Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday, May 18, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 40

Friday, May 18, 2012

. . . putting the people first

2013 budget ready in Chevron to pay Sept, Okonjo-Iweala $3bn for Bayelsa promises oil spill >> PAGE 2

Jimadal Akhir 27, 1433 AH

UTME candidate used handset as sanitary pad to cheat

>> PAGE 3

N150

Donna Summer, dies at 63

>> PAGE 4

>> PAGE 4

Character Commission faults NDDC recruitments

By Mohammed Kandi

T

he Federal Character Commission (FCC) has accused the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of violating employment guidelines, calling for the immediate halt to the on-going

Threatens legal action recruitment of lawyers, engineers and allied professionals, failing of which the former might institute a legal action against the later.

The FCC reaction followed the

alleged violation of its guidelines and formulae by and the refusal of the NDDC to forward to the Commission lists of the applicants for the monitoring of the selection

tests and recruitment interviews.

In a statement by its Director of Legal and Prosecution, Mr. M.O. Odusanya, the FCC alleged that the staff distribution pattern of the

NDDC is “heavily tilted in favour of the indigenes of a few states of the Federation to the detriment of the overwhelming majority of the others, which is a clear violation of the provisions of both the Nigerian Constitution and the Federal Character Commission’s Contd on Page 2

Explosion rocks Port Harcourt, one person killed

By Abubakar Ibrahim

A

suspected armed robber was killed when explosives his gang was transporting accidentally went off in the oil city of Port Harcourt yesterday, police said.

The blast ripped through a minibus carrying at least three suspected robbers, four AK-47 rifles and a large amount of ammunition, Rivers State Police Commissioner Mohammed Abdulkadir Indabawa told Reuters.

Two people in the bus and a woman who was nearby were injured in the explosion, he added.”We suspect they were armed robbers going (on) an operation, and things went wrong for them,” said Indabawa.

A Reuters photographer saw the area around the minibus being cordoned by police in the town centre. The flames were out, but the vehicle was largely burned to its frame coated in grey ash.

The National Emergency Management Agency, yesterday issued a oneparagraph statement confirming the explosion, saying the driver of the commercial bus had been confirmed dead.

“NEMA confirms an explosion today in a commercial Contd on Page 2

Scene of yesterday’s explosion involving a bus carrying arms and ammunition at Rumuokoro roundabout in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Photo: NAN

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-11

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

S/Report

24

Religion

26

Feature

27

Newsxtra

30

2013 budget ready in Sept, Character Commission Okonjo-Iweala promises faults NDDC N recruitments

By Abdulwahab Isa

ext year’s federal budget will be ready in September, this year, four months away, Coordinating Minister for the Economy/Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, announced yesterday in Abuja.

She explained that was a demonstration of the federal government’s “firm commitment to a timely submission of the budget to avoid a stand-off with the National Assembly.”

The minister spoke at an interactive with members of House of Representatives Committee on Finance that visited the ministry in exercise of its oversight powers. Giving a glimpse of next year’s budget that has internally generated revenue (IGR) forecast of over N400 billion, the minister said it would be prudent and there

would be no project duplication.

She said her ministry was “already working with Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service”, and solicited the cooperation of National Assembly to accelerate the $7.9 billion external loan request forwarded to it by the executive arm.

She described the loan plan as a soft credit line with 3 per cent interest and a long gestation period to be provided by the multilateral agencies such as Islamic Development bank, Africa Development Bank, and the World Bank to, aid Nigeria in financing its agriculture, education, power and other key sectors.

Commenting on the global economy and its impact on Nigeria’s domestic economy, the minister alluded to fact the current euro-zone crisis will have indirect impact on

Nigeria economy because 60 percent of the nation’s products are consumed in the zone.

She expressed confidence on the Nigeria economy which she says is doing well as her GDP had risen from 5 per cent in the last two years to 7.3 per cent in 2011, a scenario driven by the non-oil sector. However, the minister regretted the growth was yet to translate to an inclusive growth as it’s yet to create jobs that would jump starts the economy.

Responding, Committee Chairman on finance, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibril said the biggest work confronting the committee was budget and the issue of revenue. He observed that most MDAs declared bogus revenue only to remit smaller fractions to the treasury.

He urged government to pursue the revenue diversification adding “it’s high time to look outside of oil and gas sector and focus on tax and other non-oil sources.

NSGF to have chairman, deputy from 2013 From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

T 95,000 Nigerians for Hajj this year, Page 6

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

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he Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday rose from a meeting in Kaduna, agreeing on a restructuring to make the forum more effective by providing a platform for good governance, better understanding and cooperation among members.

The governors had been expected to elect a new chairman to replace Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger state but that did not happen.

According to the communiqué of the meeting, “the forum has approved a new structure for the forum with effect from May 2013.There shall be a Chairman and Vice Chairmen (two positions), both shall hold office for two years upon election by members only”.

The governors, however, cautioned eminent Nigerians against making what they described as “inflammatory statements capable of affecting the fragile unity and security” of the country.

“We must be concerned about the unity and development of the country in all ramifications,” said the communiqué signed by the NSGF Chairman, Dr. Aliyu.

It pledged to intensify efforts at finding lasting solutions to the “alarming security situation” in the North.

“Chairman for the committee on agriculture, the Governor of Katsina state, Ibrahim Shema, presented the report of the committee with far reaching recommendations on ways of repositioning the sector in the region.

“The forum noted the report with delight and resolved to pay special attention to the development of the agricultural sector and its value chain and explore areas of comparative advantage”, the communiqué read.

“It further expanded the committee to address the issues of implementation of the recommendations highlighted in the report and also charged it with the responsibility of articulating a proposal on organizing an international agricultural summit.”

On the New Nigerian Newspapers, the communiqué stated that a committee chaired by the Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Magatakarda Wamakko, presented a report in which it highlighted the problems besieging operations of the company.

“After extensive deliberations, the forum resolved to follow up with the Federal Government on the progress about settlement of the outstanding liabilities within the shortest possible time and state governments that are yet to redeem their pledges to the company do so”, said the communiqué.

It added that “a report on the current situation of the KTL (Kaduna Textile Limited)was presented to the forum by Chairman of the committee, the Executive Governor of Kwara state.

The report dwelt on resuscitating the company.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, Aliyu had noted that the governors deliberated on the security situation in the North during their last meeting and said that “it is most unfortunate that the situation has not abetted, rather it is worsening and attaining very alarming dimensions with attendant negative implications for the economic growth and development of our nation and indeed our national image.

“We are passing through a very difficult phase in the history of our nation, a period that puts our patriotism, nationalism, sincerity and responsibility collectively to test”, he said.

Contd from Page 1

Enabling Act.” It directed the management of the NDDC to immediately discontinue with the on-going recruitment exercise pending a meeting with the Petroleum and Environment Committee of the FCC scheduled for Thursday, May 24.

The FCC insists that the Managing Director and the Executive Director in charge of staff matters be in attendance at the meeting.

It lamented that while the current recruitment exercise offers an opportunity “to commence the process of redressing the existing imbalance, your management appears unwilling to do so, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 14(3)(b) and punishable under Section 15(1) of the Commission’s Enabling Act”.

The equal opportunity commission also drew the attention of the NDDC to the statutory regulation which empowers it to enforce its directives, citing paragraph 8(1) of Section C, Part I, Third Schedule to the Constitution which directs it to “take such legal measures, including the prosecution of the head or staff of any Ministry or Government body or Agency which fails to comply with any Federal Character Principle or Formula prescribed or adopted by the Commission.”

Explosion rocks Port Harcourt, one person Borno govt denies Sheriff’s killed arrest in Cameroon

Contd from Page 1

F

ormer Borno state governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, was never arrested in Cameroon or anywhere for whatever reasons, contrary to news making the rounds in some Cameroonian media, which was lifted by some Nigerian dailies, an official said last night.

Mr. Inuwa Bwala, media spokesman of the incumbent governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, said “the former governor did not travel to Cameroon around the time he was reported to have been arrested.

“While one cannot rule out political undertones in the said report, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff denies in totality any connection whatsoever with the said group

to which he was being linked.

“It is pertinent to advise his detractors to look for more plausible and convincing reasons to vilify him and not resort to using foreign unrated media houses to embarrass him.

“They fought him during the elections, and although they rigged him out of the senatorial race, he floored them in all the others.

“They fought him in the courts to undo the administration he put on the ground, but he triumphed.

“They are not ready to give, up, but one fact remains that Senator Ali Modu Sheriff cannot be deterred by the antics of a desperate opposition, seeking to gain relevance by all means”.

bus at Rumuokoro roundabout in Port Harcourt,” the statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Yushau Shuaibu, said.

“The driver died in the explosion”, he said, assuring, however, that “the situation is under control.”Another report said the affected bus broke down and was being pushed off the road by its occupants when the explosion went off. One of the three people pushing the bus was killed instantly while scores of other people were wounded and rushed to hospital.

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, also said the persons killed were suspected armed robbers. He spoke on CHANNELS TV.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 3

Views from abroad

A defining moment for Jonathan government

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L-R: Kaduna state Governor, Sir Patrick Yakowa, Niger state Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Benue state Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswan, Katsina state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, and Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, during the Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF) meeting, yesterday in Kaduna.

Bayelsa spill: Chevron ordered to pay $3bn compensation

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Director-General/Chief Executive of National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA}Peter Idabor, yesterday told the House of Representatives Committee on Environment that Chevron must pay an administrative fine of $3billion to the Federal Government for the environmental disaster that took place in Bayelsa state due to gas explosion.

According to him, there was a loss of hunting and fishing grounds

particularly in Koluama, a nearby settlement where the spillage occurred, and neighbouring communities.

“The gas that erupted from the subsurface sustained the fire that raged for 46 days,” he said.

“The agency has investigated the incident; the fire was caused by equipment failure. Chevron is to take responsibility for the millions of cubic feet of gas blown into the air.”

He said due to the nature of the gaseous substance, it was difficult to assess the level of damage because the terrain was in

constant flux.

“Our perspective is that the environment is in a state of flux and impacted on the people and they had to travel far to catch fish.

“The $3 billion administrative fine will go to the federal government and the federal government will determine how to distribute it to rehabilitate the affected communities. We’re tired of oil companies polluting our environment.”

Idabor said a similar occurrence in Brazil cost the affected oil company $11bn in fines.

However, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Chevron’s Director of Governmental Affairs, objected to the proposed $3bn dollar proposed fine, insisting that the company was willing and able to pay compensation, but that it must be only on a scientific basis.

He argued: “If you talk about compensation, we are ready, we have already spent over a N100 million on providing feeding and drugs for the affected communities, but whatever we pay must be based on scientific findings and not a figure plucked from the air.”

Again, Boko Haram threatens to bomb govt buildings

T

he Boko Haram sect says it is set to resume its deadly attacks by bombing government-owned properties, offices and residential quarters, in the 19 northern states and Abuja.

In what appears to be a defensive response to growing public anger and a tactical shift in operational approach, the spokesperson for the sect, Abul

Qaqa, told Premium Times, an online news medium yesterday afternoon, that the facilities being targeted are in retaliation for the destruction of properties belonging to its members and those it characterized as "innocent landlords" in some parts of Kano and Borno states.

In a prompt response, the police asked Nigerians to disregard such a threat and go about their normal

EFCC takes over illegal oil bunkering vessel

By Lambert Tyem

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday in Abuja said it has taken possession of a suspected illegal oil bunkering vessel from the Nigerian Navy.

According to the Ag. Head, Media & Publicity of EFCC Wilson Uwujaren “The vessel, MT Takorodi, bearing one million litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil, and 11 crew members were handed over to the

Commission at a brief ceremony at NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos by the Commanding Officer, Navy Commodore, M.J.O. Njoku.

The Commission said the vessel and its cargo, together with the crew were received on behalf of the EFCC by the head, General Investigation and Counter Terrorism section of the Commission’s Lagos zonal office, Mr. Aminu Aliyu.

EFCC said the crew includes one Captain Musa Mohammed and the Chief Engineer, Freeborn Otuagoma.

businesses, adding that it is battle ready to repel any attack by "any criminal group".

It is not clear whether the State Security Service is aware of the fresh threat by the group.

The spokesperson for the agency, Marilyn Ogar, declined comments, saying she would not respond to telephone enquiries.

In a move indicating that the

group is battling for its share of the minds of the public, Mr Qaqa also said his sect is giving a notice in advance of the attacks because, "we don't want innocent people to be caught in the attacks. We are not happy that innocent people are dying in our war with the government. And that is why we have reduced our attacks in the past few days to enable us to strategize."

Reps urge Jonathan to include Itsekiri youths in amnesty scheme

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he House of Representatives yesterday appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to accommodate 2000 Itsekiri youths hitherto excluded in the Federal Government Amnesty Programme.

This is coming after the House Committee on Public Petitions chaired by Rep Ozor Azubuike entertained a petition from the Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC) against the Special Adviser to the President

on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Amnesty Programme, Hon. Kingsley Kuku.

The Itsekiri youths had alleged that they were deliberately excluded from the programme after submitting their arms and ammunitions in line with the Presidential directives to embrace peace.

But Kuku said the Itsekiri youths were not included in the Presidential Amnesty programme because they refused to be tagged "ex-militants".

igerian President Goodluck Jonathan is coming under pressure to prosecute top officials implicated in a $6.8-billion (about R55-billion) fuel subsidy fraud, but many of the suspects are allies he is unlikely to go after if he wants to keep his power base intact.

It has been three weeks since parliament produced a report detailing massive corruption in a state subsidised petrol import scheme and Jonathan has yet to indicate how he intends to respond.

Inaction on one of the biggest corruption scandals in Nigerian history will hurt Jonathan's reformist credentials and further alienate his government from a disillusioned population.

It could also prompt major public protests.

But some of Jonathan's closest allies manage the oil industry, which is based in his home region, and the tentacles of the subsidy fraud spread throughout the political elite, making it near impossible to untangle.

"In the past, pressure for change has usually prompted the casting aside of a scapegoat," said Antony Goldman, Nigeria analyst and head of Africa-focused PM Consulting.

Too many people in the ruling elite do not want an end to corruption, they just want their turn. From an external perspective, failure to act may indeed look like weakness; the domestic environment is more complex.

Civil society groups have threatened protests if those they deem responsible for the mess, including Oil Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, and heads of the state oil firm, aren't sacked.

In January, thousands brought the nation to a standstill in protests against an attempted removal of the subsidy.

Jonathan already has many opponents and is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency in the north. In a country where patronage and largesse still determine political success, prosecuting power brokers is a risk he is unlikely to take.

The report said Nigeria paid 900% more in fuel subsidies last year than it budgeted for, handing out billions of dollars to briefcase companies that had no capacity to import fuel or to firms that sold the petrol to neighbouring countries.

Criticism focused on fuel importers and government agencies but the report's evidence pointed to several ministries and the central bank.

If Jonathan implements its recommendations he will undermine a large section of the team he chose to run the country.

"I don't think we're going to see high level officials in jail ... that would imply his regime had imploded," said Patrick Smith, editor of Africa Confidential.

"The government didn't want this to come out. It isn't hard to track back some of this to the top people in government."

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 4

Niger govt in court over impeached Speaker From Iliya Garba, Minna

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arely two days after the removal of the Speaker of Niger State House of Assembly, the state government has gone to court challenging the action of the members to change their leadership.

A suit filed by the office of the state’s Attorney General at the litigation office of the state high court, described the removal of the former leadership as illegal and unconstitutional.

Consequently, the case has been assigned to Justice Aliyu Mohammed Maiyaki while hearing is fixed g for Friday (today).

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up around the state judiciary premises as heavily armed military men were seen around the court premises.

UTME candidate used handset as sanitary pad to cheat, says JAMB Registrar

By Mohammed Kandi

R

egistrar and Chief Executive, Joint Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde,has revealed that a candidate in the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) used a cell phone handset as a sanitary pad with the intention to cheat According to him, what happened showed “how ingenious Nigerians could be with examination malpractices”.

Sharing his recent on-the-field experience with the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, during a visit on Wednesdahy, Ojerinde said “there is this particular case of a woman in Ikirun, Osun state.

“During the examination, a search was conducted on her and the scanner gave an indication that there were foreign metal objects in her body.

“All entreaties to her to bring out what was on her failed, until a woman supervisor had to take her to a closet to undress her, only to discover that a handset was prepared, just like a pad, in her private part.

“It was that bad. If we had not used the scanner, we couldn’t have detected it. Even at that, I am sure there were people that still went away with it.”

He also said that in the last UTME, taken in March, two candidates who designed bathroom slippers that accommodated handsets were arrested.

He asked EFCC to offer assistance to the board in curbing the myriad malpractices plaguing the conduct of public examinations in the country.

“It was that bad. If we had not used the scanner, we couldn’t have detected it. Even at that, I am sure there were people that still went away with it.”

He also disclosed that in the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), two individuals who designed bathroom slippers that accommodated handsets were arrested.

He asked EFCC to offer assistance to the board in curbing myriad of malpractices plaguing the conduct of public examinations in Nigeria.

By Lambert Tyem

I

ndications emerged yesterday that the Police Service Commission has served retirement notice to 14 Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs).

The officers affected are those whose juniors were elevated to the ranks of Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) including the late DIG Haruna John who died in Jos in a plane crash while on official duty.

A source at the Police Service Commission (PSC), who declined identification, told our reporter that following the retirement of former

Shake-up in police: 14 AIGs to go IGP Hafiz Ringim, junior DIGs and AIGs were elevated ahead of their senior colleagues; but they remained in service which had made them to remain without postings till date.

He said the PSC deemed it fit to

right the wrongs by notifying the officers to quit. The source also disclosed that some of the affected officers collected their retirement notices yesterday.

So far about 16 AIGs ought to be affected in the retirement exercise

but only 14 have been penciled for retirement.

Our source also disclosed that most of the officers still have three to four years before attaining the mandatory retirement age of 35 years.

L-R: Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Esther Adeyemi, and Director, Social Welfare of the ministry, Mr. Maijama'a Kwasau, after a consultative meeting of stakeholders organised by the ministry, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Lambert Tyem

T

he Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), has arrested a deputy director with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment Abuja, Engineer Victor Nnamdi Igboanugo, over fraudulent acquisition of properties, looting of government funds and receiving gratification from contractors.

According to Mike Sowe, Head, Public Enlightenment Department, “The suspect, who joined the Federal Civil Service in 2005 as Chief Engineer on Grade Level 14 has acquired properties in Nigeria and

ICPC quizes director the United States of America amounting to hundreds of millions of naira.

“Investigators have discovered that Engr. Igboanugo fraudulently enriched himself with tax payers’ money by circumventing the procurement due process while serving with the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Trade and Investment, his current posting.

“He awarded contracts to two

companiesM/S Echedom Technical and Trading Co. Ltd and Phinavic- in which he is a director with his wife and children as codirectors.

“Records show that in 2008, M/ S Echedom Tecnical, a company owned by his cousin was awarded contract for the construction of 3bedroom semi detached bungalow in Asaba, Delta state at the cost of N10.5 million by the Ministry of Environment.

“The same company also benefited from a contract of N18.3 million while Engr. Victor Igboanugo was assistant director with the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry.

“One of the witnesses interviewed by the commission provided evidence which indicated that Engr Igboanugo demanded and received the sum of N3 million gratification from him in a contract deal.

House committee seeks NIMC’s autonomy

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he chairman, House Committee on Interior, Honorable Umar Bature, has called for a review of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act to consider autonomy for the

commission which will create an enabling environment for the it to run the National Identity Management System (NIMS) project effectively.

In a press statement signed by the Director, Corporate Communications, Anthony Okwudiafor the NIMC stated

that the minister made this assertion during the House committee’s oversight visit to the commission’s office in Abuja.

Honourable Bature argued that special commission of this kind that has the mandate to create and manage a national database which can equally be

Queen of disco, Donna Summer, dies at 63

P

opular black American musician, Donna Summer died yesterday from lung cancer. She was aged 63.

According to several sources, Summer believed she contracted cancer by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in New York City.

Dona's family released a statement, noting that they "are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her

continued legacy."

The late singer and dancer passed away in Florida after battling cancer.

She had been trying to keep the severity of her illness hidden.

Someone who was with her a couple of weeks ago says she "didn't seem too bad". She had been trying to finish a new album at the time.

She was a five time Grammy winner who became popular in the 1970s with songs like "Last

Dance", "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls".

She later had other hits in the 80s, including "She Works Hard for the Money" and "This Time I Know It's for Real." Summer and producer Giorgio Moroder were a huge part of the dance music era of the 70s and later influenced artists like Duran Duran and David Bowie.

She married Brooklyn Dreams singer Bruce Sudano back in 1980 and together they had two daughters.

used for other special assignments like the general election, should have no government interference and should not be placed under the supervision of the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation or any ministry; thus the commission should be absolutely independent.

Honorable Bature expressed satisfaction at the level of the work done on the project, noting that the standard of the Nigerian NIMS project is far ahead of most European countries that are embarking on similar project.

The chairman suggested that it should be made mandatory for all citizens to register themselves with the commission and obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) for the basis of having an authentic national database in Nigeria.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Militants bomb two schools in Kano From Edwin Olofu & Bala Nasir, Kano

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wo separate bombs suspected to have been planted by some militants exploded on Wednesday night in two schools in the city of Kano.

The affected schools are government owned Islamic school located in Farawa Hotoro area and a primary school in Jayin Sharada in Kumbotso local government council, all in the municipality.

In what looked like a coordinated attack, the explosions went off simultaneously in the institutions around 7.30pm as loud sounds were heard in the city.

Eyewitness accounts said that the attackers of the Islamic school in Hotoro area came on a motorcycle and started hurling explosives into a desolate building and blowing off the roofing of a new storey building billed for commissioning soon.

However, at Jayin primary school located at the heart of Industrial area of Sharada Phase 3, one classroom was affected while few vehicles parked within the premises of the school had their windscreens shattered.

The attack on educational institutions was the first of such attack on schools in the city since Kano came under attack in January.

Confirming the incident, the Deputy spokesman of Kano state police command, ASP Magaji Musa Majia revealed that some blocks of classroom were affected while the windscreen of some vehicles parked there were shattered.

Borno insecurity exaggerated, says legislator From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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he lawmaker representing Asuka/Igbo Eze South Federal Constituency in Anambra state, Mr. Patrick Asago said the persistent insecurity bedeviling Borno state due to the militants’ insurgency has been exaggerated Hon. Asago, who is the chairman of the House of Representatives Technical SubCommittee on Health investigating the VAMED project, made the observation in a chat with newsmen yesterday shortly after the committee rounded off its threeday inspection visits of the facilities at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, (UMTH).

According to him, situations in Borno state were not as bad as is being negatively reported and believed by those residing outside the state, dismissing the misconceptions as unfortunate.

“Despite the challenges, we have gone round the town (Maiduguri) and saw people going about their normal businesses… indeed, there is life in Borno. We believe that with good leadership, the insecurity bedeviling us will be surmounted,” he said.

PAGE 5

Maritime workers warn against arms smuggling From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has charged workers in the sector especially dockworkers, to be vigilant in the course of their duties and ensure that unscrupulous and evil minded importers do not smuggle weapons through the ports into the country.

President-General of MWUN, Mr. Anthony Nted, while

addressing the workers at Apapa Port yesterday as part of the leadership tour of port formations in the country, said the security of the nation and Nigerians should be the responsibility of every well meaning Nigerian.

Comrade Nted who said leaders of the union had toured round Warri, Onne, Port Harcourt and Calabar ports with similar message, argued that security operatives in the ports

may not do thorough examination of containers imported into the ports, but the Dockworkers who off load the containers are in a better position to actually know the content of a container irrespective of whatever the importer claims he or she imported.

He noted that as members of the union and patriotic Nigerians, they have a duty not compromise their loyalty to the nation even if

others did.

According to him, “the rate of insecurity in the country should be of concern to you and other well meaning Nigerians. You are aware of the unabated bomb, gun and other violent attacks on Nigerians across the country. You should have an eagle eye in the course of your duties especially while off loading containers and report suspicious cargo to the authorities.”

Strike cripples business activities in Zamfara From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

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Former chairman, House Committee on Capital Market, Hon. Herman Hembe (middle) being led by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials when he appeared at the FCT Federal High Court, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Plateau govt apologises to journalists over sour relations From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

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ollowing the decision of Plateau state correspondents to boycott all government activities, the state government has tendered an unreserved apology to journalists in the state and promised to turn a new leaf.

The apology was followed by a resolution by the chapel to relax the boycott on government

activities earlier embarked upon by the journalists.

The state information and commissioner Mr. Abraham Yiljap assured the protesting journalists that he would work towards amending the sour relationship between government and the press which led to the boycott of government’s activities by the correspondents.

Yiljap said “we have missed the Correspondents’ Chapel on its

beats; we feel the pains of it and it’s regrettable. Our coming here is not to defend issues, but to get back our fellowship and relationship”.

According to him, “the gap you experienced from us is regrettable, I personally take responsibility for that; I will not defend it, though there are explanations for that.

Yiljap said, “we need to work together to avoid danger, and for the security of all journalists in the state, please give us the chance. Plateau State is not happy at the death of anyone, including journalists”.

Taraba police warn motorcycle riders From Yusha’u Alhassan, Jalingo

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he Taraba state Police Command has warned the Association of Commercial Motorcycle Riders (ACOMORAN) to call its members to order by stopping them from using motorcycles to commit crimes.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department, CID Mohammed Waya made the call during an interactive session with

stakeholders on insecurity in the state, organised by the police command.

He said many criminals hide under the umbrella of ACOMORAN to perpetrate evils, pointing out that a lot of the commercial motorcycle riders were not registered members.

The CID boss also explained that most of the criminal activities in the state were carried out on motorcycles, hence the ban on them saying

no reasonable government would fold its arms and allow crimes to be perpetrated unchecked.

Earlier, the representative of ACOMORAN at the meeting, Aminu Sadiq, accused the police of extortion, intimidation and molestation of his members.

He advised the police to intensify their search on vehicles because cars and others automobiles also carry weapons into the state.

he industrial action embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday grounded government and business activities in Gusau, the Zamfara state capital and other urban areas.

The NLC had earlier this month given two weeks ultimatum to the state government within which to implement the N18,000 minimum wage or face the strike, which expired Wednesday.

Business activities came to a standstill as a result of the action, while government offices, including banks and other major business centres were shut down.

The strike action, which was the second in the one-year old administration of Governor Abdulaziz Yari, had caused hardship to the people, particularly the business community and the less privileged.

Court remands youth for inciting public disturbance From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

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Chief Magistrate Court in Gombe state has remanded a 26 year old Mohammed Umar Aliyu in prison for allegedly inciting public disturbance.

The accused who was arrested at Malla Inna market allegedly tried to incite public disturbance by shouting and calling on Muslims to come to his rescue because Christians wanted to kill him.

However, when the police interrogated him, the suspect failed to prove his claim.

The Prosecuting Police officer (PPO), Inspector Gaius Lafai, told the court that the action of the accused person was contrary to Section 114 of the Penal Code.

Responding to a question from the judge, Hon. Haruna Mohammed, the accused apologised to the court saying that he raised the alarm while he was being thoroughly beaten.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2012

95,000 Nigerians for Hajj this year

By Richard Ihediwa

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5,000 Muslim pilgrims from Nigeria are to perform the 2012 hajj with the first flight taking off on September 18.

Chairman, National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Alhaji Muhammad Bello, said yesterday at a meeting with the Rep. Nnenna

Jonathan receives four new ambassadors

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem our new ambassadors to Nigeria presented their letters of credence to President Goodluck Jonathan at State House yesterday.

The new ambassadors are Mr. Saeed Koozechi, Ambassador of Iran, Mr. Marco Antonio Garcia Barco, Ambassador of Mexico, Mrs. Toure Maman, Ambassador of Cote d'Ivoire, and Mr. Vyacheslav Beskosty, Ambassador of Belarus.

Speaking to them during separate audiences, President Jonathan invited the new ambassadors to take advantage of the very warm and cordial relations existing between Nigeria and their countries to further develop economic activities for the mutual benefit of the citizens.

He assured them that his administration was going to cooperate with them during their tenures to attract investments into the country, which he described as 'a good market with over 167 million people'.

Responding, Mr. Saeed Koozechi said Iran sympathized with Nigeria over the terrorist attacks in the country and announced the readiness of his country to help, while Mr. Marco Antonio Garcia Barco of Mexico said he wanted to build on the long history of cooperation between his country and Nigeria.

In her brief remarks, Mrs. Toure Maman of Cote d'Ivoire expressed her country's appreciation for Nigeria's role in resolving the recent crises in that country, while Mr. Vyacheslav Beskosty said he was in Nigeria to promote economic and educational cooperation between the two countries.

Elendu-Ukeje-led House Committee on Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

Bello, who briefed the committee on the 2011 hajj exercise, said the update on 2012 hajj arrangements was necessary so as to have a smooth and hitch free exercise in 2012.

He said the number was 4,000 lower than the allocation to Nigeria in 2011, adding that 10,000 of the figure were allotted to private hajj operators in the country while the commission and the state pilgrim boards would share the remaining 85,000.

The NAHCON boss, who attributed the shortfall to lack of

...First flight leaves Sept 18 space and facilities in the Holy land, said the commission was still discussing with the Saudi authorities the possibility of getting additional slots to cater for the huge requests for hajj seats in the country.

In the allocation for seats for the 2012 hajj exercise, Bello said the least number of 80 slots went to Abia, while Kaduna State had the highest of 7,560 and Kano State, 6,778.

On the transportation of pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, he said the first Hajj flight

would depart Nigeria by September 18 while the last flight would leave the country on October 17 as the Jeddah airport would be closed by October 21.

Speaking on return flight, he said since Arafat day was likely to hold on October 25, the first return flight would leave Saudi Arabia for Nigeria on November 1 while the last would be November 30.

Bello told the committee that arrangements for 2012 Hajj exercise was better than 2011 exercise as

Saudi authorities would allow 25 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims to land in the Holy City of Madina.

He warned that any state, who failed to remit her payments by June 1 to t NAHCON, would lose the allotted seats and would be reallocated to other willing states as 80 per cent priority would be given to first timers.

The chairman said that some states were penalised for some misconducts in 2011 Hajj exercise by losing some seats, adding that 536 seats were recovered and redistributed to those states who complied with the law. (NAN)

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L-R: Chief Host, Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Niger state Commissioner of Information, Hon. Danladi Umar Abdullahi, and Senator Ben Obi who chaired the public presentation of a book on Ojukwu, titled “The' Rebel’ I Served,” yesterday at the Yar’adua Centre in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

SSS uncovers explosives, ammunition in Kogi From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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he Joint Task Force comprising Army, Navy, Air force, Police and State Security Service on Wednesday uncovered an explosive device and other arms and ammunition at the boundary between Kogi and Edo states. Addressing newsmen in Lokoja Wednesday, the Kogi state SSS Director, Mike Fubara, said it was a

Kogi distributes 64 tractors to farmers From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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he pride of any responsible and responsive government is ability to feed and care for its citizens in terms of shelter and adequate agricultural inputs to enhance the productive capacity of the people.

Governor Idris Wada said this during the distribution of agricultural equipment and chemicals to farmers in the state yesterday.

Giving out 64 tractors and agro-chemicals to farmers at the Agricultural Development

Projects site, along Lokoja-AbujaOkene road yesterday, Wada said the government would assist the farmers to attain maximum productive level, by moving from traditional farming to the mechanised type He said that mechanised farming was strategic for development, income generation and ability to move people from subsistence farming to food production capable of sustaining the increasing populace.

He however warned the beneficiaries not to abuse the privilege as the government would not sanction any offender.

major break through by the JTF in the fight against terrorism in the state.

The state SSS director said the items were buried in the forest in the border between Okengwe end of Kogi state and Igara end of Edo state, saying " we have made some arrests and with the intelligence report, we have located where they live but we cannot disclosed it because of security reasons".

According to him, they were able to locate the items following intelligence reports.

"Certainly, they are terrorist

group and we have got to the root of the situation about them. They have changed their mode of operation by burying Improvised Explosive Device and other explosive in the bush so that when you search their hideout, you will not finding anything. They only excavate them when they are going for operation," he said.

Fubara said the fight against terrorists in the state was a continuous exercise and that with best brains assembled by the Federal Government in the state, JTF would do its best to contain them through

prompt public information to security agents.

Items recovered were one Baretta pistol, two revolvers, one submachine gun, one submagazine, 10 AK 47 rifles, 57 AK magazines, 545 live amunitions, and 55 rounds of MMpistol rounds.

Others were four magazine waist belts, 14 unit of locally made hand grenades, eight anti tank Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), one firing cable, three 9 volts power source and one Jeep with registration number LF 98 AAA Lagos.

Military retirees want corrupt official to face death penalty From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

T

he Retired Army, Navy and Airforce Officers Association of Nigeria (RANAO) Oyo state chapter, has advocated the death penalty for corrupt public servants in the country as a way of reducing high profile official corruption.

The chairman of the association, LT-Col AbduGaniyu Abdul-Salam, stated this during a courtesy visit to

Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the Executive Chamber, secretariat Ibadan.

He urged the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly to legislate against high profile official corruption classifying it as "blood money" and making the offenders face the death penalty without option.

He said the police pension scam suggests that pension administrative offices have

become breeding spots for organised scams and called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to beam its searchlight on other pensions offices.

He noted that the brazen embezzlement of pensions running into billions of naira had led thousands of pensioners to their graves saying those who suck pensioners to death should be ready to die by law.

PEOPLES DAILY,FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 7

Buhari: FG cautions politicians on inciting comments

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

I

n a veiled reference to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari’s recent comments on 2015 polls and Boko Haram, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has enjoined politicians to desist from making statements that are capable of inciting violence in the country.

“The difference between democracy and

other forms of government is that democracy is civil.

Democracy talks about the rule of law; it does not talk about violence. In no major nations of the world

will politicians or parties urge people to go and fight in polling stations or defend their votes or threaten violence because democracy is civility.

“Where you have difficulties, the law provides for you to go to court to enforce your rights. More importantly, we are in politics to

develop a country.

Without peace and security, you cannot develop any country.

Those of us who live in the Northern parts of the

country are seeing the consequences of violence, we are seeing the consequences of lack of peace in our community” the minister said.

Minister implores Nigerians to be part of technology commercialisation

By Joy Baba

I

n the wake of the clamour for technology by individuals and institutions, Nigerians have been urged to take advantage of satellite resources available and several other products fully developed for commercialisation via

linkages with entrepreneurs.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Okon Bassey Ewa, gave this indication yesterday in Abuja during the Ministerial Platform to commemorate the 2012 Democracy Day and first year anniversary of President Jonathan’s administration.

Ewa said Nigeria Sat-X satellite and NigCom Sat 1R satellite were both developed and launched into orbit within the first year of this administration.

Prof. Ewa further listed some of the achievement of the ministry to include: Baseline data generation for tsetse fly, human and animal

trypanosomiasis control and eradication in Jigawa state; supply of 5000 pineapple plantlets at the first instance to FUNMAN farms in December 2011.

The minister reminded the audience that the ministry had earlier generated information and technologies to organise

capacity building programmes for Nigerians to stimulate investment towards enhancing increased production to reduce raw material importation; facilitating natural resource based business entrepreneurship; industrialisation and job creation.

FG to train 1m youth under industrial revolution plan

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

A

s part of efforts to restore the country’s industrial sector to its past glory, the Federal Government has concluded plans to launch a National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) which will spearhead other reforms aimed at achieving wealth creation, poverty reduction and employment generation.

Disclosing this yesterday at the National

Industrial Skills Development Forum organised by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Small and Medium Scale Entreprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) in Abuja, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga said that the NIRP and NISD project were part of his ministry’s plans to carry out a complete turnaround of the country’s industrial fortunes.

According to the

minister, no nation could truly be industrialised without adequate skilled manpower, adding that the action plan would ensure that one million Nigerian youths are trained every year in different areas of skill acquisition.

Aganga lamented the present industrial fortunes of the country with the sector contributing only about 4 percent to the GDP, adding that the country’s previous policy makers had formulated and

implemented wrong policies.

“I am not blaming anybody but the available indices and what other countries like Brazil, South Africa and the Asian Tigers have done with less potentials than us show that a lot of things had been wrong with our approach and policies in the past,” he said.

He continued: “A clear

example is a country like Brazil that is now competing with the United States, Japan, China and Germany.

Brazil transformed from lowincome economy to a world class economy through a structural change from a low productivity agricultural economy to a higher productivity industry and services economy with coordination

offered by the National Service for Industrial Apprenticeship (SENAI).

Speaking earlier in a welcome address, the Director General of ITF, Professor Longmas Sambo Wapmuk, said the agency collaborated with similar institutions in other countries which aided the establishment of the Model Skills Training Centre in Abuja last year.

Jonathan meets northern leaders over Boko Haram

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan met with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in the Presidential Villa Abuja on Wednesday night to deliberate on the effort to tackle the Boko Haram menace.

The chairman of ACF, Lt. Gen. Jerry Useni led other members of the forum including former Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Coomasie, former Katsina state governors, Alhaji Saidu Barda and Major General Lawrence Onoja,

Alhaji Tanko Yakasai among others.

At the end of the meeting, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, told State House correspondents that the ACF has pledged to support the Federal Government in ending the Boko Haram menace.

He said ACF told President Jonathan that the forum has already taken steps to address the issue with the setting up a committee which would make its report available to government on completion of its assignment

Abati added that President Jonathan assured the northern leaders that his doors were always open for consultation and he is ever ready to work with them.

Also speaking, Gen. Useni told reporters that ACF was ready to provide advice to government, expressing delight that government has already agreed to dialogue with the Boko Haram sect.

According to him, such move is not strange, is not a new thing as “even when you are fighting with somebody you have to sit down one day to talk.”

Ogun rescues 72 lunatics as 800 seek child adoption From Dimeji KayodeAdedeji, Abeokuta gun state government yesterday disclosed that it has rescued 72 lunatics and destitutes in the last one year from the major streets of Abeokuta, the state capital, with 13 of them already rehabilitated and re-

O

united with their families, just as the authority said it is short of babies for adoption as being requested by over 800 applications.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Shonubi, disclosed this at a press conference in preparation of the one year anniversary of the

government, adding that the lunatics comprise of 62 males and 10 females.

Shonubi said investigations equally revealed that majority of the lunatics swarmed the town from a neigbouring state, but added that 59 of the lunatics were repatriated to their states of origin.

FG appoints new directors, obtains 500 project vehicles to aid ATA vehicles to assist them carry respective states and regions.

By Mohammed Kandi

T

he Federal G o v e r n m e n t y e s t e r d a y , announced it has appointed regional and state directors to supervise its Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) in each region and state and that it has procured 500 project

out their tasks.

Addressing the State and the Regional directors o9f ATA yesterday during a meeting held in Abuja, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, advised them to take seriously their duty and warned that they would be held responsible for their

Tijani, who mentioned among other things some the tasks including working hand-in-hand with the value chain leaders, providing monthly report to the ministers and permanent secretary, value chain leaders, departments and agencies, further stressed the need to sensitise the people on ATA.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Members of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and National Summit Group (NSG), after a National Dialogue meeting between ACF and NSF, yesterday in Abuja yesterday. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

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Sokoto state governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (right), interacting with NYSC members, yesterday at Kajiji. With them is the chairman, Shagari local government area, Abdullahi Maigwandu (middle). Photo: NAN

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L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Hajiya Rabi Jimeta, Minister Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms Amal Pepple, and Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Ita Bassey Ewa, during Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute’s workshop recently, in Abuja.

Photo: Joy Baba

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1

2

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R-L: President Goodluck Jonathan, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Lt.-General Jerry Useni, Chairman of ACF and Dan Iyan Misau, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed and former Katsina state Governor, Alhaji Saidu Barda during a visit to the President, on Wednesday, at the State House, Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

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PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

LG caretaker committees Edo guber: INEC raises illegal, says Reps concern over violence, summons parties, candidates

By Umar Mohammed Puma

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he House of Representatives yesterday, urged all state governors who did not conduct Local Government elections to immediately swing into action in order to ensure that all local government councils are manned by elected officials.

In a motion file by Hon. Friday Itulah, he noted that the governments of 25 states including: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Nassarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Yobe and Zamfara have constituted illegal local government caretaker committees in the states.

Hon. Itulah further said if this exercise by the state governors is not checked, it may bring the country to lawlessness.

While supporting the motion, Hon. Forte Dike (PDP Anambra), said the right which was given

to the State governors by the constitution, the governors do not want to give the same right to the local government chairmen as enshrined in the constitution.

He cited an example with Imo state where all the local government council chairmen were sacked before their tenure ended.

On his part, Hon. Garba Datti (Kaduna) said the state governors have become emperors in their state where everything they say or do is final, adding that until the House amends the constitution and the state Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) is abolished, it is going to be the same, as the election would only be won by ruling parties in states.

Hon. Lawan (Yobe) who spoke against the motion said the powers of local government council is vested only with the state Assemblies, and argued that the House has no power to interfere in matters of state Assemblies.

Mark salutes Bafyau in death

By Richard Ihediwa

S

enate President, David Mark has expressed shock over the death of the former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Comrade Pascal Bafyau.

Senator Mark, in a condolence message to the family, government and people of Adamawa state, said late Bafyau till death was a patriotic and selfless Nigerian, adding that his non-violent labour campaigns endeared him to many Nigerians.

He recalled that late Bafyau as a President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) who struggled for the emancipation of the workers and by extension

the welfare of the Nigerian people.

Senator Mark noted that Bafyau distinguished himself as a man who struggled for others to have comfort, adding, he was truly an emancipator.

“We are pained at the news of Comrade Bafyau’s death. He lived a life of humility and selfless service to humanity.

“I recalled his activities when he presided over the nation’s labour union. He was a man that loved peace,” Mark lamented.

He however urged the family, Labour Union, government and people of Adamawa state to see the death of Comrade Bafyau as the will of the Almighty God and prayed that the deceased have an eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.

By Richard Ihediwa

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has summoned the leadership of all political parties in the state and their governorship candidates to a crucial meeting in Abuja following the rising spate of violence in Edo state ahead of the July 14 governorship election.

The meeting is scheduled for today, according to a release signed by the INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

Jega said the commission was deeply worried by the situation and hoped that it does not deteriorate as to threaten the fair conduct of polls in the state.

The statement reads in part, “In the past few weeks, the Commission has received petitions containing allegations and counter allegations from various political parties. Some of the accusations are directed at political parties and candidates, while others are directed at the Commission’s preparations for the election. The principles that

have guided the work of this Commission are transparency, honesty and creation of a level playing field for all political parties and their candidates. The Commission remains committed to these principles.

“Consequently, the Commission is deeply concerned about unfolding events in Edo state which are capable of overheating the polity and posing a fundamental threat to the integrity of the impending Governorship election and indeed the stability of our democracy.

FG to intervene in Lagos doctors crisis

By Albert Akota

T

he Minister of Labour and Productivity Chief Emeka Wogu, says the Federal Government will intervene in the ongoing labour crisis between the Lagos State Government and the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

The minister said in Abuja that already, talks are underway

between the relevant stakeholders on the matter.

“My state office has intervened. I gave them a mandate to intervene.

“I am holding a meeting on Thursday (yesterday), I am going to discuss with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Medical Doctors (NAMDs).

“After that meeting on

Thursday which is a proactive means of meeting with the union at the national level, I intend to interface with the state government to encourage them to continue to dialogue,” the minister said.

Mr. Wogu said that the ministry has not been properly briefed on the details of the terms of engagement between the sacked doctors and the Lagos state government.

Old boys donate N32 million mega classrooms to former school From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

T

he 57-year-old African Church Grammar School located in Abeokuta is set to benefit from some kind gesture from its old students, as the alumni has concluded arrangement for the donation of N32 million 8-classroom mega structure.

The national president of alumni association, Olubodun Oke disclosed this yesterday at a press conference held in the school compound, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta, pointing out that reasons behind the project was to reduce congestion of students in the classroom.

Accompanied by other executives and members, the president noted that congestion has been identified as one of the

major factors responsible for mass failure in examinations, stressing that without a conducive atmosphere there was no way academics can go on smoothly.

He lamented that many classrooms now accommodate over 100 students all crammed together with hardly any space for the teacher, contrary to their days when a classroom was meant for a maximum of 40 students.

The classrooms which were inspected by journalists have 20 standard twin benches and lockers for 40 students per classroom, four ceiling fans in each classroom, one modern whiteboard per classroom, eight standard toilets fitted with water closets and beautiful landscape with well-paved frontage and interlocking blocks.

L-R: Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Mr. Sam Sab, with Chief Judge of Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar, after their meeting, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Niger govt not broke, says commissioner From Iliya Garba, Minna

N

iger state Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Muazu Bawa has said that the state is neither broke nor bankrupt as speculated in some quarters, insisting that the government is capable of meeting all its financial obligations.

The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry

of Finance, Alhaji Mahmoud Kpako Bello, made this known to journalists in Minna.

According to him, for the first time in the history of the state, the administration has cultivated the culture of saving which has assisted the government to meet some urgent needs without waiting for federal allocation.

He said the government has also settled the N8.5 billion loan

it collected from some commercial banks to facilitate the running of the government between 2007 and last year.

He added that part of the loan was committed to the settlement of pension and gratuity debts the administration inherited while the balance was channeled to the completion of the M. I. Wushishi Housing Estate and the Talba Housing Estate both in Minna.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Juvenile justice administration suffers inadequacies, says minister

By Maryam Garba Hassan

J

uvenile justice administration in the country is suffering from inadequacies that include legal, planning, implementation, training and research.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, made the assertion

yesterday in Abuja at the opening of a consultative meeting of stakeholders on a survey of remand homes, approved schools and reform institutions in the country.

According to her, there are no well-established and adequately equipped distinct institutions and coherent programmes for dealing with juvenile offenders and

preventing juvenile delinquency in the country, adding that the existing legislative and institutional frameworks were inherited from the colonial masters.

Hajiya zainab noted that because the system is back ward, many of the existing laws on the treatment of juvenile offenders in the country today do not conform

to the international standards and do not only violate the rights of children and young persons brought to the criminal justice system, but also denies the juvenile the benefit of humane treatment and relevant opportunities for self actualisation.

A social aid consultant, Mr. Olajide Ayodeji Fashikun, in a

paper titled “Juvenile correctional systems and the Child Rights Act 2003”, presented at the event, lamented that social welfare in the country has remained underdeveloped and undeveloped, adding that there are no desks, units or officers in most ministries of social welfare to oversee special education services at juvenile facilities.

FRSC elevates officers

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has promoted the Zonal Commanding Officer of Abuja Zonal Command Headquarters, Austin Aipoh and the Principal Staff Officer to the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Wole Olaniran to the rank Assistant Corps Marshals.

Their promotion forms part of the recent elevation of seven Corps Commanders to Assistant Corps Marshals, 15 Deputy Corps Commanders to Corps Commanders and 13 Assistant Corps Commanders to the rank of Deputy Corps Commanders.

A statement issued by Corps

Public Education Officer (CPEO), Jonas Agwu, added that the Head, Manpower Development Section under the Training, Standards and Certification Department, Kehinde Adeleye, was elevated alongside the Adamawa State Sector Commander, Luka Kinya, as Assistant Corps Marshals.

It further stated that the Osun State Sector Commander, Alfred Adeboye, has joined the league of Assistant Corps Marshals alongside the Acting Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 3 Yola, Ahmad Hassan and his Zonal Head of Operations, Comfort Uwadoka, who were also promoted as Assistant Corps Marshals.

…as Nasarawa command sues for peace over death of youth Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (right), with students of Kessingsheen Adebukunola Adebolu Foundation Vocational Centre during the inauguration of the centre, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Yuguda distributes 210 tricycles to okada riders T From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

he Governor of Bauchi state, Malam Isa Yuguda has presented 210 tricycles popularly called ‘Keke NAPEP’ to commercial motorcyclists in the state as a loan.

Yuguda while presenting the vehicles to the beneficiaries at Steyr Nigeria Limited Bauchi, explained that the gesture was aimed at empowering youths and alleviating poverty in the state and urged the beneficiaries to utilise the tricycles judiciously.

The governor who stated that the youths were helpful for his victory in the recent election, added that his administration has

since its inception been giving attention to the youths of the state and many of them have been engaged in skills acquisition training.

He pointed out that the tricycles loan which will be re-paid at a subsidised rate will facilitate and revamp commercial transportation in the state if the beneficiaries make good use of them.

Governor Yuguda, also promised to revamp the moribund Steyr Nigeria Limited company in the state so that it could be functional and manufacture vehicle engines and spare parts for the benefit of the country.

Also addressing the gathering

the Bauchi state Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Wabu, expressed gratitude over the intervention of the state government at providing the tricycles, saying that it will go a long way in generating more income in the state and discourage the youths from depending on the state government to meet all their needs.

In his response the Chairman Bauchi state chapter of the Amalgamated Commercial Motor Cycles Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Alhaji Abubakar Adamu expressed appreciation to the governor for the loan saying it will go a long way in boosting their businesses.

Oshiomhole mourns Bafyau From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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do state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has described the death of former president, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Pascal Myeleri Bafyau as “a singular colossal loss to the Labour Movement”.

In a condolence letter to the NLC President, Comrade Abduwaheed Omar, Oshiomhole who succeeded Bafyau at the Congress, said

“Comrade Pascal wa ahead of his contemporaries, appreciated the limitation of “bread and butter” struggle of trade unionism.

“He was convinced that organised working men and women must be politically relevant through party formation and contest for political power if they will truly overcome exploitation and ensure equitable distribution of state resources”.

Recalling Bafyau’s glowing era at the NLC, the governor said, “His

tenure witnessed labour struggle against military dictatorship and official attempt to divide the labour movement. His indelible marks I took over from as the 4th President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in 1999 in the movement are significant and numerous to list”.

“He will be remembered among other numerous achievements as an advanced politically conscious comrade who led formation and registration of the Labour Party as early as 1990s”, Oshiomhole said.

From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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he Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nasarawa state Mr. Owoimaha Francis-Udoma, has appealed to the general public, particularly the youths in Lafia, the state capital, for more understanding and to allow his personnel to go about their normal duties in the interest of public safety.

Francis-Udoma, who assumed duty barely three days ago as sector commander, made the appeal while chatting with journalists in his office, and commenting on the fracas involving men of the corps and some youths over the death of one Audu Wambai.

While expressing regrets over the unfortunate incident that occurred last week which led to the destruction of operational vehicles belonging to the corps, the commandant pleaded that, “the

public and indeed the youths should understand that the accident was not intentional, as such we need the support of all and sundry towards ensuring the success of our activities, to see to the safety of our road users”, he said.

According to him, officers and men of the corps are there to ensure the safety of motorists and road users, urging members of the public to see them as their friends and to cooperate with the FRSC officials as they go about their duties of saving lives on the roads.

“The deceased is our son in-law, as he married the daughter of one of our officers, from Doma. Our men also added colour to his wedding last year, as such he is part of us”, Francis-Udoma observed.

The FRSC commandant decried the lack of operational vehicles, which according to him is hindering their work, adding that the only utility vehicle used by his men was the same vehicle burnt by the irate youths.

RMDC ranks Bauchi high on economic viability From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he Bauchi state office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), has ranked the state high among the nation's economically viable states in terms of mineral resources.

The RMRDC coordinator of Bauchi office, Alhaji Ali Abdulhamid, revealed this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi, saying that government would only need to put more effort in the exploitation aspect of the various resources that abound all over its 20 local government areas

to achieve this.

Abdulhamid said minerals such as kaolin, tantalite, and raw materials such as sesame, gum Arabic, tin, columbite and other metallic minerals are in abundant in the state.

“Bauchi state is rich in terms of solid minerals because if Bauchi state can utilise the abundant solid minerals around the state, I think the state will forget about the allocations from the federal account. The gems stones alone can sustain the economy of the state.

All the metallic minerals that are being taken out of the Plateau are from Bauchi state”, he said

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 11

New registrar appointed for UDUS From Sadeeq Aliyu, Sokoto

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he governing council of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has approved the appointment of Malam Mohammed Kakale Jabo as the new Registrar of the University. The appointment which took effect from May 15th, 2012 shall be for a period of five years.

Malam Jabo replaced the former Registrar Malam Umar U. Bunza whose tenure has expired.

Until his new appointment, Jabo was the deputy registrar in the establishment division of the university. He rose from the position of Assistant Registrar to his present appointment.

Born in Jabo, Tambuwal local government of Sokoto state in 1960, Jabo attended Jabo Primary School from 1967 to 1973 and proceeded to Government Secondary School Yabo where he finished in 1978.

The new registrar holds bachelors and masters degrees in History obtained at Usmanu Danfodiyo University; and a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration. He is married with children.

Lack of parental care breeds vices among kids, says IFAN

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he International Federation on Ageing –Nigeria (IFAN) has lamented that parental care for children is being relegated to the background as a result of ‘work-work’ syndrome, saying this has impacted negatively on children’s upbringing in the society.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja to mark this year’s International Family Day, the programme manager, Tom Ndibe, described the family as the nucleus upon which every society is built, adding that family means so much to humankind and society that it is accorded observance by the United Nations.

It pointed out that in most families today, parents are engaged in work and work related activities, such that they hardly spend quality times with their children and wards, maintaining that this has impacted negatively on children’s upbringing in the society.

L-R: Official of Bayero University, Kano, Dr. Sani Ringim, Head, Consultancy Unit, Aquatech Institute of Fisheries Management, Mr. Michael Olusola-Taiwo, representative of the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Alhaji Husaini Muhammad, Head of Vocational Studies, Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Mr. Oladele Olarotimi, during NBTE team’s inspection visit to Aquatech Institute yesterday in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

Sacked Lagos doctors want court to nullify sack From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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he 788 medical doctors, whose appointments were recently terminated by the Lagos state government, have prayed Justice Benedict Kanyip of the National Industrial Court, Lagos, to void what they termed the identical dismissal letters purportedly issued to them by the state government.

The suit was instituted by both the chairman of the Medical Guild, Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote and the general secretary, Dr. Idris Durojaiye, for themselves and on behalf of other members of the

guild.

Joined as defendants in the suit are: the Lagos state government, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State Health Service Commission and the State University Teaching Hospital Management Board.

In a motion on notice filed by their counsel, Bamidele Aturu, the doctors seek for an order from the court, mandating the defendants to recall forthwith all medical doctors in the services of the defendants purportedly dismissed vide identical letters issued during the pendency of this suit and after the defendants were duly notified of a relief for an order of perpetual injunction on or

about May 4, 2012.

The doctors are equally seeking for "an order of injunction restraining the defendants whether by themselves or privies howsoever called or by whomsoever from ejecting or continuing with the ejection from staff quarters of members of the medical guild and doctors who took part in the 3-day warning strike declared by the medical guild between April 11, 2012 and April 13, 2012, as a result of the failure of the defendants to fully implement the agreement reached by the medical guild and the defendants".

UNILAG VC’s death: ‘We suspect no foul play’- Family LP blasts Jang University of Lagos, which he was in his personal office at the over sour govt, From Ojebola Matthew, Lagos announced May 25 – June 4, 2012 Department of Computer Science he elder brother of late Vice as the burial arrangement dates for because he had a busy day on press relationship Chancellor of the University the late Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe. Friday 11th May, 2012 a day

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of Lagos, Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe, Chief Dehinde Sofolufe has denied claims that the Sofoluwe family is suspecting foul play in the death of its reputable member.

He made the assertion while representing the family at

According to him, at no time has the family claimed that late Prof. Sofoluwe died of poison or any external force.

Throwing more light on this, the Deputy VC (Academics and Research), Prof. Alo recalled that the VC suffered heart attack while

before his death.

He added that the late Prof.

Sofoluwe called his doctor and complained of his discomfort before he was taken to the health centre and later to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he died 1:30am, May 12, 2012.

Neglect, deprivation responsible for poverty, says minister

By Maryam Garba Hassan

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he Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, has said social exclusion, marginalisation and deprivation of the vulnerable segment of the population are the major culprits behind the alarming poverty in the country.

A statement issued by the

According to the applicants, the decision of the defendants on the issue is in violent violation and sabotage of the rule of law and utter disrespect for the dignity of the court. The Attorney-General of Lagos state, Ade Ipaye, while speaking on the issue disclosed that he got the motion on Tuesday.

Ipaye said the government will be opposing the motion.

Justice Kanyip while adjourning the matter May 22, 2012 for hearing of the motion on notice further urged parties to seek for an amicable resolution of the matter in line with the provision of Section 20 of the NIC Acts, 2006.

Assistant Director of Press at the Ministry, Saghir el Mohammed, in Abuja, stated that the minister made the disclosure at the 2012 International Day of Families in Abuja, with the theme “Ensuring Work Family Balance”, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the International Day of the Family.

She however assured that the Transformation Agenda of the

government is committed to renewed national development strategies that will guarantee a new lease of life for Nigerian families and the nation as a whole.

“Discrimination and unequal access to social services deprive families of the opportunity to plan a better future for their children”, she said.

That is why we also introduced various economic windows,

capacity building and training in income generating activities for various family members so as to assist them in addressing poverty”, she said.

“On this International Day of Families, let us resolve to support families as they nurture the young, care for the old and foster strong communities built on tolerance and dignity for all,” she stressed.

From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

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lateau state chapter of the Labour Party has advised Governor Jonah Jang not to undermine the role of the media in consolidating the gains of democracy.

Publicity secretary of the party, Mr. Silvanus Namang said for past five years the government had refused to update the Plateau people on its policies and programmes.

Namang said “it is unheard of even during military regimes, that for five years a governor is refusing to talk to the press”.

According to him, it is obvious that the state government has committed a lot of wrongs and is doing everything possible to hide them from the public which was why the government is avoiding the press.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

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Stop the Edo bloodbath

arly in the month, Benin, the capital of Edo state, was left shell-shocked by the grisly murder of Comrade Oyerinde Olaitan, the Principal Private Secretary of the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole. At once, the gruesome act reverberated across the country, reawakening dreadful memories of similar reprehensible and dastardly acts.

The Olaitan murder is, by no means, accidental. We are of the considered opinion that the underlying motive of the cruel murder of the former trade unionist was political. It is in the public arena that violence is defining the shape of the gubernatorial election in the state in less than two months.

We are not altogether surprised at the vicious turn of events in the state since the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria(A C N) dislodged the Peoples Democratic Party after a fierce legal battle that culminated in the sack of the PDP controlled government in 2008.

Though the election is slated for July 17, the fierce campaigning by the two main contending political parties is, we dare say, partly responsible for the climate of growing insecurity in that state.

Before Olaitan’s tragic end, Governor Oshiomhole had blamed the opposition for the death of three journalists in his convoy in an accident which, the clearly embattled governor described as a failed assassination attempt on his life. Speaking through his

Commissioner of Information, Louis Odion, the governor alleged that he was the main target of an assassination plot, which he claimed was masterminded by the opposition.

Shortly afterwards, Mr. Odion raised another alarm, alleging that his life was in danger on account of a visit to his family residence by strangers asking for his whereabouts

“

Given the lacklustre performance of the police in resolving such cases, we are sceptical that killers of Olaitan will ever be found. We, however, take solace in the dictum that no evil ever goes unpunished no matter how long it takes, as perpetrators of evil will definitely have to pay some day just 12 hours after the accident that killed the reporters.

Expectedly, the PDP responded to the accusation, defending itself and describing the charge as ‘‘wicked and criminal’’. The murder of Olaitan on Thursday May 3 was the climax of a politically charged week for both gladiators.

Since the dawn of this democracy

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

in this country in 1999, several persons have been killed for reasons that are not unconnected with politics. Prominent among the endless list of the callously assassinated are the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Bola Ige, notable opposition figures in the South-south Harry Marshall and A. K. Dikibo, among others. Each of the times those unlucky Nigerians fell to the assassins’ bullets, the authorities made an elaborate show of tracking down the killers but months and years later, nothing came of the investigations.

The presidential directive to the police to fish out killers of Olaitan in two weeks has a familiar ring. In the wake of Bola Ige’s assassination, the Obasanjo administration made a similar posturing. So also was that of Harry Marshall, which the police was quick to conclude it was a robbery that went awry. Given the lacklustre performance of the police in resolving such cases, we are sceptical that killers of Olaitan will ever be found. We, however, take solace in the dictum that no evil ever goes unpunished no matter how long it takes, as perpetrators of evil will definitely have to pay some day.

As we commiserate with the family of Olaitan and indeed the families of all those who suffered a similar fate, we urge the people of Edo state to, please, put a stop to the bloodbath.

OUR PEOPLE

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

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

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GM PUBLICATIONS ABDULAZEEZ ABDULLAHI MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

By Aliyu Musa

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he overthrow of Togo’s Sylvanus Epiphanio Olympio on January 13, 1963 confirmed the latter group’s worse fears. And it set the stage for more military ousting of democratically elected governments, a development that scholars of Military in Politics describe as the contagious effect theory (or what I call the copycat blitz). In Nigeria, the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was sacked by dissident soldiers, an action that was celebrated by Ghana’s Dr Kwame Nkrumah who granted fugitive Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna refuge in his country.

The same fate was to befall Nkrumah shortly as soldiers swept power off his feet. The contagious effect theory is therefore not just an academic jargon that could be dismissed by the wave of one’s hand. It is for real.

These days are unmistakably Nigeria’s toughest in her entire

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Contagious implications of Nigeria’s security challenges history. The Boko Haram issue is the biggest challenge of the moment. But threats from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the Odua People’s Congress (OPC), the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and many other pockets of disorderliness are real.

Infrastructures have all collapsed while the only active business is corrupt enrichment by public officers and their cronies. There is no gainsaying the government of President Goodluck Jonathan is too weak to handle all or even any of these challenges. In a few years to come, if the steady slide continues, Nigeria might become history.

If Nigeria collapses fact is she might not go down alone. She

might drag down so many countries with her and that is why the contagious effect theory needs to be studied carefully to understand the symptoms and antidotes of this possibility.

Already Boko Haram fighters are in Mali where separatist soldiers are giving the junta of Captain Amadu Sanogo sleepless nights. If no one acts to save the country they might soon overrun the junta and carve out a whole enclave of their own, which could make a lot of difference to their campaign. In Cameroun, there have been reports of their activities in the north. Perhaps that might be accelerated as Nigeria moves closer to the brink. For instance the north, which sees itself as more of Nigeria, could decide to

break away from the south to either form a country of its own or join hands with the north-east of Nigeria to create one. Other countries like Niger, Chad, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Gabon and so on, won’t be entirely immune. At the minute although one can only speculate, it is doubtful that any widespread horrendous impact would not result from an implosion in Nigeria as the current trend points to. But the big issue is how to stop this from happening.

In my recent article on the Boko Haram crisis in Nigeria I suggested three major actions that need to be taken to stem the situation: negotiation with the intent of making reasonable/ responsible concessions; active

grassroots regeneration especially targeting youths; and proper and purposeful dispensation of justice/equity.

Things have not changed to warrant a change of view. But I would add here that, as a matter of urgency African leaders need to convene a meeting and appropriately act on the disturbing drift of Nigeria vis-àvis other security challenges on the continent. A failed Nigeria could be the hydra-headed monster that would collapse the entire continent. Ignore this warning at our own peril.

Concluded Aliyu Musa, wrote in from Desmond Tutu Centre for War and Peace Studies, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, L16 9JD, UK.

that when one of the robbers who first attacked the cattle market was apprehended and killed by the marketers, “the state Government did not deem it necessary to respond immediately by beefing up security at the cattle market”.

Such an argument only emanates from someone who is either blissfully ignorant of the concept of security or has a mindset on seeing nothing good in the Yobe state Government. First, the Federal Government, and not state Governments, has the primary responsibility for security. As Mahmud Jega noted, it has direct control over the army, police, civil defence, immigrations, customs, etc and these forces take their orders directly from the Federal Government.

Second, Potiskum Local Government area is currently under a State of Emergency, which President Goodluck Jonathan declared nearly five months ago. It follows that President Goodluck Jonathan and the Federal Government have a direct and primary responsibility of all security arrangement in the area and securing not just the Potiskum Cattle Market but the entire town as well. So, when robbers came in broad daylight and attacked the Market with impunity while soldiers and police formations were less than five hundred meters away, questions should be directed at the Federal and not the Yobe State Government.

And questions are being asked even now - by Potiskum residents, by cattle marketers but also by anyone with enough conscience.

What happened? How could such an attack happen for two hours when security agents were only a few meters away from the scene?

Cattle dealers are also asking why no senior figure from the Federal Government has yet visited to condole and sympathise with them.

The Yobe state Government, under the focused leadership of

Governor Gaidam, again as reported in the press, responded to the cattle market attack with breath-taking immediacy. The Governor visited the scene soon after the attack and directed that all injured persons be given free medical treatment.

In addition to free medical treatment, each of the 39 hospitalized victims, as reported by VOA Hausa, got N200, 000 to support their families while they recuperate in hospital. And after the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) concluded assessment of the losses incurred, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam approved over N50 million as compensation to victims, including the families of those who died during the attack. All these have been widely reported in both national and international media.

Parallel to the attack on the Potiskum Cattle Market was the spate of armed robberies which bedeviled Yobe recently. As people in the State know, however, these robberies have significantly gone down thanks to the capture, by the JTF, of a gang of notorious armed bandits in the State capital recently.

Robberies are not a new phenomenon and no section of the country is immune to them. The payment of some local government salaries in cash therefore couldn’t have given rise to them. The truth is that all senior staffs of the local governments in Yobe State collect their salaries in the banks. Like everywhere else in the country, only a handful of junior staff, such as gardeners or guardsmen, collect their salaries on the table. In addition, there are many local government headquarters without banks or cash centers and it will be a burden on the junior staff if they are forced to travel long distances just to queue up to collect their salaries from ATM or teller machines.

The writer is also wrong on Yunusari and Fune Local Governments.

There were

attempts by robbers during salary payments in these two local government councils but both were not successful. In the case of Damagum (Fune), members of the JTF were able to track and kill two of the robbers and arrest the reminder.

But this is just by the way. In a federal system, the local government is a tier of government and every local government can decide how it deals with issues like staff salaries.

Let’s therefore return to the more fundamental issue of security. Why does T.Y Danjuma believe that only sections of the country have failed and not the country itself? I assume that he is very close to President Goodluck Jonathan as someone who headed his National Advisory Council. So, what kind of advice was he giving the President?

Since the Boko Haram insurgency escalated following the killing of the sect’s leader in 2009, President Jonathan has not found time to visit Borno and Yobe States.

In other climes, the Commanderin-Chief is the Comforter-in-Chief, and in times of crisis or disaster, the President becomes the national wellspring of comfort and reassurance. Not so is our own President.

When the Boko Haram carried out a spectacular attack on the Yobe State capital on November 4th 2011 when Governor Gaidam was away performing the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, no official of the Federal Government (and certainly not the President himself) visited Yobe. At a time when the nation’s security agencies under the President have failed, the people of Yobe and elsewhere in the troubled part of the North expected that their President would stand up with them – with words, with deeds, in body and soul but had he?.

And come close the Potiskum Cattle Market attack. It was horrendous and heinous in every possible way. Why can’t General

T.Y Danjuma advise President Jonathan to at least send the Vice President since he is not willing to come himself to sympathise with the victims? Right now the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association is threatening to stop the cattle business if no one from the presidency visited.

But the President visited Madalla when a church was bombed. He also visited Kano when the city came under attack.

All those attacks were criminal and condemnable and every man of conscience will join in speaking and praying against them. But in selecting to visit Madalla and Kano, and not Borno and Yobe States where similar and more heinous attacks have taken place, the President has shown himself either as a Christian President or as a PDP President (given that Kano is a PDP State while Borno and Yobe are controlled by the opposition ANPP).

I shudder to think of my President as sectional or partisan.

But this is what many people here in Borno and Yobe states are thinking of him. Now, if Borno and Yobe state have ‘failed’, won’t the President intervene to make them work again? Won’t he use the resources of the powerful federal government to bring succour to them? And why can’t someone like T.Y Danjuma advice the President to do so; to turn the table around and engage with the hapless people of these states and show that he is their President too?

Right now people who don’t know or who are in the know but are claiming ignorance are busy apportioning blames and chasing shadows. But if our security challenges in the country are ever to be addressed, we have to start being honest with ourselves. We have to work together as a nation and the President must show himself as a leader truly engaged in problem-solving.

Babangida Jaba wrote in from No. 6 Sabon Gari Ward, Gashua Yobe State

T.Y Danjuma is wrong about Yobe

By Babangida Jaba

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t a lecture to celebrate the 50th birthday of Leadership publisher, Sam-Nda Isaiah, General T.Y Danjuma is reported to have singled out Borno, Jigawa and Kano as states that have ‘failed’ in the North. His comment understandably drew a lot of ire from Borno and Jigawa states and by the next day, T.Y Danjuma had dropped Jigawa from his ‘failed’ list and inserted Yobe.

As a respected elder statesman, the retired General might have simply intended to draw attention to the appalling security situation in the North and especially in the three states that he mentioned.

Even so, his use of the expression ‘failed’ is clearly a malapropos since, as Mahmud Jega has noted in his Monday column in the Daily Trust, the concept of a failed state “refers to nation states, and not the administrative units we call states here in Nigeria. It is difficult to apply the stated criteria for failed states on segments of a country, and not to its national authority”.

Given Danjuma’s rather poor understanding of a failed state, therefore, neither Governor Kashim Shettima nor Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso not to talk of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam (who came in as an afterthought in the Danjuma list) should lose much sleep over the retired General’s comments. These Governors have pretty much to do than waste their time joining issues with the increasing flock of holier-thanthou, more-catholic-than-the-pope section of the vocal class.

Still, it is appropriate to clarify some issues raised in a Leadership article entitled ‘Failed States: Yes, General T.Y Danjuma, You’re Right About Yobe’ published in the paper’s Wednesday May 16, 2012 edition.

The writer focused on recent spate of robberies in Yobe state and the Potiskum Cattle Market attack to drag the name of the state Government in the mud, arguing

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Governor Lamido and his traducers T

By Aminu Yusuf

he joy of any state is to have a responsible leadership whose major concern is the improvement of the socioeconomic well-being of its people.

The advent of Governor Sule Lamido’s administration in Jigawa in 2007 has propelled the state out of the league of poor states in the country.

Before the emergence of Lamido as governor of Jigawa state, infrastructural decay, sycophancy, moral decadence, emirate politics and a host of other problems were the welcoming signs to those visiting the state for the first time.

The administration of Sule Lamido has touched every facet of life in its attempt to re-define re-focuse and redirect the political, social and the economic bearing of the state in contrasts to the administrative lacuna introduced and internalized in the New World by the products of the hitherto leaders in the state.

In spite of the efforts of Governor Sule Lamido in reshaping and redirecting the fortunes of the state, some misguided ruble rousers who lost political relevance right from their immediate constituencies are preoccupied in castigating

him by advancing selfish Nigeria who touches millions school of Nursing and arguments aimed at discrediting of lives in his state through Midwifery, Birnin Kudu, which the Jigawa’s journey to the people-oriented programs, he elevated to the status of a Promised Land under his charge. because one cannot easily college of Nursing, equipped Constructive criticisms and forget the N7,000 stipends with ultra modern medical reasonable opposition are the introduced by the regime for the equipments and gadgets. major ingredients of democracy benefit of our disabled and less I challenge those who see the world over. But the brand privileged brothers and sisters, nothing worth commending in of political opposition in Jigawa a concept quickly latched on by what our Governor Lamido is state being championed by other state governments. About doing to come and tell the world those who lost what they did political that added relevance is value to the not in tandem state since its with modern creation 21 Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text democratic years ago. These messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written ideals. e l e m e n t s contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 Contrary e n g a g e d words, Articles 750 words.

Please include your name and to the Lamido into a a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed expectations legal tussle, but to: of these as God is always retrogressive, in support of the The Editor, governor just, the Lamido has Governor has Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, succeeded in defeated them.

35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. revitalizing His stint as Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com the entire national youth SMS: 07037756364 s o c i a l , leader of the cultural and popular peoples political atmosphere of the fifteen thousand people drawn redemption party (PRP) and his state. Governor Lamido has are benefiting from the noble subsequent election as the (SDP) introduced an infrastructural social security policy. national secretary and a revolution in Jigawa state, Moreover, the giants strides onetime chairman of the going by the number of roads, of Lamido in the health sector Nigeria Agricultural Bank schools, hospitals and other was incomparable to many as (NACB) are clear testimony development projects executed his administration has that Lamido is a born leader. by his administration. expended judiciously billions of A good leader is not Socially speaking, Lamido Naira to construct a permanent necessarily a product of tones was the first governor in site for the much controversial of university degrees or

WRITE TO US

diplomas but the ability of the person to deliver e services to the people. The late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and the late Prime Minister, sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of blessed memory were not university graduates but, they have left legacies still unpararelled.

Therefore, I advise the enemies of Lamido to sheath their swords and sincerely support the governor in the interest of progress and development of Jigawa state.

Post-election campaigns have only a nuisance value for all in the society, including those behind it. My pastor use to tell us that long sermon is not good for evening service and Governor Lamido’s name is synonymous with success, progress, development, honesty, integrity and hard work. Therefore, it would not be out of place if I borrowed and applied the popular Latin maxim vedi veni veci on governor Lamido. Without doubt, Governor Lamido has come, seen and conquered to turn Jigawa state into the Promised Land for people.

Aminu Yusuf wrote in from N0.363, Birnin Kudu,Jigawa state.

When will Jonathan take oil theft seriously?

By Ifeanyi Izeze

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he spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta region, Lt. Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday May 9 2012 in Rivers State disclosed that the JTF arrested 21 international oil thieves and five Nigerians on board vessels MT Ani and MT Oso with 650,000 metric tons capacity of crude oil. The 21 nonNigerians were Ghanaians.

According to reports, the arrest was made after a tip-off to the Joint Task Force from a “reliable source.” The JTF destroyed (scuttled) the vessels.

Few weeks ago, the international media reported that crude oil and refined petroleum products smuggling was on the ascendency in the Gulf of Guinea especially on the West African coast between Nigeria and Ghana.

Earlier in the year, the Chief Executive of Shell, Peter Voser, had complained of the increase in oil theft in the country, pointing out that over 150,000 barrels of oil was being stolen in the country every day from his company’s facilities.

Various informed sources have estimated that on the average, 450, 000 barrels volume of crude is oil stolen from Nigeria every day. This would translate to about $19.74 billion using a conservative spot market average price of $120 per barrel for the nation’s premium crude gradeBonny Light. This is a very conservative estimate of the magnitude of lost revenue for the

Nigerian treasury every year due to irresponsible governments that have successively ruled this country.

The story: Massive stealing of crude oil from producing companies’ facilities especially flow-lines and wellheads in the onshore and near-shore Niger Delta including the Ondo axis has terribly increased despite the perceived success of the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme and a near-zero incidence of violence by militants in the area.

How come that a responsible government could just fold its hands and literally supervise such huge sums of money go down the drain?

Federal Government’s deliberate indifference to tackle the problem which out rightly falls within the purview of financial crime and crime against humanity as it imparts indirectly on the lives of the already battered Nigerian masses also called to question its sincerity and our seriousness as a nation.

Let’s do some calculations: One metric ton of crude oil (Bonny Light) contains on the average about 7.2 barrels of oil. So 650, 000 would amount to slightly over 4.6 million barrels of crude oil. Then at $120 per barrel conservative average for the spot market price, this volume would yield about $554 million for the oil thieves.

Is it not shameful that this crime goes on everyday even when we have the Navy, Marine Police, JTF, SSS and now, the

Tompolo Arrangement? It is becoming obvious that those who described the Government’s indifference as suspicious may not be far from the truth. If not, how do you explain this shameful situation?

Who are these people (illegal bunkerers) and who are they working for? Every tanker, boat or barge is well registered somewhere in either in Nigeria or any other country. So who owns these vehicles and the village-sized oil receptor marine vessels/tankers that receive Nigeria’s stolen crude oil farther offshore from our coastlines? Does it mean the security agencies don’t interrogate those arrested if for nothing, to gather intelligence to help unravel the real culprits behind this illicit business? And then why hurry to scuttle the vessels when we have not ascertained ownership and shipyards where they were built? Questions! Questions!

Questions!

The U.S. diplomatic cable leaked by WikiLeaks had earlier warned that “no other major oilproducing country loses as much revenue from illicit oil bunkering as Nigeria, largely because the political elite and militants (oil thieves) profit from such operations.”

Do we need a leaked U.S cable to know or rather tell ourselves the truth that illegal bunkering in Nigeria, represents significant economic activity with serious ramifications for the nation’s economy, security, and even our democracy not to mention its

adverse, most times irreversible, impacts on the environment?

It is a very stupid argument to blame the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta region for the obvious failure of the security agencies to police and protect oil facilities. If the creeks are difficult to police, what of the inland NNPC petroleum products pipeline routes? Are we not recording the same level of stealing and vandalisation of flowlines?

Nigeria’s 21 PPMC depots nationwide has more than adequate capacity, excluding holding capacities at the refineries, to provide products sufficiency of up to 40 days for petrol, 65 days for kerosene and 50 days for diesel, the activities of the pipeline vandals have made it impossible for the facilities to function at full capacity.

Available record shows that the nation recorded over 16,083 pipeline breaks within the last six years alone. While 398 of the pipeline breaks representing 2.4 per cent were due to ruptures, the activities of vandals accounted for 15,685 breaks which translated to about 97.5 per cent of the total number of reported cases.

The System 2E/2EX, which conveys products from the Port Harcourt Refinery to Aba – Enugu – Makurdi depots onwards to Yola – Enugu – Auchi, Barkindo continues to be the haven of pipeline vandalism in the country, particularly the Port Harcourt Aba/Isiala-Ngwa axis.

In all, 8,105 breaks were recorded along the system 2E

within the period representing about 50.3 per cent of the total number of petroleum products pipeline breaks in the country.

Within the same period, records show the NNPC suffered N78.15 billion in product losses and pipeline repairs.

The System 2A product pipeline route which conveys products from Warri – Benin – Suleja/Ore depots ranks second on the scale of pipeline break points with 3,259 cases representing about 20.2 per cent of the total volume of products pipeline breaks in Nigeria. The figure also came with a loss of over N20.39 billion in products and pipeline repairs.

The System 2B which carries products from the Atlas CoveMosimi – Satelite – Ibadan – Ilorin depots recorded 2,440 breaks leading to a loss of over N73.6 billion in products and pipeline repairs.

How long can we continue like this as a nation of irresponsibilities? It is clear that the Nigerian government has misplaced her priorities and failed every tests of responsible leadership. This is not a Jonathan issue at all because the present government came to see it like that though it has equally failed woefully in even making any tangible attempt to correct this misnomer called crude oil stealing.

When will our government wake up to say enough is enough?

Ifeanyi Izeze resides in Abuja (iizeze@yahoo.com; 2348033043009)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 15

Justice Salami: Beyond repair

By Akin Oloko-Oba

T

he slimy case of Justice Isa Salami erstwhile President of the Court of Appeal just won’t go away, even though all indications point to agitation fatigue afflicting the man at the centre of the storm. The reason for this situation is that Justice Salami has lost the support and sympathy of virtually all those who could have helped his case if he indeed had any case. We cannot forget that the predicament facing Justice Salami is arguably the worst professional pitfall that any judge would pray to avoid- a substantial loss of credibility and integrity. We have heard of judges who have been forced to withdraw from presiding over cases because one of the parties involved declares a loss of confidence in the impartiality of the said judge due to a verifiable instance of bias or compromise on the part of the judge. Invariably the judge himself decides to voluntarily withdraw and ask that the matter be transferred to another judge.

Justice Isa Salami’s problem is directly linked to the controversial handling of the appeal arising from the Sokoto state Governorship election of 2007 as well as the contentious reversal of PDP governorship election victories in some south-

west states. In the first instance, it was apparent that a potential judicial chaos would result if Justice Salami was allowed to have his way by constituting a second appeal panel on a case whose material particular was already pending before another appeal court. Apart from the political ripples surrounding the case, it was crystal clear that a judicial jostle was unfolding to complicate matters. It took a petition and the summary intervention of the then Chief Justice of Nigeria and head of the National Judicial Council, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu to avert the looming potential chaos of two conflicting rulings from two appeal courts on the same case. At the end of the due process of reviewing the matter, Justice Salami was faulted.

The second instance of reversal of PDP victories in some south west states was no less dramatic and politically charged.

A combination of sensational exposes of GSM phone call logs that indicated undue liaison between the judge and counsel to the appellants while the case was being heard and the barely concealed political affinity of the judge with certain political bigwigs poised to benefit from the predictable outcome of the litigation proved injurious to the judge’s presumed neutrality, regardless of the final outcome of

the litigation. In a situation where the entire election process had become the subject of intense bickering between the contesting politicians, the prospect of getting the matter resolved before a compromised arbiter was simply scandalous, especially from the perspective of voters who were told that the ballot box is the ultimate decider of the popularity contest.

Even the most ardent Salami sympathizer would find this background of brinkmanship rather unpalatable, to say the least. The critical issue is the perception of impartiality which a judge is expected to jealously protect because, without it, he might as well be a lawyer whose services have always been available to the highest bidder

regardless of the moral morass of defending the indefensible. The injury of credibility and integrity is therefore the professional equivalent of a fatal wound where the victim is a judge like Justice Isa Salami. This stark reality cannot be evaded at any level of the law profession and this must be the restraining factor that has deprived Justice Salami of the unqualified support he would have wished for.

It is therefore quite instructive that far from earning the sympathy of a cross-section of right-thinking Nigerians, Justice Isa Salami has been making do with the partisan, sectional and blatantly mercenary advocacy of the same people who exclusively benefitted from his now questionable stance and

“

Justice Salami should just return to his well-deserved “rendition” to the outskirts of jurisprudence where he can reconcile with the recollections of indiscretion and debasement of the altar of justice that unfortunately characterized his last days as a judge

pronouncements on the political cases under reference. This must be the most damning demonstration of “support” for a judge fighting wig and gown to avoid drowning in the quicksand of diminishing integrity and desperately in need of that critical public perception as an impartial and uncompromised arbiter. This is not in any way assuaged by the fact that his more honorable colleagues whose conscientious objections to his excesses saved the Nigerian judiciary from chaotic collapse have since bowed outwith heads held high, of course!

The return of Justice Salami under whatever guise is anathema. He can no longer preside over any matter without being accused of a tendency for bias and manipulation of the law for which he will have to relieve himself of the case.

Justice Salami should just return to his well-deserved “rendition” to the outskirts of jurisprudence where he can reconcile with the recollections of indiscretion and debasement of the altar of justice that unfortunately characterized his last days as a judge. Nigerians will hold him in dubious distinction for demonstrating best the worst manifestations of judicial negation of the sanctity of the electoral process in Nigeria.

Akin Oloko-Oba wrote in from Ibadan

Nigeria Police must join the people

By Remi Oyeyemi There are only two forces in the world, the sword and the spirit.

In the long run the sword will always be conquered by the spirit.

– Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, (1769 – 1821).

I

n the History of every Country, there comes a time when the leadership and members of every relevant institution would make up their minds on what role to play either as a catalyst for progress or as a stumbling block for it. It is, more often than not, a chequered moment; a moment of great and deep reflections. A moment of reflective thought about the past, the present and the possibilities embedded in the future. It is a time when History beckons, as it waits impatiently for the choices to be made. It could also be a moment of great prevarications and fear. Fear of known and unknown consequences of the choices staring them in the face and doubts of the soundness of their judgment in a moment of crisis.

Regardless, it would be an historic moment.

It is my view that this moment has arrived for the men and women of the Nigeria Police Force and its leadership. It is time for them to make up their mind whether they want to continue to uphold a decadent system that would eventually consume them

or be part of the solution and align with the ordinary people. It is time for them to make up their mind whether they want to continue to obey orders that are antithetical to the progress of the society or not. It is time for them to make up their minds whether they are willing, as they have done in the past, to go on the streets and shoot innocent protesters that would soon take to the streets or join Nigerians to protest the poor conditions of all citizens.

As a student of History, I am fond of it. I love History. I marvel at its power. I am awed by its richness, inspired by its splendor, fascinated by its depth and enthralled by its girth. I cherish its dispassionate judgment on the villains and heroes past. Its lessons are instructive. History is mind boggling. Indeed, he who has never ventured into History “is not a complete human being.”

Thus, I often wonder, what would History say about you and me? What would be recorded against our names in the History books? Would we emerge as sources of inspiration to others or come across as blots in memory?

I am sure that Institutions also do think of and like this. I suspect that the men and women of the Nigeria police have to wonder about what their place would be in History. This is because, very soon, the Nigeria people would come to the

streets to say that they have had enough and would insist on the change to the status quo.

Nigerians would flood the streets to say that enough is enough of this macabre dance.

The kleptomaniac rulers of Nigeria would fight back. They would put their hope in the Police to shoot and kill, maim and cripple for them to hold on to power and continue their stealing. But they will fail. And when they fail, they would run but not be able to hide. When that time comes, which side would the men and women of the Nigeria Police choose to be? Would they align with the Nigerian peoples or the oppressive rulers?

Robert Nesta Marley, a.k.a Bob Marley once asked in one of his lyrics; “Are you satisfied with the life you are living?” It is time for the men and women of the Nigeria Police to ask this question and answer it. If the answer to this question is “No, we are not satisfied,” then they have to ask themselves; “What is the best way to go about it?” In answering this question, they ought to let History be their guide. They have to learn from History that ultimately, power belongs to the people. They have to understand that if you stand with the people, you can never lose. They have to know that turning themselves into the instruments of oppression only make them targets for the ultimate judgment of the people that is around the corner. And

that would be very bad for them, because as Abraham Lincoln once said “Force is allconquering. But its victories are short-lived.”

So they have a choice - Go with the people or defend the status quo that is destined to fall?

At the point of struggle, their guns would not be able to protect them and their fleeing masters.

Their tanks would not be able to kill enough to salvage them and their fleeing masters. All the bribes that have been taken would have no value or meaning at that point in time. All the stockpiled naira and dollars would not be of much help at that point in time. The operating principle at that point in time would be “if you are not for us, you are against us.”

But right now, the choices are self-evident. The options are not confusing in anyway. It is the options that the men and women of the Nigeria Police pick and the choices they make that will determine their fate in the judgment day that is imminent.

Nothing goes on forever, good or bad. This has been going on for too long. Fifty- two years have been too long. “Too long has been too long.” Judgment day is at the door. The Nigeria Police have to start considering its options before it is too late.

Walking with the people in the battle that is gathering, would be the best choice for the men and women of the Nigeria

Police. Defending Nigerians and their rights is a better choice for them. Refusing to “carry water” for the kleptomaniacs in government would be a safer bet for them. Refusing to shoot at their fellow impoverished citizens would be a better choice.

It would be a wiser choice, both in the short and in the long run.

It is time for them to choose between earning a very dignified income or depend on bribes from the already brutalized and impoverished fellow countrymen. It is time for them to choose whether they want to earn the respect of the society in general or continue to be a source of ridicule and contempt. It is either they choose to be friends of the people in the real sense of it, and at a time of need, than be enemies of the people. It would be an opportunity for them to remove their own shackles and become true policemen.

As the clouds of protests are gathering, and every side of the issue is getting ready for the impending battle, the heartless and shameless ruling class should remember the admonition of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte: “There are only two forces in the world, the sword and the spirit.

In the long run the sword will always be conquered by the spirit.”

That should be instructive, coming from the man who knew how to use the sword, and adroitly too.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

AMMC seeks volunteers to curb disaster

By Adeola Tukuru

A

A middle-aged man carrying a heavy load and walking a long distance in Garki area Abuja yesterday.

Photo : Justin Imo-owo

Development control sets brothel on fire in Garki

By Josephine Ella

O

fficials of the Department of Development Control of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) yesterday invaded a brothel and burnt over 30 shanties, situated on a flood plain at Gimbiya Street at Area 11 in Garki, Abuja.

Investigations revealed that the brothel, built with planks had existed in the area for more than 10 years, until three months ago when the development control department discovered it.

Our correspondent, who covered the operation, observed occupants, mostly young ladies, making frantic efforts to salvage their belonging before officials set fire on the shanties as the buldozer could not access the area due to the topography of the area.

Addressing journalists during the operation, the Assistant director, Monitoring and Inspection of the Department of Development Control, Mr. Nathaniel Atebije confirmed that the shanties were a den for men of unquestionable character and prostitutes.

He said the shanties were discovered by officials recently, during their routine site monitoring, after which a three months notice was served the occupants.

He said the operation was part of the routine activity of the department to make sure the

city is clean and rid of illegal development.

“Our officials go round every part of the city regularly to monitor the status of development so they found this slump during their routine exercise. The people that have been living here are men of unquestionable character and prostitutes. They had erected more than 30 shanty structures”.

Also addressing the press, District Officer, Garki II, Department of Development Control, Jibrin Garba said occupants were dully noticed before the operation was carried out.

He said: “Even yesterday (Wednesday), we came here and gave them final quit notice to remove whatever they have and leave the place within 24 hours, before we came, but as usual they remained adamant not until they saw us today when they swung into action by removing their properties”.

Garba reiterated the zero tolerance stance of the FCT administration on illegal development, saying “we are working to achieve this target so we advise people to desist from putting up such structure because illegality is not allowed here in the city”.

A resident of the area, Ibrahim Garba commended the development control for carrying out the operation, confirming that people that had hitherto occupied the shanties had constituted nuisance to

people living in the area.

His word: “The people that were living here used to create problem for people that are living in this area. They were always fighting and disturbing because they left them here for more than 10 years now, but we are happy that they have been removed”.

Man jailed for abducting girl

A

Gwagwalada Upper Area Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced Mr Badamasi Abdulahi to five months imprisonment with a fine of N 15,000 for abducting an 11-year old girl.

Police prosecutor, Insp.

Martha Paul said Badamasi, a resident of Angwan Gwari, Gwagwalada, took Hajara Abdulahi of Angwan Zango to his house and locked her in his room from 7a.m. to 4p.m.

Paul said that the matter was reported at the Gwagwalada Police Station by the father of the girl, Sani Abdulahi.

Badamasi, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge and begged for leniency.

The prosecutor urged the court to summarily try Badamasi.

The judge, Mr Babangida Hassan sentenced him to five months imprisonment with N15, 000 as fine. (NAN)

buja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has called on the residents of the FCT to volunteer in to the community disaster management vanguards, to help curb the rampant cases of disaster within the metropolis.

Mr. Joseph Shopade, Disaster Management Consultant of AMMC, made this call in Gwagwalada, during a workshop organized for members of the vanguard drawn from Gwagwalada, Bwari and Municipal area Councils in the FCT. At the workshop organized

by AMMC in collaboration with “Frontier International Consulting”, Shopade said the workshop was to enhance communities’ knowledge on disaster management as well as to mitigate its impact on livelihoods in the FCT. According to him, the workshop is also to deepen awareness on natural and human induced disaster in FCT and articulate community roles and responsibilities on disaster management.

He therefore called on participants at the workshop to take advantage of the lessons

Fadama programme will be sustained in FCT, says Coordinator

T

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Coordinator of the Fadama III Programme, Alhaji Salisu Abdullahi, said yesterday that the World Bankassisted programme would be sustained in the FCT. Abdullahi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gwagwalada that the goal would be achieved commitment by the various community associations and user groups.

He said that FCT Fadama Office had recorded “tremendous” successes since the commencement of the programme.

He said that the first progress made by the office was the mobilisation of communities to pool resources to procure some assets for the common good of various user groups.

“Pooling resources among associations and groups benefitting from the project is a strategy to ensure the sustainability of the programme.

Beneficiaries are better empowered to input pricing, credit facilities, bulk purchases as well as access to loans since they are not operating individually.

(NAN)

improve their various communities’ capacity for disaster preparedness and prevention.

Shopade, identified advocacy visits to community leaders, mobilization, education and sensitization of stakeholders as well as establishment of community networks as the roles of members of the vanguards.

He said the Involvement of community stakeholders in volunteerism for community service would no doubt reduce the current trend of losses during disasters due to the lack of basic information.

The consultant said respect for principles of confidentiality, good communication and listening skills, ability to respect the feelings and culture of vulnerable persons as well as commitment were criteria for members of the vanguard.

Also, Mr. James Okewo, A participant, said the workshop was timely considering the trend of disaster in the world especially the human induced disasters.

He pledged to be committed to the activities of the vanguard in FCT to further ensure that more members were attracted to enhance its sustainability.

Housemaid, 25, arrainged for theft

A

25-year old housemaid, Esther Nazor, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Abuja Magistrates’ Court in Life Camp for alleged joint act and theft.

Police prosecutor, Insp.

Clement Egwu, told the court that Nazor, from Benin Republic, connived with her brother, Phillip Nazor, now at large, and stole N2.8 million from Mr Rabieh Ghazi, a Syrian.

Egwu added that the accused also stole 18,000 dollars and other valuable documents from Ghazi, who resides at Pauolosa Yard, Life Camp, Abuja.

The prosecutor said that Ghazi reported the case at Life Camp Police Station on April 23.

Egwu said that the accused, who resides at Mpape village was employed as a housemaid to the complainant while her brother was employed as a cook when they both committed the offence.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Hajiya Habiba Bello, granted her bail in the sum of N200, 000 with one surety in like sum.

She said that the surety must have a decent and reasonable means of livelihood and must be living within the jurisdiction of the court.

Bello adjourned the case to May 18 for further hearing.

(NAN)

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Reading culture: Expert launches ‘100 Book Challenge Nigeria’ campaign

By Josephine Ella

I

n a bid to boost the reading culture of children in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) and Nigeria as a whole, a campaign, tagged '100 Book Challenge Nigeria' was yesterday, launched in Abuja.

The campaign, held at the FCT Archives and History Bureau Complex, had in attendance, school children from some primary and secondary schools in the territory.

While addressing journalists at the flag-off, the convener of the initiative, Dr. Fatima Akilu explained that the initiative is aimed at encouraging Nigerian children to read 100 books over the course of a year.

According to her, participating school children are required to read 100 books over the course of a year and keep a log of their accomplishments.

On what informed the initiative, Akilu said the concept was conceived

upon the realisation that children were competing with many things especially with the advent of technology, which keeps them away from their books.

"The initiative is to get people to partner at different levels so that we can get books and also get the kids interested in reading because if kids are interested in reading, they will remind their parents and teachers to provide books for them," she said.

She said the organisers of the reading campaign together with its partners

would award prizes to children and schools who meet up the challenge.

"Challenges come with prizes at the end and we are hoping that with our corporate partners in the course of the year, we will be able to give them a prize.

In the first year we are not expecting that we are going to get a lot of children to read a hundred books but we are hoping that as we go along, it will catch on and we will have a lot more schools and parents that want their children to read sign on and read in three to four years," she said.

This was as she expressed optimism that other foundations interested in promoting reading would key into the initiative so that the idea would be replicated in other states in the country.

In a remark at the event, the Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, Malam Kabiru Usman said the loss of interest in reading among adults and children had led to low literacy level in the society.

The secretary pledged the support of the administration towards the success of the initiative.

FCTA to build 5, 000 houses for low income earners

By Josephine Ella

T

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has disclosed plans to construct about 5,000 affordable mass housing units before the end of the year.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, made this known yesterday, at the Ministerial Platform organised by the Ministry of Information in Abuja to commemorate the one year in office of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

She noted that the

Girls should not get pregnant if they are not ready for orphanage accepts the baby; babies – Orphanage proprietress the young girl could go back

M

rs. Bolanle Dare, the Proprietress, Mother Theresa Children’s Home on Thursday advised young girls not ready to have babies to avoid getting pregnant to reduce the incidence of abandoned babies.

Dare told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in

Abuja that girls abandon their babies mostly because of unwanted pregnancies.

“Girls who are not ready to have babies should not go for it in the first place.

“If at the end of the day they have the babies, they should feel free to bring them to us, I know they are scared to come to us.

“I am begging them to

bring their unwanted babies, but only new born babies and tell us their situation.

“We will then investigate, the police will check where the person is living to find out if the person is jobless and any other information for the baby to be taken in.

Dare said that when the

to school or pursue whatever vocations she wanted to do.

She, however, added that the person could come back to the orphanage after five to 10 years to take the child back. According to her, if a person throws away a baby in the dustbin or in the bush, the child can get killed or infected with disease.

(NAN)

Resettlement saga: A ticking time bomb (II)

A

fundamental criterion that determines a good leadership is sensitivity to the needs and welfare of the masses.

As such, what is expected of the FCT administration is to pay attention to the barrage of complaints of the indigenous populations rather than turning deaf ears to their welling calls for justice.

One would have thought, judging from the costly mistakes by the federal government in such matters, specifically its poor handling of the Niger Delta issue which it would pay dearly for, that the FCT administration would learn a lesson from this.

It is surprising that the administration has turned its back on these indigenes, a clear indication that it is taking things for granted.

So far, there have been warnings by keen observers suggesting what is likely to be the unpleasant outcome of the injustice being done to this indigenous people Even the indigenes themselves have threatened to replicate in the FCT what happened in Niger Delta not too long ago.

The latest of the warnings came barely a week ago from the legal

FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed counsel to the Gosa people, who are also alleging abuse of their rights by the FCT administration, during an interview session with journalists.

"What is happening in Niger Delta will someday be a small thing whenever it happens too here in the FCT because in Niger Delta the indigenes still have the land in their hands; they control the land but what they are agitating for is control of the oil from the land.

"But these people (FCT indigenes), their lands have been taken away without resettlement and compensation".

Notwithstanding this, nobody seems to pay attention to this sensitive

issue that every right thinking person, knows should be handled with care.

The Gbagyis and other indigenous peoples of the FCT, ordinarily, are not known for violence, but like the adage, "a goat ordinarily does not bite, but when it is pushed to the wall, it will bite", it would appear their patience is being over-stretched.

Underestimating these people is the last thing to do because an angry man has no restraint.

The weeklong onslaught, launched against residents of Apo resettlement estate phase 11, earlier in February this year, by angry indigenes, speaks volume to this effect.

The aggrieved Gbagyi youth, in their hundreds, had besieged the newly established developing area in the Apo resettlement area, which the FCT administration had initially earmarked for the resettlement of three communities, attacking everyone in sight and destroying properties as they demanded to have their farm land back.

As it is, the major grouse of the people with the government is the alleged deviation from the agreement entered into some 35 years ago with their fathers, when Abuja

was conceived to be the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

One issue that is quite clear in the complaints of the indigenes is that of their displacement from their residential plots without due compensation or they being resettled.

Many of these indigenous groups have alleged that their farmlands were taken from them without alternative provided for them, thereby plunging them into financial hardship since farming remained their major source of livelihood.

In the same vein, the indigenes (Garki indigenes in this case), are dissatisfied with the houses that have so far been built for their Resettlement at the Apo resettlement Site.

According to some of them, the basic social amenities needed for their comfort are not adequately provided.

At the core of the matter, is their dissatisfaction with the sizes of the houses, which cannot accommodate their families, while a greater number of other indigenes are still awaiting their resettlement.

Giving an insight into the plight of his people recently, the Etsu of Jabi, Alhaji Yakubu Auta, thus

l a m e n t e d : "They(government) promised to compensate us for taking our lands but they have not done so till date. We are caged here, yet, our families are expanding.

"They said they have built a housing estate for us at Dei-Dei. But for the past ten years it has not been given to us. Even when we build here, the government demolishes it, where will our grown-ups and newly married youths stay?

This piece is in no way, an attempt to incite the indigenous people against the Federal Government or the FCT administration, but to add voice to the calls for justice.

It is also rather, to draw the attention of the FG, FCT administration and security agencies to the implications of neglecting the people.

For the sake of peace and security, the FCT administration ought to resolve this issue once and for all.

Ex-Senator Ali Sidi, representing the FCT while indicting the FG for an "unending betrayal and neglect of the rights of the original inhabitants of the territory" recently in an interview with a national daily, had warned that government's action

project, targeted towards providing affordable housing would accommodate civil servants and low income earners in the territory.

According to the minister, the project which has been captured in the 2012 budget, would commenced with a pilot scheme of 500 houses that would be built sorely by the administration, while the remaining 4,500 houses would be built by the private sector on a Public Private Partnership(PPP) arrangement.

Akinjide emphasised that “the Federal Government through FCT administration would subsidise the houses, provide land, infrastructure engineering designs”.

She added that the administration would strictly supervise the houses that would be built by the private sector to ensure that they are of quality.

The minister assured that the scheme would be delivered by the end of the year, to correct inequality in the housing sector in the FCT.

ABUJA DIARY with Josephine Ella Jomarch4@yahoo.com 08065327178 towards the FCT indigenes was breeding animosity likely to boomerang in not so distant future.

Other commentators have also expressed fears that the issue of compensation and resettlement of FCT indigenes if not properly handled may in future result to the kind of insurgence by some Niger Delta youths.

All said, the FCT administration is aware of the demands of these indigenous settlers and equally knows the right thing to do to appease them.

Wisdom calls for proper handling of all these issues affecting these indigenes because a 'stitch in time they say, saves nine'.

It may not be today, tomorrow or even in the next 10 years to come but, if the FCT administration continues to be adamant to the plights of the indigenous settlers, chances are that the fears of many observers in the territory, may be confirmed in the very nearest future. concluded

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

IPMAN urges FG to shelve plans to hike electricity tariff

Mob: 08033644990

FG financially buoyant, says finance minister as FAAC holds today

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Federal Government has dispelled fears that it is experiencing financial insolvency and unable to meet its obligations.

Instead, it posits that its present financial position is not only solvent but that it has enough assets to match its liquid position, with an external reserves in excess of $36.8 billion in the month of May 2012.

Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for the economy and finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her colleague in the ministry, Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama Lawal jointly made these assertions yesterday while making veiled reference to the report in the media suggesting that the inability of Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to meet Monday and Tuesday was due to lack of enough funds in the consolidation accounts for sharing among the three tiers of government.

Similar to an individual that experience payment delay , the Coordinating minister said there was little government could do

Flight schedule AIR NIGERIA (MONDAY - SUNDAY) LOS-A BJ: 07.15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.30, 17.00, 17.20, 18.30 ABJ-LOS: 07.00, 09.30, 10.30, 11.15, 16.15, 19.15, 19.35 ABJ-KANO: 18.40 KANO-ABJ: 08.35 ABJ -SOK (MON): 09.35 ABJ-SOK (FRI): 10.10 ABJ-SOK (WED/SUN): 11.20 SOK-ABJ (MON): 11.35 SOK-ABJ (FRI): 12.00 SOK-ABJ (WED/SUN): 13.20

AEROCONTRACTORS (MON - SUN) LOS-ABJ: 06.50, 13.30, 19.45 LOS-ABJ (SUN): 12.30 LOS-ABJ (SAT): 16.45 ABU-L OS: 07.30, 13.00, 14.00, 19.00 ABU-LOS (SUN): 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 ABU-LOS (SAT): 18.30

DANA AIRLINES (MON - SUN) LOS-ABJ: 07.02, 08.10, 12.06, 15.30, 17.10

when it sells at the market and her customers ask for grace of days to pay.

Apparently referring to the sale of crude oil, which is the sole commodity depended on by Nigeria, she said “we are depending on resources we sell at the market; sometimes when you are selling your customer ask for days of credit but people

T

he acting InspectorGeneral of Police (IG), Mohammed Abubakar on Wednesday in Abuja inaugurated the Board of Directors of a Primary Mortgage Bank for the Nigeria Police, FOKAS Savings and Loans Ltd. The IG, while inaugurating

DMO issues N70bn in 5, 10yr bonds

T

he Debt Management Office (DMO) said yesterday it sold 70 billion naira ($440.31 million) worth of 5-year and 10-year bonds maturing in 2017 and 2022 at its regular auction on Wednesday, The DMO said it sold 35 billion naira each in 5-year and 10-year paper with maturities of four years, 11 months and nine years, eight months, respectively.

The bonds are due to mature in 2017 and 2022, respectively, and are re-openings of previous issues.

The 2017 bond has a coupon of 15.24 percent, compared with 15.1 percent at the last auction in April, while the 2022 paper pay a rate of 15.45 percent against 15.47 percent previously.

Africa’s second-biggest economy after south Africa, issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit. (Reuters)

IRS AIRLINES

CBN CFA • £ RIYAL $

LOS -ABJ: 9.45, 11.45, 2.45

BUYING 0.2814 196.2524 245.184 41.2489 154.7

SELLING 0.3014 197.521 246.7689 41.5156 155.7

• £ RIYAL $

BUYING 210 250 40 156

SELLING 212 252 42 158

mourning period.

“The effect of this has encouraged corruption, immorality among officers and men of the force, and has accelerated the death rate of retired personnel.”

The IG urged the directors to exercise their powers solely for the purpose for which they were appointed and work hard to realise the objectives for which the bank was set up.

He also urged them to work toward meeting the time framework set by the CBN for the N5 billion capitalisation of the bank.

The Executive Secretary of

the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Ltd., Agboola Oshodi-Glover said that the society acquired FOKAS Savings and Loan Ltd. in 2010.

Members of the board are Acting Commissioner of Police Agboola Oshodi-Glover; the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Ltd.; acting Commissioner of Police, Umar Momoh; Financial Controller of the cooperative society; and Joseph Egbunike, Budget Department, Nigeria Police.

Others are Innocent Iloka; National Housing Fund Department, Nigeria Police and a retired Commissioner of Police, Umar Ma’aji Jalingo.

L-R:Director, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Mr. Biliaminu Kazeem, Coordinator of the workshop, Mr. Edmund Chiloka, and Head of Unit , Mineral Promotion Centre, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mr.Manasseh Tukura, during the Nigerian Solid Minerals Investment workshop, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Management Tip of the Day

17th May, 2012

PARALLEL RATES

ABJ-LOS: 11.30, 3.45, 4.45 LOS-KANO: 6.15 LOS-KANO (SAT/SUN): 16.30 KANO-LOS: 07.30 KANO-LOS (SUN/SUN): 10.30

the Board said lack of permanent accommodation for officers of the force promotes corruption and immorality among them. He said that lack of permanent accommodation is also accelerating the death of many retired officers.

“Many officers are distressed by the thought of retirement and even transfer for the fear of not having a permanent place of residence for themselves and their families.

“The worst are those who died in active service, because their families are generally ejected from either rented or official abodes before the end of their

EXCHANGE RATES

LOS-KANO : 08.10 KANO-LOS: 11.25 KANO -ABUJA: 11.25 ABUJA-KANO : 10.08

presidency.

Collaborating the position further, minister of state for finance, Dr. Yerima Lawal said FAAC was originally scheduled to hold between 18 and 19th of every month but the government was desirous of paying salary much earlier thus, moving it to 13th of every month. He said the plan

IG inaugurates police mortgage bank

ABJ-LOS: 07.20, 09.36, 13.05, 14.40 ABJ-LOS (SAT/SUN): 13.05, 18.00

forget that the country depends on commodity and this does not mean we are broke” she said even as she admitted there are challenges.

Parts of the challenges as she explained include drops in crude oil accruing to the government due to crude oil theft and smuggling, a development she said is being tackled by the

was working out well until the fuel protest riot of January which disrupted the flow of revenue.

He attributed the temporary delay in monthly salary to the invention of two soft wares program introduced to MDAs. Ngama said the invention of Integrated Payroll mechanism to capture staff of MDAs including their bio-data has led to detection of 35,000 ghost workers while it has save the government of N14 billion .

A

Turn adversaries into allies

nyone who has faced rivals at work — bosses who take all the credit, team members who undermine things — knows how difficult it is to ignore them. Instead, turn your adversaries into collaborators by following these three steps: Redirect. Try to channel

your rival’s negative emotions away from you by bringing up something you have in common, or talking about the source of the tension in a favorable light.

Reciprocate. Give up something of value to your rival — help complete a project or divulge important

information — so you are poised to ask for something in return.

Reason. Explain that not working together cooperatively could mean lost opportunities. Most people are highly motivated to avoid a loss.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS

GSM services go under NCC hammer

T

he Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) says it is set to commence independent quality assessment of GSM services provided by telecommunications companies in the country.

Banks deploy 70, 000 PoS terminals in Lagos, says CBN

SMEDAN, Azsa Mfb sign MoU on entrepreneurial training

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

C

ommitted to further facilitate the access of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to all resources required for their development, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Azsa Microfinance Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a seamless intervention between the provision/acquisition of entrepreneurial training and access to finance.

The Director-General of SMEDAN, Alhaji Mohammed Nadada Umar said at the signing of the MOU at the SMEDAN Headquarters in Abuja yesterday that the whole idea of the Agency’s partnerships with relevant bodies was to soften the environment for MSMEs to grow.

“The whole idea is to service MSMEs to help them surmount the challenges that confront them or pose as challenges during the course of their businesses,” he said.

The Chairman of Azsa Micro Finance Bank, Alhaji Garba Ibrahim, who was accompanied

by the Managing Director of the bank, Dr. (Mrs) Lizzy Okereke said the MOU would go a long way in enhancing the development of MSMEs as well as helping the impoverished people in Nigeria, especially Lagos where they exist in huge numbers.

In line with objective of the MOU, SMEDAN would provide entrepreneurial training and other Business Development Services (BDS) such as mentoring and counseling, link trained MSMEs to Azsa Micro Finance Bank for the provision of funding and advocate the issues and challenges of Micro

IPMAN urges FG to shelve plans to hike electricity tariff

E

fforts towards sustaining Nigeria’s transition from cash to electronic-based economy are yielding fruit. As at May 7, 2012, deposit money banks have deployed a total of 70, 000 Point of Sale (PoS) terminals to merchant locations in Lagos.

T

Electricity firm to acquire 4 MW from Lagos power scheme

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he Eko Electricity Distribution Company said it has concluded plans to acquire four megawatts of electricity generated by the Lagos State government.

Lagos woos investors to Island West development scheme

G

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has called on private investors to help the state government in the implementation of the Lagos Island West Re-development Scheme.

Fertilizer producers canvass policy to encourage local production

T

he Federal Government has been advised to put in place a legislation needed to attract foreign investors into the country for fertilizer production.

Airlines introduce fuel surcharge on fares worldwide

A

irlines worldwide have introduced fuel surcharge to their fares to cushion the effect of the global rise in the price of aviation fuel on their operations.

Finance Banks (MFBs) on the National Micro Finance Policy Consultative Committee.

On its part, Azsa Micro Finance Bank would, according to the MOU, provide credit and/ or debt and equity financing facilities to MSMEs trained by SMEDAN that satisfy the lending criteria of the MFB, maintain a register of MSMEs that have benefited from the MFB’s facilities and recommend some of its customers to SMEDAN for training and entrepreneurial skill enhancement programs of the Agency.

L-R: Former Ivorian Minister of Transport, Mr Adama Coulibaly, representative of Dangote Group, Mr. Joseph Makoju, and Head of Ghanaian Revenue Authority, Mr George Blackson, during a borderless conference, yesterday in Abidjan.

Photo: NAN

NSE penalises stockbrokers over Q1 financials

T

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has started pe-nalising its deal-ing members (stockbrokers) for non-ren-dition of their first-quarter, Q1, financials which was due last Tuesday.

This penalty, according to the Broker Dealer Regulation Department of the NSE, is set forth in the policy guideline (Policy No. 01 NSE) made pursuant to Article 15(h) of the rules and regula-tions governing dealing members of the Exchange, which came into effect on November 1, 2011.

Article 15(h) of the rules and regulations governing dealing members of the Exchange requires the An-nual and Quarterly finan-cial statements of Dealing Members be submitted to

the Exchange within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year and their quarterly financial statements within 45 days of the end of the quarter. “All financial statements shall be prepared according to the Nigerian Accounting Standards.”

This move is in line with the Oscar Onyema-led NSE’s efforts to instill transparency and good corporate gover-nance on stockbrokers at the Exchange.

The dealing members of the NSE are institutions who, licensed by the Exchange as stockbrokers, can buy and sell securities quoted on the Exchange on behalf of the investing public.

The Articles of Associa-tion of the Exchange define a dealing

member company as: “A company incorporated and registered under the Company’s Act which The Exchange issued a licence for the purpose of dealing in stocks, shares and other securities listed on The Ex-change.”

In a circular to dealing member, NSE said, “Dear Dealing Members: Please be informed that the penalties set forth in the policy guide-line (Policy No. 01 NSE) made pursuant to Article 15(h) of The Rules and Regu-lations Governing Dealing Members of The Exchange, which came into effect on 1 November 2011, will be implemented with respect to the March quarterly rendi-tion which is due today (15th May 2012).

he western zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Thursday advised the Federal Government to shelve its plan to increase electricity tariff from June 1.

The Chairman of the association, Mr. Olumide Ogunmade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the decision was illtimed as electricity supply was not stable.

He said that government should solve the problem of incessant power outages before embarking on the tariff hike.

“Government should resolve the nation’s epileptic power supply before increasing electricity tariff,’’ Ogunmade said.

The IPMAN chairman said that it was wrong for government to embark on the tariff hike while many Nigerians were suffering from the effects of power outages.

Ogunmade urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ensure that the power situation was stable before contemplating any tariff increase.

He said that Nigerians would not hesitate to seek legal action against the hike.

Ogunmade also advised government to address the issue of infrastructure decay and provide adequate supply of electricity before any tariff review. (NAN)

World Bank partners Lagos to develop Lekki free trade zone

W

orld Bank Director of Finance and Private Sector Development for Africa, yesterday Mr Gaiv Tata pledged that the bank would assist Lagos state government in the development of Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Tata made the promise when he led some officials of the bank on a courtesy visit to the state’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs Olusola Oworu.

He said that the bank was

determined to assist the state government to develop the zone to the status of an international business centre.

The Director identified some constraints that might militate against effective take-off of the zone, but added that these would not deter it from achieving its aims.

Tata promised to mobilise operators in the private and financial sectors to the area to create employment for

Nigerian youths.

“Investors and companies all over the world will be encouraged to make the zone an investors’ choice as obtained in China and other developed countries.

“The earlier the necessary infrastructure needed for the zone are put in place, the better,” he said.

Earlier, the commissioner had pleaded for more financial assistance from the bank and the Federal Government to develop

some infrastructure within the zone.

“The State Government may not be able to execute some of these projects independently owing to the demand and attention required by other sectors in the state,” she said.

Oworu said that government, on its part, had entered into an agreement with a solar energy producing company to make electricity available at the site temporarily. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 21

Understanding the concept of basis period of assessment of profit to tax (2) Stories by Muhammad Nasir

The use of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

T

he use of TIN is mandatory to all taxpayers dealing with FIRS. All banks and financial institutions are expected to facilitate the implementation of the order on the mandatory use of taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) by all current account holders in accordance with the government notice.

Banks are expected to direct taxable person that wants to make payment through ‘pay direct ‘that is FIRS web-portal to visit the nearest FIRS Integrated Tax Office, large Tax office or the Regional Coordinators office with relevant documents to be registered and assigned a TIN. The TIN is also mandatory for payment using the online payment system, necessary for correspondence with regards t tax matters, all notices to FIRS and they are useful in cases of tax refunds.

Other use of TIN include: It’s advisable to all corporate bodies and individuals to obtain their T a x p a y e r Identification Number (TIN) as well as taxpayer when payments for the following taxes in the bank; 1.

Petroleum profit Tax 2. Companies Income Tax 3. Capital Gains Tax 4.

Education Tax 5. Value Added Tax 6. Withholding o n Corporate bodies 7.

Stamp Duties for companies 8. National Information Technology Development Fund Levy.

However, It should be noted that TIN is not required for payments made with respect to Stamp Duties by companies that are in the process of incorporation.

Minimum Requirement for Companies In order to assign a TIN to a company, an enterprise or an individual, the following

information should be volunteered to the nearest FIRS Integrated Tax Office, large Tax Office or the Regional Coordinators Office: · Incorporation Number · Name of the Company · Business Address · Registered Address · Line of Business · Date of Incorporation · Date of Commencement of Business · Financial Year End. For Enterprise and Individual Taxpayers: · Name of Individual or Enterprise · Address of Business

N

ormal and abnormal basis period of assessment The key issue in this work lies squarely on the logic between normal and abnormal basis periods as would be explained below: Normal Basis Period: This practice is usually characterized with businesses in continuous operations. They follow strictly the rule of preceding year basis.

This means that, when profit to be assessed to tax for a particular year of assessment is profit of the previous year, the basis period is said to be normal.

Abnormal basis period of assessment: This is unlike the normal period characterized with continuous operations.However, in the case of abnormal basis period, it is either that there is a disruption in the flow of business operations by way of cessation of business, change of accounting date or that the business is just commencing operations.

FIRS Headquarters, Abuja

· Employment Status(Individual or Enterprise) · Employment Type(police, Army, consulate or other employment) · Identify Type(National identity Card, International Passport or Driving License) · Identity Number · Line of Business · Date of Commencement of Business.

NOTE: When the minimum information has been supply, the system generates the TIN electronically.

Whatever the case, they must be subjected to tax assessment. But the thrust here is that the rule of the normal basis period will not apply.

Strictly speaking, abnormal basis period is considered under the following situations: (a) On the commencement of a new business. (b) Where there is a change of accounting date. (c) On the cessation of a business.

RIGHT OF ELECTION There are different situations where both taxpayer and tax authorities exercise their

statutory right of election at different stages as explained below: Taxpayer: The taxpayer’s option is the right of the taxpayer (companies) to be assessed on actual year basis for the 2nd and 3rd year of assessment of business. This is done by comprising the normal (PYB) and the revised assessment(AYB) so that the taxpayer would then be at liberty to choose which ever has a lower value upon which it can be assessed to tax. But then, the taxpayer would need to apply for right of election within a period of two years after the 1st two years of assessment or one year after the 3rd year.

Tax Authority: They have the full right to determine the basis of assessment for change of accounting period and cessation of business.

COMMENCEMENT RULE: This is the rule guiding the assessment of a new business outfit to tax. In ascertaining the assessable profit of a business that just commenced operations, three years accounts are required which must subscribe to t h e commencement rule as follows: 1.

Year 1.The account from the 1st day of operations to 31st December of the same year (see 2005 yearend in the example).

2.

Year 2 . T h e account from the 1st day of operations to the next 12 consecutive months (see 2006 yearend in the example).

3. Year 3.From the third year of operations, t h e assessable profit shall be the profit base on the preceding year of assessment (normal basis period).

However, taxpayer should note that if, for whatever reason, the preceding year is less than 12 months, a taxpayer is advised to adopt the profit of the second year which is of 12 months duration. See illustration below: Mr. South –South commences business from the 1st day of August 2005 and prepared accounts up to 31st March 2006 and thereafter decides to retain 31st March as its accounting year-end.

You can now determine the

basis for the relevant tax year.

Solution: NB: As funny as it may sound, the use of finger count is an indispensable tool here.

06 06 06 06

Tax year Basis Period 2005 01/08/2005 31/12/05 2006 01/08/2005-31/07/ 2007

01/04/2005 31/03/

2007 01/08/2005 31/03/ 2008 01/04/2006 31/03/

Taxpayers should note that in 2007, Account is made up to 31st March 2006(PYB), commencement of business is 1st August, but March is before August; in this situation, where the company makes up accounts to any month that is before the month of commencement, it s not likely to get the normal 12 months. So, the profit of the second year 2006 in this case is adopted.

Since the company commenced operations in August 2005,it is not possible to have profit to be assessed to tax in the month of January, February, March, April, May, June and July 2005.

Cessation of Business: This is a period where the taxpayer permanently discontinues or stops carrying on a business.

Where such a situation arises, special provisions are made available for the assessment of tax for the last two years of operations under Section 25 of the Personal Income Tax Act as follows: 1.

Ultimate Year: This is the account of the company in the year of assessment in which the business ceased operations, which will run from the 1st January to the date the company ceased operations.

2.

Penultimate Year: This is the account of the company in the year of assessment proceeding the year of cessation.

This would be the profit of the company, using the normal basis period or the actual basis period.

Taxpayers should note that, Tax Authorities would normally apply the normal basis period because it gives the highest tax liability.

3.

Pre-penultimate Year: This is the account of the company in the year before the penultimate year.

Taxpayers should also note that the rule of cessation can only apply to businesses that have not temporarily disrupted business, such that even the bankruptcy of a taxpayer/ company is not a complete proof of cessation until all the necessary process is complete.

(To be continued)

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Nigeria’s economic development: Will NEXIM lead the way?

By Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

T

he portrait of economic and financial news coming out of Nigeria in recent days are blurring. The House of Representative’s probe of the country’s oil subsidy regime from 2009-2011 uncovered a cesspool of corruption and brazen thefts as well as a long list of errors, including lack of accounting, overpayments, stubborn disregard for regulations and outright incompetence in managing the programme.

Before that, another committee of the Federal Government uncovered a hairraising N700 billion alleged fraud at the pension unit of the Office of Head of Service of Federation. Add the news from the political scene, particularly the continuing security challenges up in the northern parts and the picture is gloomy.

Already, one month into the second quarter, not much has been achieved by way of the Federal FG’s transformative economic policies that were expected to shape the economic outlook of the country in 2012, such as the complete deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil and gas, and the privatisation of the power sector. The deal has not been sealed yet to sell off the four thermal, two hydro power plants and 11 electricity distribution companies earmarked for divestiture this year.

Despite these hitches, the three tiers of government in the country continue to smile to their banks as savings from the Excess Crude Oil Account, now renamed Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) continue to mount due to the increasing oil revenue. For instance, the three tiers shared N187 billion from the SWF account in February. SWF represents revenue generated as differential between budget and actual receipts into the crude oil account.

The cumulative amount shared by the three tiers that month alone, according to report by the Economic Confidential was N921 billion from different revenue sources. In addition to the amount from the SWF savings, N727 billion came from statutory and VAT allocations and N7.6 billion from a batch of refunds from NNPC. Yet, infrastructural development across the country remains in poor shape. Power generation hovers around 3,000 Megawatts and below. The expectation is to raise it to 4,000 megawatts by the end of this year, which even if achieved will remain only 10 percent of what Nigeria needed to leap out of our its present economic capacity underutilisation.

Despite these gloomy picture, there is hope in the overall

NEXIM MD, Mr. Roberts Orya financial sector of the economy.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has continued to implement its policies that are aimed at providing the enabling environment for our economic progress and development. The cash-less policy of the Apex Bank has taken off successfully in Lagos (the pilot state). The complete recapitalisation of the banks is now out the way. And with the banks toxic assets taken off their balance sheets by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the banks are now in good position to resume lending seriously.

But Nigeria’s over reliance on one major export commodity— crude oil, which account for 92% of country foreign earnings, is not healthy for the economic development of the nation. The solution to this monoculture economy lies in developing the non-oil sector through import and export financing, which the Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) was established in 1991 to facilitate.

The significance of promoting the non-oil sector became evident to Nigeria’s economy watchers recently when the country’s exports fell

“

to $49.6bn in 2009 from $63.4 billion in 2008 due largely to the fall in crude oil prices and global economic meltdown. However, the non-oil export continued its rise in value receipts from $3.2billion in 2007 to $7.7billon in 2009.

No doubt, taking a cue from the banking reforms by CBN (part owners of NEXIM Bank), the current team at the bank under Mr. Roberts Ungwaga Orya has been pursuing transformative agenda (helped shaped by KPMG corporate management consultants) since 2009, that

But Nigeria’s over reliance on one major export commodity—crude oil, which account for 92% of country foreign earnings, is not healthy for the economic development of the nation. The solution to this monoculture economy lies in developing the non-oil sector through import and export financing, which the Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) was established in 1991 to facilitate.

has turned the bank’s years of lacklustre performance into profitability. The bank made a profit of N189 million in 2010 for the first time in many years and one year after Mr. Orya became the Managing Director and CEO. In furtherance of its mandate, the Bank supports activities that facilitate stimulation and development of non-traditional value-added exports as part of measures to enhance job creation and shore up the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Two of its flagship initiatives—Sea-Link project and Creative Art & Entertainment loan facility—are already receiving positive responses across the country and beyond.

The private-sector driven Sea-Link project, which it initiated with the aim of boosting trade among the coastal states of West and Central Africa, has since received the nod of regional funding organisations such as Guarantee Fund for Private Investments in West Africa (GARI Fund). GARI Fund recently reviewed its country funding limit for Nigeria from $15million to $20million to accommodate more investments such as the NEXIM’s Sea-Link project. Other regional funding bodies that showed interest in the Sea-Link project are West African Development Bank (BOAD) and the ECOWAS bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

The Nigerian entertainment industry has created 1 million jobs both directly and indirectly and generates about $500 million in revenue annually.

NEXIM has set aside $200 billion in credit facilities to reposition the Nollywood so as to enhance its global competitiveness already, EXIM India has a robust and on-going partnership with NEXIM Bank to fully structure and deepen the Nigerian movie industry along the Bollywood model.

Last March in New Delhi, Mr. Orya, reportedly used the 8th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership to further cement this business link.

NEXIM had since inception to date disbursed aggregate credit facilities of over N60 billion and US$273 million to over 400 beneficiary projects including 150 industrial projects.

Operational funding remains high on the list of the bank’s challenges. But with bank’s ambitious target of increasing Nigeria’s non-oil foreign earnings from its present 8% to 15-20%, NEXIM may hold the key to Nigeria’s economic base diversification if not development.

Bashir Ibrahim Hassan contributed this piece from Abuja: bash7474@gmail.com.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 24

Nigeria’s wedding craze now talk of the world W eddings in Nigeria are colorful, creative and extravagant productions, with guest lists of up to 2,000 people considered standard.

“In England, if you had 400 people at a wedding, that would be considered a huge number,” bridalwear and couture designer Yemi Osunkoya said.

“In Nigeria, if you had 400 guests, people would say ‘Oh, dear,’ “ he continues.

“The more (people) you have there, the more friends it seems you have.”

Osunkoya should know.

With his wedding gowns

highly sought-after by Nigerian brides, he attends about 15 of his clients’ weddings in Nigeria each year, and his London-based label, Kosibah, is at the heart of that country’s booming wedding industry.

Last month, it was one of 129 businesses exhibiting at Lagos’ Wed Expo Exhibition, which drew 10,000 attendees over two days.

“I would say weddings are one of the fastest growing industries in Nigeria right now,” said the event’s organizer, Akin Eso. “A lot of people term it that they’re ‘going into events’ — but the

money is really in the wedding industry.”

The publisher of Wed magazine, a wedding-focused title that launched in Nigeria last year, Eso said the typical Nigerian wedding has evolved in recent years into a high-concept “production.”

“There’s always been this joy around weddings, but now there’s also this whole creativity: It’s more like a production, and nobody knows where it’s going to stop,” he said. “People just imagine it and make it happen.”

Themes such as a “snow wedding” would involve

decorating the entire hall to match the concept, he said.

“Ten years back, you would normally do all the arrangements for the wedding yourself or with your friend,” he said. “Now, for every aspect of the wedding there’s a vendor that can help you.”

The trend has been driven by the many young Nigerians living overseas, who had introduced ambitious ideas for wedding themes, along with the concept of the wedding planner: a professional event organizer who could realize the happy couple’s vision for their big day, typically at

their parents’ expense.

Osunkoya said families typically put much effort and expense into the event, as a wedding was an important status symbol — although “not in a negative way.”

“It’s showing how well you’ve done, and for the bride and groom, this is their time,” he said.

“Most times in Nigeria, the parents take care of the wedding — and there are many weddings where it’s just a blank check,” he said.

“It s a thing of joy to have your children married, so most of the time, the parents want to go all out. That’s where you see total creativity.”

UK-based makeup artist Lola Ibekwe caters specifically to Nigerian weddings and has been hired by brides who fly her, all expenses paid, to Nigeria for their weddings.

She said, “Nigerian brides really know what they want and demand the very best.

Some of them have been influenced by the big weddings of Hollywood stars and don’t mind spending big to achieve the perfect look on their big day. Most of the brides I work with reserve a big part of their budget for makeup because the pictures will last a lifetime.”

There are two parts to a Nigerian wedding, Osunkoya explained.

The first ceremony was the “traditional wedding,” sometimes also referred to as the engagement. This was typically attended by fewer guests - only family and close

friends - and may be held in area that one of the couple originally hailed from.

The couple would wear traditional dress, with the bride usually wearing a traditional fabric gifted to her by her new parents-in-law, sometimes sewn into a modern Afrocentric design.

The second, “white wedding” — with a guest list at the reception potentially running into the thousands — could follow days or even months later. For this, the bride would wear a white bridal gown and the bridal party formal attire. The most popular time of year for weddings was in December, when expatriate Nigerians return from abroad and can face a schedule of weddings seven days a week.

Another distinctive feature of the Nigerian wedding was the wearing of “aso-ebi.” The phrase, which translates from the Yoruba language as “clothes of the family,” refers to the garments of matching fabric worn by the bride’s family and friends at the ceremony.

“You’ve got 2,000 people there, so it’s a way of spotting people you’re meant to be with,” said Osunkoya, “although, in recent years, it is not uncommon to see the entire party wearing the aso-ebi.

While there are occasional grumbles that the trend for elaborate weddings had gone too far, nobody seems to mind on the day. “Not everyone is equal or has access to the same amount of wealth, but everyone aspires to it.”

(CNN Feature)

The wedding craze

“

Nigerian brides really know what they want and demand the very best. Some of them have been influenced by the big weddings of Hollywood stars and don’t mind spending big to achieve the perfect look on their big day A newly wedded couple

Brides at Hisba office after a wedding fatiha for 100 widows and divorcees at Kano Emir’s palace mosque in Kano recently.

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Showing happiness according to Islam Allah says: “They rejoice In the bounty provided by Allah. and with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the glory In the fact that on them is no fear, nor have They (cause to) grieve.” [aal-Imraan: 170]

I

n the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds.

Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, is His servant, and messenger. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time.

Happiness, whatever might be its definition, is an act of worship that must not be exercised freely based on mere whims and caprices of the a group of people or by an individual, devoid of Islam's moderation and restraint.

However, if it is exercised or expressed within the precincts of the Shari'ah, and for the grounds or reasons so enshrined, it becomes a rewardable and recommendable deed by Allah in both worlds.

Otherwise black spots of sins are indelibly recorded as a result, unless repentance is accepted. In fact, even where it is expressed as a result of the admissible causes of the Shari'ah, and somehow exploded beyond the precinct of the Islam's moderation, another wrath is in the queue, except pardoned by the Oft-Forgiving and OftMerciful!

Hence, expression of happiness and anger are moderated by the Shari'ah; and that is the difference between Islam from other set of human codes of life or even religions!

Since time, many people tried to define happiness independent of religious inclinations.

Philosophers, psychologists, scientists and rational thinkers have advanced several definitions of happiness. Bellow is a list few most common definitions across cultures, careers and traditions. , Here they are: Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony — Mahatma Gandhi Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values — Ayn Rand Happiness is essentially a state of going somewhere, wholeheartedly, one-directionally, without regret or reservation — William H. Sheldon Happiness is different from pleasure. Happiness has something to do with struggling and enduring and accomplishing — George Sheehan Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence — Aristotle Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude — Denis Waitley

Happiness is thus a forgive Thee Thy faults of the past consequence of accomplishment of and those to follow; fulfill His favour responsibility with or without effort to thee; and guide Thee on the which transcends the inner joyful straight way; And that Allah may emotion of an individual victory help Thee with powerful help.” [alor success, and expressed according set norms and values of Islam.

Therefore, happiness should not a b a r b a r i c

By Husain Zakariyya expression of Yawale one's emotion flanked by +234-8052952900 (sms only) e q u a l l y islamexplained35@yahoo.com indecorum associates with noise blast accross neighbourhood. Fathi: 1-3] The Apostle of Allah became That is to say, expression your happiness should not cause the more beseeching in his submission sadness of others, nor becomes a to Allah, to the extent that his foot calamity to you subsequently. It slept (became very heavy). becomes a calamity if all bounds of A'I'shah, the mother of the Allah are transgressed in the believers asked him, 'Why do you process; liqour is served, modesty pray for such a long time after all is violated and others peace and Allah has forgiven you all your

character and spiritual values in life. Values vary from one person to another; some of them are a good and well paid career, vitreous wife(s), faithful and enduring friendship, business success, and generally successful accomplishment of set goals and objectives.

"Happiness is not the satisfaction of whatever rational or irrational wishes you might attempt to take pleasure in.

Happiness is a condition of noncontradictory delight; a delight without subsequent penalty or guilt for trespassing the bounds of the Shari'ah. 'Rational' happiness without guiltiness or remorse is not possible and far-fetched, as far as Islam is concerned. Allah says: “But when They forgot the

right to tranquility is abused!

Allah says: “Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. be grateful to me, and reject not Faith.” [al-Baqarah: 152] This is because a grateful servant finds great happiness in doing the deeds that are pleasing to his or her Benefactor. He says: “And Remember! your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): ‘If ye are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; but if ye Show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed.”’ [Ibrahin: 7] Abdullah Ibn Abbas once said that gratitude means to obey Allah internally and externally with all limbs of the body. According to Ibn Mas`ud: "Allah has placed ease and happiness in certainty of faith and contentment. He has placed worry and misery in discontent and doubt." Other scholars said that gratitude is that one should exalt and glorify Allah so much so that he or she becomes safe from being ungrateful and disloyal Him, the Most high!

When chapter 48 of the Qur'an was revealed to our beloved Apostle in which Allah conferred on him His victory and confirmed His everlasting forgiveness in the following words: “Verily we have granted Thee a Manifest Victory: That Allah may

warning They had received, we opened to them the gates of all (good) things, until, In the midst of their enjoyment of Our gifts, on a sudden, we called them to account, when Lo! They were plunged In despair!” [anAam: 44] Thus, rationalism has terrible limitations because it is a product of human minds and thoughts; and humans are imperfect creatures. Moreso, rationalization is not possible without information, and divine revelation makes thinking completely unnecessary.

Thus, by having guidance from your Lord on any giving purpose, you simply know and be guided aright. With divine revelation, there is no resolution to make, circumstances to define or actions to be taken as product of rationalization.

Therefore, rationalization and thinking are reparation for not only insufficient knowledge but also deficient information.

Allah says: “Think not that those who exult In what They have brought about, and love to be praised for what They have not done,- think escape the penalty. for them is a penalty grievous indeed.” [aal-Imraan: 188] In essence, Islam comes with a comprehensive way of life. It provides rules, regulations and

ISLAM EXPLAINED

present and future sins?" He replied, " Would I not be a thankful servant?" [Muslim] Thus, happiness should endear you to Allah the more because your thankfulness and appreciation is the outcome of your devotion, rather disobedience into glare transgress through show off usually by indulging into unholy and immodest exhilaration and funs.

Therefore, 'Happiness is an emotion. So is sadness, love, hate, curiosity, revulsion, excitement, jealousy, contentment, depression, anxiety, fear, guilt and anger.'

Allah says: “Say: ‘In the bounty of Allah. and In His Mercy,- In that let them rejoice:’ that is better than the (wealth) They hoard.” [Yunus: 58] The emotion of cheerfulness should not be caused merely by amusing your whims and caprices; desires many at time end in catastrophe. Happiness is not merely a life lived by accumulating moments of pleasure and material aggrandizement. It is rather, a long lasting and enduring contentment in devotion and total submission to the Beneficent, the Merciful! It is a recompense and incentive for accomplishing a good

even procedures to prepare a Muslim for life in both worlds. That is to say, Islam ensures your well being in this world as well as in the life to come. It comes to protect the highest needs of man: life, reason, wealth, lineage, and faith. All these must be used to achieve the ever lasting happiness in the life to come.

Allah says: “Allah hath promised to believers, men and women, Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions In Gardens of everlasting bliss. but the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of Allah. that is the Supreme felicity.” [at-Taubah: 72] In Islam, happiness or thankfulness is not expressed through holding big and expensive parties, picnics, dances or festivals.

Happiness is more or less a feeling that resides in the heart and blossoms onto the face, and shared by friends and well wishers. It is portrayed by peace of mind, tranquility, a sense of well-being, and a relaxed temperament. It comes as a result of proper behavior, both inward and outward, and is inspired by strong faith in Allah (SWT). Allah says: “Whosoever does right, whether male or female, and is a believer, we shall make them live a good life, and We shall pay them a recompense in proportion to the best of what they used to do.” [an-Nahl: 97] Finally, happiness should be understood to mean an act of worship which must be expressed in line with the provisions of the Shari'ah. But the most important aspect is that the purpose must be for what is prescribed rather than what is proscribed. Happiness is not a permanent emotion just as sadness is also intermittent; either instances are taste from Allah and a reminder to keep in perpetual touch with Him, the Most High!

Allah says: “Every soul shall have a taste of death: and we test you by evil and by good by way of trial. to us must ye return.” [al-Anbiyaa'i: 35] And: “If we give man a taste of Mercy from Ourselves, and then withdraw it from him, Behold! He is In despair and (falls into) blasphemy. But if we give Him a taste of (our) favours after adversity hath touched him, He is sure to say, "All evil has departed from me:" Behold!

He falls into exultation and pride.”

[Hud: 9-10] And: “Allah doth enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the sustenance (which He giveth) to whom so He pleaseth. (the wordly) rejoice In the life of This world: but the life of This world is but Little comfort In the Hereafter.” [ar-Ra'ad 36]. “When we give men a taste of Mercy, They exult thereat: and when some evil afflicts them because of what their (own) hands have sent forth, Behold, They are In despair!” [ar-Rum: 26] And: “When we give men a taste of Mercy, They exult thereat: and when some evil afflicts them because of what their (own) hands have sent forth, Behold, They are In despair!” [ar-Rum: 36] And: “Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction In the remembrance of Allah. for without doubt In the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” [arRa’ad: 28] May Allah grant us legitimate ways and means to happiness here, and everlasting happiness in the grate beyond!

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

By Sani Adamu

B

y most accounts, the radio is believed to be the most effective means of communication in Africa.

Available statistics reveal that more than 70 per cent of Africans rely primarily on the radio for their information and entertainment.

Historically, radio broadcasting in Nigeria dates back to 1932 when the industry served the interests of the then colonial administration.

However, with the establishment of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in 1957, the industry became an independent institution designed to be a non-partisan means of communication.

Regrettably, however, such aspiration has turned out to be a hallucination, some observers say.

However, in the late 1970s when the industry was somewhat liberalised, the federal and state governments as well as any other body or person authorised by the President are authorised to own, operate or establish a wireless broadcast station in the country by the virtue of Section 36, Subsection 2 of the 1979 Constitution.

In 1992, the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida further liberalised the industry to give room for the advent of private broadcasting.

The onset of private broadcasting, perhaps, explains the decision of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC), in partnership with the Institute for Media and Society (IMS-Nigeria), to initiate the community radio project in Nigeria.

The project tagged: ‘’Building Community Radio in Nigeria” was launched in 2003.

Industry experts describe community radio as a locally operated radio station that provides various services and information to its audience.

Some of the community radio’s programmes are local news, weather reports, sports news and public forums, as well as religious, educational and community programmes, which are not usually handled by commercial radio stations owned by regional or national media outfits.

The community radio is also a non-profit venture that relies primarily on grants and donations for funding and its workforce usually comprise volunteers and other nonprofessionals.

Technically, a community radio station is operated on the lower end of the FM dial — between 87.5 and 91.9 — and it has lower signal strength than the larger commercial stations.

One of the fundamental goals of AMARC is to use radio as a means of promoting the people’s right, at the grassroots level, to communicate and contribute to development via the principles of solidarity and international cooperation.

Across Africa, AMARC has more than 200 affiliates and about 160 members of the

PAGE 27

Promoting nation-building efforts via community radio association in Africa are radio stations and community radio federations.

A school of thought, however, posits that the community radio project is a two-way process: the exchange of views from various sources and the adaptation of media for use by communities.

Others believe that the community radio project presents a platform for communities to participate in the communication process as planners, producers and performers.

They also argue that the community radio is a means of expression of the community, rather than for the community.

Interestingly, many African countries have employed the services of the community radio to promote peace-building efforts and conflict resolution.

For instance, a study carried out on four community radio stations in Sierra Leone and Liberia revealed that the radio stations had greatly assisted in fostering peace-building and conflict resolution in the post-war era of the two countries.

The study, which had its focus on areas that were still struggling to achieve meaningful development in a post-conflict setting, was designed to assess the relationships existing between drivers of development and community radio stations.

It found that the community radios appreciably promoted development in their respective communities via partnerships with local and international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs).

The study partly entailed an analysis of the radio stations’ programmes and their impact on local development processes, while an impact-assessment survey of the audience and focus groups was used to evaluate audience perceptions and uses of local radio.

The stations were also assessed to estimate their intrinsic worth as independent development agents in ongoing peace-building activities.

The report categorised community radio into two major groups. The first is the radio’s support for development programmes’ implementation, leading to improved efficacy, broader reach, accountability and community feedback.

The second group entails the regular broadcast of education and public awareness issues, which could propel positive changes in the people’s attitudes and behaviours.

The study found that community radio stations had positive and purposeful relationships with local governments and civil society organisations.

On the whole, the study found that community radio stations played a central role in disseminating information which could promote development and

Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) headquarters complex, Abuja improve development outcomes via a lot of partnerships.

The report said that community radio stations had positively contributed to the peace-building efforts in the rural communities of Sierra Leone and Liberia in the post-war era.

It noted that the community radio stations in the two countries were active participants in efforts to curb potential violent crises.

The study noted that the community radio stations gave communication access to people, who hitherto had no access to other means of communication, adding that they also facilitated peaceful election processes in the two countries.

Such advantages, perhaps, informed the decision of some state and local governments as well as some individuals in Nigeria to key into the community radio project and acquire radio licences.

One of the state governments that adopted the community radio programme is the Bauchi State Government, which has established 10 community radio stations.

Gov. Isa Yuguda, who recently inaugurated one of the community radio stations at Kafin-Madaki, Ganjuwa Local Government Area, pledged that the remaining nine stations would be completed and inaugurated before the end of the year.

He said that the radio stations were established to improve the

relationship between the government and the rural dwellers, adding that the stations would also promote effective communication with the people.

Saying that community radio broadcasting had been existing in many parts of the world, Yuguda said that the radio stations were designed to disseminate information on weather, agriculture, politics and other socio-economic issues, particularly to those living in the rural areas.

He said with the growing recognition of the efficacy of the community radio as a tool of mobilising the rural dwellers for nation-building efforts would further promote the fulfilment of the country’s democracy.

The governor urged rural dwellers to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by community radio stations to improve agricultural techniques, embrace good health habits and Western education.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mohammed Damina, the Commissioner for Information, commended Yuguda for the community radio initiative, saying that the project was one of the best government’s programmes for the rural communities.

Damina particularly urged the people of the area to promote their cultural values through the radio station, which was also designed to promote the people’s unity.

Many observers have been commending Yuguda for his foresight in embarking on the community radio project.

Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), lauded the governor for the community radio project which, he noted, would also promote good governance.

Abdullahi, who is also the Managing Director of Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC), noted that the 10 community radio stations established in the state would help in bridging the communication gap existing between the government and the rural dwellers.

The NIPR president, nonetheless, advised the new radio stations to be non-partisan in their programming.

“The radio stations are not established to propagate political conflicts, ethnic rivalry and religious bigotry.

“The stations must strive to be non-partisan. All the segments of the community, irrespective of their religious or ethnic affiliations, as well as their social, political and other leanings, should have unrestricted access to them.

“The linguistic plurality of the state should be respected and accommodated in the programme content of the radios, which should be used to enhance cultural values.

“However, since these community radio stations are to serve the various communities where the stations are located; there is a compelling need to promote their sustainability.

“The communities, governments, the NGOs, cooperative societies and individuals must be genuine stakeholders in the project,’’ Abdullahi said.

Sharing similar sentiments, Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed, a social commentator, proposed that the communities in which the radio stations were located should be encouraged to fund the stations’ operations and activities through voluntary contributions.

Mohammed said that the community radio project would enable communities to tell their stories in their own ways and share experiences, while they should become active creators and contributors.

Observers, nonetheless, stress the need for the government and the communities in which the radio stations are located to make effective use of the stations as a platform for educating the people on issues relating to health, sanitation, environment, education and security, among others.

After all, knowledge is the key to human survival and advancement as well as the panacea to virtually all the people’s problems, they add.

Source: NAN

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Transformation of Dubai from desert backwater to the Manhattan of the Middle East in just 50 years

I

t’s widely known as the Middle East’s capital of excess. An emirate state, once rich with oil, where money and opulence reign supreme.

Dubai’s unfathomably high skyscrapers, reaching into the clouds, are matched only in size by its vast, sprawling shopping malls and its residents’ bulging bank balances.

It’s renowned as a playground for the rich, a place where entire communities of ex-pats enjoy the trappings a tax-free haven can offer.

However, as these pictures taken during the 1960s show, the emirate city has undergone a remarkable transformation in a very short space of time.

While it is known today more for its fast cars and life of luxury, it was not that long ago that the city was as familiar with camels and dhows as it is now with Ferraris and indoor ski slopes.

Dubai was a small fishing settlement when it was taken over in 1830 by a segment of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa Oasis.

By 1892 foreign traders had begun to flock to Dubai after the emirate declared they would be exempt from tax. As a result the population doubled and the burgeoning pearl industry started to boom.

This lasted until the 1930s, when the recession and subsequent depression hit Dubai’s pearl industry causing it to fall into decline, leading to feuds between the royals and social problems.

Everything changed for Dubai with the discovery of oil in 1966, bringing a soaring economy and an army of traders who flocked to the emirate to settle there. As it began to export crude oil, the petrodollars flooded in to Dubai and by 1973 the Dirham became the official unit of currency.

However, by 1980 the Dubai’s annual oil income dropped to an all-time low, forcing the emirate to think of other ways to make money. By the mid-1980s it began its reinvention as a tourist destination and the Emirates airline was established.

The emirate’s continued status as a tax-free haven brought even more ex-pats to settle in Dubai and in 1999 one of the tallest hotels in the world opened, cementing the city’s reputation as a tourist destination.

The following photographs, which were taken in the late 1960s and early 1970s, show a very different Dubai. It was a society on the cusp of an ambitious development and financial transformation.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Dubai's waterways: Dhows pictured on the city's creek (above) was once the centre of Dubai's pearl trade and it divides it into two sections; pictured below is a crew taking part in a traditional dhow race.

In these images, taken from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, Dubai is almost unrecognisable in its former life as a fishing settlement, not long after the Gulf states struck gold with the discovery of oil.

In 1959 Dubai embarked on a bid to become a major trading hub and millions of dollars were lent to the then-leader Sheik Rahid by the Emir of Kuwait to renovate the city's creek, to enable it to accommodate large ships.

In 1959 Dubai embarked on a bid to become a major trading hub and millions of dollars were lent to the then-leader Sheik Rahid by the Emir of Kuwait to renovate the city's creek, to enable it to accommodate large ships.

Desert development: The Clock tower roundabout in the neighbourhood of Deira stands surrounded by sandy, undeveloped lots. Today (below) the clock tower is ringed by towering hotels but, for a time after it was built in 1964, the area was considered remote from the city centre.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 29

Welcome to Sarajevo 2012: Transformation of war-torn city 15 years on from brutal siege

F

rom bullet-scarred ruins to modern city, a photographer has documented the transformation of Sarajevo since it was torn apart by civil war.

British refugee worker Jim Marshall, 42, from East Kilbride in Scotland, decided to stay in the city to help its desperate residents during the bloody siege of Sarajevo 15 years ago.

During rare moments of calm Mr Marshall documented the daily destruction he saw. Now he has revisited the ruins of 1996 to show how the city has transformed itself.

His pictures show how the hard work of survivors of Europe’s worst conflict since World War Two have turned what was once a hellish war zone into a smart European metropolis.

A part time photographer, Mr Marshall risked his life to help the Bosnian people at the height of the devastation of the Yugoslav conflict.

‘The photographs that I took in the spring of 1996 capture the physical devastation wrought by four years of siege,’ he said.

‘They signify the savagery of those who besieged the city and the courage of those who lived in the ruins.

‘Living there was dangerous.

During my time in the war I was beaten, shot through the leg and was seated in a vehicle hit by an anti-aircraft round.

‘Once I was trapped for 20 minutes in a small Sarajevo street in which I had to run from doorway to doorway to escape from sniper fire.’

Mr Marshall’s personal loveaffair with the traumatised city

began in 1994, when he was just 24. Working under siege during the heart of the conflict, he helped the city’s refugees survive the terror of daily life.

Often under fire himself, Mr Marshall was determined to document the damage to the city with his camera.

From 1992 to 1996 Sarajevo’s population of just over 500,000 people suffered shelling, tank fire and sniper attacks by 18,000 Serbian soldiers when they tried to break-away from Yugoslavia.

More than 11,000 people lost their lives, and large parts of the city were destroyed.

‘The city during the siege was an indescribably surreal place,’ said Mr Marshall. ‘It really was a living nightmare - hundreds and even thousands of shells would land within the besieged areas of the city in a single day. The sniping would be incessant.

‘Literally nowhere in the city was safe from the constant assault.

‘Civilians were killed or injured on their balconies, in their beds, on buses, in hospital wards, at funerals and, especially, whilst running or cycling through the streets.’

Eventually Sarajevo found peace in 1996 after U.S.-led NATO airstrikes devastated Serbian forces, who were forced to withdraw. Mr Marshall continued to live in the city in the aftermath of war and now considers himself a local.

Sarajevo, now the capital of the new state of BosniaHerzegovina, has recovered thanks to the pain-staking reconstruction effort of survivors.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Transformation: Emerika Bluma Street, formerly known as Beogradska Street in Kova, Sajajevo, Bosnia

Then and now: The destroyed and now partially restored interior of the National and University Library in 1997 and 15 years later in Sarajevo, Bosnia.

This picture shows how the front of the Loris residential building, in Grbavica, was reduced to rubble, yet now you would never know.

PAGE 30

F

ormer Liberian President Charles Taylor begged for leniency ahead of his sentencing for a catalogue of brutal war crimes, saying he has sympathy for Sierra Leone’s civil war.

Taylor was found guilty of 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, and conscripting child soldiers, during a landmark ruling by judges at the U.N.backed Special Court for Sierra Leone in April.

He asked judges at The Hague to render their sentence against him in a spirit of ‘reconciliation, not retribution’.

However, he stopped short of admitting any wrongdoing,

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Charles Taylor sympathises with victims of Sierra Leone violence apologising for his actions, or expressing remorse.

Prosecutors said there was no reason for leniency, given the extreme nature of the crimes, Taylor’s ‘greed’ and misuse of his position of power.

‘The purposely cruel and savage crimes committed included public executions and amputations of civilians, the display of decapitated heads at checkpoints, the killing and public

Attacked: Victims of the brutal crimes committed during the Sierra Leone civil war nurse their wounds

Guilt: Charles Taylor was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Child soldier: Youngsters were forced into the army during Liberia's violent civil war, where women were held as sex slaves and civilians had limbs hacked off with machetes.

disembowelment of a civilian whose intestines were then stretched across the road to make a check point, public rapes of women and girls, and people burned alive in their homes,’ wrote prosecutor Brenda Hollis in a pre-hearing brief.

The court found his aid was essential in helping rebels in Sierra Leone continue their bloody rampage during the West African nation’s decade-long civil war, which ended in 2002 with more than 50,000 dead.

It was the first time a former head of state had been convicted of war crimes since the aftermath of World War II. Taylor is due to be sentenced on May 30, with prosecutors demanding an 80-year prison term, and defence lawyers arguing he should at least be given a sentence that leaves him some hope for life after release.

‘I express my sadness and deepest sympathy for the atrocities and crimes that were suffered by individuals and families in Sierra Leone,’ Taylor said.

He insisted his actions had actually been done to help stabilise the region and claimed he never knowingly assisted in the commission of crimes.

‘What I did...was done with honour,’ he said.

‘I was convinced that unless there was peace in Sierra Leone, Liberia would not be able to move forward.’

Judges found Taylor helped the rebels obtain weapons in full knowledge they would likely be used to commit terrible crimes, in exchange for payments of ‘blood diamonds’ often obtained by slave labour.

Defence attorney Courtenay Griffiths argued for a sentence that reflects Taylor’s indirect role: he was found guilty only of aiding the rebels, not leading them, as

Crimes: Taylor was found guilty of conscripting child soldiers during the decade-long Sierra Leone civil war. prosecutors originally charged.

He said Taylor’s conviction has been ‘trumpeted...as sending an unequivocal message to world leaders that holding office confers no immunity’ from war crimes prosecution.

‘But the reality is that while many Western countries have funded militias that have committed atrocities, no Western leader has ever been indicted by a war crimes tribunal, he said.

The lesson is ‘if you are a small, weak nation, you may be subject to the full force of international law, whereas if you run a powerful nation you have nothing to fear,’ Griffiths said.

Taylor added that once Britain and the U.S. decided they wanted him out of power, his conviction was a foregone conclusion.

‘The conspiracy was born, all systems put into motion, and here I stand today,’ he said. ‘I never stood a chance.’

Leaked Wikileaks diplomatic cables admitted into evidence appeared to show the U.S.

government hoped Taylor would never return to power, but the cables did not prevent his conviction.

Griffiths said the 80 year sentencing demand is ‘manifestly disproportionate and excessive’ for Taylor, who is 64.

In court, Hollis scoffed at that.

She said Taylor’s involvement in the crimes was ‘more pervasive than that of the most senior leaders’ of the Sierra Leone rebels who have already been sentenced.

The longest sentence so far, 52 years, was handed down to rebel leader Issa Sesay, who testified on Taylor’s behalf in 2010.

Taylor fled into exile in Nigeria after being indicted by the court in 2003 and wasn’t arrested for three years.

While the Sierra Leone court is formally based in that country’s capital, Taylor’s trial is being staged in Leidschendam, a suburb of The Hague, Netherlands, for fear holding it in West Africa could destabilize the region.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 31

Socialist victory in France and lessons for Africa ANALYSIS

By Charles Onunaiju

I

n the run-up to the President Jonathan government's announcement of the controversial removal of subsidy on petroleum products on the New Year day, the former French Finance Minister and head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mrs Christine Largarde flew into Abuja.

Her mission was ostensibly to shore up the sagging morale of the government officials whose argument for the removal of the subsidy was overwhelmed by the superior arguments that the subsidy it sought to remove was phantom and non-existent. The argument, later to be justified by the Hon. Faruk Lawal-led ad-hoc committee of the House of Representatives that investigated the subsidy payment, was that the problem with the sector is massive corruption perpetrated by highly placed government officials and their cronies. Mrs Largarde's visit did bolster the government in its determined folly and that it went ahead to announce a more than hundred per cent rise in the price of petroleum product. The popular outrage that ensued in the streets forced a modest rethink in government. For more than a decade since the return of civil rule in Nigeria, the Bretton Woodinspired economic policy has held sway. This has resulted in the imposition of harsh austerity measures, currency devaluation, lay-offs of workers, wage freeze or actual collapse of wages, as what is left of wages is eaten up by inflationary pressure and massive capital flights, especially the twelve billion dollars fretted away in a dubious debt repayments. While these punitive measures continue to bite harshly on Nigerians, the government insists that there is no other alternative economic measure.

But the victory of the socialist party in France, where its candidate and the President Mr François Hollande defeated then incumbent Sarkozy Sarkozy, made clear that it would abandon orthodox neo-liberal policies and follow more sociallysensitive policies to restore a sense of community wrecked by years of mindless neo-liberalism. As a first measure, the socialist party promised that it would increase wages and raise corporate tax. One universal folly of neo-liberalism is, while company bosses pad their emoluments, including bonuses and other fringe benefits, the workers are laid off and wages are slashed, longer working hours are imposed with more flexible rules that make workers more vulnerable. This elaborate anti-worker platform is routinely described as the necessary structural reforms to stimulate the

French President Mr François Hollande economy and promote sustainable growth.

It is this fashionable orthodoxy that the French socialist party stood up against, and, with a resounding endorsement, the French people threw in their support. The president, Mr Hollande, while favourably disposed to the European Union, made clear from the beginning that he was going to insist on re-negotiating the fiscal pact which was the sign post of neo-liberal austerity in Europe. The Germans, who almost imposed the pact and held it as an article of faith, will have to swallow hard and also do the necessary pruning, if the FrancoGerman motor that drives the European Union would not get knocked down. Germany and France are both first and second largest economy in Europe and fourth and fifth largest in the world, after the United States, China and Japan. And for effect, the French president is a core believer in Europe.

He cut his political teeth under the tutelage of Mr Jacques Delors, the strategic driver of the European Union as it is, in contemporary times. MrHollande, whose core economic programme is to focus on growth, in spite of overwhelming obsession of the governments in the

Eurozone with austerity, a measure foisted by former president Nicholas Sarkozy and his ideological soul-mate in Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The French socialist party, unlike the Labour Party in Britain or the Social Democratic Party in Germany or the Spanish Socialist embraces the core value of socialism with elaborate protection for workers and the middle class. While British Labour Party and the German social democratic move to the centre and redesigned themselves as seeking the third way, the French Socialist Party remains ideological discernible and did not seek re-invention as a middle of the ground party. Its grounds of difference on domestic and foreign policy issue with the defeated right wing UMP party of Mr Sarkozy is as ideologically discernible as the strategy.

In the rest of continental Europe, including Italy with a formerly ideological left party, the socialist parting or parties of the left are dissolved in the neo-liberal world outlook with only a putative difference with the conservative parties on strategies alone. The socialist party in France was clearly an exception to the trend of new neoliberal convergence, commonly referred to as centrism. The point being made is that French Socialist

“

Party won the election on a clear alternative policy and programme, which also offer chances, lessons and opportunities for Africa to re-think the neo-liberal consensus which in the past two decades have left the continent at the miserable bottom of all human index assessment.

In spite of France competitiveness in the neo-liberal economic order, the simple message of the socialist party, which resonated among the French people, is that a sizeable majority are left behind and that undermines the lofty value of fraternity and equality.While the hatemongering party, the National Front, founded by former paratrooper, Mr Jean Marie Le-pen and now led by his daughter acknowledges the dire conditions of most French people in the current economic situation, the party's paranoid leads it to blame immigration and minorities. The socialist party on the other hand sees the hard life of the working people in the free roam of capital and the market it manipulates.For the avoidance of doubt, nobody wants a restoration of soviet model of central planning, but it does not take any economic special insight to see that the neo-liberal bull has run its

It is this fashionable orthodoxy that the French socialist party stood up against, and, with a resounding endorsement, the French people threw in their support.

course.

Africa caught largely unprepared in the global transformation of the nearly past two decades seemto reincarnate the wretched fate of a salt vendor, whose patrons quickly called in the rain water, soon after he was dispatched.

Standing in the angry rain water with a bag of salt, Africa must seek new and imaginative initiatives to move beyond the neo-liberal economic architecture it has had no input in designing or seek accommodation in it, through active participation in re-designing it. The French Socialist Party in political wilderness for nearly two decades, has had its message cut out, as the existing economic order do not work for the majority of French people. In the final debates leading to the decisive second round of the election, former president Sarkozy blushed on how he has kept French economy fairly healthy, in an ailing Eurozone economy, with MrHollande retorting that the economy may be working for Mr Sarkozy and his friends, but the rest of France is dire stress. Few days later, French voters concurred with MrHollande.

For the second time, the socialists are coming to power in France since after the founding of the fifth republic by the ebullient Charles De-Gaulle, the first being the tenure of Francois Mitterrand. France is set for a unique and interesting time, that will reverberate throughout Europe and perhaps even raise a modest re-think, in Africa, the hapless thrash-can of the current vicious neo-liberal economic order.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 32

Charles Taylor says West manipulating war crimes

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor attends his trial at the Special Court for Sierra Leone based in Leidschendam, outside The Hague, May 16, 2012.

F

ormer Liberian President Charles Taylor said on Wednesday witnesses had been threatened and paid to testify against him in a trial that found him guilty of crimes against humanity,

and described the international court system as a tool of the West.

Taylor - the first head of state to be found guilty by an international tribunal since the Nazi trials at Nuremberg - told the war crimes

M

Wednesday amid growing questions over the conditions in which Seif al-Islam is being held.

The International Criminal

court in The Hague that Washington had used the case to achieve regime change rather than justice.

"Witnesses were paid, coerced, and in many cases threatened with prosecution if they did not cooperate," Taylor said at a sentencing hearing where his defence team hopes to minimise a possible 80-year jail term.

Taylor's trial made international headlines, partly because of the grisly accounts of murders and mutilations, many committed by child soldiers, and partly because of Taylor's alleged gift of 'blood diamonds' - gems plundered from Sierra Leone to fund the war to supermodel Naomi Campbell who was called as a witness for the prosecution.

The first African leader to stand trial for war crimes, Taylor was convicted of aiding and abetting on 11 counts of murder, rape, conscripting child soldiers and sexual slavery during intertwined

wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone in which more than 50,000 people were killed.

But he was acquitted of ordering and planning the atrocities.

Wearing a pin-striped suit and a diamond wedding band that glittered under the courtroom lights, the warlord-turned-president lay his gold watch beside the lectern to keep to his assigned 30-minute time limit at the stand.

Taylor said the United States and other powers involved in military actions in Africa and the Middle East were using the court to pursue colonial aims against smaller countries.

"Regime change in Liberia became a policy of the U.S. government," he said. "I never stood a chance."

"Only time will tell how many other African leaders of states will be destroyed," he added and questioned the way his trial had been funded.

"The prosecution received millions of dollars from the United States government outside of the official funding process to the court administration. The prosecution has never fully accounted for how those monies were spent ... who received how much and for what purpose or purposes," he said.

Court (ICC) must decide in coming months whether to agree to Libya's request to try Islam in a domestic court.

The dictator's son is being held by a militia in the town of Zintan and international rights groups have raised concerns because Islam has not had access to a defense team.

Ibrahim Dabbashi, Libya's deputy UN ambassador, told the Security Council that Islam could have a lawyer if he wanted and that Libyan law dictates that he could not be tried without an attorney.

"This matter is mainly because of Seif al-Islam who till now refuses to appoint an attorney to defend himself," Dabbashi said.

"The matter is not in the hands of the Libyan authorities but the

defendant himself. There are no obstacles to hiring an attorney to defend him," the envoy added.

The ICC has appointed a lawyer for Islam in The Hague but the attorney has not had contact with Gagdhafi's son who was detained after the dictator was killed in October last year.

The lawyer, Xavier-Jean Keita, has called on the ICC to disqualify chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo from the case, alleging possible bias.

Moreno-Ocampo, whose term ends in June, told the council that his office will express any "reservations" about Libya's capability to the international tribunal on June 4. The judges could then ask for more evidence from Libya or other parties.

"We are reviewing the conditions," Moreno-Ocampo told

…Gaddhafi’s son refusing to accept defense lawyer oamer Gaddhafi's son is refusing to name a defense lawyer, a top Libyan diplomat said on

A mobile phone picture taken by one of his guards shows Saif alIslam Gaddafi with his captors, November 19, 2011.

UN rights chief to make first visit to Zimbabwe

U

nited Nations human rights chief Navi Pillay will visit Zimbabwe next week as President Robert Mugabe seeks to dispel charges that Harare is a major rights violator.

Pillay will be the first U.N. rights chief to visit the country and was invited by Mugabe's government, which in 2009 expelled Manfred Nowak, a former U.N. rights investigator.

The West has imposed sanctions on Mugabe and his allies, accusing them of election violence and using state security agents to beat up and detain opponents.

Analysts say Harare has invited Pillay because of a lull in political tension and a drop in rights abuses following the formation of a unity government with Mugabe's rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, in 2009.

The U.N. said on Thursday Pillay, a former South African High Court judge, would be in Zimbabwe for five days from May 20 and would meet Mugabe, Tsvangirai and local human rights groups.

Mugabe, 88, who has ruled the country since independence from Britain in 1980, has been the subject of newspaper reports about his health in recent months, with some reporting that he has prostate cancer. In interviews with state media in February Mugabe laughed off suggestions that he was seriously ill.

Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change party says 200 of its members were killed by Mugabe's supporters in 2008 during a violent presidential election run-off.

… ICC prosecutor OK with delay in trial of Kenyans

T

he International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor said on Wednesday he would not oppose a delay to the start of a trial of four prominent Kenyans, including two leading presidential hopefuls, accused of fuelling postelection violence in 2007.

The group, including former Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and former Higher Education Minister William Ruto, are charged with masterminding the bloodshed that killed more than 1,200 people. All have said they are innocent.

Prosecutor Luis MorenoOcampo told a news conference in New York that the defendants had requested the delay until the ICC decided whether to grant their appeal, which argues that the war crimes court has no jurisdiction to prosecute them.

Moreno-Ocampo said that his office "did not oppose the right to postpone the beginning of the trial until the appeal chamber solved the claim presented by the defendants."

No specific date had been set for the trial.

Kenyatta and Ruto, who are charged with directing mobs to commit violence that sent Kenya to the brink of civil war, are both challenging for the country's presidency in elections due by March 2013 - the first since the 2007 polls.

An ICC trial was the biggest threat for a repeat of unrest at the 2013 vote, Kenya's electoral head said last month. There is concern that, if the men stand trial and are blocked from running for office, it may trigger violence.

R-L: President Goodluck Jonathan receiving the letter of credence from the Cote d'voire’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Toure Maman, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja yesterday.

Photo: Joe Oroye

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 33

Iran vows never to renounce nuclear ‘rights’

R

an rejects Western pressures over its nuclear activities and will never give up its rights, Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator said yesterday ahead of crunch talks with world powers in Baghdad next week.

"If we participate in the negotiations... it is because of our resistance (to Western powers). Thanks to our resistance, we have defended the rights of the Iranian people," Saeed Jalili said in a speech broadcast on local

television.

"The Iranian people will never give up even an iota of their rights," Jalili added, in reference to the Islamic republic's nuclear drive which the West suspects is masking a weapons programme.

Tehran vehemently denies the charge.

After a 15 month hiatus, Iran and the P5+1 powers -Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany -- held their first talks in Istanbul in midApril, which were described

as "positive."

The parties agreed to more in-depth discussions in Baghdad on May 23.

"I advise Western officials against making calculated mistakes. In Baghdad, we can negotiate for cooperation on the basis of respect for Iran's undeniable rights," Jalili said.

"The path chosen by our country is a path of no return.

The (West) would like to block Iran's progress in the nuclear domain, but they have failed.

Iran today has become a nuclear power," he added.

Ghalioun has led the Syrian National Council since the bloc was founded in October 2011

Syrian opposition leader offers to resign

T

he president of the Syrian National Council (SNC), the country's main opposition bloc, has offered to resign after a key activist group accused him of monopolising power, just two days after he was re-elected for a third three-month term.

Burhan Ghalioun told Al Jazeera yesterday that he would give up his post to avert division within the opposition bloc through fresh elections.

"I have won and gained the legitimacy within the National Council. But for me I think the real legitimacy is the one to be given by people in the streets and the revolution youths who are fighting on the ground," he said.

"I will resign immediately following the Council's approval of a candidate who can be accepted by the revolutionary movement on the ground.

The Local Coordination Committees, a grassroot activists movement, threatened hours earlier to pull out of the exiled SNC over its lack of collaboration with protesters in Syria and "monopolisation" of power.

"We have seen nothing in the past months except political incompetence in the SNC and a total lack of consensus between its vision and that of the revolutionaries,'' the network said in a statement.

Ghalioun, a secularist who has led the Syrian National Council by consensus rather than through election since the organisation was founded in October 2011, was re-elected as the main opposition group's chief in a vote held in Rome on Tuesday.

George Sabra, a leftist who came in second to Ghalioun in the vote, said the council would now be forced to bring under represented opposition leaders and activists inside Syria into its deliberations, adding: "The opposition needs to show its democratic credentials and bring in a new face."

North Korea ‘resumes work on nuclear reactor’

N

orth Korea has r e s u m e d construction work on an experimental light water reactor (ELWR), in a move that could extend its capacity to produce more material for nuclear weapons, according to a report published on the website of 38 North.

Based on April 30 satellite images, work halted in December at the reactor had now restarted, the website run by the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University and former US State Department official Joel Wit, said yesterday.

The construction activity in Yongbyon comes as Pyongyang has stepped up progress towards conducting a third nuclear test, perhaps using highly enriched uranium for the first time, despite warnings from the US and China.

"Pyongyang's construction of an ELWR - which the North Koreans have indicated is the prototype for additional reactors - as well as a uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon, is an important indication of the North's intention to move forward

with the expansion of its nuclear weapons stockpile in the future," 38 North said.

It said the reactor could be operational in one to two years and that North Korea had almost completed the reactor containment building, based on the satellite images.

North Korea says it needs nuclear power to provide electricity, but has also boasted of its nuclear deterrence capacity and has traded nuclear technology with Syria, Libya and probably Myanmar and Pakistan.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Greece names technocrat cabinet ahead of new polls

G

reece yesterday named a caretaker cabinet of technocrats, headed by a senior judge, tasked with organising fresh elections in June after an inconclusive ballot on May 6 that has raised eurozone concern.

The temporary team, led by 67-year-old Panagiotis Pikrammenos, the head of Greece's

top administrative court, mostly includes prominent university professors, a retired general and one of the country's most respected diplomats.

George Zannias, formerly head of the state's council of economic advisors and a key negotiator in Greece's recent landmark debt rollover, has been appointed finance minister, a government

Mladic trial suspended ‘indefinitely’

T

he Yuglosav war crimes court has adjourned indefinitely the trial of former Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladic, just a day after it opened.

"The hearing is adjourned sine die," presiding judge Alphons Orie said yesterday. "[The court] has decided to suspend the start of the presentation of the prosecution evidence."

The presiding judge delayed indefinitely the presentation of evidence that had been scheduled to start later this month due to "errors" by prosecutors in disclosing evidence to defence lawyers.

Orie said judges were still analysing the "scope and full impact" of the error.

He said he aimed to establish a new starting date "as soon as possible".

Prosecutors already had admitted the errors and did not object to a delay in the trial.

Mladic's lawyer has asked for a six-month delay.

Reporting from The Hague, Barnaby Phillips noted that the initial hearings were always supposed to last two days.

"What has happened is that the prosecution has failed in good time to give all the evidence to the defence," he said.

The part of the trial that is likely to be delayed is the calling of witnesses. The judge has not yet committed to a date, although prior to the delay, it would have been July 29.

Earlier, prosecutors wrapped up their opening statement in the trial by recounting in painstaking and chilling detail the systematic murder by Bosnian Serb forces commanded by Mladic of thousands of Muslim men and boys in Bosnia's Srebrenica enclave in July 1995, Europe's worst massacre since World War II. Exact numbers of the Srebrenica massacre range from 7,000 to 8,000.

"In a period of only five days, from July 12-16, 1995, the armed forces of [Bosnian Serb leader] Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic expelled the civilian population of Srebrenica and murdered over 7,000 Srebrenica men and boys," McCloskey said.

Mladic's army "carried out their murderous orders with ... dedication and military

efficiency," he added.

Mladic, the 70-year-old former commander of the Bosnian Serb army, showed no emotion on the second day of his genocide trial as prosecutor Peter McCloskey showed judges a fleeting video of what he said were the bodies executed Muslim men piled in front of a bulletriddled wall.

On the first day of the trial Wednesday, the court's public gallery was crowded with relatives of the slain men who angrily exchanged hand gestures with Mladic through the bulletproof glass screen separating them.

On Thursday, most of the survivors had left and videos showing a bullish Mladic strutting through the deserted streets of Srebrenica and berating the commander of Dutch UN peacekeepers were greeted largely with silence and occasional murmurs.

One woman, Hatidza Mehmedovic, wept in the court's lobby during a break in the proceedings.

"I buried both of my sons and my husband. Now I live alone with memories of my children," she said. "I would never wish even Mladic to go through what I go through. Not Mladic or Karadzic.

Let God judge them."

Mladic is accused of commanding Bosnian Serb troops who waged a campaign of murder and persecution to drive Muslims and Croats out of territory they considered part of Serbia. His troops rained shells and snipers' bullets down on civilians in the 44-month-long siege of the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo.

He has refused to enter pleas, but denies wrongdoing. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

statement said.

Petros Molyviatis, an 83year-old retired diplomat, returns to head the foreign ministry after a previous stint in 2004-2006.

And Greece's former head of the army general staff Frangos Frangoulis has been named to the defence ministry.

The new cabinet will be

sworn in at 0700 GMT, an hour before parliament is scheduled to convene.

The caretaker administration was appointed after Greek political parties failed to form a coalition government following elections in which no clear victor emerged.

The political uncertainty in Greece has raised fears among

the country's international creditors, the EU and the IMF, that structural reforms pledged in return for bailout loans, will be delayed or even scuppered.

The party most likely to win the next election, radical leftist Syriza, wants to tear up Greece's EU-IMF loan agreement and overthrow labour and salary reforms it rejects as "barbaric".

France will not ratify current EU fiscal pact F rance will not ratify the European Union's pact on fiscal discipline unless it is amended to include ambitious commitments to promote economic growth, the country's new finance minister, Pierre Moscovici, has said.

"What we've said is the treaty will not be ratified as it stands," Moscovici told France's BFM TV on Thursday. "We're firm on this."

Moscovici, part of a new leftleaning government formed after the swearing-in of Francois Hollande as president this week, took over from his conservative predecessor Francois Baroin yesterday.

The new French team was committed to serious management of public finances

but also wanted a strong progrowth strategy in Europe, he said.

Hollande, France's first Socialist president for 17 years, had long made his position clear on a pact that his predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy, signed with other European leaders in March.

Hollande discussed the issue with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in person within hours of his swearing-in this week, Moscovici said.

"It [the pact] must be fleshed out with a part on economic growth, and when I say that, we're talking about an ambitious growth strategy," Moscovici said.

"What we are saying - and we are all very pro-European, Francois Hollande is very

European, [prime minister] JeanMarc Ayrault is very European and I am very European - is that we must take the construction of Europe in a new direction, not to shrug off budgetary responsibility ... for us budgetary responsibility and economic growth are not opposites."

Moscovici, who was a junior European affairs minister in the last left government of 1997-2002, said Merkel and Hollande had looked at a number of growth-promoting options.

Strategies included greater use of European structural development funds and funding by the European Investment Bank, but also so-called project bonds, pooled European debt finance for growth-promoting projects.

Francois Hollande met Angela Merkel hours after being sworn-in as France's new president

Non-Hispanic white births the minority in US

C

hildren from racial and ethnic minorities now account for more than half the births in the US, according to estimates of the latest US census data.

Black, Hispanic, Asian and mixed-race births made up 50.4% of new arrivals in the year ending in July 2011.

It puts non-Hispanic white births in the minority for the first time.

Sociologists believe the ongoing economic slowdown has contributed to a greater decline in birth rates among

white people.

The US Census Bureau recorded 2.02m babies born to minorities in the year to July 2011, just over half of all births, compared with 37% in 1990.

US birth rates have been declining, but the drop has been larger for white people.

The number of white births has fallen by 11.4% since 2008, compared with 3.2% for minorities, according to Kenneth Johnson, a sociologist at the University of New

Hampshire.

Roderick Harrison, a former chief of racial statistics at the Census Bureau, now a sociologist at Howard University, told Associated Press: "This is an important landmark. This generation is growing up much more accustomed to diversity than its elders."

The nation's minority population now makes up 36.6% of the total US population.

Demographers also believe the Hispanic population

boom may now have peaked.

"The Latino population is very young, which means they will continue to have a lot of births relative to the general population," Mark Mather of the Population Reference Bureau said.

"But we're seeing a slowdown that is likely the result of multiple factors: declining Latina birth rates combined with lower immigration levels. If both of these trends continue, they will lead to big changes down the road."

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 35

Puppy is lifeline to diabetic girl, three A

life-saving puppy has been trained to spot when her three-year-old owner is about to suffer a diabetic seizure - by sniffing the danger signs and barking out a warning.

Devoted cocker spaniel Bonnie never leaves little Olivia-Mae Steed's side and can detect when her sugar levels are dropping by smelling it in her sweat and breath.

The clever 15-week-old pup begins to cry, bark or jump up when Olivia-Mae is dangerously close to fitting and will even NIP her mum Jodie, 24, to warn her.

Jodie can then inject Olivia-

Mae with a vital dose of insulin to stop her slipping into a diabetic coma and potentially save her life.

Mother-of-three Jodie said: "Bonnie is an amazing dog - a real life-saver and she is priceless to the family. She is the right age to train and it seems to be working well."

Jodie, who lives in Tuffley, Glos., with partner Steve Hamilton, 24, Sydney-Ella, four, and Ceffidy-Faith, nine months, has to test Olivia-Mae's insulin levels up to 25 times a day.

Olivia-Mae uses a 24-hour insulin pump to regulate her blood levels to avoid a

potentially brain-damaging fit, but despite this, her levels still fluctuate.

Jodie bought Bonnie specifically to train her up to spot the signs of diabetes after reading about the unusual technique in America.

She added: "Specially trained dogs can cost £12,500 in America, so I thought I would look into training up Bonnie myself.

"There is no way we could have afforded to pay that amount over here."

Jodie joined a Facebook page soon after bringing home blackand-white Bonnie, to get tips on how to train her.

Devoted pal Bonnie can save Olivia-Mae's life after training She learnt that symptoms of low blood sugar levels can be sweating, nausea and confusion - some of which can be sniffed out by crafty canines.

Blood sugar levels in diabetics like Olivia-Mae can be affected by meals, emotions, physical activity, hormone levels and even the weather.

Now every time she gives Olivia-Mae an injection of insulin, Jodie makes sure

Inseparable Bonnie goes everywhere with Olivia-Mae Swins

Edo’s budget of progress Contd. from Back Page Despite Edo being a predominantly agrarian state, a paltry N1.5bn (about 1%) is allocated to the sector. Only 0.9% (N812.4m) of the capital budget is allocated to the sector. How this is supposed to aid development in the sector is an open question.This sector deserves to be given more attention if the state is to boost its IGR, employment and rural incomes.

Most of the state’s IGR is from taxes. The state increased its IGR projections from N18.5bn in 2011 to N23.9bn for the 2012 fiscal year but only made about 58% (N10.7bn) of its projections in actual revenues. For 2012, approved tax estimates are N16.9bn (71%) of the total IGR figure. The amount has increased from N13.9bn estimated in 2011.

However, the state fell short by about N5.4bn (39%) of its projection in 2011. In 2011, the state projected its statutory allocation to be N45.7bn but received N22.4bn. In spite of all the above, it still estimated receipts of N56bn for 2012.

It is evident, even to a layman

that continuous over-estimation of income that constantly falls short will surely lead to a deficit budget.

In fact, the Edo state budget has a deficit of about 14% (N20.5bn). Its total receipts amount to about N130bn, made up of N115.4bn recurrent revenue and N15bn capital receipts while total expenditure is about N151bn. The budget makes no mention of how this deficit is funded. In 2011, the Edo state government was only able to balance out its revenue deficit by virtue of income which was not included in the estimates but was paid by the Federal Government, namely; excess crude oil reserve fund (N9.4bn), multilateral debt refund (N3bn) and refund of 0.75 commission charged on Paris club debt refunds (N436.2m). Perhaps that is what it expects to do in 2012.

The Edo State Government has attempted to correctly prioritize its spending by allocating the bulk of the funds to the major sectors of the economy as thus; Works (N36.5bn), Education (N21.8bn), Health (N8.2bn), Transport (N642m), Energy and Water Resources (N2.0bn), Environment (N18.9bn) and

Agric (N1.5bn). Interestingly it categorically lists the state security vote as N4.5bn which is highly commendable compared to Bauchi’s allocation of a massive N17.6bn.

Edo ranks 21 in the ease of doing business rankings in Nigeria. It ranks 16 of the 37 states in ease of starting a business. On average, it takes 45 day and 60.5% of one’s income to start a business in the state. Unemployment in the state is 17%, below the national average of 21.1% but considering that the state is home to two large Universities which churn out graduates yearly, it is imperative for the government to create a thriving environment for SMEs which would not only reduce unemployment and saturation of the state civil service but will also boost the economy of the state.

In Edo state, 39.4% of the population is food-poor and cannot afford proper meals daily, 47% are absolutely poor, 57.9% relatively poor and a little below half the population (47%) survive on less than a dollar a day.

Overall, Edo’s poverty ratings lie in the middle among the southsouth states with Akwa-Ibom,

Rivers and Bayelsa slightly better while Delta and CrossRivers are much worse off.

The spending priorities in Edo indicate a high cost of governance which is unsustainable given the state’s earnings. The government is spending so much to maintain its staff at the expense of developmental investment. The situation is further worsened by falling revenues and repeated “over-estimation” of its revenues.

The government incurs expenses without commensurate revenue flows in the university it owns and several state owned companies. A typical example would be education which receives about N21.8bn but generates less than 2% (N355.3m) in revenues through fines and fees. Virtually all its SOEs return nothing to the government coffers and should be privatized. The state should also aspire to be like Lagos which makes every MDA a significant revenue centre.

The present government of Adams Oshiomhole must be commended for its efforts at improving the state compared to the work done by its predecessors.

But as with everything in life,

Bonnie can smell the results.

She said: "Each time I wipe a swap around her armpits and feet and when her levels are outside of the limits, I take a small blood sample for Bonnie to sniff so she can recognise the signs."

Bonnie who goes everywhere with Olivia-Mae - now barks, whimpers or even bites when she senses the bloody sugar levels dropping dangerously low. there is room for improvement if continuity is sustained.The state is blessed with abundant resources which have barely been tapped and converted to cash-cows and apart from tax earnings which cannot even sustain its recurrent expenditure, the states’ major financing source is the Federation Account.

Without handouts from the Federal Government, will the state exist in the form it does now? The answer is no. Has the state provided a thriving environment for SMEs to play an active role in its economy? It is trying but needs to do more. Is the government investing in physical infrastructure and human capital or is it just maintaining what it has inherited? The state's performance in education and spending on roads answer this question affirmatively.

As Edo citizens go to the polls in July to elect a governor, it is my belief that the Oshiomhole administration has done well enough to be re-elected compared to the previous ten years of lethargic and violent PDP governance in the state. We hope the voters will make the right choice and the elections will be free, fair and credible. It is not too much to ask after the needless murder of Olaitan Oyerinde, may his soul rest in peace.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

‘A smile is the best facelift’: Under the microscope with Olivia Newton-John T he singer and actress, 63, on smile is the best facelift. beating breast cancer, EVER TRIED ALTERNATIVE exercising every day, why MEDICINE? she suffered from depression and Yes, I’m a great believer, but I how she stays young-at-heart think it should be called EVER DIETED? ‘adjunctive medicine’, because it My weight has been pretty should be taken in tandem with constant since my 20s, and never traditional medicine. I had both fluctuates by more than a few acupuncture and homeopathy pounds. I weigh about 9 st, after my cancer surgery, and also which is about right for my did some meditation — and I’m height (5ft 6in). If I eat too much sure together they helped speed one day, I’ll restrict myself the next.

BIGGEST VICE? Dark chocolate, but that’s pretty good for you — in moderation — so I don’t feel guilty about eating it.

GET YOUR FIVE A DAY? I don’t measure it, but I try to always get some ‘green’ at one meal — be it salad, spinach or broccoli.

WORST ILLNESS? Breast cancer. I was diagnosed in 1992, when I was 43. I knew something was wrong because I’d been doing regular selfexaminations and felt a lump. I had surgery, followed by chemo, and I was laid low for the best part of a year. But thankfully I’ve been in the clear for 20 years — a big relief.

WOULD YOU HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY? I haven’t succumbed, despite the fact there is obviously more pressure on people in the public eye to look good. I think eating well, and being positive and happy, are the best 'I weigh about 9 st, which is about ways to stay young. A right for my height (5ft 6in),' said Olivia

up my recovery.

HAD ANYTHING REMOVED? Nothing much — besides my wisdom teeth and tonsils when I was a kid.

DO YOU WORK OUT? I’m pretty fit for my age. I’m a great believer in getting outdoors and doing a bit of exercise every day, whether it’s going for a run or just taking a walk.

POP ANY PILLS? I take green algae, which provides you with omega-3 fatty acids and enhances the immune system. I also take a liquid form of camu-camu, a vitamin-packed fruit from the Amazon rainforest made by my husband’s company.

And, at night, Fibrezone to cleanse my digestive tract.

EVER BEEN DEPRESSED? Yes, in the years after my illness. If you’ve had a serious illness, as I did, it can depress your immune system and leave you feeling low. I had some therapy and was on antidepressants for a while. But thankfully that’s in the past.

BIGGEST PHOBIA? Growing up in Australia, I was all too aware of the dangers of sharks — and I’m very careful if I go swimming in the sea. I remember listening to the ‘shark reports’ on the radio on the way to school in the morning.

SLEEP WELL? As a rule, I don’t get to bed until midnight, and get six to seven hours’ sleep a night. I like life too much to spend too long in bed.

LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER? Only if those I love live for ever, too.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

'I think eating well, and being positive and happy, are the best ways to stay young,' said Olivia Newton-John

Feeling depressed? How a walk in the park could lift your mood

D

ealing with depression could literally be a walk in the park, according to a new study.

Scientists claim strolling through nature could have psychological benefits.

In one of the first ever studies to see if nature walks have an effect on the mood of people with depression, researchers have discovered a walk in the park could provide cognitive benefits.

The research is part of a cognitive science field known as Attention Restoration Theory (ART), which proposes people concentrate better after spending time in nature or looking at natural scenes.

According to ART, people interacting with peaceful nature settings are not bombarded with external distractions that relentlessly tax their working memory and attention systems.

In a natural setting, the brain can relax and enter a state of contemplativeness that helps restore or refresh those cognitive capacities.

In 2008, Dr Marc Berman, of the Rotman Research Institute,

Canada, showed adults, who were not diagnosed with any illness, received a mental boost after an hour-long walk in a woodland park.

Their performance on memory and attention tests were improved by 20 per cent, compared to an hour stroll in a noisy urban environment.

In the latest study, Dr Berman explored whether a nature walk would provide similar cognitive benefits, improving the mood of people with clinical depression.

They studied 20 people with clinical depression, 12 women and eight men with an average age of 26, for a two-part experiment that involved walking in a quiet nature setting and in a noisy urban setting.

Before their walks, participants completed testing to determine their cognitive and mood status, and were asked to think about an unresolved, painful memory.

They were then told to go for an hour long walk in a woodland park, or stroll along a busy downtown street - the route was mapped out and they wore a GPS

watch to ensure they went to the right place.

After their walk was completed, they took part in a series of mental tests to measure their attention and short term/working memory to re-assess their mood.

A week later, the participants repeated the entire study but went for a walk in the location they had not visited in the first experiment.

As depression sufferers are characterised by high levels of rumination and negative thinking, researchers were sceptical a solitary walk in the park would provide any benefit at all, and may actually worsen memory and exaggerate their depressed mood.

But results showed Get back to nature: A walk in a rural setting was found to increase memory skills among sufferers had a 16 per cent increase in depressed patients

attention and working memory after the nature walk compared to the urban walk.

Interacting with nature did not elevate depressive mood over urban walks, as negative mood decreased and positive mood increased after both walks to a significant and equal extent.

Writing for the Journal of Affective Disorders, Dr Berman said: ‘Our study showed that participants with clinical depression demonstrated improved memory performance after a walk in nature, compared to a walk in a busy urban environment.

‘Walking in nature may act to supplement or enhance existing treatments for clinical depression, but more research is needed to understand just how effective nature walks can be to help improve psychological functioning.’

He warned that such walks are not a replacement for existing and well-validated treatments for clinical depression, such as psychotherapy and drug treatment.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

CPC appoints caretaker committee for Kano

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he National Executive Committee of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has appointed a caretaker committee to manage the affairs of the party in the state, having dissolved the previous executive committee.

According to the statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Rotimi Fashakin, CPC explained that the essence of the appointment was is to increase the tempo of grass-

roots mobilization in Kano state.

According to the statement, the committee will be chaired by Dr. Mohammed Mahmud Abubakar, while other members are Dr. Nasiru Ibrahim Dantiye, Alh. Kassim Musa Bichi, Alh. Tijjani Mohammed Lawi, Hajia Azumi Bebeji,and Alh. Addau Rano.

CPC therefore urged members and supporters of the party in Kano state to collaborate with the committee, together with the security agencies, so that their assignment will be accomplished.

PAC attributes intra party crises to absence of democracy

T

he Progressive Action Congress (PAC) said on Thursday that failure by politicians to imbibe the principles and culture of democracy was responsible for intra party crises in the country.

The National Secretary, Mr Bala Mohammed, made the remark in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“Nigerian politicians have yet to imbibe the principles, culture, rules and regulations guiding the practise of democracy.

Mohammed noted with regret that political parties still lacked the desired internal democracy more than 12 years of the entrenchment of democratic dispensation in the country.

He expressed optimism and said that the establishment of Political

Party Monitoring Commission (PPMC) as recommended by the Uwais Panel would assist INEC to monitor political parties adequately.

The party scribe stressed the need for the Electoral Act and the relevant sections of the constitution to be made operational to guarantee internal party democracy.

He called for adequate sanctions on political parties and individuals that flouted party rules and regulations.

“In Thailand for example, parties and defaulting individuals can be banished from contesting elections for a specific time or even or a life ban.

“INEC should also desist from interfering in the internal affairs of political parties while discharging its constitutional duties,'' he advised.

PAGE 37

ACN a vendor of falsehood, says PDP

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday described the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as a vendor of falsehood for stating that the party rigged the 2011 general elections, one clear year after.

The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh and made available to newsmen, the party described the opposition party's new position as the height of hypocrisy.

He said "This is a very shameful attempt to regurgitate falsehood from a well known fact. It is over a year

since the 2011 Presidential election which the Peoples Democratic Party won fair and square as attested to by local and international observers.

And it is on record that neither the ACN leadership nor its Presidential flag bearer challenged the credibility of that election."

"In fact, the ACN's Pontifex Maximus, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had while presenting a paper at Chatham House, London on Monday July, 18th 2011 admitted to the whole world that President Goodluck Jonathan won the 2011 Presidential election."

His (Tinubu's) words "I believe Jonathan won the election... To be

honest, the opposition did not run a strong enough and sufficiently coordinated campaign with a unifying message. The opposition believed that public disenchantment with the ruling party, PDP was enough to get rid of them at the polls.

In retrospect, we made an important strategic mistake that continued to play out and weaken us throughout the campaign. The major opposition parties began their serious work too late... In the end, the opposition parties danced with each other but did not embrace. Our constant dancing however confused the public and partially doused some of the public's enthusiasm."

Oshiomhole mourns Bafyau

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

E

do State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has described the death of former President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Pascal Myeleri Bafyau as "a singular colossal loss to the Labour Movement".

In a condolence letter to the NLC President, Comrade Abduwaheed Omar, Oshiomhole who succeeded Bafyau at the Congress, said "Comrade Pascal ahead of his contemporaries, appreciated the limitation of "bread and butter" struggle of trade unionism.

"He was convinced that organised working men and women must be politically relevant through party formation and contest for political power if they will truly overcome exploitation and ensure equitable distribution of state resources".

Recalling Bafyau's glowing era at the NLC, the governor said, "His tenure witnessed labour struggle against military dictatorship and official attempt to divide the labour movement. His indelible marks I took over from as the 4th President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in 1999 in the movement are significant and numerous to list."

Noting his epic role in the formation of the mass based Labour Party in 1989, the governor who was Bafyau's deputy for eight years, also highlighted his other contribution as the improved minimum wage, building of the 12-Storey Labour House in Abuja, establishment of the Labour Transport Service (now Labour City Transport) and the founding of the now defunct Labour Bank (LACON). " "He will be remembered among other numerous achievements as an advanced politically conscious Comrade who led formation and registration of the Labour Party as early as 1990s", Oshiomhole said.

Yobe state Governor, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam (second behind) looking on while Works Commissioner, Alhaji Lawan Shettima Ali explains a point during the governor's inspection of ongoing construction works at the Bularafa-Gulani road and bridges, yesterday.

Arewa wants Nigerian’s structure retained, supports SNC

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Northern Socio-Political Group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday insisted that the present political structure be retained even as it declares its supports to the recent call for the national dialogue.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday in Abuja after a meeting of the group with the National

Summit Group (NSG), National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Anthony Sani said beyond the calls for the restructuring of the nation, what was most need was the concerted efforts by Nigerians to have a change of attitude adding that without a change in the manner Nigerians approach issues concerning the country, nothing much would be achieved even with the restructuring of the nation.

Speaking on the need for the

Bauchi lawmaker wants INEC to conduct LG polls From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

A

member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Baba Abubakar Suleiman has sought for an amendment to the Constitution to give legal backing to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conduct election at the third tier of government in the country.

According to the lawmaker, should INEC conduct elections at

local government, the fear by the electorates that state governments could be biased or that justice would not be done to opposition parties would be minimal.

The lawmaker who represents Azare state constituency in the Assembly recalled that past experiences have indicated that state governments manipulate local government elections to their own advantage.

He told the newsman in Bauchi that the entire conduct of the local government elections should not be left to the State Electoral Commission to handle as, according to him, state governments becomes self-centred in the exercise.

"Iam of the opinion that anything that has to do with the issue of elections at the local government level should have that law be amended to give the responsibility for the conduct to INEC', the lawmaker said.

convocation of the national dialogue, Sani said contrary to insinuations in certain quarters that the ACF was not interested in the dialogue, the North was always ready for such an engagement which he said would rather strengthen the country instead of the fears that it could divide it.

"The dialogue is not about dividing the country but to strengthen it. Presently, there is a government in place, what we are doing here is to fashion out how to start the dialogue given the fact that most of the issues of contention are captured in the 16 points agenda of the Constitution Review".

Sani further posited that one way of carrying out the proposed national dialogue was to use the existing National Assembly or to form a separate forum for the convocation stating that the people of Nigeria are really worried about the turn of events in the recent past.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

APGA upholds expulsion of Obi’s SA, others

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he national leadership of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has upheld the expulsion of the Special Assistant to Gov Peter Obi on Parks and Markets, Sylvester Nwobu-Alor and two others by the Anambra state chapter of the party, saying he was insubordinate to the constituted organs of the party.

In a statement issue yesterday in Abuja and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Benard Akoma, the national leadership of the party said that after a review of the actions taken last week by the Anambra state executive of APGA, which led to the expulsion of Nwobu-Alor and two others, it was satisfied that the decision was in accordance with the

constitution of the party.

It refuted the denial by Nwobu-Alor that he was not properly intimated by any disciplinary panel investigating any allegations against him, arguing that the national executive has it on good authority that due process was properly followed by the state chapter, including the serving of the two affected members with invitation letters to the

disciplinary panel personally.

While pointing out that the presence of the other two to defend themselves before the disciplinary panel clearly indicates that he was properly served the letter. APGA argued that the refusal of Nwobu-Alor to respond to the invitation of the party was more evidence of his disrespect for the party.

Against this background, the leadership of the party described his attempt to

undermine the weight of the action against him as 'lame and mere struggle of a drowning person desperate to hang on any available straw.'

It therefore commended the state executive of the party for being proactive, advising any member of the party who does not want to conform with the laid down principles and procedures of the party to step aside and desist from distracting the party.

Political parties appeal to Buhari to withdraw statement on bloodbath The Lagos League of Political Parties (LLPP) on Thursday appealed to former Head of State Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw his statement threatening bloodshed in the 2015 polls.

Retired Gen. Buhari served as Head of State from Dec. 31, 1983 to Aug. 27, 1985, when he was toppled by retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in what could be described as a palace coup.

In a statement signed by its Lagos State Chairman, Mr Udoka Udeogaranya, the LLPP said it considered the statement as being capable of affecting national peace, progress and civility.

“We will like to remind us all that many people in Nigeria have previously lost their lives because of the heightened passions usually caused by such statements," the group said.

It noted that as participants in the April 2011 general elections, the LLPP could attest to the huge progress recorded by the Goodluck Jonathan's

administration in the conduct of the polls.

“The progress recorded in the 2011 polls clearly contrasts with the previous one of 2007.

“Little wonder, all the opposition parties in Lagos State, for instance, congratulated the winning party and that has provided a peaceful environment for governance in the state," it said.

The LLPP, however, advised all politicians to allow those elected to be able to deliver to the electorate the promises they made to them during the electioneering.

“Laying obstructions or making governance difficult for those saddled with governance by any means is a disservice to society and the nation," the statement said.

It condemned all forms of violence and urged all political stakeholders to eschew every act of incitement, capable of causing violence.

House committee decries negligence of federal fire service

T

he Chairman, House Committee on Interior, Rep. Umar Bature, in Abuja on Wednesday decried the negligence of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Interior by past administrations.

Bature, who led the house members on oversight functions at the Federal Fire Service, said government had failed to place its priority in the right places.

He decried the poor funding of the service, saying that the service fell below acceptable standards in most parts of the world.

He further expressed dissatisfaction with the setting up of fire stations by

Edo Students back Oshiomhole

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

P

residents of Students' Union Government (SUG) of higher institutions in Edo State have endorsed the candidature of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for governor of Edo State in the July 14 gubernatorial election.

The SUG presidents who were at the Government House, Benin City said, they would mobilize students to cast their votes for Oshiomhole because of the good works he is doing in the state.

Presenting the communiqué issued by the SUG presidents, Comrade John Oguns, noted that "we are solidly behind you. We will ensure that our students vote for you.

We believe in your administration, that is why we have come from our various institutions of higher learning to endorse you for second

term."

They condemned the activities of some unscrupulous persons parading themselves as students, accusing them of trying to cause disaffection amongst the students by claiming to be speaking on behalf of the students without their consent.

"We have come to tell the world that we support your administration, and the good things you are doing. We want to specially thank you for the palliatives to cushion the hardship of the people, which include the reduction of school fees at Ambrose Ali University (AAU) by N15, 000, the introduction of free and compulsory education for primary and secondary students, the 50 percent discounted fares for students plying the Comrade bus, the construction of primary and secondary schools across the state, the construction of administrative block at the AAU and the approval for the

construction of hostels for students of the school.

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who commended the SUG of the various higher institutions in the state for being able to organize themselves, said the unity of youths is essential to the development of the state.

"Our most important asset is our human asset. Our decision to abolish all forms of school fees in the state is to ensure that every house hold benefit from the withdrawal of subsidy," he noted.

The governor assured that since the street lights in Ekpoma town are now working, there are moves to extend them to the Ambrose Ali University campus.

While thanking the SUG presidents for the confidence reposed on his administration, Comrade Oshiomhole said, he is determined to do his best on a sustainable basis, to continue to address the challenges in the state

government departments and agencies apart from the states and the federal fire service.

“Government should de-emphasise the setting up of fire stations in government agencies like the Police, Defence, CBN, among others.

“Fire service should be properly funded and positioned to respond to emergencies.

“The setting up of such fire service by other government agencies is duplication of functions and down grading of the country's fire service.''

He urged the service to be more proactive in carrying out its function of regulating standard practises in residential and government buildings.

“You don't have to wait for government to give you the permission to enforce safety regulations in companies and government agencies.

“Standards are being compromised by contractors and it is your place to address this and you can generate revenue from enforcement of these standards. '' Bature pledged that the committee would work hard to ensure improved funding of the service and urged it to synchronise its activities with state fire service for better performance.

Earlier, the Controller General of the service, Mr Olusegun Okebiorun, said the service had 350 fire stations nationwide, out of which less than 250 were functional.

Okebiorun said: ``it takes firemen in Nigeria more than 10 to 15 minutes to respond to fire emergencies as against the acceptable standard of five minutes. ''He listed some of the challenges facing the service to include poor funding, lack of water supply in most cities across the country, inadequate logistics and shortage of personnel.

He urged the State and Federal Governments to invest in the development of the fire service.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Group wants death penalty for corrupt public officers From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

T

he Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association of Nigeria, Oyo state chapter, has advocated death penalty for corrupt public servants in the country as a way of reducing high profile official corruption.

The chairman of the Association, LT-Col AbduGaniyu Abdul-Salam, stated this during a courtesy visit to Governor Abiola Ajimobi held at Executive Chamber, Secretariat Ibadan.

He urged the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly to legislate against high profile official corruption classifying it as 'blood money' and making the offenders face the death penalty without option.

Retired uniforms boss said police pension scam suggests that pension administrative offices have become breeding spots of organized scam called on Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to beam search-light to other pensions administrative offices.

He noted that brazen embezzlement of pension running into billions of naira had bled thousands of pensioners to their graves saying those who spill pensioners blood should be ready to shed their own blood too.

The former army officer called for enormous political will and national commitment to fight endemic corruption as exemplified by late General Murtala Muhammed saying until when this example is followed that Nigeria can be rid of stinking high profile official corruption.

According to him, "One million EFCC cannot fight high profile official corruption without political will from the top; a crisis free, corruption free and zeroviolence atmosphere dictates a rapid economic development and happiness of Nigeria."

He further called for a political strategy of embracing the path of dialogue as against the use of military force which seems inadequate as a panacea for present security challenges.

In his remarks, Governor Abiola Ajimobi who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Moses Adeyemo pledged commitment to the welfare of retirees in the state.

He said present administration would continue to give priority to the need of retirees to prevent loss of lives of those who had served the state and nationa at large.

PAGE 39

Sultan, Aliyu others hail Ojukwu at book launch From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar has described the late Ikemba Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as a hero not only of the Igbo race and Nigeria, but of the entire world also.

He said that Ojukwu even in death has continued to attract respect and

admiration from people of different shades of opinion because of his exemplary life of selflessness and uprightness.

The remarks were made yesterday in Abuja by the Sarkin Jiwa Alhaji Idris Musa (MFR) who represented the Sulatn while speaking at the public presentation of the book titled 'Ojukwu, the Rebel I Served,' written by a veteran journalist Uche Ezechukwu.

He described the late Biafra head as a visionary a visionary leader who wanted the best for his people and Nigeria noting that Ojukwu has by his actions since after his return from exile demonstrated that he was a believer in a united and indivisible nation that should protect the rights of everyone.

While delivering the keynote speech, Governor

R-L: Director General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Barrister Chris Onyememen, Director Operations of NIMC, Mrs Cecilia Yahaya, Chairman, House Committee on Interior, Hon. Umar Bature, Head Legal Services of NIMC, Mrs. Carol. N. Ojukwu, and Director (IDD) of NIMC, Engineer Aliyu A.Aziz, during the chairman’s oversight visit to the commission, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Fashola counsels leaders on contentment

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overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Thursday advised political and business leaders to be contented with what they have, to guard against corruption.

Fashola gave the advice at the fifth Synod of the Lagos West Diocese of the Anglican Communion at Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos.

“The way fraud and corruption is perpetrated in our country shows that we are not contented with what

we have," Fashola said at the Synod with the theme: ``Godliness and contentment''.

Represented by his deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Fashola called for moral regeneration in order to reclaim the values of Godliness with sincerity of purpose and honesty.

“We should all realise that illgotten wealth does not give fulfilment," said the Lagos State governor.

He urged the three tiers of

government to provide infrastructure and invest more in education for the development of the country.

Rev. Peter Adebiyi, Bishop, Lagos West Diocese, Anglican Communion, advised political leaders against sectional interest and work toward the general good of the people who elected them into office.

“We need to focus on how to bail the people out of their present suffering and joblessness," he said.

Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu represented by the Niger State Commissioner for Information Alhaji Daladi Umar, described Ojukwu as a fearless, courageous, patriotic and visionary leader that has become role model to millions of people saying that he went to war because of his belief that injustice was being meted to his people.

"Ojukwu was a military democrat who fought for the rights of his people. He fought for unity in diversity," Governor Aliyu said and lamented that Nigeria is still being bedeviled by bad governance and injustice in a country that is blessed with abundant wealth while its citizens suffer hunger, poverty and deprivation, adding that Nigerians have no fear of God in spite of thousands of religious houses in all parts of the country. He also decried the absence of security in the land even as government spends huge resources on security.

Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, who was represented by his Deputy Emeka Sibeudu described Chief Ojukwu as a personal father who inspired the entire Igbo race to discover themselves in the Nigerian project.

Obi said Ojukwu's intimidating personality was to become a rallying point to political and social leaders as well as an umbrella for all genuine aspiring leaders in the entire South East geo- political zone of the country.

Earlier in an open remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Ben Obi glowing tribute to Ojukwu whom he said was the father of all Igbo people. He described Ojukwu as a rare gem as well as a great and unique human being who at the age 14 was already a freedom fighter and that until his death remained committed to the ideals for which he abandoned his wealthy background and chose to fight in the trenches in order to build a better society for his people.

NAWOJ appeals to politicians on issue-based campaigns

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he Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Edo Chapter has appealed to politicians and their supporters in the state to base their campaign on issues.

NAWOJ Chairperson in Edo Amina Ebor made the appeal on Thursday in Benin when the association paid courtesy visit on Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Director-General Oshiomhole Campaign Organisation.

Ebor said that although political ideologies might differ,

the ultimate goal should be on how to move the state and the nation in general forward ``in every sphere of human endeavour''.

She said, ``It is our sincere wish that politicians will eschew bitterness and emphasis issues that will benefit the entire residents of Edo and the country at large.'' ``Verbal attacks on persons, through mudslinging and casting of aspersions will only lead to anger and could degenerate into violence leading to maiming and

killings,'' she said.

The NAWOJ boss said that the women as wives and mothers were in many cases victims of the ill wind that blows no good in such political circumstance.

She said that NAWOJ had commenced mobilisation of majority of women on the need for them to ensure violence free electoral campaign.

Responding, Ize-Iyamu, who commended the association for sensitising of women said that ACN did not believe in violence.

He said, ``We have tried to preach against violence; election should not be a thing of do or die.

Regrettably, some lives have been lost, some brutally killed like Oshiomhole's private secretary. ``ACN policy is, when you create infrastructure business will grow and there will be employment.''

Ize-Iyamu also stressed the need for politicians to eschew violence and killings, adding that issue-based campaign would move the state forward.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Edo voter registration: INEC, stakeholders meeting with politicians deadlocked

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he Independent electoral Commission, INEC, Edo State interactive session with representatives of registered political parties ahead of the July 14th 2012 governorship election in the state yesterday ended in stalemate.

This followed the inability by parties present including, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Labour Party, LP, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Action Alliance, AL,

National Conscience Party, NCP, to reach consensus on a new date after last Tuesday botched Voter Registration.

The meeting which lasted for two hours afforded participants the opportunity to express their views on salient issues bothering on whether INEC should embark on the exercise or to adopt the April 2011 voters' register.

Besides, Friday, 18th May was set aside by INEC for the Stakeholders to converge in Abuja where parties will decide Registration matter and agree on a

new date to kick off the registration or whether to make do with National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, members.

Apparently taking solace in the alleged redeployment of the State Information Communication Technology, ICT Director, Mrs Umeh as prescribed by the State governor, Adams Oshiomhole applauded the removal of Head of ICT Department, INEC, 'Mrs Umeh'.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu, told INEC officials that the party is battle ready, emphasising that ACN has concluded plans to play the recorded

visuals containing the biometrics of some politicians allegedly carried out by some volunteers of the PDP, governorship Candidate, Charles Airhiavbere (Rted), before INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega on Friday for prosecution.

He described as wasteful the cost of purchasing the Direct Data Capture, DDC, machines by the federal government 'This is one of the biggest fraud in the electoral process. We have our doubt about this process, the entire money used for DDC machine was a colossal waste', he said.

L - R: Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Engineer Emeka Ezeh, House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon Sunday Adepoju, during a visit by the Director General, BPP, to the House on Wednesday.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Nasarawa lawmakers berate Al-makura over austerity measures From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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embers of the Nasarawa state House of Assembly has voiced their discontentment over the austerity measures embarked by Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who in a bid to save cost, presented before the assembly three bills for second reading seeking to repeal the laws setting up two agencies and a department and merge them with

their parent ministries.

The lawmakers who took their time to express their discontentment were unanimous in their condemnation of the drastic situation created by the governor's decision to further jeopardize the living conditions of appointees of these agencies, who would lose their jobs following the merger, stressing that both human and physical development should go hand-in-hand.

Earlier, Godiya Akwashiki, (PDP, Nasarawa Eggon West) and Majority Leader of the House, while presenting the bills on behalf of the governor, stated that by merging the farm mechanization agency with the Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme (NADP); Nasarawa state Debt Management Department with the state Ministry of finance and the Public Works Maintenance Agency with

Violence as ACN youth protest imposition of candidates

By Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji

A

nother round of violence erupted yesterday ahead of election July local government in Ilaro town in Yewa South Local Government of Ogun State as hundreds of youths who are members of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) protested alleged imposition of candidates by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

The aggrieved party members at about 11am, stormed the ACN Secretariat in the local government located along Leslie Road, Ilaro, at about 11.00am and vandalized property.

Armed with various placards

with inscriptions accusing the governor of being behind the imposition plot, the protesters specifically named one Shafiu Odebiyi as the imposed chairmanship candidate of the governor opposed to by the majority.

The controversial candidate was said to have defected from All Nigeria Peoples Party{ANPP} alongside Amosun to the Action Congress of Nigeria{CAN}, and further alleged that Amosun's move was aimed at scuttling the chances of an aspirant, Babatunde Olaotan, whom they described as "the most popular aspirant."

The protesters demanded the conduct of primaries to decide the party's candidates for the local government polls, stressing that ACN as a progressive party must not be allowed to toe undemocratic path.

The protesters' placards reads "We say no to imposition;" "Any attempt to impose an unpopular candidate in Yewa South by ACN means you want us to vote for others;" "We want internal democracy to prevail in ACN Yewa South LG;" "When the will of the people is not respected, there is always an option;" "ACN be careful, imposition destroyed PDP".

the state Ministry of Works, political appointees heading these agencies would lose their jobs, with monies meant for their salaries going back to the coffers of government.

Mohammed Baba Ibaku, (PDP, Toto/Umaisha), decried the way the governor was insisting on saving cost by sending political appointees into unemployment, saying he will only agree for the Bills to pass second reading, if the merger was meant to remove duplication of functions.

Ibrahim Bala, (CPC, Keffi West), also decried the manner in which politicians are thrown out of work in the name of cost saving, adding that the reasons why the agencies were not performing was because they lacked operational funds, urging on the governor to provide funds for these agencies instead of scrapping them.

But, it was learnt that even before the state government presented the bills before the House, these departments have since been merged, with the government only seeking to legalise its action.

All the three Bills scaled through, with the legislators agreeing on the need to eliminate duplication of service.

CPC accuses Jonathan of ethnocentricity

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

C

ongress for Progressive Change (CPC) has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of continually appointing Ijaw indigenes as oil ministers since he became the President, adding that he has shown generous affinity for Ijaws in appointments and promotions in the Federal Public sector.

CPC, while reacting to the recent statement from President Goodluck Jonathan which allegedly labeled Muhammadu Buhari as a sectional leader, also decried that his system of leadership insisting that his appointments have a mark of lopsidedness that smacks of 'clannishness and ethnocentrism' on the side of the President.

In a statement issued by the party through its Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Fashakin, CPC argued that Jonathan's administration transcends all others before it on corruption and sleaze, saying that Nigerians are still befuddled by the impeachable show of arbitrariness by the regime in expending N2.67trillion on fuel subsidy, above the appropriated N240Billion in the 2011 Appropriation Act. It therefore condemned the efforts being made by Jonathan's regime to give executive cover for the indicted people in the scam, alleging that those indicted by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee are the allies of the President who financed the President's electioneering campaigns.

Ezugwu urges APGA to suspend Anambra governor over anti-party activity

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh, has been urged to initiate the suspension of the incumbent governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, for illeged anti-party activity Reacting to the recent face off between Peter Obi of Anambra state and Victor Umeh, former Enugu north Senatorial candidate of the APGA in 2003, Willy Ezugwu, said the dispute between Obi and APGA is due to his failure to conduct local government polls as being demanded by APGA. He stated that it is only by conducting local government polls that APGA would become more strong and capable of expanding to the entire south east. He condemned the continued use of caretakers in the 21 local governments in the state, saying it has cost APGA some seats in the state assembly.

Speaking further, he lamented the inability of Obi to secure victory for APGA in the state senatorial and House of Representatives seats, arguing that Obi is the only sitting governor in a state who has lost such seats in his states.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 41

Chelsea Nigerian league stars need support, patience to excel, says Keshi S boss buzzing over Mikel

C

helsea boss Roberto di Matteo was relieved to have Mikel Obi fit again for Saturday’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Speaking with the club’s official website, di Matteo said Mikel’s return was a great boost to the squad ahead of the final match and he expects him to be fully fit.

“Mikel returned to training on Friday and looks good for the final match,” declared di Matteo.

The caretaker manager was also delighted that David Luiz and Gary Cahill have resumed training after injuries.

“I was worried about their injury but I am relieved they are back and in contention for shirt in final match. Luiz and Cahill returned to action on Tuesday and they look good too, they all trained with the rest of the squad and this is a big relief for the team,” he said.

Chelsea will miss captain John Terry, Braslav Ivanovic, Ramires de Nascimento and Raul Merieles due to injury, Flourent Maoluda is also doubtful as it would be disastrous to lose any player ahead of the Titanic Battle inside the Allianz Arena on Saturday.

uper Eagles’ chief coach Stephen Keshi has pleaded with Nigerians to exercise patience members of the domestic league Eagles to allow them develop to their full potentials and thus perform to expectation.

In apparent referencen to incessant calls for him to discard the local stars and concentrate on their foreign-based counterparts, especially as he prepares the Eagles for the 2014 and 2013 World and Nations Cup qualifiers, Keshi said he was confident that the players, whose abilities he said were not in doubt, would in time hit the desired form.

It would be recalled that since Keshi’s appointment as the Super Eagles coach last November he has given Nigerian league players a chance in the team. He has mostly used the players in international and local friendly matches as well as the lone match the team has played in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

However, Keshi had on May 6 called to camp 26 home-based players, to be joined by five overseasbased players in preparation for an international friendly against Peru on May 23.

“I keep using these boys since I have been with them in camp, and I have not been discouraged.

This is because I have confidence that there are great players in this country.

“All we need to do is to give them the opportunity to showcase themselves. The biggest problem we are having now is being patient with them and giving them the support and confidence they need, so that they can do it,” he said.

The former Eagles captain said he even had no choice in the issue as he was a product of the Nigerian league. “I came out from this level and I am a product of this local scene. So, why will I say there is no opportunity for them?”

Keshi said he was confident that the team was building up gradually, and noted that he was sure the team and its handlers would reach their target.

While acknowledging that the players may not have the experience to contend for shirts with the overseas-based players, the coach however pointed out that their performance had been satisfactory.

“I am not surprised with anybody’s comment

about their experience and readiness to compete with the overseas-based players because everybody is entitled to his or her opinion.

“But let me reiterate that the overseas-based ones are not with the Nigerian-based players here now and there was never a time I said I will use the Nigerian-based players alone without using the overseas-based ones.

“I am only choosing those who are giving me the best, be it Nigerian-based or overseas-based.

It all depends on who impresses me during trainings. All I want is the best,” he said.

Keshi however disclosed that the final list of players to play the team’s upcoming matches in the next one month will have 10 or 11 overseasbased players.

Apart from the Lima friendly against Peru on May 23, the Eagles will also take on Namibia on June 3 in Calabar in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.

They will then face Malawi in Blantyre on June 9 in another 2014 World Cup qualifier, before meeting Rwanda on June 17 in Calabar in another Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

W/C: Keshi kicks Mikel, Osaze, Taye Taiwo out of Eagles, recalls Ogude, Efe, Echiejile, 8 other foreign pros Stories by Patrick Andrew and Albert Akota

I

n keeping with his promise that he would only call up committed and in-form players, Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has left Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni from the list of 11 foreign-based players he wants to team up

Fengor Ogude

with their 18 domestic league counterparts to prosecute Nigeria’s 2013 and 2014 Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

Keshi had vowed after some members of the foreign-based players put up a lackadaisical performance in the Nigeria versus Rwanda Nations Cup qualifier never to give

John Utaka

consideration some players, who are known to treat national service with levity.

Besides, Keshi had equally expressed dismay with the performances of Yakubu and Peter Odemwingie and Taye Taiwo, whose lack lustre game was obvious to all and insisted only players who were in top form and shape and willing Odemwingie will be wedding about the time Nigeria will engage Namibia and Rwanda in Calabar. Not so Mikel who will be on break but may have been left out because he had opted not to feature for the team when the Eagles played against Rwanda.

Keshi had then demanded for the Chelsea midfielder’s declaration of his full readiness to feature for the country subsequently, but midfielder is yet to do so.

Nonetheless, the likes of Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, John Utaka, Fengor Ogude and Sone

Okon confident of Falcons win F alconets’ coach, Edwin Okon has said his wards will not let their guard down in order to qualify for the 2012 Fifa Under20 Women’s World Cup in Japan.

The Nigerians take a 4-0 win from a fortnight ago at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta to their Central African foes, the Leopardess in the winner-takes-all clash on Saturday in Kinshasa.

The winners of the tricky tie will pick one of the two slots reserved for Africa at the global football fiesta.

The coach led out 18 players and 10 officials aboard an Ethiopian Airline to Addis Ababa on Wednesday from where the team will connect another flight to the Congo capital, Kinshasa.

Okon, who said the crop of players he has are capable

of competing against any opposition, boasted that they prepared for the encounter as if it was the first leg.

“My players are fully prepared for the match in DR Congo.

Our victory in Abeokuta gives us an edge over our opponents but that is already history as we know that our match in Kinshasa is going to be a different ball game.

“We are not going there to underrate the Congolese because we know how good they are but we certainly do not fear them.

“It is a battle and we are determined to win and convincingly, too,” he said.

Falconets’ captain, Gloria Ofoegbu scored a brace while strikers, Francisca Ordega and Ebere Orji netted one goal each in the first fixture against the Congolese.

Aluko returned to the fold.

Also, goalkeeper Austin Ejide and Vincent Enyeama made the squad even as Keshi revealed that he will pick another set of 18 players from the Nigeria Premier League and foreign pros who are due to fly out this weekend for a friendly in Peru.

Speaking on his decision to give Aluko and Utaka the nod, keshi said their invitation was on merit.

The Glasgow Rangers’ attacking winger,Aluko and HSC Montpellier striker, Utaka have been in top shape all season.

“I have picked Sone Aluko and John Utaka based on their recent form for their clubs. You can’t have players doing well and ignore them,” Keshi explained.

Aluko made his debut for Nigeria in May 2009 in an international friendly match against Republic of Ireland.

Utaka, on the other hand, was part of the Nigerian squad to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where he was unused substitute and has remained out-offavour since then.

Nigeria will host Namibia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier

The 11 foreign pros

on June 3 in Calabar, before they travel to Malawi for a continuation of the qualifying series the next weekend.

The Eagles are also due to host Rwanda in a second leg qualifier for the 2013 nations Cup to be hosted

by South Africa.

Elderson Echiejile

Ike Uche

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille/FRA), Austin Ejide (Petach Tikva/ISR) Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Fenerbache/TUR), Efe Ambrose (Ashdod/ISR), Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga/POR) Midfielder:Fengor Ogude (Valrenga/NOR) Strikers: Ike Uche (Granada/SPA), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Sone Aluko (Glasgow Rangers/SCO), John Utaka (Montpellier/FRA), Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic/ ENG).

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

Sacking aging athletes, managers to boost sport development, says PLSG

eartland’s unexpected exit from the CAF Confederations Cup last weekend has been blamed on poor officiating, according to Fan Ndubuoke, the General Manager of the team. The team lost 2-1 to AC Leopards of Congo to crash out on aggregate of 6-4. The first leg ended 3-2 in Owerri.

Ndubuoke, who alleged that the referee and his assistants were biased, said that it would have been a miracle had Heartland survived the unfair officiating in the hands of the match officials.

He alleged biased officiating in the match, saying the team played brilliantly in the game.

“We are not disappointed because the boys played as instructed; am only disappointed at the manner through which we got eliminated. I take consolation in the brilliant performance of my players, amidst provocation and intimidation. “The match was still 1-1, until the 91st minute of the match, when the referee gave an undeserved penalty, that sort of penalty is called African magic.

“Our efforts were ruined by poor officiating, there is nothing in the book that we did not do. But the plot was clear, for a referee to awarded a dubious penalty kick with a just a minute to the end of the match.

“Even if we went there with 20 Ronaldos and Messi’ put together, it would not have changed anything, the script had been written long before the match commenced,” Ndubuoke said.

The manager added that in spite of the let down, Heartland remained undaunted and would strive toward clinching a continental ticket through the ongoing Nigeria Premier League (NPL) season.

He said if the players could show more determination and play the way they did in Congo, their objective would be easily realised.

“I don’t see how we would not get a ticket to return to continental football next year, the best thing to do is to keep our cool and make sure our players are up to the task.

“We have looked at our position on the league table, if we play the way we played in Congo in our subsequent league matches, we will come out tops automatically,” he said.

When asked whether the absence of their Dutch coach, Lodewijk de Kruif, contributed to the loss, Ndubuoke said that his absence had nothing to do with Heartland’s elimination from the CAF competition.

“We are expecting him back soon after he must have sorted out his family issues but the problem we had in Congo was beyond 20 Dutch coaches put together,” he said.

When asked about the club’s financial state regarding the players’ remuneration and allowances, Ndubuoke said that Heartland had paid salaries up to date but were still owing some bonuses.

“I will say 90 per cent, yes, we have paid up but we are still owing a couple of percentage of their bonuses, I will be telling a lie if I say we are 100 per cent okay in terms of remunerations,” Ndubuoke said.

He urged fans not to relent in their support for the club as it strives to improve its position on the NPL table.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL LAND ALLOCATION PAPERS IN RESPECT OF: 1. PLOT NO. MD 9030 OF ABOUT 1,200M SQUARE LOCATED WITHIN GADUWA DISTRICT FTC - ABUJA 2. PLOT NO. 35 OF ABOUT 525M SQUARE OFF GADO NASKO ROAD KUBWA -ABUJA. THE SAID DOCUMENTS BELONGS TO MRS C.F. ADEKUNLE. ALL EFFORTS TO TRACE THE DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE IF FOUND , PLEASE RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION AGIS, FCTA AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE PLEASE

This is to notify the general public that C of O No. BA/26404, over plot No. S29-5.48c along Murtala Mohammed Bauchi, in the name of ALH. DANLADI SARKIN FADA miri is declared missing.

If found, please kindly return to the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Bauchi, or Miri block industrial, Bauchi, along Murtala Mohammed Way, near Wikki Oil, Bauchi.

T

he Plateau government says it will sack ageing athletes and mangers as part of efforts to boost sports development in the state. The state’s Commissioner of Sports, James Yakubu, said at a ministerial briefing in Jos on Wednesday that machinery had been set in motion to determine those who could no longer “contributing meaningfully” to sports development.

“Certainly, such dead woods will be shown the way out,” Yakubu declared, and stressed that such people were largely responsible for the decline in sports development in the state.

“It is a difficult decision to take, but such decisions must be taken to prevent further failures at sports fiestas.

“We have already alerted those that may be affected and I want them to take it in good faith in the interest of Plateau.”

The commissioner said the recent sack of the Plateau United FC chief coach and technical manager was the beginning of the clean up, saying the step was already yielding results.

“We actually want results; no state government in Nigeria spends money on that sector like Plateau but the results have not been reflecting the huge investment.

He said the government was fully aware of all problems confronting the sector and would stop at nothing to revive it.

“But in spite of the challenges, we have recorded some achievements since May 2007 when Gov. Jonah Jang took over the leadership of the state,” he said.

The commissioner explained that Plateau had won a total of 406 medals in various sports since 2007.

Dan Akpeyi, Heartland’s goalkeeper

Ndubuike blames Heartland’s Coach says NBBF plans for Confederations Cup ouster on poor officiating China camping on gear

A

yo Bakare, Coach of the D’ Tigers, the national men’s basketball team, says plans have been concluded to camp the players in China in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic qualifiers.

The basketball qualifier is scheduled for Caracas, Venezuela, in July, where Nigeria is expected to battle for one of the three available spots for the Games.

Bakare revealed yesterday that the camp was tentatively scheduled to open in two weeks time, immediately the National Sports Commission released funds for the trip. The coach, who expressed optimism of the team’s qualification, said that the players since their last outing in Holland in December had been training in their individual base.

Bakare said the technical crew would do everything within its means to ensure qualification for the Olympics.

He said 12 foreign based players had been invited to camp out of the number that had previously featured in the earlier phase of the training programme. The coach disclosed that the Nigeria Basketball Federation had sent the necessary documents for them to sign in readiness for the Olympic Games.

“I cannot, however, pre-empt the National Sports Commission by mentioning any number of home based players that will be in china” Bakare said. He said that it was at the end of the sixweek camping programme that the federation would do the final selection of players for the qualifiers.

H

SIGNED: ONWUKA JANE, ESQ.

Eagles ready to make Nigerians smile again, says Ehiosun

T

Ekigho Ehiosun

he pains that followed the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup Finals will soon give way to smiles as the Eagles have resolved to rekindle their old form, according to Samsunpors forward, Ekigho Ehiosun.

Speaking at an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja, the former Warri Wolves player said members of Stephen Keshi-led squad have learnt their lessons and have individually and as a group become determined to restore confidence and win back the favour of Nigerians.

“I want to see myself as being among the cream of players that want to make a difference in the now reformed national team. I want to be among the generation of players that will bring a smile back to the faces of Nigerians,” he said.

The former Warri Wolves FC player said featuring in the national team was a dream come true for him and was an opportunity he would put to good use.

He, however, said the national team was a little different now because all the players were Nigerians who had gathered to accomplish a common goal.

“Here in the national team, it is very different now because these are people from different parts of the world who spend a short while together to achieve results. When we are in the national team, everybody wants to give their best,” the striker

who features in the Turkish Super League said.

He said that in spite of some challenges faced by the Eagles, the team’s strength lay in its ability to do what many other national teams could not achieve.

“This is my country and this is the team I play for, and I know we have the strength to do so many things that all other countries cannot do. I know the strength that we have and when the right time comes we shall explode,” Ehiosun said.

While comparing the Nigerian league with the Turkish league, the player noted that though the weather conditions in Turkey and Nigeria were different, the games were the same.

“It is the same game we play in Nigeria that we play in Turkey; it’s only the weather condition that is a little bit different. However, the facilities there are better than the ones we have here.

“When they say today we have to stay in the gym for training, it means that there are a lot of facilities there for us to spend the whole day there. But here in Nigeria, all the time we want to train we do it on the field,” he said.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS HASIYA DAUDA MANGA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DAUDA MANGA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, FIRST BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 43

Coaches Olympian predicts taekwondo gold for Nigeria association E seeks welfare packages for retired coaches

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he Rivers State Coaches Association has urged the state government to introduce welfare packages for retired coaches in the state.

The former Chairman of the association, Opakriba Harry, made the call yesterday noting that the coaches could still make important input that could improve the performance of athletes.

Harry said that ex-coaches played significant roles in the success of the state at the 17th National Sports Festival (NSF).

He also called on the government to encourage coaches through scholarship programmes. What our council did during the last sports festival, was to beckon on the retired sports men and women to come and bring their wealth of knowledge for Rivers State to win.

“We are also saying the government should not just bring them to work only. They should support them financially on a monthly basis.

“I will also use this medium to appeal to the state government to bring back the scholarship programme for coaches in this state. We know that coaches are supposed to go for overseas training course and in-house coaching courses.”

The chairman urged the Government to re-introduce official cars for use by coaches for talent-hunt initiative as well as for scouting for talents in rural areas.

The chairman of the Coaches association in the state, Mrs Elsie Peterside, said the coaches had contributed to grooming the athletes in the state.

She said that the association would press for a welfare package for the retired coaches to make them relevant at the state sports council.

One of the retired coaches, Jonathan Odidi, suggested that the newly discovered talents should be employed and kept busy.

Odidi, a former boxing coach, said failure to put them on the payroll, could make them to skip turning up for training. “ I want to appeal to the state government to employ the newly discovered athletes to keep them busy so as to ensure that they do not leave the state or abandon their area of specialisation.”

mmanuel Peters, a taekwondo silver medalist at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will win a gold in taekwondo at the July 27 to August 12 London 2012 Olympics.

Peters made the prediction while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a one-day coaching clinic organised by the Lagos State Taekwondo Association in Lagos.

The Olympian said that Nigeria’s two taekwondoist qualifiers for the Games were at present undergoing training in South Korea, to enable excel at the Games.

“I am confident that the international training for Chika Chukumerije and Isa Mohammed will further sharpen their skills in preparation for the Games,” said Peters, an instructor at the clinic.

Peters, a gold medalist at the 1991 All African Games in Egypt, said that with the international exposure, the two qualifiers would

have an edge over their other competitors.

“With the right training and international exposure, I am confident that they would win

gold at the Olympics,” said Peters, also a national referee.

Peters, who is nominated to officiate at the Olympics, commended the Nigeria

Chika Chukwumerije, Nigeria’s medal hope in taekwondo

Viloria stops Romero in ninth

E

ven the president of the Philippines has congratulated Brian Viloria after his victory over Omar Nino Romero on Sunday.

Viloria stopped the Mexican in the ninth round in Manila to retain his WBO flyweight title and gain revenge for a previous loss and a draw.

“Congratulations to our Hawaiian Punch, Brian Viloria, for winning his match,” president Benigno Aquino’s

said in a message sent by her spokeswoman, Abigail Valte.

The fight was stopped after Viloria, 31, has unleashed a salvo of unanswered punches against the 36-year-old Romero, who was caught on the ropes.

“I knew it was just a matter of time,” said Viloria, adding that a knockout had been inevitable.

The victory improved his record to 31 wins and three defeats.

Viloria had lost his WBC lightflyweight title to Romero in 2006.

Later that same year they clashed again but the fight was declared a no-contest after the Mexican failed a post-fight drug test.

The Filipino believes he has become stronger since the previous encounters. “He didn’t feel my power in the first two fights,” he said on Sunday. Romero had a “weird in-and-out movement,” that

Taekwondo Federation (NTF) and some corporate organisations for sponsoring the taekwondoists to the training.

The national referee, however, said that lack of regular competitions were part of the factors militating against the development of the sport.

He then appealed to the NTF to organise more national competitions for the discovery of budding talents at the grassroots and harness them to replace the ageing ones.

“My fear is that when Chukwumerije and others retire, who will replace them,” he said.

Peters, also called for regular seminars and workshop for coaches, referees and judges, saying they would help to update and acquaint them with the current rules of the sport.

No fewer than 40 officials and athletes benefited from the oneday clinic held at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Yaba.

took some getting used to, he added.

“I just timed my punches and did not let his awkward movement throw me off.” Romero, known as the Giant Killer, dropped to 31 wins, five losses and two draws.

Viloria’s manager, Gary Gittelsohn, said he would try to arrange a unification bout with WBA flyweight champion Hernan Marquez of Mexico for Viloria’s next fight.

Another possible opponent is WBA light-flyweight champion, Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua.

Bayern rebuilding confidence for final

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ayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has admitted preparations this week have all been about mending dented confidence ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League final against Chelsea, in the wake of his club’s German Cup final beating in Berlin.

Bayern were hammered 5-2 by German champions Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s domestic cup final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, with Poland striker Robert Lewandowski netting a hattrick.

Munich’s Allianz Arena will host Saturday’s Champions League final, with the Bavarian giants looking to become the first team since Inter Milan in 1965 to win European football’s top prize on home soil.

“Believe me, the whole club has this week been working on rebuilding the team’s

Didier Drogba

confidence,” Hoeness told Munich-based newspaper the Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

“Before the final in Berlin, I was of the opinion that it was important we went into the Chelsea game with our heads held high.

“Now things are a bit different.

For a long time, we have all been fixated on May 19. You can reach the German Cup final many times in a career here, but the

Champions League final comes along maybe just once.”

As a player, 60-year-old Hoeness won three European Cup titles with Bayern from 1974 to 1976 and was the general manager when they won the 2001 Champions League title.

FA Cup winners Chelsea finished the Premier League season sixth, but Hoeness says the Blues are a dangerous side.

“Chelsea are a team with their

backs against the wall, because of their up-and-down season in the league. If they lose the final, they will not be in the Champions League next season and we all know what that means for a team like Chelsea. Anyone who thinks we have already won this match is certainly wrong,” he added.

Drugs ban knocks out Aussie woman

A

n Australian women’s boxing champion has been banned from competition after testing positive for an illegal substance. Bianca Elmir, an Olympic Games medal prospect and a three-time national champion, appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but lost.

A diuretic was found in her urine during the Australian championships earlier this year when she won the 51kg division.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) said on Wednesday she was advised of the findings earlier this month.

“Boxing Australia, after consulting with ASADA, provisionally suspended the athlete on May 7, 2012 to uphold the integrity of boxing, the world championships and the Australian Olympic team,” it said. Her manager, Alex Belperio, told ABC radio she had taken the diuretic for swelling in her ankles after a long plane trip from Ireland to Australia. “She took it just to try and decrease the swelling ahead of competition, ahead of the nationals in Hobart,” he said.

Diuretics help rid the body of excess fluids but are banned by the International Olympic Committee. Athletes sometimes use them as a performance-enhancing supplement and for weight maintenance.

It was not clear how long the suspension would last but Belperio said Elmir was resigned to missing out on the Olympics.

“It’s tough. She was identified as a great white hope, if you will, for Australian women’s boxing and looking to make history as the first female boxer to represent the country at the Olympics,” he said.

Arjen Robin

Bayern Munich

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 45

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

PAGE 47

New gospel according to Keshi T o build one must first destroy. It’s in every spheres of life, be it engineering, politics and no less in sports. Of course, every coach must be willing and ready to unmake a raw talent in order to create a new.

He chisels off the roughages, plays the potter, philosophizes, plays the nurse, the doctor and psychologist all to wean the fledgling talent into an article, a cherished product and then package in an attractive manner to galvanise patronage for the product.

Little wonder coaches often talk about building a team. Put differently, reconstructing either the person/s or the collective array of players/ athletes that constitute a bunch with the intention of making a team or squad out of them.

Stephen Keshi has shown just a bit of these. Giving the details is hardly necessary. Suffice to say his invitation lately has aptly

demonstrated what manner of project he’s under taking and the direction that the public should expect.

Few weeks ago, the former Togo and Mali manager, who in his hey day as Super Eagles skipper, was said to have slapped a fellow player on the pitch for choosing the wrong time to delay taking a throw in. It was in Tunisia and Nigeria needed to level up the score line for qualification for a World Cup or Nations Cup (I don’t recall which in particular) slot.

Keshi the organizer, the general on the pitch took charge and the rest became history.

And so, after watching from the sideline the uncharacteristic and unprofessional attitude of the so-called foreign-based players, he resolved on assumption of duty to reconstruct by first destroying the rickety foundation.

Not though without diplomacy for he first called the usual crowd who came, pranced about in their

manner peculiar to custom content in then hope their positions were assured. So Keshi lined them up against the fledglings from Botswana and as usual the pros merely forced a draw in Benin City and it took the angst of Nigerians for them to raise the bar of their game against Zambia in Kaduna.

Then, came the reconstruction: local league players became the option.

Well, it must have generated jells because experience in the past showed that they were always used as training materials and dumped subsequently.

Not so this time around.

Keshi assembled them, Kept faith with the crop of players and the bunch began to take shape.

However, he still harbour some fears. He opted to give the foreign-based ample opportunity to prove themselves, again, they failed.

The failure was glaring because the few domestic league players shone like a million stars. In fact, their

WATCH DOG

performance was such that generated public anger against hitherto Lords of the Manor. owoidoho_ng35@yahoo.com Even die-hard apologists of foreign-based professionals their respective clubs, never offer lackadaisical services could not agree that their bench warmers. and collect stupendous big boys hard turned villain, for doing And just yesterday, Keshi bonuses the majority had fallen out again demonstrated his absolutely nothing. of favour.

Yes, keshi knows the resolve for a change, a That was the moment Keshi positive one hinged on tune of discipline, the had anticipated. Of course, discipline and form. So- essence of patriotism and trust the builder, he took called big names, players fervour, wants to instill same advantage to consolidate on that lacked character, are and any who desires to be his rebuilding plans, shapes up no longer in their fine vein a part of the national the project and diplomatically of form, half-barked papers platform for fame and who dispensed with the tired legs, stars, seen more on the wants to boost his fallen heroes. pages of newspapers than on international career must He alerted the public of the pitch commanding key into the programme his intent by reeling out regular shirts for their clubs with all the nuances damning analyses of some on weekly bases, were demanded thereby. foreign-based players and boldly left out.

Yes, that’s the message thumbed up for about 10.

His invitation is instructive one gets from the list of Wasn’t his invitation of only for places he feels invitations he unveiled only younger players to team needs consolidation rather yesterday. No Mikel, Taye up with the domestic league massive call up that is wastful Taiwo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, players, who are now seen and unproductive.

Peter Odemwingie-forget as the regulars in the squad, Keshi, the big boss, the marriage stuff, Uche a pointer to his intention? showed his fangs to some Kalu, and other fringe Yes, only five were called up England-based players whose players. May this journey and they were truly stars in habit had been to stroll in, be sustained!

By Patrick Andrew

Lamont faces Boxing Authority over drugs in June

L Lamont Petersons

amont Peterson will try to explain to Nevada boxing authorities next month why he failed a test for illegal substances.

The result of the test forced the cancellation of his rematch against Amir Khan, in which Peterson’s WBA and IBF junior welterweight titles would have been at stake this weekend.

Nevada Athletic Commission executive Keith Kizer said in Las Vegas

on Wednesday Peterson would appear before the commission during the week of June 13. An exact date has not been set.

Peterson’s lawyer, Jeff Fried, wrote in a letter that Peterson would respond to “inaccuracies” about his positive urine test in March when unacceptably high levels of synthetic testosterone were found.

It was reported that the American tested positive for synthetic

Maigari condoles Galadima over brother’s death

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resident of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, yesterday condoled with former NFF President Ibrahim Galadima over the death of his younger brother, Sanusi Galadima.

Alhaji Sanusi Galadima died on Tuesday after a brief illness. At the

third day prayer for the departed in Kano yesterday, Maigari told his predecessor to take heart and prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the late Sanusi Galadima eternal rest.

"On behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation and the entire Nigeria football family, I am here to assure you that we mourn with

you on this sad occasion and we pray that God will give you and those that late Sanusi left behind the fortitude to bear the loss," said Maigari.

Maigari was accompanied on the condolence visit by a member of the NFF Technical SubCommittee, Alhaji Garba Illa Ibrahim.

Female boxers need international exposure to perform, says NBF scribe

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atrick Uwagbale, Secretary, Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), on Wednesday said that female boxers in the country need more international exposure

Chief Patrick Ekeji, DG, NSC

and tournaments to excel in major events.

Reacting to the boxers’ failure to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games, Uwagbale told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the boxers did their best. “ This is the first international competition for the female boxers and I believe that they have learnt a lot from this experience. “ They did their best in China, but the more experienced foreign boxers were too much for them to handle.

“There is need to go back to the drawing board,” he said.

NAN reports that the country’s hopes of parading female boxers at the Olympics Games were dashed as the three female boxers

failed to cross beyond the second round of the World Women’s Boxing Championship in China.

In the 75kg, Edith Agu-Ogoke was defeated by Nadezda Torlopova of Russia in the second round of the championship.

While Oluwatoyin Oladeji was beaten by Hungarian Katalin Ancsin in the 49-51kg and Kehinde Obareh lost to Japan’s Tomoko Kugimiya in the 60kg class in the first round.

Uwagbale said that the boxers could only get better if engaged in competitions where they can test their skills against quality opponents.

Two boxers in the men’s category, Lukman Lawal and Muideen Akanji, who qualified from the African qualifiers held in Casablanca, Morocco, will represent Nigeria at the Olympics.

testosterone. Fried previously said Peterson had received a one-time medical testosterone treatment in November, before a disputed splitdecision win against Khan in Washington in December.

Khan’s handlers said last week they would ask the result of the fight to be overturned to make it a nocontest. This would enable the British boxer to reclaim the two titles.

Khan has called Peterson “a cheat” and demanded his titles be returned.

Chambers to face Bolt in Czech Republic meeting May

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wain Chambers will face Olympic champion and world record holder Usain Bolt over 100m at a Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava, next week.

The race in the Czech Republic on 25 May will be the Briton’s first at such a significant athletics event for six years.

Earlier this week, Chambers was granted eligibility to compete at the Olympics after the British Olympic Association’s lifetime ban for drugs cheats was ruled noncompliant.

“I can confirm that Dwain Chambers has been invited to the Golden Spike event,” said Alfons Juck, the meeting manager for the event.

Juck added that he wanted to wait until the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had made its ruling on the BOA’s lifetime ban before making an announcement.

“At the start of the year, his agent and lawyer approached all the meetings, including Ostrava,” said Juck. “I wanted to see how it would end with the Cas situation, with the BOA and so on.

“But it had nothing to do with the decision over whether Dwain would run in Ostrava or not. We just waited because we thought from a PR point of view it would be wiser to wait, then put it into the right perspective.”

The 100m in Ostrava will also feature American Darvis Patton, Lerone Clarke of Jamaica and Zimbabwe’s Ngonidzashe Makusha, who have all run under 10 seconds.

Britain’s Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

has also been invited to compete.

Chambers, banned for two years after testing positive for the drug THG in 2003, has been absent from the biggest meetings in Europe after promoters decided to ban drug cheats.

His legal representative, Siza Agha, suggests there could be more opportunities for the sprinter in the run-up to London 2012.

“It’s a case now of seeing how things develop over the next two or three weeks,” said Agha.

“There are a lot of discussions going on, with a number of people, not just inside the sport but also outside the sport and it’s important to let those discussions take their full course and then we can assess it.

“It’s all very positive - and it’s no less than Dwain deserves.”

Gail Emms said it was time to support Chambers.

“Dwain is a lovely guy and has done a lot for antidoping,” the 2004 Olympic badminton s i l v e r medalist told BBC Radio 5 live.

“He’s done his time, the ban has Dwain Chambers b e e n overturned so let’s support him.”

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Liverpool in approach for Martinez

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iverpool were given permission by Wigan Athletic yesterday to talk to coach Roberto Martinez about becoming the next manager at Anfield, a day after Kenny Dalglish was sacked.

"We would love to keep Roberto, he's a great manager.

But there are two or three clubs looking for a new manager and Roberto is on the list for all of them. If Liverpool are serious, then we may lose him,"Wigan chairman Dave Whelan The 38-year-old Martinez left Swansea City to take over at Wigan in 2009 and has been widely praised for keeping the modest Lancashire club in the Premier League.

Wigan stayed in the top flight this season after wins over Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United in their final eight games helped them to a respectable 15th in the league – seven points clear of relegation.

Dalglish, who had returned for a second stint as manager at Anfield in January last year, paid the price for a dismal season that saw Liverpool finish 37 points behind champions Manchester City.

The Merseyside club's American owners the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) had given Dalglish more than £100 million ($159m) to spend in the transfer market since he took over from the sacked Roy Hodgson in 2011.

But expensive signings such as Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson largely flopped and Liverpool's eighth-place finish was their worst season-ending position for nearly two decades, with their lowest points tally since 1954.

They defeated second-tier Cardiff City on penalties in the League Cup final but lost 2-1 to Chelsea in the FA Cup final earlier this month.

Earlier on Thursday, the 61year-old Dalglish told the Liverpool Echo that fans needed to show support to the club's American owners.

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE If histor y rre epea ts itself history peats itself,, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of lear ning fr om e xperience learning from experience d Sha w — Geor ge Ber nar Georg Bernar nard Shaw

Edo’s budget of progress F

rom a hopeless budget in Bauchi in the North-east, a sensible one in Lagos of the South-West and an opaque budget in Benue of the North-central, our focus this week is on the SouthSouth state of Edo, with a view to assessing how self-reliant, fiscally prudent and accountable the state is. It is one of the states where a Fiscal Responsibility Bill has been presented to the state House of Assembly but has not yet been passed into law. While the state benefits from the 13% derivation fund as a marginal oil producing state, this fiscal advantage does not translate to any significant edge in financial transfers and key indices when compared to other states in the Niger Delta region.

The Mid-Western Region was created in 1963 from Benin and Delta provinces of the old Western Region, and its capital was Benin City. It was renamed a province in 1966, and in 1967 when the other provinces were split up into several states, it remained territorially intact, becoming a state. In 1976 it lost Ughelli to the new Rivers state and was renamed Bendel state. Edo State was formed on August 27, 1991 when Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States. Geographically, Edo is bounded on the north and the east

by Kogi State, on the west by Ondo State and on the south by Delta State. It had a population of 3,233,366; 1,633,946 males and 1,599,420 females according to the 2006 Population and Housing Census, making it more populous than Botswana and the Gambia.

As a marginal oil producing state, one of Edo’s principal mineral resources includes crude oil though in tiny quantities compared to other Niger-Delta states. Others resources are natural gas, clay chalk, marbles, granite, limestone (an estimated 10 million tones reserve),gypsum, feldspar (useful for glass production), kaolin(huge deposits which have not been exploited) and a reserve of about 90 million tonnes of bentonite. While bentonite has wide industrial usage, much of the required amount for local consumption is still imported. These minerals are potential revenue sources for the state.

Agriculture is the predominant occupation of the Edo people. The major cash crops produced are rubber, cocoa and palm produce. In addition, the State produces crops like yams, cassava, rice, plantains, guineacorn, and assorted types of fruits and vegetables.

Col. John Yeri served as first Military Governor of Edo state till 1992. Others who governed the state include; John E.K Odigie-

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

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole Oyegun (1992-1993), Chief Lucky N. Igbinedion (19992007), Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor (2007-2008) and most recently Comrade Adams A. Oshiomhole.

Oshiomhole was sworn into office November, 12 2008 after the appeal court declared him the winner of Edo state gubernatorial election of April 2007 under the political platform of AC. Prior to his election as Governor he was the president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Oshiomhole’s activism dates back to his days at the Arewa Textiles Company where he was union secretary. He became a fulltime trade union organizer in 1975. In 1999, he became president of the Nigerian Labour Congress. He was publicly recognized as a man of the people and openly challenged the

government where policies were not in favour of the workers. The emergence of Adams Oshiomhole as governor of Edo state came as a delight to many who were familiar with his activism and achievements as leader of the Nigeria Labor Congress and believed he would make a difference by actively being in government. Both Nuhu Ribadu and I broke ranks to attend his fundraising dinner and supported his candidature over the PDP candidate.

Against this background, Oshiomhole had the popular vote and naturally, the masses believed that his antecedents will enable him to use the resources of the state judiciously and in the best interest of the citizens.

Edo state government’s budget totaled N150.9bn for the 2012 fiscal year; with N64.5bn (43%) recurrent expenditure and capital expenditure slightly higher at N86.4bn (57%). It falls short of the international standard requiring about 70% of expenditure for capital projects, but may be justified by Edo being an old sate with more maintenance burden that new build-outs of infrastructure and facilities. Edo’s personnel cost is 19% of the overall budget and is higher than the state’s IGR of N23.9bn by N4.8bn.This means that the state, if solely dependent on its IGR would not be able to sustain personnel costs much less invest in development projects. The state’s

“

The emergence of Adams Oshiomhole as governor of Edo state came as a delight to many who were familiar with his activism and achievements as leader of the Nigeria Labor Congress and believed he would make a difference by actively being in government.

Both Nuhu Ribadu and I broke ranks to attend his fundraising dinner and supported his candidature over the PDP candidate

IGR of N23.9bn is only a third of its recurrent expenditure of N64.5bn and therefore insufficient to sustain those expenditures.

The state government needs to be shrunk in size and cost.

The high recurrent expenditure cuts across the different sectors in the state, with health and education as understandable, but not in others.

The Education sector has N14.1bn allocated for recurrent expenditure while capital expenditure for the sector is half that sum N7.7bn. About N4.3bn is expended on recurrent costs within the health sector in while the capital expenditure is slightly lower at N4bn. Works is the only sector with a allocation in favour of capital spending. It also got the lion’s share of the budget (N36.5bn) and of that amount, only N190m is for recurrent expenditure.

Commendably, residents and visitors to the state applaud the current government’s effort at building roads in Benin City after a decade of neglect under PDP governments.

Edo leads all other states in the South-South zone in educational attainment in terms of numbers admitted to Nigerian Universities in 2007/2008 with a total of 3,569 while Bayelsa had only 434. The 2010 National Literacy survey statistics indicate youth literacy in Edo as 89.7%. Edo however has the lowest percentage of adults literate in English 73.5% in the south-south zone. Although the state was previously recognized as the “miracle centre state” because of the high incidence of exam malpractice prevalent there, the state was adjudged best overall in WAEC examinations in 2008 according to an advisor to the Governor.

Hopefully the increase in capital expenditure to the sector from N5.6bn in 2011 to N7.7bn in 2012 would be a step in the right direction in support of education for the state.

Regarding health in the state, in 2011, Women Health and Action Research Centre stated that out of 100,000 women that enter labor rooms, 50 of them do not come out alive. Studies including data from Edo state indicate maternal mortality reflects the national average. It seems that maternal health is currently not given the priority it deserves by the state government.

Of the N8.2bn allocated to health, about half the amount (N4.3bn) would be expended on overhead and personnel costs.

Contd. on Page 35

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