Peoples Daily Newspaper, Monday, July 16, 2012 by Peoples Media Limited

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 81

Monday, July 16, 2012

Bomb rocks Okene, as gunmen kill one in Kaduna >> PAGE 3

. . . putting the people first

Jonathan, PDP, others congratulate Oshiomhole >> PAGE 3

Shaaban 26, 1433 AH

327 Nigerians deported from Libya >> PAGE 11

N150

Domestic debt now N7 trillion >> PAGE 19

Army orders attack on 5 Plateau villages We’re not moving an inch, says Miyetti Allah Northern governors urge caution By Julius Ogar

full-scale military operation has been ordered in five villages in Plateau state to flush out suspected militants after recent attacks claimed by insurgent Boko Haram sect that killed over 100 people. The villages are Mahanga, Kakuruk, Kuzen, Maseh and Shong 2. “We will conduct operation sweep and search this week in some villages in Plateau state we suspect are hideouts of miscreants and assailants,” army spokesman Captain Salihu Mustapha said in a statement released yesterday in Lagos, adding that residents had been warned to leave to avoid getting caught up in any violence. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attacks that killed more than 100 people, but police insisted that Fulani herdsmen were responsible. The order for a full-scale military action follows an earlier one by the local Special Task Force (STF) for the villagers to leave and a statement by the governor, Jonah David Jang that Fulanis are “settlers” in the state. Contd on Page 2

Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima (middle), Deputy Governor, Ahaji Zannah Umar Mustapha and Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-kanemi, during the governor's visit to the Shehu at his palace, yesterday in Maiduguri.

35 states are broke, says Gov. Aliyu From Iliya Garba, Minna

ll 36 states but Lagos are in dire financial straits, Niger state Governor, Aliyu Babangida, has said. In an interview he granted an online publication, Economic

Bauchi govt opts for direct labour to save costs Confidential, yesterday, the governor said many states were not generating enough revenue internally and, therefore, could not execute development

projects. He said they had to rely heavily on monthly revenue allocations from the federation account, adding that only Lagos

state could be said to be financially buoyant. Aliyu, who is also the chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), said

the North was desirous of exploiting its crude oil potential to shore up its revenue base. “It is not only states in the Contd on Page 2

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

CONTENTS

Army orders attack on 5 Plateau villages

News

Contd from Page 1 In line with the order, compliance with the order, Defence Headquarters in Abuja yesterday said that soldiers would in coming days raid locations believed to be hideouts of the suspected criminals launching the attacks and destabilizing the state. However, with the Fulani inhabitants of the five villages identified by the military as hideouts of criminals not to vacate their communities, a confrontation is imminent between herdsmen and the army. Another statement by the Director of Defence Information, Colonel Mohammed Yusuf, made available to Premium Times, said it would be a full-scale military action that might cause “collateral damage.” He said to avoid that the villagers should evacuate to “a safer place where an arrangement is being made for them by the state government.” “This temporary relocation is for a while and the villagers will relocate when the operation is completed,” the statement said. The residents of a few other villages - Kura-falls, Kuzukand Sharuk, Rim of Gashish and Bachit, he said, should not panic but be “careful of their movement within the area and avoid places of military operations until further notice. “People are also advised to report any suspicious movement/ activities in their areas to security agencies,” the statement said. It explained that the measure is a “temporary” one being “put in place by the Defence Headquarters for the safety of the inhabitants of the affected areas. “The residents should be rest assured that as soon as the operations are over, they will be called back to their residences. Inconveniences caused are highly regretted.” He said that the operation was necessary to rid the state of murderers who, according to him, are hiding in the affected villages. “Having failed in their attempts to continue to instigate communal strife in Plateau state, criminal elements who are enemies of the people decided to wear military type uniforms and attack directly innocent citizens of some part of the state,” the statement added.

2-11

Editorial

Op.Ed

Letters

Opinion

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

S/Report

Discourse

Education

27-28

Health

29-30

PDP has lost grip on Nasarawa state, says Chairmanship aspirant, Page 37

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

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“This direct attack was obviously decided upon when these criminals realized that their previous tactics of inciting one section of the populace against another is no longer working because the people of Plateau State have seen through the divisive technique of these ungodly people. “The Special Task Force in Jos has found out that some of the criminals who carried out last week’s attacks on innocent people are still hiding around some villages in order to continue to perpetrate crimes against the good people of Plateau state. The Task Force is determined to rid the state of these murderers.” The Special Task Force, the inter-agency outfit in charge of security in Plateau in the state, had issued a similar statement on Saturday, ordering the inhabitants of the villages to vacate their communities within 48 hours. However, the umbrella body of the Fulani, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, said in a statement yesterday that its member would not move an inch from the villages. Signed by the group’s secretary, Mohammed Abdullahi, the statement called on the federal government, the United Nations and human rights organisations to call the STF in Jos to order over the quit notice issued to the five villages with a predominantly Fulani population. “We are calling on the Federal government, United Nations and other Human Rights bodies to put eyes on the possible genocide being planned by the soldiers,” the group said. It warned of the consequences of allowing the STF to carry out its quit order, saying “if this is allowed to happen, nobody should blame the Fulani man for taking every measure necessary to defend himself.” It accused the STF of siding with the Berom people “as if the Fulani are not also Nigerians who deserved equal treatment.” “We are hapless law-abiding citizens of this country, we therefore demand equal treatment from the government, we urge the government to as a matter of urgency to intervene and halt this nasty and provocative act by the STF commander to avert an escalation of the crisis and breakdown of law and order,” the

statement said. “There is therefore no need for the STF to instigate another crisis that has the potential of being worse than the Boko Haram” insurgency, it said. The group, however, said it was “ready and willing to enter into any meaningful dialogue to resolve all the contending issues at stake”. Relatedly, a Network for Justice, a human rights campaign and advocacy organisation, said yesterday that it was “alarmed by distress calls from Fulani inhabitants of Barikin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of Plateau state of a 48 hour ultimatum given to them to evacuate their villages while the Beroms, who also are parties in the on-going conflict, have been told not to panic.” A statement by its Executive Director, Dr. Bashir Usman Kurfi, said quit order “has confirmed several reports about the killing of over 200 Fulani herdsmen along with hundreds of their cattle and the complete destruction of their entire settlements by the STF in the last three days. “Surprisingly, these unjustified operations were conducted by both ground troops and helicopter gunships. “These atrocities amount to an open declaration of war by a government against a segment of its citizens. This is totally against

all norms of civil engagement.” Meanwhile, Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu whomis the governor of Niger state, has urged the Special Military Task Force (STF) to exercise caution. He said it should work more closely with Governor Jonah Jang instead of issuing unilateral orders that could further worsen the already bad security situation in the state. A statement by Aliyu’s spokesman, Danladi Ndayebo said the problem in Plateau “is peculiar and therefore requires close collaboration of all stakeholders.” He said the forum was worried by concerns by a section of the region that the vacation order represents a declaration of war by the military against a segment of the nation’s population.” According to the statement, “the forum supports any action that will put a stop to the senseless killing of innocent people on the Plateau,” but prefers “a course of action that would ensure a more harmonious coexistence among persons irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation.” It said the current security challenges in Plateau state provide another opportunity for all stakeholders to sit down and solve the indigene-settler problem as a way encouraging national integration.

Ogun, Sokoto support journalists’ estate project

gun and Sokoto state governments have pledged support for the building of a community centre at the Journalists’ Estate, Arepo, Ogun state. Ogun Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lekan Adegbite, and Sokoto’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Danladi Bako, represented their respective governments during the centre’s foundation laying ceremony on Saturday. Adegbite and Bako said their respective state governments were proud to identify with the project. Adegbite said, “Apart from our financial contribution towards the building of the

community centre, the state government will also construct an access road to the estate as soon as the rains are over.” Danladi said, “After due consultation, the state would pick a particular project to embark upon within the estate with the aim of making life more meaningful to the residents.” President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mallam Mohammed Garba, urged state governments to support similar projects in their states. Chairman of the estate, Mr. Gbayode Somuyiwa, said the library and information and communication technology facilities would also be available for use by non-residents of the estate on completion.

35 states are broke, says Gov. Aliyu Contd from Page 1 Northern part of the country that are not in position to meet all their financial obligations. “Virtually all states in the federation, apart from probably Lagos, are in the same boat. “The situation has been compounded by the introduction of a new minimum wage for workers in all the states of the country irrespective of the fact that we are in a federation and the poor internally generated revenue base of most states after the payment of salaries.” He added: “Some states have gone

to the capital market to get money to finance capital projects dear to the people while others recourse to loans from commercial banks. “This is why we have been asking that the revenue allocation formula should be reviewed. As the case is now, there is too much money at the centre so we need to change the position because it is in the states and local government areas that we have the people. “I will still want the revenue allocation formula to be reviewed. If for nothing, it has outlived its usefulness, especially when it is the law that it should be reviewed

every 10 years.” Meanwhile, Bauchi state government, in order to save costs, has executed many projects through direct labour instead of awarding contracts for them. Commissioner of Special Duties, Alhaji Bappa Azare, disclosed this at a media briefing in Bauchi. Azare said the ministry had saved N589,110,840.22 on 20 projects through the direct labour initiative. He stated that the projects cost N226, 319,367.50 instead of the over N1 billion contract costs offered. The commissioner dismissed

claims that the ministry was receiving N200 million, saying since his assumption of office, the ministry had only received N256,787,654.50. Azare, a former Accountant General in the state, revealed that the ministry’s total budget was N3, 979,908,338.00 but that only N258, 743,612.51 was received within this year. Assuring that more projects would be executed subject to the release of the rest of the budget, he said his ministry was also charged with ecological responsibilities in the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

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Car bomb rocks Okene …as gunmen kill youth in Kaduna By Abdulwahab Isa, Abuja & Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

R-L: First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, President Goodluck Jonathan, wife of CSO to the President, Mrs. Gordons Obuah, and the CSO, Mr. Gordons Obuah, during a thanksgiving service to mark the first anniversary of Obuah triplets, yesterday at the Aso Villa Chapel, State House, Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

In what probably would have been another bleak Sunday for the nation, a car bomb ostensibly targeted at Living Faith Church near the MPC filling station in Obehira district of Okene local government area in Kogi state exploded yesterday with no causality recorded. The police were said to have promptly dashed to the scene and arrested two suspects. One escaped arrest, according to an eyewitness who narrated the incident to our reporter yesterday. The explosion which ripped off the car’s booth, caused pandemonium and general fright amongst residents. A commercial driver heading to Lagos got to scene shortly after the explosion occurred and told our

her emergence as chairperson of the Commission will further deepen the division in the continent. In January this year, the bitterly fought contest for the AU Commission chair ended in a stalemate, with neither candidate securing the two-third majority votes required to win. Ping, who hails from Gabon, has served as chairperson of the AU Commission since 2008, and had hoped to secure a second term. But the South African government moved against him, assuring that Ms. Dlamini-Zuma would help give the African Union a more effective international

voice. But this was strongly opposed by other leading African nations, like Nigeria and Kenya, who expressed strong reservations about giving so much power to South Africa, just as smaller nations fretted that their interests would be neglected. President Jacob Zuma had pulled out all the stops at the weekend to lobby for the candidacy of Ms. Dlamini-Zuma, a highly respected official of his government and the ruling African National Congress (ANC), who is also his estranged wife. Please see special report on the election of the AUC chairperson on page 23

Dlamini-Zuma emerges AU Commission chairperson From Ahmed I. Shekarau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

outh Africa's Interior Minister, Ms Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was yesterday elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) in a keenly contested election that saw her defeat the incumbent, Dr. Jean Ping. The election, which was decided in the fourth round of voting, saw Dlamini-Zuma scoring 27 in the first round while Ping got 24 votes. However, after the second and third rounds of victory by Dlamini-Zuma but without the needed majority votes to carry the day, Ping had to withdraw from the contest to allow his challenger stand alone and seek for a confidence vote from the 51member forum, in line with the voting procedure of the organisation. Although there are 54 countries in all in Africa, only 51 participated in the election because Mali, Madagascar and Guinea Bissau are under suspension. At the end of the fourth round of voting, however, Ms. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma secured 37 votes,

giving her the two-thirds majority she needed to win. Earlier at about 2.30pm Ethiopian time, Ms. DlaminiZuma had addressed a press conference to further clarify her decision to go into the race, pledging that her country was determined to make its modest contributions towards promoting the African Union. “I am also running because the region from which I come has decided to field me as a candidate for this position, a position that has not been held by the southern region for 49 years,” she further said. She also denied allegations that

Nigeria loses billions to smuggled rice - RIDAN From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Rice Importers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (RIDAN), has raised alarm over the high rate smugglers bring in rice to the country, saying if unchecked this practice would spell sever consequences for the economy. Investigations show that thousands of bags of rice worth over several billions of naira are

smuggled into the country on a regular basis through rivers linking Nigeria with Benin Republic and RIDAN’s worry is that this is jeorpadising efforts to boost local production of the product, and also harming the business of genuine importers. Although Nigerian consumes about 5.5 million tonnes of rice annually, it only produces about 3.5 million tonnes and dubious businessmen have been

capitalizing on this to frustrate genuine efforts aimed at boosting local farming of the product. Vice President of the association, Mr. Boniface Nwodo, said that the duty per tonne of rice imported into the country has increased from 227 dollars to 367 dollars or about N58, 000 currently, adding that the increase would likely trigger increased smuggling of rice.

correspondent on phone that vehicles heading to Lagos were diverted to Ihima route to link Ayire as the place cordoned off. As at press time yesterday, no group had claimed responsibility for the explosion. The National Emergency Management Agency has confirmed the explosion. NEMA's spokesperson, Yushau Shuaibu, said in a statement that no life was lost. He also confirmed that two suspects were arrested by security agents before they could escape. In a related development, the Kaduna state police command has launched an investigation into killing of a youth by suspected terrorists who stormed Mahuta village, near the National Eye Centre, on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis, at the weekend. The armed men reportedly tried to gain access into the residence of the District Head who escaped by scaling through the fence. Eyewitness accounts said that seven of the villagers were shot in the process of trying to apprehend the gunmen. One of them died in the hospital.

6 killed, 6 injured in auto crash From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

ix persons were killed while another six were injured in ghastly motor accident in Zwall, along Bauchi-Jos Road in Toro local government area of Bauchi state yesterday evening. The Bauchi state sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Henry Sunday Olatunj, confirmed the incident to newsmen. He said: “The accident involved two vehicles and it was cause by dangerous over taking; 12 people were inside the two vehicles; six died and six are injured”. Olatunji said the officers of the FRSC had assisted and evacuated the injured victims to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. According to him, the deceased included two men, two women and two children. He cautioned motorist against dangerous overtaking especially when it is raining.

Edo polls: Jonathan, PDP, others congratulate Oshiomhole By Lawrence Olaoye, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, Abuja, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

he Peoples Democratic Party yesterday conceded defeat to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo state won by the incumbent governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The party in a release made available to newsmen, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said: “As a party

that respects the institutions of democracy, and in demonstration of the spirit of sportsmanship which is the acclaimed principle of the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, we call on all our supporters to accept this results as declared by INEC. We congratulate the winner for this victory. “This is however without prejudice to our right to seek redress if we observe from our field reports any foul play. We therefore urge our supporters to remain calm, law abiding and resist any

temptation to take the law into their hands,” the party clarified. President Goodluck Jonathan, in similar vein, has congratulated Oshiomhole on his re-election just as he also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its personnel and the nation’s security services for ensuring that the elections were free and fair in line with his administration’s commitment to continually strengthening democracy in Nigeria through the establishment of a more credible electoral system.

According to a statement signed by Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan Governor Oshiomhole to receive the fresh mandate given to him yesterday by the people of the state as an endorsement of his outstanding performance in his first term and an expression of their desire for a continuation of his focused, purposeful and dynamic leadership. The Senate President David Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, in different statements congratulated the newly elected

governor for his victory at the polls over the weekend. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in his message asserted that Oshiomhole’s victory was the demonstration of the unfettered will of the people to choose their leader. Atiku in a statement by his media office in Abuja said the decision of the people of Edo state to re-elect governor Oshiomhole was a clear confirmation that the people were satisfied with the performance of their governor in his first term in office.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

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STF raid: Plateau moves to resettle villagers From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

overnor Jonah Jang has directed that arrangements be made to provide immediate relief to the people that would be displaced from five communities in Riyom local government area, which the Special Task Force (STF) plans to raid. Jang, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Yiljap Abraham, said already a special committee is working with authorities of Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs, and has designated areas to receive and provide relief to the internally displaced people (IDPs). The governor said in Riyom LGA, camps have been set up at RaHoss Primary School, Community Hall Riyom and the Old LGC Secretariat while those in Barkin Ladi LGA were at Kura Falls and COCIN Gangare in Barkin Ladi town. According to him, government has launched relief interventions in the identified camps. He advised the IDPs that were yet to receive aid to contact the local government authorities.

Senator doles out N1.3m at Qur’anic contest

By Lambert Tyem

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three clerics before Justice M. S. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Yola, Adamawa state on a sixcount charge bordering on money laundering and obtaining N10 million by false pretences. Alhaji Inuwa Usman and Alhaji Chindo M.D. Bose, both leaders of the Taraba state chapter of the Muslim Council allegedly conspired with Rev. John Simon Jatutu, who was the Special Adviser to the State Government on Religious Matters, to divert part of the funds approved for the council

by the state government towards the celebration of the country’s Golden Jubilee. The Taraba state government had in September 2010 approved N42 million for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Council for the purposes of the 50th Independence celebration. Both groups shared the money equally with each getting N21 million. However, the three accused

persons allegedly cornered N10m from the Muslim Council share of the grant and declared only N11million to the council. However, members of the council later got wind of the actual amount approved for them, which prompted a petition to the EFCC. When the charges were read to the accused persons, they pleaded not guilty, prompting the prosecution counsel, Al Qasim Jaafar, to request the court to fix

a date for trial proper. He opposed the bail application by defence counsel, Ukaegbu Onyi, on grounds that the accused had jumped administrative bail granted them by the Commission. However ruling on the bail application, Justice Shuaibu took cognisance of the forthcoming judicial recess and granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N1.5 million each and a surety in like sum.

Pupils of Fou'ad Lababidi Islamic Academy, Nursery Section, during their speech and prize giving ceremony, on Saturday at the Muslim Community Centre, Wuse Zone 3, in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

From Bala Nasir, Kano

From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

he Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Bashir Lado Garba, has doled out N1.3 million to the winners of the Qur’anic recitation competition organized by him for Islamiyya children of his constituency. The competition, which drew 150 participants across the local governments in the senatorial constituency ended yesterday after a week-long challenge. Three winners emerged each from the male and female categories with the first position from each of the categories getting the sum of N500,000. The second position in both categories went home with N100,000 while third placed competitors received N50,000. Winners in lower grades from both categories went home with various consolation prizes. Mas’ud Surajo and Zainab Yusuf fromMunicipal and Ungogo Local Governments areas respectively took first positions in the competition. Shafi’u Lawan and Asma’u Yusuf from Gwale and Madobi local governments placed second while Abubakar Usman and Zainab Adamu from Municipal and Minjibir local governments took third positions. At the closing event, Senator Basheer Lado thanked the competitors, their teachers and the umpires for the smooth conduct of the contest. He pledged to continue to sponsor it in order to encourage children to take to Qur’anic recitation.

nother flood disaster ravaged Ibadan on Saturday night following a seven-hour downpour destroying property worth millions of naira. The rain started about 9.00 p.m. in some parts of the town, overflowing many bridges into many houses, destroying the makeshift pedestrian bridge at Apete, shutting out residents of the area from their homes. Some residents of Amuloko in the Ona Ara local government could not get to their houses in their vehicles as some of the bridges linking the community were covered by water. Many people around Odo Ona Elewe, Agara areas would have been killed yesterday if not for the precautionary step of fleeing their residences to avoid being trapped

EFCC arraigns clerics over alleged N10m fraud

Again, flood wreaks havoc in Ibadan in while asleep. According to Mr. Akinjide Akintola, whose house was affected by the flood, “the bridge needs attention. It is too low and the river really needs proper dredging. In the first place, political influence affected the construction of the bridge. Instead of making the road from Orita to run straight and make the flow of water to be much easier, it was bent over there, so that some houses belonging to some powerful people on the other side would not be affected. “Nevertheless, the state government needs to dredge the river very deep to accommodate the volume of water flowing through it.” Also, a resident of Apete area of Iddo local government, Mr.

AU demands new govt in Mali From Ahmed I. Shekarau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

he African Union (AU) has called for the formation of a new government in Mali by the 31st of this month. This was part of the resolutions of a meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the body held on Saturday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Union, in a communique at the end of the council’s meeting, demanded the immediate reinstatement of the toppled Malian President, Mr. Amadou Toumani Toure. Doing these, some of the leaders at the meeting said, could lead to

the lifting of the sanctions imposed on Mali. The communique further revealed that the council also demanded the institutionalisation of a military concept that would offer protection to all state installations in Mali’s capital, Bamako, and an international inquiry into the beating of interim President Diouncounda Traore. In this regard, the AU Commission Chairperson, Dr. Jean Ping, was tasked to work with the Interim President and Prime Minister of Mali to initiate the process of forming an interim government based on talks with other key stakeholders in that country.

Najeem Raheem, said: “With the situation of things now, many residents of this community will have to stay at home tomorrow (today). The pedestrian bridge we are managing has collapsed. There is no way we can go out. The other road linking Ajibode is so bad that it is not motorable. The one to Akufo is also bad with series of potholes created by rain since it was graded. “The polytechnic students and staff are now in dilemma. Students of Lifeforte School here are starting

exams tomorrow (today), and so many of them will have to miss it if the exams are not postponed. People here are particularly not happy with the way the contractor is handling the bridge. Students are complaining that the contractor is not competent. They are threatening a protest if the government would not arrest the situation on time.” N50 fare for transportation from Apete to Sango now attracts N500. This is becoming unbearable”, Raheem said.

AYF demands compensation for toxic dump victims

From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

he Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has demanded compensation for victims of toxic industrial waste dumped at the Rido community allegedly by the Kaduna Refining and PetroChemical Company (KRPC). In a statement yesterday by the its National President, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, the AYF said the group had visited the community, noting that industrial waste was actually dumped on farmlands at Rido community and that many peasants in the area had received medical attention following the development. The statement commended the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Environment for taking prompt action on the matter. Gujungu wrote: “Although we have not yet confirmed the number

of persons who might have died from the incident, it is a matter of serious concern to note that poultry in their hundreds had died while other animals such as dogs could not survive the painful emission that emanated from the dump at the Rido community. “We are more saddened that able-bodied youth from the area are unemployed and had for many years lived to watch riches and affluence displayed by the refinery workers while all they get in return is the flare conspicuously seen from the refinery and its attendant consequences. “We call on the Kaduna Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA) to avail the result of the chemical of samples from the dump to the public and ensure that they apprehend drivers of the trucks that offloaded the industrial waste on Rido farms, to unravel the true motive behind the act.”

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NDLEA arrests South African woman with N15m drugs

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday, said it has arrested a South African woman with substance suspected to be methamphetamine worth N15 million. A statement signed by the agency's Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said that the suspect was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos while attempting to board a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. According to the statement the substance was hidden in a luggage and tins of sardine. “She was travelling with a carton of sardine. When one of them was opened, the content was methamphetamine. Some of the drugs were also packed in a false bottom of her luggage”. “We have launched a full scale investigation into the case and we expect to arrest other members of the drug cartel. The agency said in the statement that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded. (NAN)

Edo verdict: A victory foretold, says NLC By Muhammad Nasir

he Nigeria Labour Congress has described the just concluded governorship elections in Edo state as a significant high point made in the annals of the country's history. A press statement made available yesterday to newsmen by the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar noted that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, despite all odds, trounced his opponents by a landslide victory to be returned as governor of Edo state. While he clinched 75% of valid votes cast with 477,478, the People's Democratic Party candidate, who was his closest rival in the elections, garnered only 144,235 votes. Comrade Oshiomhole did not only win the overall votes cast, but overwhelmingly won in all the local government areas in Edo state.

L-R: Former President, Ibrahim Babangida, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, and former FCT Minister, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, during the wedding Fathia of el-Rufai’s elder brother’s daughter at the weekend in Kaduna.

4 bank managers, nursing mother docked over N55m theft By Lambert Tyem

ustice C. O. Ogisi of the Delta state High Court, Asaba has ordered that five suspected fraudsters be remanded in prison custody. According to Wilson Uwujaren Ag. Head, Media & Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), "the suspects are Nwakaego Oke, a nursing mother; Wilson Nwajei, Collins

Monday Ehiedu, Habib Momoh and Olakunle Abiodun, all managers with the United Bank of Africa, Agbor branch. Their remand is sequel to their arraignment by the EFCC on an eight count charge of stealing and obtaining money by false pretence. They are alleged to have stolen N55 million of depositors’ fund, an offence contrary to section 390 of the Criminal Code Cap 17, Vol 2 Laws of Delta state of Nigeria.

EFCC arraigns couple over N11.3 million fraud By Lambert Tyem

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a couple, Dan Fulani and his wife, Gambo Tanimu (aka Happiness) before Justice Musa Sale Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, Yola, Adamawa state on a six-count charge of conspiracy, money laundering and obtaining by false pretences. The offence is contrary to Sections 1(a), 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004

and Other Related Offences Act 2006. The couple who are chairman and treasurer respectively of a cooperative society in Jalingo, Taraba state, allegedly defrauded one Aihaji Idris Tukur, a businessman of N11.3million under the guise of selling imported rice to him. When the charge was read to the accused persons, they pleaded not guilty. Their counsel, P.S. Agabus, immediately urged the court to admit his clients to bail.

The five accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them. Thereafter, counsel to EFCC, Kayode Oni, asked the court to remand the accused persons in prison and fix a date for trial. However, attempts by counsel to the 3rd accused person to make an oral application for bail on the basis that she was a nursing mother was rejected by the judge who castigated the lawyer for not

doing the proper thing by way of filing an application for bail. Justice Ogisi dismissed the defence counsel attempt to wipe up emotions that the 3rd accused person’s child was less than 3 months old. She posited that there was no sentiment in law and that she was not a sentimental person. The five managers, who are now suspended from the bank, were arrested following a petition from the UBA to the EFCC.

Mass wedding: Kano govt. spends N46.6m on 250 new couples

he Kano state government has spent N46.6 million to buy essential items for distribution to the second batch of 250 new couples, Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso has said. He said this on Saturday in Kano when he presented the items to some of the couples at the Government House. The governor said the items included mattresses, pillows, bed clothes and others, as well as food items, among others. He said each bride would also be given N20, 000 as initial capital

to enable them establish their own businesses. Kwankwaso charged the brides to make the best use of the money in order to be self-reliant. In his remarks, Sheik Aminu Daurawa, the CommanderGeneral of the State Hisba Board, commended the state government for its continued support to the board. He also praised some wealthy individuals in the state for donating various sums of money and other items to the board. (NAN)

Winding up order: Afribank shareholders file appeal From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

ive aggrieved shareholders of Afribank Plc, have appealed the decision of a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, which granted a request by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to close down the affairs of the bank. Justice Charles Archibong of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had wound up Afribank on the ground

that it was no longer necessary for the bank to continue to exist since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had revoked the operating license of the bank and properly gazetted same. By a notice dated August 8, 2011 and published as Government Notice No 140, in the official gazette of the Federal Government No.63 Volume 98, the CBN governor, Lamido Sanusi, revoked the operating licenses of

Afribank Nigeria Plc, Bank PHB and Spring Bank Plc. Further to the revocation, the NDIC, acting pursuant to Section 40 of the NDIC Act of 2006, filed winding up petitions dated November 22, 2011 to wind up the three banks, a request that was granted by Justice Archibong on July 2, 2012. But Afribank shareholders through their lawyer, Onyebuchi Aniakor, appealed Justice

Archibong’s decision, saying that the judge erred in law and committed grave miscarriage of justice by his order. The shareholders had told Justice Archibong that the winding up petition was merely calculated to overreach the suit before Justice Tsoho. In the appeal, the shareholders are praying for an order setting aside the striking out of the preliminary objection,

and an order directing that the objection should be heard by another judge of the Federal High court on merit. Besides, the shareholders have also filed a motion before the Federal High Court seeking stay of execution of Justice Archibong’s ruling, and an order stopping the NDIC from taking steps to enforce the winding up order pending the determination of the case.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

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US in dilemma over Alamieyeseigha’s loot From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

he United States Department of Justice has sought advice from a Nigerian nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), on what the US government should do with what it termed the proceeds of the civil assets forfeiture imposed against Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the former Governor of Bayelsa state who has been convicted in Nigeria of money laundering and unjust enrichment while in office as governor of Bayelsa state. The request for advice was made last week by Jeffrey Benzing of the Department of Justice to SERAP’s US volunteer counsel, Professor Alexander W. Sierck. This followed the department’s first Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative forfeiture judgment of $400,000 in assets traced to Alamieyeseigha in Nigeria. Professor Sierck’s response reads in part: “On behalf of my client SERAP, the Nigerian NGO, I am

responding to your question as to what the US Department of Justice should do with the proceeds of the civil asset forfeitures imposed against Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, the former Governor of Baylelsa state in Nigeria, who has been convicted in Nigeria of money laundering and unjust enrichment while in political office”. According to SERAP, “In the specific context of the Alamieyseigha case, the US should establish a trust fund comprised of present and future civil asset forfeiture proceeds to be paid, ultimately to a future benefit of the people of Baylelsa state. “As a practical matter this would mean payment to a Nigerian or foreign NGO which would, subject to anti-corruption safeguards, in turn spend the money on public health or education projects, for example, in the state. “A direct payout from the trust fund to the adult citizens of the state would seem to be, in my judgment, impractical and inefficient”. “SERAP notes that Article 79 of the Rome

Statute establishing the International Criminal Court provides for the establishment of separate trust funds into which criminal penalties and asset forfeiture proceeds are paid. The organisation also said that, “Essentially, SERAP’s response to your valid question tracks the rationale and framework

of SERAP’s March 15, 2012 proposal to the SEC’s Enforcement Division concerning the proceeds of FCPA civil penalty and disgorgement payments. It would be re-called that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently requested a meeting with SERAP, “to discuss the implementation of our

proposal to establish an efficient case-by-case process for the payment of some or all of US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) disgorgement proceeds for the benefit of the victimised foreign government agency or the citizens of the affected foreign country like Nigeria”. Following the meeting,

Professor Sierck was invited to the World Bank’s Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative meeting, which he attended on April 5 and made contribution to discussion on how to enhance victims’ rights in anti-corruption investigations including restitution; and shared with the meeting SERAP’s proposal to SEC.

groups across the country. Oralusi who disbursed fresh loan of N2.5 million to 70 farmers in Oyo state at the occasion, said the agency had developed a new strategy to provide seed capital to the grassroots using traditional method. He said the loans were

being disbursed through trust groups and cooperative societies mainly for the development of community business centres, farmers export e n h a n c e m e n t programmes, affordable housing schemes, ICT for poverty alleviation as well

as community health management centres. Other services of the agency, according to him include capacity building and technical assistance, small and medium enterprises development and finance as well as agricultural inputs and support, among others.

Poverty alleviation: Agency provides N350 million loans for rural dwellers From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

he Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF) has announced the disbursement of N350 million as poverty alleviating loan to grassroots Nigerians. NCDF’s DirectorGeneral, Mr. Babatunde Oralusi, made this known in Ibadan on the occasion of the formal launching of the pilot scheme of seed capital disbursement for beneficiaries in Oyo state. He explained that the amount was presently servicing 2,450 trust

Oni tasks new FERMA boss on Federal roads From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national vice chairman (South West), Chief Segun Oni, has tasked the new chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Jide Adeniji on federal roads in the country, especially those in the South West. Oni, who congratulated Engr. Adeniji on his

appointment, said it was a golden opportunity for the FERMA boss to make a difference. According to a release issued by Oni’s media aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka, the PDP national vice chairman, while speaking during a dinner held in honour of Engr. Adeniji in Abuja over the weekend, said he was confident that the FERMA chairman would make a success of the new assignment. Also speaking, former governor of Osun state,

Senator Isiaka Adeleke urged the FERMA boss to be prayerful, saying: “the job you have now is a doubting one and it requires a lot of prayers and with the prayers of all of us here you will have a successful tenure”. In her comment, Hon. Mulikat Akande urged Engr. Adeniji to give attention to all the federal roads, particularly those in the South West, adding that she was sure the FERMA boss would succeed.

or risk Nigerians occupying the streets to demand action. It said: “We have it on good authority that the House Committee on Public Procurement has written to the minister more than 10 times to question the fraudulent activities going on in the ministry. The corruption in this ministry has now led to a situation where barely three commercial airlines currently operate in the country with the attendant hardship of citizens.” “The rot in the Ministry of Aviation is also evident in the ongoing removal and replacement of the granite surface at airports and replacing same with Chinese tiles, which are not proven to be superior to what is being replaced. It is also unacceptable that Odua’s brother is the one supervising this project which is being executed by a proxy company of the

minister, CNPP said. CNPP urged the Joint Committee on Aviation not to disappoint Nigerians by compromising like other probe panels of the National Assembly, saying its work was strictly a matter of life and death. Reacting to the allegations, Joel Obi, the Special Assistant to the Minister of aviation, told our reporter thus: “We don’t want to join issues with the CNPP now. But we have been invited over the issue by the House of Reps and we will appear and give the necessary details before them. But as of now,, we are sure that all projects and contracts handled by the ministry have been carried out with full compliance with due process and the provisions of the Bureau for Public Procurement and all the detailed evidence will be tabled before the House. So we wait till then”.

CNPP demands Aviation Minister’s resignation By Tobias Lengnan Dapam, Muhammad Sada

he Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), has demanded the immediate resignation of the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Odua, to save the aviation industry from a corruption induced collapse that is now imminent. It also called for the urgent sack of all the heads of agencies and parastatals under the ministry, saying their contribution to the sham going on and their failure to expose the true extent of the rot that has basically placed the ministry on the same level with the Ministry of Petroleum as the most corrupt in the country. CNPP in a statement issued yesterday by its Secretary General, Willy Ezugwu, called on the National Assembly to activate the necessary steps to remove the people

PAGE 6

By Lambert Tyem

he Nigeria Police and other security agencies have been commended on the high level of professionalism and dedication to duty they exhibited during last weekend's gubernatorial elections in Edo State, which largely accounted for the near absence of violence and other forms of electoral misdeeds. According to Police Affairs Minister, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), "the conduct of the officers and men of the Force before, during and after the elections was a clear manifestation of the positive effects of the series of training programmes put in place for them by the Federal Government." Media Officer of the Ministry, James Odaudu, in a statement wrote: "Olubolade who has been monitoring the security arrangements in the State for the

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Minister commends police, others over Edo polls elections, also commended the people of Edo State for their orderly conduct and cooperation with all the security agents. "The Minister described the security arrangements for the Edo gubernatorial elections as one of the best in recent times which shows that the Transformation Agenda of the Jonathan Administration, which has electoral reforms as one of its pillars, is moving and on course." However, he regretted the reported death of some policemen in a boat mishap while on election duty

in the state and promised that their death would not be in vain. AU wants new govt in Mali July 31 From Ahmed I. Shekarau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The African Union (AU) has called for the formation of a new government in Mali by the 31st of this month. This was part of the resolutions of a meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the body held on Saturday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Union, in a communique at the of the council's meeting, said it

was demanding for the immediate reinstatement of the toppled president of that country, Mr. Amadou Toumani Toure. Doing these, some of the leaders at the meeting said, could lead to the lifting of the sanctions imposed on Mali. The communique further revealed that the council also

demnaded the institutionalisation of a military concept that would offer protection to all state installations in Mali's capital, Bamako, and an international inquiry into the beating of interim President Diouncounda Traore. In this regard, the AU Commission Chairperson, Dr. Jean Ping was tasked to work with the Interim President and Prime Minister of Mali to initiate the process of forming an interim government based on talks with other key stakeholders in that country.

NPC registers 6,982,462 babies, others By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

irector-General (DG), National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Jamin Zubema, has disclosed that the commission has registered about 6,982,462 babies and other young citizens since 2011. Zubema, gave the figures at the weekend during a valedictory chat with Country Representative, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Dr. Soumi Sakai, who is due to leave the country this week. He explained that the registration was mainly for children within the ages of 1-18

years. he DG recalled that recording births in Nigeria was a nightmare until the swift intervention of the UNICEF and commended Sakai for laying a solid foundation for birth registration in the country. Sakai, who will assume her new position at the UNICEF headquarters in the United States, challenged the commission to take the lead in keeping birth records in the country. She said birth registration and record keeping should not just be a campaign but a continuous routine exercise in Nigeria.

Gombe votes N6 bn for roads, others

From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

L-R: Mr. Obinna Godwin, Hajiya Zuweira Gambo, Hajiya Dikko Ibrahim, member, Board of Directors, Capital Science Academy, Alhaji Dikko Ibrahim, Vice-Principal, Academic, Capital Science Academy, Mr. David Spencer, representative of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Barrister S.I. Ameh (SAN), Chief Launcher, Mr. Isa Omale, and book reviewer, Mr. Unity Oseghe, during the launch of the book "The Secrets that made Dangote Rich", written by Mr. Godwin, yesterday Abuja.

NSCIA tasks Nigerians on peace, respect

he Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), South East Zone, has urged Nigerians to live in peace and respect one another. NSCIA, in a statement after a meeting with the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abakaliki, condemned the recent bombings and reprisal attacks in the northern part of the country, describing them as "cruel and barbaric". The statement, which was signed by the heads of the Directorate of Public Affairs

units of the council in the South East, appealed to Nigerians irrespective of religion and tribe to shun vendetta. It stated: "We condemn the killings of innocent Nigerians in places of worship and centres across the country.This act is cruel to humanity and has no basis, and cannot in anyway be linked to any religion. In Islam, anyone that kills even one person unjustly is said to have killed all humanity." The Council also appealed to aggrieved groups to embrace

dialogue and give peace a chance to ensure the success of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. It described as "uncomplimentary" a recent statement credited to a religious leader who threatened to attack mosques and residences of Muslim leaders in the South East. "We appreciate the security agencies for the efforts they are making to tackle the security challenges in the country,'' the Council added. (NAN)

Niger assures on free education, youth empowerment

iger state government yesterday re-affirmed its commitment to providing free education and empowering the youths to contribute more positively to national development. Prof. Muhammed Yahaya, Chief of Staff to the governor, made the remark in an interview with the Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in London. Yahaya was in London to represent Governor Babangida Aliyu at the graduation of 14 students from the state who studied Nautical Science in

Newcastle, UK. He said the students were sponsored by the state government, adding that eight other students were also sponsored by the Kaduna state government for the course. He said the Niger had been issuing scholarships to encourage students in their studies. "So any child that wants to go to school has a chance to benefit from the state educational package either at the basic or secondary level, and this has led to a surge in the number of people now going to school," Yahaya said. The chief of staff said the

support was meant to offer equal opportunity to all students in the state irrespective of gender, social or economic background to advance in life. He explained that the UK studies arose when the Nigeria Maritime Safety Agency (NIMASA) advertised that it had entered into partnership with some international organisations to train seafarers. Yahaya said this attracted the attention of the Northern Governors Forum, and that Niger and Kaduna states decided to explore the opportunity. (NAN)

he Gombe state government is to spend over N6 billion on the construction of a 54-kilometer road project and eight span bridges linking some villages in Yamaltu/ Deba and Balanga local governments. Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo disclosed this at the weekend during the flag-off the 54-kilometer Kanawa-Deba-Jagali-Jaur- Gotel

road as well as the Dumbu and Kuri bridges in Deba town. According to him, "KanawaDeba-Jagali-Jauro Gotel road, which was constructed in the late 70s, has been in a deplorable state for a very long time. This is partly because the road is underlain by clayey soil and its re-construction would obviously be very expensive". The governor also said that the road would be constructed based on federal standards.

Katsina to spend N3.9bn on agric projects From Lawal Sa'idu Funtua, Katsina

ommissioner of Agriculture in Katsina State, Alhaji Musa Adamu Funtua, has disclosed that the sum of N3.9 billion would be spent within the next three years on the implementation of its Songhai agriculture initiatives. Funtua stated this while presenting a paper titled "The place of agriculture in the development of Katsina state" at a lecture series and award ceremony organised by the National Association of Katsina State Student at the weekend in Kankia. He noted that the project, which would be jointly run by the government and an international agency, was meant to address the socio-economic condition of the state through the exploration of its vast agricultural resources. Funtua revealed that the programme would start off with the training of 60 graduates under the train-the-trainer initiatives,

who would in turn train other participants in the course of the project. The commissioner noted that the project sites have been selected in the three senatorial zones of the state. He said: "We will introduce farmers to the new modern techniques of farming. This, we hope, would improve food production." Funtua therefore urged the youth, especially graduates, to take full advantage of the project in venturing into agriculture, which he said was a veritable tool for fighting unemployment, hunger and poverty. The commissioner stated that the government has provided fertiliser to farmers in the state at a subsidised rate. Apart from Funtua, those honoured by the students' body included the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Comrade Abdullahi Izima Yamadi.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

AU nominates Nigerians to head ICAO, IFAD From Ahmed I. Shekarau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

L-R: Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Muhammad, Chief Medical Director, Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, Dr. Peter Alabi, and Director, NPHCDA, Dr. Muhammad Abdullahi, during the closing ceremony of comprehensive emergency obstetric care training (CEMOC), at the weekend in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Why Adamawa workers must take secrecy oath, by govt A

damawa state government yesterday said its decision to administer the oath of secrecy on its workers was to stop further leakage of government secrets. The state Head of Service, Malam Musa Kaibo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola

that the government was concerned over the attitude of some civil servants who revealed top government secrets. He said that such action would no longer be tolerated. “Government is appealing to civil servants to keep its records secret", he said, adding that a

circular had been issued to all ministries, parastatals agencies and boards to administer the oath. “In April, the department of establishments through a circular directed all deputy permanent secretaries, accounts staff and workers in the secret registries to

take oath of secrecy before Magistrates. “This, they have done. I will like to remind them to abide by the oath of secrecy or the law will take its course,” Kaibo warned. NAN reports that those who took the oath were workers on the levels of directors.

Yuguda laments agric sector neglect From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

overnor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state has expressed dismay that the discovery of petroleum in the country led to a total neglect of the agricultural sector, especially cotton production in particular. He recalled that cotton farmers that were gainfully employed in the sector, the industries that depended on cotton for their production and even government that earned foreign exchange from cotton trade have all continued to suffer the consequences of neglecting the cash

crop. The governor, who spoke at launch of the 2012 cotton farming season in the state, noted that Nigeria which was once a major cotton exporting country has today become a net importer of textile materials. He recalled that cotton, for more than two decades after the nation’s independence, contributed largely towards sustaining local revenue generation and foreign earnings, job creation and provided raw material for the textile industries. “You will also recall with pride, the enviable position of the

Northern region as a centre for the production of cotton which contributed to the economic growth and development of Nigeria until the mid-1980”, he told the gathering. Yuguda explained that cotton was one of the most important cash crop cultivated and it once proved its ability to address the problem of poverty and unemployment. “As of today, Nigeria’s aggregate employment opportunity in the cotton industry has declined drastically and the number of ginneries and textile factories has reduced considerably leading to a near extinction of the

industry,” he said. However, the governor assured that his administration was committed to reviving cotton production by introducing policies and programs that would support cotton value chain and make cotton production a profit venture for farmers. To this end, he stated that the state government has set up Cotton Implementation Committee that would evolve strategy aimed at transforming the cotton value Chain into workable, feasible and profitable venture that could also create jobs, wealth, and reduce poverty.

NAHCON, others meet on pilgrims’ safety, security By Maryam Garba Hassan

he National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other stakeholders, including the National Civil Aviation Authority, tour operators, airliners and security agencies, met in Abuja at the weekend to ascertain the level of preparedness of the tour operators for this year’s lesser hajj (Umra) and to ensure effective synergy among all stakeholders for a hitch-free operation. According to the Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Muhammed Bello, the meeting discussed

professional service delivery on the part of tour operators during Umrah and hajj. It also considered how to ensure the safety and fair treatment for pilgrims and carriers by the Saudi authorities. In his remarks, DirectorGeneral (DG) Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, said it was imperative for the stakeholders to come together and work towards ensuring the airlifting of the 60,000 Nigerian pilgrims for the lesser hajj and 95,000 intending pilgrims for this year’s hajj without hitches. Demuren said: “The recent

Dana air crash even made it more necessary for us to talk to operators to ensure that they comply with airline safety rules and regulations. “Only those airlines approved will take part in the operation and they must bring back every pilgrim taken to Saudi Arabia. Safety is crucial and nothing less will be accepted or expected from the operators. “We want to assess the aircraft to convey the pilgrims. We want to ascertain that the cabin crew on the aircraft know their job, how qualified the pilots are, the quality of fuel supplied to the airlines and the maintenance records of the aircraft.”

He urged tour operators to obtain and keep data of all Umrah pilgrims like NAHCON. Fielding questions from reporters, Bello said any defaulting airline operator would receive severe sanctions, including a hefty fine, suspension of operation and loss of operational licence. However, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Aviation, Capt. Shehu Iyal, said Nigeria has the capacity and the equipment to get additional value for the pilgrims to have a fulfilled holy trip. Iyal said he was optimistic that the meeting would help the tour operators to have a better organised, safe lesser hajj and Hajj operations.

he African Union's (AU) ministerial committee for African candidatures in the international system has nominated a Nigerian, Dr. Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu, for election to the post of President of the Executive Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Dr. Aliu has been Nigeria's representative on the Council of ICAO. Similarly, the committee nominated Dr. Kanayo Felix Nwanze, the current President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), for re-election into the same post. These nominations were part of recommendations at a meeting of the ministerial committee held in January this year. The recommendations were adopted by the committee last Thursday, at the 21st Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. According to the report, both Dr. Aliu and Dr. Nwanze would be contesting for the respective positions in elections to be held next year at the headqaurters of ICAO and IFAD in Canada and Rome respectively. In addition, the African Union nominated another Nigerian, Mrs. Theodora Oby Nwankwo for election as a member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Mrs. Nwankwo has already been elected into the UN Committee during its election on the 26th of last month.

‘Govt needs new driver’s licence for national planning’ By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he upgraded driver’s licence is a veritable tool for collation of accurate data on Nigerian drivers necessary for national planning, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has said. Ekweremadu stated this after going through the process of obtaining the driver’s licence at the national headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), according to statement issued yesterday by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Jonas Agwu. Ekweremadu, noted that the FRSC has remarkably transformed into a technologically-driven government agency which has achieved an effective re-alignment of motor vehicle administration in Nigeria. According to him, “what we have here in the Federal Road Safety Corps in the area of information and communication technology can compete favourably with any other country across the globe”.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Bauchi govt to revive state own press From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

he Bauchi state government has reiterated its determination to revive its printing press mainly for the publication of government security documents in the state. The state Commissioner of Information, Eng. Mohammad Dhamina, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen in the state, saying that already the state executive council has approved the relocation of the site of the new government press to the premises of the state Water Board. He said government is more committed towards the establishment of the press as already an experienced Managing Director has been appointed to handle it while procurement of modern equipment has been approved by government for the smooth take off of the company. On the state owned newspaper “The Trumpeter” the Galadiman Dass explained that the issue is now pending in court and government is following it with all seriousness, adding that once the case is resolved then the newspaper will be back on the streets in full force. The commissioner stated that the state government has released the sum of N82 million as part payment for the purchase of two brand new 20 kilowatt FM transmitters for the state radio station in Azare, while contract has been awarded for the supply of spare parts for the state television, Azare substation at the cost of N21,185,386.79.

30 arrested for violating environmental laws

hirty people were arrested last month at different locations in Ilorin for violating Kwara’s environmental sanitation laws, the Director of Environment in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Alhaji Sikiru Olanipekun, has said. Olanipekun disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Saturday. He reaffirmed the determination of the ministry to continue enforcing sanitation laws to ensure clean environment at all times, and advised residents of the state to always clear bushes and wastes in their areas or face the wrath of the law. The director warned against encroachment on major roads and cautioned shop owners against dumping refuse into canals to avoid flooding. Olanipekun directed educational institutions in the state to provide sanitary facilities in their premises to provide healthy environment for learning. He expressed government's dissatisfaction at the habit of some students who formed the habit of defecating on school grounds. Olanipekun said that school authorities had been directed to provide toilet facilities to ensure proper hygiene in their schools. (NAN)

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327 Nigerians, 11 infants deported from Libya From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

bout 327 Nigerians including 11 infants were yesterday deported from

Libya. The deportees arrived the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos aboard an Air Mephis aircraft with registration number 5U-BME, which arrived the cargo axis of the Murtala

Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos about 6.00 pm. The deportees were received on arrival by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Police, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA and other security agents around the airport. As the aircraft taxied to the cargo shed axis of the airport, two

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), vehicles were stationed at the apron to convey the deportees including those who were assisted into the buses to a location, from where NEMA officials will release them to travel to their states of origin. As the deportees alighted from the aircraft, they shared experience of their harrowing sojourn to the North African country, affirming that they were

maltreated by the Arabs. According to an official of NEMA, the first batch of the deportees consist of a group of 113 females, and 47 males, while the second batch will be 167 males. The official explained that NEMA will provide facility for them to be transported to their respective states of origin, even as a token will be given to them to facilitate their movement.

L-R: House Captain, Mandela House, Dalhatu Murtala Abdulmalik, receiving a trophy won from Air Vice-Marshall A. A. Zannah, during the graduation ceremony of Capital Science Academy, at the weekend in Kuje, Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Oyo begins High Court rehabilitation From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

he first phase of the rehabilitation of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan will commence in August, Governor Abiola Ajimobi has disclosed. The governor, who made the disclosure after an on-the-spot assessment of the facilities at the court, expressed displeasure at the state of the court, saying that it required urgent attention. “What we have found on ground is very disappointing. It is what I call a degradation and

rmed men suspected to be robbers on Friday night abducted and killed Stephen Omole, a bursary staff of Federal College of Education (FCE) , Okene, Kogi state. Omole’s lifeless body was found in a bush along Itakpe-Eika road where his assailants dumped him after abducting him from his residence at Otite in Okehi local government area of the state. A family member of the deceased, who preferred anonymity, told a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent at

deterioration of about 50 years. You can see leaking roofs, weakened rooms, dilapidated chairs and cracked walls; the general situation is very inconducive to both learning and dispensation of justice. “You can see the building; this is unbecoming of a high court and the infrastructure expected in such a place. “The next line of action is to restore it to the old glory; to repair, rehabilitate and refurbish the whole structure, and we are starting the first phase by next month.

He restated his administration’s commitment towards the repositioning of the judicial system through the provision of infrastructural facilities and capacity building for judicial workers. Governor Ajimobi also assured that judges would be provided with modern electronic gadgets to enhance their productivity, adding that the computerisation of court process would commence very soon in line with his government’s transformation plan for the judicial arm of government. “We have agreed to supply all

members of the judiciary, particularly at the High Court and Magistrate Court ipads and laptops because the world now is getting computerised, and as I often said, that the illiterates of tomorrow are not those who cannot read and write but those who cannot use computer. “This is a learned profession, and how learned can you be if you cannot use a computer. We are going to make provision for that. Before the judges come back from vacation, all of them would have been given ipads and laptops,” he said.

Gunmen kill college bursary staff the scene that the armed men invaded Omole’s home opposite the FCE and demanded for money. Omole was said to have told his assailants that he had no money at home, and offered to part with the keys of his Toyota Camry car. According to witnesses, the suggestion angered the hoodlums who dragged him outside, dumped him in a car and drove away. NAN reports that Omole’s

body, which had a bullet wound on the head, was found on Saturday by passersby who alerted the police. The police at the scene of the incident declined comment. When contacted on phone, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Simon Ile, said the command had yet to be briefed on the matter, and promised to get in touch with the Okehi Divisional

Police Office. However, the provost of the college, Prof. Iyela Ajayi, confirmed the death of the staff, saying it was an armed robbery attack. A member of staff of the college, who did not want to be named, described Omole as an easy-going man who could not hurt a fly. The staff member wondered why anyone would want him killed. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

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EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

First lady as permanent secretary, haba!

ast Wednesday, Nigerians were greeted with the news of the appointment of the wife of the President, Patience Jonathan, as a Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa state civil service by the state governor, Siriake Dickson. He appointed 17 other permanent secretaries, saying that he did so in line with his constitutional powers. Patience, it will be recalled, left the Bayelsa civil service back in 1999 when her husband became the deputy governor of the state. Since then she had not looked back. She went on to become the state’s first lady after Goodluck was sworn in as the governor following the ouster of his then boss, Depriye Alameiyesegha. She moved on to Aso Rock with her husband who had become vice president in 2007 and subsequently the nation’s first lady. Her spokesman, Ayo Osinlu, told journalists that Patience Jonathan would not relocate to Yenagoa to take up the appointment but has accepted the offer anyway, since she is still in the Bayelsa state civil service. He pointed out that she was on a leave of absence and was entitled to be promoted to the position of a permanent secretary by the governor if he deemed her to be qualified for that position. In announcing the appointment, however, the Bayelsa state government did not disclose which ministry she will be posted to, neither did it say what her position

was when she left the service 13 years ago. While it is within Governor Dickson’s constitutional rights to appoint and elevate eserving persons into positions in the state civil service, this particular appointment does not seem to sit well with the public for a number of

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We believe the appointment, though not illegal, is in bad taste. Governor Dickson should have waited until the first lady relinquishes her current responsibilities and returns to the employ of the state civil service reasons. Firstly, the state government should have told Nigerians what position she abdicated in 1999 so that conclusions can be drawn by the public whether she does deserve her elevation to the position of a permanent secretary. Secondly, it smirks of cronyism on the part of the governor who the whole world knows was the chosen candidate of the president in the governorship

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elections early this year. Appointing his wife to a position she does not need comes across as gratuitous. We are not unmindful of the fact that precedents abound where wives of public officers have pursued their careers while also serving as first ladies. For example, being the first lady of Rivers state did not stop Mary Odili from her law practice through which she rose to become a judge of the Supreme Court. Neither did it also stop Justice Fati Abubakar from pursuing her dream even when her husband, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, became Head of State. It is thus left to wonder if the first lady will take up the appointment after her husband’s tenure expires. We believe the appointment, though not illegal, is in bad taste. Governor Dickson should have waited until the first lady relinquishes her current responsibilities and returns to the employ of the state civil service before making her a permanent secretary. As it is, it will be difficult convincing Nigerians that the appointment was based on merit considering the fact that she has been away from service for the past 13 years. We are of the view that Patience should humbly decline the offer so that others who have worked meritoriously and are deserving of it should be considered.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

By Sabella Ogbobode Abidde

am not, and no one I know, is sure of what to make of the recent appointment of Mrs. Patience Jonathan, Nigeria’s First Lady, as a Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State civil service. Hours earlier, I had received a call informing of the imminent announcement. Frankly, I dismissed it, not as a cruel joke, but as something that was so silly and so far out and so improbably that not even the nastiest of the most malevolent and sadistic politician anywhere in Nigeria would do, or attempt to do. And even for a cloak-and-dagger state like Bayelsa, stupidity and psychosis must surely have its limits. Or so I thought. I was sure, so very sure of such an unlikely announcement that I quickly dismissed my caller. Not long thereafter, the second and third call came in. Minutes later, it was all over the Nigerian media and social network. The news and its immediate and future repercussions assaulted my senses and sensibility. As an indigene of the state — and as someone who has written extensively about the going-on in Bayelsa and Ijaw politics — I knew that many Ijaw politicians were capable of many reprehensible lows and stupidities. But this? This is something else: the vile and degenerate imagination, and the unguarded and runaway impulse of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson. Even Alamieyeseigha —

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The governor, the president and first lady that wasteful and pompous and semi-literate former governor — didn’t descend this low. And not even the most recent governor, Timpre Sylva, dreamed up and implemented such foolishness. It took the combined thinking and effort of Dickson and Jonathan and his wife, to come up with such a sordid and vile exercise. Really, why would you (even if you could), make such an appointment — an appointment that is fraught with many unanswerable questions and knotty scenarios. From publicly available records, Mrs. Jonathan’s combined years of service in both the Rivers and Bayelsa states civil services are not enough to elevate her to the position of a Permanent Secretary. Generally speaking, the ministries are staffed by career civil servants; and each ministry is headed by a Permanent Secretary, who reports directly to the governor. Other than coordinating the activity of their respective ministry, Permanent secretaries are responsible for implementing government policy. Mrs. Jonathan was a low-level civil servant. We also know that

since her days as the wife of the Deputy Governor, she has basically been a truant who collected her monthly salary for many, many years. A few questions: Now that she has been appointed a Permanent Secretary, to whom would she be answerable?

does she have to effectively perform her duties? And I mean all the aforelisted questions in practical terms. I guess she can always pay somebody to do her job when she and her husband are mindlessly globetrotting. As the First Lady, she is no longer “an ordinary Nigerian.”

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For her personal safety and security, a dozen or so members of the security and intelligence community trail and watch over her. Now, how are Bayelsans, and her colleagues in whatever ministry she is assigned, going to cope with such personalcrowd, commotion and dislocation? Henry Dickson? Who will have the balls or the audacity to reprimand her in the event of maladministration, infringements, or incompetence? Henry Dickson? What administrative skills does she have to function as a PermSec? What oral and written communication skills

As a result her presence is likely to distract from the daily reality of everyday civil servants in the state. This is a woman who travels with a dozen or more official and non-official personnel in her entourage and a motorcade that habitually contains a dozen or more cars and motorcycles — with sirens

blazing. When she is in the air, the airspace is usually closed or restricted. For her personal safety and security, a dozen or so members of the security and intelligence community trail and watch over her. Now, how are Bayelsans, and her colleagues in whatever ministry she is assigned, going to cope with such personalcrowd, commotion and dislocation? Considering the personality of Patience Jonathan, and considering also her sense of self, she is likely to dominate, and then have the government under her armpit. We saw a glimpse of her true color when her husband was the deputy governor. We saw her true color when her husband was the governor. As the First Lady, she has shown the nation and the world the stuff she is made of. And the stuff she is made of is not pretty. Not at all! Now, if Mr. Henry Dickson thinks he is a match for Mrs. Patience, well, he is mistaken. Virtually every Bayelsan knows this: they know who is truly in control of the state’s political appointments and its treasury. They know who control who and what? They know where the power lies. Continued on page 15

Wike: Performance beyond politics By Simeon Nwakaudu

ducation is one of the most critical sectors of any economy. It is one sector that transcends politics because the products of the education system impact all and sundry, irrespective of political persuasion and inclination. Therefore, when it comes to the issue of education, Nigerians are united in the belief that positive steps must be taken and with commitment to address the challenges that have bedeviled this sector in the recent past. It is common to hear people talk about the good old days in respect to issues of development in the country. This refrain is even more common for the education sector where several essentials have gone wide off the mark. This is what the Minister of State for Education, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has brought to the table in the basic education sub-sector. A rare sense of dedication and commitment aimed at helping the present administration achieve one of its principal policy goals, human capital development. Since he was sworn into office on July 14, 2011, the nation has witnessed unprecedented progress in the

basic education sub-sector. In the last few months, the Minister of State for Education has provided the critically needed committed and dedicated leadership to drive basic education towards the path of growth. For now, unlike in the past, the argument is no longer if the Federal Government is delivering on basic education, but at what percentage. Different people differ on the percentage score to allocate the administration, but no observant stakeholder would declare that he has not seen quality deliverables in this sub-sector. At the very beginning, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike saw his assignment of reviving the basic education sub-sector as a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the states. He went to the state governors through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF. He inter-faced with the governors on the need to pay up their counterpart funds to access the matching grants from the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC. At this time, more than 18states were defaulting in the payment of counterpart funds; hence they could not access their matching grants to improve on basic education

facilities in their states. This meeting initiated by Wike exposed common grounds of communication between the Federal Government and he states on the need to intensify investments in this critical area. A functional relationship has since evolved between the Federal Government and the states in the quest to put basic educate back on a sound footing. The increased access of matching grants by states has played out in the determined efforts by different states to improve basic education in heir respective jurisdictions, with consideration for their peculiar needs. Wike’s reason for ensuring that states are carried along in all of the Federal Government’s programmes for the basic education sub-sector is predicated that the Fact that Federal Government’s investments in this sub-sector are interventionist in nature. The bulk of the responsibilities rest with the states and local government areas. However, he is determined to provide support to all states to deliver on basic education. It will be necessary at this point to mention some of the critical contributions that Wike has made to improve

basic education. The complete turn-around of the budgeting system of Federal Unity Colleges, which has culminated in the phased rehabilitation of these schools. Thirty of these schools will be rehabilitated annually over the next footrest years. After more than one decade of stories and excuses, Wike has been able to secure confirmation of the appointments of 1305 temporary teachers of these schools. Some of these teachers have taught on stipends of less than N12,000 over this period. Their appointments are being verified by the Federal Civil Service Commission. He has also secured approval for the employment of 2000 teachers in key subjects of Mathematics, English Language and core subject areas to address the academic staff deficit in these schools. To improve the teaching capacity of teachers in the basic education level, Wike and officials of National Teachers’ Institute, UBEC and Nigerian Educational Research Development Council have ensured that over 600, 000 teachers participated in premium training programmes. For the children in primary and junior secondary schools,

about 20million instructional materials are currently being distributed across the country. Critical steps have been taken to address the issue of non-formal education and mass literacy for the less privileged groups. There have been key interventions in the education of Almajiris in parts of the country, the girl-child and the trader boy-child. Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko during the flag off of book distribution for primary and secondary school children in the South-West was full of praises for the Minister of State for Education. The governor, a member of the Labour Party congratulated President Jonathan for appointing an official who understands the urgency required to address the challenges of basic education and has set out to carry out his functions with rare commitment and dedication. Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima also showered similar encomiums on Barr. Wike when he defied security challenges to personally monitor the Federal Government’s projects in the construction of Almajiri schools in the state. The All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP governor Contd. on page 15

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

This NANS leadership has failed us By Kayode Fakuyi

read with surprise on the pages of national dailies that Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the executive governor of Ondo State has been awarded the NANS Governor of the Year by the National Association of Nigerian students (NANS). As a member of NANS, I am disappointed in its leadership. NANS has misplaced priorities and consequently degenerated. The award also raises many yet unanswered questions that demand imperative answers because the facts and reality on ground donot favour the recipient of the award. When the Dauda M o h a m m e d - l e d administration came on board, hopes and expectations were high. Nigerian students expected them to rebrand and change the public perception of NANS; by placing the priorities right, defending won conquests and winning new ones. It is unfortunate that NANS leadership has failed Nigerian students in virtually all ways, which include but not limited to: the inability to canvass for proper funding of the education

sector, the ignoble role during Africa lost his life because of his President Goodluck Jonathan the fuel subsidy removal crisis, uncompromising stand in budgetary allocation to the sector is less than 9%, for which the inability to fight for the defense of students’ interest. restoration of the proscribed The present NANS NANS has only spoken without student union governments, leadership goes to sleep taking any pragmatic action. The leadership anchored inability to monitor and defend whenever there are serious student union activities and the national issues; even those that the award of NANS Governor of inability to contribute to threaten to break national the Year to the Ondo state national issues and unity. All the leadership is governor on what it tagged as development. It makes me sad renowned for is paying lip “his initiatives and genuine interest in the when NANS e d u c a t i o n leadership sector”. By capitalises implication, the with the governor edged labour of past Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text out the other 35 union leaders. messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written state governors C o m r a d e contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 in his T u n d e words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and contributions to Okeowo, Dino a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed the sector; Melaye and to: budgetary others fought allocation for an The Editor, inclusive. The independent Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, facts and reality a n d on ground responsive 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. negate NANS’ NANS. The Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com claim. This is a c t i v e SMS: 07037756364 the singular c o m r a d e reason why it is Moses Osakede lost his life in the struggle to services to 26% budgetary important, most Nigerian ensure the restoration of a allocation to education as students and I dissociate student union government in recommended by UNESCO, ourselves from this national Nigeria. In Obafemi Awolowo which will aid research and embarrassment. Last year, Governor Rotimi University, ile Ife, we just infrastructural development in remembered Comrade George our tertiary schools and promote Amaechi of Rivers allocated Iwilade and others. Comrade good academic environment. about 26% of the state budget

WRITE TO US

to education but we are not aware if indeed he received letter of commendation from NANS. In 2012, he allocated #71.5billion to the sector which is 16.7% of Rivers state budget while Dr Olusegun Mimiko allocated #12.2billion to the sector which is 8.1% of Ondo state budget and his Ogun state counterpart, Senator Ibikunle Amosun allocated #42.4billion to education sector which is 20% 0f Ogun state budget. As an indigene of Ondo state, our bursary allowance is #10,000 per annum and the last scholarship I received was #25,000. Delta, Lagos and many other states pay more than Ondo state. It is imperative that NANS president give answers to these questions. Why has he failed to lead a responsive NANS? What are the yardsticks used to decide who emerges as NANS Governor of the Year? I join my voice with voice of progressive Nigerian students calling for convention of past union leaders and stakeholders to salvage our NANS. Kayode Fakuyi wrote from Obafemi Awolowo University, ile Ife.

The fast rotting brand ‘Nigeria’ and way forward By Mubarak Onyibe-Akenzua

ane rats popularly known as grass cutters are strictly herbivores and primarily nocturnal. The grass cutter prefers eating stalks to eating leaves, and after devouring the stalks, it excretes right on the spot. This rodent is practically a nightmare to cassava farmers. The emergence of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the president of Nigeria at first was interesting, just as some religious zealots have attributed his announced victory at the last poll to the hand of God, without perceiving it frantically as the hand of some electoral Maradonas, or even the pollex of the enduring Nigerian masses. I still remember vividly, like yesterday, how Nigerians trooped out en masse to vote him, although for me, it was my first time of voting and I was anxious too. I saw teeming youths were eager to make a change through their votes; obviously they were tired of the seemingly unending poverty, stagnant status quo and suffocating corruption prevalent in the land. We so much gasped for the much professed fresh air and hoped to ride on the wing of a once shoeless boy whose feet had like ours, toiled on the degraded soil in the creek. He came out by his own volition and the collision of the powerbrokers. Nigerians perceived a grass cutter in him; a grass cutter that could cut the stalk of unemployment, poverty,

insecurity, corruption, and underdevelopment. A fearless grass cutter that could cut the stalk of insecurity nocturnally, arrest underdevelopment diurnally and bravely throw excreta at the faces of the ruthless cabal that had caused us so much pain, the cabals that made our roads death traps, our schools worthless and our hospitals unhealthy. Since Nigeria started exporting crude oil in commercial quantity, she has made about 55 trillion naira, yet her citizens live in penury. Proceeds from the black gold have been cornered by the few in government and their cronies. The blessing of the black gold has rather become a curse to the Niger Deltans, a visual impairment of the people and degradation of their soil consequent upon gas flaring and oil spillage respectively. They witnessed the slow poisoning of the waters of their community and the destruction of vegetation and agricultural land by oil spills which occur at oil companies’ greedy explorations. But since the inception of the oil industry in Nigeria, more than forty years ago, there has been no concerned and effective effort on the part of the government, let alone the oil operators, to control environmental problems associated with the industry.It is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that Nigeria is besieged with plethora of problems. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria ranks 191 out of 192 countries in

the world with un-safe roads bearing 162 deaths per 100,000 populations from road traffic accidents. Lagos/Ibadan expressway and Benin/Ore road are familiar death spots on Nigerian roads. Every day, we cry blood as parents bury their children and sisters; their brothers. We shout to be heard, soon we slump into complacency, and shrug our shoulders to the admittance of the mantra; ‘that live goes on’. But not anymore for that boy whose mother died because the light went off during caesarean operation; not anymore for that girl whose father died in an automobile accident as a result of the poor state of our roads; not anymore for that woman with eight children whose husband died in a managed-to-fly faulty plane that crashed; not anymore for those three innocent children that a plane crashing on their roof made them orphan; not anymore for the family of the Dana, Bellview, Sosoliso plane crash victims; not anymore for those families in Niger, Jos, Kano, Bornu, Kaduna, whose relatives have been slain by Boko Haram and never anymore for you and me. Nigeria has the second highest rate of maternal death in the world where one in every eight woman dies because things are not in place that should be in place. Don’t pray that the next victim of maternal death will not be your sister or your wife, but act, for most of it is avoidable. It pinches to watch our sisters, wives and mothers slip into death; they are our unsung heroes.

This government is only interested in widening the gap between them and us; we said all animals are equal, but they said some are more equal than the others. We made them custodian of our commonwealth but they starved us of it, they steal with pride and with impunity. The amalgamation of 1914 appears to be a mere amalgam of water and oil, especially as succeeding rulers make things work as if it is only the turn of a region to marginalize the others. Our legislature is a consortium of overpaid epicurean senators. Our rulers come up with new probes every day, but at the end, they only bark but they don’t bite. What happened to the power sector probe, the Siemens probe, Malabu oil bloc scam? They have all been buried in the cemetery at Aso rock. Now, helpless Nigerians are only waiting for the subsidy probe to be laid in state. The educational sector is bedeviled by darkest at this very dawn of the 21st century by demons from the forest of corruption, mismanagement and misappropriation of funds.The state of insecurity and violence imprinting on the psyche of Nigerians is a portrayal of the government security apparatus incapability of guaranteeing the safety and security of its citizenry. Unarguably, the most secure place in Nigeria is the Aso rock.Otherwise, the life of every average Nigerians is characterized by fears of the known.

Ironically, Nigerians though are the most religious people on earth, the once happiest people on earth but the most corrupt people – what a contrast! I ask myself, how do we salvage Nigeria from Nigerians, how do we help her, must we watch with a tearful eyes as she is been raped to death by her own? Leadership involves a leader effortlessly conveying his people with aship from where they are to where they ought to be, from underdevelopment to development and from retrogression to progression. Nigeria still needs a grass cutter that will be able to cut the stalk of concentration of power at the central level and adopt the Swiss model of government whereby power is decentralized, and each region is given autonomy. I write this piece not as incitation for us to do away with our brothers but a call for us to embrace regional system of government to fast track development. This will enable the people of each region to pull themselves by their bootstraps from where they are to where they ought to be. The situation though has deteriorated, but we can rise to it. A living dog is better than a dead lion. This task lies in our Nigerian Mikhail Gorbachev, the president. When we came out en masse to elect him, weoffered him a promissory note that he will be accountable for in due time and asked him to sail us to El Dorado – now is the time! He must live up to be the warrior and cut this diseased cord called Nigeria quickly.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

By Obi Ebuka Onochie All your strength is your union, all your danger is in discord. – Henry W. Longfellow.

t the beginning of my tertiary education at the University of Jos, I was able to appreciate the peace, beauty and the good weather of the tin city. Going round tin city reminded me of the slogan name of Port-Harcourt “the Garden city”, and I thought indeed, this is the real garden city as trees and flowers are the first few things a visitor or a new settler will notice about the city. My freedom to move to any part of the city and move through any street of my choice knew no bound. The friendliness of the people both Christians and Muslims alike was beyond pretense which got me relaxed to explore the town while educating my mind. But on 28th November 2008 all that came to a sudden halt, the city became strange and fearful to me. The residents of the city told me that what I met was already a spoilt Jos, according to them the 2001 crisis was what fragmented the peace in the city and established mutual suspicion between Christians and Muslims. Before my eyes friends turned to foes overnight without any issue between them and I thought it would be a thing of the past in a short while and be overtaken by more promising events but I was wrong. I thought the city

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Seeing Nigeria inside out I used to know would return before I graduate but my graduation ceremony was held under heavy security and fear in a neutral venue suitable for both Christians and Muslims. From Dilimi Street to Feringada market and from Terminus market to Bukuru building material market, it is now all depreciation of value, market divisions and capital flight. These are the few results of seemingly unquenchable savagery, brutality and destruction of lives and property bedeviling tin city for long now. I have heard people in the Southern Nigeria talk about Jos in particular and the north in general. Their perception and belief about the security situation with regard to north is gloomy, scary and unbelievable. This is the case of Nigeria as a country where everything is happening before our naked eyes with little or no points left in our defense to the world that the country is healthy, harmonious and ripe for investment. If Nigerians living in Nigeria will have strong inhibitions to visiting, living and investing in some parts of Nigeria, what will now be the state of mind of foreign investors as regards Nigerian situation? A little more than a year ago, hopes in a rejuvenated Nigeria was high with shouts of fresh air. A break from the

past dominated by self serving and iron fisted rule. We looked into the future with undeniable revival in our heart and our dear president Goodluck Jonathan represented all that hope with a unique background he highlighted so much during the build up to the election. What dimmed that hope in a short period of one year is still exclusively security brouhaha. The foundational problem of Nigeria predated any living Nigerian today including the president so also with other nations but why we keep compounding ours when others are solving theirs is what baffles me. During the struggle for independence and in the 60s, Nigeria’s problem was embedded in regional politics until it was hijacked by the military. In the second republic, the problem persisted but was waning when suddenly uninvited guests from barracks arrived again. Throughout the 80s to early 90s, religion was not a visible problem to the existence of Nigeria. This same country that is presently fragmented by religion once voted Muslim/Muslim ticket in an election adjudged to be the best ever in this country and I ask, where, when and how did religion creep into the frontline problem of Nigeria? In 1999, the introduction of sharia in some northern states and the

subsequent crisis marked the beginning of the debacle we are seeing today. Kaduna which has become more or less the religious boundary in northern Nigeria took the issue to a boiling point. From the present state of affairs of Borno and Yobe states, can any serious businessman invest in such places? Some Southerners are seeing the insecurity and religious intolerance as northern problem but I’m always quick in reminding them that this is our national problem. Not only northerners die in both attacks and their reprisals and most especially, the world links the bombings and chaos to the name Nigeria and not to Borno, Yobe, Kaduna or northern Nigeria only. We are still yet to understand that Boko Haram is not an organization as most people understand organizations, with rules and a hierarchy. It is a ghost. An idea and you can’t destroy an idea. You can only impede it. Boko Haram is like a flat warm. Cut off its head, and it will grow just another. I have refused to believe that our security agencies can not fight Boko Haram to a stand still. Sympathizers and emissaries of Boko Haram seem to have infiltrated the security agencies and causing more damage than Boko Haram

themselves. Enemy within appears to be the biggest problem facing Nigeria today. Nigeria seems to find it difficult breaking away from the vestigial divide and rule employed by the imperialists which in turn has taken a dangerous dimension and if not well handled, the name Nigeria will join the likes of USSR, Czechoslovakia, Senegambia, Yugoslavia, etc. Energy and education which are the backbones of any thriving economy have become the most ‘elusive’ in our search for national economic footing. I don’t want to remember a futile $16 billion expended by the Obasanjo administration in power sector without any result at all. I don’t want to remember some incidences of cash and carry judgments from our judiciary or the putrid news of bribery coming out of our legislative chambers. The banking sector has been on a merry-go-round movement without any visible improvement or is it the stock market and its security and exchange commission where afternoon meals cost as much as ¦ 750,000 for the managing director only. Agriculture, the sector that can generate millions of jobs has been laying fallow for decades. If we are not endangering our union then we are strengthening our discord.

during a visit of Wike to his state commended the minister for the dedication he has brought to delivery of service to the basic education sector. Back to the ruling party, Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State at the Government House, Minna declared support for the interventionists’ programmes being championed by Wike to ensure Education for less privileged Nigerians. He stated that these efforts are a sign that the nation was heading towards the right direction. In a similar vein, Adamawa State Governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, also appreciates the quality contributions of Wike. His state

is one of the beneficiaries of the model primary schools built by the Korean government as a result of the collaboration built by the Minister of State for Education. The President of Unity Schools Old Students Association, USOSA, Kabiru Nuhu-Koko in appreciation of the minister’s efforts at reviving Federal Unity Colleges, visited him alongside his executive members and other stakeholders where they conferred a performance award on the Minister. During a public hearing on the existence of part-time teachers in Federal Government Colleges, Senate Committee of Education Chairman, Senator Uche

Chukwumerije was happy with the efforts of the Minister of State for Education to regularise the appointments of these long suffering patriotic Nigerians. Chukwumerije at the launch of the four year strategic plan for Education extended his commendation to Wike for outstanding performance in basic education revival. The Minister of State for Education in the course of his one year sojourn in the Federal Ministry of Education has received several awards from different groups for the dedication and commitment he has brought to basic education administration. Three of the most prominent being the Nigerian Pilot

Newspapers 2011 Minister of the Year Award, Abuja Nigerian Union of Journalists Excellent Performance Award and Labour Awards of Nigeria, LAN, awards organized by Nigerian Labour Congress and its associates. Recognition for a government official that has performed credibly well in the last one year cuts across political divides because everyone appreciates that genuine service to the basic education sub-sector is a service for all, which must not be frustrated on the premise of politics. Simeon Nwakaudu is the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of State for Education.

Wike: Performance beyond politics Contd. from page 13

noted that the dedication of the Minister was vital to the revival of basic education in the country. When Anambra State State handed some of her schools to their missionary owners, Wike was the special guest of honour of that occasion. Governor Peter Obi, All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, governor expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for Education for the critical contributions that he has made to ensure the nation experiences growth in basic education. All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, Zamfara State governor, Abdulazeez Yari Contd. from page 13

While it is true that the problem between Governor Sylva and Mr. Goodluck Jonathan is complicated, it was this control — control of the treasury and the political space — that was at the heart of the several years of overt and covert fighting and animosity between both men. With Sylva out of the equation, Bayelsa State is being assaulted and taken over by the Goodluck Jonathan camp and from two fronts: On the one side is Jonathan’s henchman, Chief Amalate

the governor, the president and first lady Johnny Turner. On the other end is Mrs. Jonathan, the one wearing the pant and the hat. Lady Macbeth! As the First Lady of Bayelsa state, she was said to have her own shadow cabinet with her own budgetary allocation. Today, as the First Lady of Nigeria, she is said to run a vetting agency that determines who gets what and when. Her raw ambition is boundless. As Kaanayo Nwachukwu said, “Even the wives of Idi

Amin, Eyadema, Omar Bongo, Mugabe, Charles Taylor, Jammeh, Mbasogo, Kerekou, Gbagbo, Ben-Ali, Mubarak, Ghaddafi, Olusegun Obasanjo, Abacha, Babangida, Rawlings, Dos Santos, Idris Deby, Paul Biya, Zenawi, Afewarki, Mobutu, Kabila, Bokassa and the rest of them who have ruled and ruined and continue to rule and ruin Africa are not half as ambitious as Patience Goodluck Jonathan.” And President Goodluck

Jonathan? Politically, he is what he is; and what he is, is an accretion of traits that many men and many leaders despise. This is a man who was better off in a zoology or hydrobiology laboratory in his hometown or in Port Harcourt. Frankly, he was not cut out for the series of political positions he has found himself in. In this instance, he should have known that allowing his wife to be appointed Permanent Secretary was a bad and lousy

idea. He couldn’t tell, and he couldn’t sense it. A leader with a pouch of political sagacity and acumen would have known that this move, like many other moves that are associated with him and or his wife, was going to be controversial and dumb. But what did this President do or say? Nothing! And now, another mess! Oh what a mess! Sabella Abidde can be reached at: Sabidde@yahoo.com

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Primus hospital saga: Between safety of life and politics of mudslinging (I) For quite sometime now, Primus International Super Specialty Hospital, Karu, which is being managed by Indian doctors, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. It has been one negative report or the other against the hospital leased by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The one question that may have crossed the minds of readers is. Whether the allegations against these doctors, who are labelled as quacks, are true? To ascertain this, an indept investigation therefore, becomes necessary. Our correspondent, Josephine Ella was part of a team which toured the hospital at the weekend. The tour revealed that there may be more to these reports than meets the eye as testimonies of a cross-section of Nigerians receiving medical attention in the hospital, including eminent personalities disproved some of the scathing allegations against the hospital. In addition, it further lends credence to what management of the hospital has alleged to be a plot by some Nigerian doctors to boot them out of the market for their selfish interests.

ontrary to allegations making the rounds in the media, especially the social media that the Indian doctors operating in the hospital are incompetent, patients on admission think otherwise. For a cross section of these patients, "the doctors are wonderful, caring and very excellent in their operations". Many of them, who spoke to journalists during the tour, see the establishment of the hospital as a blessing rather than a harbinger of death as recent reports suggested. The son of the late Nigerian Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha was one of the patients on admission in the hospital during the visit. Abbah Abacha told journalists that he was involved in a road crash recently which resulted to a neck injury. Abacha, who had been admitted in a clinic initially before he was later transferred to Primus hospital, has this to say about the hospital. "To me, the management seems to be quite up to the task and I have seen how efficient they are taking care of patients. They do it very diligently," he said, confirming that he was fast recovering". To the father of another patient on admission at the Intensive care unit. Raynea Ifada, a final year student of Federal Government College Kwali, who underwent a brain and spinal cord surgery, the hospital is the saviour of his son, whom he said nearly died at the National Hospital in Abuja due to sheer negligence on the part of the hospital. Mathew Ifada, told how Raynea was involved in an accident while returning home from school and was rescued by a Good Samaritan, who took him to the National Hospital before he was contacted. According to him, the National Hospital ought to have carried out an urgent operation on the boy within 24 hours but in their usual unpleasant character, the surgery was delayed.

Raynea Ifada with his father in the intensive care unit of Primus Specialty Hospital, Karu, Abuja "Quite alright my son, who was unconscious, was given first aid treatment and he regained consciousness but after that, he was just there and no treatment further and body was talking to me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I asked questions, indeed at a point in time, we even entered into fracas that I said that if anything happened to my son, I will take life into my hands. He was removed from emergency unit to main surgical ward, and he was there alone, no oxygen or anything, in fact that was when his condition was deteriorating. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I saw that his condition was deteriorating and that he was almost at the verge of death, I had to look elsewhere, that was how I found my way here," he narrated. Continuing, he said: "But one thing is that any spinal

cord accident operation was not supposed to past 24 hours before operation, but there, they just abandoned my son until after one week that I brought him to this hospital and the operation was done on him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The treatment here was wonderful; I wish I can show you the pictures of him that I took from National Hospital. The moment we entered the gate, that was when they rushed him to the theatre and since then, his health has been improving on daily basis. We came here 28 of June and he was actually admitted here on the 29th, while on the 30th, the operation was carried out." A woman in her fifties, Mrs Rukayya Mustapha, who had a knee cap replacement and ovarian cyst surgery said she was fascinated by the love and care showered on her daily by

the doctors, nurses and other staff. She confirmed that her operations were very successful and she is convalescing progressively. Asked why she chose to come to the hospital rather than going to India, she said: "I have seen many people that have been operated successfully in this hospital, so I felt there was no need going to India because India is now here in Nigeria and it will cause more money". A Rtd Capt, Bulus Yahaya, also on admission in the hospital on referral, said the Gombe state government was footing the bills of two of them in the hospital who underwent knee cap replacement and arthritis. "They have been very good. In fact, every service here is excellent," he testified when asked about his rating of the hospital services.

Similarly, an ex- patient of the hospital, Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Aliyu El-rufai, who had received treatment for diabetes in the hospital testified that he received all the care and attention that was needed when on admission. El-rufai maintained that "No government hospital will be able provide specialised services like primus hospital. They have been able to do a lot". He shares the same opinion with the hospital management that the bad press the hospital has suffered was as a result of the fact that other indigenous hospitals could not withstand the competition. "From what I saw, the bad press could have come from those doctors who cannot cope with the competition," he said, advising Nigerians with complicated cases to visit the hospital instead of flying to India. The testimonies above are only a few reactions, out of many others from patients, who were unanimous in their opinion about the hospital. The biggest controversy the hospital has been enmeshed in since it started its operation in 2010, was an allegation by a woman, who visited the hospital sometimes in November last year for Fibroid operation. Reports had it that the woman in question alleged that she was opened up and stitched back without the fibroid being removed. She further alleged that when she recovered from the effect of the Anastasia, she requested to see the lump but was told it had been taken to the lab for analysis. As a result of the excruciating pain she kept experiencing, in December 2011, she was said to have decided to go to another lab for a scan and the results of the scan showed that the fibroid hadn't been removed though there was evidence that she had been opened up for surgery. It was upon this revelation that she resorted to litigation against the hospital to seek redress.

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

S & P assigns B+ rating to notes to be issued by Access Finance

Mob: 08033644990

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Tatus Cassava Processing Company, Tommy Onuoha A Onuoha, Deputy Director, Agriculture and Agro-Allied Department, RMRDC, Malam Usman Hassan, and Conference Coordinator, Mr. Ihe kigbo, during an International Agriculture Conference held recently in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Domestic debt hits N7trn, says Budget Office By Abdulwahab Isa

ocal debt is now about N7 trillion and the federal government has carpeted ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) for accumulating the huge debt

from 6,300 uncompleted projects. The Director-General of Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogu, speaking during a Consultative Forum on the 2013 Federal Budget for the organised private sector in Abuja, explained that

the Federal Government would ensure that the domestic debt was drastically reduced. He said the domestic debt posed a lot of problems to the government because while the external debt can be rescheduled, the domestic debt

cannot be rescheduled. Dr Okogu explained that a large chunk of the government’s revenue was being spent on the recurrent and that is being handled by the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

To this effect, it was looking into the Steve Oransaye’s report with a view to merging some agencies and plugging all areas of leakages in the expenditure. For him, agencies whose duties are basically advocacy should not be given capital.

Insecurity scares foreign investors from Nigeria – NECA From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

orried by the current level of insecurity and the insurgency of Boko Haram, particularly in the North, and the implications on businesses, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has tasked the Federal Government to take steps that will reverse the trends in the larger interest of the economy, as foreign investors are being presently scared away from the country. This is as Emeka Wogu, Minister of Labour and Productivity, said the Federal Government has no intention to rationalise the federal workforce thereby further compounding the unemployment situation in the

country. Both spoke at the 55th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) which held in Lagos. According to Richard Uche, president, NECA, “The threat posed by the insurgent Boko EXCHANGE RATES

CBN CFA • £ RIYAL $

BUYING 0.2704 188.7246 239.2742 41.2965 154.87

SELLING 0.2904 189.9432 240.8192 41.5631 155.87

BUYING 243 43 154

SELLING 257 45 159

the fact businesses are closing down, Nigerians are losing jobs and families are being displaced.” As a way forward, the employers’ association urged the government to as a matter of urgency conduct due intelligence search on the root causes of the menace of

insecurity within the system; take steps to drastically reduce unemployment; improve security apparatus, enthrone transparency and accountability on all tiers and arms of government, strengthen intelligence agencies and other inter-related agencies in combating crimes.

Management Tip of the Day

12th July, 2012

PARALLEL RATES £ RIYAL $

Haram sect has had adverse consequences on businesses. It has both created scare to international investors, and a dent on our national image. This development has paralysed businesses in some Northern parts of the country and stifled productive activities. Of great concern is

Get the salary you want

egotiating a salary can be an uncomfortable process. You want to get what you’re worth, but you also don’t want to scare off your future employer. Prepare for your next talk by doing the following: Do research. Information is power. Reach out to friends or

colleagues who can tell you what the employer might typically pay for the role. Be honest. When a recruiter asks if you have salary requirements, be upfront. The employer needs to know your expectations so they don’t waste their time or yours.

Offer Solutions. A salary talk is a negotiation — two parties trying to reach a solution that works for both sides. If the initial number is lower than your reasonable expectation, propose something that will meet the needs of both you and the employer. Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS

Africa-Re retains Standard & Poor’s top rating

frican Reinsurance Corporation is owned by the 41 AU members African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) says it has retained its ratings in fresh reports released by global credit and insurer rating experts, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and A.M Best.

Bruno Fischer to explore Nigerian market with new products

runo Fischer, a German company involved in the manufacture of organic foods, moved out of its familiar territory, Germany and Europe this week, as it berthed in Nigeria with two of its flagship products. Its attraction to Nigeria as a hub market for Africa is due to the country’s growing market which has continued to attract foreign firms.

Sovereign Trust to deepen presence, opens more branches

s part of moves to further penetrate the insurance market while also extending its services to other areas of the country, underwriting firm, Sovereign Trust Insurance plc, has opened two more branches for operations in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State and Osogbo in Osun state.

Caverton Helicopters designated as West Africa service centre

averton Helicopters has been appointed as the authorised service centre in Nigeria by AgustaWestland, a leading manufacturer of helicopters for military and commercial operations. By this development, Caverton Helicopters, a wholly indigenous company, becomes the first to be appointed by a major aircraft manufacturer as its authorised service centre in the entire West African subregion.

Interbank rates ease on higher cash flows

igeria’s interbank lending rates eased 100 basis points to an average of 14.33 percent this week, aided by improved liquidity. Dealers said the market opened with a cash balance of about 14.6 billion naira ($90 million) on Friday, compared with a negative balance of 12.74 billion naira last Friday. “We have inflows from repaid matured treasury bills of

a net balance of about 50 billion naira and around 30 billion naira disbursal to some government agencies in the week, helping to lift market liquidity,” one dealer said. Nigeria sold 95.56 billion naira in three-month and sixmonth treasury bills on Wednesday, while there was net cash inflow from matured bills. Dealers said some lenders also preferred to take money

from the central bank window, helping to ease pressure on the borrowing costs this week. The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) rate eased to 13.50 percent from 14.75 percent last week, 1.5 percentage points above the central bank’s 12 percent benchmark rate, and 350 basis points above the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate. “Interbank rates are expected to inch up next week by the time we start funding for

foreign exchange and treasury bills purchases and NNPC (state-owned energy company) recall a portion of its deposit with some banks,” another dealer said. NNPC supplies the bulk of foreign exchange traded on the interbank forex market and usually recalls part of the naira proceed to its account with the central bank to fund its obligations to the government. (Reuters)

Nigeria’s banks were, “again engaging with the domestic economy. Nigeria now has fewer, but larger, banks with better corporate governance and regulatory oversight. As a result of the (central bank’s) efforts, the industry and its

regulation have improved significantly.” Last month, Fitch upgraded Access Banks, long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to B from B, and the bank’s national long-term rating to A- from BBB-. The ratings upgrades reflected Fitch’s view of the, “increased systemic importance and enhanced franchise of Access’s following its absorption of the acquired rescued bank, Intercontinental Bank Plc.

S & P assigns B+ rating to Access Finance notes R ating agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P) has assigned a ‘B+’ rating to the proposed senior unsecured notes to be issued by Access Finance B.V.(not rated) ,a special purpose entity of Access Bank PLC. The notes to be issued are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Access Bank PLC, rated B+/ Stable/B, by S&P. The rating reflects the unconditional and irrevocable guarantee provided by Nigeria-based Access Bank PLC, according to S & P. Access Finance B.V. is a special purpose entity created solely for debt issuance to fund Access Bank. Since the senior unsecured notes are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Access Bank, the rating on the notes, reflect the counterparty credit ratings on Access Bank. “The ratings on Access Bank reflect its ‘bb-’ anchor, as well as the bank’s adequate business position, moderate capital and earnings; moderate risk position, adequate funding and average liquidity, as our criteria define these terms. The counterparty credit ratings on

Access Bank reflect the bank’s stand-alone credit profile of ‘b+’,” S&P said in a statement. S & P has been recently cautiously bullish on Nigerian banks. S&P said in a report released in March that

Fortis MFB to raise N7bn to strengthen capital base

he Fortis Micro Finance bank has concluded plans to raise N7 billion from the capital market to strengthen its capital base and enhance customers confidence in it. The Managing Director, Kunle Oketikun, disclosed the plan in an interview at the weekend. Oketikun said that there was the need for the bank to raise more money to enable it service its various customers, as “there is no limit to what the bank can do”. He said that insufficient funds had made a lot of Nigerians to lose confidence in the micro-finance banks, adding that they rarely invested in micro-finance banks due to fear

Inflation rates from Jun, 2011 to May, 2012 Max = 12.9%, Min = 9.3% for period in display. Current Inflation rate = 12.7% Source:CBN

of insecurity. Oketikun said, “We are doing all we can by way of advocacy and engaging the services of the Central Bank of Nigeria in order to move the bank forward. “There is always a lot of misconception about microfinance banks, there is nothing to stop us from being a reliable and strong bank; but the challenge before us is low capital base. “Micro-finance banks in the country are not part of the high profit making banks in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. “However, Fortis MicroFinance Bank is trying to raise N7 billion at the moment as part of the initiatives to strengthen its capital base. “This will go a long way for the bank to redouble its services to numerous customers and come up with new programmes to assist the customers.’’ Oketikun, who is also the Vice-President of National Association of Micro-Finance Banks (NAMB) said microfinance banks in the country had concluded plans to improve their standards. According to him, this is to encourage people to invest in the banks. He said that more than 40,000 rural women in the

Earnings Report for Banks Source:Pro-share Nigeria

Federal Capital Territory had benefited from the micro-credit scheme of finance banks, as part of the initiatives to alleviate poverty. “These rural women were trained in various trades such as pottery, beads making, knitting, as well as tie and dye under the apprenticeship/skill acquisition schemes,’’ the managing director said. He urged Nigerians to invest in microfinance banks, and said, “the future is very bright for micro-finance banks in Nigeria’’. Oketikun said that NAMB carried out training programmers in order to build the capacity of their workers and to proffer ways to serve their customers better. He expressed optimism that the new innovation in the banks would move them forward.(NAN)

CBN sells N96bn in T-bills

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)said on Friday sold 95.56 billion naira in three-month and six-month treasury bills, , as strong demand pushed yields to their lowest level in seven weeks. It sold 30.16 billion naira of 91-day paper at 13.75 percent at Wednesday’s twice monthly auction, down from 14.09 percent last time, While the yield on 65.40 billion of the 182day paper fell to 14.88 percent from 15.31 percent. Total subscriptions were at 290.22 billion naira. Dealers said the pattern of demand suggested participation by offshore investors. Nigeria, Africa’s second biggest economy after South Africa, issues treasury bills regularly to reduce the money supply, curb inflation and help lenders manage their liquidity.

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Equity market records +2.85% gain to close the week green

he Nigerian stock market (NSE) closed in the green zone for the fifth week in succession as the intense bargain activities witnessed during sessions in the week lift the key market indicator further to sustain the positive outlook while market breadth closed flat. Furthermore, equity market sustained uptrend as ASI inches up by +0.36% to open the first trading of the week positive while market resumed southwards movement in the second session to close downbeat by -0.32% amid increased volume turnover and Naira Votes. The bulls resurfaced to dominate market activities in the third session as NSE ASI

records +0.60% gains due to renewed bargain activities witnessed on the bourse. Market maintained uptrend in the fourth session as NSE Index firms up +1.08% while the positive transaction witnessed in the shares of Dangote Cement Plc, market leader by capitalisation, also contributed to the positive outlook. Conversely, trading activities on Friday closed northwards as sentiments remained optimistic. Consequently, the key benchmark index inches up by +1.10% while market closed the week with aggregate gain of +2.85%. Further analysis on acquiring banks since

transaction date showed that the share price of Access Bank Plc has recorded +55.56% gains with FCMB recording -15.38% losses while Union Bank Plc leads the chart with +122.49% gains. However, Sterling Bank Plc recorded -1.57% losses while ETI also closed negative with -13.45% loss recorded. However, the All-Share Index in the week under review moved up by +2.85% to close at 22,741.05 as against an upbeat by +2.37% recorded last week to close at 22,110.91. In the same vein, the market capitalization in the week appreciated by N201.16 billion (US$1.34 billion) to close at N7.25 trillion (US$48.38 billion) as

against appreciation by N163.24 billion (US$1.08 billion) recorded last week to close at N7.05 trillion (US$ 47.04billion). The total volume traded in the week closed at 1.45 billion units valued at N9.60 billion (US$64.01 million) compared with 1.00 billion units valued at N8.50 billion (US$56.68 million) exchanged in 18,341 deals last week. The volume transaction in the week when compared with the previous week data moved up by +44.78% as against downwards movement by 81.29% recorded last week. Weekly value also went up by +12.94% as against negative position of -62.14% recorded last week.

Dangote Sugar surpasses profit projections By Abdulwahab Isa

nvestors and other stakeholders in the Dangote Sugar Refining Plc (DSR) are in for a bumper harvest this year as the company has been on steady rise, high and above its performance projections since the beginning of the operating year. The management said at the weekend that the minor fire incidence a its bagging store notwithstanding, it would continue with its cutting edge business plans to achieve its set goals to the benefits of the investors. Managing Director of the Company, Engineer Abdulahi Sule allayed fears being expressed in certain quarters that the recent fire that gutted a section of its Apapa refinery would lead to scarcity of Sugar, saying it is not

…speeds up Savannah Sugar acquisition true because the impact of the fire was minimal and besides, the refinery has strategic reserve which could last for two months even if it does not produce at all. It was learnt that the foremost Sugar Company would also reap bountifully when it finally consummates its acquisition of Savannah Sugar company, from Dangote Industries Limited, a move that has been endorsed by the shareholders at the last Annual General Meeting of the company. Already, in furtherance of its strategic action plan to consolidate the market expansion, Dangote Sugar has commenced export of the product to Ghana, Gambia, Sierra-Leone with plans already afoot to enter other African

Niger Insurance PAT hits N1.23bn From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

iger Insurance Plc., one of leading insurance underwriting firms in the country, has announced a profit after tax of N1.23 billion for the financial year ended 31st December, 2011, against a loss after tax of N124 million recorded the previous year. Addressing the company’s 42nd Pre-AGM press conference in Lagos, the Managing Director, Dr Justus Uranta joyfully stated, “ We have cause to thank God for the

modest achievement. For the past three years the harsh economic climate has not spared us. But we could boldly say ‘no condition is permanent in life’, from a loss position of N124 million in 2010, the company rose to profit after tax of N1.23 billion”, acclaimed. Gross premium income according to him, grew from N7.04 billion in the comparable period of 2010 N7.81 billion in the period under review while the shareholders’ funds increased to N5.5 billion from N 4.3 billion written in 2010.

countries.. Engineer Sule said in an interview in Lagos that the leading sugar company had entered into an agreement with Dangote Industries limited on the acquisition process and that all hands were on deck to actualize the final acquisition of the firm thus making Dangote Sugar refinery the first fully integrated sugar manufacturing company in Africa. He disclosed that the investors would have a good bargain this year as the company had surpassed its profit projection for the first quarter of the year and will likely sustain the trend in the second quarter despite the challenges and the inclement industrial climate. According to him, Dangote

Sugar controls over 70 per cent of the sugar market in Nigeria and with “a sugar refinery which is the second largest in the world, it wouldn’t be a bad business strategy to step up our foray into West African markets having dominated the local market, yet with more capacity for production. “We have started exportation of Sugar into Ghana, Gambia and other countries after a pilot scheme. Over all, we are seeing a more positive prospect than we had envisaged because we had thought upon acquisition of Savannah Sugar our production would move up by 100, 000mt per annum within three years, but with what we have put on ground, we would achieve that within a reasonable time frames.

Nigeria-U.S. Investment Summit for Atlanta By Abdulwahab Isa

he Tricontinental Group, in partnership with the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) as well as Nigerian Embassy in Washington and the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry will hold the Nigerian-American Business Investment Summit on August 21 - 22, 2012 at Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

The Summit, which has the theme: 'Nigerian Transportation Systems' will highlight the key sectors and sub sectors in the transportation industry, viz: aviation, automobile and public transportation, agricultural and heavy duty vehicles, marines, military transportation, pipelines, rail, roads, transportation security and other related areas will form the carnal of discussion during the plenary sessions.

INVESTORS NEWS BEAT

EasyKobo Finance helps Nigerians invest with NSE Stock game

asykobo Finance website, a financial site is bringing to its viewers an online stock game.

Money managers pull $179m from commodity funds

oney managers pulled $179 million from commodity funds in the week ended July 4, said Cameron Brandt, the director of research for Cambridge, Massachusetts-based EPFR Global, which tracks money flows.

Positive outlook triggers speculative buying

utlook for the Nigeria stock market remains positive as investors currently grab more stocks (particularly value stocks) in anticipation of good corporate earnings for the first-half (H1) of the year.

Nigerian bond market has potential for long-term investors – Mobius

rontier equity and bond markets like Nigeria have huge potential for patient and perseverant longterm investors, says Mark Mobius, Templet on Emerging Markets Group Executive Chairman.

Proposed Diaspora bond falls short of potential

Source:Pro-share Nigeria

he plans by domestic financial manager’s in Nigeria to raise $100 million in Diasporas bonds by 2013 as part of a broader Eurobond issuance programme, falls short of potential says ARM investment research.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

PAGE 22

Oil demand shifts to emerging markets

L-R: Bauchi state Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, discussing with Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of Pauliza, Colonel Paul Edor Obi, during a visit to President Goodluck Jonathan recently at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Operating under high tension cables is catastrophic - PHCN

By Muhammad Sada he Transmission Company of Nigeria, an arm of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), has warned against doing business or erecting structures close to high tension power transmission tower. The warning was given at a Town Hall meeting organized by the Executive Officers of the company on a scheduled visit to Nekede autonomous Community in Imo State where Owerri- Ahoada 132KV Line Power Transmission Tower ison the verge of collapsing due to the illegal mining activities being carried out by some people around the base station. It was noted by the company officials that the 132KV power transmission tower which serves, Imo state and other

neighboring states including Bayelsa, Abia and Rivers is at the moment in a critical state and if peradventure it collapses, there will be total power blackout in these states for about six months apart from the electrocution danger it will cause for people living in the vicinity. The Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs of the company, Dave Ifabiyi noted that it has come to the notice of the Company that people in the area dig for laterites and kaolin close to the base station. He said apart from the hazard of the blackout, people should be aware of the health implication of such activity On a visit to the 132KV transmission power site, the General Manager, Transmission Company Port-Harcourt Zone, Adeeko Adekunle expressed displeasure at the sorry sight of

the area, he advised people involved in mining around the transmission station to desist from such acts to avoid any further damage where as the leaders of the community who spoke at the town hall, promised to cooperate with the Company and put all measures in place to ensure there is an end to the heinous act. Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has embarked on local publicity to sensitize the indigenes of the area of the danger involved in doing business and building structures close to the high tension power transmission tower. The company said it has also employed the services of security agencies in the state to prosecute any offender caught doing business around tension cables.

Fitch upgrades Nigerian banks By Aminu Imam

itch Ratings has upgraded First Bank of Nigeria Plc’s (First Bank) Viability Rating (VR) to ‘b’ from ‘b-’ and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc’s (Union) VR to ‘ccc’ from ‘c’. At the same time, Fidelity Bank Plc’s (Fidelity) Long-term National Rating was upgraded to ‘BBB+(nga)’ from ‘BBB-(nga)’ and its National Short-term rating to ‘F2(nga)’ from ‘F3(nga)’. The ratings of all other Fitchrated Nigerian banks were affirmed. A full list of rating actions is at the end of this announcement. The VRs of the Fitch-rated banks indicate highly speculative fundamental credit quality, with no VRs above the

‘b’ range. This is due to an extremely challenging operating environment, rapid underlying credit growth, concentrated credit risk and weak – albeit improving – corporate governance and transparency requirements. In this context, the upgrade of First Bank’s VR follows the sale of significant loans to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) which has resulted in material improvement in the bank’s asset quality and reduced the concentrated problem loans that were constraining the VR at ‘b-’. The VR also reflects First Bank’s dominant domestic franchise and acceptable levels of Fitch Core Capital. The upgrade of Union’s VR

acknowledges the restoration of the bank to solvency through the injection of capital from AMCON and a private equity consortium. Fidelity’s National Ratings were upgraded due to the perceived level of support that Fidelity could expect from the authorities if required. Strong support was demonstrated across the sector during Nigeria’s banking crisis which Fitch expects would be repeated. The IDRs and National Ratings of Access Bank Plc (Access), Diamond Bank Plc (Diamond), Fidelity, First Bank, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) and Union are derived from Fitch’s perceived level of support from the authorities if required.(Source: Reuters)

il demand in the developing world will overtake that in industrialised countries for the first time next year, a tipping point in oil demand geography that will have profound implications for energy markets. Strong economic growth in Asia, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East has pushed up demand in these regions, while the eurozone and US remain weak, according to the latest report from the International Energy Agency. The IEA said demand in countries that did not belong to the OECD club of rich nations would reach 45.7m barrels a day next year, 600,000 b/d more than demand in OECD states. The switch will come as no surprise to most observers, since OECD oil demand has been in structural decline since 2005. It rose year-on-year in 2010, but that was seen as a postrecessionary bounce. It fell again in 2011 and is set to fall this year too. Meanwhile, in non-OECD states such as China, an expanding population, strong income growth, more energyintensive economic activity and the prevalence of fuel subsidies that protect consumers from high international crude prices have combined to push up demand for oil. In oil-producing regions such as the former Soviet Union and the Middle East, an additional factor is the rise in crude prices, which has stimulated economic activity and encouraged more energy consumption. “This hasn’t crept up and surprised everyone,” says David Fyfe, head of the IEA’s oil industry and markets division. “The [rise

of non-OECD demand] is a trend that’s been under way for a long time.” He noted that the phenomenon has already been observed in the refining sector, where non-OECD throughputs overtook OECD crude runs in late 2010. The IEA also said world oil demand would increase by 1m barrels a day next year, more than in the two preceding years. Global oil demand grew by 700,000 b/d in 2011 and is expected to increase by 800,000 b/d this year, so the forecast of 1m b/d for 2013 is “unmistakably an acceleration, albeit a very modest one”, the agency said in its closely watched monthly oil report. The increase will take total oil demand to 90.9m b/d. But the Paris-based agency, which advises the industrialised countries on energy policy, said growth remained well below the levels seen before the global financial crisis. The IEA also slightly reduced its forecast for demand in 2012, cutting it by 15,000 b/d to 89.89m b/d “as the weaker economic backdrop marginally outweighs higher base data”. Oil prices have been volatile in recent weeks, with fears that more sanctions against Iran could further disrupt supplies counterbalanced by concerns about the impact of the eurozone debt crisis on energy demand. Brent crude shed losses to rise as high as $101.36 a barrel, up 1.1 per cent, on Thursday after the US Treasury attempted to tighten sanctions by identifying oil trading and tanker companies as fronts for the Iranian government. (Source: Financial Times)

NEXIM boss bags efficiency award

he Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Roberts Orya, has been voted as the ‘Best Performing CEO by the Centre for Good Governance, Peace and Media Advocacy. A statement issued by the Centre’s Directorate for Governance said Orya was tipped amongst the ranks of CEOs after a painstaking performance assessment ratings conducted by the Centre across the federation. According to the statement, Mr. Roberts Orya on assumption of office as Chief Executive Officer has performed excellently well especially in the areas of youth empowerment, employment generation and professional conduct in safeguarding taxpayers' funds invested by the federal government through NEXIM. The Centre commended Orya and his team saddled with the responsibility to continue to live

up to the expectations of the Nigerian people and fulfillment of the President's Transformation Agenda in every ramification. The Centre said in a statement: "It has become imperatively necessary in line with our mandate to carry out ratings of agencies based on international standard to avail Nigerians the opportunity to assess the present administration from one sector to the other periodically and wish to confirm to Nigerians that the performance of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) is quite impressive in the last few days. "The management of the Bank has taken the lead in the areas of youth empowerment, job creation and professional conduct to boost our image both at home and abroad and we encourage every Nigerian saddled with such responsibility to continue to live up to the expectations of all and sundry."

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

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PAGE 25

The nail-biting battle for AU Commission chair (I) By Ahmed I. Shekarau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

esterday’s election of a Chairperson for the African Union Commission (AUC) was the climax of six months of fierce battles between Dr. Jean Pingthe Gabonese incumbent chairperson of the AUC -and South Africa’s Interior Minister, Ms. Nkosanzana Dlamini-Zuma. The race towards yesterday’s final battle, diplomatic sources said, had never been witnessed before in the history of contests for the AUC chair, followed the stalemate in the first leg of the election also held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in January this year. The contest entered a nail-biting finale at the weekend with the massive deployment of the two candidates’ war-chests, besides the high-level intrigues enshrouded in guile and craftiness of their leading promoters. In fact, the last lap of the contest heightened the risk of deepening the divisive tendencies within the continent as the race became more ferocious with the sudden resort to campaigns of calumny by both sides. Although on the surface of it, the race was between Gabon and South Africa, technically the real contest was between Nigeria and South Africa, both of which are members of the much feared ‘Big-5’ in the Union-Nigeria, South Africa, Libya, Egypt and Algeria. It’s public knowledge that Nigeria had made huge ‘investments’ in Ping’s candidacy. And with the former strongman of Libya, Moummar Gaddafi now out of the scene, it’s very

Jean Ping obvious that South Africa is determined-by hook or crookto emerge as Africa’s Power House, or, to put it more pungent, the Continent’s ‘Policeman’, in a similar fashion with the manner the United States tries to police the world. Already, South Africa has forced its way to being the Power House of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), notwithstanding its limited age in terms of political independence within that regional bloc. And by providence, Nigeria, despite its apparent diplomatic naivety in international relations,

Boni Yayi, President of Benin Republic

remains West Africa’s Power House. Therefore, with Nigeria’s leading role in promoting Ping’s candidacy, it was natural that South Africa will plot to scuttle his bid, so as to checkmate Nigeria’s rising profile in Africa and beyond. Indeed, SA’s desperate bid to clinch the AUC seat at the peak of the contest, appeared obviously geared towards that objective, even if only to enhance President Jacob Zuma’sdesire to prove to his global friends overseas that his country calls the shots in Africa. South Africa is a member of the G20 to which

the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the European Union (EU), as well as other developing economies like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Brazil, among others belong. More so, SA is a member of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) group. Although these groupings focus primarily on enhancing economies of member nations, it would seem from SA’s breach of the unwritten agreement by Africa’s ‘Big-5’ to vie for the AUC chair that one of its primary motives was to gain huge political capital within and outside the continent, besides its economic influence. Nigeria and South Africa’s recent diplomatic spats over the political debacle in Cote’dIvorie, the Libyan crisis, as well as the deportation row, are still fresh in public memory. Beyond this, South Africa’s economic prosperity appeared to have made it too arrogant to fail to reckon with its potentials to emerge as the Headmaster of the African continent, having conquered its regional group. Already, it wields enormous influence in East and Central African regions through Zuma’s widely known “generosity” to leaders of some of the weak countries in those regions. South Africa’s glaring desperation In what appears to be its obvious desperation to clinch the AUC chair, the SA leader upped the ante in campaign by allegedly making two bold moves to blackmail Dr. Jean Ping, both at home in Gabon and within the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.

For instance, according to highly placed diplomatic sources, Zuma allegedly suggested in a private discussion with Ping’s country’s leader, Ali Bongo, in the early days of the campaign, that the AUC chairperson was partly responsible for some of the crisis in Gabon. This, sources said, didn’t sway Bongo to either stop his citizen from continuing with his bid for a second term, or even withdraw the moral and financial support that he had been rendering to Ping. When this failed, SA then hatched another grand plot to remove the carpet from under Ping’s feet, by alleging that he (Ping) had backed out of the race. According to diplomatic sources within the AU headquarters, Zuma had, days before yesterday’s election, personally phoned Ping to invite him to Pretoria “for a discussion”. The AUC chairperson respectfully accepted the invitation and made adequate preparations to honour it. Somehow, some sudden developments in

presented to show ‘Ping with President Zuma negotiating his exit or soft-landing’ from the contest for the AUC top job. Again, after this failed, the SA tried to latch on to Ping’s rejoinder to his purported withdrawal from the race by accusing him of abusing his office by ‘deploying resources of the AU Commission’ for his campaign for re-election. SA’s International Relations Minister,MaiteNkoanaMashabane, last week Thursday at the AU Commission headquarters, addressed a press conference alleging that Dr. Jean Ping had abused AU resources for “personal campaigns”. She actually concurred with Botswana’s Foreign Minister,PhanduSkelemani, allegedly prodded by South Africa, who said Mr Ping’s conduct violated the “provisions and spirit of the statutes of the AU commission”. He also accused Mr Ping of sowing division in the organisation. Africa at risk of polarization From the undercurrents of

much wider territory’ by extending his political influence beyond his country. By implication, with a South African who’s also his estranged wife as AUC c h a i r p e r s o n , notwithstanding their cold relationship, Zuma, being a Zulu warrior, will automatically become a dictator within the continent. And in that regard, the AU commission’s policy statements and agenda for most activities of various arms of the AU would then be dictated to the Commission from South Africa as in reality, it (the AUC) may end up operating more as an extension of the SA’s International Relations Ministry than an organ of the African Union. In addition, the apparent desperation of South Africa in the race had also made many to ponder and speculate further on the actual motives of the Zuma led nation in trying take over the AUC chair. In fact, the venue of the Summit was awash with the speculation that Jacob

New AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa Gabon kept him away from the visit. Curiously, a day after his aborted trip to Pretoria some South African newspapers reported that Ping had withdrawn from the race for the AUC chair. That was swiftly denied by Ping in a statement he issued through his office. Our reporter’s investigation further revealed that the original plan by SA was that the newspaper reports about Ping’s purported withdrawal from the race were to be complimented with his picture along with President Zuma, if he had traveled to Pretoria. The story would have then been

the ferocious battle for the AUC chair between SA and its allies on one hand, and Nigeria and other supporters of Ping on the other, it was obvious that whichever side carried the day in the election, Africa would be exposed to a great risk of further division. A credible diplomatic source at the AU headquarters who spoke to our reporter under anonymity, said Africa will be at great risk of polarization with a South African as chairperson of the AUC. The diplomats reasons include, the allegation that SA wrecked the SADC; its membership of the G20, BRICS as well as President Zuma’s glaring ambition to ‘conquer

Zuma was primarily driven by the desire to get Nkosanzana out of the domestic scene given their rumoured simmering rift since the termination of their marriage. More so, she is said to be intelligent and well respected within the ruling African National Congress (ANC), and thus, has the potential to threaten his second term bid during the party’s elective conference in December this year. Jacob Zuma’s fighting spirit Notwithstanding the growing concern at the 19 th AU Summit over the negative impact that South Africa’s

Nkosanzana Dlamini-Zuma perceived vicious pursuit of its bid for the AUC chair, its entry into the race undoubtedly added great colour and interest to the electoral contest. This was no doubt informed by the personae of President Zuma, a Zulu warrior, whose people are well known for their dogged fighting spirit. Indeed, from the manner in which he grabbed power in South Africa to his conduct as leader of that country in the past four years, Zuma has not left anyone in doubt that even among the Zulus, he’s an exceptional warrior. Aside conquering many women in his years in office as president, the SA leader has almost succeeded in checkmating the radical youth movement of the ANC with the expulsion of Julius Malema, the dynamic leader of that movement, alongside some of his compatriots. In addition, Zuma is also working assiduously to contain all vestiges of opposition to his bid for a second term as the ANC prepares to hold its elective conference in December, during which he hopes to pick his second term ticket. Beyond his homestead, President Zuma is already expanding the frontiers of his political influence through his “generous” support to sister African countries across all the five regions of the continent, most especially in East, West, Central and Southern Africa. Similarly, in the contest for the AUC top job, Zuma has also successfully proved the stuff he’s made of by remarkably stunting Ping’s widely expected landslide victory over DlaminiZuma during the first round of the election in January. It was a great surprise to many that Liberia and Sierra Leone voted against a fellow West African country-Gabon-despite a ‘firm’

agreement within the ECOWAS sub-region that all should line up behind Ping. This time around too, President Zuma’s deft political moves had at the weekend jolted nearly all promoters of Ping, resulting in conciliatory statements by delegates from countries within his strong support base, including his region, West Africa. Apart from the huge ‘resources’ said to have been deployed for the SADC lobby team’s ‘leg work’, President Zuma personally flew into Addis Ababa Friday night to join his estranged wife, Dlamini-Zuma, who had already been on ground, to work on the delegates that were still opposed to the SA candidacy. To further display his political astuteness, Zuma

Ali Bongo

moved from one end of the AU Commission headquarters’ conference area, to vigorously engage leaders of all countries in the Union, including those of West Africa. For instance, on Saturday morning, President Zuma warmly embraced President BoniYayi of Benin Republic who doubles as chairman of the African Union, in a manner that left many struggling to hazard a guess as to what he privately discussed with the Beninoise leader throughout their over 30 minutes of tet-a-tet on the sidelines of a meeting of an arm of the continental Union. Besides, a source within the AU Commission told our reporter that the South Africans had literally taken over the whole of Addis Ababa Sheraton Hotel by Friday when she visited the

hotel. This was also indication to her, that they might have made that hotel as a centre from where they mobilise and distribute much of their campaign arsenals. SA’s exuded confidence ahead of election Perhaps looking at the huge resources it has deployed and its aggressive drive in the campaign for DlaminiZuma’s victory, the SA exuded so much confidence in clinching the seat many days ahead of the election. For instance, a diplomatic source from that country told Business Day South Africa on Friday that SADC put together three lobby teams to canvass the continent for votes, adding that oil-rich Angola chipped in $176,000in April to finance MsDlamini-Zuma’s campaign. The source further told the newspaper that he expected the race “to go the wire” and expressed optimism that their months of work would culminate in “a sweet victory” by yesterday. “We have done our homework, we have put in the hard work and we don’t expect to falter,” said the official, who confirmed that Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe would cast his vote for the SADC candidate”, the diplomat said. But Trevor Maisiri, an analyst at the International Crisis Group told Business Day that victory for MsDlaminiZuma was not clear cut. “It’s going to be a tough call. The critical issue would be trying to find a balance between Anglophone and Francophone countries in the hierarchy of the AU commission,” said MrMaisiri.

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By Aliyu U. Tilde

he death of a Senator and a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly has once more drawn the attention of the country to the unending crisis on the Plateau, not because there was cessation in the conflict before their deaths but because the crisis has started to take a new dimension altogether. The list of victims has, for the first time in the history of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria, started to include the elite, and the politicians especially. While the sad development seems to worry everyone and there are renewed calls for peace from many quarters, reports indicate that the Joint Task Force (JTF), whose actions was responsible for the escalation of the crisis recently, is busy destroying Fulani settlements in Barikin Ladi amd Riyom Local Government Areas, adding fuel to fire. Luggere, a Fulani stronghold, was destroyed yesterday and its inhabitants forcefully dispersed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This morningâ&#x20AC;?, the Secretary of Miyetti Allah in Barikin Ladi Local Government, Malam Mohammed Adam told the Daily Trust yesterday, "soldiers came and started burning Fulani settlements. As I speak to you now, they are busy burning all Fulani settlements in Shong II, Wuro Bello, Gure Danegu, Dyola, Rakweng, Sharu, Kuzeng, Luggel, Rachi, Matse and Afan. They are backed up with helicopters and tanks." Once more, in the quest for peace, the Nigerian authorities are repeating the mistake they committed with Boko Haram in 2009. They have not quenched that fire since. Yet, they are starting a bigger one. Background

proper understanding of the conflict must be located within the framework of the genocidal agenda of the Berom. They have vowed to cleanse the areas they dominate of the Hausa and the Fulani. Today, except in their strongholds like Sabongidan Danyaya, Barikin Ladi town, and few other tin settlements like Dorawar Babuje, all the Hausa villages in Berom-dominated areas have been wiped out. The countryside has been cleansed of nearly forty such settlements. The flight of the Hausa and sedentary Fulani was not prompted by cowardice, I believe, but by the luxury of the alternative they have. They could migrate into the comfort of other Hausa communities in other towns in the state or neighbouring ones to continue with their farming and petty trading. Of course, their flight comes with a lot of loss of capital and property. Nevertheless, they should be grateful to nature for endowing them with that option, which it has denied the cattle Fulani. This fact is at the core of the ongoing conflict. It was not that the Berom spared the Fula naturalis in cognizance of the longstanding association between the two groups. Not at all. Many attacks have been moffered by Berom

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2011

The Fulani and the genocide dream of Jang (1) Escalation

Plateau state governor, Jonah Jang militia but, this time, unlike in the case with the Hausa, the Fulani in all their major settlements in Beromland have so far been repelling such attacks successfully with equal, if not superior, force. It is this balance of terror that has enabled the Fulani to stay put there, while the fuel of genocide continues to burn in the heart of the Berom emperor, His Excellency, Governor David Jonah Jang. The Fulani has to do this because nature has not offered him a better choice as it did to others. Nature has consigned the Fulani to his cattle and in Africa the cattle has consigned him to the bush. He has no option except to live in the countryside where his master - the cattle - would flourish. In the gospel of his survival, he must cherish the grass and fight to the last drop of his blood for his natural master to graze uncultivated forests and grassland. Since his appearance in West Africa a millennium ago, he has obediently followed his cattle to wherever they led him. There is hardly any country in West, Central and, now, East Africa where he has not set his foot on and he continues to press southward, following the African Drainage Basin, until one day his herd drinks from the Orange River in South Africa. The conflict with the Berom has endured precisely because it is among the very few cases where attempts were made in history to expel the Fulani completely from a place. Nowhere has this strategy ever succeeded in the history of West Africa since it started in the period of Sonni Ali, one of the kings of the ancient Songhai Empire. Conflict with the Fulani could be prolonged and they may even sustain heavy casualties and

disappear for a while; but soon their cattle would guide them back, one way or the other, to settle on the once hostile land. Only the tsetse fly has succeeded in barring the them from some territories, before. Today, even that threat is gone, with deforestation and the availability of effective drugs against bovine blood parasites. Their cows are today successfully grazing in the Niger Delta, on the Atlantic coast.

his understanding is important in the scheme of any dream, conflict or peace that involves the Fulani. His natural burden to cater for the cow must be recognized. This has led him to the innate belief that his cattle have a universal right to natural grass wherever it may be, just as the Americans believe in mankind's universal rights to natural resources. Beromland cannot be an exception. All the Fulani asks for is grass, water and respect for his life and property. Nothing more. He is not interested in competing with the Berom in politics, education or trade. Almost all African tribes he visited so far have granted him those rights and that of passage through their territory to wherever his masters would take him. If only the Berom, as many other tribes did, would appreciate the burden that his Fulani brother carris and allow him to graze the uncultivated fields without harassment or attempt to evict him, peace with the Fulani would be as easy as breathing air. Is this a special demand that the Fulani are obliged to beg for? No. The Fulani are Nigerians as much as any other group. Every tribe in Nigeria traces its origin somewhere outside the country and from where, according to its

elders, it immigrated. The Berom, for example, trace their origins to Niger Republic! Admittedly, the Fulani are the most recent arrivals, starting just some 500 years ago, but that does not make them less bonafide citizens of Nigeria. He is a native of Nigeria. By official connotation, a native is any non-European living in the country at the time of British conquest. The Fulani is entitled to constitutional rights like any other Nigerian. He may be living alone in the bush, with his nuclear family and herd of cows. He may be illiterate with no knowledge of the constitution or common law. He may be weak, without a political body supporting him or protecting his rights. But Nigerian he remains, undeniably.

ver the past 400 years, the Fulani herdsmen have lived on the Plateau peacefully with all other native groups without any major conflict. They have contributed to its rural economy, including jobs for families whose members they employ to attend to their cows. They have raised many children of other tribes and benefitted them in various ways. A story that Governor Jang is never tired of telling people is how he was raised by a Fulani family and sponsored his early education. Now he is paying them back with deaths and destruction! His majesty, the Gbong Gwom of Jos, Mr. Gyang Buba, ascribes his Fulani surname to a Fulani neighbour his family once lived with. And so on. The two examples speak volumoft about the peaceful coexistence that has developed over the centuries between the Fulani and other tribes on the Bauchi Plateau - as it is properly called in geography.

he Fulani believe that the recent escalation in the crisis is caused by a new Berom strategy. Knowing very well from previous major encounters that his people are no match to the Fulani even with the resources of government at his disposal (he once offered to buy their men braziers when thousands of them fled their towns after their defeat in one of those encounters last year) and neither can he convince the federal government to withdraw the soldiers from the streets, Jang has now resorted to using the JTF under its new Commander to fight his proxy war against the Fulani. If one commander could decline the offer, he can be replaced by another whoEqui would take it. And of taking it many people are accusing the new JTF commander, Major-General Henry Ayoola. Thus, under him, the death of a promiscuous, heavy drinking mobile policeman under the JTF and the loss of his rifle at Karaku were instantly, without any investigation, hanged on the neck of all the Fulani and troops went on mass destruction of their homes and cows in Bangwai and dozens of their villages in Barikin Ladi local governments. Yet, when the Fulani complained of the destruction, the JTF publicly denied knowledge of such attacks. And it continues to claim ignorance on what is now common knowledge. Are we witnessing a repeat of Maiduguri here? Every rational Nigerian will agree that the strategy of using crass force to settle civilian issues does not work. This was the mistake that the Nigerian authorities made in the case of Boko Haram and for which the country is paying dearly today. When compared to the international brotherhood of the Fulani, Boko Haram could just be a drop in the ocean. Government is punishing the victims of the Berom genocide agenda. Why is the conflict in Plateau State now reduced to Berom territory only? Are they the only tribe among whom the Fulani live in the state? Why would, in the quest for peace, must the homes of innocent citizens be destroyed? Why is the JTF denying them the return to their ruined homes? How can the death of a policeman and the loss of his rifle justify these human rights abuses? Let us not forget that the conflict with Boko Haram started by the shooting of their members at a funeral procession who did not wear a motorcycle helmet. Is riding a motorcycle without a helmet enough a justification to kill many Nigerian citizens? Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde is a renowned columnist based in Jos

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

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Minister commends Fou’ad School for e-learning initiative Stories by Maryam Garba Hassan

inister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’I, has commended the management and staff of Fou’ad Lababidi Islamic Academy and College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, for initiating e-learning and computing results which she said has made it have an advantage over other schools in the FCT. The minister who was represented by Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, at the academy’s joint Speech and Prize Giving Day at the weekend in Abuja, also commended the school for giving the students the best Islamic upbringing and training. She call on the graduating students to always remember the training given to them by the school in all their endeavours so as to become good ambassadors and urged them to be more serious with their NECO examination which she said the certificate is equally important as WAEC. In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who was represented by the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Muhhamad Awwal Ibrahim, commended the school for the progress recorded and described

Education minister inaugurates national system, exhibition committees

inister of Education Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, last week inaugurated committees on the development of the national systems ministerial committee and the committee on national education exhibition in the drive to transform the sector. According to the minister, the committees which are Guidance and Counseling, Quality Assurance, Teacher Development, Monitoring of learning Achievement, Education and Management Information System and School Based Management Committees, will serve as guide to the school children, give attention to the availability of teachers and asses the quality of teaching. She said while efforts have been made over the years in turning around the sector, certain systems that serve as the foundation for quality and functional education has been neglected adding that where a foundation is faulty, there is bound to be challenges in the quality of output. ‘It was for this reason that in developing the 4 year strategic plan for the development of the education sector attention has been paid to putting in place, those systems that would ensure total transformation of the sector’, she said.

the grandaunts as a source of pride to their parents, school and the entire Muslim ummah. He however, called on Muslim to come together and ensure that peace is brought back to the country. In his speech, the school principal, Aliyu Ibrahim Kperogi, said in order for the school to improve and sustain its standard, the governing board empowered the teachers with standard Information and C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technology(ICT) “ by providing them with personal computers and training them on the elearning and e –results compilation which is already in use in the school”. He expressed optimism that with the 95% pass the school recorded in both WAEC and NECO examinations in 2010 and 2011, it will attain its set target of 100% adding that the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies also recorded 97.6% and 98.1 % in the Junior Arabic and Islamic School Certificate (JAISC) and Senior Arabic and Islamic School Certificate (SAISC) examination respectively. The school graduated 55 students from Islamic Academy Senior Secondary School and 68 from the junior secondary section.

Representative of Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Zazzau Suleja, Malam Auwal Ibrahim (middle), presenting a certificate to a graduade, Abdulrahman Nasir (left), during the speech and prize giving ceremony of Fou'ad Lababidi Islamic Academy, on Saturday at the Muslim Community Centre, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. With them is the chairman, governing board of the school, Senator U.K. Umar (right). Photo: Mahmud Isa

POST-UME: ABU to admit 6000 candidates, opens Lagos centre By Maryam Garba Hassan

rrangements have been concluded by the authorities of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to conduct the 2012/2013 postUniversity Matriculation Examination (PUME) for the 23, 000 candidates expected to sit for the examination and out of which only about 6000 will be admitted. A statement signed by the Waziri Isa Gwantu, Media Consultant to the Vice Chancellor said the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, made the disclosure over the weekend shortly after inspecting

facilities and venue where the examination will be conducted through the use of computer. According to the statement, Mustapha said adoption of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) method was necessary in view of its near fraud-free advantage and efficiency. The statement further explained the examination is slated to be conducted in two centers, which are the main campus of the University in Zaria and Oba Accra Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos between 16th and 21st of July respectively. The Vice Chancellor highlighted that introducing the Lagos center was an innovation meant to save both

parents and candidates the trouble of coming to Zaria all the way from the southern part of the country for the examination considering the huge resources and risks involved in such distant journeys. He however, advised the candidates not to be scared of the introduction of the CBT method for the examination, stressing that “one does not need abundant knowledge of the computer to write the examination. “What every candidate needs is little computer appreciation even though the University has made adequate arrangement to train all the candidates on the basic use of the computer before

while 1,369 and 808 were admitted for different masters degree and post graduate diploma programmes respectively. The Vice Chancellor who advised the students to concentrate on their studies and to desist from the bad and un academic attitude of some lazy students who after wasting their time in other activities, resort to plagiarism or total cut and paste style of thesis and dissertation writing. He warned that the university now has software of tracking any plagiarised or cut and pasted research work from any part of the world.

Professor Mustapha therefore cautioned the students to abide by all the academic and research rules of the university which are standard rules obtained in any standard university in the world and which the ABU can never compromise or allow any student to violate. The Vice Chancellor also called on lecturers and supervisors to restrict themselves to guiding and mentoring students within acceptable limits and warned that any lecturer or supervisor found going beyond these limits will face the full wrath of the university laws.

...SPGS matriculates 2537

he School of Post Graduate Studies (SPGS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, matriculated Friday a total of 2537 post graduate students. A statement signed by Waziri Isa Gwantu, Media Consultant to the Vice Chancellor, of the university, said Professor Abdullahi Mustapha who presided over the matriculation ceremony congratulated the students and tasked them to work hard and be original in their academic pursuits. He said out of the 2,537 students that were matriculated, 169 were admitted for different doctoral degree programmes

entering the examination hall”, he assured. He also advised all candidates writing the NECO Examination and who are at the same time supposed to partake in the PUME to concentrate on their NECO examination after which they can report to the University for their separate PUME on or before 21 st July 2012, when the examination is expected to be concluded. Professor Mustapha said one other reason the Ahmadu Bello university resolved to introduce the Lagos center was to give candidates from the southern part of the country the opportunity to fill their quota in line with the tradition of the university and as required by JAMB. “Our Aged-long tradition of maintaining the quota of our southern candidates is one principle that has not only made Ahmadu Bello University to have an edge over other federal universities but has made us maintain our status as the only true Nigerian University in the country”, the Vice Chancellor stated. He however cautioned the PUME candidates, especially those coming to Zaria for the first time to conduct themselves with all sense of decorum and must be wary of fraudsters who may approach them to demand for money for a false promise to help gain admission into the university.

PAGE 28

By Sani Adamu

hika Onuorah is unarguably one of the most successful Igbo businessmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Onuorah, 35, deals in electronics and electrical materials at the popular electrical market in the city. Unfortunately, Onuorah is one of the several men from the SouthEast geopolitical zone of Nigeria who never had access to formal education in their youthful days. Available statistics reveal a huge gap in boy-child education, if compared with the girl-child education in the South-East zone, probably due to the fact that many adolescent males in the region prefer to take up a vocation in trading. For example, at the tender age of 11, Onuorah’s parents willingly allowed him to live with an uncle in Onitsha and work as an apprentice. “To start with, my parents had no money to send me to school; therefore, the fundamental factor behind my not going to school is poverty. “Similarly, many other parents in our area don’t have money to train their children. They, therefore, resolve to give out their boys as apprentices with the expectation that one day, they would be settled by their masters and would be able to live a meaningful life. “For me, however, the notion is erroneous because most of the boys in the South-East cannot read or write. “In my case, while serving my master, I developed interest in education. Every day, I attended evening lessons, and I completed my primary and secondary school education. I also attended the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu where I obtained an OND in Business Administration. Today, I am happy that I am educated. I encourage all parents to endeavour to send all their children to school because from my assessment, it appears we now have more educated women than men in the South-East zone,’’ says Onuorah. Onuorah’s plight aptly reflects the predicament of thousands of boys who were denied access to formal education across the southeastern states. Observers note that unlike in northern Nigeria, where there is a preference for boy-child education due to religious and cultural factors, the reverse appears to be the case in the South East zone. They, nonetheless, attribute the trend to the penchant for money-making ventures, particularly among the Igbospeaking people of the South East zone. They, therefore, laud the decision of the Federal Government to introduce the “Back-To-School’’ programme in the zone. The programme, which was recently launched in Enugu State by President Goodluck Jonathan, aims at raising public awareness in the South-East region on the importance of boy-child education. While inaugurating the programme, the President directed the Federal Ministry of Education to establish additional schools in the South East to address the challenge of the boy-child education in the area specifically. Jonathan directed that more schools should be constructed within one year to particularly address the yawning gap existing between boy-child education and

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Boosting boy-child education in the South-east

L-R: Akwa Ibom state Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, Special Representative of Akwa Ibom state Governor in Abuja, Mrs, Marry Ekpeyong, and her son, Imoh Ekpeyong, during the latter's graduation, at the weekend, in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo girl-child education in the zone. He stressed that if efforts to close the gap were successful, the economic potential of individuals would be considerably improved, while they would be repositioned to become effective players in the economy. Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment toward providing adequate infrastructure for the improvement of boy-child education in the South-East. He expatiated that if the country’s youths were able to acquire formal education, small and medium scale enterprises as well as other economic activities would be consequently boosted. “Education will, no doubt, enhance the success of our youths as small and medium entrepreneurs, especially now that there are a lot of programmes in place to support these groups or business organizations. “Participation in the formal education process plays an important part in enhancing the ability of the 21st Century businessman to succeed. It will help to open up the understanding of the dynamics of not only the local economy but also the global competitive environment. “It is my expectation that the boys we are sending back to school today will do their best to acquire the requisite skills and become amazing assets to their respective communities. “I, therefore, direct the construction of schools that will address the issue of access to education for boys in the SouthEast zone within one year,’’ Jonathan said. Also speaking, Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of State for Education, noted the youths’ obsession with trading was a major

challenge inhibiting boy-child education in the South East. He said that the provision of access to education for boys was crucial to efforts to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Wike urged local governments, communities and traditional rulers to look at ways of identifying and addressing the challenges facing boy-child education in their areas. On his part, Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State said that the “Back-To-School’’ programme would be strengthened by his government’s reintroduction of boarding houses in schools to reduce the menace of students’ loitering during school hours. “This programme, if well implemented, will take our children back to school, especially our boys,’’ he said. Chime commended Jonathan for initiating the programme, saying that it would equip more youths to partake in efforts to move the country to greater heights. The commendations notwithstanding, observers urge the Federal Government to monitor the programme’s implementation and frustrate potential efforts to hijack it. They insist that the programme should be implemented at the grassroots level as a means of fighting poverty in the rural areas. Eze Okechukwu Ahia, the traditional ruler of Amiyi Obinohia Community, Isuikwuato Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, shares similar sentiments. Ahia, who is also the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in Isuikwuato LGA, commends the Federal Government for selecting the South-East zone for the programme’s launch, saying that “it is indeed a dream come true for the Igbos. “This is an important step in the right direction. For long, we

have been clamouring for this kind of programme; it is, indeed, a dream come true. “This programme is indeed a challenge to the governors of the southeastern states; they should also adopt it. “The South-East zone has been plagued by what I call the syndrome of sending boys of school age to work as apprentices in markets or shops. “I am aware that this problem is caused by poverty but it is not an excuse for parents to send their children, especially boys, out to work as apprentices. “An educated child is an asset to the parents, community, state and, indeed, the country. “From the look of things, it appears the South-East zone has more ,female graduates than men. “I commend the Federal Government for introducing the ‘Back-To-School’ programme and it is my prayer that those charged with its implementation it would take their assignment seriously because we are talking about the future generation. “I also appeal to the governors of the South-East zone to take active part in the programme’s implementation by making it compulsory for all children of school age to go to school. “We say thank you to the federal government for this laudable programme,’’ says Ahia, a retired marine Captain with the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL). From all indications, the programme will be a success, as the authorities are making extra efforts to aid its implementation. For instance, the commissioners of education in the South-East recently resolved to evolve a roadmap for parallel efforts to support the boy-child education project in the zone. The road map, according to the education commissioners, will

particularly strengthen the implementation of the “Back-ToSchool’’ programme. Dr Simon Ortuanya, the Enugu State’s Commissioner for Education, says that the stakeholders’ position would be articulated in the proposed roadmap. He explains that states in the South-East zone will educate the people on the setbacks which the zone has experienced as a result of the reduction in the school enrolment of the boy-child. Ortuanya quotes Gov. Chime of Enugu State as saying that the starting-point for an improved boychild education system in the zone is the re-introduction of boarding schools. “The whole concept of the ‘BackTo-School’ programme is a realization of the fact that something is wrong with boy-child education, particularly in the South East. “Having launched the programme, the first thing is for us to articulate our position. We should ask ourselves certain questions such as ‘Where do we go from here? “We are hoping that we will have a meeting of the South-East commissioners of education as well as a stakeholders’ conference to design a roadmap. “We intend to have a coherent programme for the entire SouthEast zone, so that the programme’s implementation will not be disjointed; so that its execution will be uniform. “Secondly, we are hoping to have an increased awareness of the challenges facing boy-child education in the South East,’’ he says. Ortuanya urges the youth of the region to jettison their “getrich-quick’’ syndrome and instead, strive to acquire quality education, stressing that such approach will stimulate the development of the South-East zone and the country at large. To add value to the initiative, the commissioner says that the Enugu State Government is planning to reinvigorate the moribund First School Leaving Certificate Examination, which was abandoned in the state some years ago. He stresses that the abandonment is the result of a policy hiccup, adding, however, that the challenge has been overcome, leading to plans by the state government to conduct the examination in July. Ortuanya assures the people of the state that the conduct of the examination will be sustained since it is an aspect of the National Policy on Education. Nevertheless, observers insist that the inauguration of the“BackTo-School’’ programme in the South-East geopolitical zone should only be seen as a means to an end. They argue that the goals of the programme can never be achieved unless parents resolve to change their age-long beliefs and perception regarding boy-child education. They also underscore the need to sensitise the parents to the significance of boy-child education in efforts to develop the South-East region and the country at large. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

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Polio: Comparing records with public to enhance complete eradication By A’isha Biola Raji n the whole, significant success is being recorded in the battle to completely wipe out polio in the country and also around the surrounding borders. The battle had been tough especially due to the issue of non-compliance. This is the major setback of the mandate given to National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). Noncompliance is what brings about missed children as some parents deny their wards the advantage of ridding them of poliomyelitis. Generally, the spread of polio and the number of children that develop post-polio syndrome (PPS); symptoms that include muscle pain, weakness, or paralysis have reduced over time, but there is a big clause which makes it difficult for parents to identify the drop in the menace that was being caused by this virus. A lot of parents still do not realize the importance of vaccinating their children because they do not notice that, over time, there has been reduction in the number of children that lose their lives or legs to WPV. For the few cases of non compliance still lingering especially in the northern part of Nigeria, the solution is to call attention of parents to the success in terms of reduction in the number of children suffering paralysis thereby encouraging them to present their wards for immunization. This practical approach will go a long way in putting an end to polio epidemic that has tainted the image of Nigeria for a long time. Without communication and involvement of the public in comparing records, a lot of people denying their children the advantage of getting immunized will not realize how important it is to avoid the spread of this deadly disease by simple immunization process. The people should be made to understand that, the concentration in the fight against polio by various arms of government in the country and the international organizations is a clear signal of their concern for the safety of the children. During this month’s Immunization Plus Days in Zamfara state, there appeared to be improvement in the attitude of people concerning the exercise, they are beginning to trust the sincerity of government for providing vaccine aimed at wiping out polio which portray serious danger to the future of their children. Our reporter who spoke to some of the parents gathered that, they are beginning to

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar being assisted by the Executive Chairman, NPHCDA, Dr. Ado Muhammad to immunize a child in Sokoto

From left: Holding the flag-off touch in Zamfara state, Deputy Governor of Zamfara Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala Muhammaddo, Minister of State for Health Dr. Ali Mohammed Pate and the Executive Chairman, NPHCDA Dr. Muhammed. notice the positive effect of the vaccine in their children’s lives compared to when they were adamant about getting their children immunized. Over the years routine immunization exercise against WPV has faced serious rejection in some communities in Zamfara state. This rejection is what brought the plan of involving traditional, religious and political to establish trust

amongst the people. This idea is paying off as religious Scholars; members of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) are being engaged as part of strategy to address cases of non-compliance. Seminars, conferences and other form of enlightenment campaign were also organized at different levels to educate people especially religious

leaders on the safety of the immunization and oral polio vaccine, thereby calming minds of the people on issue that bothers on safety of the vaccine. It is in this light that, the Executive Director, NPHCDA Dr. Ado Muhammad during the 2012 flag off to end polio in the state, said the Federal Government has spent 6billion Naira on vaccine

procurement, distribution, cold chain infrastructure and logistics for this year alone, thereby meeting the projected vaccine needs for the benefit of innocent children to secure them from the menace of the dreaded disease. The Executive Director gave details that over 100 senior staff members had been deployed to high risk states like Zamfara to improve on positive outcome. However, with the level of compliance witnessed in the state, there is hope that, Nigeria will at last exit and become polio free. To completely achieve the aim of exiting polio, there is still a lot to be done in terms of commitment on the side of all the stakeholders tasked with eradication of poliomyelitis taking clue form how determined and committed the foreign partners are in the fight. Polio eradication initiative is being supported by a coalition of international organizations that includes WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other bilateral and multilateral organizations. Rotary International has contributed more than $500 million to support the eradication initiative and global polio eradication may be achieved within the shortest possible time and every child will be free.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

How to cure stomach cramps S

tomach cramps are painful but it’s possible to relieve them using home remedies easily and effectively. There are many possible causes of stomach cramps and they can affect or emanate from your digestive organs, your aorta, your appendix, your kidneys, or your spleen, or they can originate from an infection elsewhere in your body. Cramps are commonplace for some women during their menstrual cycle, although exercises can often alleviate such pain. The strength of pain does not necessarily indicate seriousness: very painful cramps can be caused by gas passing through your digestive system harmlessly, whereas lifethreatening conditions such as colon cancer and early appendicitis can produce mild or even no pain, so care needs to be taken not to judge the cramp severity according to your pain level. For period pain, try a heating pad on your back or abdomen. Try to pinpoint the area of your pain, or rely on your familiarity with the type of cramps. Doing this is important from the point of view of knowing how to treat them or knowing whether a doctor’s visit is essential. Abdominal pain is considered to be pain felt anywhere from below your ribs to your pelvis. The following indicators might assist you: • Menstrual cramps are clearly experienced only by girls and women of menstruating age. These cramps usually occur in the first days of menstruation and do not last more than a few days. • Sharp, localized pains that stab or pierce can be a sign of a very serious condition such as appendicitis or a ruptured organ. • A dull, generally-spread pain might be indicative that your cramps, while painful, are not dangerous, but may require off the counter medication. • Lower back pain that persists might be a sign of kidney stones. See your doctor for advice. • Pain and burning sensations on urinating or passing stools can be a sign of a urinary tract infection or constipation. • Cramps that appear following eating a large amount of food quickly, greasy food, foods you’re allergic to, etc., can indicate a digestive system reaction. • Muscle spasms can bring about cramps when exercising Methods of relieving cramps Use breathing to divert your attention from the pain and to help relax you. This method can be effective for mild cramps. In a comfortable chair like a recliner, think about something pleasant. Focus on your breathing: Use a fast and shallow breathing rate, following a 1-2 (breathe in fast, breathe out fast) rhythm. Continue until you notice some improvement or don’t feel

like doing this any longer. Don’t overdo it, however. Rest: The more rest, the better. Call your doctor and ask advice. It’s important to avoid overloading your digestive system with food that will add to the digestive burden. Keep things simple (bland) for a while until the cramps pass; if you experience any vomiting, don’t eat until 6 hours have passed. Avoid any complex drinks, alcohol, or any caffeinated or carbonated drink. Sip water or clear fluids. Don’t eat solid food while you have the cramps or for a few hours following. When you resume eating again, eat simple items such as rice, applesauce, bananas, toast, or plain crackers. Don’t eat dairy products, acidic foods such as tomatoes, and fast food (greasy foods). Exercise: Easy exercise can aid in cramp relief if the source of the cramps are not muscular. Try to exercise the cramps away, take a walk around your house, or in the garden. This can be helpful when you find that sitting or lying down is uncomfortable. It’s not advised to walk too far from a bathroom, though, just in case the cramps are signaling the onset of diarrhea. Do not do abdominal exercises if you are experiencing a cramp in your stomach muscles (rectus abdominus). If you can quickly get into the cobra pose and stretch your cramping muscles, you may be able to completely avoid the intense pain, that follows a cramp that was not stretched, and also avoid the pain of a muscle, that was not stretched, two or three days after the severe cramp. Do abdominal muscle exercises at another time when your muscles are no longer hurting. Try yoga. If you’re familiar with yoga, consider some poses that open up the abdominal region. Depending on where the cramps are. Consider fish pose or reclining hero. Downward

facing dog can also be helpful. If your cramps are muscular in nature, exercise your abdominal muscles at another time and merely stretch them in the cobra pose. Any position where you are facing up, looking forward or facing the ceiling will result in a minuscule amount of abdominal tension. The only way to completely avoid abdominal muscular tension is to lay face down on a bed or floor and relax. With a severe cramp, lying down is the best cure for it and if someone can put a blanket over you it will help a lot. If the cramp is from doing an excessive amount of exercise, you need to examine your reason and methodology in exercising. There are many muscles in your body to exercise; do not focus on just your abdominal muscles. Keep warm and wear an additional piece of clothing around your torso area like a vest. If you are at home, quickly go to the shower and take a warm to hot shower to warm up your abdominal muscles and to avoid the muscular cramp completely.

When doing abdominal exercises, know your limits. Have a limit in what you can do in a day and in a week. It is proven that spot reducing is not possible. If your abdominal area has an excessive amount of fat, you cannot reduce the fat just in that area by doing abdominal exercises several times a week. Do abdominal exercises no more than twice a week but lifelong. Keep a log of your abdominal work and you will notice that cramping will occur at a greater frequency when your gradually increasing workload has reached your limit. Do fewer crunches in each session or decrease the amount of sessions you do in a month. Home remedies: Place a heating pad, heated wheat bag, or hot water bottle on your back to give temporary relief. While some advice suggests that you do not to apply the heating pad to your abdomen in case this

on the reason for your cramps and purchasing the right product. It is recommended that you check the labels carefully and ask the pharmacist for advice on a specific product. Take a mild laxative to encourage a bowel movement for relief, if constipation is causing the cramps. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other antiinflammatory medications or narcotic pain medications unless your doctor has seen you and has prescribed these; they can worsen some stomach pains. If you know that the source of your cramps is menstrual, however, anti-inflammatory can be taken. Prevention Notice if there is any food that seems to disagree with your digestive system. If you suffer from cramps often, this may be indicative of intolerance to certain foods. It is advisable to keep a food diary and try to determine if there is an

brings on nausea, other advice considers this to be appropriate. Decide on which approach best suits your needs through your knowledge of your own preferences and responses to the application of heat. Lie down for a few minutes and relax. Close your eyes. Place a cool moist washcloth over your forehead. Breathe slowly and evenly, trying to keep your mind off the pain. Keep relaxing and perhaps even allow yourself to drift off to sleep. Allow yourself to pass gas, even if you are in polite company. It may be somewhat embarrassing, but you do not want to allow yourself to become bloated or let the cramps become more serious and painful. Take a soak in a warm bath. Don’t make it too hot, just comfortable. Leave as soon as you feel you’ve had enough; if it’s not helping, try something else. Over-the-counter medications: There is a range of over-the-counter remedies aimed at helping with cramps. Their effectiveness will depend

association with a certain food or group of foods and your stomach cramps. • Milk and milk products may cause cramps and stomach pain in persons who are lactose intolerant. • Failing to drink sufficient liquids may cause stomach and muscle cramps. This can be exacerbated by strenuous exercise. • Eating an excessive amount of non-soluble fiber may cause cramps associated with constipation. • Some people are sensitive to uncooked vegetables and fruits, particularly if the peels are not removed. • Limit gas-producing goods (e.g. beans, fatty foods, dairy products). Exercise regularly. Try to include stretching as part of your exercise routine. Keep stress levels under control. If the condition coincides with stressful situations, try to avoid stress as much as possible, and look at learning stress management techniques. www.wikkiHow.com

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Angela Merkel backs circumcision right after German ruling

he German government says Jewish and Muslim communities should be able to continue the practice of circumcision, after a regional court ruled it amounted to bodily harm. Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said it was a case of protecting religious freedom. Steffen Seibert said: "Circumcision carried out in a responsible manner must be possible without punishment." European Jewish and Muslim groups had criticised the Cologne court ruling. The case involved a doctor who carried out a circumcision on a fouryear-old that led to medical complications. The court said that a child's right to physical integrity trumped religious and parental rights. But Mr Seibert said: "For everyone in the government it is absolutely clear that we want to have Jewish and Muslim religious life in Germany." He said the government would look urgently at establishing "legal certainty". "It is clear this cannot be put on the back burner. Freedom to practise religion is a cherished legal principle," Mr Seibert said. Germany's Medical Association had told doctors not to perform circumcisions following the court ruling. The doctor involved in the case was acquitted and the ruling was not binding. However, critics feared it could set a precedent for other German courts. European Jewish and Muslim groups had joined forces to defend circumcision. An unusual joint statement was signed by leaders of groups including the Rabbinical Centre of Europe, the European Jewish Parliament, the European Jewish Association, Germany's Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs and the Islamic Centre Brussels. "We consider this to be an affront [to] our basic religious and human rights," it said. Thousands of Muslim and Jewish boys are circumcised in Germany every year.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Venezuela President on election campaign trail A

re-energised Hugo Chavez, who is seeking a third term in Venezuela's presidential elections in October, is firing up his supporters as he hits the road to campaign after claiming full recovery from a bout of cancer. Launching a nationwide tour late

last week, Chavez told thousands of supporters in the north-eastern state of Anzoategui that he was "very happy" to be "back in the street again". But this was only his second rally since the campaign officially launched early this month, a very slow start for a politician known for

his populist style embracing the crowds and a stark contrast with his opponent, the youthful Henrique Capriles, who has already travelled relentlessly across the country. Capriles, who is the former Miranda state governor, has focused on small towns and remote villages,

Chavez supporters in Anzoategui attended campaign rallies for his re-election.

sometimes visiting two a day. Surveys show many Venezuelans had doubted until weeks ago whether the firebrand leftist president would stand for reelection after multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in Communist ally Cuba over the past year. The exact location and nature of the cancer has never been revealed, with officials only saying that Chavez, 57, underwent surgery to remove cancerous tumours from his pelvis. But after formally launching his campaign with a mass rally on July 1, Chavez has sought to dispel doubts about his health, increasing his public appearances and announcing this week that he was exercising again and was free to take on the tough election battle without "physical restrictions". "Trying to appear as someone who has beaten the disease is the best strategy for the president, who is facing a rival in excellent physical condition," Victor Mijares, a political science professor at Simon Bolivar University, told the AFP. "Capriles has tried to maintain a frenetic, constant pace of activity that is physically very demanding to show the difference between a candidate on the move who walks in front and a candidate who does not."

Four drug tunnels found along US-Mexico border

hree sophisticated drug tunnels equipped with lighting and ventilation including one with a railcar system - have been discovered along the US-Mexico border in less than a week, the latest signs that cartels are building passages to escape heightened detection above ground. Two of the tunnels were incomplete, including one that the Mexican army found in a Tijuana warehouse Thursday with more than 40 tons of marijuana at the entry. The passage extended nearly 400 yards, including more than 100 yards into the United States. Soldiers found the Tijuana warehouse with four moving trucks full of marijuana, a trailer full of dirt, pickaxes,

wheelbarrows, drills and other excavation equipment. The tunnel was equipped with a railcar system. The Mexican army said three

people were detained. An incomplete tunnel along Arizona's border with Mexico was found Friday during an inspection of a drainage system on the

The 240-yard tunnel in San Luis, Arizona.

Obama responds to Romney with fresh attack

Obama kept up his attack on Romney as he rallied supporters in Virginia State on Saturday

n unrelenting President Barack Obama has jabbed at Republican candidate Mitt Romney's record with a private equity firm in two fresh ads, barely a day after his rival sought an apology over an earlier advertisement from the US president's campaign team. Obama met Romney's plea for an apology over the attacks with a mocking ad that charged that the firm Romney founded had shipped American jobs to China and Mexico, that Romney has personal wealth invested in Switzerland, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, and that as Massachusetts

governor, he sent state jobs to India. "Mitt Romney's not the solution. He's the problem," the ad says as Romney is heard singing "America the Beautiful" at a campaign appearance. Another ad released on Saturday played clips of Romney demanding the president apologise, followed by footage of the Republican candidate attacking Obama. "Mitt Romney. He sure asks for a lot of apologies," the ad said. "When he's not busy launching attacks." The Romney campaign slammed Obama for the ads.

Mexican side of Nogales in early stages of construction, said US Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Amber Cargile. No arrests have been made in the investigation of the crude passage. The 240-yard tunnel in San Luis, Ariz, showed a level of sophistication not typically associated with other crude smuggling passageways that tie into storm drains in the state. "When you see what is there and the way they designed it, it wasn't something that your average miner could put together," said Douglas Coleman, special agent in charge of the Phoenix division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. "You would need someone with some engineering expertise to put something together like this." As Thursday's massive pot seizure in Tijuana demonstrated, tunnels have become an increasingly common way to smuggle enormous loads of heroin, marijuana and other drugs into the country. More than 70 passages have been found on the border since October 2008, surpassing the number of discoveries in the previous six years. More than 150 secret tunnels have been found along the border since 1990, the vast majority of them incomplete, according to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Raids last November on two tunnels linking San Diego and

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Parched and tired all the time? You could have ‘dry body’ syndrome D

ry eyes are a problem for many of us at some point or another. But when Fiona Sewell started waking each day with her eyelids sticking together and the whites of her eyes a worrying shade of red, she knew something more serious was going on. ‘My eyes constantly felt gritty and uncomfortable — I had poor vision and applying make-up was an ordeal,’ says Fiona, 50, a parttime student from Rugby. ‘Eye drops just seemed to make them worse. ‘I was clueless as to what could be causing it.’ She developed other symptoms including a dry mouth, which made swallowing difficult, constipation, abdominal pain and fatigue. ‘First thing in the morning, my mouth would be so dry that when I tried eating I would end up retching and choking,’ she says. ‘The fatigue could be incredible — sometimes I had to stop what I was doing to lie down, and then I’d have the deepest sleep.’ It took eight years before Fiona was finally diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition thought to affect up to half a million people in Britain. The American tennis player Venus Williams recently revealed she has Sjögren’s, and commentators have suggested her shock early departure from the ladies singles at Wimbledon this year was down to fatigue from the condition (though she did manage to win the doubles with her sister Serena). Sjögren’s occurs when white blood cells attack the body’s secretory glands, including the tear and saliva glands, causing inflammation and reducing the amount of saliva, tears and fluid produced. This causes a dry mouth and dry eyes, as well as constipation, vaginal dryness, joint pain and fatigue. ‘For reasons no one knows, the immune system malfunctions and causes problems in the glands that keep things moist,’ says Dr Simon Bowman, a rheumatologist at University Hospital Birmingham and Spire Parkway Hospital. ‘We believe B-cells (one of the main types of immune cells) are particularly activated in Sjögren’s, particularly those related to salivary glands. ‘But this can have an effect anywhere in the body where lubrication is required.’ It can also trigger inflammation in the joints, causing swelling and pain, and the nervous system, causing loss of feeling in the hands and feet. Like many auto-immune illnesses, it’s a condition that affects more women than men — 20 to 30 for every man — probably because the female hormone oestrogen can interfere with the immune system. It is most common in those aged

40 to 60, and doctors believe the menopause — when levels of oestrogen begin to fall — may have a role. There is growing scientific evidence that there is a genetic link, and Fiona says though it was never recognised as Sjögren’s, her mother suffered from dry eyes, a dry mouth and aching limbs. The tiredness, thought to be caused by inflammation in the joints, is one of the more debilitating effects. ‘The fatigue can be disabling,’ says Dr Bowman. ‘It can strike at any time and will come and go. ‘Often patients tell me they don’t know from day to day how they are going to be.’ Complications include tooth decay (due to a lack of saliva, which helps rid the mouth of bacteria) and eye damage from ulcers on the cornea, because tears protect against infection. It’s vital that patients have regular dental check-ups and also see an eye specialist with an interest in surface eye disease. Another potential complication is due to the fact that as an auto-

The American tennis player Venus Williams recently revealed she has Sjögren's. early and do physio exercises for the joints in my hands and feet. ‘Then I clean my teeth fully. After breakfast, I repeat my mouth-care routine, and I put in eye drops.’ She adds: ‘After dinner, I have to do the same and make sure I clean my eyelids and eyelashes and put in my lubrication.’ Some patients are prescribed Pilocarpine, a drug that treats the symptoms of dryness by stimulating secretion. However, there’s no specific medication to tackle the cause, says Dr Bowman. ‘There are quite a few medications that are being used in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus that could be trialled in Sjögren’s, so we’d be keen for the pharmaceutical industry to invest in exploring those options.’ Dr Bowman is leading a £1 million clinical trial on behalf of Arthritis Research UK looking at the drug Rituximab. Like many auto-immune illnesses, Sjögren's is a condition that affects more women than men - 20 to 30 This is licensed to treat severe for every man. rheumatoid arthritis, and works The consultant prescribed a started. immune condition, Sjögren’s by attacking B-cells. disrupts the immune system, preservative-free eye drop, which ‘I know a lot of people aren’t The hope is that by easing the including lymph nodes, which are helped with her eyes, but over the very understanding with these immune response in this way the distributed throughout the body next few months she developed things, so I don’t want the extra drug could dramatically improve and are closely related to salivary other symptoms. stress of a boyfriend.’ dryness and fatigue in Sjögren’s ‘Food would stick to my teeth, glands. She went back and forth to sufferers. About one in 20 patients so I started having to brush my doctors with various different ‘There is good background develops lymphoma, or cancer of teeth several times a day,’ she says. ailments — then finally in August research to suggest Rituximab is ‘I had recurrent mouth ulcers, last year she saw a rheumatologist, worth looking at,’ says Dr the lymph nodes. Worryingly, diagnosis is often and had to use a special toothpaste who diagnosed the problem. Bowman. missed because dentists and GPs and mouthwash.’ While she was pleased to finally ‘Our earlier pilot study showed She also suffered constipation be given a name for her condition, that treating patients with a single seeing the symptoms do not always and abdominal pain caused by she was disappointed to be told course of the drug resulted in some recognise it. ‘There’s quite a bit of evidence reduced fluid in the intestinal there is no cure, only treatments improvement in fatigue. to say it takes five to ten years after tract. to relieve the symptoms. ‘An earlier Dutch study that ‘I’d be walking down the road first symptoms before the penny ‘It’s a case of treating all the looked at 30 patients also resulted and the next thing I’d be doubled symptoms individually,’ says in improvement in fatigue levels drops,’ says Dr Bowman. Diagnosis is straightforward, over in pain because of the severe Fiona, who is studying for an Open and the dryness symptoms.’ involving a blood test and biopsy constipation. University degree in science and Patients in the new 12-month ‘There wasn’t one symptom healthcare. of one of the salivary glands inside study will receive two courses of that was worse than the others. the lower lip. ‘I have to carry a rucksack filled Rituximab or a dummy infusion. A few months after her Whenever I felt I had got over one with bottles of water, eye drops, Each course is made up of two symptoms started, Fiona became thing, something else would flare mouth rinse, allergy drops, a infusions given two weeks apart — so desperate for a diagnosis and up. toothbrush, mouth gel, toothpaste the courses will be given six ‘I haven’t had a romantic and eye pads. treatment that she walked into an months apart. relationship since the symptoms eye hospital begging for help. ‘On an average day, I get up Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

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PDP has lost grip on Nasarawa state, says Chairmanship aspirant INTERVIEW

ow will you describe Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Nasarawa state? Congress for Progressive Change has completely gained ground in Nasarawa State since the emergence of Governor Alhaji Tanko Al-makura, and the state now belongs to CPC. For example, there was this election that just took place in Awe North local government recently, but the battle was between CPC and PDP, with the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, nowhere to be found. After the election, the CPC candidate got a total of 10,448 votes and the PDP candidate got just about 3400 votes. That shows that the strength of CPC in Nasarawa state has grown beyond explanation now, and that PDP has completely lost it stronghold in the state. Even about the issue of our elected Senator Solomon Ewuga, whose election victory was settled by the court again, on the 7th of July, which is a proof that the CPC is in control in our state. I believe that in the forthcoming local government election, the CPC will win in all the 13 local government areas in the state. What makes a party lose its hold in any State is lack of internal democracy; will you sincerely say that internal democracy is practice in Nasarawa State CPC? Yes, in fact, internal democracy has taken its place in the party, because of the good job that the governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Almakura is doing in the State. Lafia today looks like a model city that any one will like to live in, because it has completely been transformed by Governor Al-makura. Two years ago, there was nothing to boast of about Lafia; it was not

Hon. Akpomoshi James Musa, a former Councilor in Kokona Locak Government of Nasarawa state who is contesting the chairmanship of the council in this interview with Adeola Tukuru speaks on the strength of his party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the state just as he maintains that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost grip on the state. Excerpts:

Hon. Akpomoshi James Musa recognized as a state capital, because of its abandoned state by previous administrations. But today, because of CPC regime, things have become different. There are now traffic lights everywhere in the city, the roads are well constructed and the developmental infrastructures are being put in place, and these are what the people are proud of in the city. That is why the people are saying that CPC has come to stay in Nasarawa State. I believe that this is the time that God has decided to ease the suffering of the people in the state, by the good work of the present administration. I will still conveniently say that since the

inception of this administration, somebody that used to take N6000 home as salary of level 4 and 5, now take home reasonable salary home, which can take care of a family. I was discussing with a security personnel in Garaku in the state, he told that he now earns about N27, 000 as salary, which was never possible in the past administrations. The workers in the state are building their houses, buying vehicles, motors cycles and doing positive things for themselves today in Nasarawa, which was not possible in the past. There is this believe that PDP will still take over the

state soon, do you not have that same fear? Actually, the CPC we are talking about; who are the people in the CPC? And the PDP we are talking about; who are the People in the PDP? I look at Nasarawa state today, and saw that the people of the state are not looking at the party, but the competence of the people that can work for their benefit. I may not say no or yes, because, nobody knows what will happen in future, because in future there could be somebody that the people may have interest on in PDP that may likely win. But I will tell you that with the way things are going in Nasarawa state, CPC has come to stay and it will be difficult to change that in a very long time. I want to on behalf of my people in Yelwa electoral ward to appreciate this administration, for the contract awarded to construct a more than 50km from Garaku to Bassa town in Nasarawa, and it will not only stop at Bassa, but at my doorstep in Yelwa electoral ward. Where today, during this rainy season, if you visit that place for the first time, I think if you are given the whole world, you will not like to stay there. But, he went there during his election; he saw the road, he had sympathy on the residents of the area and promised to construct it to be motorable and accessible to the residents, now he has started it. There is a rumour that about 1000 members of CPC in your ward Yelwa have decamped to PDP and more are still going to decamp, how do you feel about that development? The truth is that, it was on the 18th of June, 2012 that I was told by my local government

chairman of CPC, Mr. Joseph Ablaku that a news paper called National Waves reported that more than 1000 of my party ward members decamped to PDP. I told him that there was never any formal or informal meeting anywhere in Kokona local government area that justified what was reported in that paper. Actually, since the inception of political activities in Yelwa electoral ward, when we were in Keffi local government under Kokona district, we have been having our political activities and anything we do as members were first discussed first in the meeting. The report of decamped members came as a surprise and also offended members of the party in my ward. The truth is that the members that was mentioned to have attended the decamping meeting was Hon. Danladi Jatau, who is our present House of Assembly member, representing Kokona West, Mohammed Ibrahim in Garaku and Abubakar Yusuf, from Kokona West as the leader of the meeting. It was also stated that the meeting was held at Government Secondary School, Garaku. But when I confirmed the information, I realized that the report was not true, because people in that area denied seeing such large numbers of people around that area at any time. The question is that how will 1000 people got to Garaku and nobody will see them? I went to ask the people around GSS Garaku, but they said they did not see any body at GSS Garaku and not even the people that were reported to have received decamped members.

Cleric hails Edo guber election as Nigeria's freest From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

he re-election of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo state has been described as the fairest and freest election in the country. This was disclosed yesterday by the Priest in Residence, St. Paul's Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Peter Oshomah during a thanksgiving mass attended

by Oshiomhole shortly after he was pronounced winner of the July 14 governorship election. He said "You can see from the attitude of Edo people that they want a change. Comrade Oshiomhole has shown us that when the people are put first, every other thing will follow. We have seen he is capable. "God has elevated him, just like Jesus Christ, because anybody Jesus came in contact with never remains the same

again, and Oshiomhole has touched the lives of the people also. Even from the opposition political parties, they acknowledge that Oshiomhole is doing well," he noted. In the words of Rev. Fr. Oshomah, "Oshiomhole has thread the path of Jesus and God has elevated him. He has made history because he cooperated with God." The governor who defied the early morning rain to join

thousands of his supporters said he decided to give thanks to God for the victory. "For the first time we have an unprecedented free and fair election. For the first time the people spoke in unison across the 192 wards in the three senatorial districts, the people were united to ask me to continue in office," he noted. Oshiomhole who maintained that the people have been reunited with this mandate

promised to use it to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number of people in the shortest time. While appreciating the support of the Oba of Benin, the Christian and non-Christian community, Comrade Oshiomhole disclosed that he will consciously work hard to reunite the people of Edo state the way they were united, burying those sentiments of ethnicity in the polity.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Shelve strike, embrace negotiation, Kebbi HoS tells workers INTERVIEW Kebbi state Head of Service Alhaji Hamisu Haliru Jega at the weekend spoke with our Kebbi Correspondent, Ahmed Idris, on the need for the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s striking workers idialogue with the state government.

ir, Kebbi state workers have spent two working days on the strike action, as the Head of Service, did they consult the government before the strike? Yes, Government was consulted and fully aware of the issue of minimum wage. In fact the government agreed to pay the minimum wage which it has started paying since March this year. However, the issue of minimum wage is not what is been considered by the Labour. You should appreciate the fact that Kebbi state has its own problem such as poor internally

Kebbi state head of service, Alh. Hamisu Haliru Jega generated revenue, dwindling statutory allocation from the federal account and poor performance of crude oil in the international market which will also affect the revenue accruing to the state. You see, recently the Minister of Finance addressed an international press conference

where she lamented that the wages and salaries are overbearing on the Nigeria economy which means that our GDP will continue to be static. Since you said that the issue of minimum wage is not the major problem what is the real problem, between the

Tukur congratulates new CJN By Lawrence Olaoye

he National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has congratulated Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar on her appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). In a statement signed by the PDP chairman, Tukur said Justice Aloma's appointment was remarkable as it was the first time a woman was being appointment into that position, adding that the new Chief Justice of Nigeria is a pride to womanhood. While praying for her success in the challenging responsibilities of her new office, Tukur urged her to build on the 'good works of her predecessor, Justice Dahiru

Musdapher as well as reinvigorate and restore the battered image of the judiciary in the country. He described the appointment as a fulfilment of the PDP- led administration's commitment to gender empowerment and development. In a related development, the National Woman Leader of the PDP Dr. Mrs. Kema Chikwe said PDP women all over the country and in the Diaspora are celebrating the appointment of Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar on her appointment. While congratulating Justice Aloma-Mukhtar through a statement she signed and released in Abuja, the PDP National Woman Leader said the new CJN was appointed in recognition of her meritorious service to the nation,

professional excellence as well as her numerous contributions to the promotion of the cause of justice and defence of the right of ordinary citizens. "This appointment therefore serves as an inspiration and motivation to all segments of the society especially women. It strengthens our sacred belief that Nigeria holds a great promise as a nation where no one would be discriminated against on the basis of gender, colour or creed. On behalf of PDP Women therefore, I am particularly proud of Justice Mariam's progress and confidence. There is no doubt in our minds that she will excel where others have failed; and at the end of the day; be a source of pride to all Nigerian women."

state and the labour? Minimum Wage Act is saying that no worker should receive less than N18,000 monthly. That means that even after deductions the workers should receive N18,000. And now no worket is receiving less than N18,000 but the issue at stake is the percentage increase to the categories of workers on GL 09 to GL 16. Initially the state government offered the sum of N5,000 monthly which the Labour rejected. After series of meeting and consultation with the government, they reconsidered the proposal and accepted the minimum wage increment from GL 1 to GL8. They however rejected the increment proposed for workers from GL9 to GL16. Is Kebbi state government aware of what other northern states are doing with minimum wage? Yes the state government has studied the salary structure of our neighboring states like Sokoto and Zamfara but here the workers should realize that each state has its own peculiarities and problems, most especially on the issue of revenue generation. That is why no two states in the zone or in the federation have the same salary

Edo Poll: Oghiadomhe, others congratulate Oshiomhole From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

he Chief of Staff (COS) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe has congratulated Governor Oshiomhole on his victory in the just concluded governorship election in Edo state. Oghiadomhe, a former Deputy Governor, described Oshiomhole's victory as a confirmation of the maturity of Nigeria's democracy and urged him to be magnanimous in victory Also in his reaction, candidate of the Social Democratic Mega

Borno mosque attack callous, inhuman, says Tambuwal By Lawrence Olaoye

peaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has described the weekend attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, which claimed five lives, as callous and inhuman. Tambuwal pointed out that the attack on mosque clearly showed that the Boko Haram insurgents are not after only the Christians in the country. In a statement issued by his

Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said all men of goodwill must rise to confront the Boko Haram menace, which he said is meant to destroy the people. He said no religion condones taking of innocent lives under whatever guise. He urged the security agencies to rise to the occasion by fishing out the perpetrators of such attacks and bring them to justice. According to him, no country desirous of development would

allow its citizens to be killed at will. He reiterated the determination of the House of Representatives to, in conjunction with other arms of government, do everything possible to return all parts of the country to the path of peace and stability. While enjoining all groups with grievances to abandon violence and embrace dialogue, Tambuwal said despite the present precarious security situation in some areas in the country, Nigerians should not

structure. Look at Sokoto for e xample, it was a provincial headquarters, capital North West zone, capital of the then sokoto state before the creation of Kebbi and Zamfara states. However Sokoto is much more developed while Kebbi is still developing with gigantic rural development projects across the state such as massive rural roads projects, rural hospitals and more schools to contend with. What do you have to tell the striking workers? I wish to draw the attention of the workers to the concession so far made by the state government and kindly appeal that they should go back to work and withdraw their strike action and accept the government approval. Other gray areas yet to be agreed upon can be taken care of through negotiation and dialogue. We need to join hands together to develop our young state which is the Land of Equity. All developmental projects need to be carried out in all parts of the state including the payment of sustainable salary. I am also calling on all the people of Kebbi state to prevail on labour to shelve the strike action in the spirit of peace that we are all expected to provide in the forthcoming Holy month of Ramadan.

cave in to the reign of terror visited on them. "It is by remaining resolute and prayerful that we can see through this difficult phase of our nationhood together," he added. While condemning the targeting of the Shehu of Borno and the state Deputy Governor in the Friday attack, the Speaker extended his condolence to the government and people of Borno state and especially to the families of those who lost their lives. He prayed to the almighty God give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Party, Mr. Onaivi Ukonga has congratulated INEC for conducting one of the freest election in Nigeria, adding that the conduct can only be compared to June 12, 1993. Presidential election. He urged other contestants to accept the INEC's verdict in good faith so that democracy can be consolidated in Nigeria even as he added that in every contest, one person must emerge winner. He therefore congratulated winner of the governorship election, Governor Oshiomhole and asked him to see his victory as bond between him and the people of the state for a better life. Besides, the transition Chairman of Igueben local government area, Mr. Sylvanus Ugbogbo while reacting to Osghiomhole's victory described it as a true reflection of the peoples' will based on his performances. He said the result from Esanland, a former stronghold of PDP, was a reflection that the people acknowledged Oshiomhole's feat in the equitable distribution of amenities in the state. Meanwhile Edo State Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] has formally reacted to the outcome of Saturday governorship election and said it congratulated the people of the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Tough times for Benue Speaker By Augustine Aminu

his is not the best of times for David Iorhemba, Honourable Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly as a group of civil society activists in the state has joined forces with the opposition to ensure a new election in his Daudu and Agasha constituencies. A pressure group called G1O led by Comrade Philip Agbese, PresidentGeneral of the Benue Youths in Diaspora Association had in a press conference called on the Speaker to bow out of his office on the grounds that a Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi has restored the subdued Agasha Constituency. Agbese argued that, it is only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that has powers to conduct elections into the State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria and in this case Mr. David Iorhemba has not gone through such a process for Daudu Constituency which makes his continuous stay in the Assembly an illegality that cannot be accepted in the present democratic business of Benue State in a 21st century Nigeria. Iorhemba in his reaction has described the group to be suffering from poverty of jurisprudence on the assumption that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can only conduct elections into Agasha constituency which has only four council wards. But a source close to the Benue Speaker, who pleaded anonymity disclosed to our correspondent that Iorhemba is already having a sleepless nights after running to Governor Gabriel Suswam who is also a lawyer and seem to understand the legal implications of the judgment better than Mr. David Iorhemeba. However, in a counter reaction to Mr. Speaker's position, the leader of the civil society, Comrade Agbese has challenged Iorhemba to bring to the public the Certificate of Return issued to him by INEC and state clearly where it indicates Daudu constituency at any point. He therefore advised Iorhemba to do the right thing and prove the world wrong that he is richer in legal jurisprudence than any member of the group instead of hanging as a political liability around Governor Suswam who is known all over the world to be an excellent performer and democrat par excellence. Further investigations also revealed that the group has employed the services of a SAN, Mr. Femi Falana and Abuja based activist lawyer, Mr. Kayode Ajulo to put up all necessary legal documents if the Independent National Electoral Commission refuses to do what is right. Analysts have argued in so many quarters that the Benue Speaker might not come out of this battle to be the same person considering Comrade Philip Agbese's rugged credentials in the civil society and one who has led so many protests on the streets of Abuja and Lagos.

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1,300 PDP members decamp to CPC in Nasarawa LG From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

eoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman for Nasarawa Central Ward of Nasarawa local government

area, Alhaji Baba Lawal, was among the over 1,300 PDP members that decamped to the rival Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) over the weekend.

Receiving the decampees in a ceremony that held at the Central Primary School, former minister of works, Dr. Hassan Lawal, who stood in for Governor Umaru Tanko Al-

L-R: Kaduna state Governor, Mr Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, and Sokoto state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukthari Shagari, walking into the State House, Abuja, for a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, recently. Photo: Joe Oroye

makura, welcomed the former PDP members to "a party that upholds justice and fair play." While restating that the state voted former governor Aliyu Akwe Doma out for failing to fulfil promises the PDP made to the people, Dr. Lawal said so far, the actions of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura, has shown that the people had made a wise decision by electing him, stressing that "by 2015, CPC will capture more seats." Among the decampees were Alhaji Yusuf Gyada and Alhaji Bako Laminga, veteran politicians and grass root mobilisers. On his part, Hon. Ayuba Wandai, Transition Management Committee (TMC) chairman of Nasarawa LG, while welcoming the former PDP members into the CPC, described the event as the manifestation of the successes so far recorded by Al-makura. He thanked the governor for rehabilitating the Nasarawa water works, completing the Oversea road and the ongoing Shagari road projects, as well as the siting of the Institute for Solid Minerals in the local government area. He pledged to discharge his duties according to the cardinal objectives of the CPC administration. Responding on behalf of the decampees, Alhaji Bako Laminga said they chose to leave their former party because, according to him, "as leaders in our communities, the PDP made us to suffer untold humiliations because of unfulfilled promises made to the people."

Kebbi PDP sets up screening c'ttee for LG elections From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

he Kebbi state People's Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Alhaji Mansiru Sheahu, has said that the screening committee setup by the party at the weekend was to screen out any unqualified candidate vying for the forthcoming local government elections in the state. He stated this while addressing newsmen at the party's office, adding that the committee is to

ensure that party guidelines are adhered to in the ward and local government polls. He said that each of the 225 ward chapters of the party shall elect 3 Ward Delegates while at least one of whom shall be a woman and Councillor at a special ward congress. "The same delegates shall participate in the special congress for the nomination of the candidates'' he said. It would recalled that last

month, state INEC has fixed September 15th 2012 for the local government election urging all the political stakeholders to elect and present credible candidates for the election even as it assured that it would conduct a free and fair election in the state. INEC further explained that the mode of election for the local government chairmanship candidate was going to be by open secret ballot and there should be no predetermined delegates while

assuring the people that there would be a level playing field in the election of the ward delegates. The state INEC also pointed out that for the position of the local government chairmanship, each of the 21 local government council chapters of the party shall elect local government chairmen at a local government Special Congress. "No result sheet shall be accepted unless authenticated by the Ward Electoral Panel members'' he said.

Adamawa ACN celebrates Oshiomole's victory From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

eputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the February governorship election in Adamawa state, Alhaji Abdulrazak Namdas has lauded outcome of the Edo state governorship election. Namdas and his boss Engr. Markus Gundiri, who are

challenging Governor Murtala Nyako's victory at the election petition tribunal sitting in Yola, attributed Oshiomole's victory to hard work adding that it is the "beginning of revolt against the PDP rigging machine." While insisting that ACN actually won the Adamawa election, Namdas said "ACN by God's grace will never lose its existing states; that is having won the February governorship election in

Adamawa." It may be recalled that the Election Petition Tribunal has fixed July 25, 2012 for final ruling on the petition filed by Action Congress of Nigeria's challenging the declaration of Admiral Murtala Nyako as winner of the February 4 gubernatorial election in the state. Last week both parties made and adopted their final submissions before the 3-man election petition tribunal led by Justice Bitrus Sanga.

While the lead counsel to Governor Murtala Nyako and the Peoples Democratic Party, Kanu Agabi (SAN) prayed the Tribunal to dismiss the petition against his clients over lack of merit, ACN's lead counsel Charles Edson (SAN) on his part insisted that the election was massively rigged in some local government areas of the state in favour of the PDP has been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2012

Jigawaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planned airport a scam â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CPC guber candidate From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

he Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) governorship candidate in the 2011 polls, Alhaji Farouk Adamu, has called on Jigawa indigenes to resist the attempt by Governor Sule Lamido to build an airport in the state. Adamu, who stated this at the weekend in Kazaure at a mammoth gathering where he received decampees from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the area, said that the timing of the airport is wrong and only targeted at providing an enabling situation to siphon money from public treasury. Adamu said "it was deliberate attempt to open-up avenues by which monies would be corruptly removed in the name of contract." He asked the crowd whether the airport project was relevant to their development and they chorused 'no' in unison. The governorship candidate, who is a former member in the House of Representatives from Birnin Kudu/Buji constituency, also challenged the state government to prove that over one percent of the entire populace require the establishment of an airport in the state. Adamu, who later granted interview to the press, stressed that even those other states like Katsina and Kano that have airports are not reaping much benefits from it. He argued that flight operators like the KLM airliners that have been around Kano for decades are withdrawing their

services due to the unfolding situation of lack of business. He also called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega to resign his appointment due his glaring incompetence to eliminate corruption during the

last general elections. He said Jega must resign his appointment or continue to encounter stiff opposition from the electorates that are sure that their mandates were stolen in a broad day light. Also speaking, Senator Alhaji Hadi Sirika from Katsina North

Senatorial district charged the electorates to continue to register their grievances against Professor Jega by resisting his presence within the public as he commended the Kazaure people for the action they took on the INEC boss when he visited the area.

Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, leading a procession round Benin City after INEC yesterday declared him the winner of Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gubernatorial election.

LP congratulates Oshiomole By Lawrence Olaoye

abour Party has congratulated Comrade Adams Oshiomhole over his victory in the just concluded governorship election in Edo state. The party through a press statement signed by its National Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, stated "The victory though hard earned has brought the resolve of

Nigerian people, particularly this time around Edo people, to the word honesty, dedication and hard work in governance by returning Adams Oshiomhole to do another four years in office. "This is an eye opener to the fact that governors who do not perform when given opportunity to serve their people do not expect to return to office when election is due. "Edo people have spoken and

they have spoken very loud and clear. Labour Party therefore congratulates Adams Oshiomhole for this victory. "We want to also use this opportunity to congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan and to thank him for providing a level playing field and proving adequate security through deployment of Nigerian soldiers all over Edo state thereby making it impossible for election riggers

and ballot box snatchers to have their way. "President Jonathan deserves credit for this and he has shown that he believes in One Man One Vote. "Though my party Labour Party participated in the election but I want to confirm that Adams Oshiomhole won the election square and fair and I therefore call on all other contestants to rally round him to build a strong and virile Edo state."

Wamako wants governors to initiate policies on national cohesion

ov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto has advised his colleagues to initiate policies that will promote greater affinity among the various religious and tribal groups in their state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wamako gave the charge on Sunday in an interview with newsmen in Umuahia, the Abia capital, at the end of his two-day working visit to the state. He said that the onus was on the governors to create a comfortable atmosphere for Nigerians to feel free to live and work in any part of the country they found themselves. He admonished his counterparts to play down on the indigene and non-indigene syndrome and to accord every resident equal opportunity as Nigerians. ``'Other governors should make sure that no Nigerian living in their state is treated an indigene or non-indigene,'' he said. Wamakko described Sokoto as ''the most peaceful state in the country,'' adding that his administration's policies were designed for indigenes and nonindigenes ``'without any discrimination.'' ``God loves us to be one and made us one country,'' he said, adding that ``if God wanted us to be two countries he would have created us into two countries.'' He said that he had two special advisers from Anambra and Imo, and described the Igbo community in his state as peaceloving and enterprising. Wamakko said his visit to the state was in line with the objective of the ``peer review mechanism'' initiative of the Governor's Forum, to promote national cohesion. He said such visits were meant to foster greater interaction among the governors and to encourage ``cross-fertilisation of ideas. ``It is designed to enable the governors to visit one another and for us to learn from each other. ``The essence is to enhance national cohesion, promote brotherliness and collaboration among the governors so that we can lead by example,'' the governor said.

Okereke urges FG to involve PR experts on public issues

he former President of Africa Public Relations Association (APRA), Mike Okereke, yesterday appealed to the federal and state governments to engage public relations experts to handle public-related issues. Okereke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that public relations was more than a mere dissemination of information, adding that it entailed the adoption of a strategic policy to strengthen

public issues. He noted that monitoring, analysing and addressing changes in the public issues via transformation in management would help in realising the goals of the Federal Government's transformation agenda. ``For instance, the current crisis in the northern part of the country goes beyond mere public relations; there is a need to adopt `strategic public relations' to solve the problem,'' he said. Okereke noted that many

changes were taking place around the world nowadays, adding that the government must, therefore, be proactive in addressing public-related issues with the input of public relations experts. He also advised the Federal Government to explore the use of public relations experts in efforts to address the contentious issues in the downstream oil sector. Besides, Okereke wanted the government to take due cognizance of public opinions and public

relations experts' advice while formulating policies. ``The oil and gas industry is a major source of Nigeria's income, the government should be more proactive in addressing issues relating to the sector,'' he said. Okereke also said that the APRA was planning to hold African Congress Summit on Public International Relations in South Africa. He said that the summit would address issues regarding the transformation in the

management of public issues. ``Africans are one family; therefore, all Africans need to work harmoniously in efforts relating to Africa's development,'' he said. The APRA chief noted that economic recessions often occurred every 100 years in succession. ``Africans, therefore, need to plan well in addressing such issues before our generation gets cut off. ``The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,'' Okereke added.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY JULY 16, 2012

PAGE 41

Federation Cup

Rangers, Enyimba, Heartland, 13 others begin quarterfinals race today

eague leaders Enugu Rangers and five former champions including Enyimba, Heartland, El-Kanemi Warriors, will begin fierce battle for places in the last eight finals of the prestigious Federation Cup today. Rangers though have vowed to secure a double as they tighten the noose on other Nigeria Premier league shield contenders and hope to do the same to aspirants for the Federation Cup trophy. Sixteen teams will begin the battle in four cities including Port Harcourt, Bauchi, Lagos and Lokoja. Rangers chairman Festus Onuh boasted that the Flying Antelopes have what it takes to do the double this season almost three decades of failing to win a trophy. “This is Rangers’ year to win a double. The league is almost in the kitty and we shall devote equal attention to the Federation Cup,” declared Onuh. Technical Adviser of El-Kanemi Warriors, who have newly gained promotion to the Nigeria Premier League, Kelechi Emeteole yesterday over the weekend that the Warriors want to use the Federation Cup to announce their return to the elite soccer stage. “We are not new in this business so nobody can take us for a ride. We respect every team in our group, but we don’t fear any of them,” he said. “It will be 11 players against another 11 from the other side and the team with better co-ordination and some bit of luck will progress to the quarterfinals and I hope we are one of the teams who will not only qualify from the Lagos zone, but also play in the final.” Sharks skipper Odinga Odinga, who is a veteran of many cups with the Port-Harcourt side, said their results in the group stage will determine how far they go this year. “Sharks are in this to be winners. We have not been very lucky in the past editions but I strongly believe that we have all it takes to be champions this term,” he said. “It will be tough negotiating our way through the group stage, but once we are able to do that, other games will be mere formality.” Dynamite Force are one of the surprise packages in this year’s edition after they sent packing NPL side Akwa United. They boast of such names as Charles Omokaro, John Ofomba and a host of other retired premier league players, who wish to prove a point or two. Enyimba, Warri Wolves, Lobi Stars and non-league Samba of Enugu are drawn in the toughest group of the cup competition in Bauchi. Enyimba coach Austin Eguavoen has backed his team to go all the way in the Federation Cup. “Surely it will be a tough one to navigate our way out a zone with Wolves, Lobi and little known, Samba. But, like you know, we have tasted the joy of victory some years back and we can do it again,” said the former Eagles coach. “The players are there and the management is doing its best to motivate us to go all the way to lift the trophy. We shall give every game the attention it deserves until we take the trophy back to Aba.” Lobi Stars midfield star Jonah Abutu said, “Yes, we are in a tough group, but we are capable of picking one of the quarterfinal tickets. We know ourselves very well and understand what the other teams can do on the pitch, so, the trophy remains our target this season.” Lagos will play host to Kwara United, Kano Pillars, El Kanemi Warriors and Crown FC. Cup holders Heartland will have Gombe United, Plateau United and Nasarawa United to contend with in the Port-Harcourt zone. Plateau United assistant coach Cornelius Goper, who was in the Plateau United team who won the club’s only Federation Cup many years back, told MTNFootball.com: “We are in a very open group that can produce any team as qualifier. “With Heartland, Nasarawa United and Gombe United, it can go either way and we are prepared to give all our games the best shot. “I don’t think that playing in Port-Harcourt will work against us because we eliminated Dolphin, but I know the fans of the state appreciate good football and they cannot but help to appreciate the good brand of football that we will put up at Liberation Stadium in Port-Harcourt.” The Federation Cup final will be played in Lagos on August 26 with the winners representing Nigeria in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.

Group A (Bauchi) Enyimba Warri Wolves Lobi Stars Samba FC Group B (Lagos) Kano Pillars Kwara United Crown FC El-Kanemi

Group C (Lokoja) Enugu Rangers Dynamite Force Sharks Prime FC Group D (Port Harcourt) Heartland Gombe United Plateau United Nasarawa United

Bolaji Abdullahi, Minister of Sports

London Olympics: Minister dreams scandal-free Games for Team Nigeria

eam Nigeria contingent to the London Olympics will be remarkable in its sense of patriotism, sense of purpose and harmonious relationship, according to Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi among the athletes who assured that all hands will be on deck for hitch-free Games for Nigeria. Further, the Minister assured Team Nigeria will not only give its best to the nation but do so in a dignified manner as each one will rallying support for one another and thus boost Nigeria’s quest for a successful outing at the Games. Abdullahi, who spoke against the backdrop of successes already recorded by athletes in their various qualifications, said that each one has demonstrated a sense of patriotism and the willingness to work together with good intentions for the nation. He recalled the recent qualification of the D’Tigers and stressed that the players showed the Nigerian spirit in in Caracas, Venezuela, where they qualified for the Olympics to increase the number of events that Team Nigeria will seek for medals at the Olympic Games to eight. They thus joined other athletes in table tennis, taekwondo, wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, athletics and canoeing who will compete for Nigeria at the Games holding from July 27 to Aug. 12. “Ultimately, Team Nigeria’s success story is attributed to God and then the willingness of everybody to work together. I think if you have good intentions and you are willing to work with everyone and everyone is willing to work with you, it is easier to get results. “Most of the things that used to cause problems and led to failure most of the times were poor human relations. So, once you are able to manage human relations, you will have success. “I was told that, for example, this is the first time we will be going to the Olympics and there won’t be any issues between the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

“So, once you have been able to manage human relationship, with everybody on the same page, you will forge ahead. Afterall, at the end of the day, the only person that matters is the one who holds the Nigerian mandate,’’ the minister said. Abdullahi,who was optimistic of Team Nigeria’s success at the Games, added that being democratic in dealing with people usually brings about success. “One of the most important things when dealing with people is to be as democratic as possible. “If you are able to include as many people as possible in whatever you are doing, you will find out that the task will no longer be seen as that of an individual. “And if you are no longer there, there will be so many people who are already convinced about the direction to follow and they will be willing to push it forward,’’ he said. The minister, who is also the NSC chairman, said Team Nigeria’s success at the Olympics would be an eye-opener to the need to work together with the same agenda. “If they all (NSC and NOC) go to the London Olympics and come back successful, everybody will know that there is merit in working together as we have done. “Also, it will make them know that nobody is necessarily competing with anybody but working with the same agenda and Nigeria will be the ultimate beneficiary,’’ he said. Speaking on the Federal Government’s decision to bar official delegates to the Olympics, Abdullahi said it was to effectively cater for the athletes. ‘’The decision was taken because of the kind of budget we have. Our budget is very challenging. . So, we have a responsibility to manage the funds, because our priority is the athletes. “We have to make sure that they have their allowances, they are camped in a safe environment and we get the best coaches for them, amongst many other things,” he said.

Idara Otu, Christy Udoh are Nigeria’s medal hope in athletics

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY JULY 16, 2012

No Garcia rematch for Khan, as Froch urges him to retire

Members of D’Tigers celebrating their qualification to the Olympics after beating Lithuania in Caracas

Careful planning earned D’Tigers 2012 Olympics ticket, says Umar C areful planning and execution of the programmes earmarked for D’ Tigers by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) was the magic wand that facilitated the team’s maiden qualification for the Olympics. President of the federation, Tijani Umar, disclosed yesterday stressing that it took a lot of efforts and preparations for the federation to carry out the programmes it prepared and the eventual success the team recorded. “It took a lot of efforts and preparation for us to reach this level, because for the first time in a long time, we tried to prepare a programme that we religiously carried out. “We were able to use the hard work of the coaching crew to bring together a group of players that have not been brought into the national camp for a long time. “Now, all we are going to do in London is to play and have fun because these players are professionals and they know what to do,’’ he said. The D’Tigers, Nigeria’s national men basketball team, had on July 8 secured a ticket to the London Olympics by beating Dominican Republic 88-73 in Caracas, Venezuela. The victory was in the third-place match of the Olympics Qualifying Tournament held in the South

American country from July 2 to July 8. Umar said the team’s qualification was not a shock to him because of the players’ quality and the country’s stand among basketball-playing nations. “It was not a shock to me that we qualified, because this country (Nigeria) is one of the greatest basketball-playing nations. “Also, the players are dedicated. They have good character and they play to put the country’s name on the global map of basketball, and that is exactly what they have done. “As they go to London, they know what to do and what not to do. This does not mean making promises, but that they should be supported and let us see what they will do,’’ he said. The NBBF President said the team was not deterred by the attitude of Nigerians before they went for the qualifiers but were committed to coming out successful. “When we had the press conference before we travelled to China, the U.S and Brazil, people did not give us any chance at all. “Although it was very painful then, but we are Nigerians and we understand how skeptical our people can be. But we put our trust in God and became more committed, which gave us the victory,’’ he said.

anny Garcia’s father says his son is not interested in a rematch with Amir Khan. Khan, 25, was stopped in the fourth round by the unbeaten Garcia in Las Vegas on Saturday and has now lost his last two fights. Angel Garcia claims “three-time ex-champion” Khan is “like old shoes” and his son is now looking to a different fight. Meanwhile, IBF super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch, has written-off of the boxing boxing career of Khan and urged him to retire. Froch yesterday while reviewing the match stressing that, “It’s a write-off for him. Khan’s been knocked out by someone who is not touted for the top level. It’s very damaging. I would retire if that happened to me.” Khan was knocked down three times as Garcia claimed the British fighter’s WBA light-welterweight belt and held on to his WBC title. After a strong start, Khan was floored in the third by a counter and could not recover from shots in round four. Froch who became a three-time world champion with an impressive fifth-round stoppage of Lucian Bute in May - has lost twice in his career. But he questioned whether Khan is capable of coming back from his latest defeat. “People can say that I have lost twice before, but if I had lost to Bute I would have retired. “I’m not in this sport to get beat, get knocked out and get outclassed, I’m in this game to be at the top and stay at the very top. It’s a personal decision to retire but to get stopped in the fourth round after previously being knocked out is very damaging. It’s finishing. He has found a level. “You have to consider that he was badly knocked out by Breidis Prescott and he lost to Lamont Peterson as well. “I hope he can come back, he’s got enough years left and if he has the ambition and desire to come back he could. He’s a good fighter. Can I apologise to my family friends and everyone. I got caught with a shot and I know millions of you are upset but that’s boxing for you” Khan’s trainer Freddie Roach said his fighter can return from the latest setback, and opened up the possibilty of a rematch with the unbeaten American. “He’s still young and people make mistakes, but this is what makes us better when we avenge things like this,” Roach told BBC Sport. “Amir told me he wants a rematch, he said he would love to have it in England, so let’s see if Danny Garcia has the heart to come over there.”

Amir Khan after being knocked down by Danny Garcia on Saturday Khan’s defeats •Breidis Prescott - knocked out in first round in Manchester, September 2008 •Lamont Peterson - Split decision loss in Washington, December 2011 Danny Garcia - knocked out in fourth round in Las Vegas, July 2012

Ogunade assures fans of an exciting Final Eight b’ball tourney

asketball fans should expect nothing but the best performances from the participating teams at the forthcoming Final-Eight Basketball Championship scheduled to be held from July 21 through July 28, according to Mr Babs Ogunade, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC). The one-week fiesta will be held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos and Oguntade assured that the championship would offer lots of attractions. “There are speculations that because of preparations for the Olympic Games, the league finals could be postponed. But I want to categorically say that there is nothing like that. It is going to hold as scheduled,” he

said. Ogunade said the organisers already had assurances from the title sponsors, Multichoice Nigeria, that they are ready. “Apart from this, Power Horse who are also adding to the event’s sponsorship will be giving out free drinks to spectators at the venue of the event. Then, we are still hopeful for more sponsorship, as other sponsors are still welcome,’’ he said. The LOC Chairman said security personnel had also been contacted to maintain peace and orderliness at the event’s venue. “In addition to this, dancers, cultural groups and popular artists will be entertaining fans at the venue.

Fans across Lagos should come out en mass to watch the best of basketball this year as the LOC is making sure turnout at this year’s event is the best so far,” he said. Ogunade said participating teams are expected to arrive for the competition on July 21. The teams taking part in the competition include Dodan Warriors of Lagos and defending champions Royal Hoopers of Port-Harcourt. Joining them from the Atlantic Conference are Lagos Islanders and Police Baton of Lagos. Teams from the Savannah Conference are threetimes winners of the league, Kano Pillars, Yelwa Hawks of Bauchi, Niger Potters of Minna and Kada Stars of Kaduna.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY JULY 16, 2012

Berbatov demands Man Utd exit

Dimitar Berbatov an’United striker Dimitar Berbatov has signaled his intention to leave the club after announcing he is fed up with not being a part of the first team set-up at Old Trafford. The 31-year-old Bulgarian made only 21 appearances for United last season as he was overlooked in favor of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez as Wayne Rooney’s strike partner. The former Bayer Leverkusen man’s future first came into question when he was surprisingly left out of United’s matchday squad for the 2011 Champions League final clash with Barcelona at Wembley, despite being the joint-leading goalscorer in the Premier League

PSG sign Thiago Silva from AC Milan

aris Saint Germain may unveil Brazil international defender Thiago Silva from AC Milan after finalising his arrival on Saturday. The French club, who are determined to land their first French title in 19 years this season, have sealed a deal with Silva, 27, after the defender signed a five-year contract. PSG though did not wish to reveal the size of the transfer fee. The player is currently in his homeland as he prepares to appear in the Olympics in London. PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was delighted to have wrapped up a key signing. “I am very happy with the arrival of Thiago Silva. He is a fantastic player. Everyone knows he is one of the best defenders in the world.” PSG, runners-up last season to Montpellier in the French league, are also targeting AC Milan’s Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

that season. And after a summer of speculation about a proposed move away from Manchester, Berbatov took to social media to vent his frustrations. “The truth is, I love this club, but I am not going to be useful to anyone, if I am not playing,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “And I want to play, I want to help. But for unknown reasons its not going to happen, or my chances will be limited, so it’s better for everyone if we say goodbye. “If not, I am professional and I will keep doing everything I can, to help my team and my teammates, whenever I have opportunity to do so.” There has been debate about what asking price Manchester United have put on the player they signed for a club record 30 million pounds in 2008 from Tottenham. And Berbatov also revealed his frustration about the transfer figure on his head on Facebook. “Because I am tired of speculation,i am telling you this. I read the papers and I see they say 10 million pounds is my price,” he added. “I go and talk with Sir Alex, and he says to me 5 million...So who is telling the truth, what do you think?”

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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 daily doses of movements within the market both for players and coaches like.

Weneger confirms Fiorentina’s interest in Chamakh

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Fiorentina have made an offer for Chamakh, who struggled all season to find form at the Gunners. The 28-year-old Morocco international has been linked with a summer move after failing to impress during his second season with the club, scoring only one goal in all competitions. “Fiorentina requested

information on his availability and made an offer,” Wenger told the Times. Already, Wenger has brought in two players and still working hard to stop his skipper Robbin van persie from leaving the club. The Dutch is wanted by Man City, Barcelona and even Man United among other clubs. Real Madrid who had earlier expressed interest seem to have cooled their chase of the player.

Bradley joins Roma from Chievo

oma have completed the signing of U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley from Chievo Verona. The club, who confirmed the deal yesterday, said it paid Chievo $4.6 million plus a 50 percent share in Romanian youngster Adrian Stoian. Bradley has already joined his new teammates at their training camp in Riscone di Brunico. The 24-year-old American had an impressive season with Chievo last season after moving from Borussia Monchengladbach. He spent the first half of 2011 on loan at Aston Villa.

Milan set to offer Taye Taiwo to Benfica

aye Taiwo wantedItalian Serie A side AC Milan have confirmed that Portuguese club Benfica are interested in signing Nigeria star defender Taye Taiwo. AC Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida confirmed the Nigerian could join Benfica during this transfer window. “Taiwo could join Benfica,” the Milan chief was quoted as saying in Record. “The transfer is possible in any form (loan or permanent), everything will depend on the proposals received by the player and his agent, who will also submit names of interested parties.” Benfica are searching for a new left-back as they are not entirely sold on the Brazilian Emerson and

they believe Taiwo would be a good addition to the squad. The Nigeria full-back, who has also been linked with English Premier League side Newcastle United, joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer from French club Olympique Marseille last summer, but he has yet to establish himself at the San Siro. The defender has returned to the club for pre-season training after spending last season on loan at EPL outfit Queens Park Rangers, but he will now be allowed to search for a new club. After featuring in just four Serie A games for Milan, the Nigeria international made 15 Premier League appearances for QPR last term.

Newcastle make loan offer to Liverpool on Carroll

ewcastle have made good their interest last week by bidding to recapture their former striker Andy Carroll whom Liverpool snatched with a whooping £35m in January 2011. They want the England forward on loan with a view to a permanent move. New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said he could loan Carroll out, suggesting the 23-year-old would not be part of his Anfield plans and Newcastle have joined the likes of AC Milan and West Ham for services of the signature of the player. They alone though have made their intention formal. Carroll struggled with Liverpool until belatedly showing form and

goals towards the end of last season. He headed the winner for Liverpool against Blackburn, while also scoring against Everton

Andy Carroll

in a FA Cup semi-final win and the 2-1 loss to Chelsea in the final. He also scored for England at Euro 2012 in a win against Sweden, but he appears to have fallen out of favour at Anfield. Rodgers signed striker Fabio Borini from Roma earlier this week in his first signing since taking over as Liverpool manager. He is also planning contract talks to keep Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez at Anfield but he has been less committal when talking about Carroll’s future. ANDY CARROLL CAREER STATS •Newcastle (2006-11): 91 games, 33 goals •Preston (loan Aug 2007-08): 12 appearances, 1 goal •Liverpool (2011-present): 56 appearances, 11 goals England (2010-present): 7 appearances, 2 goals.

Tevez to move to Milan as Man City poise for Van Persie signature

arlos Tevez is poised to move to AC Milan this week, opening the way for Manchester City to make their £30million bid for Robin van Persie. The champions would appear to be in the driving seat to land the Arsenal striker but Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has still not given up hope of signing the 29-year-old in a cut-price deal. The two Manchester clubs were only separated by goal difference at the end of last season and Ferguson is determined to get one over his rivals in the transfer market. The bidding war will be kicked off by Tevez’s exit, with a source close to City revealing last night: ‘They are selling Tevez to Milan. You’ll see it in the next few days. ‘If, for any reason, that deal hits a complication, City may sell Edin Dzeko to Milan instead. But, for the moment, all efforts are focused on selling Tevez. That will open up the Van Persie deal.’ Argentina’s Tevez had his heart set on joining Milan last season at the height of his ugly stand-off with City. Since then, he and Roberto Mancini have made up and as a thank-you for helping City win the title, the manager will allow Tevez his dream move to Italy. Arsenal are still hoping to persuade Van Persie to stay and have scheduled further talks for this week when he returns for preseason training. They will want at least £30m if they decide to sell the striker, who has only one year left on his contract. Van Persie has set off a high-level row at Arsenal, with boss Arsene Wenger insisting on getting maximum value whereas other senior figures would accept less after the striker accused the club of lacking ambition. This would play into Ferguson’s hands as the United board are unlikely to sanction a £30m deal for a 29-year-old. Sources close to Van Persie have indicated that, if he does move, Old Trafford might be his preference.

Carlos Tevez

Again, Abramovich plans Villa-Boas’s fall, approaches Oscar

Thiago Silva

oman Abramovich was said to have again set sights on putting the boot in on Andre Villas-Boas for a second time by snatching one of the world’s most exciting young players from him. Although Brazilian starlet Oscar is a target

for Chelsea and Tottenha, but the latter have had some edge until the Chelsea owner opted to personally get involved in the Blues’ quest to land the player. And that meant clash with new Spurs boss AVB, whom he sacked only after eight months of

a-four-year contract in charge atChelsea. He had hoped to get his own back by signing Brazilian starlet, Oscar, from under his former boss’s nose. But Abramovich Saturday night signalled that he was ready to dismiss AVB again and fork out

£25million for the latest superstar to emerge from Brazil, although any deal may have to wait until after the midfielder has played in the Olympics. Abramovich is also considering spending another £35million on Porto’s Brazilian striker Hulk.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY JULY 16, 2012

London Olympics

Spain intend to win gold, says Isco

Isco of Malaga

alaga playmaker Isco believes Spain have more than enough quality to be able to compete for a medal at this summer’s Olympic Games. Luis Milla’s 18-man squad contains three players from the senior side which won the UEFA EURO 2012 last month and a further nine that won the EUROs at Under21 level last year. However, the side was beaten by Senegal 2-0 in their first warm-up game in Gran Canaria on Friday. Isco is hoping that result sounded a warning that Spain’s youngsters will have to be at their best if they are to replicate the senior side’s success. “Looking at the group we have, with big name players, we can see serious options of a medal, but we need to show this on the field where we will face very difficult opponents,” Isco told Marca. “We are going with the intention to win and to continue getting better. We will try to be at our best and we hope to achieve it. “What the senior team is doing is something huge and historic. This makes the opponent even more motivated to beat us and make it difficult, but I hope we do things well and maintain our philosophy of play to go as far in the tournament as possible.” Jordi Alba is one of those who played in Poland and Ukraine and has finally been given the all-clear to travel to the Olympics despite Barcelona’s protest at his

participation. And, while he can sympathise with Barça’s complaint, Isco says that the chance to play in an Olympic Games is too good for players to turn down. He said: “Jordi [Alba] is a very important player for us. He has been a revelation at the EUROs and I understand Barcelona’s concerns about tiredness, but we want him here. I would have done everything possible to participate in the Games, it is something that only happens once in your life. It is something incredible to participate in a competition of this magnitude with your national team, it is a showcase for any player.” The 20-year-old is also expected to play a bigger role now that Barcelona team-mate Thiago Alcantara has been ruled out through injury. However, the former Valencia man is just hoping to get enough time on the field to showcase his abilities to the world. He said: “Here there are no substitutes. Thiago (Alcantara) is a great player, a big absence, but with the squad we have here we can go great things. I am a player that likes to have responsibility and I hope the coach believes in me and I can play many minutes.” Spain begin their Olympic campaign against Japan on 26 July in Glasgow before moving on to face Honduras and Morocco in the group stage of the competition.

Jordi Alba

Former champion praises Okagbare’s new world record

ina Iheagwam, a former national sprinter, has commended Blessing Okagbare’s recent feat at the just concluded London Diamond League where she won the 100m event. Iheagwam said yesterday in Lagos that Okagbare’s performance, at the July 13 to July 15 meet in London; was worth celebrating and a morale

booster to Team Nigeria. Okagbare, it would recalled only on Friday defeated both the world and champions to win the gold at the London leg of the Samsung Diamond league. The Nigerian, who failed to win the African Championships in Porto Novo, Benin Republic about a fortnight earlier, came first by returning a time of 11.01, ahead of

D’Tigers full of confidence, says NBBF president

Blessing Okagbare coasting home ahead of Carmelita Jeter

Carmelita Jeter who came second with a time 11.03 and Tianna Madison came third by 11.13 “I am happy that Blessing won at the Diamond League because this is a sign that we will do well in the 100 metres of the 2012 Olympics Athletics event, ‘’ she said. Iheagwam also urged Okagbare to be more focused and save her best

performance for the main event at the forthcoming London Olympic Games. “Now that Blessing has defeated the world fastest women in 100m, I bet you that Jeter, Fraser-Pryce will want to avenge their loss London Olympics. “I believe that Blessing is talented and would hopefully move on to perform better at the Olympics but she needs to

alam Tijani Umar, the President of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), says the D’Tigers are full of confidence and would be featuring at the 2012 London Olympics with high spirits. Umar said in a telephone interview yesterday that the team’s debut Olympic qualification was a great opportunity that would be utilised with all seriousness. The D’Tigers, the country’s male basketball team, recently qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games, and have been grouped alongside USA, France, Argentina, Lithuania and Tunisia. “In as much as the team would not be underrating any team, I believe they won’t approach any opponent with fear. “A wise person should not run faster than his shadow. So, the team will be tactical and be at the Games to compete and acquired experience. “If eventually we get to the medal zone of the event, we will grab it and make the country proud once again,” the NBBF president said. He said it was however a good thing that the team qualified for the Olympics for the first time. “It is indeed relishing that we have qualified for the Olympics for the first time, but the journey of sustaining the present status henceforth will begin immediately after the Games,’’ Umar said. On the team’s preparation for the Games, he said the team’s players would be arriving the Nigerian camp in Surrey, near London after a one-week break to get ready for the Games proper. The NBBF president urged Nigerians to assist the team with prayers, as the team would do all humanly possible to do the country proud. “I want Nigerians to be positive and patient with the team as we go for the Games to make the country proud,” he said. Nigeria’s first match at the Games is against Tunisia on July 29. The 2012 London Olympics Games is scheduled to hold from July 27 to August, 12.

be focused and not allow her recent success to get into her head. “I know that those she defeated will be restrategising and she has to also consolidate on her performance to prove that her victory was not a fluke. Iheagwam, who won a gold medal at the World Junior Athletics Championships in Greece

Blanka Vlasic pulls out of London Games

ormer world champion high jumper Blanka Vlasic has pulled out of London 2012 because of injury. The Beijing Olympics silver medallist had been struggling with a bacterial infection which had upset her preparations. Vlasic underwent ankle and heel surgery in January before suffering from the infection. “I will not be able to get into the top shape in time for Olympic Games,” Vlasic confirmed on her own website. The 28-year-old Croatian has the second highest jump of all time with 2.08m and was one of the favourites to claim gold in London. However, Vlasic claims she does not want to compete in London if she is not 100% fit. She said: “I’m not interested in jumping below my usual level, so It is the best thing to stay home and get the healing process to the end. “I feel this is only a minor setback in my career and I’m looking forward to many more years of successful jumping. This is my chance for a new beginning.” Vlasic claimed gold at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships in Osaka and Berlin respectively and also picked up silver at last year’s event in Daegu.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

Shelly-Ann Fraser

This is to notify the general public of the loss of the following document: (1) R of O file No. CR 60094 plot No. 858, of about 2919.86m2 at Katampe B07 dated 16/10/2008 and (2)R of O file No. 10176 plot 233, of about 1542.56m2 at Katampe Extension B19 dated 5/ 3/1996 all belonging to ROSE ABANG-WUSHISHI got missing. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest Police Station. General public should please take note.

in 1986, urged Okagbare to put aside any form of anxiety that could blight her preparations for the Games. “I urge Blessing not to relent in her effort; this is not the time to unduly stress herself. This is not the time to be anxious because the world is watching and I know Nigerians are praying for her,” she said.

Blanka Vlasic

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY JULY 16, 2012

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PICTORIAL 1. Aminu Umar of the Flying Eagles who were held to a goalless draw in a friendly played inside the Ilorin Township Stadium yesterday. The junior Eagles, who used this game as part of their build-up for a 2013 African Youth Championship qualifier in Tanzania later this month, dictated the pace at the start of this game watched by an impressive crowd that included sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi. 2. The 14th stage of the Tour de France was marred by a series of punctures, caused by tacks thrown on to the road, on the final climb of the day. Race leader Bradley Wiggins temporarily called a halt to competitive racing after defending champion Cadel Evans was among those to suffer a puncture. 3. David Haye takes Dereck Chisora to end the controversy over between the two who should have the bragging right. Haye now wants to fight Vitali Klitschko after his commanding performance against Chisora who stood toe-to-toe against the Karainian and WBC heavyweight champion.

4. Jeev Milkha Singh beat Francesco Molinari in a play-off to win the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart after Marc Warren blew a three-shot lead. Singh, 40, carded a final round of 67 to force a play-off with overnight leader Molinari and birdied the first extra hole to take the £470,000 cheque. 5. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has suggested there may have been something underhand in the decision to award the 2006 World Cup to Germany. FIFA is currently facing renewed criticism after it was revealed that the body’s former president, Joao Havelange, accepted bribes, along with Executive Committee member Ricardo Teixeira. 6. Dai Greene is still confident of winning Olympic gold despite finishing second behind rival Javier Culson at the London Diamond League. Greene was beaten by Culson for the second consecutive week having finished behind the Puerto Rican in Paris.

7. USA Basketball Men’s National Team members, from left, James Harden, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul celebrate after defeating the Dominican Republic 113-59 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Thursday

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY JULY 16, 2012

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Nasarawa govt named 3-man band on sports

Gov. Al-Makura, Nasarawa State

asarawa State government has constituted a three-man committee to review and reposition sports. Mr Daniel Ogah-Ogazi, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, disclosed this yesterday at a farewell dinner for the Nasarawa United FC. The club, which is in Group D with Heartland FC of Owerri, Gombe United and Plateau United of Jos, travelled to Port

Harcourt on Sunday to participate in the Grouppreliminaries of the 2012 Federation Cup. Ogah-Ogazi said the committee was expected to recommend programmes for the overall development of sports, particularly football. He said the administration was interested in the progress of the Nasarawa United FC, and urged the players to be more committed to the glory of the state. The commissioner

appealed to the players to strive to bring the Federation Cup, adding “all we want from you is to lift the cup by working harder”. Also speaking, the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Youths and Sports, Mr Bala Adams, said he organised the dinner to motivate the players to be dedicated and productive. “We love and appreciate you. This ‘get together dinner’ will encourage you to bring smiles to the faces of the people.” The lawmaker also called on the two tiers of government to fund sports, especially football, adding that with improved funding, the state “which is blessed with abundant talents in sports will excel’’.

Six-year old record crashed at 4th CNS Swimming Championship E

ric Williams of Rivers provided an exciting end to the 4 th Chief of Naval Staff Open Swimming Competition in Calabar when he broke a six-year national record in the men’s 50 metres Breaststroke. Williams had also set a national record of 29:80 in 2007, the competition record of 29:89 in 2011 and the new record of 29: 74 seconds in 2012. The events competed for included 16 males, 16 females, 28 individuals and four relay races. Seven old competition records were also broken in this year’s championship which attracted swimmers from 15 teams from different states. The championship records which were broken included 100 metres Butterfly, women; 200 metres, Individual Medley, women; 500 metres Butterfly, women; 4x100 metres Medley Relay, women; and 100 metres Backstroke, men. Samson Opuakpo of Delta had earlier rested the championship record of 1:06:94 seconds he set in 100 metres backstroke for men in 2010 with a new championship record of 1:03:07 seconds at the 2012 meet in Calabar. Similarly, Ifieziebe Gagbe of Bayelsa returned with a time of 2; 44:23 seconds in 200 metres Individual Medley, women, to erase the championship record set by Rachel Tongor of Edo’s 2:44:43 seconds in 2011. Tongor came second in the event in 2012 with a time of 2:49:22 seconds at the Calabar meet. Although she failed to beat the national record of 2:39:49 set by Ikaghoemi Joshua of Team Rivers in 1992, Gagbe also set a new competition record in 200

Nigerian swimmers

metres Backstroke women with a time of 2:55:24. She returned a time of 2:55:24 in Calabar to erase the time of 2:55:77 she had set in 2011. Obia Inyengiyikabo of rivers holds the national record of 2:43:64 set in the event in 1992. Faith Edorodion of Team Edo sets a new competition record of 1:12:51 in the women’s 100 metres Butterfly and in the 50 metres Butterfly, when she returned with a time of 31: 41. 32. She had set the old competition mark of 1:15:07 in the 100 metres butterfly and national record of 1:07:71 in the same event in 2011. Edorodion also holds the competition record of 31:86 seconds in the 50 metres butterfly and the national record of 29:97 set respectively at the third edition of the championship in Ilorin, Kwara, in 2011. Rachael Tonjor, of Edo who holds the national and competition records of 33:81 and 35:17 in 50 metres Breaststroke, women, in 2011 sets a new competition record of 35:13. Samson Opuakpo, of Delta, who holds the national and competition records of 1:01:19 and 1:06:94 respectively in 100 metres men’s Backstroke sets a new competition record of 1:03:07. The competition record of 5:21:36 set in 4x100 metres Medley relay women in 2011 by Team Edo, was also broken by the same team when it returned with the new time of 5:13:17. Opuakpo of Delta emerged as the Best Overall Male swimmer in eight individual races and second in one individual race in the competition. Gagbe of Bayelsa won in the female category when she picked first positions in eight individual women races. Team Delta won the Best Overall state prize when it emerged first in nine races, second in 9 other races and third in 13 races. The Nigeria Police Team emerged the best team in five events, second in three team events and third slots in five events at the championship. Speaking while declaring the competition closed, ViceAdmiral Ola Ibrahim, the Chief of Naval Staff, urged the Swimming Federation of Nigeria to initiate ways to make the sport more popular. Represented by RearAdmiral Ibokette Ibas, Navy Secretary, Ibrahim stressed that the competition was part of efforts to develop the sport.

Fagbemi, OlaWilliams win FCT badminton tourney

laoluwa Fagbemi and Maria Ola-Williams won the men and women singles titles respectively at the 2012 FCT Closed Badminton Championships, over the weekend. Fagbemi, the national number two, beat Olorunfemi Elewa in two straight sets in the final match, while OlaWilliams, who is also the women’s national number two, defeated Augustina Sunday 21-16 21-16 to emerge champion. “It’s not that I’m a better player. It’s just that I programmed myself for the game because I watched his (Elewa’s) previous matches, capitalised on his weaknesses and worked on them,’’ the new male champion said. Similarly, Ola-Williams said that she felt great after winning the competition, but regrtted the absence of competitions which would have toughen them to perform better than they did. “If we had more tournaments like this, we will improve, showcase our talents and put all our efforts to good use,’’ she said. It would be recalled that the tournament, which had began on Thursday, featured 16 players in the men and women categories and also had eight teams in the mixed doubles and two teams in the men’s doubles. In the mixed doubles, the male and female singles champions also won the trophy by beating the pair of Elewa and Zainab Momoh 2-0. Fagbemi and Paul Fagbemi also won the men’s doubles category by beating Ocholi Edicha and Ibrahim Adamu 2-1 in a three-set game. The competition was organised by the Abuja Badminton Club in conjunction with the FCT Badminton Association. Meanwhile, Ambassador Fidel Ayogu, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Uganda who was a guest at the finals, has expressed the hope Nigerian badminton players would some day qualify to participate in the Olympics, going by the high standard exhibited by the players. He expressed the hope that Nigeria would soon be producing Africa’s representatives at the Olympic Games in view of the country’s potential in the game. “I’m looking forward to Nigeria qualifying to represent Africa, at the 2016 Olympics Games in Brazil. We have done it before and I believe that we can do it again,’’ Ayogu said. Alim Musa, FCT’s Director of Sports, also said the territory had been in the forefront of promoting the game in the country. He said efforts were in place to ensure that the championship becomes an annual event. The Director of Sports also said it was unfortunate that Nigeria had no badminton player representing it at the 2012 Olympics Games coming up later this month in London. “It’s unfortunate. But it’s not a decision that a country has to make. It’s an international decision that has to be made based on some things. We however hope that Nigerian badminton players will feature at the 2016 Olympics,’’ he said. Chairman, FCT Badminton Club, Abubakar Isah, said the competition was necessary for the promotion of badminton. “This is out of the need to ensure that the game doesn’t die in the country. The game is dying in Nigeria because of lack of proper organisation by the national federation and we felt we should start something to keep the players on,’’ he said. The men’s singles category winner went home with a 42-inch Plasma TV, while the women’s winner went home with a 32-inch TV set. The secondplaced players in both categories won one 22-inch TV set each, while all the other runners-up were given undisclosed amounts of money Olaoluwa Fagbemi as cash prizes.

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Challenge, not money, brought me to China, Drogba declares

Liverpool reject Newcastle loan offer for Carroll

iverpool have rejected Newcastle's bid to sign striker Andy Carroll on loan, with a view to a permanent move. It is understood the approach falls way short of Liverpool's demands. The Reds are reluctant to allow Carroll to leave on a temporary basis, despite manager Brendan Rodgers's admission that a loan move is an option. Carroll wants to fight for a place in the squad. The Reds may be forced into reluctantly settling for a shortterm deal if no significant offer comes.

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I felt the heat on my leg and saw the fright and flight of people. I told the Shehu that they have got me on my le gs — Bor no de puty g over nor on legs Borno deputy go ernor Friday’s Boko Haram attack

The states are broke, it’s official Ask not what your country can do for you. Most of the politicians are corrupt anyway — Rita Coolidge

t is not money but the big challenge in an unfamiliar land that lured me to China, the Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, said over the weekend in Shanghai. Drogba has signed a twoand-a-half-year contract with the big-spending club for a reported salary of $300,000 a week, ending weeks of speculation on his future after he announced his decision to leave Champions League winners Chelsea. “I decided to come here because when the club and the president approached me, I looked at the project and it came with ambitious ideas and he wants to help football develop in China," Drogba at his unveiling. “It was also a big challenge, because it could have been easy for me to stay in Europe and go to another team, another big team. “I didn't come here with the idea of making a lot of money. I came here because it is a completely different challenge from what I have seen in Europe before. ``And that's the idea, there are many challenges but this one is a big one,” he said about coming to China

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE

It is official. State governments are going under because they have no funds to keep basic services going. Bankruptcy which faces many state governments has long been foretold by many governors, and the protracted arguments over paying the N18,000 minimum wage have been identified as both cause and the consequence of many states, particularly those from the north, going broke. But the Senate says States are going broke because governors are corrupt. Its Ad Hoc Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Appropriation, Finance as well as States and Local Governments which examined the causes of the looming bankruptcy in many states, recently concluded that it is the result of financial recklessness of many governors. The senators say corruption through misappropriation and misapplication of public funds and abuse of immunity clause in the constitution is responsible for the threat of bankruptcy in States. Perhaps it should surprise no one therefore that State governors have decided to challenge the Federal Government over deductions and withdrawals for such items as payments for petroleum subsidy, Excess Crude Account and the Sovereign Wealth Fund. They say these deductions and withdrawals are unconstitutional, and they will ask the Supreme Court to decide whether they should continue or not. Governors’ grievances over deductions to pay the massive and highly disputed fuel subsidy was in part responsible for the decision to withdraw the subsidy on petroleum. It soon became clear that the partial withdrawal has neither resolved the basic issues of transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector; nor put the issue of the acceptability of amounts deducted to rest. Government is still paying a much higher amounts than it should for the reduced subsidy, and state governments’ “take-home-pay” from monthly fund allocation meetings has become leaner and more unpredictable. Governors complain that they do not understand or accept the process which deprives them of large expected amounts. They want an end to deductions to pay for subsidy, and this should

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Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Amaechi raise their monthly allocations. If all the subsidy has to be removed so be it, but they will not say so. They also want a judicial ruling of the Federal Government’s desire to create a Sovereign Wealth Fund to replace the Excess Crude Account, a facility which currently makes available to all tiers of government resources for massive, unplanned drawdown. Intense and delicate negotiations, lobbying and discussions have been going on to prevent the Governors from taking the Federal Government to court over the legality or propriety of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). Realizing that it will not win a legal battle over the SWF, the Federal Government had opted to convince Governors of the value of the facility, emphasizing its benefits of saving for investment in infrastructure and the real sector, and shielding huge resources from being used to address immediate recurrent needs and overheads of governments. Until this decision to challenge the establishment of the SWF, the Federal Government had virtually established a framework for its operation, and with anywhere between $1b and $5b reported to be available for it, and a target of $10b being lobbied for, it appeared as if the Federal Government was winning its battle to save for the rainy day. There was some talk of partial buy-in by some

governors, and fierce resistance from partisan interests. The intense efforts of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to bring the Governors around to some agreement now appear to be coming unstuck. A legal dispute will substantially delay the takeoff of the SWF, and render the excess crude funds amenable and available for continuous, routine plunder. Viewed against the claim by the Senate that mismanagement and corruption, and not dwindling resources are responsible for the imminent bankruptcy of many states, how is the clamour for increased funding by State Governments from oil and gas revenues to be understood? One perspective may be informed by the accepted wisdom that Governors will never have “enough” resources to misappropriate, maintain basic services and institutions of state, as well as invest in real development. One or two have said they have enough to develop, and a few others have concentrated on raising more revenues internally instead of crying out for more funds from oil and gas sources. A second perspective may place the senators’ conclusions in a context which suggests that they are ill-equipped to comment on the management of resources at state levels. They lack the moral courage to criticize, in the light of their own massive remunerations. They do not have to take difficult decisions which governors take in managing costly public services, oiling political machines and investing in infrastructure. A third perspective may highlight a wider issue on the merit of revisiting the manner revenues are shared between the three tiers of government. State governors have made a credible case for a review of the revenue allocation formula which should give them a larger share. There is a lot of sympathy for this position, as well as the basic underlying argument that the federal government should be

relieved of many of the functions it performs, which it uses as rationale for its current share of revenue. States therefore want more funds for more tasks, or at least to perform their tasks better. The basic problem is one of trust. The public does not trust state governments to use additional resources judiciously, with very few exceptions. In circles where serious discussions around the amendment of the constitution are conducted, state governments are reminded that their demand for additional funds will enjoy wider and more credible support if they accede to the demand that local governments should enjoy unfettered financial and political autonomy. There are also serious questions regarding the quality of management of public funds, with waste and corruption being the hallmark of much of governance in most states. Ordinarily, state governments should mount a vigorous public campaign in support of the legal steps they are taking to challenge the federal government over the deductions and withdrawals from oil revenues. But they are likely to lose the battle because the public will be hard put to join in a cause which merely seeks to transfer funds from the federal to state governments, disburses funds now which could be saved. Neither level enjoys much credibility in terms of the manner it handles public funds. Yet there are good reasons why the issue which Governors say they will take to the Supreme Court should be discussed more widely. The manner the excess crude account has been approached with a predatory attitude by federal and state governments should not be tolerated. While there are good reasons to create flexible access to these types of funds for critical, short-term needs, these have hardly been the uses to which they have been applied in the past. The creation of a Sovereign Wealth Fund will be strongly advised in a country like Nigeria where revenue volatity and massive corruption, which are in part fed by easily available resources, characterize the political economy. With forecasts of dipping prices of crude being made, revenues from oil will be placed under even more stress. There ought to be an open and constructive national discussion around the manner oil and gas revenues are derived and utilized. A dispute limited to the federal and state governments over who should have more, or whether we should save or spend will be largely ignored by the public, which sees little difference in the manner the two tiers manage our resources. States going broke may secure more resources if a judicial ruling says they should; but this is highly unlikely to improve the lives of most Nigerians.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 803 606 3308. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141