorpe, of the Zonal Shareholders Association of Nigeria commended the feat recorded and urged shareholders to

expect a better result in the next financial year.

Also, the National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr Sunny Nwosu said there was the need for the company to study the Federal Government policies and key into them, as it will help in increasing its yield.

He commended the visionary leadership of the company and expressed optimism that NAHCO was on the verge of making a giant leap of profitability if the current management pace is sustained and said the appointment of new directors will add value to the company.

The new independent directors are: Chris Oshiafi, Ahmed Tijjani Uwais and Hadiza Aliko Muhammad.

NAHCO‘s Chairman, Malam Yahyah said the board had proposed a dividend payout of 25kobo for 50kobo share held during the period.

According to him, in the fourth

shares worth N4.1 billion.

The market opened the week in the red, dipping 37bps on Monday, as sell pressure mounted on heavyweight Financials and Consumer Goods shares. The index subsequently booked four consecutive days of gains, thanks to sustained interest in large cap Dangote Cement and Nigerian Breweries. The bulls nudged the NSE All-Share Index (ASI) to a 1.24% gain, ramping the YTD return to 33%.

Shareholders: NAHCO to raise N25bn fresh capital

Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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hareholders of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO Aviance) Plc have approved for the company to raise N25billion new capital for expansion drive and investment across Africa.

According to the shareholders who voted and spoke at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to mark the 2012 financial year-end Friday in Abuja, the fresh capital will be used for the company’s ongoing diversification efforts which include its bid for the PHCN Distribution Company (DISCO), Free Trade Zone in Lagos (FTZ) and it foray into Liberia and other African countries.

The shareholders also expressed support for the company’s Board and management over its transformation efforts and visionary leadership under the new chairman Malam Suleiman Yahyah.

They described the growth of

OPEC sheds market share to shale oil in 2014

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onsequent upon rising supply of U.S. shale oil, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) stands to lose its share of the world oil market come next year, thus gives the exporter group little comfort from the fastest growth in world demand in four years.

OPEC forecast demand for its oil in 2014 would measure 29.61 million barrels per day (bpd), down 250,000 bpd from 2013 and 770,000 bpd less than it produced in

June, according to a monthly report.

“This would imply a further build in global crude inventories, which currently stand at high levels,” OPEC said in reference to the market outlook for next year. The report is a further illustration that technology for extracting oil and gas from shale is reducing dependence on OPEC. Rising output will make it harder for the 12-member group to keep its own output at high rates without

risking a drop in prices below $100 a barrel, its preferred level. OPEC also forecasts a recovery in demand next year as economic growth gathers pace. World oil use will expand by 1.04 million bpd in 2014, the strongest growth since 2010, it said.

But non-OPEC supply, the source of two in every three barrels, is expected to increase by 1.14 million bpd, more than demand, led by further growth in the United States.

NAHCO‘s Chairman, Malam Suleyman Yahyah quarter of 2013, NAHCO plans to operate its licence in Liberia and make foray into other African countries.“Our future results will show improved year-on-year performance, retaining value in the company, sustaining our market leadership and brand presence,” he said.

The chairman said: “Our profit after tax of N732million in 2012 was at variance with the N807million achieved in 2011. Our profit was also a reflection of the full implementation of the new International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS).”

The Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode T. Oluwasegun-Ojo informed shareholders that the company’s property, plant and equipment have been grown by 36 percent and Total Assets by 12 percent.

tarTimes, owners of the NTA-Star TV Network joint Venture said, on Friday, that it has invested over N20 billion in Nigeria since 2010 that it commenced business in the country.

The company has already pulled in up to 1. 3 million subscribers, competing hard with earlier entrants into the Nigerian cable television space.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Director of the company, Maxwell Loko disclosed that the investments were made to start and expand the business in all of the 16 cities of the country where the company currently has a presence.

Nextzon Business Services

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extzon Business Services, an enterprise building company, has drilled entrepreneurs in Information and Communication Technology on how to attract investments.

Nextzon was recently appointed by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to advise prospective companies who are eying listing on the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM).

At the forum tagged “Empowering the ICT entrepreneur 2013” Ogunsola identified major problems facing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to include lack of structure, finance/capital, inadequate management capacity, lack of corporate governance, among others.

Nigerians in Diaspora

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igerians in Diaspora interested in bidding for public sector consultancy and contracting jobs have demanded for a waiver of three-year tax clearance requirement as a precondition for their eligibility.

They made the demand in response to the presentation by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, who spoke at the Nigeria conversation programme weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.

According to a statement by the media assistant to the minister, Kingsley Osadolor, the minister urged Nigerians living abroad to stop bemoaning the influx of other nationals into Nigeria and take advantage of the immense investment opportunities in the country.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2013

Biz Feature

Africa’s art flourishes as the newly wealthy wake up to its value

Emerging elites and foreign investors are driving a booming collectors’ scene

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usasa 1, 2007, by El Anatsui, who is based in Nigeria. Another of his tapestries sold for a recordbreaking £541,250 last year.

When one of Nigeria’s biggest media moguls began collecting contemporary African art three decades ago, he was one of the few Africans in a niche market dominated by western connoisseurs. But as African art becomes more soughtafter globally, that is rapidly changing.

“Some of the things I bought just for aesthetic pleasure years ago are now worth millions,” said the wealthy businessman, who did not want to be named for fear his home could become a target for thieves.

“A lot of people on both sides of the pond are waking up to the fact you can make big money in contemporary [African] art,” he added, reclining on a golden sofa in his Lagos home crammed with expensive art from across the globe.

As African economies outperform the global average, a collectors’ scene is booming among emerging elites and a growing number of foreign buyers.

When Nike Davies-Okundaye began selling adire – a Nigerian traditional textile art she learned from her great-grandmother – in the 1960s, “only expats liked buying, even though our

forefathers were already art lovers”, she said on a walk through her gallery, which sprawls over four floors, the largest in west Africa.

Nowadays she has a global clientele and, increasingly among locals, young business people wanting to invest their money in safe assets. “Young Nigerians are now driving the art scene – they are becoming the biggest patrons of Nigerian art,” she said.

Growing incomes colliding

with a rich history of visual arts have seen fine art sales soar in other African countries too, said Davies-Okundaye, who helped establish one of Kenya’s first art galleries in the 1980s.

The boom has been most pronounced in Nigeria and South Africa,the continent’s two biggest economies, which between them account for half of Africa’s billionaires. Increasingly, local rather than imported artwork adorns the walls of many glitzy

Reborn Sounds of Childhood Dreams by Ibrahim el-Salahi at the Tate Modern in London.

Museum of Contemporary African Art - Art and Religion by Meschac Gaba at the Tate Modern. offices and restaurants.

“One stockbroker I know recently went and bought so much art he didn’t know where to put it. He actually had to put some of the paintings on the ceilings,” said Arthur Mbanefo, a prominent sponsor, visibly distressed by the collision between art and Nigerians’ flair for exhibitionism.

As African nations replicate a trend witnessed by emerging countries, such as Brazil and India, over the past decade, the fever is also sweeping across international galleries and exhibitions.

Last year El Anatsui’s New World Map tapestry – made using flattened bottle tops of cheap African liquor – sold for a record-breaking £541,250 at a Bonham’s auction of African art.

“Artworks from hitherto unacknowledged regions of the world, not only Africa, are being collected as artworks rather than curios or ethnological objects,” said the Nigeria-based artist, whose colossal outdoor installations draw huge crowds to galleries in Berlin, Paris and New York. Nevertheless he dismissed the “African artist” label. “Art is a universal sensibility,” he said.

This year Angola became the first African country to win a prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale and, in London, the Cameroon-born curator Koyo Kouch plans to show work from

the continent at Frieze.

This month, London’s Tate Modern opened its first major exhibition of work by African artists Meschac Gaba of Benin and Sudan’s Ibrahim el-Salahi.

“Before, there would be moments of huge interest and then another 10 years would pass before we saw anything,” said Kerry Green, head of Tate’s African art acquisitions committee, which was set up last year.

“Acquiring African collections before was very much ad hoc,” added Green, whose team visited Nigeria for its first annual trip, and plans to visit South Africa and Cameroon next year.

Some worry that huge sums of money flooding in to the region could distort attempts to police a fledgling art market. “We have had people return objects they buy from the roadside which turned out to be heritage art stolen from this very museum,” said a worker at the national museum in Lagos.

Nevertheless, sellers are scrambling to feed the growing appetite. At a recent sale in Lagos, an auctioneer was flown in from London. “We wanted it to be someone really up to scratch,” one of the exhibition’s Lebanese curators explained. Pausing to air kiss a passerby, he added: “Also, it gives prestige.”

(Source: The Guardian, UK)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

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Stock Watch

Report as at Friday, July 12, 2013

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

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Special Report

A glimpse into Gaza’s tunnels (I) A conduit for smugglers, the lifeline of a beleaguered people, a bonanza for racketeers — what is the reality behind the Gaza tunnels, asks Hayat Yehia

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alestinians, especially members of Hamas, the Islamist group now in charge of Gaza, have long been accused of meddling in Egyptian affairs. Such accusations took on a bitter note following the killings of Egyptian soldiers in Rafah nearly a year ago and the more recent abduction of soldiers in Sinai two months ago. Claims that Hamas members once broke into a prison in Wadi Al-Natroun to free Palestinian inmates and members of the Muslim Brotherhood, including the former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, have given the controversy a political edge.

Relations with Gaza also took a new turn recently when an Egyptian court passed a ruling ordering the government to close down the tunnels leading out of Gaza and into Egypt. A few weeks ago, the Egyptian army launched Operation Eagle, during which it apparently flooded most of the tunnels with water. News reports say that the army has already destroyed 75 per cent

of the tunnels. What is the truth behind these allegations?

Just days before Al-Ahram Weekly went to Gaza to inspect the tunnels, British tabloid newspapers such as The Sun and Daily Mirror, along with BBC television, ran pictures of a KFC worker apparently using the tunnels in Gaza to deliver fast-food meals. The pictures caused uproar in Egypt, and Israel used them in order to claim that Gaza was not really starving, despite its six-year siege. Israeli spokesman Ofir Gendelman, posting on Twitter, quipped that “Gazans are buying Kentucky fried meals from Arish and smuggling them through the tunnels. Is Gaza really as hungry as all that?”

Walking through the Rafah crossing into Gaza in June, the present writer was approached by a security man on the Egyptian side who whispered that “you cannot imagine the money these Palestinians are making. Each one of them has enough to support dozens of Egyptians.”

A THOUSAND MILLIONAIRES: The rich Gazans that he was referring to made their money from the tunnel trade, said Moeen Rajab, a professor of economics at AlAzhar University in Gaza. Rafah, where the tunnel industry started, was considered one of the poorest cities in the world until a few years ago. Then, the Israeli siege turned the tunnels into a source of easy money for the Strip’s residents.

Thanks to the tunnels, there are about 1,000 people in Rafah with a personal wealth of over $1 million. The rest of the people, however, still live in abject poverty, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor has caused much social unease, Rajab said.

Amr Shaaban, a Palestinian economics researcher who has written a study on the tunnels, said the money from the tunnels had created a new class whose members spent most of their cash buying luxury cars or speculating in land and real estate. The new class was also gaining political and cultural

influence in Gaza, he said. “As you would expect, this new class is establishing ties with the authorities in order to gain protection,” Shaaban added.

As a result, economic activity has gravitated from Gaza City to Rafah in the south. “Money has moved from the traditionally wealthy families that live in or near the city of Gaza to Rafah, where new partnerships have been set up involving cooperation between the business class, which is knowledgeable about the economy, and a new class that has experience of digging tunnels as well as family connections with the tribes in Sinai,” Shaaban said.

Nabil Al-Yazji, the owner of the Metro supermarket in the area, buys 85 per cent of his goods from Israel.

Tunnel traders often bring in counterfeit goods and products that are past the expiry date, he said, but “I am obliged to depend on the tunnels to buy Egyptian goods, especially dairy products that are cheaper than Israeli products. Only 10 per

19 February; a 2010 photo of a Palestinian smuggling refrigerators through a tunnel from Egypt to the Gaza Strip

cent of my customers can afford to shop without comparing prices,” he added.

Before merchandise can reach the market, Gaza officials demand to see three documents: an import permit, an income tax declaration and a customs approval form. Goods that have passed their expiry dates are not allowed to go through, the officials said.

THE TUNNELS AND THE SIEGE: Visitors entering Gaza through the Salaheddin border crossing can see Egyptian soldiers on their left manning watch posts behind barbed wire, but looking to the right it is easy to see the tents erected to cover the shafts of the tunnels.

Egypt does not officially recognise that the tunnels exist, though it tolerates their existence for fear of starving the Palestinians, a Foreign Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.

The result is that this form of tax-free commerce is doubly profitable for the operators of the tunnels. On the Egyptian side, the tunnels usually start from inside private homes or gardens.

The Hamas government in Gaza has made efforts to regulate the tunnels. A licence for operating a tunnel costs $2,500, said Samir Abu Mdallala, president of the College of Economy and Management Science at AlAzhar University in Gaza.

The Hamas government also taxes all incoming goods and collects fees for the passage of individuals.

One fifth of Hamas government revenues, or $200 million from a total budget of $1 billion, comes from the tunnels, said Abu Mdallala.

The cost of building one tunnel ranges from between $25,000 and $250,000.

Gaza has a land area of 370 sq km, and it shares 14km of borders with Egypt.

If this area is added to that of the West Bank, on which the Palestinians wish to set up their independent state, the total is only 20 per cent of the original size of Palestine before the creation of the state of Israel in 1948.

The first tunnel between Egypt and Gaza was built in

A graffiti of Ahmed Yassin and Yasser Arafat in a Gaza City street 1983. At first, the tunnels were used to smuggle weapons for the use of the Palestinian resistance, Abu Mdallala said.

When Israel started its siege of the Gaza Strip, it closed down the seven crossing points that provided Gaza with its needs.

At the time, the total number of tunnels was only 20. Later on, Israel opened the Abu Salem Crossing, which only allows 120 trucks to go through every day, whereas Gaza needs 700 trucks on average if it is to meet its import needs.

As a result, the crossing only provided some 25 per cent of local needs.

Israel started its siege of Gaza in 2006 after the Islamic Resistance Movement, better known as Hamas, a short form of the organisation’s name in Arabic, won the legislative elections, defeating Fatah.

Israel tightened its siege on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas fought with Fatah and expelled the latter group from Gaza.

Around the same time, Egypt closed the Rafah Crossing, and the resulting blockade caused a famine in Gaza.

In 2008, nearly 750,000

Palestinians broke through the Egyptian border in a bid to buy their needs. Commenting on this incident, the then Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, inaugurating a book fair in Cairo at the time, said that the Palestinians could come into Egypt as long as they were not armed.

Since then, the number of tunnels has increased tremendously. One recent estimate put their number at 1,500. More than 60 per cent of Gaza’s $1.5 billion of imports go through the tunnels. The rest go through Israel and the Karm Abu Salem Crossing, which is controlled by Israel.

Meanwhile, the Rafah Crossing is strictly for people only and is not for trade.

According to economist Moeen Rajab, it is hard to estimate the amount of trade that goes through the tunnels, although it must be close to $1 billion annually.

Trade through the tunnels fluctuates according to the political situation. It goes up when Israel closes the Karm Abu Salem Crossing, he said, “which happens a lot,” and it

goes down when Egypt cracks down on the tunnels, sending prices soaring in Gaza as a result.

THE DIGGING CONTINUES: As more tunnels are built, competition has made the business less profitable than it was before.

One worker said that the first step to building a tunnel was to find a willing partner on the Egyptian side.

Most workers were reluctant to discuss the building of the tunnels, but a few were willing to offer a technical description. One said that the first step was to dig a shaft: a hole of about 1.5 metres in diameter is dug, and then the dirt is moved into a large sack that is pulled away, usually by a horse. This sack is then emptied, brought back, and refilled with displaced sand.

Workers then line the dug part with cement and wait till it dries. Then more digging takes place, until a shaft of about 20 metres deep or so has been constructed. At this point, work on the horizontal part of the

tunnel begins, which is even harder. “You need a map and coordinates; if not, you may run into other tunnels,” the workers said. The horizontal corridor of the tunnel is lined with wooden planks.

The tunnel workers seemed unaware of the reports that the Egyptians have flooded the tunnels. “Until a few days ago, work was going on around the clock,” one of them said.

Another worker said that work usually started late on Fridays, but otherwise business was going on as usual and the place was “full of trucks transporting merchandise”.

Inside Gaza, the inhabitants didn’t seem to be aware of the alleged flooding either. Umm Sobhi, 32, a housewife and the mother of seven, said that “we heard about the flooding of the tunnels, but I haven’t noticed that in the market. In fact, the prices of some goods have either gone down in the past few months or stayed the same.”

According to Umm Sobhi, the price of a 3kg container of Egyptian corn oil has gone down from 22 shekels (LE44)

to 18 shekels (LE36). The price of pasta has gone down from eight shekels to five shekels.

And various types of cheese, canned tuna and rice remain more or less the same, she said. “I believe that the reports about flooding the tunnels are for public consumption in Egypt,” her husband said.

TRADE IN C O N S T R U C T I O N MATERIALS: There are signs that in late June the tunnel trade slowed down considerably. Tunnel owners said that the Egyptian army had closed down the tunnels in preparation for the 30 June demonstrations in Egypt, which deposed Morsi.

Sayed Abu Shamala, who owns a construction company, said that as soon as the tunnels were closed, the price of building materials doubled on the spot. The price of a tonne of cement, he said, had gone up from 410 to 820 shekels.

“I am not complaining. Only I was hoping that such a measure [the closure of the tunnels] would be announced officially. You know that

whenever anything goes wrong [in Egypt], we take the blame,” Abu Shamala remarked.

Building materials are essential for Gaza’s survival.

Abu Mohamed, who is knowledgeable about the construction market, said that there were about 50 tunnels dedicated to the transportation of building materials alone.

Israel doesn’t allow building materials through the Karm Abu Salem Crossing except for the use of international organisations involved in relief work, and this is not enough to meet Gaza’s needs.

The demand for construction materials in Gaza is significant because of the constant shelling of the Strip by Israeli rockets, which destroys or damages buildings. “Until recently, Israel didn’t permit any building materials into Gaza, fearing they could be used to manufacture weapons.

Israel also prevents the entry of other raw materials. The aim is to strangle industry and keep the Palestinians unemployed and unproductive,” Rajab said.

Nearly 2,000 tonnes of gravel and a similar amount of cement go into Gaza every day. Gaza is now also importing Turkish iron reinforcement rods because the quality of Egyptian ones has gone down, according to industry specialists. In Gaza, buildings need to be properly reinforced in order “to resist the bullets and shrapnel,” said construction specialist Abu Mohamed. He pointed out that the Palestinians were also importing fewer iron bars than before because they had learned how to salvage them from destroyed buildings.

Tunnels dedicated to the transport of building materials are adapted to this special function. Near to the tunnel, a large hole, covering perhaps an area of 25 square metres, is used to store the materials until the authorities approve their transportation. An electric crane operated by large generators is used to lift the material. Usually, the crane is able to bring up three laden barrels of material, each weighing about 50kg a time.

Inside the tunnel, these barrels are placed on a wooden strip and pulled on rails from one side of the border to the other.

Because of the considerable amounts of building materials going into the Gaza Strip, construction work can be done relatively fast. There was no trace of the widespread destruction caused by the Israeli shelling in November 2012 on a recent visit, for example, though this had still been in evidence in early 2013.

Source: Al-Ahram Weekly

LAW

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Court slates Oct. 8 to hear suit seeking to compel Jonathan to remove subsidy Stories by Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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Federal High Court in Abuja has slated October 8, 2013 to hear the suit brought by a former governorship candidate in the 2007 elections in Anambra state, Chief Stanley Okeke asking the court to compel President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately remove the subsidy being paid on petroleum products in the country.

The court sitting before Justice Adeniyi Ademola also directed parties to file written addresses in an application to join the Management Board of the Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF), the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPMC) and the Ministry of Trade and Investments as defendants in the suit.

The judge also said that written addresses in the suit will be adopted on the next adjourned

date.

Okeke is seeking an order compelling President Jonathan to refund back to the Federation Account, such sum earlier appropriated and or approved under the sub-head of fuel subsidy funds or money that cannot be justified in the face of the pervasive corruption, perennial fuel shortage and long queues being witnessed in the country.

The Minister of Petroleum, Diezeni Allison-Madueke and Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala are joined as 2nd and 3rd defendants in the suit.

The plaintiff is also asking the court for an order directing Okonjo-Iweala to stop further payment of fuel subsidy money predicated on the corrupt, illegal and unlawful fuel subsidy regime.

Okeke is asking the court to declare that the fuel subsidy currently being funded by the Feder-

al Government is a waste of public funds and therefore unlawful and illegal to sustain same.

He also prayed the court for: “A declaration that the pervasive corruption inherent in the fuel subsidy scheme has caused untold hardship to the masses of the country and therefore is an abuse of the rights of Nigerians as guaranteed by the provision of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“A declaration that the fuel subsidy scheme, having failed to achieve the purpose for which it was meant should be out rightly abolished as same has violated the Nigerian people’s rights as guaranteed by the provision of the 1999 Constitution.

“A declaration that the failure of the 2nd and 3rd defendants in their Ministerial duties to ensure a corrupt free subsidy regime is a breach of public trust and a violation of their oaths of office as contained in the seventh sched-

ule to the 1999 Constitution.

The plaintiff averred in an affidavit that Nigeria, under the leadership of President Jonathan now imports fuel from various oil producing nations for local consumption by Nigerians and that the said importation is highly

A

Anietor informed the court that he was not served with the motion on notice in good time and that he will be opposing the application.

Anietor also told the court that he required time to respond to the controversial issues raised by the former governor in the application.

The trial Judge, Justice Adamu Bello adjourned till today to hear arguments on the application.

Sylva is already challenging the refusal of the trial court to

Kwara Central Senatorial district election: LAK Jimoh heads for S/Court

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lhaji Lasisi Ayinla Kolawole Jimoh said he is heading to the Supreme Court to appeal the Friday judgement of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal which dismissed his appeal on the judgement of a Federal High Court which upheld the election of Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki as the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

The appellate court had, in a unanimous judgement delivered

by Justice Moshood A. Adumein, held that Saraki’s nomination as Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the said election was in total compliance with Section 33 of the Electoral Act. The court held that the appellant (LAK Jimoh) lost in the said primary election of the PDP held in January 2011 and Alhaji Gold

Isiaka won, and that Saraki was duly elected in the special emergency congress of the party for the purpose of electing its candidate for the Kwara Central Senatorial District.

“This appeal is hereby resolved in favour of the respondents. This appeal is however dismissed for lacking in merit, there is no order as to cost”, the Judge held.

But, LAK Jimoh said the justices of the appeal court erred in law by dismissing his appeal for lacking in merit.

He said he has instructed his lawyers to appeal against the judgement as soon as they get the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement.

Reacting to the judgement, Senator Saraki, who spoke through his Personal Assistant, Prince Suleiman Ayo Fagbemi,

subsidized by the Federal Government running into billions of Naira.

Okeke said the only way to stop the high level of abuse of the fuel subsidy scheme is the removal of the policy by the Federal Government.

Court hears Sylva’s application seeking to travel abroad today Federal High Court in Abuja will this morning hear an application brought before it by the former governor of Bayelsa state, Timipre Sylva seeking the leave of court to travel abroad for medical attention.

Sylva’s application stalled the scheduled continuation of his trial on the money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), at the last adjourned date.

The prosecutor, Mr. John

Timipre Sylva

President Goodluck Jonathan

said the judgement was a Ramadan gift to Senator, who, he said has contributed immensely for the development of Kwara state, through transparent and accountable leadership.

He advised Jimoh to take the outcome of his appeal in good fate and to assist Saraki for him to succeed at the National Assembly.

Saraki, the immediate past governor of Kwara state had earlier asked the Court of Appeal to dismiss Jimoh’s appeal, as he (Jimoh) did not participate in the last National Assembly election in Kwara State and therefore cannot challenge the outcome of the election.

The senator also argued that the primary election that produced him (Saraki) was a domestic affair of the PDP, which cannot be inquired into by any

court and the court to dismiss the suit.

Jimoh had, in his suit at the trial court challenged Saraki’s nomination as the PDP flag bearer on the ground that a byeelection that produced him was not conducted in accordance with the law.

The trial court sitting before Justice Ibrahim Auta, upheld Saraki’s nomination by PDP and dismissed Jimoh’s suit for being baseless, frivolous and disclosing no cause of action.

In his judgment delivered March 30, 2012, Justice Auta held that the suit failed to disclose any irregularity, fraud or malpractices in the process that produced Saraki.

The court disagreed with the claim of the plaintiff that the byeelection was not conducted according to the Electoral laws.

quash the six-count charge of money laundering slammed on him by EFCC, at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

He had earlier asked the court to quash the charge on the ground that there was nothing in the proof of evidence linking him to the alleged offences, a request which the court roundly denied him.

The court also refused his other application wherein, he sought the leave of the court to accompany his wife abroad for a scheduled medical appointment.

LPPC shifts interview dates for SAN applicants

T

he Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shifted the date for the 44 applicants found worthy to attend the interview, preparatory to the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

A statement made available to newsmen by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and the Secretary of the committee, Sunday Olorundahunsi said the new date is 16th -17th July, 2013 and no longer 15th-16th July, 2013, as earlier announced.

The statement regretted all inconveniences the change of date may have caused the general public.

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Education

wallybabe2010@gmail.com, 08050639900

Exam body to conduct aptitude test for Kogi teachers From Omale Adama, Lokoja

F

ollowing the over 6,000 applications the Kogi state government received for the 500 vacant teaching positions, the state Chairman, Teaching Service Commission, Mr. Sylvester Onoja has said that the state government will contract a National Examination body in the country to conduct aptitude test for the applicants scrambling for the various teaching positions in its secondary schools.

Onoja said as a back -up, the National Teachers Registration Council (NTRC) and the National Teachers Institute (NTI) will also be invited to confirm the authenticity of the certificates and teachers, membership paraded by the applicants to check falsified certificates just as he insisted that only those with Bachelor Degree in Education are most qualified for the job.

Onoja who is also the Technical Adviser to the state government on education, stated this while briefing the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi on the modalities to be used in selecting the 500 teachers from the over 6,000 that recently applied for teaching appointments in the state’s secondary schools.

The Special Adviser assured that the examination would be transparently as it would be conducted by the National Examination body who will select credible teachers to be saddled with the responsibility of teaching in schools the for the next thirty five years.

He however lamented that the measure was informed by the inability of the majority of the teachers in the state secondary schools to be digitally compliant and the need to employ teachers who are computer literate.

In his words “our students are digitally minded while our teachers are analogue. A situation where our

students are browsing the internet while our teachers cannot use their phones to send text messages and their remote control in their homes effectively calls for serious concern.”

He described the experience brandish by many of the secondary school teachers in the state as outdated, adding that the present recruitment drive lays emphasis on improving quality

of teaching in the state using modern day understanding of the computer.

According to him, the effort made by the Teaching Service Commission to recruit qualified teachers through a transparent method is hinged on the transformation agenda of the state government.

The Technical Adviser commended the premium the present administration

places on quality education, saying that the Commission would strive to sustain the educationally advantaged status of the state to compete favourably with states in other parts of the country.

In his remarks, the State Deputy Governor, commended the idea employed by the Technical Adviser on education and called for transparency in the selection process.

L-R: Dr. Uche Amazigo, Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, Mr. Uzochukwu Alutu, Anambra state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr Chika Unigwe, Miss Roseline Ejindu and Prof. Francisca Okeke, all indigenes of the state, showing cheques presented to them by the governor in honour of their scholarly achievements in various academic fields, at the weekend in Awka. PHOTO: NAN

Vocational education, panacea to youth unemployment, says Obanikoro

By Maryam Garba Hassan

C

hairman, Governing Council of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and former High Commissioner to Ghana, Amb. Musiliu Obanikoro has said that technical and vocational training are a major means of reducing the level of unemployment among youths in the country.

Obanikoro, who stated this when he led members of the council on facility tour of Federal Science and Technical College,

Orozo in Abuja, expressed concern at the level of unemployment among Nigerian graduates.

He however called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to revamp technical education in the country saying that adequate investment in technical education would make graduates selfreliant and give them different options to broaden their horizon. ``There is no better way to engage our children other than this collaboration between ITF, the National Employers

Consultative Association (NECA) and the Federal Science and Technical College, Orozo. ``The investment made in terms of technical training is an investment in our children because they are the future of this country”, he said.

Obanikoro said the ITF governing council had mapped out strategies toward realising its objectives in line with the present administration’s transformation agenda.

He however expressed dissatisfaction

with the standard of the college and hoped that some positive steps taken by the school’s management would take it to a greater height.

Responding, Principal of the College, Mrs. Rebecca Gumkat, called for more support from relevant stakeholders to improve the academic activities of the college.

Director-General of ITF, Prof. Longmas Wapmuck, represented by Mr. Ayo Alabi, reiterated the fund’s commitment to youth empowerment and employment through

We have not receive any circular, strike continues, says NASU

By Maryam Garba Hassan

T

he Non–Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) said that it was not yet in a position to call off its nationwide indefinite strike embarked on last week.

Mr. Peter Adeyemi, General Secretary, NASU, said this yesterday in a telephone interview with Peoples Daily.

He said the Union was waiting to receive a copy of a circular said to have been issued by the Head of Service of the Federation based on their demands before it would decide on the next action to take.

According to him, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), had on Thursday informed the union that a circular addressing the issues had been

issued but it is yet to receive a copy adding that even when they receive a copy of the circular they will study the content to see if it really addresses all the union’s demands, if not the strike continues, he said.

NASU had on Monday started

on an indefinite strike to press for implementation of the Consolidated Tertiary Institution Salary Structure (CONTISS 15), among other issues.

It would be recalled that the union said it decided to embark on an indefinite strike following the Federal

Government’s failure to meet its demands

by June 30.

Apart from NASU, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), are also on strike.

Okoye said that this year’s graduating students are the last set in the school to have used the old national curriculum adding that hopefully, the next set will be writing exams based on the new national curriculum.

He stated that it has not been easy meeting the demands of the new curriculum but that the school has started with the construction and equipping of the new school computer/ICT laboratory

which has over 150 computers with full internet facilities, the remodelling of the schools science laboratories as well as the mathematical laboratory to ensure the smooth take off of exams on the new national curriculum.

The principal challenged the graduating students to go into the world with confidence as they already have the weapon to survive the odds.

CKC graduates 124 senior students in Abuja

By Theodora Ekah

C

hrist the King College (CKC), Abuja, graduated 124 senior students to mark this year’s graduation ceremony for the

school.

The event, which was described as “the most colourful event” in the history of the school, also graduated one of the largest batches of students in CKC history.

Principal of the school, Celestine

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 28

Education

wallybabe2010@gmail.com, 08050639900

Parents want culture clubs in schools to promote national heritage Stories by Maryam Garba Hassan

P

arents in Abuja have called for the strengthening of culture clubs in primary and secondary schools in the country to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage, saying that

further neglect of cultural studies would continue to negate the importance of knowledge transfer from one generation to another. ‘’There is need to revive and sustain cultural clubs in schools, this will encourage the idea of inculcating cultural values into the pupils at young

ages,’’ Abubakar said.

According to them the concept would also enable pupils to understand and appreciate their cultural values from cradle adding that establishing drama and literary clubs would also serve as a platform toward identifying talents among the young ones.

Wike advocates continuous investment in education

M

inister of State for Education Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has called on the nation to continue its investments in education to produce quality leaders who will take up from where the present crop of leaders will stop.

Wike who also called on Nigerian leaders to imbibe the tenets of servant leadership to enhance national development, made the call while delivering a graduation lecture at the Trinity International College,

Ofada, Ogun State titled “Value Inspired Leadership: Path to Greatness”, said leaders must always place the welfare and development of the people ahead of personal consideration.

He said that it was important for leaders to always embark on regular self -appraisal to determine the expectations for quality service.

The Minister urged youths in the country to show genuine interest in politics and leadership, so that to effectively contribute their quota to national

development.

He said “Of all the forms of leadership that I have outlined, I recommend servant leadership which promotes the interest of our people.

“I believe that leaders at the three tiers of government should always put the people ahead of them in the issues of governance, so as to positively impact on them. As you graduate from the school today, you must consider contributing your quota to national development”.

Mr. Akindiose Wande, the Headmaster of a school in Gwarinpa, FCT, said that cultural clubs in schools were vital for human existence.

Wande said, ``the way we dress, the food we eat and our mannerisms, all these must be imbibed by our students”. ‘’All these must be

taught in our schools and that is why we are different from animals.’’

He said that people did the wrong things because they failed to adhere to their proper cultural orientation.

He said that the lack of appreciation for cultural values contributed to many crises recorded in

some parts of the country.

Wande, however, urged traditional rulers to continue in their efforts as custodians of culture to promote the respect for cultural values.

He said children’s exposure to foreign cultures made them to lose touch with the Nigerian culture.

Body to organize education summit

By Abbas Aminu Bamalli resident General of Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), Muhammad Nuhu-Koko, has said that the association will organise a Summit to address the ills in the education sector in the country.

Koko said the association will also work with the Federal Ministry of Education to return Unity schools to their initial concept through past admission principles adding that part of the problems that were contributing to the under-development of the education sector, was lack of a strong secondary school foundation for students.

P

“Secondary education is the most critical level of education”.

“If a child gets a very bright secondary education, then you will get a very bright graduate, but if the foundation is weak, it produces weak graduates that ultimately affect the socio-economic development of the nation”.

“So we want to put all hands on deck to ensure that we have this foundation in all Unity Schools, we want to have schools that their admission policy would be based on quota, a system that gives all the brightest Nigerians equal representation in every state”.

According to the president general, the idea

is to combine learning with cross-cultural integration of young Nigerians that will grow to understand and have respect for other people’s ideologies, beliefs and customs, in other to promote the country’s peaceful co-existence.

He said that these were the ideals that were behind the establishment of Unity Schools and USOSA was committed to ensuring the return of these ideals.

He also said the association was working with friendly corporate and private organisations to take developmental projects to schools. ``USOSA is not a rich organisation, but we have connections and contacts that we will use to develop this beautiful system of education,’’ Nuhu-Koko said.

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Healthy Living

Abuja Declaration: Expert urges FG to keep its promise

By A’isha Biola Raji

A

s African Heads of State gather in Abuja today to discuss and review the promise they made twelve years ago, which is to increase the proportion of health spending to 15%, known as the ‘Abuja Declaration,’ Dr Tunde Segun, Country Director, Evidence for Action, Maternal and Newborn Health, has called on Nigerian government to fulfil its obligation to health sector in the country.

As Ghana gets closer to keeping its Abuja promise, by allocating 12.5per cent of its budget to health, it has become important for Nigeria to keep on track as achieving the 15 per cent promise would translate to huge positive impact on the health sector especially as it concerns

mothers and babies.

In a statement signed

by Mr Morooph Babaranti, Communications Specialist, Evidence for Action, it is expected that if President Goodluck Jonathan had kept the Abuja promise, Nigeria could, spend an additional $51(N7905) per person on health, decrease the percentage of total health spending financed directly by households without insurance from 60 per cent to 44 per cent and achieve MDG 4, which aims to reduce under five mortality rates to less than 71 per 1,000 live births.

The statement read, “Spending more, and spending effectively on health services for Nigeria’s mothers and babies, also has a positive impact on other parts of the economy. According to a recent study by Partnership

Malaria: Stakeholders launch Situation Room to aid Africa

By A’isha Biola Raji

S

everal stakeholders on health including World Health Organisation, (WHO), Roll Back Malaria (RBM), Office of the UN Special Envoy for Financing the Health Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), African Leaders of Malaria Alliance (ALMA) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have jointly launched the Malaria Situation Room to provide assistance to ten African countries.

The launch, aimed at assisting and providing malaria intelligence to the affected countries took place at the weekend in Abuja during the special African Union (AU) summit on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The initiative will provide crucial, strategic support to the ten hardest-hit countries in Africa which include Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Mozambique, Uganda, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Niger as they (concerned countries) struggle to achieve the health-related MDGs and ambitious RBM targets of a 75 per cent reduction in the number of new malaria cases, and near-zero malaria deaths before the end of 2015.

According to a statement signed by Pru Smith, Coordinator Advocacy and Communication, Roll Back Malaria Partnership Secretariat, the Situation Room, with three years of operational funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will work together with the ten countries in order to identify and monitor funding, supply of essential commodities and also provide coverage for life-saving interventions.

The statement read, “The aim is to collate data from each country, anticipate bottlenecks and work with the countries to develop rapid solutions,

liaising with a powerful network of partners, who can mobilize resources and translate information into action.”

According to Dr. Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré, Executive Director of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership “The ten countries have been doing courageous work in fighting malaria, but given the scope of the problem and the fastapproaching MDG target-date of 2015, we are pleased to be able to offer them additional support.”

Also in his statement, Dr. Robert Newman, Director, WHOGMP said, “We are very excited about this new initiative because as strong, engaged partners, we can tap our global and regional network to resolve financial and technical bottlenecks. By working closely with these hardest-hit countries to mobilize resources, we can ensure that no one dies for lack of a 5 dollar bed net, or a 50 cent diagnostic test and a 1 dollar antimalarial treatment.”

for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health: “For every dollar spent on key interventions for reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, about US $20 (N3100) in benefits could be generated through producing healthy children who enjoy better cognitive development, achieve more at school and become healthy, productive adults.”

The statement further read, “In 2001, President Obasanjo promised to spend 15 per cent of Nigeria’s total annual budget on health. In 2013, only 5.6 per cent of the budget is being spent on health, and that number has been decreasing every year since 2011.”

Dr Tunde however called on the President to explain major outcome or results Nigeria has achieved since the declaration.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Polio, major challenge in Nigeria, says minister

By Abbas Aminu Bamalli

T

he minister of health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has emphasized its commitment towards

Prof. C.O Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health

eradicating the long existing Polio disease in the country which has been one of the most challenging tasks over many years in the country.

The minister stated this during the weekend in Abuja while receiving a preliminary investigation report on the eradication of Guinea Worm disease, carried out by the International Certification Team (ICT), which although shows that Nigeria is now a Guinea Worm disease free country but awaits final certification by international commission.

Prof. Onyebuchi said, “With the development indicated in the ICT report, it is necessary for the ministry to give more attention on the eradication of other diseases, especially Polio.”

He however called on international health organizations like UNICEF and WHO to give more support in fighting the disease.

According to him, the ICT report which is awaiting final declaration in December will mark a first time, a non-vaccine disease is eradicated over the years in the country.

Commending the ICT for doing a good job concerning the investigation, he said, “ICT should be commended for carrying out the investigation despite all the challenges faced, especially in the rural communities.”

Presenting the report, the Head of the ICT, Prof. David Malymeux said the report on the investigation will go through the International Commission for the final verification before it finally declare the country as a Guinea Worm free country.

He said, during the investigation, ICT had visited 17 states Including the FCT, 60 Local Government areas and 130 villages, adding that it discovered lack of functional water supply in the rural communities as one of the major cause of the disease.

Beauty cream chemical ruined my face, says agency boss

A

high-flying businesswoman may sue cosmetics firm Clarins after red sores broke out all over her face when she used its expensive beauty products.

Karen Mooney, 52, discovered she had an allergy to methylisothiazolinone (MI), a preservative in the Clarins creams.

She is among the latest victims of what dermatologists say is an epidemic of allergies caused by the compound.

Last week, The Mail on Sunday

Fighting back: Karen Mooney is considering taking legal action

revealed experts are calling for an immediate ban on MI. Doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital in London blame the compound for a massive surge in patients with skin problems.

Karen’s skin began breaking out in welts after regularly using Clarins products, such as the Lait Demaquillant Cleansing Milk and Extra-Firming Day Cream.

The dating agency boss from Surrey had been using Clarins products for cleansing and moisturising for two decades.

She said, “I’ve always had really healthy skin so I was terrified by the sores and made an appointment to see my GP. I assumed it was stress. My doctor agreed.”

The doctor prescribed hydrocortisone cream but it made no difference. Two months later the welts were so painful she couldn’t cover them with make-up.

Finally Karen saw Dr Olivia O’Gorman-Lalor, a consultant dermatologist at Ashford and St Peters Hospital in Surrey.

Tests found Karen had a severe

‘Terrifying’: Karen was covered in red sores after using the luxury skincare

allergic reaction to MI and to Clarins’ Lait Demaquillant.

Karen’s allergic reaction came as no surprise to Dr O’Gorman-Lalor. She said: ‘I’ve seen more and more cases like these in the past two years. The general feeling is that it’s due to MI being used more widely and at higher concentrations.’

Consultant dermatologist Dr. John McFadden said, “This is one of the worst outbreaks I have ever seen. There hasn’t been anything on this scale before. We just don’t know when it will peak.”

Manufacturers have ignored calls for immediate action, but legal experts

warn they could become liable for compensation claims.

Clarins dismissed concerns, claiming that cases of MI allergy are isolated. A spokesman said, “It is inevitable that someone, somewhere will be unable to tolerate a particular ingredient or combination of ingredients within a product formula.’

The company insists its ingredients are approved by the European Commission and its safety is reviewed by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. Clarins would not, Expenh o w e v e r , sive: c o n f i r m Karen this whether it says Clarins had recently Lait changed its Demaformulations quillant product to include MI. caused w w w . her d a i l y m a i l . welts co.uk

PAGE 30

Healthy Living

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

HIV/AIDS: Women more vulnerable as Nigerians receive cash for knowing status

By A’isha Biola Raji

H

IV/AIDS was first reported over thirty years ago. Since it was discovered, it has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

In its early time, HIV/AIDS wrecked more havoc as it was regarded as death ticket and people living with the virus were treated with contempt and scorn.

Due to the stigma associated with the disease, it was difficult for people living with the virus to publicly announce their status. It was even more difficult as people preferred to be diagnosed of full blown AIDS than have their status checked earlier enough, at the virus stage.

Being the vulnerable members of the society, the problem of stigmatisation, scorn and discrimination mostly affect women.

Currently, this situation has improved for the better thanks to increased and non-stop awareness programs.

As government agencies, international bodies and several non-governmental organisations rise up to the challenge of HIV/AIDS, the disease is gradually being brought under control.

As various efforts are being made which are meant at having impact on people, the result is that, individuals are continually becoming aware that living with HIV virus is not a yardstick for death only if early test is conducted to quickly identify the virus.

The major breakthrough came in the history of HIV/AIDS when highly-effective antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV were discovered. With this feat, it was important for people to come out for blood screening in order to know their status hence combat it with the anti-retroviral if they are tested positive.

As parts of efforts geared towards reducing the number of people living with the dreaded disease through voluntary testing and counseling, the federal government of Nigeria recently promised to provide reward for whoever makes effort in testing and knowing his/her HIV status.

This was declared at the 2nd meeting of GlobalPOWER Women Network Africa, an association of women leaders advocating women’s right to sound health, education and freedom from gender-based violence and discrimination on the continent.

Declaring the conference open, President Jonathan stated that, as part of his administration’s determination to ensure the burden of HIV/AIDS is reduced in the country, he would initiate a special programme where testing for HIV would be rewarded with money to encourage people to know their status. He charged the privileged women to work for common good of their members to

enable women occupy their place in the society.

Describing the initiative as the right step in the right direction, the Executive Director, United Nation’s Programme on HIV/ AIDS, UNIAIDS, Dr. Mitchell Sidibe commended Nigeria on the efforts made in the fight against the disease but decried what she regarded as grim statistics in subSaharan Africa where, according to her, 66 percent of adults infected with HIV are women.

HIV/AIDS being a global issue of concern, the Deputy Prime Minister, Republic of Zimbabwe, RT. Hon. Thokazani Khupe said at the meeting, “Our vision is to make sure that we uplift the status of the women. Our vision is to make sure we change the lives of women.

“As you are aware, it is about 38 years since the convention on the elimination on all forms of discrimination against women.

“It is 18 years in Beijing when they talked about our issues but if you look at what is happening currently, women still do not enjoy

fully, their right and freedom and we are saying we want women to have full enjoyment of our rights and freedoms.

“Right now, women are still dying while giving birth, women are watching their children die of malnutrition caused by economic deprivation. “Talk of HIV/AIDS, where is the voice of woman?

Hunger, where is the voice of woman? Poverty, where is the voice of woman? Discrimination is also there. “We are saying we have every tool to address these problems, but we are not doing it.

“Our leaders sit down, they come up with conventions, they come up with declarations, but our problem is the implementation of these declarations and these conventions. This is why the Global Power Women Network Africa is going to be an implementation and monitoring tool of the Africa Union on women’s issues.

“We want to hold our leaders accountable on women’s issues.

“We want to make sure they transform their signatures into

“

action. “We want to make sure that whatever they agree to is implemented,” she added.

She decried failure of Africa leaders to make good several promises which are intended to better the lives of women on the continent. She listed such promises to include 2001 Abuja Declaration, where it was agreed that 15 per cent of national budget would be devoted to health sector and Maputo Agreement where leaders on the continent agreed that 10 per cent of their budgets would be voted for agriculture.

She also blamed ravaging poverty, affecting mainly women, on the continent on policy summersaults by leaders.

In an interview with Newsmen, Queen Mother of Uganda, Best Kemigisa called for assistance in her kingdom where she said HIV/AIDS is killing her people.

She said, “I am advocating for assistance on HIV; we need a lot of help in that area, because that is the most dangerous disease in my country. It kills people, women;

Right now, women are still dying while giving birth, women are watching their children die of malnutrition caused by economic deprivation.

“Talk of HIV/AIDS, where is the voice of woman?

Hunger, where is the voice of woman? Poverty, where is the voice of woman?

we have a lot of orphans in our kingdom and indeed in the whole country of Uganda.

Speaking on the conference, First lady of Sahrawi Republic, Hajiya Khadija Hamdi said, “We are very interested in this Women Network in Africa. We are very happy to participate in this conference in Nigeria because we think Nigerian government will be instrumental to liberation of women, which is the issue we have been discussing; all the problems that are facing women in Africa, such as the victims of HIV/AIDS, education, poverty, political participation among others. “As Africa continent, we are very rich and women must not suffer. “We need economic plan through the cooperation of African countries to overcome this situation”.

The GlobalPOWER however seeks to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. The network promotes discussion of accelerated action for women empowerment and gender equality in the area of HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa, focusing on the vulnerability of girls and young women.

Monetary or any other form of reward is a welcome process as it creates a platform of encouragement in dealing with the menace of HIV/AIDS but the question is how possible is this initiative in Nigeria?

Since the reward is expected in cash, Nigerians are expected to grab the opportunity by coming out for screening. This will in turn provide accurate statistics that will aid the fight against HIV/ AIDS in the country.

According to Mr. Olorukooba Akinlabi, a business man based in Abuja, he said cash program will go a long way in assisting Data collation thereby proffering solution to the spread of HIV/ AIDS. He however cautioned that, the introduction of monetary incentive should be done with uttermost sincerity in order for citizens to have trust in the government. “I appreciate the introduction of cash; it will encourage those that find it difficult to voluntarily check their status but should be done with sincerity and caution. Corruption should be avoided at all cost,” he said.

In 2011, it was estimated that half out of the 34 million adults living with HIV/AIDS worldwide are women. With the disease having more impact on women, the disease has worsened the role of women in the society.

According to report, women are generally at greater risk of HIV\ AIDS. As women child bearing role is typical, there is need to abate the issue of mother to child transmission of HIV. There is also need to cater for women by promoting and protecting their rights.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 31

International Neoliberalism and public unrest: Time to make the connection ANALYSIS

By Mandeep Tiwana

T

he people are angry.

In Turkey, Brazil, and most recently again, Egypt, thousands have taken to the streets to voice their anger and frustration at the lack of social and economic justice. Political and economic elites, working in tandem, have managed to neutralise the aspirations of ordinary people, in part spurring the disenfranchisement driving the protests.

Whether it is the removal of subsidies protecting the poor against inflation and price shocks in Egypt, or the enormous cost of hosting high profile sporting events in Brazil at the expense of social services, or government plans to commercialise a beloved public park in the heart of Istanbul, the headlong embrace of neoliberal economic policies by g ove rnme nts is likely to cause further dissatisfaction and unrest across the globe.

Neo-liberalism, using a dictionary definition, as a “modern politico-economic theory favouring free trade, privatisation, minimal government intervention, reduced public expenditure on social services etc.,” reduces the responsibility of the state while promoting privatisation to favour those with access to resources and influence. It is playing havoc with the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people.

Despite mainstream perceptions, the sad reality is that free markets don’t automatically regulate themselves nor do they naturally respect individual or community rights. InIndonesia, people are choking from fires set by agricultural companies to clear forests to allow mammoth palm oil plantations to flourish.

In the United States, popular demands for effective gun control are being blocked by congressmen bankrolled by the arms industry. In Ethiopia, thousands have been displaced through forced villagisation programmes to make way for agricultural companies that want to make land more “productive.”

In Spain and inGreece, public property such as hospitals and airports are being sold to private players to make the economy more “nimble.” In the UK, frustration is mounting about tax evasion by transnational corporations whose turnover exceeds the GDP of many countries, while the average citizen continues to dutifully pay their fair share of taxes.

Around the globe, people are getting increasingly frustrated by governments going out of their way to ensure an enabling environment for big business

As governments rush to embrace neoliberal economic policies, public dissatisfaction and unrest is rising across the globe, argues Mandeep Tiwana [AFP] while making drastic cuts in public spending on social welfare.

This is fuelling alienation among electorates, spurring protests.

Of great concern, is that those seeking to expose the nexus between governments and big business are being subjected to various forms of persecution with state complicity.

In Cambodia, land rights activists opposing official plans to forcibly acquire land for big companies have been subjected to brutal attacks by security forces and lengthy prison terms. In Honduras, peasant farmers’ groups involved in land disputes with companies have been subjected to murderous attacks. InIndia, peaceful activists ideologically opposed to the government’s economic policy have been

charged under draconian laws of being members of outlawed terrorist organisations. In Canada, non-profit groups opposed to the conservative government’s policy of loosening environmental restrictions to enable extraction of oil and gas from ecologically sensitive zones have been subjected to surveillance and funding cuts, while being accused of being obstructive of the country’s economic development.

Worryingly, while the power of transnational corporations has expanded exponentially, income and wealth disparities are threatening to tear societies apart. The World Economic Forum’s 2013 annual survey of global risks identifies severe income disparity as a key concern likely to manifest

“

itse lf ove r the ne xt decade .

The International Monetary Fund’s Managing Director has admitted that the top 0.5 percent of the globe’s population holds 35 per cent of its wealth. Civil society group, Oxfam estimated that in 2012, the world’s top 100 billionaires earned enough money to end poverty four times over. CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance has argued in its annual report that the discourse on inequality is becoming commonplace with the 1 percent vs the 99 percent meme entering the mainstream.

But despite the grave warnings from civil society, governments and financial institutions continue to spin arguments about the need to privatise services when they should be focusing on how to

In Cambodia, land rights activists opposing official plans to forcibly acquire land for big companies have been subjected to brutal attacks by security forces and lengthy prison terms.

make the public sector fit for purpose. Shockingly, during a global economic downturn, political leaders and captains of industry have together managed to subject ordinary people to double jeopardy: having to pay taxes to the state and then having to fork out profit-adjusted higher costs for privatised health, education, public transport, telecommunications, road works, electricity, water supply and so on. These services are indeed governments’ responsibility to provide as part of the social contract between citizens and the state.

In the past, the political and economic elite have erroneously sought to deride the occupy movements,indignados and anti-corruption protestors as fringe elements without clear vision or majority support. But with greater numbers of people taking to the streets to voice their dissatisfaction against corruption, environmental degradation and top down austerity policies, decision makers have a reality check staring them in the face. But will they right the ship on neo-liberal economic policies when they are privately profiting from it?

Perhaps citizen action will help answer that.

Source: Aljazeera

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

International AU Chair condemns attack on peacekeepers in Darfur

By Abdulkadir Isa

C

hairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has condemned in strong terms, “the senseless and unprovoked attack by unidentified gunmen on peacekeepers of the African UnionUnited Nations Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)”.

Ndlamini-Zuma made the

condemnation in a press statement saying attack on the peacekeepers does not augur well for the restoration of peace in the area as “there cannot be any reason why people from outside Sudan voluntarily contributing towards the restoration of peace in Darfur should lose their lives in the manner that has been occasioned by this senseless attack”.

The peacekeepers were patrolling the area between Khor Abeche and

Manawashi in the Daufur region when they fell to the ambush leading to the death of seven of thepeacekeepersand various degree of injury of 17 others.

All the seven dead peacekeepers confirmed dead are said to men of the Tanzanian army as confirmed by UNAMID. The Chairperson expresses her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved familiesandGovernmentoftheUnited Republic of Tanzania wishing those

injured speedy recovery and urged the Government of Sudan to take all necessary measures to arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

She further reaffirmed that despite this attack, “UNAMID will not be deterred in protecting civilians, whilst efforts will continue to be made towards implementing a peaceful and lasting solution” to the crisis not only in Dafur, but Sudan as a whole.

the subject of arrest warrants, while the ousted President Mohammed Morsi remains in custody.

On Sunday, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi defended the decision to remove him from power.

In a speech, he also said no group would be barred from

politics: “Every political force... must realise that an opportunity is available for everyone in political life and no ideological movement is prevented from participating.”

The decision by Egypt’s public prosecutor Hisham Barakat to freeze the assets of senior Islamists is part of an ongoing

investigation into deadly clashes that have happened since President Morsi was ousted.

According to Egypt’s staterun Channel 1 TV, the leader of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party Mohammed Saad al-Katani has also been affected, along with senior figures in rival Islamist groups.

Egypt ‘freezes assets’ of Muslim Brotherhood leaders

E

gypt’s public prosecutor has frozen the assets of 14 Islamist leaders, according to judicial sources.

The Muslim Brotherhood head Mohammed Badie and his deputy Khairat al-Shater are reported to be among them.

Mr Badie and other Brotherhood figures are already

…As Mohammed ElBaradei is sworn in as Vice President

E

gyptian reforms advocate Mohammed ElBaradei, who led the country’s main opposition group in criticism of the Muslim Brotherhood, was sworn-in Sunday as the country’s interim vice president.

The 71-year-old former diplomat and Nobel laureate emerged as a prominent democracy advocate and later as the head of the National Salvation Front, a secular coalition of groups opposed to former President Mohammed Morsi.

According to NSF spokesman Khaled Dawoud, ElBaradei no longer heads the coalition.

“He is now a vice president for all Egyptians,” Dawoud said.

Egypt’s interim President

Adly Mansour oversaw the swearing in of ElBaradei, the latest move by the country’s new leadership to push ahead with a transition plan following the

military’s ouster of Morsi nearly two weeks ago.

Thousands of Morsi’s supporters, though, have vowed to continue their sit-in in Cairo

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party to prevent the decision, saying the number voting was inflated.

Hundreds of police officers lined up to vote in the capital, Harare, early

on Sunday morning. Along with soldiers, who are also voting early, they will be on duty on the official July 31 polling day.

Mohammed ElBaradei (L) takes the oath of office.

until he is reinstated. They have refused to accept his ouster or the military-backed timeline for transition, which calls for changes to the constitution and new elections for parliament and president.

ElBaradei’s NSF group under Morsi was among the president’s strongest critics.

The coalition stood with Defense Minister Gen. AbdelFattah el-Sissi as he announced Morsi’s ouster amid massive protests against his rule.

The former Egyptian diplomat to the United Nations is known internationally for his 12 years of work as head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, for which he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.

Security forces vote early in Zimbabwe olice in Zimbabwe are voting early in the country’s general elections, despite an attempt by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s

Police waiting to vote in Zimbabwe’s election in Harare yesterday.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) had asked the High Court on Friday to stop the special two-day vote, saying that the 69,000 police officers set to cast their ballots on Sunday and Monday far exceed the 44,133 shown on a Ministry of Finance salary schedule for the whole country.

“We are saying where is this excess number coming from because they are not on the government payroll?

How does the police commissioner general account for the 69,000?”

MDC lawyer Harrison Nkomo told the Reuters news agency.

Tsvangirai, making his third attempt to end Mugabe’s 33-year hold on power, said nothing had been set in place to ensure a fairer vote.

Haru Mutasa, reporting from Harare, said President Robert Mugabe’s explanation was that the remaining 20,000 plus police officers who will cast their ballots are reserves who also have the right to vote.

The court will hear the case on Monday.

Congolese influx to Uganda reaches 60,000

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t least 60,000 refugees from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have now arrived in neighbouring Uganda after fleeing a rebel attack on a town near the border, Red Cross officials said.

Catherine Ntabadde of the Uganda Red Cross said on Sunday that her organisation had already registered 41,000 refugees and that 20,000 more were waiting for registration.

The numbers show a dramatic rise from earlier estimates and due to the fact the rebel attack was a surprise, the influx is stretching humanitarian capacities.

“Given such numbers there is need for urgent humanitarian assistance, as some of the refugees are sick and have left all their belongings in Congo,” said Ntabadde.

The refugee influx is continuing three days after the Ugandan rebel group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), attacked Kamango town, killing a number of people and briefly occupying it, according to Ugandan military officials.

Refugees have streamed across the border into western Uganda’s Bundibugyo district since then, though the numbers of new arrivals crossing on Sunday had slowed to a trickle.

“Many new arrivals are also reported to be staying in the community,” United Nations refugee agency official Karen Ringuette said.

Thousands crowded into th e gr o u nd s o f sc h o o l s i n Bundibugyo - about 20km from the border with the DRC offered as a temporary shelter, with many building makeshift shelters or simply sleeping out in the open.

The Red Cross is working with the UN and other aid agencies to set up a camp further inside Uganda, although many refugees appeared reluctant to leave.

Ugandan police were encouraging people to move to the new camp, refugees said.

The ADF was formed in the mid-1990s in the Rwenzori mountains in western Uganda, close to the DRC border and was pushed deeper into the jungles of DRC after a Ugandan military offensive in 2001.

It has been relatively quiet in recent years, and it was not immediately clear what led to the ADF attack on Kamango.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 33

International

Dozens dead in series of Iraq attacks

Asia & Middle East

Tensions increase within Syria rebel ranks

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Security forces clear another blast scene.

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eports from Iraq say more than 50 people have been killed in dea dl y a t t a c k s a s v io len c e

escalates during the holy m o n th o f Ram ad an.

An interior ministry so urc e said th r ee r oad sid e bombs near markets in

A soldier inspects the scene of the blast

southern city of Basra killed at least 28 and left 98 others injured on y est er d ay .

A suicide bomb attack inside a Sunni mosque in t he sou t her n t own of Hilla in Baghdad killed 12 and wounded 15 others, our correspondent reported f r om t he capit al, Baghd ad .

In the southern city of Nasriya, two car bombs left one dead and 12 injured, while a car bomb killed t hr ee people and wou nd ed 15 in Karbala city, 100km southwest of the Iraqi capit al.

At least six people were killed in shootings and bombings earlier on Sunday in the northern city of Mosul, and an

equal number were killed in a suicide bomb attack in Baquba, northeast of Baghd ad .

Violence in Iraq has spiked since the start of the holy month o f R amad a n.

The a tta c k s ar e j u st th e latest in a surge in violence that has killed more than 340 people this month and ove r 2,6 0 0 so f a r th i s year, according to AFP figures based on security and med i c a l so u r c e s.

Iraq has faced years of attacks by fighters, but analysts say widespread discontent among Iraq’s Sunni Arab minority which the Shia-led government has failed to address has d r iven th e sp i k e i n u nr e st t his y ea r .

security strategy to tackle the insurgency.

In a separate operation by the Pakistan Air Force, jets pounded several militant hideouts overnight, killing seven insurgents, senior security officials said.

Many Taliban and their al

Qaeda allies fled Afghanistan to Pakistan’s tribal areas after the U.S. invasion in 2001.

They retreated even deeper into the mountains following a Pakistan army offensive in 2009, launching attacks from places where ground forces cannot reach them.

Nine Pakistanis killed in US drone strikes

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t least nine suspected militants, including two foreigners, were killed in Pakistan’s lawless tribal region in a U.S. drone strike and a separate Pakistan military operation, security officials said on Sunday.

Pakistan has seen a spate of militant attacks since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took office last month, putting pressure on his team to act more aggressively to curb the insurgency.

Missile strikes by unmanned U.S. aircraft have inflicted the most damage against Taliban fighters in the mountainous areas straddling th e A fg h a n b ord e r in p ast years, sometimes with heavy civilian casualties.

In the third such attack since Sharif came to power, two suspected militants riding a motorcycle were struck by

missiles in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan on Saturday night, one official said.

“The two men, probably Arab nationals, were passing through Mosaki village when the drone fired two missiles and hit them,” said the official.

Their identities were not clear. Another security source said they were foreign militants of Turkmen origin.

It is difficult to check the impact of drone attacks on both militants and civilians because independent observers and journalists have almost no access to the areas where most of the strikes occur.

The government, while condemning drone attacks as a violation of its sovereignty, wants to appear decisive in its own efforts to combat militants on its soil and has vowed to map out a new

Sharif

he Free Syrian Army (FSA) and al-Qaeda-linked fighters have clashed again, just days after a leader of the FSA was shot dead at a checkpoint after a row between fighters from the two groups.

Activists said that the FSA and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on Saturday fought for control of a strategic checkpoint in Aleppo city’s Bustan al-Qasr district, a strategic gateway between rebel and government controlled territory.

Some members of the groups now fear that tensions will escalate, hampering rebel efforts to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad. Analysts say divisions between Syria’s rebel groups are partly to blame for giving Assad’s forces the chance to regain the upper hand in the conflict.

Leaders of the Western- and Arab-backed FSA said that they did not consider the ISIL an enemy, but that they would defend themselves.

“They are welcome if they help us fight the regime,” Colonel Abdel Rahman Suweis, a member of the FSA Supreme Military Council, said.

“But if they want to cause strife, impose a new understanding of religion and make Syria another Afghanistan, we will take the necessary measures.”

While FSA units sometimes fight alongside groups with different ideologies, rivalries have increased and al-Qaedalinked groups have been blamed for assassinations of commanders of moderate rebel units.

Meanwhile, hundreds of families were trapped in a northeastern district of Qaboun in Damascus by government troops who fought fierce battles with rebel forces, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based anti-government rights group, reported.

“There is a siege because regime snipers are posted on the outskirts of Qaboun and this makes any attempt to leave difficult,” the group said on Sunday.

“Violent clashes are underway between regime forces and rebels in Qaboun,” in northeast Damascus where battles have raged for months as the army tries to boot out rebel forces, the Observatory said.

“The area has also been bombed by the army,” added the watchdog, which relies on a network of activists, doctors and lawyers on the ground.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

International

No asylum request from Snowden yet - Russia

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ussia has said that it had not yet received a formal request for political asylum from US whistleblower Edward Snowden, who has been holed up in transit zone of Moscow airport since June 23.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov saidthecountrywasnotincontactwith Snowden, who broke three weeks of silence and asked for refuge in Russia until he could secure safe passage to Latin America.

Latin American countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua have offered him asylum.

Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractorwho leaked a trove of US electronic surveillance documents, told activists at a meeting in Russia’s Sheremetyevo airport on Friday that he was being prevented by Western governments from flying to the Latin America.

TheformerNSAcontractorsaidon Friday he was submitting a request to stay in Russia “until such time as these [Western] states accede to law and my legal travel is permitted”, according to a transcript of his remarks released by anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks.

The meeting at Sheremetyevo airport with rights groups and lawyers appearedtobeanattemptbySnowden to find a way out of an increasingly difficult situation as he seeks to escape US espionage charges for leaking surveillance details.

Participants, including representatives of Human Rights

S

Lavrov

Watch and Amnesty International, told reporters after the meeting that Snowden told them he wanted asylum in Russia since he could not fly out of the country without travel documents.

“Snowden is serious about obtaining political asylum in the Russian Federation,” Vyacheslav Nikonov, a pro-Kremlin lawmaker who attended the meeting, said.

The US State Department said

the meeting should not have taken place, and top US officials warned Moscow that offering asylum to Snowden would undercut its statements that it did not want the affair to harm relations with Washington.

US President Barack Obama has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone. The White House did not give further

details about the phone conversation.

Meanwhile, Putin’s spokesman repeated earlier conditions that Snowden should stop harming the interests of the US if he wanted asylum.

Washington, which seeks to arrest Snowden on charges of espionage in divulging details of US surveillance programmes, has revoked Snowden’s passport and pressed nations not to take him in or help him travel.

foreign threat.

The military has long regarded itself as the protector of Turkey’s secular tradition and has staged three coups between 1960 and 1980.

But it has a history of tension with the Islamist-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Since coming to power in

2003, Mr Erdogan has reduced the general’s powers through a series of reforms.

He has also put hundreds of officers, including top army commanders, on trial saying they were involved in plots against the government.

Theamendedcodenowredefines the military’s responsibility as “defending the Turkish nation against external threats and

dangers, and maintaining and strengthening military powers to ensure deterrence”.

The AKP proposed the amendment following a wave of anti-government protests in June.

The demonstrators say the prime minister is being increasing authoritarian. He has accused his critics of conspiring against his democratically-elected government.

Turkey parliament curtails army powers

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urkey’s parliament has amended the code governing the armed forces, curtailing their political influence.

The original rules gave the military responsibility of preserving the Republic of Turkey, a clause previously used as a justification for coups.

It now says the army’s main duty is to protect the nation from

Protests in US after Zimmerman acquittal

Zimmerman

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mall protests have broken out in several cities in the United States after George Zimmerman, a local

Europe and Americas Rajoy makes risky bet on Spanish economic recovery

Neighbourhood Watch captain in Florida, was found not guilty for the death of black teenager Trayvon Martin.

Spontaneous marches of varying sizes erupted in cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, Atlanta and Philadelphia following the reading out of the verdict late on Saturday night.

A jury in the town of Sanford, where the shooting occurred, found Zimmerman not guilty of shooting dead Martin, a 17 yearold unarmed teen on the night of February 26 last year.

Zimmerman appeared stone-faced as the verdict was announced, but then showed a slight smile of relief. His parents embraced each other and his wife was tearful.

Martin’s parents were not in the court during the reading of the verdict. His father, Tracy

Martin, however, later tweeted that his son would have been proud of the fight put up for him.

“Even though I am broken hearted my faith is unshattered,” he wrote in one tweet. “Together can make sure that this doesn’t happen again,” he said, in another.

The trial has riveted the nation for weeks, and emotions came to a boiling point as news of the verdict spread.

Prominent US rights activists such as Reverend Jesse Jackson appealed for calm.

“Avoid violence, it will lead to more tragedies. Find a way for self-construction not deconstruction in this time of despair,” he wrote on Twitter.

pain’s Mariano Rajoy is making a risky political bet in claiming recovery is close at hand as a recent economic upturn is fragile and even if it persists an austerity-weary public may not feel much benefit, analysts and sources say.

For weeks, the government has tried to move away from the gloomy picture it presented in April when it updated its economic strategy, pointing at encouraging trade, labor cost and deficit numbers instead.

Ministers and officials have hammered home the message that the worst of the crisis has passed, the adjustment after a 2008 property crash is close to ending and structural reforms implemented last year will soon deliver growth and jobs.

More recently Prime Minister Rajoy and his top aides have talked up the prospect of a quicker than expected recovery with growth expected in the third quarter instead of the fourth.

The country has been in or close to recession for the past five years and was forced last year to take a 42-billioneuro ($55 billion) bailout for its banks, brought low when a decade-long property bubble burst.

“Our economy has turned the corner and we are at the start of a change in trends which will allow us, with effort, to create jobs again. The foundationshavebeenlaid,”Rajoysaid at an event Sunday.

In private, however, senior officials acknowledge the risk of a backlash as people may not see any improvement in their living conditions and job prospects for another two years while many factors may set back recovery.

“The car has been fixed, the driver is in good shape but you never know what may stand in your way. Yes, there is a risk of an accident,” said a senior government source on condition of anonymity. “If that happens, we’ll see how we deal with it.”

Spaniards are unconvinced there is light at the end of the tunnel, an image often used by the government which echoes the former socialist administration’s “green shoots”, which never materialized.

In a June opinion poll, 93.4 percent of 2,500 people surveyed said the economy was in the same or worse shape than a year ago. Some 75 percent believed the situation would not improve in the next 12 months.

Rajoy

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 35

Strange World

Man spends a year living as a turkey Nature’s Joe Hutto’s year-long experiment was to prove Turkey’s aren’t stupid

bizarre “Living Rocks”

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W

e’ve all heard the popular myth about turkeys being so stupid that they will look up at the rain and drown.

Well, naturalist Joe Hutto’s year-long experiment living as a turkey proved it wrong, along with any other myths that suggest the stupidity of the bird.

On the contrary, he says that turkeys are born with an “innate understanding of ecology” and have a complex vocabulary to communicate with each other.

Hutto, an ethologist who lives in Florida, has always been interested in the phenomenon of imprinting – in which young birds and animals identify the first

moving object they encounter as a mother or a caregiver. So when a local farmer left a bowlfull of wild turkey eggs at Hutto’s doorstep, it was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse. He began his scientific experiment by choosing to imprint himself as the mother turkey. Hutto placed the eggs in an incubator and waited for them to hatch. When the cracks began to appear, he had to act fast, since imprinting occurs only in the first few moments after hatching. He placed his face close to the eggs and when the first poult came out, there was immediate eyecontact and the establishment of a bond. “Something very unambiguous happened in that

moment,” he said Once the young turkeys identified him as their mom, his responsibilities began. He could never leave them alone for an instant, it was a “24-houra-day commitment.” He went to them before daylight so they could find their mother when they flew down from their roost.

And he stayed with them until it was dark, otherwise they would fly down and follow him which wasn’t safe for the young birds.

Hutto says that he didn’t really have to teach the turkeys much.

They were pretty instinctive about many things, like which insects they could eat and the ones that were poisonous. While

he had familiarized himself with around 25-30 wild turkey calls before hand, he realized that “within each of their calls were different inflexions that had specific meanings.”

In an interview with New Scientist, Hutto said that while the whole project started off as a scientific experiment, it quickly came to mean much more to him.

“I found it impossible to avoid a very personal involvement, so a certain scientific empiricism and detachment was immediately lost in the process,” he said. In the process, he learned that turkeys were clever and independent creatures that lose their “well-honed razor’s edge of survival” due to domestication.

point where they explode, with his nose. Jemal currently holds the Guinness World Record for most hot water bottles burst with the nose in one minute.

What Jemal does might

seem silly, but it’s actually quite extraordinary considering most people can barely blow up a latex balloon, let alone a thick rubber hot water bottle, with their nose.

One might think it’s his lungs

that do all the work, but tests have shown that his lungs are not much different than those of an average healthy person. He has good pulmonary volume, but it’s the force with which he’s capable of pushing out the air that makes him special. That means his strong intercostal and abdominal muscles push out all the air in his lungs really fast, creating enormous pressure.

In 2009, the 23-year-old judo practitioner set a new record for most hot water bottles burst with the nose in one minute, managing to explode three of them, but th’s capable of much more impressive feats.

During his record bid, Jemal Tkeshelashvili proved he has more blowing power than any other man on Earth, by blowing up a hot water bottle with a 120-kg man sitting on it. During an episode of the Discovery Channel’s Duperhuman Showdown program, Jemal took things to another level, by trying to inflate a hot water bottle with a 650-kg-heavy car sitting on it. He somehow managed to lift the vehicle two centimeters before the rubber bottle burst.

To pull off this trick, he had to produce at least three times the pressure normal human beings are capable of.

Man blows up hot water bottles with his nose

H

ere is a guy who can literally blow you away.

Jemal Tkeshelashvili, from Georgia, is a superhuman with a very unique ability. He can blow up hot water bottles to the

Jemal Tkeshelashvili blowing up a hot water bottle with his nose

yura chilensis doesn’t look like much from the outside.

You could pass right by a colony without realizing they’re more than just simple beach rocks, but cut them open and you’ll think you’ve discovered a real bizarre-looking alien specimen.

Popularly known as the living rock, Pyura chilensis is actually a weird sea organism that lives on the rocky coast of Chile and Peru. It feeds by inhaling the sea water and filtering out edible microalgae through a pair of siphons. It has clear blood and can accumulate high quantities of a mysterious and rare element called vanadium.

It’s been discovered that the blood of the Pyura chilensis contains 10 million times more vanadium than the surrounding sea water, although it’s role in the creature’s development is yet unknown. The alien-like organism is born a male but also grows female organs over time, and breeds by releasing both eggs and sperm that meet in a fertile cloud and form tiny tadpole-like offsprings that eventually settle on nearby rocks and grow into adult form. This is all very unique and fascinating, but there’s really nothing quite like seeing one of these bizarre creatures sliced in half. The Pyura chilensis is covered in a thick layer of tunicin that helps it blend in its surroundings, but underneath lies a bright red tissuelike mass that leaves first-time viewers flabbergasted.

Stranger still is that the raw insides of the Pyura chilensis are considered a delicacy. It’s also used as an ingredient for stews, and locals describe the taste as “bitter” and “soapy” with a “weird iodine flavor.” That doesn’t sound like a delicacy to me, but it must be an acquired taste. Chilean and Peruvian natives have been commercially fishing Pyura chilensis for years.

Pyura chilensis has clear blood and can accumulate high quantities of a mysterious and rare element called vanadium

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 37

APGA objects PPA’s change to APPA

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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ll Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has objected to the decision of the leadership of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) to re-brand the party by changing its name to All Progressive Peoples Alliance (APPA), in addition to changing its flag and logo.

In a statement issued over the weekend by the Special Assistant to the party’s Chairman, Francis Ede, APGA noted that it has no objection to the decision of PPA

to re-brand, resuscitate and revive the party to attract members and supporters, but however opposed strongly its choice of All Progressive Peoples Alliance (APPA), saying it is similar and very close in name, acronym and pronounciation to APGA. It argued that it is obvious that APGA members, supporters and the general public may be confused and juxtapose the two parties in campaigns, rallies and elections thereby leading to clashes and breach of peace in the country.

According to the party,

“This will be prevented if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejects the proposed name in the interest of peace, justice and national unity.”

In addition, the party observed that the nation already has All Progressives Grand Alliance, All Progressives Congress, arguing that having another All Progressive Peoples Alliance is one name too many in a ballot box of “All Progressives” and “Alliance”.

APGA therefore urged the leadership of PPA to have a rethink on its proposed name and

change it in the interest of peace and development of democracy in Nigeria.

“The imitation of names and acronyms by political associations seeking INEC’s registration to function as political parties as obtainable in APC where four associations suddenly emerged, each claiming it is the authentic group with the acronym, which heated the polity for months and is presently being adjudicated in court.

“The APGA – UPGA saga of April 2012 and current APGA-

APC assures of peaceful merger process in FCT

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Services, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Chairman, Sayawa Community in Abuja, Mr. Sambo Ishaku, Mr. Musa A. Dare, and Mr. Dauda S. Dadali, during a press briefing on relocation of headquarters of Tafawa Balewa local government area of Bauchi state, on Friday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Adeola Tukuru

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AD has nothing to do with APC court case

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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eaders of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) said over the weekend that the party has nothing to do with All Pregressive Congress (APC)’s court case, and that the party was not even aware of the case before the Federal High Court.

The party in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Rafiu Salau, said, “we were amazed to see that the party that was not even aware of the case before the Federal High Court was mentioned in the court ruling that the application of the AD was struck out, and the court refused to join the party as a defendant. The party does not see anything special in a struggle for a name.”

“The leaders believe that the Ideology of a political party and the manifestos of candidates are more important because they determine the level of dividends of democracy for the people,” it added.

AD continued “It is the responsibility of INEC to determine

APPA, could have been avoided if political associations and rebranding parties choose names and acronyms different from existing ones”, APGA pointed out.

While recalling that INEC had earlier refused to register United Progressives Grand Alliance (UPGA) for having similar acronym with APGA, it urged INEC to reject the proposed All Progressive Peoples Alliance (APPA) for similarly contravening Section 82(2)(c) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), by being similar to a registered party.

the registration of a political party.

Therefore, it will not intervene in the duty of the Commission. In addition, the party has confidence in the transparency of the new leadership of the Commission. This is the first leadership of the body to involve all political parties in the draft, the review and the ratification of Political Parties Code of Conduct and Guidelines for political parties, and it consults with the forum of political parties about any electoral issue.”

“The truth is that AD didn’t file any application in the ongoing case between African People’s Congress, a political association, and the Commission.

The leaders of AD are surprised that a counsel could represent a registered political party without proper search for the recognized leaders.”

“The report has caused acute embarrassment to the party. Therefore, the party will send a delegation of leaders to meet with the NBA on the norms of the legal profession, in order

to annihilate such a thing in the future.

Also, the party will write to the Federal High Court that it was not even aware of the case before it.”

It may be recalled that the last week, the Federal High Court mentioned in its ruling on the name tussle between the African Peoples Congress, and the All Progressive Congress, that the application of the AD was struck out, and that the court refused to join the party as a defendant.

ll Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) leader in FCT, Alhaji Zakari Angulu, has said plans were concluded to ensure peaceful merger process of political parties involve in formation of APC in FCT. Angulu, the immediate past chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council stated this in Gwagwalada in an interview with newsmen.

He said the process of registering of APC as a political party in Nigeria had attained a very high level with the visit of INEC officials to the secretariat of the party. ``We have been briefed adequately that INEC officials have visited our national secretariat as part of conditions for registration of a political party. ``To us, this is advancement in the process of registering the party and as I speak to you, the political parties involved in the merger in FCT have been working together.

He said political parties involved in the merger in FCT had agreed that positions in the new party would be shared in line with directive from the national secretariat of the party.

Angulu said stakeholders in the merger were ready in FCT adding that directive from the national secretariat of the party was being awaited for the process to be completed in the territory.

PDP is on course, says Bayelsa governor

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overnor Henry SeriakeDickson of Bayelsa state yesterday said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was being repackaged for efficiency, cohesion and unity to enable it play its leading role in the affairs of the country.

Dickson made the remark in Yenagoa while fielding questions from Government House

correspondents, shortly on arrival from PDP meeting in Abuja.

He said that the meeting was part of current efforts at repositioning the ruling party for maximum results.

The governor assured supporters of the party in the state that ``all is well’’ and urged them to shun rumour mongering.

He added that his

administration’s major focus was in the area of education, stressing, however, that ``by the time policies in the sector take root and jobs were created for the many jobless youths, many problems would be minimised’’.

He restated his administration’s commitment to tackle the myriad of developmental challenges facing the state and called on the people

of Bayelsa to remain steadfast in prayers for the administration.

On hand to receive the governor were the state’s Deputy Governor, retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah, the Secretary to State Government, Prof.

Edmund Allison-Oguru, some members of the state Executive Council and the commissioner of police, among others. (NAN)

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Politics

Oyo ACN chides Akala’s protégé, Babalola

AD urges Rivers lawmakers to respect rule of law

From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Oyo State chapter, has said that for Mr. Femi Babalola, a protégé of former governor of the state, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, to expect to be respected by the public indicates the level of moral decadence in the society.

The party in a statement by its PublicitySecretary, Dauda Kolawole stated this his in response to claims that the Akala’s government performed better than he incumbent leadership of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

“It is a reflection of the moral compass that the Nigerian nation has thrown into the ocean. For Femi Babalola, who, together with Alao-Akala, is standing trial for allegedly stealing over N5 billion of the Oyo State money to now prescribe morality of governance and go ahead to say that he wants to run for governorship of that same state is an affront on our psyche. It is a shame that rather than throw stones at such character, he is affronting us all with his contaminated preachments,” the ACN said.

While counseling Babalola to concentrate on his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and provide evidences that would not allow the state to send him to jail, the ACN said this was more logical than taking the people for granted and hoping that the proverbial short memory of the people would ensure their forgetfulness so soon.

The ACN said it was laughable that the Alao-Akala protégé could raise the claim of quality of projects constructed by the Akala and Ajimobi governments when it was public knowledge that the heavy corruption of the PDP government was responsible for the poor quality of those projects.

“All those roads that Babalola mentioned, that were constructed by their government, go and check them all. None of them is still standing. They have been washed away due to their poor quality. This is simply because the then government piled heavy graft pressure on the contractors, leading to shoddy jobs. It is a shame that Babalola, who was alleged to be the front of the Akala government in all these shoddy jobs, could still have the gumption to talk in a civilized society,” the ACN said.

The party said it would not reply to the allegation that the Alao-Akala government left N18 billion when it was leaving office.

“Listen to Babalola very well.

His allegation lacks coherence and logic. At one time, he said the government left N18 billion, at another time, he said the Ajimobi government collected the money as a result of the roads constructed by Akala. They are too incoherent for any sensible person to reply to,” the party said.

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L-R: Deputy Dean, Post-Graduate School, Adamawa state University, Mr Musa Waila, and Senator Bindow Jibrilla, Adamawa North Senatorial District, during the presentation of empowerment items donated by the Senator to women and youths, at the weekend in Mubi South Local Government Area. Photo: NAN

Ekiti 2014: Police Affairs minister declares governorship interest

…As Fayose kicks From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

P

olice Affairs Minister, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade, yesterday declared his intention to contest in the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State, saying his decision was informed by the need to redeem the state.

Olubolade, whose declaration ended months of speculation over his next ambition, said he was eminently qualified for the office based on his experience as former governor and minister.

Speaking with journalists at his Ipoki- Ekiti country home, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain expressed determination to bring about the desired change in

the state.

Olubolade, who is from the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, however, said that he was ready to abide by the consensus candidate unveiled by the leadership of the party to contest the gubernatorial seat of the state.

To this end, the PDP in Ekiti has set up an 11- man committee to shop for the party’s candidate for the 2014 governorship set in the state.

The committee is headed by a retired judge, Justice Edward Ojuolape. Meanwhile, a former governor of the state and governorship aspirant, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has rejected the consensus committee.

A statement from Mr Femi Omolusi, the media aide to the Ekiti

State PDP Chairman, Mr Makanjuola Ogundipe, said other members of the committee are former member of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Dayo Okondo; the state’s Vice Chairman, North, Hon. Olatunde Olatunde; Modupe Johnson; Kola Lawal; and a former Acting governor of the state, Mr. Tope Ademiluyi.

Other members of the committee are former Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Hon. Kola Adefemi; Mr. Adeusi Kumuyi; former House of Representatives member, Hon Titilayo Akindahunsi; Hon. Dele Ajibola; and Mr. Omolade Gabson. Fayose, who said consensus arrangement not only contravened the party’s constitution, also added that “some names in the newly formed committee are known ardent supporters of some of the aspirants.”

Ekiti Reps recant, return Opeyemi as leader

By Umar Muhammad Puma

H

onorable Opeyemi Bamidele has been returned as the leader of the Ekiti State representatives in the House of Representatives.

The development followed the intervention of the leadership, of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the House.

In a statement over the weekend, the Minority Leader and leader of the ACN in the House, Femi Gbaljabiamila said Opeyemi’s removal and the subsequent reinstatement was a sign of how cohesive and ideologically ingrained the ACN is at all levels.

He said “On Tuesday July 11th, the Ekiti Caucus in the

House of Representatives met to consider issues bordering on the leadership style of Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, following which he was removed as the Ekiti caucus leader.”

Acknowledging that the removal generated a lot of interest by colleagues and the larger ACN Caucus of the House, the Minority Leader added, “Consequently, at a meeting between the Ekiti Caucus and the ACN House leadership on Thursday July 12th and after representations were made

by Hon Bamidele and Ekiti members. The matter was exhaustively discussed and it was resolved that in the spirit of reconciliation and in the best interest of the party, the status

quo ante be maintained and Hon Opeyemi Bamidele should be returned and is hereby returned as the leader of the Ekiti Caucus of the House of Representatives.”

“This serves therefore as notice to all party members, stakeholders, well wishers and detractors alike that the seeming feud between members of Ekiti State in the House has now been amicably resolved and Hon Bamidele remains the state leader in the House.

“The Party in the House remains one united family, strong as ever”. It would be recalled that the National leader of the Party, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, had earlier enjoined all parties involved to resolve the issue amicably.

he National Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Mr Rafiu Salau, has advised members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to toe the line of constitutionalism in resolving the lingering political crisis in the state.

Salau, who gave the advice in Abuja yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), urged the lawmakers to respect the rule of law in resolving their differences.

“There is no way few members will be going contrary to the process of legislation in the house of assembly.

“The legislative arm of government has a process of enacting laws and regulations, so they should ensure that they follow the normal process. ‘’In a state that is known to have good assembly members, the truth of the matter is that they need to come together to sort out the crisis in the state,’’ he said.

Describing the fracas in the Rivers State House of Assembly as unacceptable, Salau urged politicians to show decency in tackling problems that might arise in the nation’s quest for a true democratic environment.

He expressed hope that the nation would overcome many challenges before the 2015 general elections, just as other nations had overcome theirs. ‘’What we are seeing now is just a matter of time, when it is time for elections political parties would ensure that they maintain good internal democracy.’’

He observed that most of the challenges the nation had been witnessing were mostly intra-party and not interparty, saying that the later was more explosive in damaging the cause of democracy. ‘’It can be very dangerous if it becomes an inter-party crisis where party A and party B are fighting.’’

Salau commended the timely intervention of National Assembly members in the Rivers House of Assembly crisis.

He, however, said that ‘’ the best thing to do is to allow the assembly members to go back to the house and provide the leadership needed. ‘’And if the assemblymen members are really interested in changing the leadership of the house they should do so in a democratic way.’’ (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Briefs

Mobile clinics

Z

enith Bank has donated three new Toyota car ambulances termed mobile clinics to the Yobe state government.

Speaking while handing over the keys of the ambulances to the state governor, the Senior Manager of Zenith, Yobe and Borno, Adamu Lawan said the gesture was part of the bank’s solidarity and partnership with the state government and the people of Yobe state.

He also said the bank was partnering the government in addressing the security situation in the state.

PAGE 39

News Extra

How soldiers, SSS intercepted weapons in fuel tanker From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

A

suspected member of Boko Haram carrying weapons inside a fuel tanker has been arrested weekend along Malisa in Tambuwal local government area of Sokoto state.

Parading the suspect before newsmen weekend at the 1 Battalion Military Barrack in Birnin Kebbi, the

Commanding Officer, Col. Sunday Jimo Ilorin said that with the effort of his men and those of the State Security Service [SSS], they were able to arrest the driver at the border between Sokoto and Kebbi, while the two main suspects escaped on their way to Sokoto state. ‘’A tanker with weapons and ammunition have been captured by Nigerian Army Birnin Kebbi under 1 Brigade of the Nigeria Army with

headquarters in Sokoto and the State Security Service (SSS) intercepted a fuel Tanker at Malisa to Sokoto from Kano’’, he said.

He said that the tanker is from Hadejia in Jigawa state, while they took the ammunition from Kano state and decided to pass through Kebbi state because of the security checkpoints across the country.

He listed the seized weapons to

Ramadan

include 3 AK 47 guns, 1 RPG Tube, 2 Bombs, 790 rounds of 2.7 millimeter bullets.

Speaking to newsmen, the suspect who identified himself as Mohammed Yusuf named the other two suspects at large as Mohammed and Musa.

The suspect said the owners of the weapons then threatened to kill him alongside his family if he refused to transport the weapons.

Arms and ammunition hiden inside an oil tanker seized from suspected insurgents by security personnel, at the weekend, in Birnin Kebbi.

A

non-governmental organization (NGO), Ray African Foundation, has earmarked over N25 million to cushion the sufferings of less privileged persons consisting orphans and widows in Nigeria and Ghana throughout the Ramadan period.

President of the Foundation, Mr. Chizhoke Afodile made the declaration weekend while distributing hundreds of bags of rice, salts, and bundles of wrappers in Dass local government area of Bauchi state.

According to Afodile, our target states include Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Sokoto, Gombe with an option to reach Borno state if the security situation allows that.

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

Photo: NAN

Security alert

A

s part of measures to bring prompt information and alert police in cases of distress, the Kwara state police command has launched State Security Information Network (KWASIAN).

The booklet, comprises all mobile numbers of heads of command departments and special desks, including the state commissioner’s phone numbers, and was distributed to all vigilante groups, student unions, transport unions, and other stakeholders.

While addressing stakeholders at the launching ceremony, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Agboola Oshodi-Glover said, efforts of his command to curb crimes have being yielding fruitful results due to collaboration of all stakeholders.

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

Polio immunisation

T

he Niger State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has immunised no fewer than two million children against polio during the just concluded round of Immunisation Plus Days exercise (IPDs).

The chairman of the agency, Dr Aliyu Yabagi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Sunday that the exercise was part of the IPDs for children below the age of five years.

He said that the state and local governments contributed over N10 million towards the success of the exercise. (NAN)

Two trucks of fertiliser disappear in Benue From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

T

he Benue police command is trying to unravel a puzzle over how two trucks loaded with fertiliser were declared missing by agents of the state government.

The two trucks of fertiliser

were carted away at the weekend from the ministry of agriculture’s warehouse located along new garage area of Wadata in Makurdi.

Police spokesman, DSP Daniel Ezeala, who confirmed the theft said the security man on duty at the time of the incident has been

arrested but granted bail.

When contacted on the issue, the permanent secretary, Benue agriculture ministry, Mr. Neeyum Tsavnum, explained that preliminary investigation revealed that the thieves masterly broke into the warehouse without destroying

the lock.

Tsavnum said that only 159 bags of fertilizer were discovered missing and not two trucks as alleged.

According to him, the security man on duty claimed he was sleeping at the time of the incident.

E-passport will checkmate crime, says Interior Minister

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

M

inister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, has said that the new passport policy embarked upon by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), will help checkmate crime in the country.

Moro made this known when

the Senate Committee on Interior, led by its Chairman, Abubakar A. Bagudu, visited the ministry on an oversight function.

He said that the passport has been upgraded to include more features that will make duplication impossible.

“The e-passport will replace the duplication by unscrupulous

elements in the country who connive with other foreigners to produce multiple passports.

We will not allow this practice to continue that is why we have been working assiduously to create a new policy in line with global best practices”, he said.

Responding, Senator Bagudu called on all security agencies

to collaborate with one another so as to tackle criminality in the country.

“Team work is very important to the security agencies in the country. It helps in fighting the insecurity that has beclouded this country. It is unfortunate to hear security personnel looking down on other agencies”, he said.

Yobe awards N13bn road contracts, approves N83m for Ramadan feeding From Uche Uche, Damaturu

Y

obe state government has awarded contract for the construction of 146 kilometers of roads, with a 45-meter bridge at a total cost of N13.19 billion.

It has also approved the sum of N83.65 million for the procurement and distribution of essential commodities such as rice and sugar to Muslims during the Holy month of Ramadan.

This was the outcome of the 4th executive meeting held in Damaturu, and chaired by the state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam.

Also during the executive council meeting, a total sum of N15.36 billion was approved for various developmental projects in the state.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the meeting, the state commissioner for information, Alh. Goni Fika said that the road projects include the second

and third phases of the 70 kilometer Trans-Saharan route from Kafiya to Yunusari, which was awarded to different contractors at the total cost of N8.92 billion.

He pointed out that the first phase of 20 kilometer and the third phase of 50 kilometers were awarded to CGC Nigeria limited and the EEC International Limited at the total cost of N3.17 billion and N5.75 billion respectively.

Some other road projects include the 36 kilometer Gadaka to Godawoli road project with a 45-meter bridge at Ngeji, which was awarded to Rice Rock Nigeria Limited at the cost of N3.70 billion.

Another project approved is the rehabilitation and complete asphalting of failed portions of the Girgir to Karege 40 kilometer road awarded to EEC International Limited at a total cost of N353.92 million.

Photos Splash

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

PAGE 40

Pupils of Carol Primary School, Agege, dramatising at the 2013 tree planting campaign, yesterday in Lagos.

R-L: Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, presenting Psc award to Squadron Leader MH Bala, during the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 35 of Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, last Friday in Kaduna.

L-R: Chairman, 8th Annual Ramadan Lecture, Alhaji Sani Dauda, DirectorGeneral, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Abubakar Jijiwa, and Zonal Director, FRCN Kaduna, Malam Ladan Salihu, during the 8th Annual Ramadan Lecture, on Saturday in Kaduna.

R-L: Representative of Senator Philips Aduda, Alhaji Abdulraman Mohammed, presenting Ramadan items to Coordinator, Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Ibrahim, during the distribution of the items for Muslims in FCT by Senator Aduda, recently in Abuja.

Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu (2nd right),with other delegates during the launch of the 2015 treatment at the Abuja +12 African Union on HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Summit, at the weekend in Abuja.

Photos: Justin Imo-Owo and NAN

PAGE 41

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

By Patrick Andrew

T

he Chairman of Kano Pillars FC, Malam Abba Yola, wants the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to compel Nduka Irabor to retract utterances said to be uncharitable to the Association of Club Owners.

According to Yola, Irabor the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) has made a habit of making comments which tended to demean the status of club owners as well as demonstrated a proclivity towards usurpation of their functions.

Yola alleged that Irabor has not only repeatedly voiced out comments inimical to the corporate interest and existence of the association, had insisted that the club owners would soon be jobless because the LMC would source for funds and run the clubs by itself, and therefore makes them redundant.

“It appears you want to continue milking your states”, a statement he said Irabor had at several fora

A

Pillars’ chairman demands NFF caution for LMC boss, Irabor

President NFF Aminu Maigari said to the chagrin their members and stressed that the comment had the sponsors of clubs to question their relevance.

He questioned the rationale behind the LMC’s insistence on payment of

Chairman of LMC,Nduka Irabor

N300m as guarantee to participate in the league and also wondered what formulae was adopted to give clubs N10.5m each and wondered where the balance of N289.5m would come from.

Besides, Yola was hard

put understanding the rationale behind the distribution of the patry N10.5m to 20 clubs amounting to N200m per and N600m in three years out of a whooping N1.89billion accruable from the Globacom sponsor-

Kano Pillars Chairman, Abba Yola ship.

Further, he said that Irabor’s unguarded utterances has pitched him against his state government and sponsors of Kano Pillars stressing that it has been the same with the other 18 clubs

…As clubs plot LMC’s September exit

ssociation of Premier league club owners has initiated moves to ease out the League Management Company (LMC) of the saddle latest by September.

To this end the association has set up a five-man to committee to advise its members ahead of a tentative elections into the league board, which by the mandate given to the interim management committee that metamorphosed to the

LMC should be held in September.

According to a communique signed by the chairman of the drafting committee, Abba Yola, Alhaji Abba Yola of Kano Pillars, the association indicated that S.B Aluko of Kwara United will head it and named Zanna Mala (El Kanemi Warriors), Dumbor Awanen (Dolphins), Alabi Demola (3SC) and Oscar Keke (Heartland) as Sscretary as members.

The communique, which also referred to the committee as Transition Committee, did not say how it would function, but was clear on its objective: to advise and guide the association on how best to approach the forth-coming elections into the League Board, in line with FIFA Standard Electoral code.

The tenure of the LMC should expire by September, but Peoples Daily Sports learnt it is unlikely to

want to leave the saddle. Accordingly, some members have openly canvassed for extention of their tenure.

Further, the association appealed to the LMC to impose stiffer sanctions to clubs that intentionally prevent live video coverage of matches as well as those involved in the assault of match officials.

With regards to the issue of

Kenya drop Rudisha from World Champs squad

W

David Rushida,800m champion, out of Kenya team for Worlds.

orld and Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha was left out of Kenya’s 49-strong athletics team named yesterday for next month’s World Championships in Moscow.

The 24-year-old world record holder missed the championship trials due to a knee injury but the selectors said they would monitor his condition in the next week before deciding whether he would defend his world title at the August 10-18 event.

Olympic 800m bronze medallist Timothy Kitum will also not compete in Moscow after failing to qualify when he finished a poor sixth behind race winner Anthony Chemut.

Two rookies, Fer-

guson Rotich and Jeremia Mutai, who took second and third positions behind the 20-year-old Chemut were selected in the team.

KENYA SQUAD: MEN 800m: Anthony Chemut, Ferguson Rotich, Jeremia Mutai 1500m: Silas Kiplagat, Asbel Kiprop, Nixon Chepseba 5000m: Isaiah Kiplangat Koech, Thomas Longosiwa, Edwin Soi, John Kipkoech 10000m: Bedan Karoki, Paul Tanui, Kenneth Kipkemoi 3000m S/Chase: Conseslus Kipruto, Abel Mutai, Ezekiel Kemboi, Paul kipsiele Koech Marathon: Bernard Koech, Michael Kipyego, Bernard Kipyego, Peter Some, Nicholas Kipkemboi

4 x 400m Relay: Alphas Leken Kishoyian, Moses Kertich, Boniface Mweresa, Mike Mokamba, Boniface Mucheru, Vincent Kosgei Javelin: Julius Yego WOMEN 400m: Maureen Jelagat 800m: Eunice Sum, Janeth Jepkosgei, Winnie Chebet 1500m: Hellen Obiri, Faith Chepngetich, Nancy Jebet Langat 5000m: Mercy Cherono, Viola Kibiwott, Margaret Wangare 10000m: Gladys Cherono, Emily Chebet, Sally Kaptich Chepyego 3000m S/Chase: Milcah Chemos Cheywa, Gladys Kipkemoi, Hyvin Kiyeng, Lydia Chepkurui Marathon: Edna Kiplagat, Lucy Kabuu, Eunice Jepkirui.

owned by the government.

The chairman thus appealed to Maigari to caution Irabor against further utterances that would be uncharitable to association of club owners as well as direct him to retract his statement.

the title rights and TV rights, the club owners urged the LMC and other parties to respect all existing contractual agreement in order to prevent further litigation.

The communique also disassociated the club owners from any purported interview to recruit new staff for the League while they urged the LMC to ensure the salaries of existing staff are paid promptly.

Anzhi challenges Monaco, Galatasaray for Mikel

R

ussian billionaire club, Anhzi Makhachkala have joined Monaco and Galatasaray in the chase for John Mikel Obi’s signature after it becomes apparent that the Nigerian international is surplus to requirrment in Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

The Russian club, which already parade Cameroon superstar Samuel Eto’o Fils, joined the race following the exclusion of Mikel in Chelsea’s 24-man squad that jetted out to South East Asia for pre-season training tour.

Before now, the duo of Turkish champions, Galatasaray and free-spending Monaco, were the front runners for Mikel’s services, but with the Anzhi throwing their hat into the ring, Mikel now have sumptuous options to choose from.

A top source, who is part of the negotiations to take Mikel to Russia, confided in

a wire service yesterday that a deal is on.

“Anzhi have come back for Mikel. They have made the player an offer and he in turn has asked for an improvement. That is the latest on the Mikel situation.”

Peoples Daily Sports awaits confirmation from the Russian club because a similar report last season had forced PSG to take to the international media to deny having ever enquired for the availability of the player.

Galatasaray have been in pole position to land Mikel after they agreed personal terms with him, but they have 13 foreigners on their books and would need to get rid of four of these players to accommodate the Nigeria star.

Last season, Mikel signed a new deal which keeps him at Stamford Bridge till June 2017.

PAGE 42

Sports Morocco qualifies for CHAN finals

T

he Moroccan national football team on Saturday qualified for the African Cup of Nations (2014 CHAN) after being held scoreless by its Tunisian opponents. The match was played in the city of Tangier in northern Morocco.

This is Morocco’s first qualification for the African Cup of Nations, having defeated reigning champions Tunisia 1-0 at Soussa’s Olympic Stadium in the first leg, two weeks ago.

The finals will be held from Jan. 10 to Feb. 1 in South Africa.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Scandalous result: Nasarawa FA suspends assistant secretary

T

he Nasarawa State Football Association has suspended its Assistant Secretary, Malam Adamu Yusuf, players and officials of Akurba United FC. The suspension, contained in a communique signed by the association’s Chairman, Alhaji Alkali Mohammed on Friday, was issued at the end of an emergency meeting held at the state Football Association (FA) secretariat.

The club was of the four that were involved in a scandalous score lines recorded in a Nigeria NationWide League (NNWL) promotion play-off match.

According to the communique,

Yusuf is ``suspended because he led the delegation alleged to be involved in match-fixing at the Bauchi centre of the play-offs into the NNWL Division Three’’.

The match between Plateau United Feeders Club and Akurba FC ended 79-0, while Police Machine FC had demolished Buba Yero FC of Gombe 67-0 in their respective matches.

The results had received nationwide condemnation, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) suspending the four clubs on Tuesday. ``The leader of the delegation to Bauchi, who is also the FA’s Assistant

retain his cherished belt.

The fight held in Dresden, Germany, was stopped when the Japanese challenger was bleeding profusely from a cut near his left eye.

Stieglitz, a Russia-born German, dominated the fight throughout and won by technical decicion – 99-90 on two cards and 100-98 on the third. Kiyota fought for two rounds with the bleeding cut before the ringside doctor stopped the bout.

Stieglitz used his jab and sharp right crosses to score nearly at will against an opponent who lacked the punching power to trouble the champion.

Stieglitz improved his record to 45-3, including 26 knockouts and Kiyota dropped to 23-4, with one draw and 21 knockouts.

The 29-year-old Kiyota, boxing outside Japan for the first time in his career, had won 21 of his fights by knockout and had lost only three times.

But he was untested at this level and never had a chance on beating the experienced champion. In his previous bout against an experienced fighter, he lost on a first-round technical knock-out against Jameson Bostic of the US. In August last year, Stieglitz regained the supermiddleweight title he lost on a unanimous decision when he stopped Arthur Abraham in the fourth round of their rematch last March.

The defeat to Abraham was the 32-year-old champion’s only loss in the last four years.

Earlier, Lukas Konecny retained his WBO European middleweight title by beating Moez Fhima on points: 119-108, 118-109 and 117-110.

Konecny improved his record to 50-4, with 23 knockouts and Fhima now stands at 22-3-1; 8.

In a clash for the vacant German heavyweight title, Michael Wallisch improved to 10-0; 7 by stopping Alexander Kahl (18-10-1; 16) in 47 seconds.

In a light-heavyweight bout, veteran Robin Krasniqi moved his record to 40-3, including 15 knockouts, when he beat Tomas Adamek (20-9-1; 7) on points over eight rounds.

Stieglitz punishes Kiyota to retain WBO title

Y

uzo Kiyota was no match for WBO super middleweight title champion Robert Stieglitz who stopped him in the tenth round on Saturday night to

Robert Stieglitz raises his hands in victory after defeating his opponent

Secretary, team officials and all the players of Akurba United FC, have been suspended indefinitely from all football activities in the state. ``He has been directed also to hand over all FA properties in his possession to the Secretary with immediate effect,’’ the communique stated.

The Nasarawa state FA said all those suspended were to report at the FA offices on Monday, to appear before a panel for further investigation.

Already, the FA has inaugurated a four-man committee, chaired by Haladu Akwashiki, to continue investigation into the matter.

Musa Amadu, Gen Sec. NFF

Gay, Powell fail drug tests

U

S sprinter Tyson Gay and Jamaica’s former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell have failed drug tests.

Gay, 30, the joint-second fastest man over 100m, was notified by the US Anti-Doping Agency on Friday that his A sample from an out-of-competition test in May had returned a positive.

Powell tested positive for a banned stimulant while competing in June’s Jamaican championships.

Fellow Jamaican athlete Sherone Simpson also failed a drug test at the event.

The sprinter, a 4x100m relay silver medallist at last year’s London Olympics, tested positive for oxilofrine - the same stimulant Powell tested positive for.

Powell and Simpson’s doping positives come a month after Jamaican Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown tested positive for a banned diuretic.

The 30-year-old Powell was the last man to hold the individual 100m record before compatriot Usain Bolt broke it in 2008. He is still the fourth fastest man of all time.

Powell later helped Jamaica to win 400m relay gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

He has run 9.88 seconds this year, but failed to make the Jamaican team for next month’s World Championships.

“I want to be clear in saying to my family, friends and, most of all, my fans worldwide that I have never knowingly or wilfully taken any supplements or substances that break any rules,” Powell said in a statement.

“I am not now - nor have I ever been - a cheat.”

Gay, who is the fastest man in 2013, is waiting for the results of his ‘B’ sample. He has already withdrawn from next month’s World Championships in Moscow.

“I don’t have a sabotage story... I basically put my trust

in someone and was let down,” he said.

“I know exactly what went on, but I can’t discuss it right now. I hope I am able to run again, but I will take whatever punishment I get like a man.”

USADA responded to Gay’s disclosure by releasing a statement that read: “In response to Mr Gay’s statements, USADA appreciates his approach to handling this situation and his choice to voluntarily remove himself from competition while the full facts surrounding his test are evaluated.

Tyson Gay runs 9.79 to win Diamond League ahead of Asafa Powell in Lausanne on 4 July “The B sample will be processed shortly, and as in all cases all athletes are innocent unless or until proven otherwise through the established legal process, and any attempt to sensationalise or speculate is a disservice to due process, fair play, and to those who love clean sport.”

Gay, who missed almost a year of running after he had hip surgery in 2011, had been in impressive form so far this year, clocking the three fastest times of 2013.

He won the 100m at the Jamaica Invitational athletics meeting in May with a time of 9.86 seconds, before clocking 9.75 seconds - the fastest time of 2013 - to win the US World Championships trials the following month.

He continued his good form with victory in the men’s 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne, running 9.79 seconds.

World’s fastest 100m runners

Usain Bolt (Jam) - 9.58 secs Tyson Gay (USA) - 9.69 secs Yohan Blake (Jam) - 9.69 secs Asafa Powell (Jam) - 9.72 secs

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Sports

Deschamps’ pep talk did the magic for us against Uruguay, says Pogba P

aul Pogba, you have just won the FIFA U-20 World Cup on penalties, in what was a suspense-filled conclusion to the match. How do you feel after that performance?

What can I say? There are no words to describe it. It’s wonderful – I can hardly speak. I’m really happy; we all are. I’m delighted that this was how it all ended. It’s amazing.

You spoke to your teammates one by one during extra time and before the penalty shootout. What did you say to them?

I told everyone that we’d managed to reach the final, but that there was no reason we should stop there. We hadn’t won yet, so we didn’t have the right to stop. I also said that this was the moment we needed to give everything, to fight for each other.

And that if we did that, it would all work out. We all shared the same mentality, and that helped us to become world champions.

When it was your turn to take a penalty, were you trying to beat the world record for slowest run-up?

[Laughs] Oh, that! That’s just my own way of taking penalties.

It’s how I’ve always practised them. For the moment, it’s effective, as I’ve never missed one!

It actually helps me a lot. It’s a sort of duel between the goalkeeper and me.

I look and I keep looking, and because most ’keepers are always on the verge of diving,

France coach Pierre Mankowski had previously chided Paul Pogba for not fulfilling his potential, but the midfielder responded in style on Saturday, proving that he is indeed a player who thrives on high-pressure situations.

Having performed adroitly throughout the tournament while proudly wearing the captain’s armband, the Juventus man put in an exceptional display in the most important match of his career to date, making him a worthy winner of the adidas Golden Ball award for Turkey 2013. The ever smiling player spoke with FIFA.com. when I see them starting to make a move, I shoot in the opposite direction. That’s the way I’ve always done it, even in training sessions with Juventus. The coach is always apprehensive when I take penalties, but he still has confidence in me, because I’ve not missed any yet.

Your performance in the final was remarkable – you hardly put a foot wrong.

Does a player know from his first touch that it’s going to be a good day at the office?

Honestly, I didn’t even think about it, because it was the team performance that mattered. We all played well, and we got our just reward.

But the adidas Golden Ball is not awarded to an entire team, just to you.

That’s true. I felt really focused.

It goes without saying that you need to be at your best in World Cup finals, especially as a lot was expected of us, especially me. Right from the start, I was determined to do well, and I’m sure that was obvious from my first few touches.

And I was rewarded with the U-20 World Cup trophy and this

Pogba with Golden Boot individual award I’m holding right now.

Did you feel extra pressure on your shoulders during the tournament?

Truth be told, yes. Even at the pre-match press conference, the Uruguay coach spoke about me as if I was a…[hesitates]…I wouldn’t use the word ‘star’, but they were clearly singling me out. But it all went well in the end.

I did make some mistakes, particularly with a through ball for Lucas Digne that I messed up. It wasn’t a perfect match – you can always do more and do better. I hope to do so in the future.

Speaking of which, your coach, Pierre Mankowski, told FIFA.com that he expected even more from you, that you could still do more for the team, and that

you sometimes make things too complicated for yourself.

Did he give you a similar speech before the match?

He’s always telling me that!

But it’s in my nature; I always try to do something well, to do it better, and sometime that means that I do too much. But his advice is useful, because you need to keep things simple. That comes with experience, I think.

The more matches you play, the more you start to understand the game and make the right decisions. That’s how you can tell a great player from a good player, like Xavi, Andres Inistea, Abou Diaby and Yaya Toure. I know that I still have a lot of work to do. But right now, I’m just happy to have won the Golden Ball award and the U-20 World Cup. Tonight you performed

“

That’s the way I’ve always done it, even in training sessions with Juventus. The coach is always apprehensive when I take penalties, but he still has confidence in me, because I’ve not missed any yet Pogba and teammate Yaya Sonago celebrate France’s goal

under the watchful gaze of a former Juventus player who also became a world champion, Didier Deschamps.

[Laughs] I hadn’t thought about that. We play in the same position, too. And we were both captains – that’s a lot of similarities! That gives me a nice feeling. Winning in front of him is great. He came to give us a few words of encouragement at our hotel before the match. They worked.

You come from a family of footballers, as your two older brothers also play professionally. Is this FIFA U-20 World Cup also for them?

I’ve already spoken to my brothers over the phone, in fact.

They’re really very happy for me, but they’re not surprised. They told me that they knew that we’d do it, because they’d seen the determination in my eyes.

Without them, without my family, I’d never even be there, and they know that. And so this victory is also for them, as it’s actually a way of thanking them and others that are close to me and always supportive of me.

As I said, without them, I’d not have got anywhere, I’d not be the same player, and I’d certainly not have won the U-20 World Cup.

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY| MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Sports

`Winner Takes All’ squash tourney: A novel event here to stay?

T

he ``WinnerTakes-All’ Squash Tournament’’ held from July 3 to July 6 in Minna, Niger may have come and gone, but the memories of the event will linger in the minds of participants and spectators as a novel event.

At the end of the 3-day gruelling competition, the Plateau-based professional pair of Jonathan Peter and Londie Dasbak emerged winners of the men and the women’s events, respectively.

Both winners drove home `Ford Focus’ saloon cars each. The cars were the star prizes up for grabs from the organisers of the event.

They were also presented with the trophies. Ironically, the two are lovers, currently engaged to be married soon. ``It is a dream come true,’’ whipped Peter, winner of the men’s category, while Dasbak, was rather philosophical, attributing her victory to God, ``God is good, this is one tournament that I did not prepare well for’’. ``It’s the beginning of a new dawn in the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF),’’ remarked Adamu Erena, President of the NSF .

He vowed that players would soon witness new polices that would shape them for future international challenges.

Erena and his executive committee had just been elected to lead the federation over the next four years and that the just-concluded competition was their latest innovation.

No fewer than 40 players, made up of 24 men and 16 women took part in the threeday tournament.

Although, being the first of its kind in the country, some players criticised had the ``Winner Takes All’’ competition and also appealed to the organisers to make provision for consolatory prizes.

Abubakar Moshood, an Abuja-based player, told NAN that even though he was impressed, he would prefer that some cash prizes be provided for at least the runners-up. ``I’m impressed, but as players, we still expect more.

Winner-Takes-All is good, but just a little prize money will be fair, as consolatory prizes.

It will encourage the players,’’ Moshood said.

Mary Edem, a Minna-based player also wondered why the money used for the purchase of the cars would not be spread as cash prizes to those who

“

Jonathan Peter, won the ‘Winner-takes-all’tourney for male reached the crucial stages of the competition, particularly from the quarter-finals.

For her, it was unfair for players to come from farflung places of the country and having to go back emptyhanded. ``I honestly don’t like the winner-takes-all tag attached to the competition; they should have spread the money to give some consolatory prizes too. ``I have played and lost, will I kill myself? I’m based in Minna, I didn’t spend a dime to come here, yet it’s still painful. ``So you can imagine how players from other states will feel at some point in the tournament when they eventually lost out,’’ Edem said.

Meanwhile, Wale Amoo, a professional from Lagos, stressed that he came to the tournament to `hone his skills’. ``Coming here to play was by choice, it’s an open tournament, and as a professional, I know my chances are 50-50, as it could swing either way. ``This competition will in some way help players to shape up and train harder, even if there is no competition in view,’’ said Amoo, a gold medallist at the last National Sports Festival.

Erena explained in an interview with NAN that the aim of any sponsorship in

Longdie Dabask, went home with trophy for the female category

Being a winner takes all competition, the tournament was fierce and the players gave the spectators spectacular performances that cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

Squash was to bring out the best in the players. ``This competition is more like a reality check for players to know where they belong, and trust me, it will bring out the best in them. This is part of our reform programme for our players. ``I understand their plight, but we must do this to test their abilities as players and rate them accordingly,’’ the president added.

Being a winner takes all competition, the tournament was fierce and the players gave the spectators spectacular performances that cannot be

forgotten in a hurry.

Wole Osude, an electrician, who made it daily to watch the event, said that he was impressed at all that he had seen. ``The games were impressive; the rallies breathtaking; players put up their best performances because its winner takes all’’.

Ransom Otoba, a player, who missed out on the event, described it as `fantastic’. ``in organisation, I can’t comment but the players were impressive.

We had top rated players here; the country’s top three ranked players were all here’’.

Assessing the development of

the sport in the country, Taiwo Owoyemi (now Mrs Akinkoya), a former number-one ranked squash player in Africa (1985) decried the current low volume of squash competitions in the country. ``The tournaments are not enough as I can see because we had more than these. If we could have more tournaments then than now, then they are not doing well as far as tournaments are concerned. ``Because then, we normally had as much as five to six in a year, and also attended the British Open, every year. ``The federation should look for more sponsors because there is need for upcoming players to be exposed to many more competitions,’’ Owoyemi said. ``This tournament has come to stay, it won’t be a one-off competition and there will be more at all levels by the grace of God,’ Erena said.

However, in a bid to make the players happy, Gov. Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger then presented a cash gift of 5, 000 dollars to all participants at the tournament.

They would eventually exchange the money and share it as a consolatory gift from the Niger government.

Culled from NAN

PAGE 47

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

Some Interesting Facts

F

our out of five people over 100 years old are women. Interesting!

• The price of the Titanic cost about $7 million to build and the price of the Titanic movie was about $200 million to make.

Unbelievable!

• It’s true! There is only one metal that’s in liquid form at room temperature and that’s Mercury.

• When water freezes it expands by 10%.

• The only animal with four knees is the elephant.

• Birth control pills designed for humans will also work for a gorilla. Now that’s Strange!

• If you have a deep genuine fear of the number 13, you may have Paraskevidekatriaphobia also called Friggatriskaidekaphobia or Triskaidekaphobia.

• A mid-sized car launched today generates only an estimated 5% of the pollution which was generated by a car from fifty years ago. Awesome!

• Stopping a supertanker which is fully loaded and travels at a normal speed needs about 20 minutes to stop completely.

• A cat’s ear has a total of thirty two muscles.

• The average person laughs 15 times per day.

Hahaha!

• The eye of an ostrich is larger than it’s brain.

• A person eats around 60,000 pounds worth of food during his life which is the equivalent of six elephants. Incredible!

• Ants can pull about 30 times their own weight and lift about 50 times their own weight.

• A lion can mate more than 50 times in one day.

Huh! • Did you know, you cannot fold a 8.5″ x 11″ or smaller piece of paper in half more than 7 times. Try it! The MythBusters guys on the Discovery channel folded a piece of paper more than 7 times but it was a really large sheet of

Leisure

paper.

• Oh no, there’s only 28 more interesting facts to go on this page.

• More people are killed from donkeys in a year than planes.

• Most snowflakes form with 6 tips or branches.

Generally, the colder it is when the snowflake is formed the sharper and more defined the tips will be.

• Lung cancer… Thats how the cigarette company Marlboro’s first owner died. Hmmm • Snails can sleep for up to 3 years.

• You cannot think of an English word to rhyme with the word month

because there isn’t one.

• If an infant becomes blind soon after they’re born they will still almost always see images in their dreams, but infants born with blindness will most likely never have dreams with images. People who were born blind do still have very emotionally intense dreams which include hearing, smells, feeling and taste.

Now that’s an interesting fact about dreams.

• It is against the law in the state of Kentucky to marry a man more than 3 times. Old law.

• In the state of Kentucky it is against the law to carry an ice cream in your back pocket. Old law.

Say what?

SUDODKU

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Yellow Lady: The hostile desert landscape in the Little Rann of Kutch in western Gujarat state is where these day labourers work. The stark, white salt is a challenging environment to work in, dry and bright but there is a peace and beauty to this place too which is overwhelming.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

www.peoplesdailyng.com

MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013

SPORTS LATEST

Manchester United fears pre-season injury

M

anchester United manager David Moyes admitted he is nervous about the prospect of one of his players suffering a major injury on the club’s pre-season tour of East Asia and Australia.

The squad flew out from England to Thailand last week already missing the likes of Ashley Young (ankle), Nemanja Vidic (back), Nani (broken nose) and Chris Smalling (foot).

And shortly after United’s arrival in Bangkok, England international Wayne Rooney returned home after picking up a hamstring injury in training.

Now in Sydney, Australia, for the game against the A-League All-Stars, Moyes said he brought a small squad on tour so he could lessen the risk of injury and have his players ready for the first crucial match of his United career - the start of the Red Devils’ Premier League defence against Swansea.

And Moyes was confident that his injured players could potentially be called upon to lend a hand at the start of the season.

However, one player who will not be pulling out of his share of hard work for fear of injury is United legend Ryan Giggs, with the 39-year-old veteran enduring another gruelling pre-season schedule.

. . . putting the people first

Prison is another university that nobody wants to attend. There is a blessing of sorts if one understands what is in it.

— Major Hamza al-Mustapha on his prison experience

Because of 2015 Under military rule, Nigeria inches towards dictatorship, under democracy she inches towards anarchy — Ali Mazrui

T

he Chinese have a wish for those they love. And I suspect, too, for those they hate. They wish them to live in interesting times. Events in recent times have loudly confirmed that we, indeed, are living in stimulating times.

Nigerians in the class of hewers of wood and fetchers of water have since discovered ingenious ways to amuse us. We make caricatures of our leaders, verbal and otherwise, in the social media. Our leaders betray a common trait-amazing greed.

This is the common denominator.

In khaki or babbarriga, most of them were/are kleptomaniacs, egomaniacs and megalomaniacs in that order.

Because they pilfer the common till, they dread life without power to cover their larcenous tracks. Gradually but certainly they transmute into full-blown megalomaniacs, listening only to their own voices. Our history is replete with well-intentioned leaders who became tragic heroes and slaves to the seductive temptress called power. Every lettered and idle citizen with access to the Internet is now a publisher and cartoonist of sorts. There was a time every imaginable grammatical somersault was ascribed to the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan. And the caricaturists feasted on the woman’s admirable disrespect to the rules of sentence construction. We guffawed, jeered and forgot, temporarily, our collective misery.

Truly stated, Mrs. Jonathan has never laid claim to proficiency in the white man’s language.

Charitably stated, her linguistic vivacity is matchless. There is, to me, a direct link between the first lady’s zestful language and the penchant for sheer size among the ruling class. The first lady is gifted.

She may not be an orator in the mold of Michelle Obama. But we nonetheless held our breath each time she spoke publicly not so

“ Rooney

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Gov. Rotimi Amaechi much for what she said but how she said it. Her delivery is unique.

Until “Oga at the top” sauntered in and displaced the first lady, she had remained at the top of the chart and the butt of ruthless taunting mockery on account of her esoteric use of English.

Sandwiched between a leeching elite and a thieving political class, the social media has become what ogogoro and kaikai used to be to the retrenched middle class worker. This is the ready sanctuary of Nigerians mired into the ground under the iron heel of a shoeless and clueless leadership.

More interesting times are, however, here. Consider, if you may, this. In Jonathan’s Nigeria, 16 is greater than 19. That explains, in part, why Governor Jang and his gang are strutting all over the land as the ‘authentic’ Governors Forum with him as leader. Someone should tell the old man that he cuts the

picture of a comedian each time he flaunts his ‘mandate’ as truly elected by his governor colleagues. It must be that Jang has not heard of what is being said of his band. Nigerians of the informed hue view them as unwilling pawns in the predictable game of 2015. All of them are seen as captives of the crudest of base sentiments. It is whispered in some quarters that members of this gang were reined in because of certain skeletons in the cupboard of their executive governors’ mansion.

Recall, if you may, dear reader, that on May 24, the Governors’ team spectacularly trounced the President’s team led by a reluctant, grumpy Jang with Amaechi as the arrowhead. But rather than concede defeat, Jang and, by extension, the puppeteers pulling the strings insist that the figures lied, that 16 was greater than 19 which was the votes Amaechi polled to dust Jang.

Reality comes to most men too

Reality comes to most men too late. Jang and his backers are in that category. Not deterred, a replay of the governors’ forum election was rerun in a mid-week drama in Rivers state House of Assembly. Five out of 32 legislators sat and attempted to impeach the Speaker of the House. By law, two-thirds is required to kick out the House leadership. In numerical terms 23 lawmakers were required. An uphill task, you might say, almost impossible. But this is Jonathan’s Nigeria. Nothing is impossible.

Recall, if you may, that 16 is greater than 19.

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late. Jang and his backers are in that category. Not deterred, a replay of the governors’ forum election was rerun in a mid-week drama in Rivers state House of Assembly.

Five out of 32 legislators sat and attempted to impeach the Speaker of the House. By law, two-thirds is required to kick out the House leadership. In numerical terms 23 lawmakers were required. An uphill task, you might say, almost impossible. But this is Jonathan’s Nigeria. Nothing is impossible.

Recall, if you may, that 16 is greater than 19.

So with this firmly in mind, the five lawmakers, six members glaringly short of forming a quorum, ‘impeached’ the Speaker.

To show that they meant business, they assaulted House Leader Chidi Lloyd, the irate lawmaker resplendent in a white dress that went amok after he found his bearing. The Speaker was also battered. The story as told by one of the legislators on Sunrise, Channels Television, is that the anti Amaechi camp fired the first salvo.

Already the social media is awash with the footage of Lloyd gone berserk. But for his sartorial elegance, House Leader Lloyd’s real calling is battering. Post lawmaking, I suggest a career as a ‘bouncer’. The footage of the rampaging lawmaker with the apt title of ‘Knack am’ ‘Knack am’ has gone viral. Reports say his hapless victim, a front-runner in the move to oust the Speaker, and ultimately Amaechi, has lost a tooth, jaw dislocated, scalp battered and still in a ‘critical condition’. All these pale into insignificance compared to the injury done to the Constitution and democracy.

Governor Amaechi might not have heard of a nightmare and was stranger to it. Now he knows what it is- President Goodluck Jonathan. Nightmare? Years ago, Oga Dan Agbese, defined it as “a horrid experience in which the mind is suspended from the thin can of reality and the tortured mind mistakes the normally inaudible footsteps of an ant with those of a monster”. A couple of weeks ago, Amaechi raised the alarm that his life was in danger. But events in his state pointed that he was not hyperbolic.

It is easy to see why Amaechi is embattled. It is easy to believe that he has been targeted for the ‘shock and awe’ treatment. And it is easy to see why the president’s men are lying through their teeth. We don’t need any soothsayer to read Jonathan’s body language that he is running in 2015. And Amaechi is the biggest obstacle in his backyard.

It is all because of 2015. No more no less!

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 802 443 2099; 803 7007 759. e-mail: contact@peoplesdailyng.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141