Peoples Daily Newspaper, Saturday, June 16, 2012 by Peoples Media Limited

www.peoplesdaily-online.com www.peoplesdaily-online.com

VOL. 1 NO. 95 SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

. . . putting the people first

RAJAB 26 - 27, 1433 AH

N150

Jihad not possible in Nigeria —Yakowa’s aide >> Page 13

Subsidy probe:

We stand by How our report JTF men

– Reps

Indicts Otedola’s firms. Suspends Farouk Lawan, police denies him bail,found dollars in bedroom I am innocent- Otedola

killed Kano boy

Another Air tragedy averted in Benin >> Page 5

Boko Haram: Residents flee Maiduguri >> Page 4

Cover: Cover Interview:

>> Pages 9, 10 & 11

How “rouge” lawmakers enmeshed themselves in messy deals

>> Pages 9, 10 & 11

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

News Extra

Killer mother: How dare devil mother killed neigbour in Abuja Ngozi Okoye hails from Nsukka in Enugu state. The “Iron lady” as she is popularly called by neighbors and friends has build a fearsome reputation for herself as she is always engaging neighbors in one fight or the other. The single mother of one finally landed herself in police net when she last week killed a neighbor, simply identified as Kemi. AUGUSTINE AMINU followed the story.

gozi has built a fearsome reputation as a trouble maker and everyone around her neighborhood of Sauka ka Huta located within the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) quarter in Lugbe, Abuja avoided her like a plague. Her quarrelsomeness and violent tendencies earned her the title ‘Iron lady’, and as our reporter learnt, most of the neigbours never got to know her real name. They just refer to her as iron lady and she was said to have acknowledged that with pride. Those who got into a fight with Ngozi always came out with tales of sorrow, tears and blood. But, unlike many of her victims, Kemi, the latest, could not survive to tell her bitter story in the hands of the dreaded Iron lady. If Kemi had a premonition of what was to befall her on that fateful Monday, June 4, 2012, she probably would have done everything possible to avert it. But she didn’t, and it cost her life. What started like a usually quarrel between neigbours, soon escalated into a bloody feud which had left the community of Sauka ka huta in shock. Now the iron lady is cooling her feet with the police and might eventually face the hangman if fate decides in that direction. Eye witnesses told our reporter that trouble started when Kemi put on her generator set and went out leaving her 7 years old son at home. Ngozi, who lived next door to Kemi’s one room apartment was said to have complained that the fume from the generator was disturbing her in her room. Rather than wait for Kemi to

with Kemi however, nearly resulted into a fight between the Yorubas and the Igbos living in that area. The Igbos selling in that vicinity had to close their shops to avoid any confrontation. When our reporter visited the Lugbe police station, he was told that the case had been transferred to FCT police command for further investigation. At the station, our reporter gathered that Ngozi confessed to some other crimes she had committed in the past before coming to Sauka ka huta Lubge. She was quoted as having said that she has been arrested severally by local vigilante for various crimes. Our reporter learnt that about two months ago she was caught in the night with some dangerous weapons and was arrested by vigilantee but was later released.

House where the crime was committed return, Ngozi who was said to be highly temperamental decided to put off the generator herself. A quarrel had started between the duo over as Kemi demanded explanations from Ngozi resulting in the scuffle that ended Kemi’s life. A fight was said to have started when Ngozi smashed the generators set when she was confronted by Kemi. According to an eye witness, Blessing Samuel who narrated the story to Peoples Daily Weekend, “Kemi went to buy something for her child; Iron lady said the smoke from Kemi’s generator was entering her room, so she decided to put off the generator. But when Kemi came back and saw that her generator was off, she asked Ngozi who put off her generator set and Ngozi confirmed she was the one that put off the generator, and they started quarreling. Ngozi carried the generator and

Crimes involving women have been on the increase

Resident closed shop to avoid communal clash smashed on the ground and that was how the fight started.” She said that the neighbors who already knew iron lady were afraid to wade into the fight as they watched helplessly as the two women engaged themselves in a free for all. According to her, “as they were fighting, Iron lady kept saying ‘I go kill this woman o” meaning, I will kill this woman. In a split of a time, Ngozi made good her threats. Witnesses said she ran into her room, brought out a knife and stabbed Kemi. Before neighbors would react, Kemi had slumped and reportedly died on the spot

It was at that instance that neighbors decided to call in the police, but before the police could get to the scene, Iron lady tried to escape through the window of her room and when she could not, she was said to have tried to commit suicide. Our reporter who spoke to residents gathered that Ngozi swallowed some quantity of hair relaxer and rat poison but before the chemicals could have any effect on her, the police got to the scene and rushed her to the hospital where she was detoxicated and revived. The news of Ngozi’s fatal clash

Neighbors also recalled that she had earlier in the year, stabbed a young man who was said to have refused her love advances. Another case was at a beer palour she worked at Sauka ka huta village in Lugbe where she fought with some other girls and customers before she was sacked. Several attempt to speak to the family of Kemi proved abortive as our reporter learnt her sister had come to take away her only son. For now the police said investigation is still on going on the murder case which have ultimately brought the local iron lady to her knees.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

PAGE 3

News

Subsidy probe: We stand by our report - Reps Indicts Otedola’s firms. Suspends Farouk Lawan, police denies him bail, I am innocent — Otedola Richard Ihediwa, Lawrence Olaoye and Lambert Tyem

he House of Representatives at its emergency sitting yesterday said there is no going back in its resolution that all those indicted in the subsidy probe must be prosecuted. The lower house also suspended the embattled Chairman of the ad hoc committee on subsidy payment, Farouk Lawan from two of its committees over allegations the he exonerated two of oil importing firms owned by billionaire, Femi Otedola from the list of indicted companies after receiving a $620,000 bribe from the business man. The lawmakers also rescinded their earlier decision and returned Otedola’s companies Synopsis Enterprises Ltd. and Zenon Petrolum and Gas Ltd to the list of those indicted for allegedly obtaining FOREX without importing petroleum products into the country. However, in a swift reaction, Otedola described the action of the House as laughable saying his companies are innocent of the allegations leveled against them. Otedola also said his concerns have nothing to do with the Synopsis Enterprises listed by the House. Lawan, who has been denied bail by the police following the discovery of huge amount of dollars in his bedroom by the police yesterday was removed from his substantive position as chairman of the House Education committee, and his provisional position as chairman ad hoc committee that investigated hundreds of oil marketers. The subsidy committee will now be headed by John Enoh, chairman, House committee on Appropriation. The House resolved that Lawan, should be investigated by the House Ethics committee with a report expected in two weeks, while the committee’s former clerk, Boniface Emenalo, also accused of receiving bribe, is to be disciplined by the National Assembly management. Lawan, who was on Thursday questioned by the police following Otedola’s earlier interrogation on Tuesday was said to have admitted that he collected the said amount even as there were tapes secretly recorded by law enforcement agents on the cooperation of Mr. Otedola to nail

him. Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal had urged the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, to investigate Emenalo’s level of culpability in the scam and act accordingly. A visibly irked House yesterday insisted Lawan’s complicity did not represent the position of the entire House, and had not dent on the subsidy report it had earlier adopted. He said the House stood by the report of the subsidy probe, and urged the executive to implement the contents that have indicted several key officials and cronies of government. Speaking at the plenary, Tambuwal said “While we consider it preposterous and hasty to dismiss the current bribery allegations, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations, including our inhouse investigation just instituted, we reject in totality insinuations being orchestrated in some media to the effect that the allegations have eroded the integrity of the resolutions of the House on the report and rendered same unworthy of implementation. “Let me reiterate that the resolutions of the House over the fuel subsidy regime remain valid despite this recent controversy. We must as a country learn to separate institutions from individuals and we must admit that, in the present case, the alleged conduct of an individual can not negate the conclusions of the whole House. Let me also reaffirm here that we have not been compromised and we shall never compromise our stand against corruption. The credibility of that report therefore remains inviolable and we stand by it” he said Tambuwal also denied the allegations that he knew about the incident and also declared that the House had not been “compromised and we shall never compromise our stand against corruption.” The motion for Lawan’s suspension was moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Rep Isiaka Mohammed Bawa, and seconded by Rep Betty Apiafi. Bawa in the motion told the members that the $3 million public allegation against Lawan has the capacity to impugn on the integrity if not well investigated. The Chief Whip urged that the

House “rescind the resolution of of Tuesday, 24 April, 2012 on recommendation (XXIX), items (5) and (6) of the Ad hoc Committee’s report to delete, ‘Synopsis Enterprises Ltd and Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the list of ‘Those (companies) who obtained forex but did not import petroleum products’, that were to be referred to the relevant anti-corruption agencies

with a view to verifying what they used the FOREX for.” At the Committee of a Whole, the House referred Otedola’s firms, Synopsis Enterprises Ltd and Zenon Pet. and Gas Ltd for further investigation by the anti-corruption agencies for allegedly obtaining $51,499,977.7 and 232,975,385.13 respectively without importing petroleum products.

….dollars discovered in Lawan’s bedroom

eanwhile efforts to get Lawan released on bail yesterday failed as Police Investigators said they discovered sum huge amount of dollars in his bedroom. To this end, Lawan and the committee secretary are to remain in police custody pending when they will be arraigned in court between Monday or Tuesday next week. However, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mbah speaking on his release said, the police was not yet through with the alleged suspect. Asked if the offer of the said bribery, Chief Femi Otedola would be invited back by the Police, Mbah re-echoed that Nigeria Police Force would do everything possible to get to the root of the matter.

….Otedola fires back says decision of House laughable

eanwhile Otedola has reacted to the decision of the House to include his firms in the list of those indicted in the subsidy saga. Otedola, who insisted on his innocence had in a statement yesterday described the action of the House as laughable saying he has nothing to do with Synopsis Enterprises and that According to him, “I have stated the facts in my interview with Thisday newspaper and nothing but the facts. That Farouk Lawan demanded $3 million from me and because I refused to oblige him he included the name of Zenon amongst those who bought forex without importing petroleum products. He did this without even asking Zenon to produce a single document of the forex transaction. He clearly wanted to extort money for an offence I did not commit. That is why I went to report to the security agencies. “If I had anything to hide I wouldn’t have gone to the agencies. There is an old adage that says “people who live in glass houses should not throw stones”. “Moreover it is not possible to purchase $232, 975,385.13 million from CBN without importing the product. The total figure is not even $232, 975,385.13 million as alleged but $372, 207, 990 million. They should go and amend the report to read $372, 207, 990 million which is the correct figure. It is not possible to purchase this volume of forex from the CBN with first class banks such as Access bank, FCMB, GTB, UBA and an international bank BNP Paribas which is one of the biggest and most respected banks in the world. “If people at my level who have worked hard to build their businesses can be blackmailed this way all in a bid to extort money from them, I pity people that are just starting out in business in this country. In all my business dealings I have always been above board and the records are there to prove. As far as I know Lawan could not have been working alone in this extortionist plot. A tree does not make a forest. “Let me also state for the records that we are not in any way affiliated to the other company Synopsis enterprises Ltd also included in the report. Actions of today by the House is laughable, a mere celebration of corruption and a further indictment on their honorable member”, he said. See full text of Tambuwal’s speech on page 6.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

News

Boko Haram Thousands of Maiduguri residents flee homes From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

h e face-off between members of Jama’atu Ahliss-Sunnah Lidda’awaiti Wal Jihad, popularly known as Boko Haram and security agents, particularly members of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has forced thousands of residents of Shehuri North ward of Maiduguri, the

Borno state capital to flee their homes. Residents of areas under Shehuri North comprising of Lawan Bukar, Budum, Gidan Yashi, Abbaganaram and some parts of the state Low Cost Housing Estate, fled their homes because of alleged warning of clampdown by the JTF operatives, who accused them of not giving useful information on the hide-outs of the sect members.

The mass exodus of the people, which started two weeks ago, has reached its climax this week. The affected people said they resolved to relocate to other areas to escape from being caught in the crossfire, accusing the soldiers of indiscriminate killings of innocent civilians and destruction of their properties. The relocation of the inhabitants also followed hours of gun battle between militants and

Deserted homes in Shehuri North, Maiduguri

JTF raids suspected media centre of militants in Kano kills 4 From Edwin Olofu, Kano

h e Joint Security Task Force (JTF) in Kano, yesterday, morning raided a suspected media center of a militant group in Kano killing four in the process. In a statement signed by the spokesperson of JTF, Lieutenant Ikedichi Iweha and made available to newsmen in Kano, JTF said following a tip off they raided a suspected hideout of the militant in Unguwa Uku area of the metropolis and killed four. The statement added that JTF discovered that the house was used as the media centre by the militant in carrying out their activities. The statement reads: “Following extensive intelligence build up as a result of the

information supplied by the good people of Kano state, a combined team of JTF and SSS operatives conducted a dawn operation at Ungwar Uku general area of Taurani local government area of Kano state. The hideout was suspected to be the media centre of the terrorist elements operating in Kano.” Iweha added: “During the encounter, 4 members of the terrorist elements were killed. Items recovered from the hideout included 1 pistol, several rounds of assorted ammunition, 12 laptops, two scanners, one printer, over 1000 copies of CDs, assorted quantities of internet cables/ accessories, improvised explosive devices making materials and 4 civil police identity cards. Uniforms of security agencies being used by the terrorist gangs were also recovered.”

security forces after some gunmen threw an explosive device at a moving military patrol vehicle, which left three soldiers wounded. Few minutes after the incident, the soldiers went on rampage, firing indiscriminate shots and setting ablaze shops as well as houses. At the end of the operation five persons were allegedly killed by the rampaging soldiers. Our correspondent visited the area yesterday, could not enter the hot spot zones as major roads leading to the areas were blocked by hundreds of heavily armed soldiers and riot policemen as well as several armoured tanks. The areas seemed to be under siege and were surrounded by the security forces. Further investigation also revealed that most houses there were locked up; while the entire area was deserted with no vehicular and pedestrian movements as those who were yet to leave remained indoors. It was also observed that not a single commercial activity was going on as shops and markets were shut. Majority of the residents who relocated to Polo Ward told Peoples Daily Weekend that they resolved to move to safer places to avoid the assault on them by the JTF. They alleged that the soldiers were just intimidating and

molesting innocent people in their quest to arrest the gunmen and left their houses after receiving a warning of clampdown by the security forces. “I moved out of my house together with my four children because I learnt that the military will launch manhunt of Boko Haram members here and they directed us to leave the area as our safety was not guaranteed. The fact is that if they don’t find people that they are looking for, our male children would become the scapegoats,” a resident Malam Shettima Bulama alleged. Another resident, Goni Bukar said he decided to leave because his loved ones have been killed. “We left our houses because our lives were threatened as our houses have been destroyed, in fact we are relocating to villages, and where we think there would be safety”. However, spokesman of the JTF, Lt-Col. Sagir Musa said that there was nothing to worry over the heavy presence of troops in the area, saying the measure was only aimed at safeguarding the public from possible attacks of the gunmen. The spokesman also denied that the task force has issued warning of imminent military assault in the area and has never directed the residents to vacate their houses.

2 feared dead as Fulanis, Hausas clash in Ibadan over prostitute From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

o fewer than two persons were killed yesterday in Ibadan as Fulanis and Hausas clashed over an alleged freed prostitute. Speaking with journalists at the scene, one of the officers on night duty at the police post, said the genesis of the crisis was the clash between a Hausa man and a Fulani who were fighting over a commercial sex worker in Bodija. It was gathered that the Hausa man was the regular visitor to the prostitute who also welcomed the Fulani man when he came to have a feel of her body. But angered by the act of the Fulani man, the Hausa man was said to have quarreled with his rival and this led to a serious crisis. It was learnt that the Fulani man stabbed his counterpart during the melee that later made commuters and other residents especially those living near the market to run helter-skelter. The Fulani man was then

arrested by other Hausas and brought to the station on Thursday night. However, to the surprise of the policemen, early on Friday morning, some visibly angry Hausas stormed the station and demanded that the Fulani man that they brought be released to them to be killed. It was gathered that the policemen reportedly pleaded for a very long time with them to allow the law to take its course but all these fell on deaf ears. The police officers said, “I was in the University of Ibadan when my colleagues on duty made a distress call that some Hausa men had stormed the office. While we were talking, the invaders were struggling to disarm him and in the process he fired shots to scare them away. This further angered the miscreants who set fire on the station and forcefully took the suspect away. They broke the fence to gain access after locking the gate.” It was further gathered that the hoodlums started chasing the policemen who had to escape from

them because they did not want to shoot them. One of the policemen further narrated that he was disappointed that some other traders in the market were even identifying them to the invaders to attack them. Similarly, 11 vehicles, nine motorcycles were either burnt or vandalised while the bloody clash forced thousands of marketers and traders out of the market abandoning their shops and wares. It was learnt that when the hoodlums besieged the police post, all detainees under investigation were set free. But the quick response of security men which included policemen, the state security outfit tagged ‘Operation Burst’, men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and soldiers checked the escalation of the crises. When Peoples Daily Weekend got to the scene of the incident, all the stalls, shops, banks and filling stations located in the area were deserted, while the troubled spot was barricaded by fierce-looking policemen.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

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News

Another air tragedy aver ted in Benin By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

n o t h e r air tragedy was on Thursday evening averted at Benin airport, Edo state. It involved an Arik passenger airline with Registration No. 5N-MJG. This is coming barely two weeks after a DANA air jetliner 82, crashed into a crowded residence of Iju, five kilometres to the airport, killing over 160 people. The aircraft was taxing down the runway preparatory to take off when men of the fire Service raised the alarm. Consequently, the passengers on board including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe were told to alight quickly following fears of a technical fault in one of the engines. It was gathered that the flight,

which was scheduled to leave Benin for Lagos by 12 noon was placed under surveillance by engineers for several hours. The Management of Arik and the manager of the airport however declined comments on the matter. Meanwhile, the scheduled visit of Vice President Namadi for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign rally ahead of the July 14, 2012 election has triggered anxiety among the candidates. Already, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the campaign rally and other major routes leading to the airport have been taken over by armed security operatives The Vice President is schedule to arrive Benin airport by 10am and make a stopover at the

Private residence of the former PDP Board of Trustees, Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih. Preparations have been

concluded for market women, party supporters and youths to participate in the events. PDP State Publicity Secretary,

Exper Expertt tasks FG to use sur veying in surv tackling ter terrrorism By Joy Baba

MTN bribed its w ay into Ir an, ffir ir m alle ges wa Iran, irm alleg

h e country was Iran. The company, MTN Group, was widely seen as a post-apartheid success story. Now, seven years after MTN and its local partners won a lucrative license to launch a new Iranian mobile-phone carrier, the deal is swirling in controversy and raising embarrassing questions for South Africa at a time when the Western world is trying to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions. Turkcell, an Istanbul-based rival, in March filed a federal lawsuit in Washington alleging MTN bribed its way into Iran and stole the license from under it. It is seeking at least $4.2 billion in damages. An elite South African police unit called the Hawks is investigating. MTN has denied the allegations and called Turkcell's demands "extortionate." MTN has appointed a prominent judge in London to conduct an internal probe of the allegations surrounding what has become one of its most valuable holdings. In 2011, MTN generated $1.3 billion, or 9 percent of its annual revenue, from its Iran venture, the

company reported. The core of the Turkcell case is the sworn testimony of Chris Kilowan, a former MTN executive who guided the company's bid to win the Iranian license and has emerged as the key witness. He has turned over to Turkcell's attorneys some 7,000 pages of internal MTN documents related to "Project Snooker" MTN's code name for its effort, named after a billiard game popular in Britain. "We said we are going to snooker Turkcell," Kilowan testified. MTN, now Africa's largest mobile phone carrier, has called Kilowan "a disgruntled former employee" and has termed his allegations "outlandish." During three days of sworn testimony in Washington that concluded May 2, Kilowan presented an extraordinary tale of a multinational company so intent on winning a contract, it was willing to help Tehran obtain military hardware, sway South Africa's votes before the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency and pay bribes, sometimes in the guise of

consulting fees. MTN has yet to give evidence in the case, which is continuing and may go on for years. Kilowan admitted fronting $200,000 of his own cash to reward South Africa's then ambassador to Tehran, Yusuf Saloojee, for assisting MTN in Iran. Kilowan says it was MTN's later refusal to pay him back that convinced him to cooperate with Turkcell. Saloojee, now South Africa's ambassador to Oman, didn't respond to requests for comment. Other South African officials denied Kilowan's allegations. Reuters has reviewed the entire transcript of Kilowan's deposition, most of which has not been made public, as well as numerous other exclusive documents. The dramatic testimony comes at a time when the Western world is trying to contain Iran with forceful sanctions intended to deter its nuclear development program, which Iran maintains is peaceful. After choking off Iran's banks from the international monetary system, the European Union plans to implement an embargo on Iranian oil and a ban

on insuring oil cargoes on July 1. The sanctions haven't been leak-proof. Reuters has documented in a recent series of articles how Iranian telecoms including the MTN joint venture - have managed to obtain embargoed U.S. computer equipment through a network of Chinese, Middle Eastern and Iranian firms. The TurkcellMTN case offers further evidence that there are always companies willing to do business with a country even when it becomes an international pariah. That goes for some governments as well. South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress, has long maintained close ties with Tehran, which during the 1980s supported the anti-apartheid underground and imposed a trade boycott on the white-ruled government. In an interview last month with Reuters, Gwede Mantashe, the ANC's secretary general, said he had "no problem at all" with South Africa "trading anything" with Iran today, including weapons. (Reuters)

Dana Air re-affirms support for families of the deceased, AIB investigators From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

h e management of Dana Air has restated that the primary focus of the airline is to provide support and assistance to the families of those affected by the tragic accident of Sunday, June 3, 2012. In the same vein, the airline is committed to providing full assistance to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in determining the cause of the unfortunate accident. “At this time, all of the senior management team of Dana Air

is focused on providing assistance to the families of the departed, and also full cooperation to the authorities carrying out the investigation. As yet, the cause of the accident remains unknown. Investigations are still on-going and it will not be right for anyone to speculate until the reports have been submitted”, said Jacky Hathiramani, Chief Executive Officer of the airline. Dana Air, on Thursday, made fresh efforts to support families with their insurance claims. In a statement issued by

Pharm. Matthew Urhoghide, said, the campaign will mark the “death” of ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state.

the airline, the company called on relatives of the deceased, some of whom they have had difficulties reaching out to, to please come forward with details of the next-of-kin for insurance purposes. “The company fully realizes how painful this is for the families, and fully recognizes the need to handle this process promptly and sensitively. We do not imagine that this will make up for the pains that you are going through but the company will continue to make every possible effort to assist all those

affected”, the statement read. Since the incident on June 3, the Chairman, Directors and top management staff of the company have been visiting the families of those affected including the injured who have subsequently been discharged from the hospital. Relief materials have also been arranged for the displaced IjuIshaga residents, and the airline is working closely with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to ensure that they are properly rehabilitated.

n expert, Surveyor Joshua Joseph Sambo, has called on the Federal Government to make use of the surveying profession in tackling all form of terrorism in the country. The former director of international and inter-state boundaries at the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, who made the charge in an interview in Abuja yesterday, said the federal government needs to get an updated map of the country, which would help securities agencies to easily track down criminals. “What government needs to do is to get an updated map of the Nigeria, so that when they say crime has been committed somewhere, the police and other securities agencies can easily track down the criminals through the use of maps because they will know the route the criminals have followed. “We also have satellite images that can be interpreted by surveyors in getting to the root of any crime; all these can be used by the police, SSS, civil defence, army, NIMASA and other securities agencies.” Speaking on the challenges facing the surveying profession in the country, Sambo said that Nigerians are yet to understand the advantages of the profession. He stated that the surveying profession is important because according to him, it encompasses all sectors of the economy, especially for planning purposes. He said the profession will only be recognised in the country when the various tiers of government begin to reckon with it before embarking on some of the capital projects that entails the use of data. Revealing his intention to contest for the Vice President (International) of the Nigeria Institute of Surveyors (NIS), Surveyor Sambo said with his experience in the profession, he is in the best position to hold the office. He said that if elected, he would cooperate with the leadership of the institute to take the right decisions.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

For the Records

We are on course BEING TEXT OF REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RT. HON. AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL CFR, ON THE OCCASION OF THE SPECIAL PLENARY SESSION OF THE HOUSE ON FRIDAY 15TH JUNE 2012 Protocols My Dear Honourable Colleagues, I now formally welcome you to this Special Session of Plenary which has been summoned pursuant to Order 5(18)(2) of the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives. It is the Second Special Session since the 7th House of Representatives was inaugurated on the 6th June 2011. 2. The object of the Session, which you have just accomplished, is to deliberate on grave allegation of bribery brought against a member of this Hallowed Chambers. Hon. Farouk Lawal by Mr. Femi Otedola, an oil marketer, in connection with the work of the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime empanelled by the House for that purpose. 3. In accordance with our Legislative Agenda we must continue to be, not only sensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians but also proactive on all matters of urgent National importance, therefore, while I apologize for the inconveniences caused to members by this sudden recall from the recess, I trust, we all appreciate that this is a call to important civic duty for our dear country. 4. Hon. Colleagues, when we elected to pursue the entrenchment of probity, accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business as a cardinal Legislative Agenda we advised ourselves never to expect that it will be an easy task. Accordingly I have had cause to occasionally sound a note of warning and reminder that our constitutional task is inescapably hazardous requiring total commitment, diligence, transparency; determination and sacrifice. 5. The Constitution has given the parliament three broad duties which include Law Making, Representation and Oversight. It is interesting to note that of these three, it is that last function, which gives legislature the powers to conduct oversight, that has tended to cause conflict between the legislature and the Executive and remains the most controversial. Yet. it would have been impossible to conduct the other two functions successfully if the Constitution had not given the parliament oversight powers: the single most potent weapon that makers of the Constitution put in place to check abuse by those who

Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal execute its law. 6. In full compliance with the Constitutional prescription in S 62(1) and (2) the House has always ensured that all Committees empanelled by it, be they Ad-Hoc or Standing, are given a clear mandate. I find it compelling to state for the umpteenth time that the constitutional power of investigation conferred on the Legislature is for the purpose of law reform and for the exposure of corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it. In the exercise of this function there shall be no sacred cows. 7. I have emphasized the constitutionality of the oversight function of the legislature because there lingers among many public officials, the notion that in holding public or investigative hearings, the Legislature is over stepping its bounds and also neglecting its other functions. Nothing can be further from the truth. The records of our performance for the first legislative year which just ended on 6th June 2012 show that the performance in the area of legislation was equally impressive. 8. I wish at this point to

make this pledge that the House of Representatives shall continue to act responsibly by ensuring that all investigations are instituted only when absolutely necessary. Furthermore, we shall insist on probity and fairness on the part of our members conducting such investigations; and we shall not hesitate to sanction anyone who in the course of these investigations overreaches himself or uses the process to intimidate anyone or engages in corruption. 9. The recent investigations into two Sectors, namely Oil Subsidy Regime and Capital Market were conducted in public, evidence and testimonies were freely given and taken and in the case of oil subsidy regime, monumental fraud was disclosed in the report of the Ad-Hoc Committee which has since been passed by the House and referred to the Executive for implementation by relevant agencies. 10. While we consider it preposterous and hasty to dismiss the current bribery allegations, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations, including our inhouse investigation just instituted, we reject in totality insinuations being orchestrated in some media to the effect that the allegations have eroded the integrity of the Resolutions of

the House on the report and rendered same unworthy of implementation. 11. Let me reiterate that the resolutions of the Hose over the fuel subsidy regime remain valid despite this recent controversy. We must as a country learn to separate institutions from individuals and we must admit that, in the present case, the alleged conduct of an individual can not negate the conclusions of the whole House. Let me also reaffirm here that we have not been compromised and we shall never compromise our stand against corruption. The credibility of that report therefore remains inviolable and we stand by it. 12.May I, therefore, urge the Executive to match words with action in the implementation of these resolutions. As just resolved by motion, relevant Committees of the House must diligently monitor the implementation of the resolution by agencies under their supervisory jurisdiction and report back to the House within reasonable time. 13. My Dear Colleagues, the scope of our resolve for transparency in the conduct of government business includes all the arms of government; all public functionaries and all persons doing business with government or operating under

Acts of the legislature. As members of parliament we enjoy no immunity and we seek none, let us therefore remind ourselves constantly that we must live above board. We offer ourselves for public scrutiny at all times in our effort to build a better Nigeria. As humans where we err and our attention is called we shall be willing to make amends in the overall national interest. 14. I call upon all of us to remain firm, resolute and committed to the execution of our constitutional mandate whatever the hazards. We must NEVER repeat NEVER be cowed or intimidated by any form or colour of antics that may be fashioned with intent to dampen our spirits and or break our resolve. It remains for me to say that, when the army suffers causalities of a few officers and men at the battle front, it beats no retreat except it does not intend to win the battle. I am confident that men and women of integrity and character are in the overwhelming majority in our fold and we do not lack the numbers to prosecute the battle. We shall be judged not only by our words but more so by our actions. 15. To the good people of Nigeria we appeal for patience and understanding and wish to once more assure you of our sincerity of purpose and the determination to deliver the Nigeria of our dreams. The road may be rough and herculean but victory is sure. 16. Now therefore is the time to double the pace of our performance, including the investigative hearings, given that from the monumental fraud uncovered through these investigations, we know that we are surely on course. 17. The current unfortunate bribery allegation, whatever the outcome of ongoing investigation can only serve as impetus for us to do more, in the quest for the entrenchment of probity in governance. 18. In addition to routine oversight, we shall investigate everything that needs to be investigated in the process of the fashioning of a better Nigeria. In this regard, we shall continue to seek synergy with the other arms of government so as not to work at cross purposes. 19. May the Almighty God grant us the Courage and Grace to do what is right at all times and in all situations. Thank you all. Thank you all.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

PAGE 7

Kada News Kaduna farmers get N1 Group empowers 16,500 women in Kaduna billion loan facility From Mohammed Adamu, Kaduna

armers in Kaduna state are to enjoy access to a loan facility worth N1 billion. The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Shehu Ramalan Giwa, who disclosed this after the weekly State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, explained that that an arrangement had been concluded with Unity Bank Plc for interested farmers to contact his ministry in order to access the facility.

The programme which is under the state Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme, is financed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which will provide 75 percent of the amount while the state government is expected to provide the balance 25 percent as counterpart funding for the scheme. Also speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Saidu Adamu, said that the council approved the appointment of consultants to take charge of revenue collection in the state.

From Mohammed Adamu, Kaduna

bout 16,500 girls, women and youths have benefited from the Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI), aimed at improving on the lives of people through capacity building and advocacy. Founder of the Initiative, Safiya Ibn Garba, disclosed this in a press statement yesterday in Kaduna. She noted that EWEI in its fourth year existence has impacted positively on the lives on girls, women and youth in Kaduna state and the country at

Kaduna takes biometric data capture of civil servants

he Kaduna state government has taken a biometric data capture of its civil servants. According to the Head of Service, Nathaniel Hayab, the measure became necessary in order to get accurate data of workers as well as for planning and other relevant purposes. Hayab who spoke at a press briefing yesterday as part of activities to mark the 2012 Civil Service Week, said that

“the exercise has given a staff strength of 30, 401, for the Kaduna state public service. “The data is currently being crosschecked to sort out and come up with an authentic list.” He noted that government has also embarked on the training of civil servants geared towards improving the skills and competences of workers. As he put it, “consequently, a draft Human Resource Development (HRD)

policy has been drawn up for consideration. “In addition, a training roadmap has been developed for the service and the cost of implementing it is N85, 960,000 from which a total of 1,100 participants have so far benefitted from its implementation from January 2012 to date. “In order to uplift the welfare of civil servants in the state, this administration implemented theN18, 000 minimum wage.”

large. According to the statement, “this year, EWEI, with her Educational Subsidy Programme (ESP) is asking beneficiaries to take the action in their schools. “On the 5th of June, 2012 the Hand Washing and Sanitation Campaign took place in two public schools: Government Girls Secondary School Doka Senior, and Government Girls Secondary School Independence Way Senior both in Kaduna State, Nigeria. “Two beneficiaries from each school led their fellow students in a voluntary exercise of washing the school toilets. ”The girls then took their school mates through the process of hand washing by first highlighting the benefits and then demonstrating how to wash hands properly. Students and staff took part in the hand washing exercise. ”A total number of nine toilets were washed in Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Independence Way Senior while eight toilets were cleaned in GGSS Doka and 15 classrooms were also thoroughly cleaned at GGSS Independence Way.

Pastoralists-farmers conflicts:

Towards ending the impasse

FEATURE By Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

n the cities, they are scorned and despised by motorists and accused of obstructing traffic flow as they meander through the streets with their cattle. In rural communities, they are often attacked and in some cases, killed, by indigenous farmers, accused of trespassing into farm lands and water sources. This is in spite of the fact over 90 percent of Nigeria’s cattle and their by-products such as beef, hides and skin as well as milk products come from activities of pastoralists, according to the Kaduna-based Pastoral Resolve (PARE), anongovernmental organisation committed to improving the welfare of Fulani herdsmen. It is estimated that the Nigerian beef industry alone is between N160billion to N200 billion annually while the overall cattle industry is estimated to generate over N250 billion while Nigeria’s pastoralists also herd about 90 percent of the country’s estimated 33 million sheep and a significant portion of its goats. According to Alhaji Umar Hassan, PARE’s executive director, “the livestock industry in Nigeria and the industries it directly supports are valued at $12 to $14 million and employing over 30 million people in

its value chain, from pastoralists to transporters, to the fast food industry workers”. But the nation’s livestock industry is considered inefficient resulting in about 30 percent in losses due to conflicts, poor management, among other factors. In fact, between September 2011 and May 2012, no fewer than 100 persons were lost in various parts of the country, arising from conflicts involving pastoralists and farmers. In Gwer West local government area of Benue state alone, about 45 persons were killed on March 5, 2012 and on March 11, 2012, 16 people were killed in a similarconflict in Keana local government area of Nasarawa state. And, on May 15, 2012, 30 persons were also reportedly killed when pastoralists clashed with farmers over grazing land in Lamurde local government area of Adamawa state. The list is endless, with similar clashes in parts of Bayelsa, Cross River, Enugu, Ogun and Oyo states, among others. Possible measures to take to end such conflicts were part discussions last Wednesday in Kaduna when PARE assembled stakeholders at a conference on security, conflicts, peace building and settlement of pastoralists in Nigeria. The group’s president, Ahmed Joda, who was at one time Managing Director of Daily Times, lamented the treatment meted out to Nigeria’s pastoralists

putting their population at about 20 million. According to him, in spite of contributions of the livestock industry to economic development of the country, the sector remains the most neglected and the least appreciated by society and the authorities. As he put it, “the pastoralist derives no benefits from government, whether at the centre, the state or local government. His children hardly have access to education that is provided for other citizens, his sick have no medical facility and he does not enjoy other social services. He is not in the political scheme of things in his country. The old northern regional governments, both colonial and post-colonial, had recognised the looming problems of the livestock industry and had begun introducing solutions. Large numbers of grazing reserves and cattle routes were created all over the region. After the military intervention and consequent weakening of the states, the grazing reserves and cattle routes were converted into farms, towns and other forms of uses.” This development may not be unconnected with the intermittent conflicts between the herdsmen and local communities as the former struggles to keep his cattle alive. The grazing reserves, where they still exist, are not equipped to meet demands of modern reserves as obtainable in other parts of the world. The popular Kachia

Grazing Reserve located some 100 kilometres from Kaduna metropolis is one of the surviving sites, established since 1988, with nursery and primary schools, clinics and veterinary service centres. Originally designed to accommodate10, 000 pastoralists, it currently has a population of over 20,000, comprising approximately 1,800 households, according to PARE. PARE believes that establishment of more grazing reserves will help pastoralists to settle and perform their trade of herding livestock. The group says it has initiated moves that may lead to the establishment of six grazing reserves in Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states. According to the group, “if nomadic life is reduced and eventually eliminated, the total energy of the animal will be conserved and properly utilised by the animals, for production and maintenance. This implies more frequent calving and more and better quality meat and milk. The nation will be healthier as a result of better nutrition, meat and dairy industries as well as improved leather industries and more employment opportunities. Conflicts leading to enormous loss of lives and property will be reduced or eventually eliminated.”

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

News You must face trial, court tells Ndume By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday dismissed the application filed by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume seeking to quash the four-count charge preferred against him by the Federal Government. Ruling on the application yesterday, the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole said that the embattled Senator has a case to answer as there was

no dispute that Ndume had links with at least a member of the Boko Haram sect, one Umaru Konduga Ali, currently serving a three-year jail term for same offence. Justice Kolawole said that from the document placed before the court, it was obvious that the accused person was a member of the Presidential Committee on Security for the North East Zone, adding that: “It was the committee that provided the accused person

Bauchi is peaceful, says Miss Nigeria FromAhmed Kaigama, Bauchi

iss Nigeria 2012, Isabella Ayuk has described Bauchi state as one of the peaceful states in the country contrary to media reports that the state is insecure just as she sympathised with the victims of the recent attack on a church in the state. Ayuk who was at the Government House in Bauchi on a sympathy visit to Governor Isa Yuguda declared that: “before I came here, I was warned not to because the state is not secured but since I came here, I have gone round the city, gone to the hospital to see the injured, visited the site of the incident and I saw a hospitable people going about their legitimate businesses unhindered. “I also noticed that the city centre is clean and looking beautiful, I think what is on the ground is quite different from what we read in the papers; I am happy to be here to sympathize with you and the people of Bauchi state over

the unfortunate incident which claimed many lives while many others were wounded; the act is condemnable.” The pageant queen also disclosed that she was in the state to make widows happy because my mother is a widow having lost her husband (my father) about 15 years ago; we need to be our brothers’ keeper in this country that is the only way to demonstrate that we are one in spite of our diversity in culture and religion.” Responding, Governor Yuguda commended Ayuk for coming to Bauchi to see things for herself in spite of the warning of insecurity saying: “Now my daughter you have gone round and have seen things for yourself; what happens here is not different from what happens in other states. We cannot completely do away with crime and criminals in our midst but as a government we are doing our best to protect lives and properties of law abiding citizens of the state.”

Man bags 9 months jail for raping minor

n Upper Area Court in Gwagwalada on Friday, sentenced a 23-year-old man, Sule Adamu to nine months imprisonment for raping a seven-year-old girl. The judge, Alhaji Babangida Hassan, ordered that the convict should, however, serve the first six month in jail, but gave him an option of N15, 000 fine for the last three months. The police prosecutor, Insp. Martha Paul, had told the court that the convict was a neighbour to the victim and that the incident happened on July 8. Paul said the convict was arrested on July 10, following complaint lodged in at Gwagwalada Police Station by

one Dennis Bulus, the father of the victim. The prosecutor said Bulus got knowledge of the incident following complaint of injury in the private part of his daughter and change in her movement steps. She said the convict was arraigned on one count charge of rape of a minor and the convict pleaded guilty to the charge. Adamu had begged the court for leniency adding that the offence had already been committed. Hassan, therefore, sentenced him to six months imprisonment without option of fine and another three months imprisonment with an option of N15, 000 fine. (NAN)

the leverage to establish contact or connection with the Boko Haram sect. He however noted that, “it is not a good reason for probable defence. It is not a legal basis to quash the charge.” On the argument by the applicant that the charges was an abuse of court process, the judge reasoned that Ndume was arraigned before the court on 12th December last year, that is a week after the charge before the Chief Magistrate was withdrawn. He said that, in any case, even if the charge before the

Chief Magistrate were to be alive, the charge before the Federal High Court cannot be said to be an abuse of processes because it has exclusive jurisdiction to handle terrorist charges. The Judge also disagreed with the applicant’s argument that the court lacks jurisdiction because precedent has not been followed, noting that no law said terrorist group must be proscribed before any of its members can be charged. Equally, Ndume’s argument that the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and

Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN) ought not to have signed the charge, being the complaint was discountenanced on the ground that there was no law that the AGF must be neutral while prosecuting criminal matter. “Suffice it that a prima facie case has been established. No merit on accused person’s application and this case shall proceed to trial”, the Judge ruled. Consequently, the judge adjourned trial to July 3rd and 10th, 2012.

Gov Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (fourth right) standing with others during the funeral prayers of his late Uncle, Mallam Goni Umar at Bukarti Village, Yunusari Local Government area, yesterday

Dankwambo warns against violation of social services law From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

overnor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has directed all the security operatives and the new environmental marshals in the state to step up on the monitoring of violation of state Agency for Social Services Law and Regulations. The governor gave the directive in a press statement

signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Sule Bage in Gombe. He said that government had noticed that residents in some area of Gombe metropolis are in the habit of discharging refuse onto the roads that traverse their neighborhoods. According to him, “This is not acceptable given government’s sustained efforts to provide additional road infrastructure, and to clean up

the general environment of the metropolis”. The governor said appropriate action would be taken against any body found to be involved in such misconduct. Dankwambo urged the people of Gombe metropolis and its environs to do everything necessary to protect the environment and not predispose themselves to enforcement by the security agencies.

‘Almajiri schools: FG not against Christians’ From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

ormer chairman of Kanke local government area of Plateau state, Dr. Danlami Wambal Lenkpo, has challenged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to present a particular problem to the Federal Government to solve rather than condemning

Almajiri schools explaining that the schools would afford the less privileged in the society the opportunity to be educated. Speaking to newsmen in Jos, Lenkpo berated the critics of the Federal Government over the Almajiri schools saying contrary to the believe by some people that the schools are purely built to teach Islamic religion, the schools would

basically teach western education and foster peace in the northern part of the country. He disclosed that the emergence of the Boko Haram is posing a great threat to the survival of the country urging government at all levels and all and sundry to do anything within their power to bring to an end the negative activities of Boko Haram.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

PAGE 9

Cover Story Por ridg e of ma ggots: orridg ridge mag

How “rouge” lawmakers enmeshed themselves in messy deals *How other lawmakers were involved *Anxiety still mounts in the House By Richard Ihediwa

t the time they were elected to the National Assembly, Nigerians saw them as honourable men of integrity, but with the revelations of starling smelly deal, coming in quick successions, it has become obvious that not all those in hallowed chambers of the

legislature are saints. When former President Olusegun Obasanjo early this month said the National Assembly was full of rogues and criminals, many Nigerians, including members of the House of Representatives called for his head. Little did many know that the former leader had seen something others were yet to see. Obasanjo had

watched a collection of tapes that later shocked the nation Obasanjo’s outburst came at the time some senators and members of the House were already enmeshed in serious bribery scandals. In the House, sacked Chairman of House Committee on the Capital Market, Herman Hembe and his deputy Emeka Azubuogu have been charged to court over

allegation by the former Director General of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh that they demanded for bribe of N44 million to influence the Capital Market probe as well as collecting huge sums of money for foreign trips they never made. In the same vein, in the Senate, the

Contd on pages 10 & 11

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Cover Story Por ridg e of ma ggots: orridg ridge mag How “rouge” lawmakers enmeshed themselves in messy deals Contd from page 9

Chairman of the Senate Joint Committee probing the handling of pension fund, Senator Aloysius Etok and other members of the committee were being accused of demanding for bribe from those indicted for allegedly siphoning over N150 billion pension fund so as to clear them. Many at that time thought that Obasanjo was referring to the two issues. Little did Nigerians realise that a bigger porridge of maggots was in the offing from the lower chamber. While Nigerians praised the Farouk Lawan committee to the high heavens for being brave in confronting the “oil thieves”, little did they realise that it had since become a story of “rouge after rogues” with those sent to catch the thieves becoming the thieves too. However, there are fears that now that Lawan may have become sure that he is sinking, he may pull some live saving strings that will see him either saved or go down with other red necks in the lower chamber. There are fears that the embattled lawmaker may have systematically soiled the hand of some of his colleagues, including those outside the committee and may start singing if the noose gets tighter. Currently, dozens of federal lawmakers are under strict watch over allegations of bribery in critical assignments barely one year after they swore to protect the integrity of the parliament, bidding God to help them. In fact, there are already reports that some political underdogs are trying to use the matter to pull certain strings that might become the banana peels for the House leadership under Speaker Aminu Tambuwal. In the said tapes, the embattled Chairman of the House ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy payments, Farouk Lawan was captured demanding and receiving bribe from billionaire oil magnet, Femi Otedola so as remove his firm, Zenon Oil, from the list of those indicted in the subsidy scam. In a sting operation mounted by security operatives, Otedola ‘yielded’ to continuous pressure mounted by Lawan, who was said to have insisted that other oils firm had already brought theirs and that his colleagues were waiting. In the transactions which were captured in tape, Otedola gave Lawan and the Secretary of the Committee, Boniface Emenalo a total of $620,000 as part payment of the $3 million bribe to get his company off the

Farouk Lawan

Femi Otedola

hook. The security agencies, had provided Otedola marked dollar bills for the sting job and there are call logs, video and audio recordings in the possession of the agencies to confirm all that had transpired between himself and Lawan. However, in one of the audio recordings of the string operation, Lawan pleaded with Femi Otedola to ensure that their transaction was kept private. “There is something happening in the house. If anybody ask you anything, tell them the house is handling it. We will remove your company name. I am going to spring a surprise on the floor on the house.” Farouk said. In another audio recording, Lawan, asked Otedola, who had just boarded a plane, which was about to take off to China, the balance money was ready, and provided him the name and phone number of one his proxies, who was to pick up the balance, after Zenon Oil and Gas Ltd would have been delisted from the

probe report. Cornered, Lawan, who had initially denied the accusations, later buckled and in his confession statement to the police on Monday admitted that he received the said sum. Lawan was said to have admitted that he had collected $620,000 from Otedola saying he intended to use it as evidence of the pressure mounted on him by the oil companies to compromise the investigation. Lawan was said to have collected the money in two tranches of $250,000, while the committee secretary to collected the remaining $120,000 at a later date. Problem started for Lawan when Obasanjo was said to have shown the tapes to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who had challenged him over his outburst against the integrity of the National Assembly. It was gathered that while the legislators were fuming against Obasanjo, the tapes were sent to

“

Lawan was said to have collected the money in two tranches of $250,000, while the committee secretary to collected the remaining $120,000 at a later date.

President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo and Senate President David Mark, among others who watched them. While many Nigerians were surprised by the involvement of Lawan in the scam, others, who have been following his antecedents in the House, including some of his constituents, are insisting that he must be guilty and as such must be made to face the music. Already, his colleagues in the House had on Friday unanimously voted for his suspension as Chairman and member of any committee. The lawmaker shot into limelight immediately after he was first elected in 1999 when he indicated interest in becoming the Speaker but was beaten by Salisu Buhari, also from Kano state. Since then, he has succeeded in building an enviable reputation in the parliament with the leadership always differing to his opinions. Lawan, based on this reputation has been generally referred to as Legislator Emeritus, having been regarded as one of the most experienced and of course intelligent lawmakers in the parliament. Although some of his detractors have dismissed him as a very cunning politician who usually deploys intrigues and blackmail to allegedly fight his selfish political battles by garbing such in patriotic clothings, most of his

colleagues actually fear him. The lawmaker is perceived as one who could pull a surprise at any time with his oratory. This oratory and his chameleonic character was first deployed when he led the plot against the first female Speaker in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olubunmi Etteh, in 2007. With Etteh's removal, the Kano born politician instantly became the 'king-maker' as his Integrity Group played a pivotal role in the emergence of Etteh's successor, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole. Throughout the Sixth Assembly, Lawan was not only being respected, he was also being feared by the leadership. At the inception of the Seventh Assembly, it was gathered that Lawan was lured to contest the Speakership of the House with a view to polarizing the support base of Rep Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. But, a foxy Lawan, adept at the politics of divide and rule refused to play ball, preferring instead to negotiate his relevance in the incoming leadership under Tambuwal. It was however not surprising that he was selected to chair the investigation into the subsidy regime. Meanwhile, there is currently an uneasy calm in the House as there are feelers that the sinking lawmaker may have actually designed a master web to ensure that he does not go down alone. Contd on page 11

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

PAGE 11

Cover Story Por ridg e of ma ggots: orridg ridge mag How “rouge” lawmakers enmeshed themselves in messy deals

Sen. Aloysius Etuk Contd from page 10

There have been whispering that Lawan had earlier given $5,000 each to a large number of lawmakers allegedly from another largesse from a different oil baron to influence the report of the committee. It was also alleged that some of the lawmakers got $4000 instead of the $5000 earlier packaged for each member of the House. Sources hinted that some members who allegedly received the money said they were not aware of the source of that money and are now afraid that the sinking lawmaker could name them as part of the racket. It was however, gathered that the leadership of the House had started strategising on how to save the image and integrity of the House when it learnt that some other members may have been innocently compromised. However, after series of meetings, it was agreed that Lawan should be suspended and not completely sacked from the House. Meanwhile, as the leadership worked on how to deal with the Lawan issue, it also was strategising on how to resist alleged push from very influential quarters to oust it. There were already allegations in some quarters that Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha was privy to the Otedola bribe and had played along and as such should be axed. Some quarters were already

Herman Hembe

alleging that there were plans by the some forces close to the Presidency to cash onto the situation to initiate a process that might unseat the leadership in the House. This in addition to insinuations that the scam was masterminded by certain elements who wanted to use it to discredit the probe so that those indicted will be left off the hook. It was said that there are certain forces in government forces who wanted to use the opportunity to push the image of the House further into the mud so that its leadership would drop the investigation. However, President Jonathan has since reacted to such insinuations saying the bribery scandal will not stop him from prosecuting those indicted in the probe even as the Presidency has denied any move to go after the leadership of the House. In any case, the Tambuwal camp is not resting on its oars as it has since taken steps to ensure that it is not infiltrated especially as the Speaker was said to have made it clear that he has no skeleton in his cupboard. However, the table may have been set for more decisive action as the House yesterday suspended Lawan and listed Otedola’s company as one of those indicted in the probe. The House also mandated its Committee on Ethics to open investigation into the matter bringing the case before the committee to two, the first being that of sacked Herman Hembe and his deputy.

It was gathered that the embattled Lawan had before going to the police on Thursday gone to meet the Speaker and pleaded that the leadership of the House should find a way of providing him with a soft landing. The Speaker, it was learnt, urged him to hand himself over to the police. The House listed Otedola’s companies’ Synopsis Enterprises Ltd. and Zenon Petrolum and Gas Ltd as allegedly obtaining FOREX without importing petroleum products into the country. Otedola on his own part, is insisting that his companies are innocent and should not have been included among those indicted since the probe panel did not find him guilty. In a statement yesterday, the business mogul described his listing by the House as laughable adding that he has nothing to hide and that he has no connection with Synopsis Enterprises.

“If I had anything to hide I wouldn’t have gone to the agencies. There is an old adage that says “people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. “Let me also state for the records that we are not in any way affiliated to the other company, Synopsis enterprises Ltd also included in the report. Actions of today by the House is laughable, a mere celebration of corruption and a further indictment on their honorable member”, he said Meanwhile, many lawmakers have continued to lament over the scandal with most of them saying they feel sad over the issue. While some of them backed Lawan’s constituents in saying that he should be made to face the law, others have however called for caution in the matter saying they are for now mere allegations until proven by the court of law. Reacting to the matter, a member of the House, who pleaded anonymity, said the House would not compromise the

“

In any case, the Tambuwal camp is not resting on its oars as it has since taken steps to ensure that it is not infiltrated especially as the Speaker was said to have made it clear that he has no skeleton in his cupboard.

matter since its reputation was already at stake. According to him, the leadership of the House has decided to strictly apply the rules as well as the laws of the land and would not hesitate to ensure that any person found culpable faces the music. According to him, “we will apply our rules and the rule of law in this matter to the extent that integrity of the House and its resolutions will not be compromised. We are increasingly worried that this bribery allegation is unjustifiably affecting the image of the House. We can’t close our eyes to this unfortunate development.” Another member, Rep. Innocent Tirsel representing Mikang/Quanpan/Shendam of Plateau state said he felt very bad when the news of the alleged scam filtered out. He however, called for caution but noted that anyone found guilty should face the law. “Of course I feel bad. But inasmuch as much as I feel bad, I ask Nigerians to be cautious about allegations because allegations does not qualify whatever people say until facts are established. I have seen the issues in the dailies and Nigerians are saying that the subsidy committee had collected bribe of about $3 million. “In as much as I am not holding brief for anybody, I don’t want people to look at the House as being corrupt. The House is made up of individual human beings with their individual differences. For now some of these issues are mere allegations but I am happy that the anti-graft agencies are working towards bringing out facts so that those that may be found wanting will be dealt with. However, you will agree with me that all the issues”, he said. Currently, Lawan appears to be in a very deep problem as he might be left alone to face the music especially in the face of apparent determination by the Presidency to show its fangs on the anti-corruption issue. This is especially as the Police said it had discovered huge amount of dollars in his bedroom yesterday. Peoples Daily’s Police source said they were stunned at the discovery of the dollars adding that as public servants, such amounts in their possession were shocking. On discovery of the huge sum of money, the Police heirachy decided to give stringent bail condition on the suspects and as such refused to grant him bail On the whole, the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives, must go into a soul searching trip as its image will continue to go down unless the leadership takes a drastic step to purify the chamber.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Interview Subsidy scam: Nobody can blame the entire House â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Tirsel Y

ou have spent a year as a member of the House of Representatives, the take-off was rough and now we are experiencing another rough weather at the end of the session. What is actually happening? Actually we started on a rough note and I feel it was somehow normal taking into consideration the issues that confronted us, there was that of choosing our leadership, this is a new assembly and it is normal that when you are starting something, you could encounter some problems. However, looking at it from a democratic point of view, one can confidently say that the House started well. I am sure that Nigerians appreciate what the members of the House of Representatives are doing. People keep saying that we engage in probes and there are no results; but then they are forgetting that our functions are clearly defined. Ours is just to investigate where necessary but we don't enforce certain measures. Where we establish facts I think it is enough for Nigerians to know that we have tried our best. On our own part as the legislature, the constitution empowers us to investigate and expose corruption. Even if we discover certain things and recommend sanction, we don't have the power to enforce such. That is the position of the law. However, generally, I think we are on course. This is just a year into the tenure. It has been rough but I think we are doing our best. Talking about enforcement of your recommendations when you expose corruption, don't you think that the National Assembly is merely playing to the gallery? You write the laws. There was a suggestion that you effect certain amendment in the constitution to make resolutions backed by twothird of members in the two chambers to have a force of law. What is keeping you people from doing this? In fact, I must tell you that we are taking steps to reflect something like that in the constitution. I am a member of the Constitution Review Committee in the House and I can tell you that this is one of the issues we are considering now. We just came back from a retreat in Port Harcourt, Rivers state and this is part of the issues we think are very important to be reflected in the constitution and we are seriously considering them. There are a number of issues that are pending and that have been hindering the smooth discharge of our duties. We are not happy that we engage in probes, uncover a lot of issues and they just end there because we are

Hon. Innocent Tirsel represents Mikang/Quanpan/ Shendam of Plateau state in the House of Representatives. In this interview with Richard Ihediwa, he opens up on issues concerning the running of the House, the crisis in the Plateau and other burning national issues

Hon. Innocent Tirsel not charged with the responsibility of enforcing certain measures from our investigation. We are looking at how to rework the constitution to pave way for that. We may not be charged with a hundred percent of that responsibility but at least to some extent, let us have a grip of the fact finding so that our effort will not be in vain. At least we can say for instance that if you are indicted, you should be suspended or you can be in security custody for a number of days pending certain actions from the relevant authorities. I am just giving an example. What are those things you feel this seventh assembly will do to change the standing negative perception of Nigerians about the National Assembly? People have their impressions about the National Assembly, everybody is entitled to his opinion. In the past, people have the impression that we are just here to make money, but I don't think that it is like that. I am not trying to defend the National Assembly but to the best of my knowledge, it is not true. It may even interest you that members of the seventh assembly are not even enjoying what they are supposed to enjoy because there are instances where

our allowances have been cut by over 50 percent compared to what the past assembly was getting. But then, it is painful. It is painful in the sense that people already have an impression about our earnings so their expectation on us is high. But to us, if that will solve certain problems, I think we are okay. We are not complaining. If Nigerians feels that paying us what they are paying us now is good, well it does not matter. Why and how do you think this seventh assembly can get itself disconnected from outside influence? Well I think that that is what we have been trying to do. First, you can see that we have tried to prove our independence by bringing on board the leadership of the House that was completely our choice. That is to tell you that we have decided to assert the independence of the legislature and to do what we as member of the House of Representatives feel is right. We are partners in progress with other institutions, groups or persons, but we need our independence to operate so that we have a fair level play ground to do the bidding of those who sent us to the National Assembly, that is, the people of Nigeria. We are here to serve and we are doing our work

and I am sure that as it is, we are not being influenced by anybody. Do you think that the legislature is a threat to the other arms of government? I don't think so. So why do we always have this muscle flexing with the executive? Why people are looking at the legislature as being a threat to other arms is because in the course of discharging its duties, it might step on some toes. You know we oversight the activities of the other arms. So in the course of over sighting, some people feel we are trying to probe or investigate them. But that is not the case. The legislature is merely doing its job and in doing this, there are simple questions you have to ask and you expect answers. If for instance, I oversight a government agency or ministry and I have to ask certain question so as to get certain details because we approve budgets for them. So how do I go about it if I don't know things about their operation? So in the cause of asking questions people feel we are out to witchhunt. So we are not witch hunting anybody. All we do is our work. We are carrying out our function as provided in the Constitution. Ours is to investigate and wherever somebody is found wanting, we make it known to Nigerians and the government as well so that certain measures will be taken. I think we are doing all these for the good of the nation and that of Nigerians at large. Due to the current bribery scandal in the House, some elements are calling for the resignation or impeachment of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal. What is your take on that? To the best of my knowledge, I have not seen where the Speaker has erred in this matter that such action should be taken on him. Is he a member of the subsidy probe committee? Is he involved in the bribery scandal rocking the committee? Maybe there are some issues but not to my knowledge. To the best of my knowledge, the Speaker has been a very good leader, who has been doing his best to unite the House and give it a purposeful leadership. So, I don't think there is any problem with him except if there are things that have not been unfolded. So to the

best of my knowledge, Tambuwal is doing his job. The House is not in any scandal. All the issues that are there today have to do with individuals. When you hear people say that House of Representatives stinks and then there is this fuel subsidy probe bribery scandal involving one of you. How do you feel as a person? Of course I feel bad. But in as much as I feel bad, I ask Nigerians to be cautious about allegations because allegations do not qualify whatever people say until facts are established. I have seen the issues in the dailies and Nigerians are saying that the subsidy committee had collected bribe of about $3 million. In as much as I am not holding brief for anybody, I don't want people to look at the House as being corrupt. The House is made up of human beings with their individual differences. For now, some of these issues are mere allegations but I am happy that the anti-graft agencies are working towards bringing out facts so that those that may be found wanting will be dealt with. However, you will agree with me that all the issues that have been coming up have been that of individuals and not the House as a whole. Plateau state has been engulfed in bloody clashes in the recent times. What actually is the problem? Plateau state has been known to be a home of peace and tourism for a very long time. However, things started getting out of hand when somewhere somehow, some people from some parts of the country became interested in Plateau state for a number of reasons. One of our serious problems in the Plateau and Jos specifically is this issue of indigenes/ settlers dichotomy. There have been conflicting definition of who is an indigene and many people are confusing it with the issue of citizenship and for that many people are overstepping their bounds. For instance I am from Plateau state, today I can be in Niger state. Niger is a state that has indigenes. So as a citizen of this country there are a number of privileges I have which the constitution provides for. That cannot be tempered with, but I need to also know that as a citizen, not an indigene, that I have my limits to some extent. For instance I cannot today for any reason tamper with the traditional institution in Niger state. These are some of the issues we have in the Plateau. So until these things are clearly tackled and defined, we may not have a lasting peace in Jos. However, I am sure that the Federal Government and Plateau state government are working hard to to solve all these problems.

Interview

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17 JUNE, 2012

PAGE 13

Jihad not possible in Nigeria —Maraya W

henever there is conflict between Muslims and Christians in the country, the use of the word Jihad feature prominently. What really is Jihad? Jihad is an Arabic word which literally means effort, to strive and technically it means to fight a war and there are conditions for that. Jihad cannot be fought in the present day Nigeria because the country is not an Islamic state. Nigeria belongs to the Muslims and the non Muslims, the Christians and even the traditionalists. Anybody who knows the true teachings of Islam will never say he wants to stage a Jihad in order to promote Islam. Jihad is many types. Searching for knowledge is also a form of Jihad, the display of excellent human qualities is also Jihad, anything you know you can do to promote service to humanity is considered a Jihad. Telling the truth is also Jihad. Today in Nigeria, if you find any Muslim saying he wants to wage Jihad against non Muslims, it clearly signifies that such a person does not understand the true teachings of Islam. Killing has persisted in southern Kaduna and there is the allegation that it is perpetuated by the Fulani Muslims in that area? That is one of the reasons the Governor established the peace and reconciliation committee. In the past, we really offended ourselves. Some Muslims killed some non Muslims and some Christians killed some non Christians. Churches and mosques were burnt in some places and property worth several millions of naira destroyed. In summary, we all offended one another in the past. But if we want our creator to forgive our transgressions against one another, we have to also forgive one another and reconcile and ensure that we live peacefully. Regarding the intermittent killings in southern part of the state, allegedly by the Fulani, it is a mere allegation which has not been proved by the police and the courts. But we are moving forward because the people of southern Kaduna who are predominantly Christians understand and they understand the situation at hand and that is why the attacks have subsided tremendously. If you go to southern Kaduna today, you will see a large number of the Fulani and they live with the people there because all of them understand that the killings were

Sheikh Haliru Maraya is an Islamic scholar and Special Adviser on Religious Affairs (Islamic Matters) to Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna state. In this interview with reporters, Maraya says it is not possible to prosecute Muslim Jihad in Nigeria. Agaju Madugba was there.

Sheikh Haliru Maraya

perpetrated by some evil people in the communities; people who dislike seeing people live peacefully. Is there any possibility of having complete truce in Kaduna? By the grace of God, we look forward to seeing that happen in Kaduna state. You know that it is ignorance that causes that kind of thing. A Muslim who knows his religion will never kill a non Muslim. A Muslim who knows his religion very well will never burn any property belonging to a non Muslim. A Muslim, who knows the injunctions of his religion, concerning peaceful co-existence between Muslims and non Muslims as it was exhibited during the lifetime of Prophet Mohammed, will never set any church ablaze. In the same vein, a Christian who knows his religion very well will never kill a Muslim. A Christian who practices his religion according to the injunctions of Christianity will

never destroy any mosque and will never destroy any property belonging to a non Christian. Whenever I hear that Muslims and Christians fight, not only here in Nigeria, but all over the world, what comes to my mind is that the fighting is contrary to the tenets of the religion they practise. When Prophet Mohammed migrated from the city of Mecca to Medina, there were Christian communities there and he lived peacefully with them. There was a time he even received a Christian delegation from Nagaran, in modern day Saudi Arabia. They visited the Prophet in the city of Medina and do you know where he received them? He received them in the mosque and when it was time for them to practice their religion, they wanted to go outside the mosque but he asked them to do their worship inside the mosque which they did. If today’s Muslims can emulate the way Prophet Mohammed lived with non Muslims, we will not experience

any form of strife between Muslims and Christians. My advice is that whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, whatever and wherever you are, try as much as you can to practise the religion of your choice according to the tenets of that religion. If that is done, Christians and Muslims will live together peacefully as it used to be and I look forward to seeing that happen again. Perhaps some of our religious leaders are not doing the right thing by telling the people the right things to do? Yes, it is because of that that the governor introduced the N5,000 stipend every month for 50 Islamic scholars from each of the 23 local government areas of the state, so that they can be motivated to teach and preach true Islam. During the time of prophet Mohammed and during the times of his successors, Abubakar, Umar, Usman and Ali, there was never a time a church was set ablaze and there was never

a time a Christian was killed for the simple reason that he practised Christianity and not Islam. There was never a time somebody’s property was set ablaze because he did not practice Islam. So, Islam is a religion of peace. That was why Prophet Mohammed co-habited peacefully in Medina with the Jews and that was why when Caliph Umar visited the Church of Jerusalem and when it was time for him to establish the zuhr prayer (early afternoon prayer) he decided to go outside the church, the Bishop asked him to perform his prayer in the church. When they approached the staircase, the Bishop asked him to establish his prayer there but Caliph Umar refused and explained that he did not want his followers to say that the church belongs to them because he (Umar) established his prayer in the church. So, you see how the relationship between Muslims and Christians was then, during the time of Prophet Mohammed and his companions. It was a very cordial relationship. Prior to migration of the Prophet to the city of medina, during the fifth year of his prophethood, the early Muslims were persecuted by the idolaters, the Prophet instructed his followers to migrate to the city of Abyssinia, in the present day Ethiopia and he told them that in Abyssinia they will be allowed to practice their religion without molestation and the ruler of Ethiopia that time was a Christian and the Prophet referred to him as a just Christian ruler. So if Christians and Muslims follow the tenets of the two religions, definitely, we shall all come together in future and live peacefully together. We have started experiencing that. If you go to Tudun Wada, there are some Christians living there and there are some Christians living in Sabon-Tasha. This governor that God has given to us has indicated that he loves peace and the only thing we can do is to support and pray for him to continue to succeed because if he succeeds, it is our collective success and it will be for good and for future generations. How do you assess the Yakowa administration in the last one year? Before I discuss the achievements of Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, I would like to give us a preamble on what transpired before the election. As you are aware, prior to the Contd on Page 38

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Insight

A new dawn for CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the new Danmajen Kano By Lawal Sadiq Sanusi

h e new Dan majen Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, who is just a month away from celebrating his 51st birthday anniversary has successfully achieved so much, served as good ambassador of the Kano royal family, brought honour and benefits to himself, Kano and Nigeria, reason why the Emir of Kano, San Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, said such exclusive royal title was bestowed on him. The man’s intimidating accolades and records of excellent achievement could not but endear him to his royal family for honour. Since assuming office as the CBN Governor, he has been recognized and received several awards as mark of honour for changing the beleaguered status of the banking system, which almost led to the total collapse of the nation’s economy. Besides the current title of Danmaje given to Sanusi Lamido, one year after his appointment as CBN Governor, he was recognized by the Banker magazine, a publication at the prestigious Financial Times of London, as the best Central Bank Governor in the World and the best in Africa in 2010. The World Bank Annual Meetings journal of refute, emerging Markets, also recognized Dan Majen kano as the best Central Bank Governor in Sub-Saharan Africa in both 2010 and 2011. Other recognitions that made the Dan Maje a Financial Tsar worldwide, include that of Times Magazine, which listed him among the 100 most influential people in the World in its Time 100 List for 2011 and Forbes Africa Magazine which voted him Africa Person of the year 2011 from a short list that includes present and former Heads of state and Nobel Laureates. These are all international recognitions. At home, Sanusi, has been recognised by other outstanding organizations, such as Leadership and the Nation Newspapers, where in 2009, he was chosen as person of the year by the two national dailies. In 2010 he was Man of the Year for Vanguard and Tribune Newspapers, as well as the Silverbird Man of the Year 2011. To cap it all the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership President and Commander-in Chief, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, conferred on him National Honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), this same honour was conferred on his late father Ambassador Muhammad Aminu Sanusi, (CON), Chiroman Kano, in 1970, for his service to the country. Therefore, turbanning of the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mallam Sanusi

Sanusi receiving cheers from supporters Lamido Aminu Sanusi, as the new Dan majen Kano, could be best described as grandeur per excellence, given the blend of both tradition and modernity that was brought by the different cultures of Nigerians and other nationals that witnessed the ceremony on Friday last week. On the eve of the turbanning day Kano was really agog with the celebrant’s banners from every angle or point of entry that you approached Kano, you can’t missed the fact that the old city is in an exciting mood. On the D-day the actual turbannig process climaxed with the arrival of His Royal Highness, the Emir (San Kano) Alhaji Ado Bayero at about 10.45 am, and did not last more than twenty minutes. The next ten minutes the new Danmajen Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi riding on a horseback, was on his way to his Gandun Albasa residence where he received wellwishers, who came from far and near to celebrate with him his honour in the traditional title bestowed on him. The caliber of people who were present at the ceremony depicts the good will and vast relationship cutting across diverse cultures from within and outside the country, the political divides in the country and the class of the people, meaning the governors and the governed, leaders and followers, elites and commoners, all throng the emir of Kano’s Palace to appreciate only one man, the Central Bank Governor. Earlier, Dan maje, arrived the venue at about 8.45 am and immediately went straight to the mosque within palace and prayed two supererogatory raka’ats and sat there. People plunged the mosque to greet him and wish him well before he was turbaned. There we saw different of them,

Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, represented by Dr. Shamsudeen Muh’d, the Economic Planning Minister, Speaker of the House of representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former head of state Yakubu Gowon, Chief Alex Ekweme, General Muhammadu Buhari, Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, Nasir El- Rufa’I, Senators, Ali Modu Sharif, Sani Yarima, J K Waku, Governors, ALiyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Patrick Yakowa, etc. All the service Chiefs were not left out as they came in their full regalia, followed by their retinue of intimidating aides. All went and sat to await arrival of the commander-in-Chief of the Kano Emirate, San Kano Alhaji Dr. Ado Bayero, whose arrival signal the commencement of turbanning ceremony of Danmajen Kano. A courtier in the palace informed Peoples Daily that he could not remember the last time he saw such a crowd visiting Kano, and expressed doubt if there is any crowd puller presently like Danmaje in Kano emirate. As earlier stated the ceremony did not last more than twenty minutes. After his turbanning in one of the chambers in the palace he moved to where other Emirate Council members, his guests, the district heads and other title holders were seated to receive the blessing of the Emir, and he admonished him thus: “I am happy with your comings all that are gathered here. God willing, Dan Maje, we have given you this title of Danmaje because of the honour, hard work, excellence in different fields of life and your outstanding achievements in the banking sector which has elevated you to your present position as the Central Bank Governor, and

because of the honour you have brought to your royal family, Kano, Nigeria and the whole world”. “We urged you to continue with the good work in ensuring that you bring more benefits to Kano Emirate, Kano State and Nigeria especially in the advancement of economic well being of this country, which will promote peaceful coexistence among people. You should not be disturbed by what people say against you and what you are doing. Continue with what you have focused in accordance with God’s wish. He will guide you, protect you and bless you. We pray for your success and long life”. With this remarks from the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, a long prayer session followed by the Chief Imam of Kano before people started leaving back to their various destinations. According to Kano Emirate traditions, title of Dan Maje is exclusively reserved for royal family members right from Kano Habe Dynasty, and during the reign of Fulani is among the titles owned by the royal Sullubawa Clan. The most prominent among those who held this title under the Sullubawa Dynasty was the Emir of Kano Ali Ibn Abdullahi (a.k.a. Alu (1894-1903). Though he faced several challenges, when he assumed office the new central Governor of Nigeria, his profile depicts a rigorous, daunting and dogged fighter, who ensured stability in the financial sector of the country. By his ability to bring sanity into the country’s banking sector, already the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded stress-test of Nigerian banks and confirmed that CBN under Sanusi, has fixed the banking crises and cleaned up bank Balance-Sheets. In other

words, Nigeria is good for business now. Spokesman of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Committee of Friends (SLSCoF) Mr Olawale Edun said that friends and enthusiasts of the CBN governor in the country see him“as a man of great achievements. Interestingly, this great achiever is one that is true to his roots. His value of tradition, culture and history of his people is worth emulating and commendable. And with this title, he is following after the footsteps of his ancestors," Edun said. He added: “We are celebrating his character, courage and broad spectrum of interests and achievements and friendship. We are also celebrating our tradition and our diverse culture. "Sanusi has tremendous goodwill and support from people from all walks of life across the country. Beyond being a seasoned finance player and analyst, the SLSCoF Southwest co-ordinator, Mr Edun said, adding that the CBN boss is man true to his roots. His new title may be the catapult to further greatness, especially the likely hood to inherit the throne, which his grandfather, late Emir Sanusi, was deposed from and Ado Bayero, the current Emir was appointed to in 1963. He may likely participate in partisan politics, to represent the North in a presidential front, after serving his term(s) as the CBN Governor. Despite the security situation in Kano city the splendor with which the celebration was carried out suspended for a while cheerlessness of the security personnel handling restoration of law and order in the city. Nobody seems to witness any abrasion of law and order except the check points that are bound in every nook and cannery of the ancient city.

Interview PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

PAGE 15

Our tr aditional rruler uler sm ust be rreco eco gnised traditional ulers must ecognised in the Constitution —Sena tor Adam u —Senator Adamu

ir your bill seeking constitutional roles for the traditional rulers passed second reading on the floor of the senate last week, why actually would you want constitutional role for the monarch? As we speak today, the 1999 Constitution, which is in force has nothing whatsoever on the traditional institution. Also, we do not have any legislation of any form on this. So, I believe that the time is ripe for us, democratically elected representatives of the people to redress the situation in order to make our democracy complete. I believe also that the excision or even isolation of the traditional institution from our democratic dispensation had a dangerous tendency to distort and render it incomplete. And for us to enjoy grass root peace, integration, communal harmony, security, national unity and good governance, we must integrate the traditional institution with political leadership in our march to modern development. Our democracy would be stronger if we provide constitutional role for our traditional rulers across the land. Traditional institution never existed in the past without role recognized by law; at what point in time would you say that things went wrong? The 1976 local government reform, no doubt distanced our traditional rulers from the local government administration, just to insulate the institution from partisan politics. The 1979 constitution as it were merely provided for the inclusion of a traditional ruler from each state of the federation in the National Council of State as a member. However, both the independence and Republican constitutions provided clearly defined roles for the traditional rulers. If you look at section 42, subsection 2(a) of the 1963 constitution, it provided that two of the four senators representing the Federal Capital Territory must be traditional rulers. So our constitution, since the amalgamation of the northern and southern Nigeria in 1914 had provided a place of honor for our traditional institutions. Our traditional institution once effectively policed and instilled the virtues of honesty and hard work in our society. It was the only form of administration that our people knew before the advent of colonial rule. They were then recognized by our laws. Unfortunately, the 1999 constitution which, is in force today ignores the traditional institution. There is no mention of the institution. And some of us believe that this is time to restore

Recently, the Senate passed a bill seeking constitutional roles for the traditional rulers through second reading. In this interview with Augustine Aminu, sponsor of the bill, Senator Abdullahi Adamu throws more light on why traditional rulers should have a statutory say in governance.

Sen. Abdullahi Adamu

the traditional institution to its rightful place. There must be constitutional role for our traditional rulers to complement the role of the political leadership and we, as a country would gain more if we do so now. Why would you think this process would not go the way of the previous one in the National Assembly? Let me say here that it was unfortunate that the initiative by the previous National Assembly to remedy this grievous omission in the proposed amendment to the 1999 constitution was frustrated when the entire process was aborted. But I have no doubt in my mind that this fresh process would achieve result. You can see it in the overwhelming support and robust debate the bill generated on the floor of the Senate. Senators were supportive of the bill. Even some traditional rulers who were at the gallery during the debate came in solidarity for the bill. They were happy that something is being done. It has been referred to the Senate

committee on constitution review for further legislation action. Don’t forget also that the role for the traditional rulers was one of the agenda of the review panel. So the bill was in tandem with the agenda of the review panel. We hope that it would enjoy the same support it received on the floor of the senate at the review committee. It was a popular bill. We as elected representatives of the people want constitutional role for our traditional rulers. We believe

that there would be more peace and harmony in our land if the traditional institution is given constitutional role. Don’t you think this role may create problem between them and the political leadership? Yes some people do argue that struggle for relevance between the traditional rulership and the political leadership often creates conflict in most developing societies, but for me and other supporters of this bill, such

“

Arguments that the loyalty of the traditional rulers would be doubtful to any constituted authority if they are given proper role hold no water when considered that Emirs and Chiefs have well –defined system

argument is weak and untenable. Rather, their co-existence should be a catalyst in constructive and cooperative partnership. The two should have defined roles. All modern political thoughts and economic development models are either borrowed or rooted in traditional value system. Our traditional institution again is the custodian of our culture and value system. Societies that fail to recognize this fact find themselves groping in the dark. During the military regime, our traditional rulers were denied the right to fully perform their constitutional function. However the same military rulers turned to them for advice, support and cooperation to save our country from forces of disunity and disintegration. So we have always turned to them each time there is civil strife and political difficulties for advice and support. Therefore we believe that time is ripe to redress the situation and recognize this revered caliber of leaders. Britain, with its timehonoured constitutional monarchy, is a good example of what a country can achieve if it marries its traditional institution and the culture with modern administration. Botswana, the only African country with the longest constitutes multi-party democracy, built its stable constitutional democracy on its traditional institution. But there are arguments that this institution may be hijacked by the powers that be after they get constitutional roles. Arguments that the loyalty of the traditional rulers would be doubtful to any constituted authority if they are given proper role hold no water when considered that Emirs and Chiefs have well –defined system of selection and succession faithfully implemented by kingmakers who also act as check on the possible excesses of the Emirs or Chiefs. What is the strategic thing the bill actually wants to achieve? The bill as I said on the floor of the Senate seeks to first make provision spelling out advisory roles for the traditional institution in such a way that traditional rulers as well as their performance and conduct do not conflict with the interest of peaceful co-existence , democratic and good governance. Again, it seeks to provide for the creation of National Council of traditional Rulers, State Council of Traditional Rulers as well as Local Government Council of Traditional Rulers. The bill also wants to provide that traditional rulers be rotationally made zonal representative members of the National Council of State.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Tourism & Leisure Ice Peak of Africa

Close-up on Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa has fumaroles that emit gas in the By Richard Ihediwa with crater. Scientists concluded in agency reports 2003 that molten magma is just ount Kilimanjaro; 400 m (1,310 ft) below the ever been there? This summit crater. Several collapses dormant volcanic and landslides have occurred on mountain is the highest Kibo in the past, one creating the mountain in Africa, reaching a area known as the Western Breach. height of ,895 metres or 19,341 Kilimanjaro has a large feet above sea level. variety of forest types over an With its three volcanic cones, altitudinal range of 3,000 m Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, (9,843 ft) containing over 1,200 Kilimanjaro has always been a vascular plant species. Montane sight to behold drawing huge Ocotea forests occur on the wet number of tourists to that part of southern slope. Cassipourea and the world. Juniperus forests grow on the dry Located in Tanzania, in East northern slope. Subalpine Erica Africa, Kilimanjaro takes its pride forests at 4,100 m (13,451 ft) from its three distinct volcanic represent the highest elevation cones: Kibo 5,895 m (19,341 ft); cloud forests in Africa. In contrast Mawenzi 5,149 m (16,893 ft); to this enormous biodiversity, the and Shira 3,962 m (13,000 ft). degree of endemism is low. Uhuru Peak is the highest summit However, forest relicts in the on Kibo's crater rim. deepest valleys of the cultivated It is also home to unique lush lower areas suggest that a rich vegetations, and landscape which forest flora inhabited Kilimanjaro are crowned with ice and glacier in the past, with restricted-range for several years. species otherwise only known Kilimanjaro is a giant from the Eastern Arc mountains. stratovolcano that began forming The low degree of endemism on a million years ago, when lava Kilimanjaro may result from spilled from the Rift Valley zone. destruction of lower elevation Two of its three peaks, Mawenzi forest rather than the relatively and Shira, are extinct while Kibo young age of the mountain. (the highest peak) is dormant and Another feature of the forests could erupt again. The last major of Kilimanjaro is the absence of a eruption has been dated to bamboo zone, which occurs on all 360,000 years ago, while the other tall mountains in East most recent activity was recorded Africa with a similarly high just 200 years ago. rainfall. Sinarundinaria alpina Although it is dormant, Kibo stands are favoured by elephants

and African Buffalos elsewhere. History has it that in the late 1880s the summit of Kibo was completely covered by an ice cap with outlet glaciers cascading down the western and southern slopes, and, except for the inner cone, the entire caldera was buried. Glacier ice flowed also through the Western Breach. An examination of ice cores taken from the North Ice Field Glacier indicate that the "snows of Kilimanjaro" (aka glaciers) have a basal age of 11,700 years. A continuous ice cap covering approximately 400 square kilometers covered the mountain during the period of maximum

Tourists climbing Kilimanjaro

glaciation, extending across the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi. The glacial ice survived drought conditions during a three century period beginning 2200 BCE. The period from 1912 to present has witnessed the disappearance of more than 80 percent of the ice cover on Kilimanjaro. From 1912-1953 there was 1 percent annual loss, while 1989-2007 saw 2.5 percent annual loss. Of the ice cover still present in 2000, 26 percetn had disappeared by 2007. While the current shrinking and thinning of Kilimanjaro's ice fields appears to be unique within its almost twelve millennium history, it is contemporaneous with widespread

glacier retreat in mid-to-low latitudes across the globe. At the current rate, Kilimanjaro is expected to become ice-free sometime between 2022 and 2033. To get to this famous mountain, one has to get to Tanzania and get the help of locals. There are six official trekking routes by which to climb Kilimanjaro, namely: Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain, which can be done in six or seven days. The Rongai is the easiest and least scenic of all camping routes with the most difficult summit night and the Marangu is also relatively easy, but accommodation is in shared huts with all other climbers. As a result, this route tends to be very busy, and ascent and descent routes are the same. People who wish to trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro are advised to undertake appropriate research and ensure that they are both properly equipped and physically capable. Though the climb is technically not as challenging as when climbing the high peaks of the Himalayas or Andes, the high elevation, low temperature, and occasional high winds make this a difficult and dangerous trek. Some estimate that more people have died to date trekking up Kilimanjaro than Mount Everest but Everest is attempted by significantly fewer climbers. In August 2007 four trekkers died within a week underscoring the point that trekking to the summit should not be taken casually. Multiple people (trekkers, porters, and guides) die on the mountain each year. When attempting the Arrow Glacier route, trekkers must leave early in the morning and make it past the rock face before mid-afternoon as when the sun comes out, unfrozen rock slides become quite common.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Weekend

PAGE 17

Cocktail It's a lace affair Lace is an openwork fabric, patterned with open holes in the work, made by machine or by hand. The holes are formed via removal of threads from a previously woven fabric, but more often open spaces are created as part of the lace fabric. Lacemaking has its history dating as far back as the late 15th and early 16th centuries. t>>> Page 32

MODEL OF THE WEEK

>>> Page 22

Beauty Queens and evolution of Pageant

>>> Page 25

Cuisine: Appetizing healthy fruit drinks >>> Page 28

KANNY WOOD:

Romantic mix in Huhaddasi >>> Page 24

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

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Relationship

How to be a good stepmom Anyone who has taken on the responsibility of being a stepparent knows how challenging and difficult step-parenting can sometimes be. Depending on the ages and number of children involved, becoming a blended family and learning how to be a good stepmother to children not biologically your own can either make or break your relationship with your spouse, since statistics of divorce amongst second or third marriages don't offer much encouragement. Being a stepparent and dealing with stepchildren is not something you can just jump into and expect everything to go smoothly from the start. It takes a lot of work and effort to create a loving bond and build upon the relationship with stepchildren, and it will take some time for the children to accept and adjust to the changes in the family when their dad gets remarried. Don't try and rush things! Establishing and building a new relationship with your adult step kids takes time, like any other kind of relationship. It's very important that you be yourself and not who you think they want or need you to be. Sometimes we try to ingratiate ourselves with our new stepfamily by either working too hard to prove how "cool" we are or presenting a phony front. Since they are adults, they will easily see right through any faĂ§ade and probably become antagonistic towards you. Being "real" may help them learn to open up to you, once they realize you are being genuine with them. I was blessed in that I got along pretty well with my step kids from the start. Over time, I have gradually been able to bond with them, largely by taking the stress off myself

by allowing them to get to know me at their own pace. It's not that easy for some women, who walk into a situation in which they face immediate resentment from their new stepchildren. There are adult children who feel somehow that, if they get along with their new stepmother, they are being disloyal to their mothers. It might take years before you are finally able to communicate comfortably with your adult stepchildren. If it's something you really want to happen, however, you must learn to be patient with the process. Don't make disparaging remarks about your husband's former spouse (their mom) You may have heard horror stories about your husband's ex-wife from either him or some of his relatives. You may even have observed some things you disliked about her yourself and be tempted to make occasional comments critical of her, especially if there is still some animosity between her and your husband. In spite of this, resist the urge to express your dislike of or disagreement with this person in the presence of your stepchildren. Even if they make negative remarks themselves regarding their mother, listen, but don't agree or disagree. Remain neutral, because anything bad you say will definitely be remembered and can be used against you later on. Nobody likes anybody else disusing their mama! Remember how defensive you would become if someone made a disparaging statement about your mother and that will help you to be prudent in what you say.

Always speak about your husband's ex (their mom) with utmost respect. This is not suggesting that you be insincere and act as though you are bosom buddies with her, but respect her in the sense that she is their mother and a certain amount of deference does have to be given to her because of this. Don't argue with your husband in front of your stepchildren. This is a definite "no-no"! All normal couples have an occasional disagreement, but make certain that you and your husband handle your personal disputes privately. Arguing in front of your adult stepchildren puts them in the position of choosing a "side"-not likely to be yours- and, if you are already having problems with them, it will only give them further cause to hold something against you. What goes on between you and your husband should not include anyone from the outside. Your husband may make you angry but avoid the urge to address your anger until your stepchildren are not around. Then, of course, go for it! Don't give advice unless it is requested. You may think you have the perfect advice regarding a situation your stepchild is going through. You may be the type to have a tendency to want to help out other people with the benefit of your own experience in life. If your stepchild asks you for advice, then, by all means, be willing to give it. Be helpful without being pushy and open the door for him or her to come to you anytime they need to talk or want counsel. Should you just plod right in by offering them your unsolicited opinion, however, your "help" will probably not be welcome and you will be seen as butting in. In terms of giving advice, let them come to you first.

Realize that things may not always work out and learn to accept it. Sometimes the sad fact is that, despite all of your best efforts over time, you may never have the ideal stepmother /stepchild relationship you dreamed of. Had they been younger when you married your spouse, perhaps your step children would have been easier to win over, but they are adults andlet's face it- grownups are far less flexible than young children. I know of a friend who is dealing with this very thing. Although she and her husband have been married for a number of years, his children continue to harbor hostility towards her. It doesn't matter how kind she's been, how much she has tried to make them feel welcome when they come to visit their father, they are bent on seeing her from the most negative perspective possible. This comes from being raised in an atmosphere where their mother and relatives voiced their bitterness towards my friend in the presence of these children. Although they had been divorced for a long time, the former wife still wanted a reconciliation and, when her ex husband remarried, she was hurt and angry, which she often spoke of within earshot of their kids. This has caused irreparable damage to any loving relationship they might have had with their stepmother. My friend has finally resigned herself to the reality that she and her stepchildren will never be emotionally connected. If that happens in your case, then learn to accept it and not allow anyone else's bad attitude to affect your marriage or your selfesteem. These will always be your husband's children and he is always going to have to see and talk to them, so just be in support of him and go on with your life, in spite of the circumstances. Voices.yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

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Beauty Tips How often should you wash your face? M

e l Frank is a professional freelance writer with over 15 years of writing experience. She has completed a wide variety of writing assignments for a number of publications that include CNN and various websites. Frank received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from a prestigious university in Pennsylvania. Washing your face seems like an easy task, but washing too much or too little can lead to over-drying, irritation and acne breakouts. It is important to determine your skin type and wash your face accordingly to maintain the best appearance possible. Does this Spark an idea? Normal Skin Normal skin should be washed twice daily. Wash once in the morning with cool water and a mild cleanser, to remove any dirt or oil that has built up while sleeping. Dry the face, and go about your daily moisturizing and makeup application. In the evening, wash with a mild cleanser, and follow up with a facial scrub if you wear heavy makeup. If wearing long-lasting eye makeup, be sure to use an eye makeup remover designed specifically to remove thick mascara and eyeliner. Oily Skin Oily skin requires a bit more treatment, as oil and dirt build up in the pores more quickly, leaving skin with a greasy look. Wash the face at least twice daily, with a face wash designed specially for oily skin. If wearing makeup or moisturizer, use oil-free products that will prevent excess oil from building up. Wash the face in the morning, afternoon when possible and again before bed. With your nighttime regimen, use a face wash and follow up with a toner that is designed to remove excess oil and buildup. Toner can

also be used throughout the day to absorb excess oil, if dabbing with a tissue does not pick up the excess. Dry Skin Dry skin also requires special care, as washing too often can over-dry, causing cracking and peeling of the skin. Wash the face in the morning with cold water only, do not use a cleanser. Choose a moisturizer made for dry skin, and apply

as directed. Wash the face again at night, this time using a mild cleanser, and makeup remover if applicable. Exfoliate with a face scrub to remove dead skin cells, then follow up with moisturizer again to replenish the skin. Skin With Acne It is important to handle acne with care. First, determine your skin type from the categories mentioned above, and

follow that cleansing routine. Be sure to use a soft washcloth when washing the face, as scrubbing hard will further irritate acne and cause inflammation. While some facial cleansers are designed specially for skin with acne, if your problems persist, purchase an acne cream designed to be dabbed on the acne itself, and left on overnight. Source: Demand Media, Inc.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Peoples Tech

How to be your own low-cost house consultant

By Richard Ihediwa

n a country where mortgage is for the very rich, most Nigerians still do not have homes they can call their own and many do not have the hope of owning one. This situation has been blamed on a number of factors ranging from poverty to ignorance and sheer lack of will power to face challenges headlong on the part of many. One of the major obstacles faced by would be home owners is the thought of the high cost of building. Hearing the cost of building can cause shivers. However, no matter how little one earns, one must break this barrier. You must have the audacity to build. This audacity does not come from how much one has or hopes to have but the strong will to own a house despite all odds. For many, waiting for the right time, to obtain a loan or to hit it big before starting will be waiting for eternity. You might not have your house, you might simply be waiting for God. Get started: There is no need to have a feeling of rush. You are not competing with anybody.

Just be determined to own your house whether there is mortgage or not. Start by choosing where to build and the size of house you want. Never underrate or overate yourself. Go for a standard but low cost house. A two bedroom will be ideal for a family. Secure your land: Unless you already have your own land, you may start by putting money together to buy a piece of land. Give yourself space. Never underrate any land location but choose where people have also started acquiring to build. You might need to have a savings plan. It is better to leave places where people are scrambling for. You might be saving costs and ridding chances of being duped by racketeers. Get your house plan: While you are working on the land, start considering your house plan and the choice of materials. It might interest you that the house designs affect their costs. Houses with much contour, curves and wall extensions are costlier than plane cube style. Also in roofing, heap roof is finer but costlier. Choice of materials: Consider the choice of materials such as

roofing sheets, ceiling, type of door and windows among others. Embellished roofing sheets, doors and windows are generally costlier than plane ones though the utility is almost if not completely the same. Choose standard room size: Decide on the size of your rooms. Don’t make them too small because of fear of cost. You will regret that later. Go for standard size. Go to a friend who is a builder or architect for a friendly advice. Know the project cost: After making the critical decisions, have a rough mental image of what the project might cost. Do not look at the cost, it will discourage you. Just bear in mind that you are embarking on a serious but achievable project. This will help you organise your spending and spur you to expand your earning base. Be part of the project: After laying out your plan, get started. Don’t act the big man. Get to the sight like a worker. Follow the work. You can start by molding your own blocks. It is not advisable to buy blocks. You can save a lot of money and also be sure of the quality of your blocks when you oversee the molding. If you have

free time, you can join the molder to reduce cost and ensure quality. Buy your own materials: Get involved in the buying of your materials beginning from the sharp sands to cement. You will save some costs and eliminate fraud. Monitor the work: Get involved when the foundation is dug. Check the concrete blinding to ensure quality and to ensure that you are not cheated in the number of bags of cements used. Be friendly with the workers. They will give you their best at low cost if they see you as a friend and not a client. When raising the walls, be there and don’t be far from the work especially at critical phases such as foundation, lintel and roofing levels. Monitor the concrete mixtures. Don’t close your eyes to details. Learn to “rest”. Don’t be in a hurry. You are not in a competition. Be around when the lintel is being done. Make sure the right gauges of rods are used. Buy them yourself. This is very important. You will save costs and ensure quality of materials. At this level start planning for the roofing. It will interest you to know that the

most demanding aspects of building are the foundation and roofing. Plan ahead for your roofing: Leaving your house without roofing for too long can weaken the walls and the foundation. Start buying materials on time. It is good to start with the roofing sheets. It is not advisable to buy the wood first as they could be damaged before you use them. However, make sure your roofing sheets are in a safe place to avoid being stolen or damaged. Aluminum sheets are better. Resist the temptation of putting your rafters when you are not sure of the resources to put the roofing sheets. The wood will damage. After roofing, secure the house by putting your outside ceilings, fix doors and windows. The next phase should be the flooring. At this point the house can serve as a refuge in case you are under pressure. You can then work on the rooms one after the other until you finish. Concentrate more on the inside. Take care of yourself before you please others with the outside. Follow the work in the finishing, wiring, plumbing and others.

Healthy Living PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

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Tips for busy kids

o r some families, kids may be driving the schedule because they don't want to feel left out. Teens may feel pressure to boost their roster of activities to get into the school of their choice. Some parents feel it's more productive to keep their kids constantly occupied rather than leave free time for playing, exploring, and learning on their own. They might also feel that their kids will miss out on key experiences if they aren't doing what other kids are. But most parents usually just want what seems best for their kids. Even when intentions are good, though, kids can easily become overstressed and this is not healthy for them. The pressure to participate in a handful of activities all the time and to "keep up" can be physically and emotionally exhausting for parents and kids alike. Of course, organized activities and sports are beneficial and healthy thing to do. They foster social skills and are opportunities for play and exercise. They teach sportsmanship, self-discipline, and conflict resolution. Most of all, they're fun! The key is to keep them that way and ensure that kids - and parents - aren't overwhelmed. Signs That Kids Are Too Busy Sooner or later, kids who are too busy will begin to show signs. Every child is different, but overscheduled kids may: Feel tired, anxious, or depressed

Complain of headaches and stomachaches, which may be due to stress, missed meals, or lack of sleep Fall behind on their schoolwork, causing their grades to drop Over scheduling can also take a toll on kids' friendships and social lives. Family life also can suffer - when one parent is driving to basketball practice and the other is carpooling to dance class, meals are missed. As a result, some families rarely eat dinner together, and may not take the extra time to stay connected. Plus, the weekly grind of driving kids all over the place and getting to one class, game, or practice after another can be downright tiresome and stressful for parents Tips for Busy Families Even those parents who try to help their kids cut back on some activities can run up against teachers who won't tolerate absences and kids who want to keep up with their friends. However, it's important for parents to step back and make sure that their kids aren't burning out because this is dangerous for their health. The key is to schedule things in moderation and choose activities with a child's age, temperament, interests, and abilities in mind. It also depends on how healthy a child is. For a sickly child, this is dangerous. If something's too advanced, the experience is likely to be frustrating too. If it isn't engaging, kids will be bored. And

when kids do something only to please their parents, it defeats the whole purpose. Depending on a kid's age and interests, it's possible to set reasonable limits on extracurricular activities and make them more enjoyable for all. Here are some simple suggestions: Agree on ground rules ahead of time: For instance, plan on kids playing one kind of sport per season or limit activities to two afternoons or evenings during the school week to reduce stress. Know how much time is required: For example, will there be time to practice between lessons? Does your child realize that soccer practice is twice a week, right after school until dinnertime? Then there's the weekly game, too. Will homework suffer? Keep a calendar to stay organized: Display it on the refrigerator or other prominent spot so that everybody can stay up-to-date. And if you find an empty space on the calendar, leave it alone! Even if kids sign up for an activity, let them miss one or two sessions: Sometimes taking the opportunity to hang out on a beautiful day is more important than going to one more activity, even if you've already paid for it. Try to balance activities for all of your kids - and yourself: It hardly seems fair to expend time and energy carting one kid to activities, leaving little time for another.

And take time for yourself, to do the things you enjoy, and to spend time together as a family. Create family time to destress: If you're eat too much snacks, plan a few dinners when everyone can be home at the same time - even if it means eating a little later. Schedule family fun time, too, whether it's playing a game or watching TV. Set priorities: School should come first. If kids have a hard time keeping up academically, they may need to drop an activity. Know when to say no: If your child is already doing a lot but really wants to take on another activity, discuss what other activity or activities need to be dropped to make room for the new one. Remember the importance of downtime: Everyone needs a chance to relax, reflect on the day, or just do nothing. Slow It Down Take a moment and think about your child's health and life. If it's hectic, sit down together and decide where you can cut back. If it's overly structured, set aside time for blowing off some steam. Riding a bike, taking a walk, playing a game, listening to music, or just doing nothing for a while can give kids some much-needed downtime and make them have less stress. And never forget how important it is for kids to simply get together to play. Kids need time to just be kids.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

With Aunty A'isha

PAGE 23

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

Sights and sounds

SHOR T ST OR Y SHORT STOR ORY

Fools

How to cross-stitch (I)

ou will wonder what this is about, have you watched a movie titled ‘Odyssey’? If you have, did you ever wonder what Odyssey’s wife was doing on something like a piece of cloth hanged on the window? That is cross stitching! It is an art work you will enjoy doing, if you keep at it, you can exhibit your products one day and make a lot of money from the exhibition. My grandma is far from a beginner in cross stitching and can use any linen for cross stitching. For those of us at a less advanced stage, the most common

instead of embroidery floss and you’ll find it much easier to “aim” your needle at the right spot. This plastic canvas is a terrific starter material for cross stitch! Embroidery Floss: This is the thread you use for stitching. It comes with 6 threads wrapped together. Cut about an 18 inch piece off and unravel the thread so you are using 3 threads for your cross stitching or 1 thread for your backstitching. This applies to all our beginner projects. If you’re using a higher numbered Aida cloth (18 or up) use 2

Then a sparrow came flying to its nest, the monkeys were sitting on the same tree. The s p a r r o w noticed what they were doing and she laughed. She said, “Hey silly monkeys that is a firefly, not real fire.” S h e continued, “I think all of you should take shelter in a cave”. The monkeys did not listen to the sparrow. They

t was a cold and silent night. The weather was freezing. A group of monkeys were on a tree. They were clinging to its branches. One of the monkeys said, “I wish we could find some fire. It will help us to keep warm”.

Suddenly they noticed a flock of fireflies. One of the young monkeys thought it was fire. He caught a firefly. He put it under a dry leaf and started blowing at it. Some other monkeys also joined in his effort.

continued to blow at poor firefly. After some time the monkeys became very tired. Now they realized what the sparrow had said was correct. They set free the firefly and moved to a nearby cave.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Parable of the pencil

he Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the

material used is called “Aida cloth”. Aida cloth comes in a number of different sizes. For example 8 count Aida cloth has 8 cross stitches per inch while 16 count has 16 cross stitches per inch. A beginner should use the lowest number Aida cloth they can find. Keep in mind, the size of your finished project also depends on the count you use. If the pattern is on a 50x40 grid, a 6 count Aida cloth will give you an 8.3x6.7 inch finished work while an 8 count Aida cloth will result in a 6.25x5 inch piece. You will want to add two to three inches all around for framing. For even younger children, the plastic canvas needlepoint material is the best option. In this case you don’t need an embroidery hoop, you can use wool

threads for your cross stitching instead of 3. Embroidery Hoop: Trying to cross stitch without one will just result in failed attempts and frustration. Borrow from grandma, pick up a second hand sale or buy brand new but make sure you have one before you start trying to cross stitch. Remove projects from the hoop when you are not working on them to avoid leaving marks. The smaller piece goes on the wrong side of the project with the large piece overlapping on the right side. Embroidery Needle: A 22 or 24 needle work well, realistically, just find a needle that you can thread 3 pieces of embroidery floss into without too much trouble!

box. “There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.” One: “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.” Two: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.” Three: “You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.” Four: “The most important part of you will always be what's inside.” And Five: “On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.” The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart. Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never

forget, and you will become the best person you can be. One: “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.” Two: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you’ll need it to become a stronger person.” Three: “You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.” Four: “The most important

part of you will always be what’s on the inside.” And Five: “On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.” Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

PAGE 22

With Aunty A'isha

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

AFRICAN TALES

MODEL OF THE WEEK

The woman with two skins (III)

fter a time Adiaha gave birth to a daughter and the king’s jealous wife also persuaded the king to throw her away. It took a longer time to persuade him, but at last he agreed and threw his daughter into the water too, and he forgot Adiaha again. The Water Ju Ju was ready again and when he had saved the little girl, he thought the time had arrived to punish the action of the jealous wife so he went about amongst the head young men and persuaded them to hold a wrestling match in the market-place every week. This was done, and the Water Ju Ju told the king’s son, who had become very strong and was very much like to his father in appearance, that he should go and wrestle, and that no one would be able to stand up before him. It was then arranged that there should be a grand wrestling match, to which all the strongest men in the country were invited, and the king promised to attend with his

head wife. All the people of the country came to see the great contest, to the winner of which the king had promised to present prizes of cloth and money. When all the strong men saw the king’s son, whom nobody knew, they laughed and said, “Who is this small boy? He can have no chance against us.” But when they came to wrestle, they very soon found that they were no match for him. The boy was very strong indeed, beautifully made and good to look upon and all the people were surprised to see how he looked like his father. After wrestling for the greater part of the day the king’s son was declared the winner. After the match was over the king presented him with cloth and money, and invited him to dine with him in the evening. The boy gladly accepted his father’s invitation; and after he had a good wash in the river, put on his cloth and went up to the palace, where he found the head

chiefs of the country and some of the king’s most favoured wives, they sat down to their meal and the king had his own son, whom he did not know, sitting next to him. On the other side of the boy sat the jealous wife, who had been the cause of all the trouble. All through the dinner this woman did her best to make friends with the boy, with whom she had fallen violently in love on account of his beautiful appearance, his strength, and his being the best wrestler in the country. The woman thought to herself, “I will have this boy as my husband, as my husband is now an old man and will surely soon die.” The boy, however, who was as wise as he was strong, was quite aware of everything the jealous woman had done, and although he pretended to be very flattered at the advances of the king’s head wife, he did not respond very readily, and went home as soon as he could.

Little Habibat Orahachi Isa is a year old this June

ACTIVITIES

CREA TIVITY CREATIVITY

Camel egg carton craft What you need: cardboard egg carton brown paint or marker masking tape ball of tinfoil OPTIONAL: wiggly eyes OPTIONAL: wool

What to do: cut a two cup strip and a single cup from your egg carton Cut four strips from the lid of your egg carton for the legs. Leave a bit of the lip of the

carton for the feet Cut a piece from the center of the lid for the camel’s neck. It is best if you can get one of the little lumps from the lid to slide into the camel’s head Tape a ball of tinfoil into the back cup of the camel. This weights the back so he doesn’t constantly fall forward on his face. Tape/glue the pieces of the camel together. The neck should be taped to the two cup section. The other end of the neck should be taped into the single cup

The legs should be taped to the front and back of the two cup section.

Paint the camel brown OPTIONAL: glue on wiggly eyes and a wool tail

Name and paint the above picture with beautiful colour, cut and paste on your wall in class or at home for decoration, I am sure you will like it. Cheers!

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Kannywood Romantic mix in Huhaddasi By Jamila Nuhu Musa

here are favourite love stories, from Pride and Prejudice to Jane Eyre. But what make certain tales stay with generations of viewers are the things that make for a potent romantic mix, as exhibited in Huhaddasi, a Hausa movie. Some of the star artists of the Kannywood industry who featured in the film include Jamila Nagudu, Adam A. Zango, Bashir Nayaya, Rashida Bello, Saratu Gidado, Umma Aminu , Ali Nuhu and others. Huhaddasi, is the captivating story of a young man, Musa, played by Adam. A. Zango, who got entangled in a web of love after he fell head- over- heels with Umma Aminu, (Nana) but he faces some huddles. His relatives are well to do and have plans for him to go to the university and then marry from a rich family. They told Umma's uncle, acted by Bashir Nayaya about this and made it clear that their daughter being from a poor family, is not their type. Undeterred, Musa seeks advice from a friend and goes back to his village, a Fulani hamlet, where his mother, Rashida Bello still resides after her husband's death, to seek her consent to marry Nana. She gives her blessings. The quality of the leading actor is to make or mar the element of the love story, so Adam .A. Zango's character is challenging, conflicted, moody and aloof throughout the film. Also, a good story like Huhaddasi will have an alternative love object to confuse matters for the hero and this works best if a rival provides a sharp contrast to the plot. This classic example is found in Huhaddasi, when Jamila Nagudu, (Raliya) tragically declared love for Musa, who came to the village for his mother's consent to marry his heartthrob already waiting patiently for him in the city. But Raliya is charming, easy going, unassuming and happily engages Musa's attention to the extent that he forgets about his quest. Tired of waiting, Umma leaves for Musa's hamlet to seek out her love. There she encounters Raliya, the village girl who bursts into tears because her hope of marrying the man from the city has just been dashed by Umma's intrusion. Here lies the plight of Musa, but true love must be tested. - Kannywood

Nollywood

Beauty Queens and evolution of Pageant By A’isha Biola Raji

eauty pageants started in 1921 when the owner of an Atlantic City hotel developed the idea to help boost tourism. The idea had already circulated through “Most

Adam A. Zango (Musa) in a dilema of love, with Umma and Jamila

Jamila declaring love to Adam A. Zango, her lover from the city

Zarah Ekhator Queen of Aso 2012

Jamila Nagudu and Adam A. Zango

PAGE 25

Beautiful Child” contests held in major cities across the country. The Little Miss America pageant began in the 1960s at Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey. Originally, it was for teenagers from 13 to 17 years old, but by 1964 there

were over 35,000 participants, this prompted an age division. The modern child beauty pageant emerged in the late 1960s, held in Miami, Florida. Since then, the industry has grown to include nearly 25,000 pageants. It is an increasingly lucrative business, bringing in about a billion dollars a year. Contestants spend about two hours or less in actual competition and no longer than 90 seconds on stage for talent or 45 seconds for modeling routines. All pageants have slightly different guidelines, rules, criteria for what they judge on, and events. Events may include sportswear, swimwear, evening wear, talent, interview, writing skills, and modeling children are judged based on their “individuality, capability, poise, and confidence.” They compete to win a variety of prizes, such as electronics, toys, scholarships and grants, cash, tiaras, sashes, robes, and trophies. Trophies can be taller than the contestants themselves; in the “Little Miss” pageant, the World level trophies can be 5 to 6 feet tall. Some pageants do their best to make every child feel like a winner. There is a queen for every age division and there are Ultimate Grand Supreme awards, Mini supreme queens for certain blocks of age divisions (0-5, 6-11, 12-16, 17 and up). There are also side awards and overall side awards. Nigeria children are not left behind in this parade of beauty and intelligence. Last month, Nigerian children in Abuja celebrated ‘Children Day’ with the emergence of the fourth Little Queen of Aso organized by Aso Multi Media Abuja with the theme Promoting Girl Child Education in Nigeria. The ceremony started with dance by the nineteen contestants drawn from various schools in the Federal

Talented former Queen of Aso and former Miss Tourism performing at the event

Capital Territory, representing various ethnic groups in Nigeria: Fulani, Tiv, Isoko, Itsekiri, Nupe, Edo, Hausa, Urhobo, Calabari, Birom, Kwere, Ijaw, Efik, Idoma, Yoruba Igala, Gbagyi, Ebira and Igbo. There were various artistes from Abuja and Lagos; they were all eager to please the children with their performance. The contestants later appeared in their traditional attires, casual and finally their evening wears. It

From the right: Queen Igbo (Miss Nanet), former Queen of Aso, current Queen of Aso, Queen Edo and Queen Birom was a night to remember for the children as they showcased their cultural with an aura that portrayed familiarity with it. At the end of the pageant, Queen Fulani, Zarah Ekhator was crowned the current Queen of Aso while second position and first runner up went to Queen Edo Excel Osunbor and the third position and second runner up however went to Queen Birom Naomi Adams. The current Queen however encouraged parents and children to see the pageant, as a platform for upgrading girl child education in Nigeria. Desmond Agboola, the Chief Executive and Pageant Director of little Queen of Aso in his speech said, the pageant is designed to promote cultural heritage and tourism in the country. He mentioned that the idea was born out of a courtesy visit to the then first lady of Zamfara state Hajiya Aisha Shinkafi who encouraged the team to include children in the pageant as another measure of improving on ‘girl child education.’ Desmond concluded by saying, the importance of girl child education should be at the front burner of every nation. He said, “educate a girl child and you have educated the whole nation.” The past little Queen of Aso during her reign visited home of orphanages and schools with support from ministry of women affairs and other partners.

Four year old Divine Ahua, Little Princess of Handmaids International School, Garki, Abuja.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Hollywood/Bollywood

Justin Bieber teams up with Father and son, R anbir and Ranbir Nicki Minaj, drops new single Rishi K apoor steal sho w Ka show

Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj - “Beauty and a Beat”

a y s before the release of "Believe," Justin Biebe dropped another single off his upcoming album. This one is wittily titled

"Beauty and a Beat" and it features the assistance of Nicki Minaj, who raps about Justin's fan base and also his girlfriend, Selena Gomez. Give the track a listen now: Other singles that will be

included on the CD, which have either been unveiled online or in concert in the past month are: -As Long as You Love Me -All Around the World -Die in Your Arms"

Robin Roberts thanks viewers, celebrities for support

day after announcing to the world, that she's been diagnosed with MDS, a rare blood disorder which

will require chemotherapy and a bone-marrow transplant from her sister, Robin Roberts was back on her Good Morning America

show. "I slept like a baby last night for the first night since my diagnosis," Roberts said on air. "My family and I are overwhelmed and comforted by the response from everyone." And those responses include many well wishes from celebrities, including Tweets by Josh Groban, Rob Lowe and Katie Couric. Michelle Obama also chimed in on the micro-blogging network with: "Barack and I have you in our prayers. We believe in you and thank you for bringing awareness and hope to others." But the health status of Roberts - one of television's best known and most respected interviewers - crosses political party lines, of course, as the journalist said she also had a "lovely conversation with Ann Romney who has had her health challenges." (Ann Romney was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998.) Roberts has also heard from Erin Andrews, Kristin Chenoweth and Gayle King and simply says all the feedback has been "very comforting."

t the International Indian Film Academy ( IIFA) awards in Singapore last Saturday, the father-son duo, Rishi Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor literally stole the show with their scintillating dance performance. Ranbir Kapoor made

his entry with a guitar in his hand, performing to his popular number 'Sadda Haq', followed by a dance number to 'Tai Tai Phish'. Soon, Rishi Kapoor made a stylish entry to the dialogue from his hit movie 'Karz' - Kya tumne kabhi kisi se pyaar kiya, followed

by a dance number to 'Paisa Yeh Paisa'. Later on, Ranbir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor had a small competition on the new and old versions of the song 'Bachna Ae Haseeno'. Ranbir won the so called competition, concluding it by touching his dad's feet.

Hema Malini's daughter Esha to marry Bharat June 29

e m a Malini and Dharmendra's daughter Esha Deol, engaged to Bharat Takhtani, is to wed on June 29 at a temple. Bharat Takhtani is a Bandra-based businessman whom Esha has been dating for quite some time now. Mummy Hema said, "We are very happy and excited. The preparations have started. The wedding will take place on June 29 at a temple. We wanted to have the wedding in a temple." The couple decided to keep the wedding a private affair, with only a few of their loved ones attending the ceremony. However, The reception will be grand, at a suburban five star hotel on 30 of June. "The reception will take place on June 30, at a five star hotel. We just want best wishes and love from everyone," Hema added.

Priyanka Chopra pays tribute to Rekha!

t the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards, Saturday, actress Priyanka Chopra danced to popular

songs of Rekha, as a tribute. Rekha was honored for outstanding achievement in Indian cinema at the ceremony, organised by Wizcraft International

Entertainment. Priyanka showed some amazing moves to the remixed version of "In aakhon ki masti ke" from "Umrao Jaan", "Salaam-e-

Ishq meri jaan", "Pyar do pyaar lo" and "Pardesiya". Later on, Rekha too joined Priyanka, taking the whole thing to a totally different level. On receiving the award,

Rekha spoke a few words, "I would like to dedicate this award to my producers who have inspired me, and the young actors of our industry like Ranbir Kapoor,

Sonakshi Sinha, Priyanka Chopra, who are super talented. I am proud to be a part of the film fraternity." bollywoodgossips.net

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Homes

PAGE 27

Ventilation to maintain indoor humidity Controlling Moisture The first step to take in general is for you to address the following issues when remodeling your home. Too much moisture in a home can lead to mold, mildew, and other biological growth. This in turn can lead to a variety of health effects ranging from more common allergic reactions, to asthma attacks, and hypersensitivity pneumonitits, for example. Excess moisture can be in the form of high relative humidity including humidity generated by people and their activities such as showers, cooking, or drying clothes. Water can also come from plumbing leaks, wet shoes, or splashing around sinks. Moisture can travel with infiltrating outdoor air (or ex-filtrating indoor air) through the building shell, including the foundation. In addition to health problems, high relative humidity or water that enters building cavities that is not allowed to dry quickly can lead to problems such as rot, structural damage, and premature paint failure. Methods to control moisture include building an energy-efficient home with proper airsealing, proper use of vapor barriers and vapor diffusion strategies. The entire building envelope, from the foundation to the roof, should be designed to not only prevent moisture entry, but also to allow any moisture which does enter a means to escape. As mentioned above, people and their activities in a home are big sources of moisture; thus proper ventilation is also important in order to maintain indoor humidity levels within an acceptable range. Moisture Control Techniques 1. Manage water outside the foundation walls. The ground around the home's foundation should be graded to slope down and away from the house at a rate of 1/2" to 1" per linear foot to drain surface water away from the house. Water from down spouts should be directed away from the house, discharging at least a few feet from the foundation. Test any underground drains with a hose to make sure they are working properly. Drains that are not working should be repaired or replaced with an elbow discharge described above. Be sure that driveways, sidewalks, and patios slope down and away from foundation walls at 1/4" per linear foot. In extreme cases, you may have to dig out around the foundation and replace the fill with an exterior drain tile and with a good draining material such as clean gravel. In some areas, there may not be enough room outside the dwelling to provide proper drainage - in these cases, it is often recommended that interior drain tile and a sump pump be installed to remove water from basements and crawlspaces. This also can be very expensive. 2. Manage water inside the foundation walls and in the basement or crawl space floor. If the basement or crawl space has a dirt floor, cover it with 6 mil poly, overlapping edges by at least 12 inches. Seal any cracks or joints in the foundation wall or slab with an elastomeric caulk. 3. Use construction techniques to control water, air movement, vapor diffusion, and condensation. Use construction methods and materials which promote the drying of building assemblies. Use construction techniques which reduce the likelihood that warm, moist air will come in contact with cold surfaces, leading to condensation, mold growth, and rot. This includes controlling air movement and using vapor barriers on the warm side of walls and

roofs. Proper flashing and drainage techniques should be used to keep rainwater out. There are different strategies to achieve this, and the strategies vary widely depending on the climate. 4. Roofs. It is important that the roof and flashing details and construction effectively keep water out of the house. It is also important that the roof design addresses the issue of moisture in the form of water vapor to avoid condensation in building cavities. There is no single strategy which will work for all houses in all climate conditions. The important considerations are preventing movement of moisture from the warm side to the cold side of the building envelope, and managing moisture which does pass through the envelope to prevent condensation on building materials. 5. Ensure the home is properly ventilated, with at least wide windows and exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen and preferably a mechanical ventilation system designed to ventilate the entire house. High relative humidity (RH) can lead to problems with mold, dust mites, and other biological pollutants. Using exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen can remove much of the moisture that builds up from everyday activities and help to keep RH below 50%. There are exhaust fans on the market that produce little noise, an important consideration for some people. Another benefit to using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans is that they can also exhaust odors and pollutants from these rooms. These fans can be part of an active ventilation system for the entire house, and help to reduce humidity levels. Vent bathroom, kitchen, and clothes dryer/laundry room exhausts directly to the outside, not into an enclosed space. 6. Size Air-Conditioning Equipment correctly. More is not always better. Incorrectly sized equipment can lead to operational and cost problems. Oversized air conditioning systems can "short-cycle" leading to rapid cooling without reducing indoor humidity levels. This can lead to a variety of problems associated with high relative humidity. Heat gain and heat loss should be determined for each house. Equipment should be sized for each individual house because even identically built homes will be affected by variations such as solar orientation and shading which affect heating and cooling loads. Correct refrigerant charge (not under- or over-charged) and proper maintenance are also necessary for optimum performance of air conditioners. 7. Low Relative Humidity. Below 30 percent relative humidity, people can be uncomfortable and can suffer from dry mucus membranes which can lead to nosebleeds and infections. In general, low relative humidity is only a problem during the winter months, when the outside air contains very little moisture. It is this dry outside air entering the home through cracks and openings in the building shell that causes the inside air to become dry. The greater the amount of outside air which leaks into the house, the dryer the indoor air becomes. By air-sealing and using energyefficient construction, uncontrolled air leakage is greatly reduced, a more controlled indoor environment is created, and moisture can be maintained at acceptable levels without the use of a humidifier. Humidifiers require maintenance to avoid becoming breeding grounds for biological contaminants. www.epa.gov

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Cuisine

Pots & Pans

With Hajiya Ramatu Usman Dorayi

Appetizing healthy fruit drinks

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and popping it into our mouths. That is not all to do with fruits; you could make appetizing fruity drinks that are also healthy and nourishing, in the confines of your home. Real homemade drinks in few minutes.

African fruit slush

Mango and pineapple

5 juice of 5 oranges 3 juice of 3 lemons 4 cups sugar 5 cups water 4 mashed bananas 1 can crushed pineapples 7-Up, soda

1 cup vanilla yoghurt 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice 1/2 banana sliced 1 peeled mango seeded and chopped 1/2 cup non-fat milk 2 tbsp cream of coconut

Dissolve sugar in hot water and cool. Add all other ingredients and freeze. (Other fruit can be added to the bananas and pineapples such as pears, peaches, strawberries, kiwi, etc.) Spoon frozen mixture into glass and add Sprite, 7-Up, or any soft drink.

Chocolate strawberry 2 frozen banana chunked 1/2 cupfrozen strawberries 2 tbsp chocolate syrup 1 cupplain yoghurt In a blender combine bananas, strawberries, chocolate syrup and yogurt. Blend until smooth.

In a blender, blend the vanilla yogurt, pineapple juice, banana, mango, milk, and cream of coconut until smooth.

Avocado milkshake 1 liter milk 2 - 3 halved and peeled avocados 1/2 cup sugar Blend on medium for 3 to 5 minutes.

After midnight 2 tsp instant coffee 1 glass of cold milk 2 tsp instant cocoa 1 dash cream Add coffee and cocoa to milk. Add cream to smoothen.

Bubble tea

Berry breakfast

1 cup large tapioca pearls 1 cup milk 1 cup instant Chai tea 2 cups ice 3 tbsp honey 1. Fill a saucepan about halfway with water, and bring to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls, and return to a boil. Stir to make sure they do not start to stick together or to the pot. Cover, and simmer over medium heat for 45 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes, then rinse and drain. The pearls should be squishy and black. Stir some of the honey into the pearls so they are coated. 2. Place the milk, any remaining honey, tea mix, and ice into the container of a blender. Cover, and blend to your desired slushiness. Pour the tea into two large glasses. Spoon half of the tapioca pearls into each glass. If you can find extra wide straws, place one into each drink to suck up the pearls and chew on them while you are drinking.

3/4 cupchilled orange juice 1/3 cupchilled pineapple juice 2 cupsvanilla yoghurt 1/2 cupfrozen strawberry (sliced) 1/2 banana (sliced) Place the orange juice, pineapple juice, yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas into a blender. Cover and blend until smooth. The berry drink will be very thick. Serve immediately.

Yoghurt cooler 1 cup yoghurt 1 cup fruits Place all ingredients into a blender jar. Cover and whiz on medium speed until well blended. Pour into a glass, and serve. Note: Use lots of ice. To add ice: Remove the center of the cover while the blender is on - drop 3 or 4 ice cubes and blend until they're all blended.

Apple banana smoothie 1 frozen, peeled and chopped banana 1/2 cup orange juice 1 peeled, cored and chopped apple 1/4 cup milk Combine ingredients in a blender until smooth, pour into tall glasses.

Womanhood PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Amina

Jewel of Womanhood By Jamila Nuhu Musa

h o s e who knew late Alhaji Abdu Lukat, a business mogul in the ancient city of Kano in those days, would remember that he was an industrious man, who contributed in transforming the economy of the Pyramid city. Following in the same line, his daughter, Amina, a third child in a family of eleven is now an astute and accomplished entrepreneur and business woman, who has successfully founded and nurtured a number of business ventures, contributing her own quota to the development of Kano and the nation's economy by providing employment to several Nigerians. She is the amiable wife of the Vice President, Namadi Sambo with whom she has six lovely children. Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo was recently honoured by the AlHabibiyyah Academy Abuja, with the Award of Jewel of Womanhood, for putting smiles on the faces of the down trodden in the society, during the Academy's 10th Executive Walimatul-Qur'an and 9th Nigeria Muslim Merit Award presentation. In her response, she said "the Award is a singular honour which will help me dedicate more to the cause of Islam", and congratulated the graduands for their commitment to enriching themselves by registering for the Islamic courses. Sambo, who was represented at the occasion by the Director General of the Women Development Centre, Hajiya Fatima Hassan, said the topic of the lecture, Integrating Almajiri Educational System: Perspectives form Qur'an and Sunnah was apt considering the challenges facing the nation. She promised to give the necessary support to further progress of the Academy. In the citation, Hajiya Amina Mohammed Namadi Sambo was described as a consummate humanist and philanthropist. When she was first lady of Kaduna state, she was founder, initiator and Chairperson of 'I Care-Women and Youth Initiative,' a nongovernmental organization established with the primary objective of improving the lives and well-being of women and youth and the less privileged members of the society. In practicalising the vision behind her pet project, and as the mother of the State, when her

Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo

husband was Governor of Kaduna State, she provided humanitarian and philanthropic services, not limited to economic empowerment, health care delivery and environmental related services to several industries and communities across the State. Her 'I Care-Women and Youth Initiative' initiated poverty alleviation programmes which distributed empowerment tools to 150 groups/associations, provided funds to over 40 persons for establishment of small and medium scale ventures, sponsored training of about 400 women and youth in various computer and vocational skills, while 140 women and youths also received grants and micro-credit facilities. In the area of health care delivery service, Hajiya Amina Sambo provided free medical care to pregnant women and children under 5 years; donated free drugs to 30 Primary Health Clinics and Hospitals across the State, provided free acupuncture to 100 persons in curing various illnesses; carried out free eye surgery to 576 persons with cataract and other related eye diseases. In addition, Mrs. Sambo, through her NGO, championed

crusade against HIV/AIDS through sponsorship of awareness and sensitization programmes; and empowered victims of the dreaded disease with entrepreneurial tools for self sustenance, hence reducing stigmatization. The then first lady also partnered with the World Bank to implement a project titled "Increasing Access to HIV/AIDS information and services to males and females out of school, youths and women in Purdah" and published HIV|hand bills distributed widely for free. She equally carried out community awareness campaign on health; environmental sanitation and personal hygiene in schools and communities and even

undertook door to door distribution of Insecticides Treated Nets (ITN) to pregnant women and children under 5 years in order to fight malaria as well as door-to-door administration of polio vaccines in the attempt to eradicate polio in the country. Her pet project was also involved in carrying out sensitization workshop on reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, targeting stakeholders, traditional leaders and traditional birth attendants. A strong advocate on gender matters, Hajiya Amina Sambo has been in the vanguard of fight for the education of the girlchild and has carried out sensitization by

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

She said "the Award is a singular honour which will help me dedicate more to the cause of Islam", and congratulated the graduands for their commitment to enriching themselves by registering for the Islamic courses.

laying emphasis on enrolment, retention and completion of girlchild education. Her gender activism also touches on definitive action on gender based violence as she is still collaborating with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kaduna State Branch to ensure prosecution of offenders against women rights. Hajiya Amina Sambo has demonstrated candour, dedication and uncommon passion in her meritorious service to humanity. In recognition of this at home and abroad, she has been conferred with several awards which includes; Madarasatul Ulumul Quran Honors for service to Islam in Nigeria and abroad, and Platinum award as patron of the Organisation - 'Project for Excellence, an award for service to humanity by the Centre for Technology Entrepreneurship Education and Community Empowerment (CTEECE) Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna; An Award of Excellency by the International Islamic Relief Organisation (IIRO) Saudi Arabia and an Award as Ambassador for Gender and Award of Pride to Womanhood by the Ladies of St. Mulumba, Nigeria queen of Apostles Catholic church, Kaduna, just to mention a few. In her leisure time, she engages in reading, cooking and humanitarian services. Her best food is 'Tuwon alkama and miyan kuku.' Hajiya Amina Mohammed Namadi Sambo also holds the traditional titles of Etun Amba Numana of Sanga Land, Gimbiya of Kagarko, Uwar Maraya and Mujahidar Addini. Recently, she was made the Matron, Ansar-UdDeen Society of Nigeria, Makurdi Benue State. Amina began her educational pursuit with her enrollment at the Therbow School, Zaria after which she proceeded to the famous St. Louis Secondary School, Kano for her secondary education. Having passed her School Certificate Examination with flying colours, the young Amina was admitted into the prestigious Bayero University Kano, (BUK) where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. In furtherance of her academic pursuit and search for knowledge, Hajiya Amina Sambo later attended Al-Manar International College, Kaduna where she obtained a diploma in Arabic and Islamic Studies.

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Do you have old pictures for memories? Send them to julius2001_a@yahoo.com

From the archives How Nigeria Police started

n April 1861, the British Consul in Lagos obtained permission from his principal in London to establish a Consular Guard comprising of 30 men. Two years later in 1863, this small body of men became known as the “Hausa Guard”. It was further regularized in 1879 by an Ordinance creating a Constabulary for the Colony of Lagos. An Inspector-General of Police commanded this Force recruited mainly from Hausas

and known as the “Hausa Constabulary”. On 1st January 1896, the Lagos Police Force was created and armed like the “Hausa Constabulary”. While the developments were taking place in Lagos and part of the Yoruba heartland, the areas now known as Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, River and Cross River States were declared the Oil Rivers protectorate in 1891 with Headquarters at Calabar where an armed constabulary was formed. In 1893 the area

was proclaimed the Niger Coast. Constabulary, modeled on the Hausa Constabulary, was formed. It existed for six years and featured prominently in the British expedition to Benin in 1896. In the Northern parts of the Country the Royal Niger Company, which was granted a Royal Charter in 1886 by the British Government, set up the Royal Niger Constabulary in 1888 with Headquarters at Lokoja to protect its installations along the banks of the River Niger. It had a mounted company known as Carrol’s Hoses. The Royal Niger Constabulary played an important role in British campaigns against Bida and Ilorin. When the British Government in 1900 following the transfer of administration from the Royal Niger Company proclaimed protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria, the Royal Niger Constabulary was split into the Northern Nigeria Police Force and the Northern Nigeria Regiment. In the South, the Lagos Police Force and part of the Niger Coast Constabulary became the southern Nigeria Police Force in 1906 while the bulk of the Niger Coast Constabulary formed the southern Nigeria Regiments. After the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914 both Police Forces continued to operate separately until 1st April 1930 when they were merged to form the present Nigeria Police Force with Headquarters in Lagos. Late Mr. Louis Orok Edet was appointed the first indigenous Inspector-General of Police IN 1964. Since then twelve other Nigerians has held the Office.

Inspectors General of the Nigerian Police Louis Edet 1964–1966 Kam Salem 1966–1975 Muhammadu Dikko Yusufu 1975–1979 Adamu Suleiman 1979–1981 Sunday Adewusi 1981–1983 Etim Inyang 1985–1986 Muhammadu Gambo-Jimeta 1986–1990 Aliyu Atta 1990–1993 Ibrahim Coomassie 1993–1999 Musiliu Smith 1999–2002 Mustafa Adebayo Balogun 2002 – 2005 Sunday Ehindero 2005–2007 Mike Mbama Okiro 2007–2009 Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo 2009 - 2010 Hafiz Ringim 2010 - Jan 2012 Mohammed Abubakar 2012 - current

L ear ning PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Mathematics Lesson Surface Area of Common Solids

This week, we will continue our study of Surface Area of common Solids. Last week we studied the surface area of Prisms, this week we shall be looking at the Surface Area of Cylinders. Surface Area of Cylinders SA = 2?r2 + 2?rh

General Cylinder A cylinder has a total of three surfaces: a top, bottom, and middle. The top and bottom, which are circles, are easy to visualize. The area of a circle is ?r2. So, the area of two circles would be ?r2 + ?r2 = 2?r2. The third surface, the lateral surface area, is less easy to visualize for the purposes of calculating its area, especially since it does not appear to be in a shape that fits a known area like a triangle or parallelogram. The surface being referred to is the curved wall of the cylinder. We can manipulate the curved wall of a cylinder to produce a recognizable shape. Imagine starting with a cylinder, like a typical can, and then cutting the can up its wall. From the bottom to the top of the can, a cut is made. See the dashed segment in step one of the diagram to the right. Now, from the newly cut edge, the cylinder wall will be spread open. Almost like opening double doors to a fancy home, the walls spread apart. See step two of the same diagram. When the cylinder's wall is completely open, it takes the form a very recognizable, basic shape. It is a rectangle. Fortunately, the area of a rectangle is easy to calculate. But we need to go back to the original cylinder for a moment before we calculate the rectangle's area. The top of the original cylinder is a circle. We know that the distance around a circle is called its circumference, C = 2?r. The circumference has been marked in red. When the cylinder wall is completely open, we see that the circumference of

Compiled by Joy Baba

the circle becomes the length of the final rectangle. The dimensions of the rectangle are the circumference, C = 2?r, and the height of the cylinder, h. So, the area of the rectangle is A = l x w = C x h = 2?r x h = 2?rh. Finally, if we put all the three surfaces together, we can arrive at the formula for the complete surface area of a cylinder. The top, the bottom, and the walls of the cylinder (the lateral surface area) determine the total surface area. Those values are ?r2 + ?r2 + 2?rh = 2?r2 + 2?rh. Sometimes this expression is written as 2?r(r + h) in certain geometry texts. [Can you see how 2?r2 + 2?rh = 2?r(r + h) by the distributive property?] Example 1: If r = 6 ft and h = 4 ft, then the surface area would be SA = 2(3.14)(6 ft)2 + 2(3.14)(6 ft)(4 ft) = 2(3.14)(36 ft2) + 2(3.14)(24 ft2) = 226.08 ft2 + 150.72 ft2 = 376.8 ft2. Example 2: If r = 5 cm and h = 2 cm, then the surface area would be SA = 2(3.14)(5 cm)2 + 2(3.14)(5 cm)(2 cm) = 2(3.14)(25 cm2) + 2(3.14)(10 cm2) = 157 cm2 + 62.8 cm2 = 219.8 cm2.

PAGE 31

ut those in IT should know acutely that listening to a professor blab at the front of a lecture hall is no substitute for opening up a computer and learning your way around, writing some mobile apps or gaining proficiency with widely used software. And all the resources you would ever need to become an expert in these areas is available for free (or nearly so) on the Internet. So, why start your career with some

Finding an IT job in a bad economy (II)

N250,000 or more in debt? A college degree may be a good option-particularly if you are able to get your schooling paid for by someone else-but it may not. The question to ask yourself is whether the degree (which is not always worth the three letters that you can place behind your name) is worth trading for four or more years of practical-and paidemployment experience. The skills you can learn in a fraction of that time may well outweigh the value of the degree, not to mention the associated debts. Yes, it may require starting a little lower on the scale and working your way up, but that's not always a bad approach. Again, this is not to say you should or shouldn't go to college-just be sure you don't blindly go to college. And if you do go, be sure to investigate the unemployment rate of new grads from the majors you're evaluating. IT's All About Skills What really matters to employers are your skills. Have you written (possibly in your spare time) a popular software application? Have you

taught yourself proficiency in a certain software program that is important to a company? These sorts of things are what will really make you stand at hiring time. If you're hunting for a job or plan in the future to do so, spend time now identifying areas where companies lack talent and teach yourself skills in those areas. It's not as hard as it sounds (although it does take some time and effort)-everything you need is probably available on the Internet for free or for a small fee. If you're good at sifting through information and teaching yourself on the fly, you can probably learn a particular skill for free. If you need a little more organization, you can find services that will help you for a (usually very small) fee. What's more, some skills enable you to work for yourself and bypass the commotion of job hunting entirely. You'll still need to secure clients, but as company budgets are crimped by the slow economy, IT contractors become more and more appealing, since they provide "pay as you go"

ICT ESSENCE with

Bello Abdulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azeez +234 805 113 0075 abdulazeez@ictessence.com www.ictessence.com

services without the hassle and expense of traditional employment. And, of course, income security goes out the window, but you're trading it for some major benefits and even much greater earnings potential. It's a risk, but it's one that may be worth taking, particularly if you're stuck trying to find a regular job. Whichever approach you take, however, gaining new skills (or updating your existing skills) is time well spent. Conclusions Much of your task in finding a job in IT-as in any other field-is standing out from the crowd. An article of this length certainly cannot provide fine details of how you can best enter a particular area, as different segments focus on different things. But don't just count on your resume and cover letter getting you a job. IT is especially amenable to selftaught skills owing to the prevalence of computer technology. If you want a career in IT-whether working for a company or for yourself-take advantage of your ability to learn new skills even at home, and even as you continue your job hunt.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

F It's a lace affair Compiled by Miriam Humbe Lace is an openwork fabric, patterned with open holes in the work, made by machine or by hand. The holes are formed via removal of threads from a previously woven fabric, but more often open spaces are created as part of the lace fabric. Lace-making has its history dating as far back as the late 15th and early 16th centuries. A lace material is created when a thread is looped, twisted or braided to other threads independently from a backing fabric. Originally linen, silk, gold, or silver threads were used. Now lace is often made with cotton thread, although linen and silk threads are still available. Manufactured lace may be made of synthetic fiber. A few modern artists make lace with a fine copper or silver wire instead of thread. Lace is regarded as a prestigious piece of cloth and is worn by males and females alike. It is mostly worn to events and when matched with nice head gear, cap, and matching accessories, it gives a stylishly graceful look.

Cotton lace pencil dress

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

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Business FIRS hailed for tax education By Augustine Aminu

non governmental organization, Conscience Advocacy has hailed the Federal Inland Revenue services for its aggressive tax education aimed at educating Nigerians on the nation’s tax policies. The NGO blamed the refusal of Nigerians to pay tax on the low level of tax education, stressing that there is need for people to be adequately educated Speaking during a media briefing, the coordinator of Conscience Advocacy, Babangida Okuboye said the management of FIRS must be commended for this tax campaign as these tips will significantly educate people on tax. He said since the coming on board of the current management Nigeria’s tax compliance has improved significantly, stressing that this is due to the improved awareness being created by numerous campaigns embarked by the FIRS He said, “People are not knowledgeable about tax. In some countries, people get jailed for not paying their taxes. But in Nigeria where people are not very knowledgeable about taxation, the best thing you could do is first educate the citizens about the importance of paying their taxes Nigerians have a misconception about paying tax. They believe that paying their taxes is a waste of money because they conceive that the funds are not judiciously used and their taxes are being used to fund corruption. Our compliance level is low. But with adequate education, all these are bound to change” he said. He said further, “I think people need tax education first, before the question of trial and jailing could be considered. We can raise enough funds for government to finance projects. We don’t need to continue to depend on oil. If people begin to pay their taxes the government will have enough funds at its disposal. But first thing first, let’s educate and interact with taxpayers first. He said Nigerians are peace loving people and all that is needed for them to comply with the new tax regime is the current aggressive tax education embarked upon by the FIRS aimed at educating Nigerians on the reasons why people should pay tax and the benefit of tax to the nation’s economy.

ICT is key to the achievement of Vision 20:20:20

Unsold Nigerian cargoes to go in August

s many as 20 Nigerian cargoes reported unsold for July loading a week ahead of lifting programmes for August. Qua Iboe: below month lows with sellers reported at dated Brent plus $1.70, down 10 cents this week, and possible buyers closer to plus $1.50. Four of 11 July Qua Iboe cargoes reportedunsold. Bonny Light: Qua Iboe minus 40 cents, or around dated Brent plus $1.35. It has been under force majeure for six weeks. Escravos: assessed at around Qua Iboe plus around 20 cents, up from a discount of around 20 cents a month ago. Chevron was reported to be offering one Escravos at around dated Brent plus $2.10, not too far above a doable level.

Shell Nigerian selling 3 more onshore blocks By Augustine Aminu with agency report

o y a l Dutch Shell's Nigeria operation is working on selling three onshore oil blocks, the latest move to divest some of its onshore assets, a spokesman said on Friday. Shell has been winding down some of its onshore operations, which are plagued with problems such as militancy and rampant oil theft, as it increasingly focuses on offshore and deepwater drilling. Nigeria's government, which

is trying to increase ownership of oil blocks by local companies, has encouraged such deals. "SPDC (Shell Petroleum Development Corporation) is working towards the potential divestment of OMLs 30, 34 and 40," spokesman Tony Okonedo said by telephone. He declined to comment on any negotiations or whether an offer had already been made on them. The sales follow similar divestments over the past two years. Last year, Shell sold its 30

percent stake in Nigerian onshore oil block OML 42 to local consortium Neconde Energy, which includes Nestoil Group, Aries E&P Company Limited, VP Global and Poland's Kulczyk Oil Ventures, for $390 million. The Anglo-Dutch major also divested its 30 percent stake in block OML 26 to First Hydrocarbon Nigeria (FHN), which is part-owned by Afren, for $98 million in the same year. In 2010, it assigned three blocks, OML 4, 38 and 41, to Seplat Petroleum, Okonedo said.

Naira remains within range despite recent drop By Joy Baba with agency report

h e naira is forecast to ease against the dollar due to a persistent interbank shortage of foreign exchange. The naira was trading at 163.20 to the dollar at the interbank market at 1045 GMT, broadly in line with its trading range this week. "The market is short on

dollars and just hovering around the 163 level because of expectations that the central bank could intervene to provide dollar liquidity," one dealer said. The naira has fallen relentlessly in recent weeks, despite central bank attempts prop it up, driven initially by dollar demand from fuel importers but later by an exodus of foreign investors out of local

bonds. Dealers say consistent intervention is needed to keep dollar demand from piling up as offshore investors retreat and in the absence of foreign exchange from state-oil firm NNPC. "The naira could cross the 164 to the dollar mark next week if the cenShell Nigerian selling 3 more onshore blocks

Dana air crash: NZOCA calls for post disaster management scheme By Augustine Aminu

he Nsukka Zonal Citizens Abuja has commiserated with the families of Dana airline crash which occurred recently in Abuja. The group also called for the introduction of post disaster management scheme in Nigeria.

The group, which spoke through its president, Barr. Paul Eze, in Abuja yesterday, also called on the stakeholders in the aviation industry to expedite actions to avert future occurrence. “The world has so technologically advanced that certain dangers could be avoided.

We are not saying that the unknown cannot happen, but efforts should be made to remove human factors as much as possible,” he said. Eze also urged emergency management agencies in Nigeria to be more proactive and called for more training. “Above all, post disaster

management programmes should be introduced in the emergency scheme because the after effects can be devastating. The bereaved always face psychological trauma. This is a period that they require psychological support. Unfortunately such services lack in Nigeria,” he said.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Business News

Why KLM suspended Kano flights From Edwin Olofu, Kano

n official of the Royal Dutch Airline often referred to as the KLM, Malam Sani Isa Yamel has offered an insight as to why the airline suspended flight operations to the commercial city of kano. KLM Airline had just announced its decision to suspend its flights operations to Amsterdam via Kano, forcing intending passengers from the northern part of the country with no other option other than to fly to Amsterdam via the Nnamdi international airport Abuja. Yamel justified the change in the schedule of the airline saying it was based on business considerations. The airline’s decision is not going down well with the business community in the north who fear the action may have been precipitated by the security challenges in key cities of the north like Kano, Kaduna, Jos and Maiduguri. But Yamel, who is kano KLM station manager thinks otherwise saying it was due to lack of patronage from the north. He further stated that the numbers of passengers that patronizes the airline kept on dwindling from 2008 to the extent that it become unbearable for the airline to remain in business in kano. Yamel has worked for the airline for over three decade in kano and retired came back to the company on a contract and has equally ended the contract work with the airline. The station manager added that before 2008 their aircraft used to pick more than 100 passengers in kano and sometime the aircraft will be filled to its capacity, forcing them to make alternative arrangement for their passengers. Yamel explained that to their surprised the numbers kept on dropping down from 100 in 2008 to 50 in 2009 adding it got to an embarrassing level of 7 to 5 passengers. He said as a result, the airline was left with no option but to suspend its operation from the kano route until the situation normalize before they lift the suspension. “I want to correct this impression that we suspended our flight operation from Abuja – Kano route because of security reasons but the obvious reason of low turnout of passengers in Malam Aminu Kano Airport (MAKIA). You can ask anybody in this airport, what the numbers of

KLM jumbo jet passengers flying from this airport? Honestly you will be shock by what you will hear. The same northern passengers will prefer to fly from either Abuja or Lagos that is the problem. “I cannot explain why they refused to fly from kano, since 2008 we have been experiencing low turnout of passengers in this we used to carry 100 passengers then it came down to 50 then to 5 sometime and this cannot even pay the landing and parking cost we cannot continue to operate at a loss because this is business.” Yamel revealed that plans by the airline to closed this route has been in the offing sin the last two years debunking further that it is for security reason. “If people are saying the suspension is for security purpose I can tell you that the plans has been there I can say since 2008 before the insecurity started in kano. Why will they suspend it when we don’t have any expatriate in kano office we are four here and all of us Nigerians. As far as I’m concern the management of KLM didn’t raise any security issue. Honestly it a sad development because with this development now I can say the entire north is out of Europe if you are going to Europe from the north you have to go to Abuja” When probed further, Yamel admitted that passengers have been complaining of unnecessary harassment by the security agents in the airport and lack of some

basic facilities in the airport. “You can go and ask the passengers I’m not the one that is saying it but I heard them grumbling all the time that the security agents are harassing them some even complain of extortion that is why they prefer Lagos or Abuja.” He explained. Alhaji Shehu Yau Saad is a Gold member of the KLM airline he said was rewarded by the airline because of his loyalty over the years, saying that he has been flying KLM for a very long period of time and he enjoyed their flights. Saad is sad that KLM will no longer fly his route his own main reason is the for proximity that in matter of few minutes he get to the airport from his residence in kano the same thing when returning. “Honestly, when I heard of the development I was not happy, I was not happy because the

inconvenience now is too much. Before it takes me only 15 minutes to get to the airport before I board or check out from my house and to my house but now I have to go to Abuja is really unfortunate. But to be sincere I don’t blame them the airline, passengers are to be blame instead of people boarding from Kano their will go to Abuja I think this is one of the reason why they suspended this route.” Saad stated. Saad equally concur with many on the allege harassment of security agents he said from his discussion with a lot of passengers they prefer to go to Abuja and Lagos because there security agents treat them with dignity. “I think one of the reason why people don’t board from Kano is the harassment by security agents in MAKIA airport. I have the privilege of speaking with many of the passengers they told me the same thing you go through other

“

The airline’s decision is not going down well with the business community in the north who fear the action may have been precipitated by the security challenges in key cities of the north like Kano, Kaduna, Jos and Maiduguri.

airport there is ease before you know you are have checkout or boarded but not in Kano. The problem has to do with corruption among security agents the level of extortion here is too much the authority concern have to address this issue if not whatever they are trying to do to revive this airport will be in vain. “Another thing is the state of the airport I mean infrastructural decay is too much you can imagine no this simple conveyor in this airport and so many other facilities and this will discourage a lot of people.” He said. Peoples Daily Weekend check revealed that what pissed up passenger from the Kano airport apart from the issue of infrastructure I the alleged harassment by the security agents and extortion by them. When our correspondent visited KLM in the airport the staffs were seeing picking out furniture’s for the complete close of Kano office, as this moment no European airline comes to Kano. Royal Dutch Airlines), is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands and is part of Air France-KLM. KLM's headquarters is in Amstelveen near its hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. KLM operates worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to more than 90 destinations. It is the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name. As of 31 March 2010, it has 31,787 employees.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

PAGE 35

Business

n this report, Ayodele Samuel examines fears of stakeholders in the much touted President Jonathan Cassava policy campaign. Nigeria produces 34 million metric tonnes of cassava per year, and is the world leader in cassava growing. However, it creates no value addition to the produce. In contrast, Thailand accounts for just 10 per cent of global output but with as much as 80 per cent of value addition. Cassava production in other African countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda appears small in comparison to Nigeria's substantial output. Nearly 90 per cent of cassava production in Nigeria is for domestic food production, produced by subsistence farmers. Production yields are still extremely low and Nigeria could easily double its production. The agriculture ministry puts annual wheat imports at N635 billion (US$3.9 billion) and so calculates that a 50/50 mix of cassava and wheat in

Jonathan's cassava

Issues at stake confectionery could save N300 billion. It assumes that such a mix would conquer the market. However recent move by President Goodluck Jonathan, for an inclusive policy which seeks to promote cassava production in its much celebrated 'cassava policy' may suffer setbacks, as stakeholders in the agricultural industry have kicked against the allcassava bread policy issued by the executive arm of the government. It will be recalled that the Minister of Agriculture had projected a savings of over N250 billion in foreign exchange which would have otherwise, gone to the importation of wheat and wheat flour. Jonathan said, the government is putting in place measures that will stimulate the manufacturing of large scale cassava products across the country to the tune of1.3

metric tonnes of cassava flour. One of the fears of industry watchers includes, problems of store, logistic and operational challenges which are yet to be addressed by the government. The Chairman of the agricultural group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI , Prince Wale Oyekoya, argue that the Federal Government's initiative is noble, but a lot still needs to be done to boost the nation's agricultural sector so that Nigeria could become selfdependent on food production and stop relying on food imports. The President, Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners and Caterers of Nigeria, Mr. Bayo Folarin, however said the government is yet to show bakers the recipe required to make the policy fly, despite scheduling its take-off date for July 1.

"In the first place, the government, which is the driver and promoter of the new policy, has not imported any of the required equipment. We are bakers; all we do is to go to millers to procure flour. In the case of wheat flour, it has always been easy. But shifting and moving away from this, through the new policy entails many things including total restructuring of our machinery in the areas of bakery and cassava processing to the required flour standard. "Till date, the Federal Government has not brought in any of the new equipment that will be needed, in the processing and blending, to produce the expected per cent of wheat and 40 per cent of cassava in bread." Besides, he said bakers had yet to receive training on the new baking techniques that would be involved in the production of the final product.

Folarin, recalled that the policy actually started in the dying days of the military in governance in the country, adding that former President Olusegun Obasanjo took it up and passed it to the current administration. He said the implementation of the policy failed earlier due to poor preparation, deficient logistics and lack of the techniques involved. "This is the third era this same policy will come up. A military administration put the percentage of cassava in bread at six. Later, Obasanjo said it would be 30 per cent, which was later reduced to five per cent; but all these did not work because of these challenges," he added. Operators and indeed, Nigerians, are waiting patiently to see how the cassava policy will work without the gray issues being addressed.

Equity Market inches up by +1.35% in the week to halt downtrend This week at the Exchange

r a d i n g activities closed positive in the week after five weekly session of negative outlook as the three-day rally witnessed in the early sessions of the week lifted market back to the positive territory while NSE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lotus Capital for the development and management of a certified Shari'ah compliant Index which would increase the variety of investment classes in Nigeria as the Islamic Equity Index joins the family of indices of The NSE. Furthermore, the bulls resurfaced on the Nigerian bourse after nine consecutive session of negative position as ASI moves up by +1.34% to open the first trading day of the week optimistic bargain activities significantly outweighed sell pressure amid improve breadth while market maintained positive outlook for the second session just as weak market sentiments permeates across the main board with NSE Index

consolidating by +0.27%. The bulls continue to exert their dominance on the Nigerian bourse in the third session as they further increase their gains while ASI firms up by +0.28%. The bears re-surfaced in style in the fourth session as market dipped by -0.22% due to renewed sell pressure which outweighed bargain activities. Conversely, trading activities on Friday closed southwards as sentiments remained bearish. Consequently, the key benchmark indices dips by 0.32% while market closed the week with aggregate gain of +1.35%. Further analysis on acquiring banks since transaction date showed that the share price of Access Bank Plc has recorded 26.26% gain with FCMB recording -17.95% losses while Union Bank Plc leads the chart with 66.03% gain. However, Sterling Bank Plc recorded -14.17% losses while ETI also closed negative with

-8.31% loss recorded. See the tracking table below However, the All-Share Index in the week under review moved up by +1.35% to close at 21,184.58 as against a decline by -4.83% recorded last week to close at 20,902.95. In the same vein, the market capitalization in the week appreciated by N96.62 billion (US$644.15 million) to close at N6.76 trillion (US$45.07 billion) as against depreciation by N338.33 billion (US$2.25 billion) recorded last week to close at N6.66 trillion (US$ 44.42billion). The total volume traded in the week closed at 2.71 billion units valued at N7.37 billion (US$49.17 million) compared with 1.14 billion units valued at N8.86 billion (US$59.05 million) exchanged in 18,880 deals last week. The volume transaction in the week when compared with the previous week data moved up by +137.61% as against downwards movement by -12.14% recorded

last week. Weekly value went down by -16.73% as against negative position of -6.33% recorded last week. The volume traded in the top ten most traded stocks for the week represented 88.68% of the entire market volume transactions and their total value accounted for 59.40% of the market value. Financial Services sector emerged the most traded sector

in the week in terms of volume. The volume traded in the sector this week alone closed at 2.35 billion units, valued at N4.40billion and exchanged in 9,356 deals compared with 830.80 million units, valued at N6.15billion and exchanged in 11,014 deals in the preceding week. The volume traded in the sector accounted for 86.78% of the entire market compared with 72.69% of the ratio recorded last week. Law Union & Rock Plc led the market volume for the week to displace First Bank Plc as top traded stock on the transaction volume chart last week. The sector's volume transaction was mainly boosted by trading in the shares of the companies in the top-ten category. Conglomerates sector followed with 166.16 million units valued at N452.43 million and exchanged in 863 deals compared with 114.53 million units, valued at N256.81 million and exchanged in 1,014 recorded in the sector last week.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

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”

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

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

DIRECTOR/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND RICHARD IHEDIWA

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HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

Mass media wealth as a tool Re: Sovereign fundfor national integration T

h e growth of Communication and education under the British in the 19th century helped bring the people of Nigeria together. The struggle for independence generated the spirit of unity and nationalism amongst the people and a large contribution of this come from the media. They exposed the true form the media. They exposed the true form of British imperialism and consequently unified Nigerians to fight the British imperialism and subjugation. Writers all over the world, especially from nations that were once under the rule of the British Empire attest to the role of the media in the fight for independence. In Nigeria for example, studies have shown that the media developed rapidly immediately after independence including the radio and television. Any occurrence in any corner of the country immediately spread all over Nigeria through the media. Scholars like Sahrawat opined that the spreading of the news is not just the conveyance of the information, it acts as a catalyst in creating identification with the nation, its people, culture and the main stream of its thought, newspapers, radio, television and film reach all the people all over Nigeria and this helps in the growth of similar mentality and thought. This can be broadly termed as the growth of consciousness belonging to one another. In recognising how important the role of the media is in nation building Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the first executive president of Nigeria said “As members of the fourth estate of the realm, you have a sacral responsibility to this nation. On your shoulder lies the duty of fostering the national cohesion in our people…..the press is in a very unique positioning that if posses an enormous power that can either destroy or build. The power is deadly as well as redeeming….journalists in Nigeria over the years demonstrated these two powers of the press” The media in Nigeria have been participants in the efforts to evolve

WRITE TO US Peoples Daily Weekend welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed to: The Editor, Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. Email: letters@peoplesdaily-online.com interactive tendency in Nigeria for more than three decades. Media activities have been part of the total governmental strategy aimed at creating a sense of territorial nationality which overshadows or subordinates parochial loyalties. The communication ability of a country is determinant of the rate of national assimilation of differentiation. Broadcasting especially draws a nation together in the time of crisis, helps mutually hostile and disparate entities find a common group and serves the cause of national integration by evoking national pride and the sense of common identity. Through the media in Nigeria, even prior of the nation’s independence constituted themselves into a position to bail governance, injustice and were critical of colonial administration, Lawanti observed that rivalries between politicians who mostly found the papers has led to the uses of newspapers to advance their political interest especially after independence, which in most cases inflicts injuries to political injuries to political opponents. The press was using by opposing groups to create enmity between various political groups. It is equally right to point out also that most of the political, ethnic and religious conflicts in the country and to a large extent, the political suspension and resentment between the south and the North were caused in the media. As Lawanti said, “while on one hand the press contributed in chasing the colonial and military dictators, they have on the other hand contributed to a lot in causing division we are witnessing in

various places in this country today”. He further said, “Although the media in Nigeria are regarded as the vanguard of democracy and good governance, and they were at the fore front in exposing official corruption as it is with any institution, the bad eggs within the media continued to spread disharmony at became obstacle to national integration. The misrepresentation of the media of history among the other things, has led to distrust and sound disharmony between the north and south on one hand and the various religious and ethnic groups on the other hand. Many communication analysis have in several occasions attributed Nigeria’s political, ethnic and religious crisis to reckless, sensational and sometimes irresponsibility of the media in the way the handle issues of national importance. The collapse of the first republic could be attributed to the media promoting sectionalism disunity, inter-ethnic hatred as well as inter-ethnic distrust and acrimony instead of national integration

and national consciousness. In a society like Nigeria with hundreds of ethnic groups and where the institution of society control are weak, we need an objective, fair and fearless media so as to check the excesses of government on one hand and inform citizens what their rights are and how to fight for it. Though the media in Nigeria have great challenges in keeping the nation united and promoting National integration, they have played very important role in the country and are still playing. Without the media people in the society would be isolated not only from the rest of the world but also from governance, laws, policies, norms e t c The mass media has always been involved in creating political awareness, formation of public opinion, perception of the images of candidates for political offices, the definition of social realities and social norms, through education, information and clarification of issues, values, enlightenment and entertainment of the public as well as goals and changes in culture and society. As rightly pointed out by writers, besides acting as the fourth estate of the realm and watch dog, the media functions as opinion leader. Today, most channels and even some newspapers are mouth piece of some social issues which help us to establish the realities of life. Ronah Adamu Bete University Of Maiduguri Department of Mass Communication

“

In a society like Nigeria with hundreds of ethnic groups and where the institution of society control are weak, we need an objective, fair and fearless media so as to check the excesses of government on one hand and inform citizens what their rights are and how to fight for it.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

PAGE 37

Opinion

Public opinion and subsidy reversal Paying lip-service to housing

By Ganiyu Adegbenro

h e declaration of the annual World Habitat Day by the United Nations underlines the significance of shelter in our everyday existence. Housing enhances our physical wellbeing, security and protects us from the elements. Despite its significance, however, millions of Nigerians have continued to face the challenges of housing. Many successive administrations in Nigeria have paid only lip-service to housing. In fact, even during elections, it is used as campaign issue by many political parties. Unfortunately, however, the commitment to housing does not go beyond lip-service. Millions continue to be un-housed or illhoused due to poverty or the government’s lack of sincerity to the issue. It is also sad that even where a previous administration laid a solid foundation for decent housing for Nigerians, subsequent policy inconsistency or insincerity end up killing the initiative. A good example of this policy inconsistency was the fate that befell housing policy after the death of the late General Sani Abacha. During the Abacha administration, his then Minister of Works and Housing, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, initiated a 25,000 housing project per state of the federation as a major first step to tackling the challenges of housing in Nigeria. This laudable initiative came at a time the so-called National Housing Insurance

Scheme was unable to produce any impact. According to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), 10 years after the housing insurance scheme was introduced, not a single worker was able to build a house of his own under the over-hyped programme. In fact, the scheme existed mainly on paper, despite the noises made about it. However, with the direct intervention of the late Abacha regime, housing took a front burner. With the execution of the Gwarinpa Housing Estate, which was intended to address these challenges and bring down the cost of accommodation, Nigerians had for the first time seen a practical demonstration of sincerity and political will to deal with the issue of shelter. Described as the largest single housing project in sub-Saharan Africa, the Gwarinpa housing estate remains an enduring legacy of the Abacha regime. Unfortunately, due to our culture of abandoning good initiatives, Nigeria has fallen far behind in the commitment to addressing the challenges of providing shelter to Nigerians. Despite the introduction of the so-called public/private sector partnership to provide housing, the policy is practically benefitting only the rich while the average citizens continue to regard housing as a pipe dream for the rest of their lives. It is not realistic for the government to detach itself completely from the responsibility of providing housing for ordinary Nigerians. The government should not abdicate its

social service responsibility in this regard. Instead of sustaining the sound housing policies started by Abacha, the Obasanjo administration abandoned the initiative and threw Nigerians to the wolves under the socalled public/private sector partnership. How many ordinary Nigerians, including civil servants, can afford the socalled houses built under this partnership? This partnership has not in any way reduced the cost of accommodation in Abuja and elsewhere in Nigeria. In fact, the cost of accommodation has forced many ordinary civil servants to seek accommodation 5060km away from their work places. One would have expected the former Obasanjo administration to continue the housing policy from where Abacha stopped. Instead, his administration introduced the poorly implemented policy of monetisation, which saw the sale of federal government houses to the highest bidders. Civil servants who couldn’t afford to pay for their houses automatically lost them to the highest bidders outside the civil service. Contrary to the expectation of Obasanjo, the policy had not eased accommodation problems. It complicated it instead. The most ridiculous aspect of it was Obasanjo’s decision to sell the Apo legislative quarters to the lawmakers at give-away prices, as low as N15 million for a house, which should have been sold at N20 million to N50 million. It was the biggest rip-off on Nigerians. Politicians are not civil servants and their

tenures are not permanent. It was, therefore, indefensible selling government houses to them when they are on a part-time assignment. Many of them resold the houses at 80 to 100 million naira at public expense. Even the late President Yar’Adua had attempted to reverse this scandalous sale of federal houses to the lawmakers but he caved in due to political pressure. Ill-thought-out policy reversals are responsible for killing many good projects in Nigeria. The idea of killing the good legacies of previous administrations is primitive and short-sighted. One cannot explain why any sensitive government should abandon the provision of housing for the people in the hands of market forces. Provided a policy is good for the society, it doesn’t matter which administration initiated it. In his zeal to destroy anything good initiated by others before him, former President Obasanjo cut off his nose to spite his face. When the late Abacha regime started the 25,000 housing projects in each state of Nigeria, many Nigerians had thought it was not possible. The Gwarinpa housing project is a standing tribute to Abacha’s legacy. His death, however, had set back these laudable projects. Unfortunately, their continuation was sacrificed on the altar of politics.Unless leaders put the higher interest of Nigeria above personal interest, the country will pay costly price for such naivety. Adegbenro, an estate agent, wrote in from Wuse II, Abuja

How to end Nigeria’s economic and security challenges By Nasiru Suwaid

n d e e d despite the convenient bluster in front of the cameras, the much celebrated Farouk Lawan never saw his duty as indicting people, for you cannot legislatively prosecute an individual in daylight, while at the same time maintaining a cozy relationship with him at the nightfall. To say that Nigeria is a country in search of heroes is to be saying the obvious, thus, when at the weekend, a story started the rounds via many online media forums and newspaper websites, about the corrupt escapades a member of the Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Probe, I knew my fellow country folks are out for another shattered dreams. To be fair to my countrymen and women, this time around most people received the news with studied rejection. It was a near universal chorus of rejection because of the saturation complex of Nigerians at the failure of every investigating panel to come to successful closure. Besides too, the sector of the economy under investigation was of such import that most people wanted to see a way forward. For these reasons, some even went to the extent of calling for the arrest of Mr. Femi Otedola, basing their call on why a Nigerian citizen would openly celebrate offering a bribe, especially a senior member of the much derided oil cabal. After all, the contents of our codified laws have dictated solicitation as well as offering of a bribe as a crime, thus upon what basis could the security agencies collaborates with him in

such illegal perfidy? Perhaps the general impression gets finally gets an anchor that the executive branch, being highly involved in the oil subsidy scam, might have engineered the governmental resolve to kill the report by shooting at its head. It is logical to finger the government of having a hidden interest in the findings of oil subsidy report, especially because most of the indicted were the principal financiers of the ruling party, during the fund raising of the presidential elections campaign season. The issue then of using a bait money to catch offenders is legally right and procedurally acceptable, for some category of highly secretive crimes, which involves the exchanges of large sums of money albeit corruptly and illegally acquired. The proof of corruption crime entails the evidence of offering and reception of the graft, and this usually requires a picturesque prove of the act, while the operation requires the serial recording of the monetary notes of exchange, which are the type of currencies that is the subject of the sting operation, to guard against probable laundering of the money or the likely disappearance of the vastly sums, as prosecution of monetary crimes requires the tendering of the exchanged amount as evidence of culpability and the physical presentation of the original medium of exchange as a proof of corrupt intent. The question whether it is morally right for institutions of state to engage in deception, as the agents of government or individuals acting at their behest, to participate in the sting operation, is moot question. It is enough to understand that as in this situation, they would have done so

under false pretense, because they acted as untruthful partner in presenting themselves as willing accomplice to a crime, while in actual fact they are merely presenting a façade to aid in the course of criminal investigation. Indeed, when a similar sting operation was performed by the United Kingdom’s Sunday Times with the full cooperation of the London Metropolitan Police, Nigerians did not find it as obnoxious in the case of the entrapment of Dr. Amos Adamu in a corruption quandary, in fact a considerable number of my countrymen were quick to condemn the much reviled sports administrator as guilty, as they are wont to say: who doesn’t know the antecedent of the infamous COJA boss. Indeed back in the month of April, Mr. Farouk Lawan had raised an alarm over the attempt to compromise his committee’s investigation, a claim he repeated recently in an interview with Mr. Will Ross of the British Broadcasting Corporation. The issues in contention, though, was if it was rationally possible for an individual to have reacted the way he did, when in fact a grave and damaging threat was being made against persons performing their legally sanctioned duty? The legislator inferred earlier and even stated recently; “Given the desperation of Mr. Otedola, handling the matter in a firm and diplomatic manner is necessary, as he has made some veiled threats which put me and some members of the committee in a delicate situation.” Surely, everyone in Nigeria knows that an attempt at obstructing the course of legislative investigation is akin to preventing an officer of the law from performing his or her legally sanctioned

responsibilities. As such, a well informed citizen of the caliber of the Honourable member would surely know that threats, as well as influence peddling, are criminal issues that require earnest reporting and not diplomatic handling. Fortunately for them but unfortunately for Nigeria, handling issues within the family is the detestable standard operating practice of the ruling party since the beginning of the current republic, as against the tackling of attempted felonies through the impartial institutions of law enforcement, who had sworn adherence to the application of the rule of law. Thus when former President Olusegun Obasanjo learnt of the rigging activities of his adviser on personal matters, all he did was to harshly unbraid him, before walking him off his executive grace. When the former speaker of the House of Representatives was caught forging his certificate, his punishment was a bout of tears at the sanctuary of the green chamber. Indeed despite the convenient bluster in front of the cameras, the much celebrated Farouk Lawan never saw his duty as indicting people, for you cannot legislatively prosecute an individual in daylight, while at the same time maintaining a cozy relationship with him at the nightfall, and as the president had stated at the Presidential Villa during his manufactured altercation with Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, the doctrine of separation of power should never came between the collaborative vision of the People Democratic Party members. Suwaid contributed this piece from Kano

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17 JUNE, 2012

Focus Abuja college and its harvest of deaths By Aisha Biola Raji

h e Federal Government Girls College Bwari in Abuja would never remain the same again. This is because the students and teachers as well as the Bwari community have been thrown into deep mourning as death came calling, sending the college top officials to very violent ends. On May, 19, 2012, a trailer crushed and killed its Vice Principal, Special Duties and 14 days after, that is, June 3, 2012, the Principal met a horrible death aboard the Dana aircraft that crashed in Lagos, killing over 166 persons. The Administration of FGGC was plunged into confusion when it heard the news that its Vice Principal, Mrs. A. Ogunbawo was killed by a trailer while she was engaged in the running around for her daughter’s wedding. The horrible news came down heavily on the school with the Principal mobilising other administrative officers to console the family and ensure that she got a befitting burial which held on the 29th of May 2012. One would have thought that it was enough tragedy for the college but four days after the burial of the Vice Principal, the college again witnessed another rude shock when news filtered in that the Principal, Mrs. Maria Okwulehie was among those who

Mrs. Maria Okwulehie

perished in the plane crash. When Peoples Daily Weekend visited the school earlier in the week, our reporter saw students still in a state of shock as many of them lacked words to describe the loss of their top teachers. Many of them have been gripped with fear of the unknown and teachers were seen doing the good job taking care of them. The question that has been in the mind of many has been why the school should experience

Mrs. A. Ogunbawo

double tragedy in a space of two weeks. Many former and current students of the school have continued to lament on the tragic deaths which kind has not been experienced since the institution started in 1984. A former students of the school Grace Chimezie wrote to Peoples Daily Weekend lamenting the loss of Abia born Mrs. Okwulehie, who she described as a symbol of authority and a strong pillar for the bereaved school. According to her, Okwulehi

came to the school when her services to reposition the institution were highly needed and she actually did her beat with so much passion which was clearly visible in how she treated the students which she had referred to as her children. She linked most major changes in educational approach now obtainable in the school to Okwulehi, who she said was full of passion to see the students having quality education like the one she got when she was their

age. Since their deaths, Okwulehie and her counterpart have become role models for the girls who saw their contribution as enormous to shape them for the future. Chimezie recalls that a visit to the school recently shows the extent of hard work that have been done by Okwulehi including infrastructural development and restoration of academic excellence and high sense of discipline among the students, which she said had taking the school back to its lost glory to take its place as the pride of most parents as it once was. Eulogising Okwulehi, Chimezie described her as “a strong willed woman who had strong principles that everyone had to respect her; she had her visions and goals clearly set out for the institution; she made her students set out towards success without so much pressure and gave them all they needed which included a clear learning structure for them to succeed. She was soft spoken but had authority to push every word that came from her.” She however advised those who will take over the running of the school to ensure that they did not lose focus of what the departed principal and vice principal had in mind and the dreams they pursued.

Inter vie w Intervie view

‘Jihad not possible in Nigeria’ Contd from Page 13

gubernatorial election in Kaduna state, many Muslims thought that Yakowa was going to be a governor for the Christians only. They all agreed that he was a gentleman and that he was qualified to be governor of the state but their fear was that he was going to be a Christian governor. This is attributable to the fact that since the creation of the state, Muslims have always been the governors. However, if you look at it Islamically, there is no portion of the Holy Koran that says that power belongs to the Muslims only or to the Jews only or to the Christians only. What Allah says in the Holy Koran is that power belongs to Him and that He gives it to whoever He wishes. This is a clear indication that it is not a transgression of Islam for Muslims to cast their votes for somebody who is a non-Muslim to be governor or a president. We thank God that many Muslims in the state later understood the true teachings of Islam and they cast

their votes in favour of Yakowa. Yakowa has proved to be a just governor. He started with issue of appointment of commissioners. Many people had thought that he was going to give the so-called juicy ministries to his Christian brethren but to the greatest shock to the people of Kaduna state, Yakowa made the appointments on merit. He also introduced something unprecedented in Kaduna state. Yakowa selected 50 Islamic scholars from each of the 23 local governments and directed that each of them should be given N5,000 every month. His Excellency went further to say that some Muslim organizations in the state should also be supported. He said that each organization should be given N150,000 each every month, to support them to teach the true injunctions of Islam. Also, after he was sworn in, the issue of Hajj came up and Kaduna state intending pilgrims then were asked to pay additional N51,000 each, after the Hajj fare was announced. Yakowa said that the intending pilgrims should not be allowed to

pay that extra amount of money and government intervened and paid that money for each of the intending pilgrims then. He has also introduced free feeding during the month of Ramadan.That gives opportunity for many needy and poor Muslims to enjoy the fast of the month of Ramadan. So, you have Ramadan feeding centres in all the 23 local government areas of the state. When you come to the Ja’amatu Nasril Islam (JNI), which was founded by the late Sarduana of Sokoto in the 60s; prior to the election in 2011, its headquarters here in Kaduna was gutted by fire, Yakowa sent a contribution of N10 million to JNI. Then there is the Islamic Trust of Nigeria in Zaria, which is constructing a mosque, Yakowa has also made a contribution of N10 million as assistance. You know that no society can achieve anything meaningful if there is no peace and that is why when he assumed the mantle of leadership, the governor constituted the interreligious harmony comprising Muslim and Christian leaders in

the state and they meet quarterly to discuss issues of both understanding and misunderstanding so that we continue to live in harmony. Then there is this place called Hayin Danmani which is predominantly a Muslim community. For many years, the people of Hayin Danmani had been looking for somebody to assist them with a bridge across one gigantic gutter in the area. Yakowa has commissioned two bridges for them and also a new road. That why I always tell anybody who cares to listen, that Yakowa has really succeeded in allaying the fears of the Muslims in the state who had entertained the fear that he was going to be a governor for the Christians alone. Is that why some people accuse him of being a stooge for the predominantly Muslim northern part of Kaduna state? No. They got things wrong. You know that the way Muslims pray and fast differs from those of the Christians. During Christian

festivities like Christmas and Easter, the Kaduna state government gives food items to our Christian brothers and sisters and we do not say that such things should also be given to us during these festivities. Christians in the state quite understand and only very few would say that the Governor is trying to please the Muslims in the state. Look at the roads, on the 28th of May, we went to the southern part of the state where he inspected a number of projects in that area. Whatever the Governor has done here in zone two or zone one, he has equally done that in zone three; the Muslims and the non Muslims are not in any way competing in Kaduna state. What we are after is for our governor to be just and he is just because he has also assisted the Christians by his display of justice. In future, if a Christian comes out to vie for the governorship of Kaduna state, no one will say that he should not be voted for because he may not be a just governor. It is already on record and people will recollect that there was a time that a Christian was governor and that he was fair and just to all.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

PAGE 39

International

Another al-Qaeda stronghold 'falls' in Yemen

e m e n 's army has recaptured the last alQaeda stronghold in southern Abyan province,

officials and residents said. This is the third jihadist bastion in the south to fall in the space of a week, a military official

said on Friday. "The army has taken control of Shuqra," said the official, adding that "troops have taken

The Yemeni army has already captured the towns of Jaar and Zinjibar from al-Qaeda [Reuters]

positions in the centre" of the coastal city while fighters fled. At least 17 fighters have been killed during the clashes, while, the government troops continued fighting in the adjacent province of Shabwa in their bid to recapture al-Qaeda's last bastion, Azzan. The port town was the last major al-Qaeda stronghold in Abyan province to fall to government forces, which launched an all-out offensive last month that had already resulted in the recapture of the towns of Jaar and Zinjibar. The rout of the Islamists from of Shuqra puts an end to their year-long reign in Abyan, during which they governed large swathes of the province according to strict Islamic sharia rules. The al-Qaeda fighters had captured three towns in the southern Abyan province amid a power vacuum last year as popular protests weakened former President Ali Abdullah Saleh's grip on power.

Bangladesh 'turns back' Myanmar refugees

n unknown number of people fleeing violence in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine region are adrift in boats on the Naf river and some have been turned back by Bangladesh authorities, the United Nations refugee agency said. "The UN refugee agency has first-hand, credible accounts of boats from Myanmar not being enabled to access Bangladeshi territory. These reports indicate women, children and some wounded are onboard," the Geneva-based agency said in a statement on Friday. Andrej Mahecic, spokesman of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told a news briefing in Geneva: "They are turning them back. Some were quite close because the locals were trying to give assistance to them." "It is vital that these people are allowed access to a safe haven and shelter," Mahecic said.

Syria's al Hiffa Brotherhood says Egypt 'deserted' after clashes

m o l d e r i n g buildings, looted shops, smashed cars and a strong stench of death met UN observers who entered the nearly deserted Syrian town of al Hiffa, a day after President Bashar al-Assad's forces overran it as part of a major offensive to recover rebelcontrolled territories. The monitors had been trying to get into the town for a week after fears were raised that an assault by government forces was under way. They found the main hospital burned, state buildings and an office of the ruling Baath party in ruins and a corpse lying in the street, according to a spokeswoman for the UN mission. "A strong stench of dead bodies was in the air," Sausan Ghosheh said on Thursday. She said there was still fighting in some pockets

of the mountainous area in the seaside province of Latakia. The number of casualties was unclear, Ghosheh said, and it appeared likely that, as in the past, bodies had been removed or buried before the UN mission got in. Meanwhile, violence continued elsewhere in the country, with opposition activists saying more than 40 civilians and opposition fighters were killed on Thursday, alongside more than a half-dozen government forces. From the day's early hours, Syrian troops bombarded rebelheld areas with tanks, mortars and helicopters in the central town of Rastan, the Damascus suburb of Douma, the central city of Homs and the northern towns of Anadan and Hreitan, near the Turkish border, according to activists.

uprising 'overturned'

g y p t 's Muslim Brotherhood has warned that a court ruling to dissolve parliament and let Hosni Mubarak's former prime minister run for president is a move toward reversing the gains of last year's revolution. The group, which held the most seats in parliament, said in a statement on Friday that the decision will lead to more dangerous days than those under the Mubarak government. The Brotherhood statement said progress made since Mubarak was ousted is being "wiped out and overturned". "Back to where you were," read a huge red headline in the Friday edition of independent daily Al-Shorouk. Egypt's Supreme

Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday in two unprecedented same-day decisions that the Muslim Brotherhood-dominated parliament must be dissolved and that former officials in the previous Mubarak government be allowed to hold political office. The rulings were a harsh blow to the Brotherhood and effectively approved the candidacy of presidential hopeful and former prime minister Ahmed Shafik. The verdicts were quickly followed by an announcement that Egypt's ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) would now oversee the writing of a new constitution. Mohammed el-Beltagy, the vice-president of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and

Justice Party (FJP), called the sequence of events a "fully fledged coup" in a post on his Facebook page. But Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood's presidential candidate, said in an interview with Egyptian channel Dream 2 that the constitutional court's decision to dismiss the entire parliament did not amount to a military coup. "I love the military forces," he said, adding that the court rulings indicated "there [are] some who seek, strive for, and plan ill against the people". There are signs from the Brotherhood and the Salafi Nour Party, the legislature's other main power broker, that parliament may refuse to dissolve itself.

China poised for space docking mission

h i n a will launch three astronauts, including the nation's first woman in space, to live and work on a space station for about a week, a major step in its goal of becoming only the third nation with a permanent base orbiting Earth. Liu Yang, a 34-year-old air force pilot, and two male colleagues will be launched on Saturday in the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft that will dock with the bus-sized Tiangong 1 space module now orbiting 322km above the Earth. Two of the astronauts will live

and work inside the module to test its life-support systems while the third will remain in the capsule to deal with unexpected emergencies. State media have said the mission will last about 10 days before the astronauts travel back to Earth in the capsule that will land in the grasslands of western China with the help of parachutes. The official Xinhua News Agency announced on Friday that Liu would be joined by male astronauts Jing Haipeng and Liu Wang and that the launch would take place at 12:37 GMT on

Saturday. Success in docking, and in living and working aboard the Tiangong 1, would smooth the way for more ambitious projects, such as sending a man to the moon, and add to China's international prestige in line with its growing economic prowess. If completed, the mission will put China alongside the United States and Russia as the only countries to have independently maintained space stations,a huge boost to Beijing's ambitions of becoming a space power.

The Shenzhou-9 is set to blast off from the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China [EPA]

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Wellness Zone

Phyllis Ogo Ogah phyllisogoogah@gmail.com +234 80 58425746 (sms) only

Lowering cholesterol

Paediatric Guidelines for Lowering Cholesterol

ello and welcome to another happy weekend. As we grieve for the loss of our loved ones who died in the Dana plane crash, let us be thankful for little blessings and take life one day, one step at a time. I hope you enjoyed reading last week’s article and this week I will be looking at children. Why children? They are the future of any society and unhealthy children will lead to an unhealthy society. Unfortunately most uninformed parents dose their children with high grade junk food filled with empty calories and then the video games are also here to encourage sedentary lifestyles for kids. Some children can’t fit into adult clothing and this is a major public health concern. Dear parents, if they need to do something on the television, get them interactive video games like wii fit, buy them skipping ropes and trampolines and bicycles .As a kid I totally enjoyed the outdoors and romping in the yard with my brothers, and oh! My beloved tricycle. Let’s look at guidelines to lower high cholesterol levels in children. High Blood Cholesterol = Higher Risk for Heart Disease Too much cholesterol leads to a build up (called plaque) on the walls of the arteries. The arteries supply blood to the heart and other organs. Plaque can narrow the arteries and block the blood flow to the heart, causing heart problems. Help prevent heart disease by encouraging your child to: 1. Eat foods that are free of trans fat and low in total fat, saturated

fat, and cholesterol. After 2 years of age, children and adolescents should gradually adopt a diet that, by approximately 5 years of age, contains less than 7% of calories from saturated fat. Begin to consume fewer calories from fat and replace these calories by eating more whole grain products, fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk products or other calcium-rich foods, beans, lean meat, poultry, fish, or other proteinrich foods. ***At least half of your child’s calories should come from carbohydrates. Choose high fibre sources such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Ages 2-9: Choose 1 ½-2 ½ cups of vegetables and 1-1 1/2 cups of fruit daily. Ages 10 and up: Choose 2 ½-3 ½ cups of vegetables and 1 ½-2 ½ cups of fruit daily. Aim for ½ cup of legumes at least 4 times weekly. Cook often with dried beans, peas or lentils. Legumes are a powerhouse of heart-protective nutrients, including potassium, fibre, protein, iron, and the B vitamins. Limit added sugars (regular soda pop, juices and juice drinks, sweets, low fibre, high-sugar and fat-free foods) to less than 1 serving/week. Limit processed foods/snack foods such as chips, cookies, donuts, hot dogs, bologna, and convenience foods. Look for foods labelled “Trans Fatty Acid Free” or “Trans Free.” Limit intake of egg yolk to less than 3 times a week. Use egg substitute or 2 egg whites for 1 whole

egg. Limit fast food to less than 1 time a week. Choose wisely when eating out: ·Always choose from the children’s menu. ·Have a side salad with light dressing such as light Italian or vinaigrette or a cup of broth- based soup instead of fries. ·Choose a calorie-free beverage such as decaffeinated iced tea with sweetener, or lemon water. ·Avoid added fats such as cheese, mayonnaise, high-fat dressing/sauces, and fried foods. 2. Exercise regularly Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days by playing outside with friends, helping with household chores, taking the dog for a walk, or yard work. 3. Maintain a healthy weight Ensure that your child’s weight is appropriate for height by monitoring his or her growth plotted on a growth chart for weight in relation to height. Your registered dietician can assist you with determining your child’s percent growth for age. This guide provides basic information to help your child start lowering cholesterol until his/her appointment with a Registered Dietician, the nutrition expert. These guidelines can be tailored to meet your child’s specific needs through in-depth nutrition education provided by a registered dietician to assist in developing healthy eating habits.

Instead of… Butter Regular cheese Creamer or half-and-half Whole or 2% milk Cream cheese Regular ice cream 2-4% milk fat cottage cheese Cream-based soups Creamy salad dressings Mayonnaise Prime grades of beef Spareribs Ground beef Chicken with skin on Whole egg

Choose… Light or diet margarine Low fat or fat-free cheese Fat-free creamer or fat-free half-and-half 1% or fat-free (skim) milk Low fat or fat-free cream cheese Fat-free or low fat frozen yogurt or sorbet 1% or fat-free cottage cheese Broth-based soups Oil and vinegar or reduced fat or fat -free salad dressings Light or fat-free mayonnaise Choice or select grades of beef Tenderloin Ground sirloin, ground round Chicken without skin Egg whites or egg substitutes

HEAL TH TIP FOR THE WEEK HEALTH To curb your hunger between meals, snack on low calorie, high water content vegetables such as greens, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers. Keep moving!

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

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Weekend

Super Eagles' Ahmed Musa running after Ikechukwu Uche after the later scored a goal. Today in Calabar, Nigerians hope to celebrate a couple of goals from the lively forward.

Super Eagles in make or mar duel against Wasps By Patrick Andrew

oach Stephen Keshi’s rebuilding process could come to a terminal point today. What’s more Keshi himself may suffer the fate of his predecessor Samson Siasia if he, like Siasia, fails to secure Nigeria’s berth at the 2013 Nations Cup final qualifying round. Today’s duel against the Wasps of Rwanda comes up at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, a venue that has yielded favourable results to the Eagles in the two recent games against Mozambique and Namibia. President of the NFF, Aminu Maigari tacticly warned Keshi of the consequences of failing to win today’s by stating that nothing short of outright will satisfied the yearnings of Nigerians and indeed restore public confidence in the leadership of the football federation. Ordinarily, the game would not have drawn the kind of hype and anxious care that it has had the Eagles stamp their authority as one of Africa’s soccer super powers in the first leg played in Rwanda. Instead, they struggled and managed to overcome to survive a looming scare. It ended 0-0. But then, that was in the early days of Keshi. Indeed, those were the days of small beginnings. Now, the rebuilding process has stabilised and the team has taken shape, obvious in its ranks are a crop of warriors with the penchant to exert authority and beat a new path to glory. That spirit was palpable in Blantyre as they defended with gut, plotted with vicious intent and rhythm, except that some of the foreign-based players were not on the same page with the domestic league players whose burning zest was scorching.

Keshi must have learnt his lessons and should give prime consideration for starting line up to the hungrier domestic league chaps. One expects to see an offensive approach that attacks with purpose and craft and with the deftest nuances of a vicious poacher. Pace, strength, zest and that voracious quest that belongs to the deadly hunger is what fans expect to see from the Eagles today. Here is where Ahmed Musa, Ikechukwu Uche, Henry Kalu and Uzoenyi Ejike could be the fearsome in the attack while Gabriel Reuben fast assuming the knack of Sunday Oliseh though to yet to acquire his vision would form a path with Raheem Lawal. Both are strong but Lawal his vision, is good with dead balls and his vision and deft is what has been lacking in the Eagles in recent times. In Blantyre, when he came on he changed the order of the game even more than Henry Uche had done in Calabar. Lawal should do even better especially withn his injury problem gone. The Eagles back four of Oshinawa Juwon operating from the left, Egwuekwe Azubuike and Godfery Oboabana in the centre needs no change and Efe Ambrose the only weak link in Blantyre should make way for Gege Soriola or Papa Idris. Milutin Sredojevic coach of Rwanda has named a strong side that includes influential captain and striker, Olivier Karekezi, Bokota Labama, Steven Godfroid and goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndoli. The Wasps have never beaten their Nigerian counterparts, but the Eagles have won once and drawn twice in their last three head-to-head meetings. Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup jointly hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and won by Zambia.

That had been the first in time in 26 years and the nation yearns for a breath of fresh air from the present bunch. Just how realistic that aspiration would be realized would be known at the end of the 90 minutes in Calabar. Head-to-head Nigeria v Rwanda African Cup Qualifying 1st Round February 29, 2012: Rwanda 0 – 0 Nigeria World Cup Qualification Africa Group 4 June 5, 2005: Rwanda 1 – 1 Nigeria World Cup Qualification Africa Group 4 June 5, 2004: Nigeria 2 – 0 Rwanda UEFA Euro 2012 Czech Republic v Poland Greece v Russia Sunday Denmark v Germany Portugal v Netherlands Result France 2 Ukraine 0 England 3 Sweden 2

AWC: Nigeria host Zimbabwe

he Super Falcons will this afternoon seek to seal the place in the next edition of the African Women Championship as they tackle their Zimbabwean counterparts. The Falcons hold a 2-0 advantage having defeated their visitors in Harare, a fortnight ago. Already, coach Kadiri Ikhana has beefed up the team with four foreign-based as well as six players from the Flaconets.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 16 — SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

PAGE 42

Nations Cup Qualifiers

Focus switches to 2013 qualifiers The focus this weekend moves from 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to the race to win a place at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa next January. The second leg matches in the first round of qualifying will narrow the field by ousting 14 more teams, leaving the remaining 14 sides to be paired off with the 16 sides that qualified for the 2012 Nations Cup in the final round of knockout matches. The winners of those 15 two-legged ties will then join hosts South Africa in the final field of 16 for the tournament proper. Egypt and Central African Republic will be playing the first leg of their tie, which was postponed due to the Port Said Massacre earlier this year. The Pharaohs are at home first and will be expected to get a big first leg lead. For the remainder though, this weekend presents a final opportunity to advance to the next stage. Nigeria were held 0-0 in Rwanda in the first leg of their tie and will expect to advance. They will be wary though of conceding an away goal which would leave them needing to score twice or more to get through.

Indomitable Lions hope to roar

eeling in pains over the loss to Libya, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun host Guinea-Bissau today in Yaoundé for the return leg of the first round of Afcon 2013 qualifiers full of vengeance. The Indomitable Lions won the first leg 1-0 thanks to a brilliant goal by Eric ChoupoMoting, and must now confirm at home at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo. But a mixed bag of results at the end of the two first weeks of World Cup 2014 qualifiers (victory at home against the DR Congo and defeat against Libya in Sfax), sent tongues wagging about the form and quality of the Lions. Denis Lavagne’s men were badly booed at during the first public training session in the capital, with the exception of the Mainz striker who has strung together four goals over five clashes for the Lions. Some supporters have even called for his sack. Nonethelss, Cameroon will attempt to qualify for the next round of these Africa Cup of Nations 2013 qualifiers, after having missed the previous edition in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The players are aware of the enormity of the task. Stéphane Mbia captures the aspiration of the players by simply saying, “We have a duty to win, for ourselves and for the Cameroonian public, who have not been very happy for a while now. For Saturday’s match, we are planning to be focused for the set-pieces which caused us a lot of problems in the last clash; nevertheless, in our content we showed good things. We have to keep going.” The Lions will once again be counting on Choupo-Moting to lead them to safety as quickly as possible, at the same time improving their concentration so as not to relive the sad experience of Sfax, which saw them concede a wretched goal in the 93rd minute on the last set piece of opponents, Libya.

Algeria lead 2-1 from the away leg of their tie against Gambia and will expect to advance, likewise Cameroon who won 1-0 away at Guinea-Bissau and will be home next. Togo need to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the away leg of their tie against Kenya, while Malawi must come from 3-2down when they host Chad. Mozambique go into the home leg of their tie with Tanzania having secured a 1-1 draw in Dar es Salaam, while

Namibia are trailing 1-0 as they prepare to host Liberia. Benin will expect to win as they host Ethiopia, with the teams having drawn 0-0 in their first leg, while CongoBrazzaville hold a handy 3-1 lead from their home tie against Uganda. Already through to the next round, barring disaster, are DR Congo who lead Seychelles 4-0 with the home leg to come, and Cape Verde, who won by the same scoreline in Madagascar.

Andre Ayew of Ghana missed their game against Zambia

Atusaye Nyondo was in top form against Nigeria for Malawi

Christopher Katongo, Zambia

Stéphane Mbia, says Cameroon’s game against Guinea Bissau is a must win

Malawi coach Kinna Phiri working on finishing

alawi ‘Flames’ coach, Kinnah Phiri, has expressed confident that his charges will finally get it right on finishing when his team hosts Chad today at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. The Flames have drawn five times at the venue and desperately needs a win against visiting Chad. A week today, Nigeria’s rising midfielder Gabriel Reuben scored in the 89th minute to give the Super Eagles what appeared like maximum points before super substitute John Banda punished Nigeria for Vincent Enyeama’s blunder to deny Eagles two points. Coach Phiri is desperate for a win and believes his team has no other option but to win against Chad who arrived in Malawi on Wednesday to acclimatise ahead of the match. “We are focusing on finishing. We are getting most things right but our finishing has been a let down. May be it is time to

gamble on the up and coming players as some of the experienced players have not come to the party when we needed them most. “There is no need for panicking. We need a win against Chad and I am encouraged by the positive response from the players. Everything is possible. We have to turn a new page, move from the disappointment of the match against Nigeria and win this game . I believe in my boys that they will do a good job. Nothing is lost yet,” Kinnah said. The Malawi mentor admitted that he is mindful of the threat that Chad pose as they managed to beat the Flames 3-2 away in the first leg that was played in February.The Flames, in that first leg, relied on the goals from South Africa-based striker Atusaye Nyondo who scored a brace. Much will also be expected from the SuperSport forward Nyondo who is fresh from a relatively successful league season.

Uganda must go for broke

ganda must win by two and avoid conceding any goals if they are to overcome former African Nations Cup winners Congo in the qualifiers for the 2013 finals. Uganda lost the first leg 3-1 away in February and must therefore score at least twice to stand any chance of going through to the final phase. This possesses something of a problem for the Cranes who managed only two late goals in their last two World Cup qualifiers over the first two weekends of the months — both of them from the penalty spot. There is also some rejigging need to the team after Swedishmidfielder Martin Mutumba suffered injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Senegal. Congo’s coach Jean-Guy Wallemme has also been bemoaning his team’s lack of acumen in front of goal. They converted one of 21 chances in beating Niger in Pointe Noire last weekend in the World Cup preliminaries. “We have to go to Uganda and must not be negative because that will be tremendously dangerous. We have to get a goal and it is not sufficient to create chances but you have to take them also,” the Frenchborn coach told reporters in Brazzaville before his team’s departure. Congo’s Diables Rogue were Nations Cup winners 40 years ago but the country last qualified for the finals since the 2000 finals were cohosted by Ghana and Nigeria.

Today’s fixtures: Sierra Leone vs São Tomé and Príncipe Uganda vs Congo Cameroon vs Guinea-Bissau Malawi vs Chad Cape Verde vs Madagascar Namibia vs Liberia Nigeria vs Rwnada Sunday’s fixtures: Benin vs Ethiopia Zimbabwe vs Burundi Togo vs Kenya DR Congo vs Seychelles Mozambique vs Tanzania

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Transfer

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

Inter offer Andrea to City for Kolarov

anchester City has been offered defender Andrea Ranocchia as part of Inter Milan’s bid to land Aleksandar Kolarov. City boss Roberto Mancini has a new centre-back on his wanted list this summer with doubts over Kolo Toure and Stefan Savic in the long-term. He is a long-standing fan of Italy international Ranocchia, 24, who cost the Serie A club around £16million since he arrived from Genoa two years ago. Inter are keen to beat o f f Juventus to l a n d Kolarov who has indicated he wants to play more r e g u l a r first team football. City are in no rush to sell but will listen to offers and the prospect of a swap deal could appeal with the champions looking to comply with Financial fair play restrictions. Mancini must decide whether Ranocchia is a suitable stand-in for his first choice pairing of Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott.

Modric 'close to £25m United transfer

anchester United is reportedly close to completing a £25million swoop for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric, who was the subject of a

bid from Chelsea last summer. Despite the best efforts of his current club to keep the Croatian, it is being suggested he will move to Old Trafford

Bale set for Spurs exit

AC Milan reject PSG offer for Thiago

areth Bale could be the next star to walk out of White Hart Lane, after his agent claimed Tottenham’s lack of Champions League football represents ‘a problem’. The Welsh winger is being followed by a host of top clubs throughout Europe, including Barcelona and Inter Milan, who have now been encouraged to make a bid for the 22-year-old. Spurs unluckily missed on Champions League football, despite finishing fourth in the Premier League, due to Chelsea’s final triumph over Bayern Munich. Now Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, has urged interested parties to step up if they are serious about taking his client to new heights. ‘Yes, it is clear that this [no Champions League football] is a problem,’ said Barnett. ‘The big European clubs already know how much it would take to do a deal and therefore if you are interested you know what kind of offer has to be put on the table.’

Barnett, did though, admit there was currently no bid on the table from La Liga giants Barcelona. ‘I think it’s too expensive for Barca,’ he told Catalan-based newspaper Sport. ‘To my knowledge, Barca has not made any offer for him. ‘If interested, they would have to put money on the table and then start talking. But it seems that Barca is working on the signing of Jordi Alba, a cheaper option.’ Bale is also thought to be unhappy with the sacking of manager Harry Redknapp, who left Spurs in the early hours of this morning.

Huntelaar set for Premier League

laas-Jan Huntelaar could be available for as little as £17m after Schalke general manager Horst Heldt confirmed the striker has a buy-out clause. Huntelaar, who has been on Manchester United’s radar in the past, scored 29 in 32 Bundesliga matches this season as Schalke

finished third. Spells at Real Madrid and AC Milan proved to be underwhelming for Huntelaar and he scored a measly eight in 20 La Liga appearances while at the Bernabeu. He has returned to the form of his Ajax days - he netted 76 in 92 league games for them - now he’s at Schalke

and his goalscoring prowess has led to rumours he could be on the move. United have a long-standing interest, the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal have also been keen on the 28-year-old in the past. Huntelaar does have a •20 million buyout clause, and the rich club can afford it.

United, Arsenal, Chelsea target Russia star

rsenal, Chelsea and Man United are surprisingly, considering Russia young talent Alan Dzagoev who topped Russians goal scoring in Euro 2012 qualifying Manchester United have been keeping tabs on CSKA Moscow star Dzagoev for some time and Sir Alex Ferguson considered a move for him

in January 2012, while Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with the player before. He would appear to fit the Arsenal mould perfectly, while Chelsea’s owner will always be interested in Russian talent. Figures in the region of £10m-plus have previously been suggested, but Dzagoev’s current contract with

for a fee which could rise to £30m, depending on appearances and success. The 26-year-old is currently with his country at Euro 2012 and is expected to sign for the Red Devils when he returns, barring any lastminute interventions. United were recently beaten to the signing of Lille winger Eden Hazard by Chelsea after the club thought they were favourites to land the 21-yearold. They will be keen to tie up the deal with Modric quickly to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen as the Stamford Bridge club is known to be admirers of the playmaker. United are reportedly offering the Croatian a four-year contract worth £26m, with a weekly wage of £125,000, according to the Sun newspaper. Ferguson recently signed Japanese attacker Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund for £17m and is also apparently interested in Everton fullback Leighton Baines and Newcastle defensive midfielder Cheick Tiote.

CSKA reportedly expires at the end of 2012, so he could be in line for a cut-price summer transfer, if not become a bargain free in January 2013. Dzagoev is said to favour a move to Spain, but with the Spanish economy not exactly robust at the moment, he may prefer to swap the Russian Premier League for England, instead.

C Milan has turned down a world record offer for a defender from Paris St-Germain for Thiago Silva. Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi says the cash-rich Ligue 1 side made a bid of nearly •46m (£37.5m) for the 27-year-old Brazil international centre-back. Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand is still the world’s most expensive defender after his £33.1m move from Leeds 10 years ago. The Qatar Investment Authority bought a 70% stake in PSG last year and has promised to give coach Carlo Ancelotti transfer funds. The Italian hopes to improve a squad that finished second in the league last season, three points behind surprise champions Montpellier, and is looking to his former club Milan for new signings, with Silva and Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic high on his reported list of targets. Silva is currently under contract with the Rossoneri until June 2016, and his agent Paolo Tonietto has said that Milan need to offer him a new deal if he is to remain with the Italian club. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has been in talks this week with PSG over the possible sale of Silva but Berlusconi said that the offer was rejected because they would not have been able to find a suitable replacement. PSG sporting director Leonardo was disappointed that he was unable to reach an agreement with his former club for Silva, who joined Milan from Fluminense in December 2008 in a deal worth •10m (then £8.4m).

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Wikki Tourist FC seek bailout from Gov. Yuguda

ikki Tourists FC yesterday pleaded with Gov. Isa Yuguda to provide the needed financial succour to facilitate their eeeforts to escape relegation from the premier league. “As far as I am concerned, there are factors responsible for the sudden decline in the team, and one of the

major factors is lack of funds,” Spokesman for club, Abbas Shehu, said in Bauchi. “At the early stage of the season, the government approved the sum of N80 million as a take-off grant for the team; as I talk to you now, the money has yet to be fully released to the team. “The take-off grant was for

attending matches and match bonuses; then unfortunately that made it impossible for the team to engage the kind of players the coach needed, therefore, we went for low quality players. “Most of the players were not tested; players were brought from amateur clubs and there were no

funds to motivate these players “After the second stanza of the season, Wikki was between 4th, 5th, 6th, until when the state government announced an allocation of N150 million to the club,” he said. Shehu said in spite of playing 41 home and away matches with four games remaining, the team was still

Undefeated Chavez set for 47th win today

fter 46 professional fights and 31 knockouts, undefeated Julio Césár Chávez is still trying to live up to his father’s fame. Chávez Jr will make the third defence of his WBC middleweight title when he faces Andy “Irish” Lee in El Paso, Texas, tonight. But at the age of 26 he is still know as the “Son of the Legend”. His father, also Julio Césár Chávez, is revered as Mexico’s best boxer, a man who won six “world” titles in three divisions: featherweight, lightweight and light-welterweight. Chávez Sr had 116 professional fights, won 107, lost six, drew twice and knocked out 89 of his opponents. That makes it hard for his son, who has not done badly, building up a record of 45-0-1, including 31 knockouts. Chávez Jr won his WBC title a

Chavez (right) when he took on John Duddy year ago when he outpointed Sebastian Zbik. He has made successful defences against Peter Manfredo, whom he stopped in

the fifth round, and Marco Antonio Rubio, whom he beat on points earlier this year. Lee, a southpaw, has a record

of 28-1, with 20 knockouts. He has Irish ancestors but was born in London and is now based in Detroit in the United States. The 28-year-old Lee is ranked at No 3 the WBC, No 1 by the WBO and No 2 by the WBA. He has been training at the famous Kronk Gym in Detroit, sparring against fighters such as Adonis Stevenson, Edwin Rodriguez and Brian Vera. His only loss was against Vera, who beat him in the seventh round in March 2008. Lee, a 2004 Olympian, is slightly taller than Chávez. He can box on the inside and outside and his southpaw style trouble Chávez, who has struggled to make the weight in recent fights. On the undercard, Vanes Martirosyan (32-0; 20) fights Ryan Davis (24-9-3; 9) in a junior middleweight bout

Nigeria, 9 other nations ready for ECOWAS Games in Accra

en countries, including defending champions Nigeria and hosts Ghana, are expected to feature athletes in the second edition of the ECOWAS Games which gets underway in Accra on Saturday and will end on June 22. A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Accra for Games reports that the other countries expected are : Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’ Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

The two stadiums also looked ready for the Games, having been renovated for the Games some days back. The El-Wak Stadium is hosting the athletics events, while a combat sport arena and the indoor hall of the Accra Sports Stadium are hosting the traditional wrestling and boxing events respectively. The Accra Sports Stadium’s courts will host the handball and volleyball events. The edition of the Games was held in Abuja, Nigeria in 2010.

They will take part in athletics which is for the under-19, as well as boxing, handball, volleyball and traditional wrestling which will all have under-23 participants. The Games is taking place at the El-Wak Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium, with the opening ceremony fixed for Saturday, June 16 at the El-Wak Stadium. The Nigerian contingent arrived on Thursday night and will be taking part in three sports

namely, athletics, traditional wrestling and boxing. It was also confirmed from local organising officials that contingents from Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Mali and Burkina Faso had also arrived in Accra. The contingents have been lodged at the hostels of the University of Ghana, Legon, which is some kilometres away from the two stadiums where the events will take place. The university campus is serving as the Games Village.

body) will confirm the countries for the Olympics,” Okeyo said. Rudisha’s father, Daniel, was in the Kenyan 4 x 400 metres team that won a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968. Double world champion Vivian Cheruiyot has her sights sets on running both the 5 000 and 10 000 metres in London after qualifying for the team over the longer distance with victory in the national trials. Cheruiyot, 28, who took both titles at last year’s world championships, won in 32:24.52. Joyce Chepkirui was second with world silver medallist Sally Kipyego crossing the line in third.

“It is never easy to win at the Kenyan trials. Now I want to focus on the 5 000 metres (trials) next week,”,” Cheruiyot said. Former world champion Linet Masai dropped out of the trials with two laps to go after struggling to keep pace with the leaders. AK said Cheruiyot and Chepkirui would run the 10 000 at the Olympics with a third athlete yet to be selected. The final team selection will be made on June 23. The Olympics open on David Rushida July 27.

Rudisha set for Kenyan 400 metres relay team

enyan 800 metres world record holder David Rudisha will run the 4 x 400 at the Olympics as well as his speciality distance if the country are confirmed for the event in London, Athletics Kenya (AK) said on Friday. The Secretary General of Athletics Kenya, David Okeyo, said that Rudisha had been included in Kenya’s 4 x 400 team for the African Championships in Benin, later this month. “We are ranked eighth among the 16 countries slotted to make the relay teams at the Olympics but we must remain in that bracket until July 2 when the IAAF (world athletics governing

Gov. Isa Yuguda being threatened by relegation due to lack of adequate funding. “Since the establishment of Wikki Tourists Football Club, it has not had it so badly; so this demoralised the players; the club is now being threatened by relegation. “The club is now 3rd from the bottom; but we still have the confidence that if between now and next week, the state government will release the said N150 million to enable the management of the club to pay at least 50 to 60 per cent to the players and offset their match bonuses, I am optimistic that they will get an away win and away draw. “If Wikki could not get away draw or a win, and rely on only the remaining four matches, it will not help the club.’’

Nadal bombs out at Halle, Federer mulls 2016 Olympics

ewly-crowned French Open champion Rafael Nadal’s start to the grasscourt season at Halle was cut short when the top seed crashed out in the quarterfinal to Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber. Kohlschreiber, ranked 28 in the world and defending champion, notched up his first-ever victory over Nadal in nine encounters, winning 63, 6-4. The German will now play the winner of the match between Czech ace Tomas Berdych and Germany’s injury-prone former world No 2 Tommy Haas. Nadal, who captured a record seventh Roland Garros title on Monday, suffered an even worse result when he last played in Halle seven years ago, losing in the first round to Alexander Waske. This time around, Nadal was in difficulty from his first service game and was quickly 2-0 down, Kohlschreiber going on to wrap the first game up in little more than 30 minutes. After saving two breaks in the opening game of the second set, Nadal then missed the chance to break the German three times on his serve in the fourth game, and Kohlschreiber kept his nerve to beat the Spaniard comfortably. Meanwhile, retirement isn’t an issue for Roger Federer, who said on Friday he could imagine playing for Switzerland at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

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Relay race: The game, the energy Complied by Richard Ihediwa with additional reports from Wikipedia

ave you ever been involved I relay race? How did you feel when members of the team worked very hard just to have the finisher do a poor job and brought failure to the team? Though it is more popular in running competitions, relay race is applicable to almost all track and field events and is featured in national and international tournaments across the world. During a relay race, members of a team take turns running, orienteering, swimming, cross-country skiing, biathlon, or ice skating (usually with a baton in the first) parts of a circuit or performing a certain action. In most relay events, four competitors are usually used. Competitors adopt the strategy of putting team members in the order of the very fast as race starter, second fastest as second, third fastest as third and the fastest member (anchor) as last. This is because it is expected that the faster competitors would make up for any snag by earlier team members. However, in some occasions this strategy had failed due to failure in passing the baton well, injuries among others. In athletics, the two standard relays are the 4x100 meter relay and the 4x400 meter relay. Traditionally, the 4x400 meter relay finals are the last event of a track meet and is often met with a very enthusiastic crowd, especially if the last leg is a close race. It is hard to measure exact splits in a 4x400 (or a 4x100) relay. For example, if a team ran a 3:00 4x400, it does not mean every runner on the team has to run a 45 second open 400, because a person starts accelerating before he or she has the baton, therefore allowing for slightly slower overall open 400 times. A 4x400 relay generally starts in lanes for the first leg, including the handoff. The second leg then proceeds to run in lanes for the first 100 meters, after which point the runners are allowed to break into the first lane on the backstretch, as long as they do not interfere with other runners. A race organizer then puts the third leg runners into a line depending on the order in which they are running (with the first place closest to the inside). All runners run approximately 100 meters however the second runner’s distance is longer than the other runners. This is because the runners are lined up the same distance apart, except for the fourth runners; who are all lined up the same distance from the third runner. Relay race is guided by a number of rules. Each runner must hand off the baton to the next runner within a certain zone, usually marked by triangles on the track. In sprint relays, runners typically use a “blind handoff”, where the second runner stands on a spot predetermined in practice and starts running when the first runner hits a visual mark on the track (usually a smaller triangle). The second runner opens their hand behind them after a few strides, by which time the first runner should be caught up and able to hand off the baton. Usually a runner will give an auditory signal, such as “Stick!” repeated several times, for the recipient of the baton to put out his hand. In middle-distance relays or longer, runners begin by jogging while looking back at the incoming runner and holding out a hand for the baton.

Relay runners put in a lot of enegy A team may be disqualified from a relay for: Losing the baton (dropping the baton), Making an improper baton exchange, False starting (usually once but sometimes twice), Improperly overtaking another competitor, Preventing another competitor from passing, Willfully impeding, improperly crossing the course, or in any other way interfering with another competitor Based on the speed of the runners, the generally accepted strategy used in setting up a 4 person relay team is: second fastest, third fastest, slowest, then fastest (anchor). Each segment of the relay (the distance run by one person) is referred to as a leg. Relays can be done in a normal track and field but there are also long distance relays. Long distance relays have become increasingly popular with runners of all skilllevels. These relays typically have 5 to 36 legs, each between 5 and 10 kilometers (3–6 miles) long. Races under 100 kilometers (62 mi) are run in a day, with each runner covering one or two legs. Longer relays are run overnight, with each runner typically covering three legs The largest relay event in the world is the Norwegian Holmenkollstafetten, 2,255 teams of 15 starting and ending at Bislett Stadium in Oslo which had a total of 33,880 competitors on May 14, 2011. Another large relay event is the Penn Relays, which attracts over 15,000 competitors annually on the High School, Collegiate and Professional levels, and over its three days attracts upwards of 100,000 spectators. It is credited with popularizing Relay Racing in the sport of Track and Field. The world’s longest relay race is Japan’s Prince Takamatsu Cup Nishinippon RoundKyûshû Ekiden, which begins in Nagasaki and continues for 1064 km.

Passing the baton requires great skills

Poorly passed baton can cause serious consequences

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

News Arts competition: Korean Cultural Centre awards winners with stunning prizes By Mohammed Kandi

n an effort to promote diplomatic ties between South Korea and Nigeria, the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) in Nigeria has rewarded the winners of its 3rd Annual Drawing Competition involving pupils from various FCT public primary schools with stunning prizes. This followed a two-day training Workshop the KCC, in collaboration with the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC) organised for 40 Art teachers from selected primary schools recently. Director of the KCC, Mr. Suh Jeong-sun, who noted that the Centre had hosted over 350 pupils and 35 teachers for the physical drawing exercise recently, added that "Artworks were screened by the officers of the National Gallery of Arts and the UBEC. Applauding the Samsung Electronics Company for donating some electronics gadget to the winners, Jeong-sun, stated that the Company had offered similar support for the Centre during the grand finale of their KPOP (Korean POP) and Quiz competitions. Meanwhile, Isak Ibrahim from LEA Primary School Jikwoyi, who emerged the overall winner of the competition to become the gold medalist received and LCD Plasma TV, while Lucas Ekezie, Kingsley Ephraim and Emeka Ede got one Samsung Smart Cameras each as silver medalists.

Similarly, 26 Ordinary Cameras went to the bronze medalists as well as consolation prizes for all those pupils who participated in epoch-making event. Speaking at the event, the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Choi Jong-hyun, while expressing his appreciation to all those who partake in the occasion, urged the pupils to be desirous of that they have been taught saying they are the future leaders on Nigeria. The Ambassador, who described Nigeria as a great country with promising economic potentials, advised the pupils to ambitious towards their careers, noting further that, "you must work hard towards the development of your families, your communities, your Local Government Areas, your States and your country so that you can become global citizens in future." Ambassador Jong-hyun, who expressed his words of encouragement to the pupils, also urged them "Think big, aim high and achieve success; you can do it." He therefore stressed the need for both Korean and Nigerian nationals to work together in the direction of economic growth, adding that "we are committed and willing to work together with the Nigerian government and people to advance towards achieving Nigeria's success stories." In his remarks, the Director, FCT Universal Basic Education

UBTH doctors record success in knee surgery From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

h e University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), has recorded success in the treatment of arthritis with total knee replacement also known as artificial knee joint surgery, which is the first to be undertaken locally by wholly based Nigerian healthcare providers. The feat was achieved by a team of medical personnel including four orthopedic doctors, two anaesthetists, a consultant and a peri-operative nurse at the hospital at the cost of N750, 000. UBTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Michael Ibadin said, the maiden operation was carried out in May this year. "With the already existing total hip replacement programme, this hospital is now able to replace both knee and hip joints when indicated". The CMD said: "The early outcome shows relief of pain and

corrections of deformity and the development no doubt will bring succour to our patients who before now needed to go elsewhere for reliefâ&#x20AC;ŚThe hospital is happy to join the league of centres where total knee replacement is done". Indications are that the hospital will continue the procedure every six to eight weeks for the first one year and thereafter every fortnight. A 7-year-old Nigerian boy, Matthew Nodik last October became the first human being early in the year to survive a 100day post-stem transplant, in an operation at the UBTH designed to address complications arising from sickle cell anaemia. The head of the medical team, Dr. Nosa Bazuaye who presented the boy to the general public, said "it was an attempt to prove to the world that we can do it" adding that the operation for adults though possible was however dependent on adequate funding and support for the sickle cell unit from both the federal and state governments".

Board, Agamu Jtau Noma said the bilateral relations between both countries was already yielding positive result, especially in the areas of youth development and requisite skills that will them relevant in their societies. Represented by the Board Secretary of UBEC, Aliyu Dayabi,

the Director who expressed his appreciation to the Korean government, however noted, "The training of children that is aimed at making them proficient in Arts and Craft work is a welcome development," adding that the new education curriculum emphasizes the need to graduate

a child with at least a trade. Coordinator, Cultural and Creative Arts at the FCT-UBEB, Ownabufor Uche, explained that the event was part of ways to foster bilateral relations of both countries as well as to mark the Korean 30th anniversary in Nigeria.

We will decongest prisons soon, CG assures From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

h e Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service, Alhaji Zakari Ibrahim, has disclosed that most the nation's prisons would be decongested before the year runs out. Ibrahim stated this in Ibadan while addressing the staff of the Oyo state command Nigeria Prisons during the week. He said government was

concerned about the prisons congestion across the country, adding that a committee on Prerogative of Mercy was already going round the prisons in the country to speed up their decongestion. He said the prisons are congested because of delay in hearing the cases of many of the inmates and the inability of some of the accused persons to get bail. "National Assembly Committee on the decongestion of prisons would also go round the

prisons across the country and make appropriate recommendations to the government on their findings", he said. He explained further that inadequate funds to purchase black maria to convey inmates to court was part of the challenges facing the prisons service in the country. Ibrahim expressed hope that all the efforts put together would lead to the decongestion of the prisons in the very soon.

Traditional rulers back Jonathan on corruption, insecurity From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

h e Etsu Nupe, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, said on Thursday that the Council of Nigerian Traditional Rulers irrespective of ethnic and religious differences will support President Goodluck Jonathan in dealing with the menace of corruption and security challenges threatening the nation's corporate existence, particularly the unabated

onslaught by Boko Haram sect. Alhaji Abubakar who is also the new Chancellor of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo state, stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after he visited the Oba of Benin with members of the management of the AAU, to inform the monarch about his new appointment. The position of chancellor of AAU Ekpoma has been vacant since the year 2008. He said part of decisions at the council meeting dwelt

extensively on according unbiased support to the Federal Government "in any direction in step taken to ensure that we have maximum security in the country and get rid of the cankerworm called corruption." A meeting of members of the council of traditional rulers in the country was held in Osogbo Osun state on Tuesday where major issues of national interest were deliberated on aimed at sustaining peace, unity and development in the polity.

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From the Pulpit Overcoming temptations

o d doesn't tempt anybody but each person is tempted by his own evil desires. The desires when conceived give birth to sin and sin results in death. (James 1:12-17) The wages of sin is death. (Rom 6:23) Temptation is a reality of human existence. We all face temptations. If you learnt your lessons from your fall in the past, it'll help you to stand strong, and not fall flat as you progress in your life journey. Temptation is not sin - it's only an invitation to violate the Word of God, it's a seduction to sin. If you yield to it, the product is sin. Every temptation has a lifespan. The devil usually leaves for a while if he can't get you to yield to his temptation but he'll surely come back. The Bible says at the end of the temptation of Jesus by the devil, he left him for a while. (Luke 4:13) That suggests that he came back sometimes later. He left him waiting for an opportune time. The devil never gives up; he'll come again to try to see if you'll be slack enough to swallow his bait. That's why it's possible for somebody who has been standing for years to fall for a temptation that he didn't fall for as a young convert. The Bible says he who thinks he's standing should be careful lest he should fall. (1 Cor 10:12) I like the way The Message renders it: "Don't be naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence" If the devil succeeds in making you yield to a particular temptation once, you're vulnerable from then on. He'll ensure that he comes back, and you're more prone to fall for that temptation again if you don't genuinely repent and take a stand of faith. The beginning of victory is

for you to expose your sin, confess and ask for God's forgiveness. The sin you don't expose will expose you. Your sin shall surely find you out. (Num 32:23) How to Overcome Temptations -Accept responsibility for your action. You're going to give account to God for all your actions on this earth. (Rom 14:12) Don't say it's God that's tempting you or someone else. Don't say that you don't know it's a sin or that everybody is doing it or that you've tried your best and you couldn't help it. Don't say that nobody knows what you're going through or that your case is peculiar. That means you're not accepting responsibility for your action. God doesn't listen to passing the buck; He holds you accountable for your actions, and not another person. When Adam and Eve passed the buck in Eden, God still passed His judgment on them. (Gen 3:12-19) Somebody may tempt you but it's your fault if you sin. Face your own situation and leave God to judge them for causing you to stumble. (Gen 3:14-15, Matt18:6) -Constantly renew your mind with the Word of God. To ensure that the seed of sin is not sown or doesn't germinate in you, you need to daily renew your mind with the Word of God. This is a continuous exercise that you must do till Jesus comes. (Rom 12:1) No one can live a victorious Christian life without the Word of God. You must study the Word of God, hear the Word of God, meditate on the Word of God, confess the Word of God and finally obey the Word of God. The man of God, D L Moody says the Bible will keep you away from sin or sin will keep you away from the Bible. The Psalmist says, "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (Ps

LIBERA TION LIBERATION AREN A ARENA By Rev. Abel Duniya Gospel Power Liberation Ministries, Abuja GSM: 08033155167

o u will recall that I have shared with you the vision of our ministry for the year. By the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we have declared this year as a year of multiple harvests and we have been having series of teachings to explain how people can achieve that. Today, let me share with you one of the most important key which many people fail to recognise and apply and which leads to failures in life’s pursuits. Many people want God to change the adverse circumstances in their life but they fail to see the tool God uses to achieve this, in line with His will. God can do all things, but He has laid down principles He

uses. One of the keys to deal with failures and ensure successful life is that of self transformation. Though we need spiritual transformation, we need to champion serious self changes in certain critical areas of our lives, which will in turn usher in the presence of God and attract success to us. One of the critical areas in our lives that we need to strive to achieve a turn-around is actually that of our thinking faculty. This is because one’s thought process is the basis for his overall mentality, world view, perception, habits and attitude to issues of life as it relate him or her. Discover from the scripture

119:11 NLT) -Develop a strong human spirit. A strong human spirit will help you to recognize temptation and say "no" to it. You develop this by studying the Word, praying in the Spirit, following the leading of the Spirit and practising the Word of God. If your Spirit man is so engaged and focused on the truth, when the lie of the devil comes it'll be able to pick it as strange to what it's used to. Feed yourself on the diet of truth and you won't be a victim of the devil's lie. Jesus had a strong human spirit that could detect every lie of the devil when he came to tempt him; satan quoted scriptures out of context but Jesus replied with the truth of the Word of God already established in his heart saying, "It is written" -Obey the Word of God. Never compromise the Word of God. Habitually act in all situations according to the Word of God and you make it difficult for yourself to fall for the devil's temptation to do what violates the Word of God. Make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof. (Rom 13:14) Don't yield yourself to the devil. If you make yourself available in a small way, you'll be useful to him in a big way! Judas had yielded himself to satan for stealing, so when satan needed somebody to betray Jesus, he came for Judas. If you obey satan's voice, he becomes your master. (Rom 6:16) Obedience to the Word of God is still better than sacrifice. (1 Sam 15:22) -Guard your heart with all diligence. Pro 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." (NLT) Your heart is the source of all life. And the devil always wants to possess it by sowing evil seeds there. Your heart then becomes a fertile soil for the growing and breeding of the seed of sin.

GREEN PASTURES By Pastor T.O. Banso cedarministryintl@yahoo.com GSM: 08033113523 Matt 15:19-20 gives us a list of sins which it describes as thoughts, and remarks that they all proceed from the heart. No wonder Peter asked Ananias: "Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?" (Acts 5:3 NKJV) You are what you think in your heart. (Pro 23:7) To keep your heart from sinful thoughts that'll eventually give birth to sinful actions, keep the gates to your heart from any sinful thing. These gates are your eyes, mouth, ears, mind and feet (activities). (Pro 4: 20-27) So what do you do? Don't watch, hear, say and think of what will make you fall into temptation or go where you'll fall into temptation. (James 4:7, Heb 12:4, 2 Tim 2:22, 1 Thess 5:22) Because of lack of space, I won't be able to discuss other ways to overcome temptations but I'll just highlight them. (1) Harbor no evil desire. (James 1:14-15) (2) Never dwell on sinful thoughts. (Rom 1:21b, (2 Cor 10:5) (3) Pray without ceasing. (Mark 14:38, Col 4:2, Matt 6:13, 1 Thess 5:17) (4) Have an accountability partner. (Gal 6:1-2, Ecc 4:9-10, James 5:16) (5) Depend on the grace of God. (1 Peter 5:12, 1 Cor 10:12) Conclusion: Temptation will surely come but don't yield to it. Jesus was tempted but unlike Eve and Adam he didn't sin like. It's your response to temptation that matters.

You should emulate Jesus. Resist temptation! Heb 12:4 says, "You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin." (NKJV) There's no temptation that'll come your way that's strange. God will always make a way of escape for you out of it. (1 Cor 10:13) If you'll keep yourself in the love of God, He'll also keep you from falling. (Jude 21, 24 NKJV) TAKE ACTION! If you're not born again, kindly say this prayer now: "0 Lord God, I come unto you today. I know I'm a sinner and I can't save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and resurrected the third day. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and surrender my life to him today. I invite Jesus into my heart today. By this prayer, I know I'm saved. Thank you Jesus for saving me and making me a child of God" I believe you've said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You'll need to join a Bible believing, Bible teaching church in your area where you'll be taught how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things becoming all God wants you to be. I'll be glad to hear from you. May the Lord be with you.

Why so man y people ffail ail many that many people today experience setbacks because of wrong mentality. They have difficulties in moving forward in life because their mentality, habit and attitude are not in order. Proverbs 23:7 says of mankind, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he”. Your thought process and habits are very important and powerful. They can either make or destroy you and God, knowing this commanded that every one of us must keep our thought process in order. God will not do that for us. He said it is our responsibility to do so. He said; “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”. Prov 4:23 (KJV) If your thought about a particular issue is positive and in line with the word of God, then you are on already on the ladder of success. Check your thought process and your perception about life and issues around you such as your economic and social goals. Do they agree with the word of God? Do you think yourself a failure or a success? Do you

consider yourself capable of achieving or making it in your business? Do you always see possibilities or failures? God expects us to see possibilities. If your thoughts are negative and not inspire confidence and hope in any circumstance, then you are on the way to failure. God cannot work with you. A lot of people are passing through a lot of calamities because of their thought process. Thoughts that they are doomed weigh them down and seal their fate. Many children of God open the door for the devil to come in. If you always have negative thoughts concerning your spouse or your finances or job then you must have problems. The thought of regrets can be a source of problem. The devil makes some people to feel inferior even when God has blessed them with all the potentials they need to make here on earth. Such feelings are part of the lie of the devil. Hear me, God created you as a complete package. Everything to succeed is inbuilt in you but you are doomed to fail if do not

realise this and accept and work by it. Let us balance the issues. Some people might be asking whether it is absolutely impossible for one to live without his mind drifting into negative thoughts out of fear or stress, especially in the face of negative circumstances. I can tell you that there is nobody who can rule out negative thoughts from coming to his heart now and then. They will surely come because of the vicissitudes of life. But the point we are making is that you should not allow such thoughts to settle in you; to take root and begin to permeate your system and affect your perception and habits. Resist them. They are not from God. The devil can tell you that you will remain barren or poor or single. It is not true. Resist and reject such thoughts. Don't let them have grip on you. God said you will be prosperous and fruitful. Grab the truth in the word of God. Let it affect how you talk and walk and how you handle issues that confront you.

BIG PUNCH We must as a country learn to separate institutions from individuals and we must admit that, in the present case, the alleged conduct of an individual can not negate the conclusions of the whole House. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Tambuwal responding to the bribery allegation in the House

SATURDAY 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SUNDAY 17, JUNE, 2012

Tame the beast

The murder of a single human being is harder for God to bear than the passing away of the entire universe. [Prophet Muhammad]

he soldier turns towards her. Her husband, just shot dead at a close range by the soldiers who burst into their house in search of a 'suspect', lies on the ground in front of her, in a pool of his own blood. Fearing a similar treatment, she cries out, 'For God's sake, don't kill me!' Here is a woman, unarmed, helpless, begging for mercy: the mercy she deserves by right as woman - the symbol of life - according to the traditions and laws of humanity. And here is a soldier, brandishing his weapon menacingly, the very weapon entrusted to him by the Nigerian people to defend the life and honor of every citizen; the decision is his whether she should live or die; by virtue of his gun he is absolutely supreme, and she is absolutely at his mercy. The relationship between him and her is not one between human and human, but one between the beast and it's victim. And her mention of God has only infuriated the beast even more. Is he drunk? Is he deranged? Is he human? Certainly his mind has undergone some diabolical transformation, and the soldier, fully conscious of the enormity of the situation before him - here is griefravaged woman who has just watched her husband murdered in such a sudden, violent manner, a woman, above all, carrying a baby in her womb, whom circumstances have made it mandatory that her life be spared at all cost, that she be treated honorably and mercifully yet he pulls the trigger, and kills her. The bullet pierces through her body, violently plucking life out of her, the bullet also shatters into pieces the baby in her womb, brutally terminating a life, so pure, so pristine, so tender. Leisurely the soldiers walked away, after wiping out a budding family, satisfied that they will never be called to account, they being above the law, above the nation. This is one of the many stories told about the heroic exploits of the Joint Task Force [JTF], a branch of the Nigerian Army fighting insurgency nationwide. A beast which has tasted human blood will always crave for more. The Nigerian Army has crossed the barrier, from humanity to bestiality. Unless the beast is tamed, the impunity will spread. Those who can kill a woman and an unborn baby will stop at nothing in destruction and carnage. The next stage for them in Northern Nigeria

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might well be the time when an Emir, a Chief, a Shehu or a Sultan would be captured in his palace by some drunken, rogue soldiers: if they like, they execute him in the palace, if they like they drag him out into the open and, in the eyes of the public, kill him, if they like they wipe out his entire family. They have, under the circumstance, the power of life and death. Was that not the fate of Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa? The Northern Elders Forum [NEF] have on May 30, 2012, voiced their concern and alarm over the activities of the Nigerian Army in their so called fight against insurgency to the Federal Government. Peoples Daily [30/5/ 12] and Leadership [31/5/12] report as follows: Disturbed by the increasing frequency and, especially, ferocity of the extra judicial atrocities, often with fatal consequences, being committed by the various Joint Task Forces (JTF) in many parts of the north with impunity, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed fears that the activities of the operatives might not be merely accidental, describing what is happening as a pogrom against the people of the area. On account of the behavior of the security personnel, the group claim that "many are beginning to wonder whether they are on a genocide mission" in the North. NEF said that in Maiduguri alone, "available records indicate the figures of those that were killed by the JTF to be in the thousands, most of whom were first arrested/ apprehended before they were extra judicially executed. Calling for a halt of the carnage being perpetrated in the north, the group disclosed that the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital recorded 635 corpses brought into

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its mortuary between January and December 2011. It also disclosed that the same hospital recorded 65 corpses deposited in February 2012, and that hundreds more were unreported. The forum stated that the figures did not capture corpses that were delivered by the JTF to the mortuary of the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, and those that were dumped in mass graves on the outskirts of the state. Some of the corpses deposited at the hospital could have been hanged, strangled or allowed to starve to death, it said, adding that there were no signs of bullet wounds on them just as those who were suspected to have been starved to death were reduced to mere skeletons. "In the past fortnight alone, the JTF has razed to the ground not fewer than fifty houses in the neighborhood of Shehuri North, Korongoso and Abbaganaram Wards of Maiduguri". The forum cited reports as saying that the JTF is currently "holding on to thousands of people, mostly youths, in various detention centers all over the country under dehumanizing conditions, including allegedly one underground detention cell where the inmates are said to be on a rationed feeding of half a loaf N100 worth of bread per day, with four of them sharing a sachet of what is called pure water per day." It said

that the ferocity of the operation of the JTF of recent "has taken a new dimension with their engagement in acts of arson", alleging that the "JTF has now resorted to burning down the private residences of people in any neighborhood where a suspected Boko Haram is claimed to reside". The group added that incidences of the JTF violence were not restricted to Maiduguri alone as "there have been many similar incidences in several parts of the North such as Kano, Damaturu, Gombe, Azare, Mubi, etc". The Northern Elders Forum particularly questioned the innocence of the JTF vis-a-vis the incident of the Damaturu International Cattle Market, when on May 2, 2012 a gang of unknown gunmen raided the market in broad daylight resulting in the death of hundreds of people and cattle in an operation that took place twice, lasting several hours without security operatives showing up, even though more than five check points mounted by the security forces were within the radius of only 3 to 4 kilometers from the cattle market. The group warned that there was a clear danger to the maintenance of law and order when people lose confidence in security forces and resort to self reliance to protect their lives and property. As expected, the Nigerian Army denied the charges. All arrests and

detentions it claims were made within the law and mandate of the task force because the affected persons are 'suspected terrorists'. The task force kills people, it claims, only in self defense or to save lives of innocent and law abiding citizens or to protect properties. Further, JTF acts within the mandate and additional powers approved by appropriate authority. Some of the additional powers include; the mandate to cordon and search suspected premises/areas used by terrorists without warrant; arrest of suspected terrorists found committing or planning to commit an act of terror or criminal act and detention of suspected terrorists in military custody for more than 24 hours. The army identifies its enemies as 'terrorists, their collaborators, hoodlums, bandits, assassins.' So under this unwieldy and sweeping definition young people are routinely and systematically branded or suspected as terrorists, collaborators, hoodlums, bandits according to the whims and caprice of JTF, and as persistent and credible reports have indicated they are then summarily executed, publicly or secretly, and their bodies dumped in hospitals, or buried in mass graves in accordance with the 'additional powers' conferred on them outside the law of the land by 'appropriate authorities.' The way in which the Nigerian Army have whimsically dismissed their indiscriminate and willful murder of innocent Nigerians constitutes an insult to the Nigerian people, and an affront to Almighty God. Every cold blooded murder undermines the dignity and integrity of Nigeria, and the country must bear in mind the likely moral consequences. The Northern Elders Forum comprises many people of integrity and honor, some, like Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, have risen to the position as father of the nation. Some, like Prof Ango Abdullahi have reached the pinnacle in intellect and chosen career. Others, like General IBM Haruna have staked their life to defend the integrity of Nigeria. Others are statesmen and women in their own right. Others still are men of God, whose entire career is dedicated to the service of humanity. None of them has any cause to engage in lies and falsehood. They have reached the height in their individual and collective capacities when they can be trusted and believed by Nigerians. Their principled stand is the truth. The Nigerian Army must be tamed and forced to abide by the truth, the law and justice. Otherwise the Army will break under the weight of its own excesses, and bring Nigeria to grief.

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