Peoples Daily Newspaper, Monday, June 18, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 61

Monday, June 18, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Rajab 28, 1433 AH

N150

Police may arrest Otedola, Reps

By Lambert Tyem

T

here are strong indications that the Chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas Company, Mr. Femi

Otedola, who allegedly yielded to the demand of $620, 000 bribe by the chairman of the House of Representatives Ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy probe, Hon. Farouk Lawan may

be arrested for interrogation by the Police today.

The oil magnate alleged that Lawan demanded and collected $620, 000 from him in order to remove his

company, Zenon Petroleum & Gas Limited, from the list of 15 companies, which the committee indicted in their report released in April for receiving about N2 trillion

from the government as subsidy for petrol imports that they never did.

Otedola claimed he had wire Contd on Page 2

Scores killed in Kaduna bomb attacks, reprisals Anger over alleged troops withdrawal Why we struck — Boko Haram Jonathan calls for more prayers — P3

From Agaju Madugba and Mohammed Adamu, Kaduna, and Lambert Tyem, Abuja

S

cores of people were killed in three suicide bombing incidents in different parts of Kaduna and Zaria cities in Kaduna state yesterday, resulting in reprisals which also claimed no fewer than 11 lives.

The Kaduna state government yesterday slammed a 24-hour curfew in the affected areas following the multiple bomb attacks on churches in Zaria and Kaduna metropolis.

The bombings engendered reprisal killings especially in the southern part of the metropolis during which scores of people lost their lives in Narayi High Cost, Narayi, Command, Nasarawa, Trikania, Ungwan Muazu, Ungwan Pama and GoninGora, along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, among other locations.

A photojournalist with Daily Contd on Page 2

A victim of the bomb blast at Shallom Church of God, Kaduna, being helped into an ambulance, yesterday in Kaduna. Photo: NAN

Kaduna killings: Security beefed up in Kano >> PAGE 4

Buhari tasks CPC on internal democracy >> PAGE 3

GOC warns soldiers against rights abuse >> PAGE 7

Tambuwal cautions against reprisals >> PAGE 3

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 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

Discourse

27

Rejuvenating Reps’ war against corruption Page 37

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

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Scores killed in Kaduna bomb attacks, reprisals Contd from Page 1 Independent, Nathaniel Jibril, who lives at the Trikania area, is one of the victims as reports said he received several matchet cuts on the head and was at the intensive care unit of St. Gerald’s Hospital, Kaduna as at press time yesterday.

Jibrin was said to be on his way to the Shalom Pentecostal Church in Trikania, Kaduna, where a suicide bomber struck earlier at about 9.45am, killing at least 20 persons.

Although the police said only 16 persons were killed in the multiple bombings, eyewitness accounts from both the incidents in Zaria and Kaduna reveal that no fewer than 40 persons might have lost their lives with at least 125 others injured.

The Public Relations Officer at the St. Gerald Hospital, Sunday John Ali, confirmed that 10 corpses had been deposited there as at the time of this report yesterday afternoon with about 50 persons receiving treatment for various degrees of injuries.

Earlier, at about 8.45am in Zaria, eyewitnesses said that three suspected suicide bombers, on foot, approached the gate of Christ the King Catholic Church, along Yoruba Street at the Sabon Gari area of the city.

Church security at the gate were said to have stopped them and in the course interrogations that ensured, one of the suicide bombers activated the explosives on him while the two others attempted to escape but were allegedly apprehended and set ablaze on the spot.

Our correspondents learnt that another bomb had exploded at about the same

time at the ECWA Church in Wusasa area of Zaria.

Following the Trikania attack, irate Christian youths in the area went on rampage, turning it to a killing field while the slaughter eventually spread to the neighbouring Anguwan Muazu, Gonin Gora and the Command areas.

In Nasarawa area of Kaduna, several houses went up in flames as residents fled for safety while at the Command junction, Narayi and Anguwan Pama, motorists and commercial motor-cyclists were stopped and butchered.

Announcing the imposition of the 24-hour curfew, Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa said in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Reuben Buhari, that the Zaria and Kaduna incidents were condemnable and unfortunate.

According to the statement, “His Excellency, while regretting the unfortunate incident conveys his deepest condolence and sympathy to all those affected in the bombings”.

There was, however, palpable anger with the security agencies supposed to foster peace across Zaria city yesterday as many residents alleged that they observed the curious disappearance of both soldiers and police that had been mounting checkpoints in the town only to be faced with the twin bombings of yesterday.

A source who does not want to be named said that security personnel were withdrawn from certain areas in Zaria, including Wusasa, on Saturday and Sunday, which the source

described as unusual.

According to the source, “before today (Sunday), there has always been tight security in and around Zaria but it is it is strange that on Saturday and Sunday there were no security personnel on the streets and that is why some of us believe that government has a hand in some of these things and we do not know why government wants to achieve by withdrawing security men from the streets.

When contacted on telephone, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kaduna state police command, Aminu Lawan said, “security withdrawn by who? In any case, the work of the police is stop and search. If you are talking about the other aspects of security on the roads, the soldiers handle that.

On the alleged arrest of one John Odiah, Lawan said, “I cannot comment on that as we are still investigating. If not for the curfew we would have called for a press conference so that we’ll clarify some of these issues.

But all the same, we are still investigating”, he stressed.

Meanwhile, police authorities in Abuja said yesterday that only 16 persons died in the three separate church bomb explosions carried out by unknown bombers in Zaria and Kaduna.

Force spokesman, Frank Mba, said in a statement yesterday that “A total of sixteen persons have so far been confirmed dead as a result of the explosions within the three churches”.

The statement stressed that “The Acting InspectorGeneral of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, promised that the Police working in

collaboration with other security agencies will do everything humanly and operationally possible to bring to an end these seeming endless attacks.

“He appealed to residents in and around the affected areas to remain calm while efforts are being made by the government and security agencies to find a permanent solution. He noted that two wrongs can never make a right. He also appealed to citizens and opinion leaders to desist from making inciting or inflammatory statements capable of further aggravating the situation”, the statement added.

Also yesterday, the Jamaátu Ahlis Sunna lid Daáwati wal Jihad, commonly referred to as Boko Haram issued a statement claiming responsibility for the multiple attacks, which the group said was part of its retaliation of series of killings of Muslims in various parts of the country, especially Yelwan Shendam in Plateau state, Tafawa Balewa in Bauchi state, and Zonkwa in Kaduna state.

According to the statement which was issued in Hausa and tilted “Sako daga mujahidai” (Message from the Jihadists), was signed by Abul-Qaqa.

It warned further that this is time for Nigerian Christians to either convert to Islam or take it that war has been declared on them.

The statement further stressed that it was serving notice to Nigerian security forces that in much the same way they turned their guns against the sect members and their families, their (security agents’) sons and other families would also be made targets of attacks.

Police may arrest Otedola, committee members Contd from Page 1 and video recordings of the deal, which he said he agreed to do as an undercover operation with the knowledge of security agencies.

Impeccable Police sources however said yesterday that preliminary investigations so far conducted by the Police indicted Chief Otedola as well as the entire members of the Farouk Lawan led House of Representatives Ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy probe.

Peoples Daily also gathered that Commissioner of Police (CP) Ali Ahmaduled Special Taskforce of the Nigeria Police had invited Chief Otedola, all the members of the House Ad hoc Committee on fuel subsidy probe and its

Principal officers to appear before it today unfailing by 8.00 am.

The Police, it was also gathered discovered that all the parties involved in the bribe scandal are culpable in one way or the other.

To this end, the Police at the weekend wrote to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal to assist the Police recover the alleged marked currency latest today to enable them take the case to court.

Lawan had told the police that he surrendered the marked currency notes to the Speaker of the House for safe keeping.

It would be recalled that the suspended Chairman of the former House of Representatives Ad hoc

Committee on the Management of Fuel Subsidy, Hon. Farouk Lawan was arrested by the Police last Thursday over the alleged bribery saga but was given administrative bail on Saturday under stringent conditions.

Lawan and the clerk of the committee, Mr. Boniface Emanelo were left off the hook Saturday evening after their lawyers, led by Ricky Tarfa (SAN) met their bail conditions, which included two sureties each, who must be well known Nigerians without any criminal record, persons of impeccable character, and owners of landed property in Abuja who must surrender the Certificates of Occupancy of their land in the Federal Capital Territory.

Lawan is also expected to submit himself today for further interrogation by the Police.

It would be recalled that the House of Representatives had at an emergency session last Friday suspended Lawan indefinitely and also replaced him with Hon. John Enoh as chairman of the Ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy.

The House returned Zenon Petroleum & Gas Limited and Synopsis Enterprises Limited to the list of companies it had indicted in the dodgy fuel deals.

But Otedola Otedola dismissed the decision of the House to reverse itself on the indictment of his company as a laughable blackmail.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Jonathan calls for more prayers

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

A

s the news of yet another set of coordinated attacks in Kaduna state hit the nation early yesterday morning, it was President Goodluck Jonathan who broke the news to fellow worshippers at the Aso Rock Chaplain during a special service to mark this year’s Father’s Day celebrations.

When he was invited by the Chaplain, Reverend Obioma Onwuzurumba to make a speech at the service, the President announced the bomb attack on two churches in Zaria and one other church in Kaduna metropolis, expressing sadness over the incidents.

“While the church service was on, I was briefed of the bomb blasts in Kaduna. What we need at the moment is prayers, more prayers,” he said.

The President therefore called on Nigerians to stand by him in his bid to transform the nation.

He lamented that some people are not interested in the growth of the country but how they will destroy people they don’t want to govern them.

Oboro allegation: We cannot be stampeded, says Ashiru

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, has stated that the ministry will not be stampeded into taking any hasty decision that is against due process and the rule of law, over the allegations leveled against Ambassador Felix Oboro by one Onwazu Ijoma.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Public Communication Division of the ministry, the minister insisted that allegations will remain mere allegations until proven to be true on the basis of factual evidence.

He pointed out that evidence has not been adduced by the accuser, saying that the ministry does not dwell on rumours.

Ashiru further stated that in keeping with the spirit of Nigeria’s foreign service rules and regulations, the issues raised in the allegations are subject to investigations and examinations by the Foreign Service Inspectorate (FSI).

He, in addition, argued that the nomination, appointment and deployment of ambassadors are, whether career or noncareer, a painstaking process that involves a tedious selection process, where personal integrity is the prior consideration among other attributes.

He regretted that it appears there is a gang up against the ministry through the Oboro affairs, maintaining that it has become obvious that there is a calculated effort to malign the top echelon of the ministry.

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

o avert further breech of law and order in Kaduna State, the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar has ordered massive deployment of both conventional and anti-riot police units across every nook and cranny of the state.

Already, the Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police in charge of ‘A’ Department, DIG Suleiman D. Fakai, who is also the DIG coordinating police operations in North-west Nigeria, is in Kaduna where he is personally coordinating police operations, a statement by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Frank E. Mba (CSP) has said.

The statement also said the Nigeria Police is working in collaboration with other security

PAGE 3

Terrorism: IGP deploys anti-riot troops to Kaduna agencies to end terrorism and other violent crimes in the country.

The IGP, while reacting to the spate of attacks on churches in Kaduna, “promised that the police, working in collaboration with other security agencies will do everything humanly and operationally possible to bring to an end these seeming endless attacks”.

While appealing to residents in and around the affected areas to remain calm as efforts are being made by the government and security agencies to find a permanent solution, Abubakar

also appealed to citizens and opinion leaders to desist from making inciting or inflammatory statements capable of further aggravating the situation.

In addition, the IGP warned criminal elements who have been carrying out campaigns of violence on innocent Nigerians and institutions to desist forthwith, as the police and other law enforcement agencies will not sit back idly and watch them put the life of innocent citizens at jeopardy.

Three separate incidents of explosions carried out by unknown bombers occurred in Kaduna State.

The first incident took place at

about 8:35am at ECWA Church, Wusasa, Zaria, the second incident at about 8:45am at Christ the King Catholic Church, Sabon-Gari, Zaria, while the third incident occurred at Shalom Church Trikania, Kaduna at about 9:30am.

A total of sixteen persons have so far been confirmed dead as a result of the explosions within the three churches. A breakdown of this figure shows that 9 persons including the suspected suicide bomber died at Christ the King Catholic Church, three persons at ECWA Church and four persons at Shalom Church.

L-R: Niger State Deputy Governor, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminun Waziri Tambuwal, the state Governor, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, Speaker of state House of Assembly, Hon. Adamu Usman, and Managing Director of the Niger State Development Company, Barrister Mohammed Aliyu, in the midst of thousands of Muslim faithful during the 112th posthumous birthday and the 26th Maulud of the late Sheik Ibrahim Inyass organised by the Tijjaniyya movement, at the weekend in Minna.

2015: Buhari tasks CPC on internal democracy

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has charged the party executives to uphold integrity in selecting candidates to represent the party in the various elective positions.

Addressing party loyalists over the weekend in Abuja during a stakeholders’ forum of the ‘CPC Renewal Committee’ held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Buhari urged members to block all avenues that make it possible for both the INEC officials and the security agencies to manipulate results.

He also stated that if CPC is the only party that poses a threat to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it becomes evident that PDP will do everything to destroy it, urging members of the CPC Renewal Committee to be steadfast in their responsibility.

Speaking further, Buhari explained that most of the challenges in the party are not extraordinary, considering that the party came on board few months to the general election even as he emphasized that members of the committee should consider the 2010 Electoral Act before amending the CPC constitution.

While regretting that the leaders who are supposed to be knowledgeable in the dictates of the electoral rules still manipulate the exercise to their favour, Buhari stated that multi party democracy remains the best form of government.

Earlier in his opening speech, the chairman of the CPC Renewal Committee, Malam Nasir el’Rufai, said that the committee has presented the draft report of its assignment to the national executive committee of the party and to the members of the party.

He added that they will still go back to interact with state chapters to update the draft report

before presenting it to the party’s NEC and BoT, after which a national convention will be convened to recommend amendments to the to the constitution of the party.

Also speaking, the chairman of the party, Prince Tony Momoh, stated that the CPC is committed to ensuring that things are done in accordance with guidelines, urging members of the party to ensure that their votes are counted and accurate results announced.

He commended the renewal committee for its efforts towards repositioning the party ahead of 2015 general election.

Bomb blasts: Tambuwal cautions against reprisals

By Lawrence Olaoye

S

peaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday cautioned against reprisal attacks over the bomb blasts in Zaria and Kaduna.

He called for calm following the exacerbation of tension in Kaduna state occasioned by the bomb blasts in Zaria and Kaduna towns.

According to him, attacking

innocent people who know nothing about the blasts, in the name of reprisals, will worsen an already complicated situation.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said the increasing number of attacks on places of worship, especially on Sundays, call for greater caution on the part of the victims and adherents of other faiths.

He said despite the present precarious security situation in some areas in the country, Nigerians should not cave in to the whims and caprices of the perpetrators of such attacks.

“It is by remaining resolute and prayerful that we can see this difficult phase of our nationhood through together.

“The security agencies must ensure that these targeted attacks are brought to an end henceforth, and at the same time

apprehend those found culpable in past attacks.

“I wish to extend my condolence to the families of those who lost their lives. May the Almighty give them the fortitude to bear the loss,” the Speaker added.

Tambuwal also reiterated his calls on all groups to denounce violence, respect the sanctity of human life and address all perceived grievances through dialogue.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

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SON declares zero tolerance for substandard goods

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he Director-General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu has declared zero tolerance for importers who fail to comply with the nation’s import guidelines.

Odumodu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday that importers and exporters should always liaise with SON to maintain the requisite standard for goods.

“If the law says you must have SONCAP certificate, then you must apply for and obtain the SONCAP certificate to cover the quality of your product.

“If the law says you must pay the customs duty at five per cent or 10 per cent, you must pay appropriately.’’

Odumodu called on businessmen and corporate organisations to comply strictly with importation rules to minimise the time the Nigerian Customs Services spend in clearing goods.

He urged importers to follow due process when clearing goods at the ports, stressing that obeying the rules would reduce corruption.

“Sometimes, when people complain about delay or corruption, I say that the people who are promoting corruption are the people who are importing products without following normal guidelines.’’

(NAN)

Borno gov’s wife empowers 10, 000 women From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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n an effort to tackle poverty and unemployment among women, wife of the Borno state governor, Hajia Nana Kashim Shettima at the weekend distributed assorted skill acquisition facilities and cash grants to over 10,000 widows and other vulnerable women.

The distribution of the materials which was facilitated under Mrs. Shettima’s pet project, Women Empowerment Initiative (WEI), has drawn thousands of women from across the state.

Some of the items received by the first set of beneficiaries comprised of sewing and grinding machines, water pumps, cooking pots as well as knitting machines.

The second sets of women comprises of those engaged in petty trading who were given cash grants ranging from N25, 000 to N50, 000 to boost their businesses.

Speaking at the occasion held at the Government House in Maiduguri, Mrs. Shettima said the gesture was aimed at empowering the women to be self reliant.

While tasking the beneficiaries to make good use of the gesture, Mrs. Shetttima urged them to live up to expectation and not sell the facilities.

Kaduna church attacks: Security beefed up in Kano From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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ecurity has been beefed up in Kano, following yesterday’s bomb attack on three churches in Kaduna state.

Our correspondent observed that shortly after news of the bombing spread in Kano, there was huge security presence, with new road blocks mounted on strategic and sensitive areas

of the commercial city.

Besides, there was intensified patrol by a combined team of police and the military.

Among areas under the supervision of security agents yesterday were routes leading to Sabon Gari area, Bompai where the State Police Command Headquarters is located, St Louis church as well as government buildings, banks

and other places of business.

While filing this report, Air Force gun boat helicopter and that of the Nigeria Police Force have intensified air surveillance on the.

Also sighted patrolling the streets were Military Armoured Personnel carriers which were equally sighted in some strategic areas, like the Air Force base, Bukavu Barracks,

headquarters of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army and the headquarters of Police Command.

According to the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris, the Command is on red alert, all in its bid to restore normalcy in Kano: “We are working round the clock to ensure the protection of lives and properties of residents.

Yobe state Governor, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam (4th right) standing with others, during the funeral prayers of his late Uncle, Malam Goni Umar, yesterday at Bukarti village, Yunusari Local Government Area of the state.

From Bala Nasir, Kano

A

seven member committee under the chairmanship of Professor Muhammad Yahaya has been mandated by the Kano state government to fashion out modalities for the establishment and smooth take off of a medical university in the state.

The medical university which is already proposed to be established in Bichi, is also proposed by the state government to be among the prestigious universities especially in the

Kano to set up medical varsity medical field in Africa.

Inaugurating the sevenmember committee in his office, the Secretary to the Kano state government (SSG), Dr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi told the members to among other things, examine all available documents related to the project and assess the progress so far made and determine the practicability or otherwise of the university.

According to the SSG, the committee was mandated to

trace the history of the concept and idea of setting up of the university.

Members of the committee, he said were appointed based on their professional competence, wealth of experience, patriotic disposition and ability to contribute greatly to matters affecting the development of the state.

In his response, the chairman of the committee, Professor Muhammad Yahaya pledged to

justify the confidence reposed in them as he thanked Kano state government for giving them the opportunity to serve the state.

Other members of the committee include Professor Abdu Yahaya, Alhaji Adamu Usman, Dr Mansur Mohammad, Dr. Kabiru Maso-Kano, Hajiya Amina Uwani Musa and Alhaji Balarabe Sani who is the secretary to the committee. The Committee is to turn in its report in the next three weeks.

Farmer calls for more investment in agric, security in Delta

M

r. Jerry Ossai, a farmer, said that for the in Delta state government to attain the goals of its project tagged “Delta without oil’’, it must increase its investment in agriculture and security.

Ossai, who said this while speaking with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba on Saturday, stressed that sustained investment in security, agriculture and other key sectors was imperative in efforts to develop the state.

He, however, acknowledged Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s efforts to fast-track the economic development of the state and urged him not to relent in that regard.

“The governor is doing well in some sectors of the state’s economy but he should give more attention

to agriculture because of the need to develop other sources of revenue and make the state less dependent on oil revenue.

“Agriculture is the only thing that will take us away from overdependence on oil and that explains the need for increased funding of farming.

“We are faced with a situation where funds allocated to farming are given to non-farmers. Eighty per cent of money meant for farmers’ loan is given to people who are not farmers and who will never repay the loan,’’ he said.

“I hope and pray that the government gives serious consideration to agriculture and invest more in it. It should also invest in security, small and medium scale enterprises and education for us to have a better

Delta,’’ he added.

Ossai, a former commissioner in the state, urged businessmen and politicians in the state, irrespective of their party affiliation, to support the current administration in efforts to build the state’s economy.

“Nobody can be the best man for this state but we, all together, can bring the best out of the state,’’ he said.

Ossai, nonetheless, noted that Delta had experienced some positive development between 1999 and now, in spite of its challenging terrain, adding: “Of all the states in the country, Delta state has the highest concentration of urban cities.’’

He stressed that the state had more than 40 towns which were as big as some state capitals, while

each of the towns had a general hospital.

“We have three universities, three colleges of education, three polytechnics and due to the difficult terrain of Delta, so much money is being pumped into infrastructure development “.

“Between 1999 and now, towns, which hitherto looked sleepy, and rusty villages across the three senatorial districts of the state have been transformed into something we can be proud of”, he said.

Ossai also commended the government for the Asaba international airport project, saying that within the next five years, the airport would aid the transformation of Asaba and its environs into an investment hub.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Stop killing innocent citizens, ACF warns From Agaju Madugba, and Tobias Dapam, Abuja ollowing the spate of bombings of some churches and other public places in Kaduna and Zaria towns, resulting in loss of many lives and properties, the Arewa Consultative Forum has called on the dreaded Boko Haram sect to stop the killing of innocent citizens.

The Forum which said it was surprised by yesterday's attack on churches in Zaria, said that such attacks were aimed at frustrating the offer of constructive dialogue by the Federal Government at the instance of well meaning Nigerians, including elders of North East geopolitical zone, which held a meeting in Bauchi last week.

A statement issued yesterday by its Secretary General, Anthony N. Z Sani, added that "It is still the position of ACF that whatever may be the perceived grievances, it cannot be the justification for taking the lives of innocent people who are totally unaware of the nature of the grouse. More so, there is no religion which allows its adherents to kill innocent fellow human beings. In fact, all religions preach peace and love of neighbour.

"Therefore, ACF would not be tired of repeated calls on those who kill themselves and other people to stop such killings, and embrace the offer of dialogue by government as the only way of addressing any perceived grievances, however deep and wide, towards sustaining peace and national security," the statement said.

The Forum also appealed to people not to take laws into their hands by way of reprisal attacks, saying such reprisals would be misdirected at yet another set of innocent Nigerians who may have no links with the bombers.

F

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Ex-militants, cultists clash in Igbinedion University From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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bloody clash between rival cult groups and exmilitants believed to be students of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state on Saturday night, left scores injured and three vehicles burnt in a sporadic shooting which lasted for several hours.

It was learnt that the alleged cultists were carrying out their initiation around the university

community, which resulted to assault of one of the ex-militants who was reported to have been working at 'cross purpose'.

The victim went to complain to his ex-militant friends who stormed the scene in large numbers shooting for several hours.

Edo state Police Commissioner, Mr. Olayinka Balogun, who confirmed the report to our correspondent yesterday, said, five suspects in connection to the

incident are in police custody while one person injured in the course of the fracas is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Balogun said anti riot policemen have been deployed to the scene, adding that the police got a tip-off at about 4am on Sunday and quickly swung into action.

"Two rival cult groups fought and destroyed cars belonging to

Bombing of churches, threat to national unity, says Mark

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, Bayelsa state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Welfare Commission, Mr. John Kennedy, during the special church service to mark the 2012 Father's Day, yesterday at Aso Villa Chapel Presidential Villa, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Oyo NURTW flags off war against thuggery at motor parks From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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ew weeks after Oyo state government lifted the ban imposed on operations of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, the union's caretaker committee led by Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde has formally flagged off a campaign tagged 'War Against Thuggery at Motor Parks' in the state.

Performing the ceremony at

themselves and one of them was injured. We have arrested five persons, some of my men are at the gate right now, and in control of the situation", he said.

As at the time of filing this report, several calls put to the university Public Relations Officer, Mr. Michael Olubor, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae and Iguobazua Police Division, CSP, Effiong Bassey went unanswered.

the NURTW state secretariat, Olomi Ibadan over the weekend, Alhaji Oyerinde announced that the crusade would be carried to all the nooks and crannies of the state in the next few weeks warning self-seeking politicians who do not want peace to reign in Oyo state to steer clear of the union.

Oyerinde, assisted by the 13 other caretaker committee members and elders of the union

drawn from the 33 local government areas of the state, maintained that the era of thuggery and hooliganism among members of the transport workers union was gone for good saying no stone would be left unturned to make the campaign a total success.

While disclosing that Oyo NURTW is currently undergoing a grand re-branding process, the caretaker chairman emphasised

that it is now mandatory under the new regime for commercial drivers in the state to comply with the dress code being worked out in a manner that would portray them as responsible gentlemen.

He further declared that "it is now a serious offence for Oyo NURTW members to engage in the consumption of illicit drinks otherwise known as 'paraga' or such other dangerous intoxicants while on the steering wheel."

enate President David Mark, has described the incessant bombings of churches as a threat to the unity of the nation, and pleaded for necessary measures to be put in place to halt the carnage. Mark, who stated this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, while reacting to the bombings of churches in Wusasa, Zaria and Kaduna in Kaduna state, urged the victims of the attacks not to engage in reprisals.

According to him, "resorting to vengeance will demean your faith as the Lord has said vengeance is His. More so, reprisal attacks can only help the course of your attackers. I believe they want to ignite a religious war and threaten our national unity. "Those who have turned places of worship as targets of bombings should know that they are fighting God and the Lord will surely at an appropriate time give His own judgement", Mark said.

He urged those perpetrating the attacks to have a rethink and accept the dialogue proposed by the Federal Government, reiterating that "no matter the amount of anger in a man's mind, killing another man cannot be a remedy.

Senator Mark further urged governments at all levels as well as security operatives to rise up to the challenge and forestall needless and further destruction of lives and property in the land.

Man, 30, arraigned with 19 bags of cannabis in Ilorin From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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ne Mr. Oyeleke Afolabi, a resident of Isale Koto, Ilorin, of about 30 years of age has been arraigned before the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin for being in possession of 19 bags of substances believe to be Indian hemp weighing 199 kg.

The suspect, who was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara state on 4th July 2010, was alleged to have stored the substance at a kiosk when the Agency stormed his residence under its surveillance.

In a cross examination, counsel to the prosecutor, Mrs. Muminat Adeleye, argued that

the accused was found with the 19 bags of the substance at the kiosk which he agreed were his.

She further established at the court that during investigation, the NDLEA confirmed at the agency's laboratory in Lagos state that the substance found in his possession was Indian hemp stressing that the accused was the owner of the forbidden drugs.

But counsel to the accused, Barrister Segun Ibeyemi questioned the qualification of the narcotic officers who arrested the suspect stressing that they had B.Sc in Accounting, B.Sc in Political science.

Ibeyemi also argued that at the point of examining the substance, his client was not there making it difficult for

the court to believe that the result was authentic.

Justice A. O Faji who admitted 19 bags of suspected Indian hemp, three result sheet and sample of the substance as exhibits and adjourned the case till 9th of July, 2012 to allow a forensic expert to appear before the court.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

FG to assist Oyo govt on agriculture From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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he Federal Government at the weekend disclosed its readiness to partner with Oyo state government in agricultural development.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinkunmi Adesina stated this at the unveiling of YES-O Agricultural Extension Agents and official launch of Growth Enhancement Support Scheme for Agricultural Inputs (fertilizers and

seeds) held at Ilora Farm Settlement in the Afijio local government area of the state, saying the Federal Government's agriculture initiative was aimed at ensuring sufficiency of food in the country.

He said the Federal Government had concluded plans to give a loan of N1billion to Oyo state and each of the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory. This, he said is aimed at engaging youths of the country in farming.

According to him, the

Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government is on course and the government would do everything within its power to achieve food sufficiency.

"There is no politics in agriculture; the only politics is the politics of the stomach, which is the right of everybody."

He lamented that the huge amount of money been expended on the importation of food items like rice and wheat "is embarrassing to a nation like Nigeria with abundant resources", adding that President

Goodluck Jonathan's administration is determined to correct the wrong.

The FG has resolved to reverse the order of importation to exportation in the country.

The state Commissioner Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Mr. Bimbo Kolade had earlier in his speech, lamented that agriculture was seen as "family way of life.", and that many perceived an average farmer as a poor person going about in tattered clothes.

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assessment and accreditation exercise of all planning schools in the country by the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria.

According to the statement, the decision of the council was communicated to the vice chancellor, Prof.

Abdullahi Mustapha, in a letter entitled "Notification of programme of excellence award and invitation to the presentation of award for the best school visited in the 2011 accreditation exercise of the

council".

Registrar of the council and the signatory of the letter, Kolawole Sanni, stressed that "the council which is the only statutory body mandated to, among other primary objectives, determine standard of knowledge, training and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become its members, has considered your institutions as the best in the league of accredited schools in the 2011 exercise".

The award will be presented to

the vice chancellor at the 25th induction ceremony of newly registered members of the council on Friday 6th July, 2012 at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, at 4.00pm.

The urban and regional planning of the Ahmadu Bello University is today ahead of other planning schools in the country, particularly in the areas of information technology for geospatial application and post graduate training in urban management.

by Reagan Ufomba, who is the spokesperson of the group, as well as the Abia state APGA governorship candidate in the 2011 election, they emphasised their "resolve to work together as a body of governorship candidates produced by the party to maintain the tenets, ideals, and sanctity of APGA, while promising to keep the party, united and strong".

Ufomba pointed out that they will resolve the intraparty crisis and assert their leadership positions, roles and influence in the various states where they emerged candidates.

In addition, they lamented that the INEC has not been able to live up to the expectations of Nigerians, adding that judiciary

is yet to be the last hope of the common man, going by what transpired in the last general election.

"The meeting also reviewed various cases of anti-party activities in APGA and condemned in strongest terms

the comment credited to Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu state in national dailies that APGA does not exist."

Golden jubilee: ABU wins 2011 best award in planning

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From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

midnight fire on Saturday consumed property worth millions of naira at the Radiology Department of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

The fire which started 3.00pm was traced to a technical fault in one of the air conditioners at the department.

The incident occurred just as the lingering crisis between the hospital management and labour unions assumed a new dimension weekend following a query issued by the management to the chairmen and secretaries of four unions under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), to explain in 24 hours why they ordered an illegal strike at the hospital or risk disciplinary action.

The fire according to sources, created pandemonium within the hospital premises, as radiology machines and other valuable equipment were burnt. However, no life was lost in the incident.

Speaking to newsmen under anonymity, a staff of the hospital, said x-ray machines and several valuable medical equipment were destroyed in the incident, adding that fire fighters within and outside the hospital battled for more than two hours before the fire was eventually brought under control.

According to the staff "The place got burnt around 3am today (yesterday). The fire started burning inside the radiology department due to technical fault of the air conditioner. The AC probably overworked and a spark from it led to the fire which affected the whole x-ray building, including HOD Radiology Office."

The Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Segun Orisajo was not forthcoming as he switched off his phone throughout.

L-R: Senator Tunde Ogbeha, the groom, Mr. Mike Ayeni, his bride, Pamela, and father of the bride, Senate President David Mark, during the traditional marriage of Pamela, on Saturday in Otupo, Benue state.

Photo: NAN

reparations by the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to celebrate 50 years of academic excellence come November, has reached advanced stage, the institution's Department of Urban and Regional Planning has been declared the best planning school in Nigeria.

A statement signed by the Media Consultant of the Vice Chancellor, Malam Waziri Isa Gwantu, said the department won the award during the 2011

Fire guts Radiology Department of Abeokuta Federal Medical Centre

2015: Former governorship candidates move to strengthen APGA

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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gainst the faceoff between the Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh and the Governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, the governorship candidates of the party in last year's general election over the weekend, held a crucial meeting in Abuja to strategise on how to strengthen the party and end its internal squabbles.

The former governorship candidates at the meeting also reviewed the 2011 polls, with a view to place the party on a better pedestal ahead of the 2015 general election.

In a communiquĂŠ issued after the meeting and signed

Fadama III disburses N28m to 11 associations in Cross River

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he Coordinator of the Fadama III Project in Cross River state, Mr. Bassey Elemi, said yesterday that N28 million had been disbursed to 11 community associations in the state under the programme.

Elemi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar that the money was for projects proposed by the Fadama Community Association (FCA) for 2012.

He said that the disbursement was made in two tranches to the groups, adding that Utanga FCA received the highest amount of N4.2 million, followed by Akwa Itok Effanga with

N4 million.

Other beneficiaries include Okubichi with N3.5 million, Bisu with N3.3 million while Adiabo received N1.6 million.

He said that subsequent disbursements to the community groups would be based on their performances in their preferred projects and advised the associations to conform to specifications in the projects.

The programme coordinator said N496.4 million had been disbursed to 78 communities for 1,100 projects since Fadama 111 was launched in

the state in 2009.

He said that during the period, 168 associations were registered, adding that the 1,100 projects executed were out of 1,489 proposals submitted.

"Fadama III has created jobs for 9,411 direct beneficiaries and 2,480 indirect beneficiaries in the state since its implementation in Cross River.

"The programme has also produced 273 crop farmers, with 82 in fisheries, 201 in agro processing, 270 in livestock, 26 in agro forestry and 64 rural infrastructure subprojects", he said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Katsina Urban Planning Board gets new GM From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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atsina State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Usman Nadada, as the acting GeneralManager, Katsina state Urban and Regional Planning Board, ( KTSURPB).

A statement from the office of the state head of service and signed by the permanent secretary, Alhaji Dalha Rufa’i Adamu, said the appointment was with immediate effect.

According to the statement, Nadada born in 1965 graduated from ABU Zaria in 1987 with a degree in Geography and obtained Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the same university in 1991.

The GM was at one time a zonal manager of Funtua Zonal office of Katsina Urban Planning Development Authority, KUPDA and until his recent appointment, was a director development control of KTSURPB.

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Dankwambo sets up board for subsidy reinvestment programme From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

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n effort to mitigate the immediate impact on the subsidy re-adjustment on the people of Gombe state, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, has set up Board for Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE).

Speaking during the inauguration of the board over the weekend in Gombe, Dankwambo said that the programme would accelerate economic transformation through investments in

critical infrastructural project and lay solid foundation of development targeted at poor and vulnerable segment of the society on continuous basis.

He added that the programme would impact on maternal health services, women and youths empowerment, urban mass transit and vocational training Schemes and finance, in addition to other socioeconomic project such as water supply, agriculture, railways and power supply project.

Dankwambo further urged the board member to ensure

transparent and prudent management of all funds and to undertake programmes that will be beneficial the people of the state and the nation at large.

According to him, “that is why we set-up this board with about 20 members who are seasoned and competent personalities and we carefully handpicked based on their wealth of experience, sagacity, hard work and attention to detail”.

“I am therefore fully convinced that they will live up to our expectation, on its

own part government will provide all the necessary support that would enable the board carry out its task successfully”, said Dankwambo.

The Board would be led by the finance commissioner in the former Bauchi state, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Kafarati, nine other commissioners, and a Traditional title holder, Alhaji Muhammad Ali Kumo Sardauna Doman and other stakeholders, Alhaji Shuaibu Danlami Special Services and Political to save as Secretary.

GOC warns troops against flouting laws on peace keeping operations

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he General Officer Commanding 1 Division of Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj. Gen. Garba Wahab, has warned soldiers deployed to UN Mission areas against violating laws guiding peacekeeping operations.

Wahab gave the warning during the graduation of 800 soldiers who participated in predeployment training at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre in Jaji near Kaduna on Saturday.

According to him, any soldier that runs fowl of the law will be repatriated and sanctioned.

“There were one or two allegations which have been investigated and found out to be true and the UN has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct by troops.

“Nothing is worse than for Nigerian soldiers to be sent out to safeguard somebody and to turn round and abuse their women.

“As you are aware, Nigeria is the largest troop contributing country to the United Nations’ Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) operations.

“In this regard, you should strive to live above board and avoid anything that will ridicule the good image of our dear country built over the years in the area of international peace and security. (NAN)

L-R: Secretary, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael Ekpeyong, presenting an award to Benue state governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, during 2012 Father's Day celebration, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Expert attributes Nigerian unemployment to lack of skills

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

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he President, Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum (NEF), Sidney E. Inegbedion, at the weekend in Abuja, said that lack of skills by majority of Nigerians is the main cause of rising unemployment rate in the country.

He said “according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the nation’s unemployment figures have risen to 49 million out of which 52 per cent are unemployable due to lack of skills.”

Inegbedion stated this at a business seminar themed

“Combating Unemployment and Creating Wealth Through Entrepreneurship” organized for young entrepreneurs and potential business owners.

He said it is high time Nigerians stopped blaming government bureaucracies for the ugly trend, but should assist in finding sustainable solutions to combat it.

He lamented that the country is yet to address the 23.9 per cent unemployment rate in the country’s formal sector, pointing out that only 10 per cent of the six million employable youths get jobs.

Inegbedion, who spoke on “The Impacts of Entrepreneurs

on a Nation’s Economy”, therefore affirmed that “entrepreneurship is the only answer” to the economic growth and sustainability of the country.

“The small business started today stand to grow big tomorrow to absorb the labour force. We believe the society’s problems will continue to be the entrepreneurs’ opportunities.

We believe problems confronting the society are just issues that require fresh thinking and entrepreneurial solutions, “he said.

He explained that this was why the forum wanted the government to unbundle

bureaucratic procedures that complicate business registration and as well as develop systems to promote greater ease of doing business and improve the process of enforcing agreements between business and enterprises.

The NEF president, who pointed out that developed countries like the USA, Germany, Britain, France and others held entrepreneurs in high esteem, noted that “the sudden rise of China, India, Brazil and Singapore, is a reflection of the greater acceptance of entrepreneurship among these countries.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

A heavy dawn pour causes serious traffic jam along AbdulAbdul filing station, on Saturday in Mararaba, Nasarawa state.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

1 L-R; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 1, Professor Viola Onwuliri, with her children, Tochukwu, Kennamdi and Chinemerem during a vigil mass held for late Professor Celestine Onwuliri, who died in the DANA plane crash, at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria, Pro-cathedral, on Friday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

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L-R; Representative of UNICEF, Mr Jacques Boyer, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr Maijanmaha Kwassau, Deputy Director, Technical Support Services, Mrs. Moji Akintaro, and, Deputy Director, Orphanage and Vulnerable Children, Hajiya Fatima Abdukadir, during the 2012 day of the African child, on Saturday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

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L-R: Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir, discussing with Chief Scout of Nigeria, Alhaji Rufai Mohammed, during the Annual General Meeting of the Scout Association of Nigeria, at the weekend in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Scavengers takeover Dana crash site From Ojebola Matthew, Lagos 4 days after the plane crash in Iju/Ishaga area of Lagos state, scavengers and aluminum workers have taken over the crash site.

When our correspondent visited the site, not less than 30 young men rummaged through the rubble at the site in search of metallic and other objects.

According Amojo Funsho, a resident of the street where the incident occurred, there was nothing more for the crane to unearth at the site.

Amojo added: “The steel

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workers and scavengers visit the site on daily bases looking for mental rods or other useful materials for their trade since they deal in scrap metal. I may be wrong, but I don’t think there is any more work for this crane here.

The young men, mostly in their teens, searched through the rubble with the aid of some implements, after which metals are dragged out and loaded into carts.

However, it is observed that the site has remained a tourist attraction as people from different areas continue to

visit the site and residents of the area stand in groups discussing about the incident.

Also, the crash has led to an economic boom for the commercial motorcyclist around the area of the incident.

According to Adamu Yakubu, a motorcyclist who spoke with our correspondent, the crash site has been named “Plane crash busstop” and it is N100 per passenger.

“We are not happy with the incident but we cannot deny that our take home increased due to people’s visit to the site”, he added.

L-R: First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, here being decorated with Rivers state colour by the wife of Rivers state governor, Mrs. Judith Amechi, during the latter’s visit to the first lady at the State House, on Saturday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Monarch, indigenes want Kwara govt patronage From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin he traditional ruler of Omupo, a town in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state, Oba Yaqub Adebayo Buhari, and prominent indigenes of the ancient town have appealed to the Kwara state government to come to their aid in resuscitating some of its infrastructure facilities built by the community that are decaying because of lack of funds to maintain them.

The Olomu, who made the appeal at the weekend during the Omupo Day celebration, noted that facilities on medicare, education, water supply feeder, roads, town hall which were built by the communities are declining.

“With this state of infrastructure and facilities, I am sure you will agree with me that as the population of this town continues to grow, the existing infrastructure and facilities have become acutely inadequate to support the well-

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being of the people. They, therefore, either need to be replaced or augmented.

“Furthermore, we note that no community develops by the efforts of its own people alone; the influx of non-indigenes for commerce and other social and economic activities are known to drive other development indices”.

The Chairman of Omupo day Planning Committee, Professor Raphael D. Olarinoye, also in

his address, urged state government to come to the rescue of the community in the area of health, education stressing that the facilities at the cottage hospital, a primary health centre was nothing to write home about.

He noted that there was no drug at the center while the classrooms of the two primary schools in the town were neglected, making learning difficult for the pupils.

Unitary structure of police cause of insecurity – Aregbesola From Inumidun Ojelade, Osogbo he governor of Osun state, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola at the weekend, said that the unitary policy of the Federal Government on the structure of the Nigeria Police is affecting the effectiveness of the security agency in combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and properties of Nigerians.

The governor stated this while speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Institute for Training and indoctrination in Ayekale, Iragbiji, Osun state with a promised to back the police with a sum of N200 million for the construction of the training centre.

The governor held that there is the need to review and restructure the police for it to be effective.

Aregbesola noted that there should be nothing stopping the creation of policing structure that will cater for each of the three tiers of government in the country, adding that if the Assistant Inspectors General are to be effective in their respective zones, the state commissioners of police should be made to report to them instead of a situation where 36 state commissioners report to the Inspector General in Abuja.

In other parts of the world, institutions are allowed to have their own police. Crime rate has been reduced to its barest minimum in such environments.

Nigeria police could be more effective and efficient if they had more structures and equipments.” The governor emphasized.

Speaking earlier at the occasion, the IGP who was represented by DIG AbdulRaman Akano stated that the Inspector General is ready to develop the Nigeria Police force to one that people would respect for its effectiveness and efficiency.

He added that part of the strategy of the IGP is the permanent removal of road blocks from our high-ways.

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US firm to establish drug, door, window manufacture firms in Oyo From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan United States based firm, Rao Design International, is to partner with the Oyo state government in the establishment of companies that will be producing drugs, windows, doors and engineering services in the state.

Other areas in which the firm intends to invest in include beautification of the environment and construction of housing estates for sale to interested buyers at affordable cost.

This was the outcome of the recent trip of Governor Abiola Ajimobi to Chicago, U.S.A., where he met with investors, some of whom declared their interest in teaming up with his administration in industrialising the state.

Governor Ajimobi, while receiving the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mr. Rao Murukurthy in his office in Ibadan at the week-end, reiterated his administration’s readiness to work assiduously to enhance the rapid socioeconomic development of the state in partnership with private investors.

The governor expressed his confidence in the ability and viability of the American company to invest in the areas in which it had signified interest.

He said that his administration would also be ready to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the company as part of its restoration, transformation and repositioning agenda, adding that conducive atmosphere would also be provided for the firm to operate.

Mr. Rao Murukurthy had earlier in his remarks commended Gov. Ajimobi for his passion at developing the state, saying that his firm was also ready to put down money in the above-mentioned areas of interest, which he said would provide employment for the teeming youths in the state.

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Lagos, Ogun residents to benefit from medical screening From Ojebola Matthew, Lagos

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otarians for Fighting AIDS have declared its intention to run free medical screening services for 40,000 residents in Ogun and Lagos states.

Speaking at the inauguration of the programme in Lagos, Governor of Rotary District 9110, Mr. Kennedy Ejakpomewhe, said that the free

screening service was part of the organisation’s activities to mark the World Family Health Day. He stated that residents in these states would be screened by qualified medical personnel and volunteer groups for diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cataract, diabetes, high blood pressure, cervical cancer and dental problems.

“The week-long activity is in

collaboration with the Coca-Cola Foundation, a global community-based initiative implemented in several countries to build sustainable communities that are empowered to tackle HIV and other killer diseases through the provision of free check-up. ”The Foundation invests in social projects to help create sustainable communities by improving the quality of life. It

is an action group of the Rotary International,” he added.

According to him, the aim of the initiative is to provide essential health services to the less privileged and help satisfy a basic human need for quality health care for many who cannot afford it.

He said, “The organisation had focused on HIV/prevention to reduce the population of Nigerians dying from the virus.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

L-R: Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, Seminar Policy Adviser to Delta state government, Mr.Oma Djebah, human rights activist, Barrister Christmas Akpodiete, Chairman, NUJ, Ministry of Information chapel, Reuben Okala, and Chairman State House correspondents chapel, Mr. Daniel Idonor, during a one-day workshop for journalists, on Friday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye.

‘Insecurity hampers tourism development’ From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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t has been observed that security challenges in some parts of the country have affected tourism activities The Bauchi State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Salihu Ibrahim Halilu, stated this yesterday to newsmen during a ministerial

briefing on the achievements of the ministry at the state secretariat in Bauchi.

He noted that Bauchi state is not the only state experiencing security challenges, therefore people should desist from blowing the situation out of proportion.

Nigeria as a nation is not prepared for challenges of this nature and we see it as something

that is temporal and will definitely come to an end. The state government is trying all its best to ensure the security of lives and property and putting an end to it.

He said despite the negative reports about the state, people are going about their normal activities, adding that with time, the problem of insecurity in the

country will be resolved because the Federal Government, security agencies, stakeholders and political leaders are taking positive steps to address the challenge.

Alhaji Salihu urged journalists to ensure that they project a positive image of the state to the outside world, saying that they have the power to change the negative perception about them.

Taraba govt commends youth corps members From Yusha’u Alhassan, Jalingo

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atch ‘B’ national youth corps members who served in Taraba state have been commended for a successful service year.

The state governor, Danbaba Suntai made the commendation on Thursday at the passing out ceremony of the corps members in Jalingo. The governor who was represented by his deputy, Sani Abubakar Danladi, felicitated with the corps members and urged them to transform the experiences acquired during their service year to wherever they find themselves for national development both politically and economically.

He acknowledged the discipline, patriotism and dedication shown while in the state citing their individual and collective community development projects as useful to the state and will always be remembered.

He urged them to think inwardly towards self employment using the experience acquired during their

service year. Earlier in his speech, the chairman board of governors of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state, Abdulhadi Haruna Lau, said the task of nation building is a continuous and collective responsibility so all hands must be on deck to move the country forward.

He challenged the outgoing corps members to make good use of the knowledge acquired to develop themselves and the nation in general. Also in her speech, the state coordinator of the NYSC, Hajiya Zainab Isah also congratulated the corps members for their perseverance, commitment and doggedness

which saw them through all the challenges they faced within the service year in the state.

20 corps members were given awards while 20 absconded and 30 have disciplinary cases their their service time extended by five months. 1, 500 corps members passed out during the occasion.

Auchi residents decry high cost of tomatoes

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ome residents of Auchi and its environs have decried the high cost of tomatoes in the area.

Some of them told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the situation had increased their hardship and made life more difficult for them.

NAN reports gathered that a basket of the variety of tomatoes, popularly known as “Hausa tomatoes”, which was sold at N3, 000 about a month ago, is now being sold for N16, 000.

At Uchi market, four small tomatos now sell at N100, while six to seven mediumsized tomatoes now cost between N150 and N200.

Investigation revealed that cost of tomatoes has forced many residents to do without tomatoes when preparing meals, while some tomato sellers have abandoned the business.

A housewife, Mrs. Nana Abdul, who did not blame anybody for the high cost of tomatoes, nonetheless, described the situation as “pathetic”, particularly in view of the prevailing economic downturn in the country.

“If one spends so much in buying tomatoes, which is just an item in a meal’s preparation, how then can you afford other items?” she asked.

Faith Oise, another resident

of Auchi, said that the high cost of tomatoes had compelled her to cook meals that required less tomato “and if I must use tomatoes for my food, I now buy the one in tins.

However, tomatoes sellers in the area attributed the high cost of tomatoes to scarcity caused by insufficient supplies from farms in the northern parts of the country.

One of the sellers, Mrs. Iyabo Momoh, noted that the problem was often experienced around this time of the year.

“The situation is not new but what is worrisome is that we have never seen tomatoes as expensive as what we are experiencing now. (NAN)

UNIMAID prochancellor, 2 others bag Edo varsity awards From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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mbrose Alli University (AAU), Ekopoma, Edo state at the weekend, honored the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the governing council of the University of Maiduguri, Mr. Wale Babalakin and two other distinguished Nigerians.

Babalakin who is also the chairman, Committee of ProChancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities was awarded a honorary Doctorate of Science degree, at a ceremony which witnessed the formal inauguration of the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, as Visitor to the school.

Also at the occasion, the Chief Priest of Benin Kingdom, Chief Nosakhare Isekhure was honoured as Pro-Chancellor and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar as Chancellor.

Others honoured by the state-owned university include the Executive Director, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (Doctor of Science) and Prof. Eugene Okpere (D.Sc.) The school had last Friday graduated 22, 892 students, the first of such exercise in over six years.

While 16 students graduated with first class degrees, 1, 733 others were in the second class upper division, 14, 724 passed out with second class lower division and 5,617 had third class. 802 graduated with pass degrees.

Another 162 graduates were awarded with diploma certificates at the convocation.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 11

Sickle cell: Katsina gov’s wife appeals to wealthy individuals From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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he wife of Katsina state governor, Hajiya Fatima Shehu Shema has appealed to wealthy individuals in the state to come to the rescue of sickle cell patients by assisting them with drugs.

The governor’s wife made the appeal while speaking during a media round table with working journalist in the state as part of activities marking this year’s world sickle cell day.

Hajiya Shema noted that her non-governmental organisation, Service to Humanity Foundation was working round the clock to make sure those suffering from the disease in the state have access to the essential drugs.

She further disclosed that the foundation spends N74 million annually on the provision of drugs to the over 10, 000 patients registered with the NGO, adding that the burden was so much on them.

“These patients were not only from Katsina state; we have them

from states neighbouring Katsina. With the huge demand and the meager resources at the disposal of the foundation, we have no option other than to beg organisations and well meaning individuals to come to our aid”, she added.

Similarly, the foundation praised the emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman for his financial and fatherly support, disclosing “there was a time that the emir donated one million to the foundation”.

Hajiya Shema also acknowledged the support of the 34 local governments of the state and the state’s House of Assembly in supporting the operations of the foundation through the provision of financial assistance and logistics.

The first lady therefore disclosed that apart from the sickle cell campaign, the foundation is into a lot of activities which include environmental sanitation, rehabilitation of grave yards and waste recycling.

L-R: Home Manager, Stella Obasanjo’s Child Care Trust, Ms. Hanani Harmony Ibe, `member, Home Committee Child Care Trust, Dr. Joyce Onyema-Ugochukwu, Chairperson, Child Care Trust, Senator Eme Uffot Ekaette, Director, Day-care National Centre for Women Development, and member, Home Committee, Mrs. Laide Salako, during the celebration of the African Child with Disabilities, on Saturday in Bwari, Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Leadership, corruption, bane of development – Aregbesola From Inumidun Ojelade, Osogbo

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nept leadership and widespread corruption in high and low places have been identified as twin evils militating against the nation’s socio-political development.

The Governor of Osun state, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, who observed this, also described as worrisome the inability of Nigeria’s political leaders to stem the rising tide of armed robbery, kidnapping, sectarian conflicts and general state of insecurity across the country.

He observed these yesterday at the opening of First Session of the Second Synod of the Diocese of Osun North Anglican Communion at the Cathedral of Saint Michael, Okuku and Anglican Diocese of Ilesha SouthWest, Omofe, Ilesa.

While the governor was present at the Okuku event, he was represented in Ilesa by the Director General, Office of Economic Development and Partnership, Dr. Charles Akinola.

The governor said as the state of insecurity and mind-bending corrupt practices in high places

become increasing, the leadership of the country appears to be rudderless in preferring the urgent and necessary solutions to these mounting problems.

He lamented that hardly does a day pass in the life of the nation without an outbreak of high profile bribery scandals while those who are at the helm of affairs of the nation seem to have no solution to its problems.

Against the backdrop of the

hopeless situation, the governor tasked the Anglican Synod and other religious faiths to continue to offer fervent prayers for the leaders in the country to overcome the lifesnuffing threats that threaten the existence of the nation.

Aregbesola said: “Synod cannot but be worried about the situation in our country, especially on the state of leadership. The nation has been in the throes of terrorist attacks,

armed banditry, kidnappings and mind boggling corruption and which the leadership of this nation appears to be clueless about.

“We hear of pension scams running into billions, a N1trillion fuel subsidy scam and lately, a $3 million bribery case. It is therefore incumbent on us to offer spiritual resistance in form of prayer, righteous indignation and public disavowal of evil agents and their practices.

Middle-Belt youths warn FG against playing politics with security

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Middle Belt Youth Leaders Forum has urged the Federal Government to show more seriousness in tackling the insecurity challenges facing the country, saying that playing politics with the problem for selfish gains is not in the interest of the country.

Speaking in a press conference held over the weekend, the national president of the association, Hamid Usman, said the greatest challenge facing the country was security of lives and properties, adding that the high level of insecurity in the country has battered its global image.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the insecurity in the country by the National Security Adviser to the President, Andrew Azazi, urging him to look beyond tribe since what affects a tribe is also a problem to the whole country.

Usman argued that the Niger Delta crisis was resolved through a genuine interest by late President Musa Yar’Adua who is from the north, pointing out that some unguarded statements and actions being made by some highly placed persons in the Jonathan’s government might bring disunity between the north and the south if unchecked.

Against this background, he stated that the ethnic posture of some serving members of Jonathan’s cabinet has made the opposition parties to accuse the current government of pursuing an ethnic agenda.

He therefore advised President Jonathan to be wary of those who are committed to doing disservice to his government by representing his government as clannish.

Security: Niger gov urges religious leaders to pray for the nation

G

ov Babangida Aliyu of Niger state on Saturday urged religious leaders to pray for the peace and stability of the country.

Aliyu said the prayers were important in ending the current security challenges facing the nation.

The governor made the call in Minna while addressing participants of the Maulud celebration organised in honour of the spiritual leader

of the Tijjaniyya Islamic sect, late Shiekh Ibrahim Inyass.

He appealed to Imams and other religious leaders to always propagate “the true tenets of Islam'' and ensure that their followers learn the Quran and Hadith, to enable them practise their religious duties diligently.

Aliyu said the state government would continue to assist the sect and ensure that the celebration ends

peacefully.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, told the gathering that the executive arm of the government and legislature were working together to end the security challenges in the country.

He also advised Muslims to avoid violent tendencies and to conduct themselves in accordance with the tents of the religion and the laws of the country, to enhance peace and

stability.

The West African spiritual leader of the sect, Sheikh Abdullahi El-Magrib prayed for the restoration of peace in Nigeria.

He expressed the hope that the country would overcome its challenges through the power of prayer.

NAN reports that the occasion was also attended by the leadership and members of the sect from Mauritania, Gambia, Niger Republic, Chad and Senegal. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

T

Arunma Oteh’s chequered tenure at SEC

he Federal Government, last week, took steps to halt the state of paralysis at the Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] by appointing an Acting Director General in the person of Ibrahim Bolaji Bello, who took over from Ms Daisy Ekineh, the Commission’s erstwhile Executive Commissioner in charge of Operations. Ekineh, whose stay in the top position lasted only two days, was appointed by the Board of Directors after the former Director General, Ms Arunma Oteh was sent on a compulsory leave to pave way for a thorough investigation into some of her activities while she was at the helm.

Oteh’s departure became inevitable after the series of revelations at the public hearing on the near collapse of the capital market organized by the House of Representatives Committee on the Capital Market. First, Oteh had a run in with the chairman of the committee whom she accused of extorting money from the commission for an overseas trip which he never embarked upon as well as seeking funds from SEC for holding of the public hearing. On the flip side however, it became known to the public that the former DG’s leadership of the commission was anything but above board. It was revealed that she indulged herself with the funds of the commission without regard to due process.

As the public hearings continued, a chasm between Oteh and her management team became evident

suggesting that all was not well inside the commission. All the commissioners, who should have supported Oteh in discharging her responsibilities, took turns to distance themselves from her leadership, saying she ran a one-man show. They disclosed that many decisions regarding the running of the affairs of the commission were unilaterally taken by Oteh without

“

Our recent sad experiences in the money and capital markets, where unsuspecting investors were hoodwinked by rogue traders, are a clear pointer to the need for a competent watchdog and regulator to continue to ensure investor confidence in the system consultation. Chief among those decisions were the Project 50, which according to Oteh, was a project to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the commission and the hiring of two staff from Access Bank in addition to other contract staff. The commissioners also alleged that management meetings were no longer held to discuss the affairs of the commission as was customary.

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 her defence, Oteh declared that the appointment of the staff in question, including those on contract, did not violate any regulation and that the funds sourced for the Project 50 were not illegal as the commission was within its rights to source funds from the capital market which it regulates to finance its activities.

We are sad at the turn of events that led to the ouster of Oteh. We recall that she came highly recommended from the African Development Bank with a glowing CV and the requisite experience, for which many thought she will bring to bear on her new assignment. She seemed to fit the bill nicely as the person to carry out a thorough reorganization of the SEC, whose inaction had led to the near collapse of the capital market a few years earlier. As it turned out however, our hopes were misplaced as she was unable to guide the commission in the right direction.

SEC is without doubt a very important agency whose function, if not properly directed, can have severe consequences on the financial system.

Our recent sad experiences in the money and capital markets, where unsuspecting investors were hoodwinked by rogue traders, are a clear pointer to the need for a competent watchdog and regulator to continue to ensure investor confidence in the system. We therefore urge the federal government to continue to support SEC to carry out its functions effectively.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

By Olapadae Agoro

T

he instant shameless parade of bribery throw about conundrum by those in high positions of political and economic power in particular by Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon oil and gas and Farouk Lawan, Chairman House of Representatives Ad – hoc Committee that of very recent successfully probed the fuel subsidy scam is a clear indication that the nation is terribly and torridly held in the rough and firm grip of retardation by maggots in human skin and destroyers of human benefitting values.

That Femi Otedola even had the audacity to own up giving Lawan US$500,000 bribe money and as well US$120000 to Mr. Boniface Emenalo the secretary of Lawan led Ad-Hoc Committee no doubt raised dusts of reasonable questions to ask that from which Bank/s in Nigeria Otedola withdrew that high value sum of money, when he withdrew the money, and where he kept that type of whooping sum of money before it was dispensed to the duo of Lawan and Emenalo.

If per chance Femi did not withdraw the US$ 612000 from any Bank in Nigeria but had that type of foreign currency in his private vault and going by the fact that the nation has so many of Femi’s type of hopeless ‘Private Individuals Walk About Banks’ running to reckless

PAGE 13

Bribery scandal: The shame of a nation thousands of them, will explain why the Naira value had kept falling on weekly trading basis from injection of out of Central Bank of Nigeria control non bankable foreign currencies leaving the Naira always free falling and reeling currently to its lowest level of 1 US dollar to Naira 162.00 with devastating effects on the nation’s economy.

Definitely the US$612000 Femi’s bribe money was not all he would have had there and then in his Private Individuals Walk About Bank. His was the revelation of the money kept out of the normal system by enemies of progress meant solely to keep the nation’s economy wheel cart ever unbalance.

Irrespective of where Femi got his bribe money from, commonsense must however dictate to discerning minds that the US$ 620000 bribe money given to Lawan and Emenalo could not have meant to have effects on the fuel subsidy probe already concluded and positively now in the public domain than to cause distraction from the real core issue of Naira1.7 trillion fuel subsidy scam now be - plaguing

the conscience of the nation.

With dusts recently raised by the House of Representatives of another Naira 2.8 trillion diversion discovery from the PTDF account through signature bonuses, one need tell those ready and willing to listen to the

The shameless key players in the odorous stealing and thieving pervading the nation’s oil industry must be told in the clear language they can understand that there can be found no hiding place for them in the thunder storm in the tea cup of the US$

“

The shameless key players in the odorous stealing and thieving pervading the nation’s oil industry must be told in the clear language they can understand that there can be found no hiding place for them in the thunder storm in the tea cup of the US$ 612000 bribery scandal kite they are trying to fly truth of the matter to see this Femi Otedola tricksters game plan on Farouk Lawan as a conspiracy of the contumacious sponsors of larceny in the oil industry simply designed to pull the wool over reality.

612000 bribery scandal kite they are trying to fly.

The nation’s economic vandals, joy evaporators, cancerous marauders and their foreign co-travelers must be told the fact that the game is up.

It becomes also altruistically a good reasoning point and pertinent fact of life for one even wonder aloud what magnet is still holding the Petroleum Minister Deziani Alison – Madueke on her seat, despite the odium oozing out of her ministry.

Game of commonsense offers us the rare opportunity to know that Nigeria will need no good luck at this our particular parlous state than President Goodluck Jonathan becoming a man capable taking worthwhile decisions the type great leaders are known with shoving this woman aside now and with her the imported, outdated and useless 25 Tokunbo carcasses in his cabinet, to prevent us from continuing to suffer heavy weight pains from the type of nuisance value administrators we have running the affairs of our dear country.

Dr. Olapade Agoro (Aladura Patriarch), Owa’Tapa of Itapa Ijesa, is the National Chairman/former Presidential Candidate, National Action Council (NAC)

Sustainable development in Nigeria elusive

By Churchill Okonkwo

I

n 2004 President Jonathan (then governor to D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha) said; “In a nation that the leaders do not believe in environmental protection, the concept of sustainable development is an illusion.” Eight years later on the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the illusion of sustainable development under his leadership will be dissected.

The theme for this year’s World Environment Day is; Green Economy Does it include you?

For President Jonathan, the question is, does green economy include Nigeria? An assessment of his scorecard on environmental protection will begin to tell the story.

Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources, but its model of economic development that is based on intensive exploitation and export, destroys the ecosystems while the government do nothing to halt the despoliation.

According to the Brundtland Commission, sustainable development is “development that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Unfortunately, the model in Nigeria is neither focused on future generations nor is it green. The exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum and gas

reserves has immediate and proximal environmental consequences, such as oil spills, land and water pollution, and flaring that can cause global warming.

Under President Jonathan’s leadership, gas flaring which was supposed to have ceased in 1984 continues to pollute the air. According to Amnesty International, Niger Delta is one of the world’s ecosystem most severely impacted by petroleum pollution. Under President Jonathan’s watch, methane, a gas with adverse consequences for global warming is released in the course of flaring.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian electricity generation could have used these to generate 6 GW of electric power annually according to World Bank. So, what does President Jonathan think about greening Nigerian electricity generation?

We have to remember that in our President, we have a hydrobiologist and according to the his Foundation he is “a member of Nigerian Society for Biological Conservation [NBSC], Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), International Association of Impact Assessment [AIA], and Ecological Society of Nigeria [EcSN]. So, with his scientific knowledge and ‘vast knowledge and experience in environmental impact assessment and conservation’ why does he not care about the assault on biodiversity and ecosystems?

Talking about President Jonathan’s paper to the Nigerian Environmental Society in 2004 on the illusion of sustainable development, one begins to wonder whether he actually wrote that paper. If he did, was that statement hypocritical? If the paper was written for him, did he give it a thought before publication? If he did not give it a thought as a scholar, does that amount to incompetence? A school master that cannot read nor write?

The biggest challenge to environmental degradation in Nigeria is walking the talk. One of the cornerstones of environmental conservation and sustainable development in a nation is enforceable environmental law and proactive agency for the protection and management of the environment. A closer look at sections of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Environment Agency Act (NESREA Act) exposes flaws and clauses that literally obstruct environmental protection, conservation and sustainable development. As a trained Hydrologist, one that proud himself of his credentials as a conservationist, President Jonathan should have taken time to review this act and inject life into it.

The present NESREA Act that excludes the Nigerian oil and gas sector (the greatest environmental threat to

Nigeria) from regulation is an aberration. Section 8 (g) of the NESREA Act (like many others) mandating the agency to conduct investigation of pollution and degradation of natural resources, except investigations on the oil spillage … is unimaginable. If NESREA Act cannot enforce compliance and environmental regulation in the oil and gas sector, president Jonathan is right that the concept of sustainable development is illusion in Nigeria.

Finally, the Niger Delta militants through their armed struggle were for long the only remaining voice for environmental protection and sustainable development since the demise of Ken Saro-Wiwa.

President Jonathan however facilitated the Niger Delta militant’s compromise (through ‘amnesty’) on the fundamentals of environmental justice, conservation and sustainable development. In return, the militants got mere monetary handouts and ‘job training’ that presented another avenue for sycophants and government cronies to embezzle. By this single act, President Jonathan clearly demonstrated his strong disposition on the illusion of sustainable development.

Fifty years from now, the environmental degradation in Niger Delta Nigeria caused by the present reckless and unregulated oil exploitation will be so massive that the

future generation in the Niger Delta region will be left puzzled.

By then, the rest of the developed and developing countries would have turned their back on the “cursed oil”.

The onshore oil wells would have been fully exploited and the oil companies moved to the continental shelf far away from the creeks to be worried about kidnapping of oil workers or sizing oil wells. The future generation will then be asking: What happened to the allocation of scarce resources to different generation over time?

Why didn’t our own Jonathan do something about environmental protection and sustainable development in Niger Delta?

What President Jonathan needs to do now is simple: review the NESREA Act with the view to removing all the sections and clauses that exclude regulation and enforcement in oil and gas sector. After that, Mr. President has to display leadership and commitment by constituting NESREA board with teeth and one that can bite too. The concept of sustainable development is clearly a political issue and more radical action is needed from Mr. President. Failure to act on his part will rubbish all his credentials as a hydro biologist as well as make a mockery of his membership of those ecological and environmental groups.

Churchill.okonkwo@gmail.com www.voicefornigerianenvironment.com

PAGE 14

By Ben Adam Shemang

I

was Voice of Nigeria’s State House Correspondent all through the Abacha days. I was also the State House correspondent throughout the period General Abubakar came to power to when he handed over power on 29th may, 1999.

When General Olusegun Obsanjo was sworn in, I spent some months at the presidential villa before I was changed.

The essence of this piece is not to run a commentary on the style of leadership I saw in a real military dictatorship of Abacha neither is it to comment on the very first early days of democracy of president Obasanjo, but to look at a gentleman General, Abdulsami Abubakar, whom I want to christen “father of modern democracy in Nigeria”.

Late evening after General Abacha was buried in Kano, there was a meeting in the State House by very top military officers and while the meeting was going on, correspondents were milling and nosing around speculating as to who was to emerge the head of state. Could it be Jerry Oseni? He was the most senior military officer then as a Lieutenant General Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. We ruled him out.

Could General Oladipo Donald Diya be released from prison and head an interim government because he was Chief of General Staff, a post equivalent to Vice

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Salute to General Abdulsalami Abubakar at 70 The ban on political parties president in a civilian setting? General Abdulsalami on the seat We ruled him out too. of the Head of State and and activities were lifted Soon the meeting ended at the Commander – In- Chief. He then immediately and political State House and we saw addressed his “fellow Nigerians”. parties sprang up. General Abdulsalami Abubakar, then a The tension that existed in the amnesty was granted to all Major General and Chief of country after the annulling of the political detainees across the Defence Staff, Mike Okhai June 12 Presidential election country.

People trooped into the Villa Ahigbe, then a Rear Admiral and needed some tact and art to to advise him, Chief of Naval i n c l u d i n g Staff and traditional and many other top religious leaders Military top Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text as well as s h o t s , journalists, especially messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written trade unionists, G e n e r a l contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 diplomats and O f f i c e r s words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and friends.

His Commanding, a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed doors were Flag Officers to: opened and very Commanding, cordial with and Air The Editor, with the press.

O f f i c e r s Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, M a l l a m Commanding, 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.

Mohammed m o v i n g Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com Haruna was briskly to the appointed to Chambers at SMS: 07037756364 succeed Chief the State Attah as Chief H o u s e .

General Abubakar was steps handle. To give room for Press Secretary. These two ahead as they marched on, negotiations, he had Chief MKO officers were never the type who almost in an unconscious Abiola was moved to Aguda rushed to stand in front of military drill.

House, the present official cameras and curse Nigerians on behalf of their principals. The Soon,the correspondents of residence of the Vice President. community, electronic media organisations The General announced a international were called in for a recorded political transition time table especially Western nations saw broadcast to the nation. As we with a terminal date on May honesty in the General and accepted his transition to civil entered, lo and behold, it was 29th, 1999.

WRITE TO US

rule programme. The result was the lifting of sanctions imposed on Nigeria. Many countries indicated interest to assist in the conduct of elections.

As his open door policy, the general never went on a trip at home or abroad without the press. The information office, headed by Mohammed Haruna, was helpful and open to the media.

Right from the gates, any correspondent who had a car would drive right into the Villa and the same bodyguards who were opening the gate for the Head of State would do same for the journalists.

Freely we would go to Fort Obasanjo, now Niger Barracks, which served as General Abubakar’s residence before he moved into the villa. Things did not change when he moved into the Villa.

At a point, he would ask the press what people were saying about his transition programme and what the thinking of the press was. A hand shake with the General was common. It was a common thing for some residents of Abuja to say they saw the man either in Garki or Wuse areas and Continued on page 15

Mega-Corruption and the Farouk Lawan Saga

By Dr Jibrin Ibrahim & 27 others

N

-Katalyst believes that the recent revelations on the Farouk Lawan Saga must not push us into throwing away the baby with the bath water.

Nigeria has a responsibility to ensure that the core recommendations emanating from the report are implemented. If there are suspicions that the Chair and some members of the Committee have been compromised into deleting some of the guilty companies, the same principles of investigating and punishing the guilty should be followed. As we understand the chronology, on 18th April when the report was presented, Otedola’s companies, Zenon and Synopsis were indicted.

Subsequently, the following bribes were alleged to have been paid to Mr Lawan - April 21st $250,000, April 23rd $250,000 and early morning of April 24th $100,000. Later on the morning of April 24th during the House Plenary Discussion on Subsidy Report, Zenon and Synopsis were delisted. Subsequently, Lawan had communications with the Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes and the Inspector General of Police claiming Otedola is persisting in trying to offer him offer him bribes to influence the outcome of the investigation.

Given the allegations, the Farouk Lawan saga should be

investigated immediately and if evidence is found, those implicated should be prosecuted.

N-Katalyst believes that there is no democracy without a legitimate legislature that has integrity. Our Parliaments need to develop their capacity to carry out their legitimate functions. The military were always suspicious of the legitimacy of Parliament. In nearly fifty-two years of independence, we’ve had just over twenty-four years of Parliament. So, our Parliament still has some growth to do, it is therefore important to start a campaign on the ethics required of a legislator and we shall shortly publish our views on it.

Meanwhile, we should remain focused on implementation of the report recommendations.

The Committee had reported that contrary to earlier figures from various official sources, subsidy payment of N2.59 trillion had been made as at 31st December, 2011, an amount more than 900 percent over the appropriated sum of N245 billion.” In addition, there are “outstanding claims by NNPC and the marketers in excess of N270 billion as subsidy payments for 2011.” The Committee, in its Report, established that “NNPC was found not to be accountable to anybody or authority”. Based on these findings, we made the following demands: 1) Ending Impunity for the Fuel Subsidy Cabal

Mega corruption is destroying Nigeria and we must act to stop the rot: i. All persons and institutions proven to have been indicted in the fuel subsidy scam should be punished. These include, but are not limited to, the Ministers of Petroleum Resources and Finance, the Board Members, MD and Management of NNPC, the Board Members and Executive Secretary of PPPRA, the Director of DPR and all public officials indicted in the Report by the House of Reps Ad hoc Committee. ii. The freezing of the accounts and recovery of all illegal payments made to the Petroleum marketing firms, the NNPC, PPPRA and others which, according to the House Committee, amount to N1.2 trn or $6.8bn iii. The immediate dismissal of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-

Madueke to allow for effective investigation into the affairs of the Ministry.

2) Getting the Judiciary to do its Work All levels of the judiciary are in crisis due to the appointment of successive Attorney Generals who see themselves as the President’s representative rather than an independent and impartial officer of the State determined to advance the cause of justice. We demand: i.

The immediate termination of the appointment of the Attorney General, Mohammed Adoke, SAN and appointing a credible Attorney General who has the skills and the will to combat and prosecute corruption. ii. Announcing a time frame, not exceeding six months, for implementing the recommendations of the Farouk Lawan Committee

“

Pressure should be mounted on Government to engage the participation of citizens in the formulation of a plan of action towards ending impunity and corruption in our national life, including the possibility of making corruption a capital offense

report and commencing the prosecution of all indicted officials and all persons who benefitted, colluded or participated in the corruption scandal.

3) Restructuring of the Petroleum Sector The structural conditions which allowed for the monumental fraud is that NNPC remains as the regulator, main producer and marketer of petroleum and its products, both upstream and downstream. It is a clear conflict of interest that allowed the organization to become a behemoth with no respect for laws and processes. We demand: I. A Judicial Commission of Inquiry should be established into the operations of the Petroleum Ministry and NNPC. ii. The management and the board of NNPC should be overhauled and those involved in any infractions should be investigated and prosecuted.

The company should be unbundled to make it more transparent and efficient. iii. NNPC through local refining, swap arrangements and offshore processing should be able to provide enough fuel for Nigeria. Therefore the government has no reason to grant subsidy import licenses to other companies.

4) Providing Fuel at Reasonable Prices N-Katalyst accepts the Committee’s estimate that the Continued on page 15

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

By Col. Lawal Gwadabe (rtd.)

N

igeria witnessed yet another National tragedy on June 3rd 2012, when a DANA flight from Abuja to Lagos crashed around Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos killing 153 passengers and 6 crew members on board with an uncountable number of casualties on the ground.

This tragedy was only possible due to the Nigerian factor. It is the price we must pay as a country for our love for cutting corners, lack of maintenance culture, and looking the other way to allow the use of old aircrafts. This is also rooted in the wanton disregard of rules, regulations and safety standards, which is very pervasive in our society.

I join other Nigerians to register my outrage at this wanton disregard of life. For how long will Nigerians continue to keep silent in the face of these wanton assaults?

As long as we allow unbridled corruption to dictate the operations of our public institutions, so long will these tragedies continue to visit us.

When news of the crash reached me, I immediately made contact with McDonnell Douglas – the manufacturers of the plane - where I have personal contacts. I was informed that the Indian managers of DANA air had gone there months earlier in search of spare parts for the ill fated plane.

The manufacturers had told them that that brand of aircraft had been faced out and its spare parts were no longer available.

It therefore means that the airline was operating its fleet in Nigeria without spare parts!

I also have it on good authority that three of our national carriers have not paid

PAGE 15

The Dana air crash and the state of the nation

the salaries of their technical crew for the past four months.

It therefore means that apart from flying antiquated airplanes that have no spare parts, air travelers in Nigeria have the additional danger of being flown by demoralized staff whose salaries are in arrears.

It is a sad reflection of the state of impunity with which business is run in this country that even after Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, who had received several complaints about the operations of the airline and accordingly warned the management of DANA on the tragic consequences of using antiquated and faulty aircraft, the airline continued to fly its rickety planes, regardless.

My sources, who are involved in the aviation industry in the US, also told me that aviation operators in Nigeria frequently visit Arizona, where there is huge dump of outdated aircraft that are sold off to them as scrap.

I am of course aware that air disasters do happen even in developed countries where aviation ethical standards are strictly adhered to. The case of Nigeria is made worse by the fact that we have no emergency services to fall back on when it happens. In the case of the DANA air crash, it took 20 minutes after the crash for the aircraft to explode. This was enough time for rescue

operations. We had none.

In the case of the Nigerian Air force A C-130 plane that crashed on 26 September 1992 minutes after take-off from Lagos killing a cream of our military colleagues, we had no emergency response. It was only 24 hours after the crash that a foreign company, Julius Berger, helped us to get to the tragic site. By this time, all the 200 passengers on board had suffocated to death.

Again on September 17, 2006 an 18-seater Dornier 228 Air Force transport plane, carrying 15 senior army officers and three crew members crashed leaving only three survivors that sustained serious injuries. The plane with registration number 228-212 crashed at Oko village in Vandeikya local government area of Benue state at about 10:30 a.m. The three survivors

were saved through the efforts of patriotic village folks. Left to our emergency services, which did not come until many hours later, they would have perished too.

How have we gotten to this point in Nigeria when life has become so cheap that an Indian can so casually disregard technical advice in respect of a faulty aircraft and, on the prospects of making some money, chose to risk the precious lives of Nigerians the way it has happened only last Sunday?

How have we gotten to the point where the pension of our fellow citizens including ex service men will be stolen and they are left to starve to death, some at the point of standing endlessly on queues for ‘verification’ of their names?

How did we get to the point when so-called subsidy was

“

This tragedy was only possible due to the Nigerian factor. It is the price we must pay as a country for our love for cutting corners, lack of maintenance culture, and looking the other way to allow the use of old aircrafts

paid to companies who purportedly imported petroleum products but actually imported nothing, and this runs into trillions or armed robbers ordering passengers to lie down on the road at gun point to be crushed by on coming heavy duty vehicles, etc?

Many state governors are not operating in their state capitals. The focus of their governments is to generate income and other benefits for themselves and their supporters rather than manage their states. In fact, in most of the northern states today, the laws of the land and other moral codes function more in the breach.

Nigerians must therefore prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to do the correct thing. First, he must release the reports of all the panels that investigated previous air disasters in Nigeria and implement their recommendations.

The President must also improve on our search and rescue services, particularly the Fire Services that are in dire need of funding, equipment and training.

There is need to revive confidence and trust in governance. The President must act fast.

Col. Lawal Gwadabe (rtd.) is a onetime Military Governor of Niger state and immediate chairman of FRSC.

Mega-Corruption and the Farouk Lawan Saga Continued from page 14

probable daily consumption of Petrol from the record of marketers and NNPC comes to an average of 31.5 million litres. It, therefore, proposes the continuation of subsidy for Petrol and Kerosene and suggests a budget of N806.766 Billion for the 2012 fiscal year.

The Committee asserted that the 445,000 bpd allocation to NNPC is sufficient to provide the

Nation with its needs in petrol and kerosene, with proper management and efficiency. i. Kerosene subsidy should resume as a means of helping the poor and aiding the struggle against deforestation in the search for fuel wood. ii. Private investors who were issued licenses for the construction of new refineries must be made to use these licenses or the licenses be

withdrawn and issued to serious investors who are ready to build new refineries over the next three years to guarantee sufficient local supply of petroleum products.

5) Citizen Engagement N-Katalyst is aware that Government will not act if citizens do not mount sufficient pressure. We Nigerians must act more as citizens and not subjects.

The country belongs to us all and

we can no longer leave the political space to politicians, bureaucrats, common thieves and crooks. Nigerians must stand up and fight until we bring this monster under control. i. Pressure should be mounted on Government to engage the participation of citizens in the formulation of a plan of action towards ending impunity and corruption in our national life, including the

possibility of making corruption a capital offense. ii. N-Katalyst commits to working with other civil society groups to ensure that these demands are met.

By Dr Jibrin Ibrahim & 27 others are members of NKatalyst, a non partisan network of individuals with a deep commitment to the promotion of Nigerian unity and progressive change.

Salute to General Abdulsalami Abubakar at 70 Continued from page 14

even markets. Once in a while, the General would dash out in a small car with two or three bodyguards and enter town and observe people. There was no risk and he made no enemies. There was a day we were on an official trip to Minna, Niger, his home state. The convoy went to the Federal Government Lodge and on reaching there, his private vehicle was brought for him. He collected the Key, opened the door and went straight to the driver’s seat and started the

vehicle. He simply said he was going to his private house in his private vehicle and zoomed off.

But trust Nigerian officials, one by one, they went to the man’s house.

During a live media chat and consultation he has had with very senior journalists, publishers and TV/Radio proprietors he was asked the possibility of not o handing over power on scheduled for May 29th.

“That date is not negotiable. It is sacrosanct I am handing over”, the General replied.

Today, the elections have come and gone and May 29th is celebrated as democracy day in Nigeria.

One would have thought that he would retire to his farm but as the saying goes, no hiding place for a golden fish!

The international community has always found jobs for him, outside his farming to provide security.

This is why, at a point, he was appointed at various times, to leadership positions in the Liberian Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Commonwealth

Observer team to Zimbabwean elections, Fact Finding Mission in Niger republic. In short, he is well sought for as a diplomat, builder, peace and conflict resolution expert by the Economic Community of West African States, the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union. At home, the white bearded General remains a symbol of hope for many Nigerians. After handing over power, a Voice of Nigeria team, led by the then Director General, Taiwo Allimi and Ben Egbuna,

went for an interview with the Head of State where he disclosed that one of his hobbies was listening to radio. He told his interviewers that he heard of the coup that removed then and only Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa on the Voice of Nigeria, while he was on a course in Moscow, Russia.

Long live the peoples General and father of modern democracy in Nigeria!

Ben Adam Shemang can be reached at shemangb@yahoo.com

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Police arraign man for using another’s document to procure loan

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National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members queuing for security checks, during the passing out of 'B' corps members, last Thursday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Horror! Woman dumps two day-old baby in pit A

30-year-old apprentice, Mariam Sulieman, has been sentenced by an Abuja Magistrate’s Court to 360 days imprisonment with no option of fine, for dumping her two-day old baby in a pit.

Police Prosecutor, Philip Appolos told the court that the accused was arrested based on the complaint lodged by Mariam Abubakar, against the convict at the Life Camp Police Station, Abuja, on June 12, 2012.

Appolos said that on the said

date, the convict of Daki Biyu Village, Jabi, Abuja, delivered a baby girl and intentionally abandoned her at an unknown location and till date the baby has not been found.

He said the offence contravenes Section 325 of the Penal Code.

The convict pleaded guilty to the offence, saying that the father of the child denied responsibility for the pregnancy and she did not have the means to take care of the child.

When asked what she did with the child, she said she wrapped it in a polythene bag and dumped it in a pit.

She told the court that she had two other children in Nasarawa she was fending for, and that an additional child would be a serious burden on her.

Magistrate Sadiya Mayana, however, sentenced the convict to 360 days imprisonment with no option of fine.

Mayana added that the convict should report to any government hospital for medical

checkup before serving her prison term.

Meanwhile, two accomplices of the convict, Mamuna Buhari, 35 and Abuseitu Saidu, 29, pleaded not guilty and where granted bail in the sum of N10,000 each with a surety in like sum.

The police prosecutor had told the court that the two gave support to the convict thereby acting jointly to commit the crime.

The case was adjourned to June 25, 2012 (NAN)

Over 50 armed policemen invade Lugbe, arrest two

By Josephine Ella

H

eavily armed Mobile Police men, at the weekend invaded Lugbe, a community along the Airport road, arresting two unidentified men for a yet to ascertain reason in the process.

The combat ready mobile police men allegedly numbering over 50, were said to have invaded the community, in a commando style, formed a ring around some multitenanted compounds at the Zone 5 area, occupied by only men and ransacked some houses in search of unknown items.

Our correspondent gathered that the raid sent shivers down the

spine of the women, who were home at the time of the incident, which took place at about 10am and lasted for an hour.

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity told journalists that only a dagger was found during the raid in the home of an easygoing-bearded-young man which was taken along by the security search party.

Another eyewitness, who equally pleaded anonymity said: “From there, they proceeded to Cashew garden where some of their men were already positioned and carried out a thorough search of some houses as they did here and arrested two young men.

Meanwhile, speculations have

trailed the unclear mission of the security operatives, as some curious residents said that the police may have invaded the community on a tip of a local bomb assemblage factory suspected to belong to the dreaded Islamic sect that has posed severe challenge to the security agencies.

On the others hand, some residents believe that they must have besieged the houses in search of some hardened criminals.

Sources said the team which numbered over 50 men operated simultaneously in the Lugbe Zone 5, 7, 8 and 9.

Narrating the incident, a woman, who simple identified herself as Mama Nkechi said: “I was

washing when I saw them came here one stood at there, pointing at an thoroughfare, another one was standing here looking at me while I was washing my cloths I greeted them but they did not answer.

“That is how they distributed themselves around here, so at a point I stood up and went inside to carry my baby because I do not know what they came for and what may happen as they were all carrying guns and poised to shoot”.

Efforts to ascertain from the police at the Lugbe Zone 5 police station what may have informed the mission was unsuccessful as officials at the counter said the DPO was not on seat as at press time.

he police on Friday arraigned one C h u k w u e m e k a Ajanonwu of House 32, Oxford St. Apo before an Abuja Senior Magistrate’s Court for allegedly using another person’s document to procure loan.

Prosecutor, Abu Opanachi told the court that the case was reported by one John Olenyi of No. 8 Lobito Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, on June 5, 2012, Opanachi said that the accused committed the offence with one Raphael Akaninyene, who was now at-large.

He said that the accused persons allegedly connived and dishonestly collected an original letter of an offer, tagged Abuja Investment and Property Development Company, belonging to one Ochiagha Nnaemeka.

The prosecutor added that the letter, which was dated April 6, 2006, was issued to Nnaemeka over shop 75, Block 7; Section a, Wuse Modern Market.

He told the court that the accused collected the letter under the pretext of conducting a search whether the offer was original or fake.

He said that since the collection of the letter from Nnaemeka, the accused had not been able to tell the complainant anything regarding the document.

The prosecutor also told the court that during police investigation, it was discovered that the accused fraudulently used the letter as a collateral to procure a loan of N3 million.

“The accused collected the loan from a private lender without the owner’s consent,’’ he added.

He said that the accused committed the offence of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and cheating, which were contrary to Sections 97, 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In his ruling, the Magistrate, Mr Aliyu Shafa, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 with a surety in the like sum.

He said the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and swear to an affidavit means, adjourning the case to July 19 for hearing. (NAN)

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

AMAC sets taskforce to conduct door-to door sanitation

By Adeola Tukuru

I

n order to ensure a clean environment culture of residents in the council the department of Health in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, has set up a taskforce committee to commence a doorto-door sensitization and

sanitation monitoring exercise in Abuja.

The Supervisory Councilor for Health in the council, Hon. Nnodim Josephine, who led the taskforce team on the exercise at the weekend, said that the leadership of the council has taken it upon himself to ensure a clean and healthy environment

that is void of sickness during the rainy season.

According to Nnodim, the council started the door-to-door sanitation monitoring of residential buildings, restaurants and business centers in the council to know where the problem lies in ensuring a complete clean environment in

A driver and his passenger escaped death as their car ran into the gutter along Federal Housing Authority junction, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

the council.

“With this taskforce put in place by the leadership of the council, apart from monitoring and clearing of waste that are dumped indiscriminately in various communities in the council, they are also going to be sensitizing residents on how to manage the wastes that they generate.

“This exercise is going to be done in every community in the council, it is going to be community by community and we are starting with Garki Community, because it is in the heart of the city.

The environment in Garki community is appalling and completely unhealthy. We want to see how best we can keep the environment clean,” She said.

The Coordinator for Waste Management in the council, Hon. Bulus Dogo who was also among the sanitation monitoring team during the monitoring and sentisation exercise advised the taskforce team to be diligent in discharging their responsibilities in the council, saying that the cleanliness of the council depends on how best they do their jobs.

He also called on residents of the council to cooperate with the taskforce team in order to ensure a clean and healthy environment for every body, saying that a clean environment breeds healthy people and that since health is wealth, there is bound to be development in a clean and healthy environment.

Neighbour jailed for raping a seven year old girl A

n Upper Area Court in Gwagwalada has sentenced one Sule Adamu, 23 to nine months imprisonment for raping a seven-year-old girl.

The Judge, Alhaji Babangida Hassan, ordered that the convict should, however, serve the first six

month in jail, but gave him an option of N15, 000 fine for the last three months.

The police Prosecutor, Insp.

Martha Paul, had told the court that the convict was a neighbour to the victim and that the incident happened on July 8, 2010.

Paul said the convict was

arrested on July 10, 2010 following complaint lodged in at Gwagwalada Police Station by one Dennis Bulus, the father of the victim.

The prosecutor said Bulus got knowledge of the incident following complaint of injury in the private part of his daughter and change in her

movement steps.

She said the convict was arraigned on one count charge of rape of a minor and the convict pleaded guilty to the charge.

Adamu had begged the court for leniency adding that the offence had already been committed.

AEPB denies responsibility for Mogadishu barracks sewer odour

By Joy Baba

T

he Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has absolved its self of being responsible for the foul stench oozing from the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, saying the area is not within the jurisdiction of the board.

Addressing journalists, the head, Sewage Maintenance, AEPB, Engr. Aminu Jaafar, said although it is the responsibility of the board to maintain facilities that border on environment in the FCT, especially sewer lines, it does not extend to the sewage plant located in Mogadishu barrack.

“The Mogadishu Military

Barrack, Abuja sewage treatment plant was actually designed to service the Mogadishu Barrack itself, because it was never connected to the central city sewage system, due to its elevation.

The topography in which the barrack is located does not allow liquid waste to be slopped back into the central city sewage. That is why it was not connected to the city central sewage system, just like every other building in the city centre”, he explained.

Disturbed by the unpleasant smell in the barracks as a result of the exposed liquid waste, the management of Mogadishu Military Barrack in March this year wrote a letter to AEPB on the health implications of the problem.

Finding revealed that no response has been received from the board to that effect, up till now.

Further investigations revealed that before 2007, maintenance of the sewage treatment plant in the barrack was done by the AEPB, but when the treatment plant became unserviceable, due to poor funding, there was therefore the need to rehabilitate them.

Following this, the Engineering Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) took over the rehabilitation of the plant in 2008.

However, since the completion of the rehabilitation project in the same year, the facility has not been handed back to the AEPB for

maintenance.

The head of sewage maintenance, denied receiving any letter from the barrack management, but following public complains about the offensive odour coming from the area; it wrote a letter to the barrack management this week to allow its staff access to the facility to ascertain the problem.

He maintained that since the FCDA has not formally handed over the facility to AEPB, it would be unwise for the board to embark on maintaining the facility in the barrack.

He therefore, insisted that until a formal hand over of the facility was done, the board has no right to start maintaining it.

Security: AMAC unveils new ID cards for staff

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he Administration of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has unveiled a new staff Identity card for its staff , so as to ensure adequate security and combat crime in the council.

The Chairman of the council, Hon Micah Y. Jiba stated that the essence of the new Identity card is to secure the staffs and avert miscreants from gaining entrance into the premises of the council.

He explained that the new ID card must be worn by the staffs whenever they are entering the premises, adding that he has directed the security men at the gate not to allow any body in except they are with their new ID cards.

In his words: “We all know the importance of these ID cards. Some of our staffs have experienced a lot of embarrassment in the public, and especially when they are coming into the council’s main gate”.

Hon Jiba called on all the staffs of the council to ensure that the new law and order of wearing their new Identity card must be obeyed to secure the staffs and to prevent them from and form of embarrassment.

Also, the Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Moses Meikessi Jonathan lauded the chairman for the development, stating that the essence of the new Identity card is to combat the crimes existing in the council.

Chief of Nupe in FCT solicits for cooperation

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he paramount chief of Nupe in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Musa Shaba Gupa has called for support of the Nupe people in the six area councils of the FCT in a bid to arrest some obstacles facing the Nupe people in their respective areas.

Gupa, who made the call in an interview with Peoples Daily in his palace in Bwari, expressed the willingness of his leadership to cooperate with other communities in the FCT. He appealed for greater understanding and loyalty to his leadership, saying that he will try his best to see that every group within the Nupe community achieve their objectives.

The FCT Nupe chief then called on the leadership of Nupe association across the FCT to continue to cooperate with him to enable him to discharge his duties effectively.

He, however, warned the Nupe people residing in the FCT, to shun any act that could bring disgrace to Nupe community.

The monarch also appealed to his people to send their children to school, adding that education is the best asset they can bequeath to their children.

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

PMIs told to disburse NHF loans rightly

Mob: 08033644990

‘Lack of skills cause high unemployment rate in Nigeria’

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

L

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Headquarters Abuja.

Mobile operators agree to pay NCC fines

A

fter refusing to pay the fines imposed on them by N i g e r i a ’ s Communications Commission (NCC), mobile operators MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat have agreed to pay the N1.17 billion fine ($7.3-million) this week.

The NCC has given the operators numerous deadlines for payment, with the most recent being 25 May, for what the NCC claimed was poor quality of service.

However, the companies, whose representatives met with NCC officials in Abuja on Friday, demanded, as a precondition for the payment of the fines, a review of the present Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which they argued did not take into consideration the peculiarity of the Nigerian business environment.

The NCC previously said that if the amounts were not paid over, the NCC will have no other

choice but to institute additional payment of N2.5 million ($15 000) per day for as long as they refuse.

NCC Director of Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo confirmed that the operators agreed to pay the fines, but was reluctant to say if it will include the penalties.

“Outside the sanctions we demanded that they show us a concrete plan they have in place to improve their services. The EXCHANGE RATES

CBN CFA • £ RIYAL $

11th June, 2012 BUYING 0.2753 194.3375 240.6372 41.3012 154.9

SELLING 0.2953 195.5921 242.1907 41.5678 155.9

PARALLEL RATES £ RIYAL $

BUYING 243 43 154

SELLING 257 45 159

service providers have given their commitment that services are going to improve because substantial investments are going to be made,” he said.

NCC had on May 10, 2012 fined all the four GSM N1.17bn for failing to meet up with the minimum standard of quality of service (QoS) for the months of March and April 2012.

Airtel, MTN, Glo, and Etisalat are to pay NCC N270m, N360m, N180 and N360m respectively. The sanctions were communicated to the mobile operators in letters dated May 10, 2012 and states that the four GSM operators failed to keep up with the KPIs as specified in Schedule 1 Table 2 of the Quality of Service Regulations 2012.

ack of skills by majority of Nigerians has been identified as the main cause of rising unemployment rate in the country.

The President, Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum (NEF), Dr. Sidney E. Inegbedion at the weekend in Abuja, said, “According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the nation’s unemployment figures have risen to 49 million, out of which 52 per cent are unemployable due to lack of skills.”

Inegbedion stated this at a business seminar themed: “Combating Unemployment and Creating Wealth Through Entrepreneurship”, for young entrepreneurs and potential business owners.

He said it is high time Nigerians stopped blaming government bureaucracies for the ugly trend, but assist in not only identifying the challenges, but also finding sustainable solutions to combat it.

The NEF president lamented that the country is yet to address the 23.9 per cent unemployment rate in the country’s formal sector, pointing out that only 10 per cent of the six million employable youths get jobs.

Inegbedion, who spoke on: “The Impacts of Entrepreneurs on a Nation’s Economy”, therefore affirmed that “entrepreneurship is the only answer” to the economic growth and sustainability of the country.

“The small business started today stand to grow big tomorrow to absorb the labour force. We believe the society’s problems will continue to be the entrepreneurs’ opportunities. We believe problems confronting the society are just issues that require fresh thinking and entrepreneurial solutions,” he said.

Management Tip of the Day

Prepare emerging leaders for top jobs

O

ne of the most difficult managerial transitions is moving from functional leader to enterprise leader. Preparing people for these top jobs needs to start early.

Give potential candidates experience on crossfunctional projects.

If you run a global business, be sure to give them international assignments as

well. As their leadership promise becomes evident, give these high potentials positions on a senior management team and exposure to external stakeholders, such as investors, the media, and key customers.

Before promoting them to the enterprise level, send them to a substantial executive program that addresses organizational design, business

process improvement, transition management, and other capabilities. When these rising stars are finally ready to take the reins, place them in units that are small, distinct, and thriving. Surround them with an experienced and assertive team who they can learn from.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Niger Insurance to mark 50 years, repositions for next phase

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he Managing Director, Niger Insurance Plc, Mr. Justus Uranta has tasked the management team and staff of the company to brace up for the new phase of performance.

Access Bank boss admitted into Ernst&Young Hall of Fame

T

he CEO, Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who emerged winner of the Ernst &Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Award in Nigeria and the West African sub-region, has been admitted into the award organisers’ Hall of Fame at a grand event which held in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Friday.

Nigeria to harness sugar cane potential for energy - NSDC

FirstBank offers single digit lending rate to SMEs

By Aminu Imam

R

espite is in sight for Nigerian small businesses following the resolve of Nigeria’s number one bank brand, First Bank of Nigeria Plc to extend single digit loans to entrepreneurs in partnership with the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI).

The Bank has since signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NASSI to ensure hitch-free implementation of the initiative that is geared towards promoting the growth and development of the sector.

First Bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Bisi Onasanya said the initiative is in line with the bank’s strategic focus on financial inclusion as it would address the challenges of credit delivery to the unbanked market’s segment through mobilised funds that will avail credit facilities to registered NASSI members at

concessionary rate.

“The loans are only available to members of NASSI nationwide to facilitate the success of their businesses and eventual growth into large corporate organisations,” he said.

Onasanya said in addition to warehousing and disbursing mobilised deposits, the Bank would support the group through business advisory services, capacity building and development of relevant IT infrastructure, as well as the

By Abdulwahab Isa

P

rimary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) have been told to ensure that they disburse National Housing Fund, NHF loans to the individuals for which they are meant and return any undisbursed loans to the bank.

Managing Director of the

lenders and forex purchases drained liquidity.

Traders said the market opened with a cash deficit of about N78.7 billion ($482.82 million) on Friday, compared with a surplus of about 10 billion naira last week.

T F

innish mobile phone maker, Nokia is in talks with private equity group EQT to sell its luxury handset subsidiary, Vertu for around 200 million euros ($249 million), sources familiar with the matter said recently.

ECOWAS budgets N4.8 tr for ‘improved business environment’ scheme

T

he Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is mainstreaming $30 billion (N4.8 trillion) for the establishment of an investment facilitating agency in the sub-region.

Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Gimba Ya’u Kumo, who said this in an interview in Abuja, said if a loan is issued and for any reason the individual concerned is no longer qualified for the loan, such loans should be returned to the bank.

“The law does not allow us to deal with individuals as we are only required to deal with the

Interbank rates climb higher on cash shortage N igeria’s interbank lending rates climbed higher to an average of 15.66 percent last week, from 14.5 percent the previous week, after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recalled a portion of its deposits with some

another person, that’s why all borrowers must ensure that they repay the loans promptly,” he added.

Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga commended First Bank for the initiative, adding that the development resonates with the commitment of the Federal Government to bolster economic growth and development through support for small businesses.

PMIs told to disburse NHF loans rightly

he Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Dr Latif Busari says Nigeria will harness the potential of sugar cane as source of energy.

Nokia in talks with EQT to sell Vertu - Sources

issuance of bio-metric identity card to all members.

Identifying access to finance as the biggest challenge facing SMEs, the First Bank chief urged operators of small business under the aegis of NASSI to take advantage of the facilities and ensure compliance with repayment terms to ensure the success of the initiative and collaboration between the Bank and NASSI. “Every default in repayment is a disincentive to lending to

Inflation rates from May, 2011 to Apr, 2012 Max = 12.9%, Min = 9.3% for period in display.

Current Inflation rate = 12.9% Source:CBN

“The market is very short this week because of large cash outflows to foreign exchange purchases, NNPC withdrawals and debit for cash reserves,” one dealer said.

The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) climbed to 15 percent, from 14.25 percent last week, 300 basis points above the central bank’s 12 percent benchmark rate, and 5 percentage points above the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate. Overnight placement and call money closed at 16 percent each, compared with 14.5 percent and 14.75 percent, last week respectively.

“We see rates inching up early next week as the dearth of funds persist until the next budgetary allocation to government agencies hits the system, hopefully later next week,” another dealer said.

(Reuters)

Earnings Report for Banks Source:Pro-share Nigeria

PMIs, but I want to say that the PMIs do not have any right to divert money that has been approved for one person to another person.

“We are aware that anything could happen or the circumstances of an individual could change, making them no longer eligible for a loan that has already been disbursed, such funds should be returned to us and not diverted to anyone else”.

He said the bank is committed to providing affordable housing for low income earners as enshrined in the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act of 1992.

Kumo said the Act provides that every Nigerian who is 18 years and above must contribute 2.5 per cent of their basic salary to the fund and the idea is to provide a common pool for these funds which will now be used to finance mortgages for low income earners.

AfDB at Rio+20: Smoothing way to green and thriving Africa

T

he African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is at Rio+20 to voice Africa’s agenda until 22 June, with fellow African institutions such as the African Union Commission and the UN Economic Commission for Africa and many leaders from across the continent.

The theme for Rio+20 is: “The Future We Want.” Africa cannot afford to miss this opportunity to push for the future it wants with a development agenda that matches its aspirations.

The AfDB has invested more than USD 1 billion over the last five years in water projects that equip African economies with the infrastructure they need to manage decreasing or more volatile rainfall.

As sustainable development finance remains a critical concern for African economies, the AfDB has invested in a suite of creative financing and support instruments, such as the Congo Basin Forest Fund, ClimDev-Africa Fund, Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, African Water Facility, and Africa Carbon Support Program.

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Equity market inches up by +1.35% to halt downtrend

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rading activities closed positive in the week after five weekly session of negative outlook as the threeday rally witnessed in the early sessions of the week lifted market back to the positive territory.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lotus Capital for the development and management of a certified Shari’ah compliant Index which would increase the variety of investment classes in Nigeria as the Islamic Equity Index joins the family of indices of The NSE. Furthermore, the bulls resurfaced on the Nigerian bourse after nine consecutive session of negative position as ASI moves up by +1.34% to open the

first trading day of the week optimistic bargain activities significantly outweighed sell pressure amid improve breadth while market maintained positive outlook for the second session just as weak market sentiments permeates across the main board with NSE Index consolidating by +0.27%.

The bulls continue to exert their dominance on the Nigerian bourse in the third session as they further increase their gains while ASI firms up by +0.28%. The bears resurfaced in style in the fourth session as market dipped by 0.22% due to renewed sell pressure which outweighed bargain activities.

Conversely, trading activities on Friday closed

southwards as sentiments remained bearish.

Consequently, the key benchmark indices dips by 0.32% while market closed the week with aggregate gain of +1.35%.

Further analysis on acquiring banks since transaction date showed that the share price of Access Bank Plc has recorded 26.26% gain with FCMB recording -17.95% losses while Union Bank Plc leads the chart with 66.03% gain. However, Sterling Bank Plc recorded -14.17% losses while ETI also closed negative with 8.31% loss recorded.

However, the All-Share Index in the week under review moved up by +1.35% to close at 21,184.58 as against a decline

by -4.83% recorded last week to close at 20,902.95.

In the same vein, the market capitalization in the week appreciated by N96.62 billion (US$644.15 million) to close at N6.76 trillion (US$45.07 billion) as against depreciation

by N338.33 billion (US$2.25 billion) recorded last week to close at N6.66 trillion (US$ 44.42billion).

The total volume traded in the week closed at 2.71 billion units valued at N7.37 billion (US$49.17 million) compared with 1.14 billion units valued at N8.86 billion (US$59.05 million) exchanged in 18,880 deals last week.

The volume transaction in the week when compared with the previous week data moved up by +137.61% as against downwards movement by 12.14% recorded last week.

Weekly value went down by 16.73% as against negative position of -6.33% recorded last week.

SEC Board disbanded, Bello takes over as Ag. DG

T

he Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala disclosed that the Presidency had approved the appointment of the current Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Bolaji Ibrahim Bello as the new Acting Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

She also stated that the

current board members led by the Acting Director-General, Ms. Daisy Ekineh would be relieved of their duties as their tenure expires today.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, the minister said, “There will absolutely be no tenure elongation for the commissioners and the chairman, who are meant to leave tomorrow (Friday). They will be departing

Shareholders urged to embrace certificates dematerialisation

S

hareholders in the Nigerian capital market who are still holding their share certificates in paper form are advised to dematerialise them and enjoy the numerous benefits of dematerialisation.

Dematerialisation simply means the conversion of certificates into electronic form.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Central Securities Clearing Systems (CSCS), Kyari Bukar Limited said the implication of the nondematerialised share certificates is that they are not being traded in the system, noting that such share certificates face the risk of being lost, stolen or defaced, among others.

Bukar, who advised shareholders to make the move to dematerialise their physical share certificates, noted that CSCS is doing everything possible to realise full dematerialisation of all share certificates in the Nigeria capital market.

“CSCS is working with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and registrars to ensure that investors enjoy all the benefits of dematerialisation and this is the time for shareholders who are still holding their share certificates in physical form to convert them into electronic form and enjoy all the benefits including safety and high liquidity among others,” he said.

as scheduled.

“Nobody is attempting to elongate the tenure of anyone and there should be no fear about that.

Actually, with Mr. President’s permission, from tomorrow, you know that Ms. Ekineh had been acting and from Monday, with the concurrence of Mr. President, one of the senior directors will be designated on a temporary basis as acting DG.” “So, he will carry on with his director’s job and also as acting DG. He is Mr. Bolaji Bello and is currently the director in charge of finance and administration.”

The minister also referred to the compulsory suspension placed on Ms. Arunma Oteh as being a

temporary leave pending the investigation ordered into her alleged impropriety by the outgoing board. Price Waterhouse Coopers was employed to investigated the allegations of financial impropriety against the embattled DG. She said, “”We also look forward to the report of the audit that the board has ordered. Once it is ready, we will then know the next line of action and take it up from there. But in the meantime, the DG (Oteh) is on leave, and for the duration, we do not expect it to last for very long. While we don’t want to pre-judge, we have given a timeline of two weeks for this audit to be completed.”

Stockbrokers bemoan absence of code of conduct for public officers

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ome stockbrokers have said that the weak accounting regulation and poor code of conduct for public officers were eroding investor confidence in the economy.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the financial leakages and allegations of scandals being levelled against top public officials were stifling economic growth.

The Chairman, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Mr. Emeka Madubuike, said that allegations of bribery against the House of Representatives Committee on fuel subsidy could erode investor confidence in the market.

Madubuike said that capital flight from the stock market to money market instruments following the 14 per cent rise in treasury bills rates had

INVESTORS NEWS BEAT

Total Nigeria falls to threeyear low

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otal Nigeria Plc, which distributes and markets fuel and petroleum products, fell to its lowest price in almost three years on concern profit growth will trail other industries as demand wanes, Vetiva Capital Management said.

Julius Berger Nigeria buys 90% German Bilfinger Berger

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erman construction giant, Bilfinger Berger, has outlined plans to sell 90 percent of its investment in its Nigerian business, Julius Berger International (JBI) to Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) – an affiliated business – by the end of 2012.

Transcorp Nigeria rises to highest in one year

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ransnational Corp. of Nigeria Plc, which has investments in hotels, agriculture and oil, rose to its highest price in more than one year.

NASCON Q1, 2012 earnings N 3.3bn rise by 52%

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angote salt production subsidiary, NASCON, released its Q1, 2012 unaudited financial statements to the Nigerian Stock Exchange today.

Revenue came in at N 3.34 billion an increase of 51.7 % over the N 2.21 billion it made over the Q1, 2011.

Arco Petrochemical’s 2011 profit rises by 41.96 %

F Source:Pro-share Nigeria

or the year ended March 31, 2011, Arco Petrochemical Engineering Company Plc recorded profit after tax of N397.1 million, up by 41.96 per cent, when compared to N279.67 million declared in the previous year.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 22

CBN lists cash-less policy plights From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has identified inadequate infrastructural facilities, lack of public trust in banking system as well banks high charges on e-payment product as the bane of cash-less policy in the country.

This observation was made, by the Head, Shared Services Office, Governors Department, CBN, Chidi Umeano during a one day interactive session with the industrial unions on the CBN banking reforms.

According to him, lack of clarity in communicating content of policy and resistance

due to prevailing cash culture also affect the initiatives.

He noted that there is need for standardised pricing to encourage usage and adoption of the policy, stressing that there was exorbitant bank charges on e-payment product, Umeano described cash as an integral element that fuels several vices in the country, maintaining that alternative payment channels will have considerable positive consequences on the economy.

He further stated that the policy was designed to modernise the nation’s financial system, facilitate the growth of ecommerce, effectively drive

financial inclusion for the unbanked in the society as well as reduce the cost of cash management and processing.

He said that with the adoption of the policy the cumulative number of the POS deployed and connected to Nigeria Inter Bank Settlement System rose to 69,905as at May this year, representing an increase of 100 per cent above 5,992 recorded at the end of January 2012.

Umeano further stated that Nigerai changeover from magnetic strip based payment and channels to CHIP + PIN complaint, electronic payment fraud has been reduced drastically by 90 per cent.

Also, the Assistant Director Development Finance Department of the CBN, Mr Babatunde Ogunlaja who spoke on ‘Financial Inclusion: the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending’ said that the challenges before the country is to address the constraints that excludes its citizen from fully participating in the financial sector.

Ogunlaja said that two major pillars on which financial inclusion rests are financial literacy and consumer protection stressing that it was integral to the growth process and sustainable development of the country.

L-R: Senior Special Assistant on Energy to the President, Malam Ibrahim Njiddah, Gombe state Deputy Governor, Mr. Tha'nda Jason Rabainu, and Chairman, HELIOS ENERGY, Mr. Richard Sellers during the signing Memorandum of Understanding between Gombe state Government and HELIOS ENERGY, at the weekend in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Stockbrokers seek tax incentives From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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n a bid to deepen the Nigerian capital market and equally encourage listing of more companies on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE),stockbrokers operating in the market have called on the Federal Government to give tax incentives to quoted companies.

Speaking at his investiture ceremony in Lagos, the new President/Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Alhaji Ariyo Olushekun, noted that tax incentives would make listed companies to remain quoted, while new ones would be encouraged to access the market.

“Tax incentives involving company tax should be applied to quoted companies while valued added tax (VAT) and withholding tax should be eliminated or significantly reduced for market transaction. Stamp duty, I dare say, is no longer relevant and thus should be eliminated,” he said.

He added that in order to

revive the capital market, interest rates should also be managed very well, outstanding margin debts issues should be resolved and investor education intensified.

According to him, the current high interest rates regime is harmful to productive activities and is equally affecting the patronage of the capital market.

He said: “High interest rates impair ability of business to launch new projects and products, reduce profitability of companies(quoted and unquoted), threaten loan repayment by borrowers and drive fund away from active entrepreneurship to passive investment in risk free government securities.”

The CIS boss noted that if giltedge and tax-free government bonds can yield in excess of 15 per cent in an economy with 12 per cent inflation rate, risk-averse investment practice will be the order of the day.

“Hence, it will be difficult for the capital market with a recent

history of depression to play its role of pooling savings for developmental purposes,” he declared.

Olushekun reiterated brokers’ call for the establishment of a stabilisation fund , saying it would fast-track the revival of the market.

He explained that similar to the quantitative easing being implemented in some developed economies, it is essential that Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) or any special body was empowered to intervene in the market by purchasing and warehousing undervalued securities with strong fundamentals.

“These can subsequently been sold at a profit in systematic and orderly manner. This matter is crucial as domestic investors have abandoned the market having lost money in recent past. If we cannot bring them back, quickly enough, we should not leave the market at the mercy of foreign portfolio investors who have more options available to them and can

quickly bring volatility to the market from their country’s allocation actions,” he said.

The CIS president assured that the Institute was ready to cooperate with other market institutions to restore the Nigerian capital market to its glorious days.

UN Commission scribe advocates AGOA fine tuning

By Abdulwahab Isa

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he Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Abdoulie Janneh has suggested fine-tuning of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to focus on productive capacity, infrastructure development.

In addition, Janneh is also advocating the strengthening of regional integration in the post-2015 phase of the USAfrica Partnership.

Mr. Janneh was speaking at a panel discussion on: ”Strengthening AGOA and Deepening Commercial Ties between the US and Africa”, organised by the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings, Washington DC, ECA said in a statement released over the weekend.

Signed into law in 2000 by former President Bill Clinton, AGOA represents what has been termed as a fundamental change to US policy towards Sub-Saharan Africa. AGOA moved the relationship from development assistance to trade and investment between Africa and the US as stimuli for economic development and poverty reduction.

In his remarks, Mr. Janneh pointed out that since the start of AGOA, “Africa’s prospects are no longer a matter of debate and that the improved economic and political governance in the continent, accounts for the robust growth that the African economy has been registering.”

He also underscored the importance of the African private sector that he said is demonstrating great optimism and playing an increasingly important role in economic activities on the continent. ”A noticeable number of African companies are investing outside their home countries in other African countries,” he added.

Jonathan to kick-off ‘Business Summit’ on Nigeria in UK

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resident Goodluck Jonathan would declare open a high level Business and Investment Summit on Nigeria on the sidelines of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics’ games in July.

The Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit is being organised by the Bank of Industry (BOI) in collaboration with the Nigerian Olympics Committee (NOC) is part of the country’s show-casing agenda ‘’ scheduled to hold on July 30th at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

“President Jonathan is expected to lead the campaign

for projecting Nigeria as one of the World most vibrant market during the games,’’ BOI’s General Manager, Strategic Planning/ Corporate Communications, Mr. Waheed Olagunju said in an interview with NAN in London.

“The ultimate objective is to seize the opportunity of the games to link Nigerian entrepreneurs to the global economic system and project Nigeria to the international community as one of the world’s best investment destinations,’’ Olagunju said.

He disclosed that as part of the agenda, Jonathan would also declare open a ‘Nigerian House’ situated at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, London. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

“Without justice, we will continue to have problems” A sitting Governor, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was, against all expectations, defeated at the polls in 2003 and denied a second term by his erstwhile Permanent Secretary. Eight years later, he staged a remarkable comeback against all the odds to regain his lost mantle as the Executive Governor of Kano state. In this interview with Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde, a renowned columnist, the Governor opens up about how he lost and recaptured the most populous state in the nation and how his administration is coping with the dire security challenges facing the state, among other topical issues. Excerpts:

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espite meeting an empty treasury last year, you were able to execute so many projects. Yet, you have not borrowed a kobo from any bank, local or international. What is the secret behind this success?

It is the policy of our government, even during the first term, not to borrow a kobo. And when we were leaving, we left behind N4 billion cash in our treasury despite all that we were able to achieve. We came back, we inherited a debt of over N77billion and over US$200million. But we haven’t paid, and we are not in a hurry to pay. We just decided to draw a line. I don’t want to open any can of worms. Let me prove to the people that yes, Kwankwaso is back. I don’t want to hear N77billion or $200million.

Let’s move. And we are moving.

What we did was to introduce checks and balances. I was a civil servant here for seventeen years. As a result, most of the civil servants – especially the senior ones – were my colleagues in school and in the service. So we know the level of wastages that exists and saved so much from the angle of the civil service. We inherited 43,000 civil servants. Along the line, based on our measures, we removed over 8,000 ghost workers. We met a law that said we should pay civil servants certain percentage of their salary for fasting and purchase of rams, etc. We paid for the first Sallah. But by the time the second came, we realized from the files that there were so many problems. Now we would have paid 8,000 ghost workers 50% of their salary.

We are now trying to sort out things and pay the civil servants. Our target is the ghost worker, not the real workers that are messengers, permanent secretaries or directors.

Between 2003 and 2011,

so many things in the cost of running government were inflated, like overheads and so on. So we said, “let’s return to where we were in 2003.

That is the one we know. Let us revert to that in terms of recurrent expenditure.” I said that if they have any complaint, they should refer to me.

My commissioners and advisers wanted vehicles. I asked the SSG to estimate the cost. It was over N2billion. I said, “No. Use the old vehicles we inherited.”

At the Ministry of Defence, I used the only two vehicles that I inherited from TY Danjuma.

On many occasions, the 607 would fail on the road. There is nothing wrong with that.

The state was generating only between N300 million and N500 million as internally generated revenue when we came in.

We believe that everybody must pay tax. If you have enough, even if you’re not paying zakat, you have to pay tax. By December, we were getting up to N1.2billion.

My target, despite the security challenges, is to have enough money to pay salaries and allowances. We are making progress. I wouldn’t need to get money from Abuja to pay salaries. If we cannot pay civil servants and ourselves, then there is something wrong with us.

People have to pay. That is why I asked the commissioner of land to assess my ground rent. It now enables me the moral locus to ask others to pay theirs. No matter how big you consider yourself, you are small if you cannot pay your tax.

Could it be why you jettisoned your security vote?

I told people that governments are using security vote to siphon away resources. We have seen records here that in one day N127million was withdrawn as security vote. That was the highest. Since a governor cannot give an approval of

more than N10 million, the money was removed in twelve installments of N10million each, plus N7million. In four years, billions were thus withdrawn in the name of security vote.

The way we are handling it here is to account for everything. If I want to give money to the police or army – and we give them very little despite the security situation – we write it. We even arrange for their feeding and allowances in addition to what they get from the federal government. Now, what I give the contractors for the feeding is there on record, for example.

I believe that governors, as much as possible, should avoid the issue of security vote. You know mischiefmakers used it against me in the white paper. I used N97 million as security vote for the 2003 elections. The record is there. I gave N2 million to the security committee of each local government.

The panel summoned each of the chairmen of those committees and none of them disputed that I gave him the money. They explained how they used it and nobody said he gave me even N2.00.

Has the present security situation affected governance in your state from January this year?

Every leadership, throughout history, has faced its own version of challenges. There is none that is not facing one form of security threat or another.

We can put it on scale and measure it. Southeast has its own challenges; so does the south-south or southwest.

Come to the north, you find the same thing. Of course, when you weigh them you can say this one is heavier and the other lighter. If you’re in the area where people are kidnapped and your father is kidnapped, you won’t believe that the other place is less secure than your place. So, it is an

Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso issue of how it affects you.

You see, we didn’t know the security challenges that would face us when we came in last year, just as we didn’t know the ones we would face when we were elected in 1999. From then to 2003, you find Hausas were killed in Lagos. The issue of Shariah also came up. I didn’t campaign for it. I didn’t even think about it in 1999. But it became a serious issue and it cost me even my seat at that time because the sentiments were too much: Obasanjo was our candidate, Buhari was their candidate, so went the sentiments. They blocked roads to polling booths and demanded which of the two the voters were going to vote for; the mosque or the church? So we didn’t lose election in 2003 for lack of performance or somebody was more popular than us.

No. It was mere sentiments.

However, now that the dust has settled things are clear. By 2011, the young men and women we bred during our first tenure were 18. They were in charge of the polling booths. The women we empowered with a free capital of N5,000.00 – thousands of them – came out. The tertiary institutions and secondary schools we

established or supported all came out and voted for us.

We had no state government, no local governments, no contracts, and no money; yet, people voted for us and defended the votes. Some people wouldn’t imagine that it was this evil called Kwankwaso that was returning – the most hated Kwankwaso.

All the promises of 2003 about Shariah were gone. Kano people, you know, are very smart, very fast. They can surprise you anytime. You can only deceive briefly.

But the moment you start moving, they would say, “Ah. God don catch you.”

That is why we have this challenge to prove ourselves.

The challenge of security is not peculiar to Kano. It is all over the country and the North in particular. We are working very hard. That is why whenever I have an opportunity like this, I appeal to all people, including all politicians, to join hands. When the attacks took place on 20th January we gathered people across parties, including the ANPP, businessmen, the Emir, the Chief Imam, everybody. We sat down and discussed what could be

done. We have been meeting and we will continue to meet in the interest of the state, appealing to everybody to come forward and put the issues, if any, on the table.

And if anybody wants us to facilitate anything – the federal government, anyone – we will be very happy to do so to make sure that there is fairness and justice. And unless there is justice from both sides, we will continue to have problems. The problem of security doesn’t help anybody.

Due to time factor, I will put two questions in one.

One, you are the only governor in this country that doesn’t have the office of the first lady. Two, when we look at the people in your cabinet, they are almost the same ones around during your first tenure, particularly your deputy. What is the secret behind this practice?

I am sure the position of first lady isn’t in the constitution. First of all, my wife is my wife – the wife to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Everybody has their own way of doing things. I am not saying that what others are doing is wrong, but I don’t believe that others should think that my own is wrong.

My wife doesn’t go to any

ministry. I don’t allow commissioners to go to my wife. In any case, if my wife has the governor at her disposal anytime, why would she need a commissioner? “If you want anything in government, tell me,” I told her. But she knows - and everybody knows - that I cannot steal anything in government and bring it to her. If there is anything that everybody is entitled to, then she can also go for it.

To me, creating the office of the first lady endangers the wife by exposing her to all sorts of risks; the inherent problems associated with politics, with leadership, etc. If you put all your eggs in one basket, you end up in one problem or the other.

Also, if you have people who have not gone through the system – like our wives – they may create one problem or the other for themselves. Sometimes, if you cannot fell the tree, you go for the branches because they are very easy to cut and fell. That is why you should not give your enemies that opportunity.

We have people who cannot come to terms with marking buildings with kwankwasiyya, what

would they do if they catch my wife stealing public money?

On the issue of the deputy governor, I will say that he is someone I knew very well.

We have worked together for long. The issue is you can throw away an object and buy another one. However, it it isn’t the same with human beings. We have only one Dr. Ganduje in Kano, in Nigeria and probably in the whole world. That is very important. If I have made the mistake of picking him as a deputy governor, that mistake was done in 1999.

At that time I had the liberty to pick another person. But not now.

He became the deputy governor and we were there for four years. We went into election and lost. He was my SA in the ministry of defence.

We had to keep on moving together. And these are the secrets that kept us strong.

Friendship is based on mutual agreement between two people. A friend is the sort of thing that you choose willingly, unlike your father, mother or child. The deputy governor is committed to this friendship and so are other people with whom we are working together.

The longest time I would remain here is three years.

Now given the treacherous nature of politics, one has to train many people – not one, not two, not three – such that if anyone decides to defect, there would be others to continue with the struggle.

That is why we continue to build up the team.

In fact, the way PDP was constituted doesn’t help matters. In 1998/99 we were just interested in the military leaving. So three groups – MDF and the two groups from PRP – formed the new party. There is no way we can go together. The ideologies are different.

Our ideology is now coming out. We are speaking about the poor, women, children and the sick. Many people don’t want to hear that. They are speaking of the interest of the big man.

How much did you give him?

What is his benefit? Which benefit? Let him go and sleep well. He has so much to eat, so much to enjoy. That is not to say he doesn’t benefit from our services. When you build road in the city, the poor doesn’t have the road. It belongs to the big man. That is why we put interlocking blocks on the side walkway so that the poor that sells garden egg or motar (turmi) can also walk or sit on a hard clean surface. The large part of the road is for the rich. If you are providing security, it is mainly for them. They have twenty taps in their houses; use twenty gallons to flush their toilet, while the poor would just use his small kettle to clean himself.

So our concern is that the poor should have the minimum requirements for life. It is based on our ideology, that of Aminu Kano. He wears this red cap, white cloth and black shoes.

That is the colour of the PRP. Ours is red, white and black; if you like, you can use green in the shoe to represent the colour of the PDP. That is the PDP by coincidence. But some in the party don’t believe in this. We are not fighting them but we can’t work together. In 1998/

99, we were sharing positions amongst the three groups.

When I became governor, many people didn’t want to recognize that life is dynamic. They kept on fighting, calling me “this boy.” I said, “Thank you very much. Yeah! This boy, the governor of Kano.” I am afraid that many of them will develop high blood pressure because they are not reconciling their thought with the decree of God. People have to understand the dynamics of life, otherwise they will get frustrated. If God has decreed that you will be xyz, you have to be and I have to prepare my mind to accept it. The last person I expected to come and inherit my seat was the one who came. God had decreed so. I was here. He was a Permanent Secretary. Now I see my deputy governor, commissioners and advisers.

One of them may inherit this seat. I don’t know. The only thing is that I am training them. I just want anybody that would come here to be a competent person. It will be the biggest disservice to this state if I would see somebody come here who would once more allow what we have seen in the past eight years.

We want strong and powerful people, those who agree with our philosophy.

During the campaign, we studied our facts before we mounted the podium. When we said we would give women N10,000.00 support, some people were doubting it, wondering from where we would get the money. But already, within one year we have given it to 44,000 women and we will continue doing so until the last day we are leaving government.

What we want to do in Kano is to help people at the grassroots to start small businesses as we have seen in the emerging economies of China, India, Brazil, etc. That is how they started, not with mega things. If our resources are prudently managed, there is enough to help the poor in different sectors,

“

I believe that governors, as much as possible, should avoid the issue of security vote. You know mischiefmakers used it against me in the white paper. I used N97 million as security vote for the 2003 elections.

The record is there. I gave N2 million to the security committee of each local government

ranging from health, to agriculture, education, everything. By the time December comes, we would be generating over N3billion.

Aliko Dangote, as a demonstration of the confidence that people have in the prudence of this government, gave us N600 million to partially finance our poverty alleviation programs. Again, as we start the second batch now, he is giving us another N600 million. So we are happy that people in different levels of society have confidence in us.

Of course we have enemies.

These are the ones talking about Kwankwasiyya. And they are the very ones that motivated us to put the mark. And the more they shout, the more we put it.

I have gone round and seen that Kano has bounced back within a short time. All shops are once more open unlike when I visited it three weeks after the 20th January attacks. People who left the city have returned. One can say that Borno and Yobe aren’t that lucky. They are practically paralysed to date.

Kano is a centre of commerce. People of Kano really love peace because they know that without peace there will be no business. When the attack of the 20th took place, people were shocked. We placed a 24-hour curfew. Later we reduced it to 18 hours, then 12 hours, and now 6 hours.

We are considering ensuring that there is no curfew in Kano. When you came then you might have seen many checkpoints. As the situation is improving, we kept on reducing the number of checkpoints. Now we have few of them and each one is there for a reason. And very soon we will make sure that they are removed from our streets.

Security is the paramount responsibility of any government. And while people are working very hard to ensure that there is security in Kano, at the same time I am calling on everybody to come together and work with us in the interest of the state. Let me say at this juncture that Kano is also the centre of knowledge. We have people all over the state who are praying 24 hours a day. In fact, that was why on 29 May, instead of celebrating we went to the mosque to pray to Almighty Allah for peace not only in Kano but also throughout the country.

The same thing took place in all local governments and wards in the state that day.

And you know God is great.

We are beginning to see peace coming back in Kano.

PAGE 26

By Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde

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took Ado Bayero Street to Kantin Kwari. It was a fascinating scene. Kano is really great. Sometimes I just wonder how these traders, most of whom we deride as ‘illiterates’, successfully coordinate their transactions hitch free so much so that we take for granted the availability of the little items they provide in our neighbourhoods. If we the elite had shown similar commitment in our various offices, this country would have been great.

On that street, all shops were opened and everybody was consumed in business.

At its southern end, the street ushered me into Ibrahim Taiwo Road, which I crossed to embrace the famous Kantin Kwari market.

The spectacular sight of thousands of shops stocked with wrappers and other textile materials was just overwhelming. This is the lake that would quench the thirst of every Nigerian girl interested in traditional dress. I doubt if a better collection of wrappers and brocades would be found anywhere in the world. As I walked on one of its lines, a voice shouted at me, “Stop Malam.” I turned back to notice a familiar face. It was Hamisu, my guest when I visited the market in February. He asked me: “Wasn’t it here where you stopped some months ago, bought us oranges and asked us some questions? You were holding the same camera.”

I nodded. We chatted for a while and I asked him about the position of trade now. Hamisu sounded pessimistic. “Still, things are not back to where they were”, he said. I concurred, but persuaded him to appreciate the development: “But there aren’t those many checkpoints you were complaining about the other time, neither is the curfew now 4.00pm. In fact, except for motorcycles, you can now stay outside until midnight.” He agreed, but, again, he was quick to express how the limitation on motorcycles hampers the activities of small traders. He said, “Not all of us have cars.

Every major trader has boys who travel by bike. So once it is time, they have to close shop and head for home before it is too late.

Wallahi, once it is six you would find it difficult to ride your bike in some areas beyond the major roads. I wish the ban (doka) will be shifted to say 8.00pm.”

That evening, I went out to see how the city looks like at night. From Suleiman Crescent, I left to visit a friend at New Site, Bayero University. I noticed a congestion of traffic along Post Office Road. “That is always how it is because of the ban on motorcycles once it is six,” said Muhammadu Auwalu that I found selling engine oil by the roadside. I made the mistake of passing through the Emirs palace where the checkpoint also creates another jam at dusk. As I drove up towards Kabuga, I realized that there were more roadblocks in the city at night. During the day, however, they are reduced to the barest minimum. If you were to enter the town from Hadejia, you will meet only one

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Kano bounces back from coma (II) check point from the first roundabout you hit on the eastern ring road up to Kofar Nassarwa. That would be the one on Ahmadu Bello Way, just after the railway crossing. And if you were to go straight through Murtala Mohammed Way, until you reach Babban Titi after Rijiyar Lemo, which is like traversing the entire city, you would not find a single checkpoint during the daytime.

This is a tremendous relief. At night, one would meet several such checkpoints.

I arrived at New Site, stayed there late, and returned to the hotel just before 11.00pm midnight. I wanted to assess the city by the traffic on its streets that late. On my way back, I admired the bright traffic lights that illuminated my path immediately I reached Kabuga Gate and all the way back to the hotel through BUK road. Many motorists could still be seen on the streets.

The night, if I will summarize it, has almost normalized. Large supermarkets and restaurants now open until late, as it was the case before the bombings. I often take my dinner late at Sultan Restaurant along Sani Abacha Way. The atmosphere in the sleeping hours of the night is peaceful. I am only awakened every morning by the call of the dawn prayer from the nearby mosque of Sheikh Ameenuddeen Abubakar.

In all, one has every cause to rejoice. The patient is discharged, though he is still under observation. It will be wrong to think that all is okay and the crisis is over. Though there are still complaints about harassment of citizens by security personnel at checkpoints and about the ban on motorcycles after six as my various guests have pointed out, there is a lot of difference between how government has handled the security situation in Kano from that of other areas. Elders, like the Emir of Kano, have spoken on a number of occasions on such abuses. The state government too has not let the work of the Joint Task Force to paralyze the state. The removal of most of the checkpoints as well as withdrawal of the curfew has contributed in no small measure in stabilizing the situation and give citizens of the city a sense of relief. This may not apply to Maiduguri and Damaturu.

There too, elders have spoken but it may be a different situation all together.

Despite expressing this reservation, when all is taken into consideration and the situation is assessed dispassionately, we cannot fail to commend the people of Kano for the courage with which they have faced the challenge. They did not shrink

Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano state into their shell, like snails in face of danger. They have endured, as I appealed to them in the concluding words of my article, “Weep not, Kano. Be Innovative.”

The city might have wept in the moment of the attack – as the Capliph Abbad of Seville wept when his forces were once defeated at Cordova – but it has not allowed the tears to last long.

Truly, the great endures great calamities.

Also, the innovation I expected might have come from both the state and federal governments. We may never know the secret. What is however certain is that the treatment they applied to Kano appears to be more effective than the one they gave other cities afflicted by the same plague. Did the two differed in kind or regime, or in both?

As I was editing this article, I received an invitation to interview the state governor along with a team from Newswatch magazine. I asked

him what is the secret behind the fast recovery of life in the city.

And he modestly answered: “Kano is a centre of commerce.

People of Kano really love peace because they know that without peace there will be no business.

When the attack of the 20th happened, people were shocked...

We placed a 24 hour curfew.

Later we reduced it to 18 hours, then 12 hours, and now 6 hours.

We are considering ensuring that there is no curfew in Kano. When you came then you might have seen many checkpoints. As the situation is improving, we kept on reducing the number of checkpoints. Now we have few of them and each one is there for a reason. And very soon we will make sure that they are removed from our streets... Security is the paramount responsibility of any government. And while people are working very hard to ensure that there is security in Kano, at the same time I am calling on everybody to come together and work with us in the interest of the

“

Though there are still complaints about harassment of citizens by security personnel at checkpoints and about the ban on motorcycles after six as my various guests have pointed out, there is a lot of difference between how government has handled the security situation in Kano from that of other areas

state. This not withstanding, let me say at this juncture that Kano is the centre of knowledge also.

We have people who are praying across the state 24 hours a day.

In fact, that was why on 29 May instead of celebrating we went to the mosque to pray to Almighty Allah for peace not only in Kano but also throughout the country.

The same thing took place in all local governments and wards in the state that day. And you know God is great. We are beginning to see peace coming back in Kano.”

From the modesty of the governor we will now express the caution of his predecessor. I posed the question to Malam Ibrahim Shekarau two days ago at his Mundubawa residence when I asked him to evaluate the performance of Governor Kwankwaso in the past one year.

“Your Excellency,” I asked him, “don’t you think that your successor and the federal government deserve some commendation on how they handled the security situation in the state?” His reply was both honest and cautious: “Well, I commend the effort of both governments – state and federal – particularly the security agencies for being up and doing in terms of trying to restore peace.

But I am sure if you crosscheck, you will find that the one day bombing was one big thing that happened at a time and attracted attention. Naturally, that would send the people underground but thereafter the threats have been on. It is almost a daily affair now.

There is hardly any forty-eight hours in Kano without you getting a report of some shootings here and there, some people attempting to bomb one place or the other, or police finding a bomb about to detonate, and so on. So the scare is still there. The tension is very much around and people are still completely not at ease.”

True. The shootings and the bombs may not be over. Nobody ever claimed they are. As I write this paragraph, by coincidence, some shootings are reported at FGC Kano. Yet, like other citizens of Kano, I look forward to the day soon when this tension would disappear and that ease would return. Meanwhile, the city, I believe, has bounced back, with its streets free, its markets open and all its traders back to their shops. It should continue to trust in God and remain vigilant. The chance of relapse is always there hanging over patients that suffer such severe strokes. The doctors must not relent in observing the patient. Slowly, he may be completely relieved of his condition, we pray. And may God answer our prayer.

Concluded Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde is a renowned columnist based in Jos

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

DFID to spend N46.2bn on girl-child education by 2014

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Department for I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development (DFID) has stated that the department would have spent N46.2 billion between 2010 and 2014 to get 800,000 school-age girls in the north back to classroom.

The Senior Education Adviser to the Human Development Team of Department for International Development (DFID), Barbara Payne, said this during a meeting between the Minister of Education and International Development Partners, held in Abuja.

She also disclosed that the 85 million Euros earmarked for Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), which runs from 2008 to 2013, has improved education in six benefitting states of Lagos, Enugu, Kwara, Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa.

Payne added that the Girls Education Project Phase 3, to which DFID has budgeted 36 million Euros, will improve the quality of education, in addition to getting one million girls from Katsina, Niger, Bauchi, and Sokoto, back to school.

In his speech, the World Bank representative, Adekola Tunde urged the minister to continue to collaborate with the World Bank to ensure the attainment of the education goals of Nigeria.

Earlier, the Minister of Education, Ruqayyatu Rufa’I, presented a four year strategic plan of the ministry to the donor agencies, urging them to support the ministry in the provision of continuous capacity development for personnel in the education sector.

Rufa’I also stated that the relevant units of the ministry, including the steering and coordinating team, of the 4-year strategic plan, will constantly liaise with the donor agencies, to ensure that actions taken are targeted with specific priorities.

She also promised to meet on regular basis with the donor agencies so as to maximise the collaboration between the agencies and the ministry.

PAGE 27

S/East govs set to tackle boy-child school drop-out

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he South East governors over the weekend, promised to work closely with the Minister of Education, Ruquayyatu Rufa’I, to curtail the prevalence of boy-child school drop-out syndrome and promote literacy level in the zone.

Speaking after a meeting with the Education Minister, the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Peter Obi, said

the visit was part of the efforts by the governors in the zone to ensure that children were given opportunity in formal education.

“Our visit shows the seriousness which the zone attached to education. We are committed to education, our commitment is total.’’ Obi stated.

Also speaking, the Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime said, said that South East had succeeded in reducing the illiteracy level in the Zone to 50

per cent, adding that their expectation is to reduce illiteracy to the lowest level in the nearest future.

Earlier in her speech, the Minister of Education said that the ministry is working on plan to launch the Back-To-School Campaign in the South East, disclosing that the launching will take place in Enugu State on the 19th of June.

Rufa’I reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to ensure that every out of school

L-R: Minister of Education, Prof.

Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETF), Prof.

Mahmood Yakub, and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie during their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on Education recently at the State House Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

FCT Minister calls for quality education in rural areas

By Etuka Sunday

F

CT Minister, Bala Muhammad, has called on Education Administrators to ensure that quality education at the rural areas succeeds in order to meet up with the transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.

He stated this during the 22nd Annual Conference of the National Association of Local

Government Education Secretaries of Nigeria (NAESN), tagged “Basic Education for National Development.”, which was held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Represented by the FCT Education Secretary, Kabiru Usman, the Minister said that teachers are major stakeholders in the development of education in Nigeria, stressing that despite the fact that educational system

in the country is faced with lots of challenges, priority should be given to quality education especially in the rural areas.

Speaking earlier, the National President of National Association of Education Secretaries of Nigeria (NAESN), Adamu Jatau Noma, said, the conference was organised for the 774 Education Secretaries in Nigeria to come together to discuss problems, share ideas

Alleged kidnapping: Police declares 4 AuchiPoly students wanted

F

our students of Auchi polytechnic, Auchi, have been declared wanted by Auchi Area Police Command for alleged cases of kidnapping in the area.

The Edo North Area Police Commander, Gabriel Haruna, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Auchi, Edo on Wednesday.

Haruna, who did not disclose the names of the students, however said two of them were indigenes of Delta State, while the other two were from Edo. The area commander warned

child, benefits from the various educational intervention programmes.

“The meeting is the beginning of addressing the challenge of having a large number of out-ofschool children reduced to the barest minimum.”

The minister said that with the collaboration from the states, the ministry would come up with various interventions that would match the needs of the outof-school children in the South East.

criminals to stay away from the area and vowed to bring to an end, cases of kidnapping in the area.

“We have mapped out strategy against all forms of crimes in the area, especially kidnapping.

“We have the identity of people who have been responsible for the reported cases of kidnapping in the area.

“They are students of Auchi Polytechnic and they are on the run and have been declared wanted.

“We have repeatedly warned that we have no room for

criminals in Edo North and we have mapped out strategy to have any criminal in the area arrested,” he declared.

Haruna, however, called on the people to assist the police with information that would lead to the arrest of criminals.

“The police cannot do it all alone without the assistance of the public. They have to give us any information that will assist us in doing our job.”

He assured the people of the area of continued police protection and urged them to go about their lawful businesses.

However, the authorities of Auchi polytechnic had denied knowledge that students of the institution had been declared wanted by the police.

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mustapha Oshiobugie, said: “we know nothing about this. We are just hearing this from you. It is news to us as we speak.”

NAN reports that there had been increase in cases of kidnapping in the area in the last one month and three lecturers of Auchi polytechnic had been victims. (NAN)

and proffer solutions on how best to manage education at the grassroots.

He also said the conference will equally provide room for the participants to standardize the operations and activities of Basic Education in their respective local governments and Area Councils.

According to him, “Education Secretaries are the real managers of the UBE programmes at the grassroots.

Vested with the responsibility of interpreting education policies, promote and protect relevant educational laws, as well as advise the government on matters of Basic Education to realize transformation agenda.”

He gave lack of classroom structure, instructional materials, unwillingness of teachers to serve in rural areas, teenage pregnancies, lack of teachers in core subject, lack of ICTs facilities especially in rural schools, poor funding and over politicization of educational issues, as major challenges facing education management at the Local Education Authorities.

PAGE 28

Niger govt. to recruit 6,000 teachers

N

iger Government is to employ 6, 000 teachers to improve the standard of teaching and learning in public schools, the Head of Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Matane, has said.

Matane told newsmen in Minna on Saturday that the government would also establish a Voluntary Teachers Scheme.

He said the scheme would engage university graduates to serve as volunteer teachers, adding that the measure was to increase the number of teachers in the state.

Matane said those to be engaged would be trained for six months in modern methods of teaching and would undergo teaching practice before been posted to schools.

The head of service said that there were 9, 000 diploma holders, 4, 305 NCE holders, 1, 245 Higher National Diploma holders and 2, 725 university graduates looking for job in the state.

Others he added were 31 Masters Degree graduates and 1 doctorate degree. (NAN)

Tertiary institutions urged to curb campuse vices

T

he Minister of Education, Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, on Saturday directed tertiary institutions in the country to take serious measures to address increase in social vices on their campuses.

The minister gave the directive on Saturday in a message to the 11th Joint Convocation of the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin kebbi.

Represented by the Director, Inspectorate Services, Dr. Elisha Kutara, the Minister said such vices had become impediments to research and academic activities in the institutions.

Rufa’i said universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must evolve practical measures to ensure that students remain morally upright in character and learning.

She said that the government would continue to invest resources to fast track the development of science and technical education.

“The mandate of the erstwhile ETF has been changed to tertiary education trust fund (TETF) to ensure that tertiary institutions receive positive and adequate attention.”

The Rector of the polytechnic, Alhaji Mohammed Nabade, said 94 academic staff had been sponsored for further studies by the institution.

A total of 3, 332 graduates were awarded certificates at the ceremony. (NAN).

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Nigeria-Ukraine Agro-technical College, University underway T

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

he Nigerian-Ukrainian International Schools has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Ukrainian company for the establishment of NigeriaUkraine Agro-technical College and University.

Under the memorandum, the company shall in

partnership with the school establish an Agro-technical college and develop it to a technical university of agriculture, a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Public Relations Officer to the School, Mary Emmanuel has said.

Speaking on the occasion, the executive Chairman of the Nigerian-Ukrainian

International Schools, Comrade Justin Maduagwu, said the project was part of the strategies designed to actualize President Goodluck Jonathan a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s Transformation Agenda on agriculture and education.

On his part, the Director of Meta-Impex Company Ltd, Mr. A. Kul’bachnyy said the partnership was borne out of

the desire to help reduce the volume of food importation into Nigeria which according to him is as high as 90%.

He said that Ukraine achieved its status as a leading agricultural products exporting country in the world through the development of agricultural science and well articulated agro based educational system.

L-R: Minister of State Education, Mr. Nyelson Wike and Minister of Sports, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting recently at the State House Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye.

Rufa’I inaugurates task force on World Bank Step-B project

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

M

inister of Education, Ruqayyatu Rufa’I, has inaugurated a special task force to work towards the achievement of the objectives in the World Bank-assisted Step B project and the federal

component of the Eko Project.

Inaugurating the team, she said the project is meant to strengthen federal strategy for post-basic educational institutions, including research and development at the postbasic education level.

While adding that the project

is also aimed at promoting indigenous capacity in science and technology, Rufa’I expressed concern over the ability of the ministry to achieve the stated objectives in the remaining one year life of the project, noting that it informed her decision to set up the task force.

6.2m girls out of school – Wike

N

o fewer than 6.2 million girls are out of school in Nigeria, the Minister of State for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike has said.The minister made the statement at a one-day interactive meeting with stakeholders on girl-child education in Gusau, saying the figure represented 62 per cent of school age girls nationwide.

According to him, recent imbalance in enrolment figures of girls when compared to those of boys is about 10 per cent in the south and 40 per cent in the north of the country.

The minister said an estimated 10 million Nigerian children of primary school age were not enrolled in primary

schools because of some challenges.

Such challenges include the lack of political commitment, poor planning and management as well as gender blind curriculum, he said.

Others are skewed femalemale teacher ratio, sexual harassment of girls, poverty and erroneous interpretation of religious teachings.

Wike said the fight against gender disparity should be the concern of all well-meaning Nigerians so that the country could attain the 2015 goal of Education For All. He said the Federal Ministry of Education had continued to encourage partnership with

states, local governments, international donor agencies and non-governmental organisations in efforts to remove hindrances to access to education.

The minister said the ministry had created more access to education for girls through the reduction of the gender gap, enhancement of the learning environment and establishment of culturally centered educational models.

The meeting was attended by the executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Modibbo Mohammed, as well as UBEC officials from Zanfara, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto states and traditional rulers. (NAN)

She also stated that the development of science and technology is key to the attainment of the educational objectives of the ministry, in line with the key components of the transformational agenda of President Jonathan.

Outlining the work reference of the team, she charged them to review the level of attainment of the objectives of the projects, and to identify the challenges in the management and implementation of the projects.

She further charged them to ensure that beneficiary institutions are able to access outstanding funds for use towards effective achievement of the set objectives.

In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the task force team, A. Ogunwale, represented

by Abdulrashid Garba, said the team had already mapped out strategy to ensure that the set objective is realized.

He promised that the team will also meet with the stakeholders to ensure that every party is carried along, for easy attainment of the task reference.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Herbal remedies: In search of responsive regulations

By Miriam Humbe

T

he best way to gauge the temperament of a government is to assess how it values and treats its own citizen. There is no doubt that countries that pride themselves as ‘developed’ or ‘first world’ consider their citizens and their inventions as their most priced assets. They guard these inventions jealously giving the inventors the required push.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the so called “developing’ or ‘third world countries.” Sadly, Nigeria finds herself in the midst of the latter category of countries.

The situation gets even worse when there are clear indications that relevant authorities appear to be making deliberate efforts to undermine their citizens’ positive activities.

In the case of Mr. Ben Amodu, he can, to all intents and purpose, be categorized alongside the greatest discoverers of all times.

Ironically, he fits perfectly into the category of Angels who are refused honour or recognition in their homes.

A proud member of Nigeria’s second generation of Pharmacists and Lawyers, Ben Amodu has a landmark in pharmaceutical discovery which, if he was an American or a Briton, would have fetched him accolades and outstanding recognition on both sides of the Atlantic but he is a Nigerian and, as such, not even lip service is being paid to him and his work.

His story goes thus: Deepthinking Amodu, a former State House medical personnel, early into his practice of the life-saving profession, reasoned, quite logically too, that since the imported synthetic drugs we all crave are made from the same herbs which Africa has in abundance and since most alien drugs have undesirable side effects, his knowledge and practice of pharmacy should not be restricted to drug dispensing.

To this end, he took a trip from his former base (Lagos) to his native state Kogi from where he fetched medicinal herbs that are useful in combating a good number of ailments including the dreaded Malaria – a foremost tropical disease.

The mixture he came up with, according to Amodu, was seen as a huge joke by authorities of the Lagos Laboratory he took it to after preparation.

“Shortly afterwards, I moved to Abuja when Gen. Ibrahim Babangida decreed the movement of the seat of power out of Lagos”, Amodu said in a chat with our reporter.

He continued, “On arrival in Abuja, I didn’t stop the pursuit of my passion. Eventually, my discovery got the recognition of National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, (NIPRD) in Idu in Abuja after it was subjected to all the rigour of mandatory tests that are required.

“I also went ahead to secure the approval of NAFDAC for my discoveries without neglecting any of the due diligence process specifically spelt out in the books. It was after satisfying all these righteousness that we commenced activities at our Halamin Herbal Products.

“After securing the endorsement of these government authorities, what additional support does Halamin need from the government? We asked. The United Nations was jolted into action some time ago by merely seeing the paper I forwarded to an international academic journal. I was sponsored on a trip to the UN on account of the paper and I went to make presentations on it. Up till now, I have not received as much as a cursory look from my government. The least you expect from the Nigerian authority is moral support. I have been left on my own”.

Independent investigation carried out by Peoples Daily revealed the veracity of Amodu’s claims. In addition to the authorities’ various verification of the potency of his products, there are living testimonies.

A diabetic patient who craved anonymity and has been on the products for months said this to our reporter, “what I consider marvellous about Halamin Herbal products is its effect on complications arising from diabetes, I used to be on daily insulin intake until I was introduced to Halamin. I am anxious to get the word about Halamin around so that all diabetic patients can benefit from its use”.

Another Halamin patient who identified himself simply as ‘Baba’ also confirmed the potency of the product against Prostrate Cancer.

When contacted, a top official of the Federal Ministry of Health Abuja who is also a Pharmacist said, “I cannot claim ignorance about the existence and potency of Halamin Products but I am not allowed to speak to the press on account of my position.

However, my guess is that the products are not receiving the deserved attention from the government because most of the NGOs around medicine are run by government officials and their cronies. Since they draw funds from international bodies, they will do all they can to kill discoveries capable of rivalling their sources of funds.”

The example which the top civil servant was reluctant to give is in the area of AntiRetroviral Vaccines, ARVs which the government imports under all manners of arrangements for the management of HIV/AIDS. Interestingly, a combination of Halamin products, including the one code-named GOC, is capable and , indeed has been adjudged a veritable vehicle towards the obliteration of HIV and its resultant AIDS.

PAGE 29

Computer users: 10 tips for tired eyes M

ost computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow the ten tips to avoid them Studies have shown that stress, active nightlife and above all, the fact that most of us spend maximum time in front of the computer lead to dark circles, puffed and tired eyes. Timely treatment is essential for such difficulties.

Specifically with computer users, physical and visual discomfort is experienced by many after just a few hours in front of computers. It appears that PC users suffer from repetitive stress of their eyes and want an immediate solution to revive the tired eyes.

Studies show that most computer users start to feel eye-

muscle stress after two or more hours at the computer. This usually starts with tired eyes.

With more time at the computer, discomfort frequently spreads to the head resulting in headaches, burning of the eyes, blurred vision, loss of focus, double vision, neck and shoulder pains.

Before it is too late, your stressed out eyes need to be relaxed and revitalised so that you feel fresh later in the day.

Tips * Modify your workstation.

Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height.

Use proper lighting. * Match the computer screen to the brightness of the environment. The contrast between the background and onscreen characters should be high.

* Minimise the glare. Use window shades, blinds or drapes to block excessive sunlight or install an anti-glare screen to minimise reflections. * Take frequent breaks. Fulltime computer users should take a 10 minute break every hour. * Blink more often. Tears in the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes. * Get an eye examination done. * Re-focus your eyes. Look away from your computer screen every 10-15 minutes and focus for 5-10 seconds on a distant object. * Exercise even when sitting.

Move about or exercise frequently. * Get sufficient sleep. Fatigue promotes eyestrain.

Reminder on values of spice

C

Ginger

loves for flavour and h e a l t h Cloves are known for their exceptional aroma.

It is an ancient spice which holds an important portfolio in every kitchen.

H e a l t h benefits of sage: Sage is used to cure variety of conditions like sore throats, mouth inflammations, coughs, liver disorders, and upset stomach.

H e a l t h benefits of Cumin:Cumin is a spice that is available in every

kitchen. It is an important ingredient in seasoning food. It is also very well known for its curative properties.

Health benefits of Rosemary: Rosemary is known for its culinary and curative properties from ancient times. It is a perennial herb which was primarily used for flavouring food.

Ginger: Ginger is an ancient spice which is an integral part of every kitchen.

It is known for its curative properties and flavour.

Health benefits of Ajwain: Ajwain popularly known as Bishop’s weed is a very common spice found in the kitchen. Ajwain is known for its medicinal properties. There are numerous health benefits that are offered by Ajwain apart from being a very famous flavoring agent.

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Right exercises to help get rid of excess fat on your thigh D

o you wish to shed off fat from thigh workouts and tone them up? Here are various thigh exercises that will help you get rid of thigh fat, tone up the thighs, and improve the flexibility.

Men and women when they are gaining weight tend to gain weight in their abdomen, waist, chest and thighs regions first.

Losing weight from the thigh region is difficult but not impossible.

With effective exercises, you can easily get rid of this fat. There are many thigh exercises but lunges and squats are the most effective ones and the classic ones.

First of all before you do any lunges and squats exercise, cardio exercise of 20-30 minutes will help you to get rid of the overall fat but some specific cardio exercises especially focus on lower body fat. Do a running jogging workout for 30 minutes, in two set of 15 minutes and take 2 minutes break between each set. After cardio, take two minutes break and sip a little water and then do the following exercises.

Squats Squats are one of the best thigh workouts for women and men, and you can perform them without any equipment or with a barbell or dumbbells. Here are various variations of squats, perform 20 repeats of 2 set when performing any exercise.

• To do the basic regular squat without any equipment use this squats technique, stand straight at shoulder width distance, and keep your back arched and chest up, then slowly lower your body, and bend your knees as if you are sitting, then slowly go up and repeat. This is the regular squat that will help to tone up and have gradual weight loss.

• To add more intensity to the workout, hold a light dumbbell

sure both your legs are parallel to the floor when you are going down. Then step back, and repeat with the other leg. This will help in gradual weight loss and toning up of thighs and calves.

• To add more intensity for faster weight loss, do dumbbell lunges.

• For added intensity to increase bulk use a barbell while performing lunges.

• You can also do reverse lunge or side lunges by stepping back or sideways, to add variation to your lunges workout.

Stretching Exercises After strength training to cool down and improve flexibility of your muscle and joints, use

stretching exercises. Here are three thigh stretches. Hold each position for a reverse count of 10 seconds.

• For exercises for inner thighs, lie down on the floor and slowly bring one knee your torso and hold the bend leg with your hands. Release and repeat for the other leg.

• Stand near a bar, or hold a sturdy chair, and lift one bend leg and bring your foot as close to the back as possible, hold. Then release and repeat for the other leg. This is one of the best full leg stretch.

• Another good leg workout routine stretching exercise is to lie down on the floor. Then place one leg over the thigh of the other, then hold the leg on the floor with your hands, and bring both the legs close to the torso and hold. Then switch sides and repeat. These are excellent excises for inner thigh.

“

in each hand, for faster weight loss.

• To build mass you can consider doing barbell squat. Also you can use these squat variations as fat burning exercises for thighs.

• To use squats as inner thigh workout, place your feet wider than the shoulder and then perform the squats.

• If you want low intensity,

then keep a chair and perform the squats.

Lunges Lunges exercises are other best workouts for thighs. Here are various variations of the lunges exercises.

• Thinking, how to do lunges?

For the basic forward lunge, stand at shoulder width apart and step with your right foot in front, and lower your body. Make

Men and women when they are gaining weight tend to gain weight in their abdomen, waist, chest and thighs regions first. Losing weight from the thigh region is difficult but not impossible. With effective exercises, you can easily get rid of this fat. There are many thigh exercises but lunges and squats are the most effective ones and the classic ones

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 31

What went wrong in Egypt?

ANALYSIS

E

gypt is holding presidential elections in amid a constitutional, political and economic mess.

Once elected, it is not clear who will swear in the new president, or what authority the new leader will have - these powers are yet to be defined in the new permanent constitution. Many are asking what happened to the promise of change.

It is complicated, to say the least. There is no simple answer as to how or why, after a breath-taking revolution, Egypt is stuck, once again polarised between the military and the Muslim Brotherhood.

And today, Egyptians find themselves obliged to choose between a new version of the old regime and what many fear to be the coming of Islamist rule.

Indeed, speaking to people here, one gets the impression that many Egyptians are voting not for a preferred candidate but against the other.

In other words, many of those who will put either Mohamed Morsi or Ahmed Shafiq on top are doing so not out of conviction in their vision or agenda. Many Morsi voters want to ensure that the old regime doesn't come back with a vengeance, and many Shafiq voters want to prevent the Islamists from taking over the state.

More than a few revolutionaries blame others for the country's predicament.

In reality, the revolution wasn't simply "stolen", it was mostly surrendered.

A mixture of youthful naivete and Islamist overreach allowed the old regime to recover its force, unify its assets and move centre-stage once again.

Just as the revolution imploded, the old regime consolidated.

Competition and convergence The revolution was totally united against dictatorship and in favour of freedom and social justice.

But as soon as it succeeded in ousting Hosni Mubarak and his inner circle in spring 2011, there emerged contradictory interpretations as to what the revolution's slogans meant or entailed.

Short-sighted, the revolutionaries soon split as they rushed to compete in general elections without finishing what they started, the most important element of which was agreeing a new constitution.

To many voters, the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi represents a break with the former regime [EPA] The challenge for the revolution hasn't been to change Mubarak but to change the regime. Or, as I put it then: the central question facing Egypt is not who will replace Mubarak but what will replace his regime.

Be that as it may, what started as a unified revolution soon imploded and splintered into Islamists, nationalists, liberals and leftists and more opportunists jostled for influence.

As the revolutionaries and their allies bickered, bragged and drifted, the two pillars of the old regime - divided by the ousting of Mubarak - the military and the old political establishment - began to recover, converge and consolidate their efforts once again.

The so-called "deep state" that comprises the institutions, elites, and businesses that profited from the Mubarak administration began to recover their common voice

and influence during the m i l i t a r y - m a n a g e d transitional state.

Islamists' takeover of more than two-thirds of the parliament gave the military and the old bureaucracy the needed scare to unite their forces against the revolution.

And once again, the youth found themselves alienated and isolated.

The military and the old bureaucracy deployed all their assets, including those in big business, the judiciary, and security forces to undermine the revolution and undo much of what has transpired since spring 2011, including dissolving the elected parliament and reinstating emergency-like laws that allow for extraordinary arrests and imprisonment of activists, as witnessed in the first day of voting, against supporters of the April 6 movement.

Indeed, much of the political and electoral process and all the regulations imposed this

“

year have been managed by SCAF and forces from the old regime, whether in the interior ministry, the security forces or the judiciary.

Revolutionaries who hoped they could create revolutionary change by playing by the rule of the regime and within the old system have since been "lost in transition".

SCAF vs SCRF There's nothing unexpected in what the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) is doing. Anyone who thought the military would just roll over and return to the barracks is dangerously naive.

As I wrote at the beginning of the revolution, much of the adulation for the generals was either misplaced or exaggerated. The brass saw the writing on the wall, understood change was coming to Egypt, and moved to get rid of Mubarak in order to safeguard their own influence.

The generals saw an opportunity in removing an

Indeed, much of the political and electoral process and all the regulations imposed this year have been managed by SCAF and forces from the old regime, whether in the interior ministry, the security forces or the judiciary.

ailing dictator to renew and reinforce their role in the postMubarak political vacuum. They have too much at stake in the state, its institution and economy to step aside. That's their world and what they know best in the absence of war.

What is utterly incomprehensible is why a successful revolution didn't finish the job by creating the necessary circumstances for a second republic. That meant no less than creating a unified Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Forces (SCRF) to manage the political transition in the country with the support of the public squares. Then, the revolution would have enjoyed wide popular domestic support and unprecedented international sympathy.

Has the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood been too ambitious and opportunistic?

Have the youth been too naive to let go of their accomplishments and abandon the squares too early? Perhaps. What is clear is that decades of dictatorship and one-party rule don't just evaporate because the powers that be lost the first or second round to the people they long treated unworthy of government.

For a revolution to succeed, it takes more than wide popular support for a break with the past.

It also takes more than elections.

It requires translating the control of the streets and public squares into people's control over the pillars of the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

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Anxiety as Egypt’s presidency vote nears end

of ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak - or Mohamed Morsy, a U.S.-educated engineer who would turn Egypt into an Islamic democracy, will go far to define the outcome of the wave of Arab Spring uprisings last year.

"We have to vote because these elections are historic," said Amr Omar, voting in Cairo,

who said he was a revolutionary youth activist. "I will vote for Morsy... Even if it means electing the hypocritical Islamists, we must break the vicious cycle of Mubarak's police state."

Turnout at polling stations in several areas seemed lower on Saturday than during the first round. Polls re-opened at 8 a.m.

on Sunday (0600 GMT) and were due to close at 9 p.m.

With no opinion polls, it was impossible to forecast who will emerge the winner by Monday and whoever it is may face anger and accusations of foul play.

Both men have wide support but many voters may be staying away, unhappy at a choice of extremes after centrist candidates were knocked out in a first round last month.

A sample of voter comments to Reuters near polling stations suggest many had put aside doubts about Shafik, whose campaign has gained momentum since he entered the race as an outsider.

A court dissolved Egypt's new parliament late last week, enraging Islamists who hold a sweeping majority in the assembly, who decried a coup by the military rulers who pushed their brother officer Mubarak from power 16 months ago to appease the street protests.

A win for Shafik, 70, who says he has learned the lessons of the revolt and offers security, prosperity and religious tolerance, may prompt claims of Mubarak-style vote-rigging and street protests by the Islamists and some disillusioned youths who made Cairo's Tahrir Square their battleground last year.

in a new constituent assembly in October and has gone on to form a government in coalition with two non-religious parties.

While a large number of small secular parties split the liberal and leftist vote, Ennahda, as the only major religious party standing, scooped much of the conservative vote and emerged as the single most powerful group in Tunisian

politics.

Fearing a repeat of their disappointing performance when Tunisians go to the polls to vote for a full-term parliament in the first half of next year, secular groups and figures and members of Ben Ali's disbanded RCD have scrambled to merge or form new and more powerful alliances, with limited success.

At a meeting that attracted

some 2,000 followers in Tunis on Saturday, Essebsi said it was time for secular parties to retake the initiative from Ennahda.

"The political scene is unbalanced and the parties, unfortunately, have been unable to come together.

Therefore, we announce the establishment of the Nida Tunisia (Tunisia's Call) movement," Essebsi said.

Sudan says Darfur rebels attack town

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udanese government forces fought off rebels attacking a town in the war torn western region of Darfur on Saturday, state news agency SUNA said.

Rebels attacked Abu Agoura in the al-Salam district in southern Darfur, looting property from citizens, a local government spokesman told SUNA. The army repelled the attack, he added.

The agency did not identify the rebel group. A spokesman for the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), the most powerful rebel group, could not be immediately reached.

Mainly African tribes took up arms against the Arab government of Sudan in 2003, accusing Khartoum of marginalising the remote region.

The government sent troops and allied Arab tribes to quell the insurgency, unleashing a wave of violence which the United Nations estimates has killed hundreds of thousands of people.

The violence has subsided since a peak in 2003/2004 but fighting between insurgents and government forces has continued despite a large U.N. peacekeeping force in the area.

Mali Islamist leader rejects independence

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he leader of the Ansar Dine Islamic group in northern Mali has rejected any form of independence of the northern half of the country and has vowed to pursue plans to impose sharia law throughout the West African nation.

Iyad Ag Ghali's stance could further deepen the rift between his group and the separatist Tuareg rebels of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) as both vie for the control of the desert region.

"We are not asking for much: just the application of sharia law in the northern and southern regions. We are Malians and we are against the division of Mali," Ag Ghali said in an interview in the rebel-occupied northern city of Kidal late on Friday.

Ansar Dine and the MNLA seized the three regions of northern Mali, about two-thirds of the country, in early April after Malian government forces were left without a command following a March 22 coup.

Voters check their names at a polling station in Cairo June 17, 2012.

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gyptians choosing their president freely for the first time faced a daunting choice between a former general from the old guard and an Islamist who says he is running for God, leaving many voters perplexed and fearful of the future.

A win for either Ahmed Shafik - the last prime minister

Tunisian ex-PM launches secular party to challenge Islamists F

ormer Tunisian Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi on Saturday launched a new secularist political party aimed at counterbalancing Ennahda, the moderate Islamist group that swept to power in the first free elections last year.

Ennahda, which was banned under ousted president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, won more than 40 percent of seats

World War Two graves in Libya desecrated again

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eadstones on World War Two military graves in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi have been desecrated again, a local official said on Saturday, in the second such attack in four months.

Khaled Al-Jazwi, a spokesman for the Benghazi local council, said the attack occurred on Thursday.

"We don't know yet who did this," said Jazwi. "We have spoken to the local council's security committee about investigating who is behind this. This cemetery has been here for decades and nothing

like this has ever happened before."

Earlier this year, Libya's leadership apologised after armed men in Benghazi smashed the graves of British and Italian troops killed during World War Two, in an act of vandalism that bore the hallmarks of radical Islamists.

In February, amateur video footage posted on social networking site Facebook showed men casually kicking over headstones in a war cemetery and using sledgehammers to smash a metal and stone cross.

Benghazi is near where British and Commonwealth troops fought heavy battles against German and Italian forces during the 1939-45 war.

The city was the starting point of an uprising last year that later ended Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year rule, but it is now a hot spot for violence with arms readily available and state security forces struggling to assert their authority.

A convoy carrying Britain's ambassador to Libya was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade on Monday, wounding two of his

bodyguards.

Five days before that, an explosive device was dropped from a passing car outside the offices of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi. The blast that followed slightly damaged the gate in front of the building.

Earlier attacks targeted the International Committee of the Red Cross and a convoy carrying the United Nations envoy to Libya.

Security experts say the area around the city is host to a number of Islamist militant groups opposed to any Western presence in Muslim countries.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

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Troops sent to quell clashes in western Libya

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ibya's government has sent troops to put an end to six days of clashes between rival armed groups in the west of the country.

The fighting, which left least 16 people killed and scores of others injured, is the latest episode of instability eight months since the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi's regime after a months-long conflict.

As it seeks to impose its authority on a fractious

country, Libya's new leadership on Saturday called for an immediate ceasefire in the fighting south of the capital Tripoli.

The clashes have pitted fighters from the town of Zintan, who played a big role in ending Gaddafi's rule in last year's war, against members of the al-Mashashia tribe, who chose not to join the rebellion, security officials said.

Resentment between the

two groups spilled over into fighting in December, when at least four people were killed, and erupted again this week when a Zintan fighter was shot dead.

Zintan's armed groups blamed the Mashashia tribe

and retaliated, leading to the current flare-up, which started on Monday, several members of the tribe said.

"The army is going there now to impose a ceasefire and protect civilians," the army's Colonel Hamed Zwei told Reuters news

agency.

A security source said heavy fighting continued on Saturday, resulting in many casualties.

"The injured are being taken to hospitals in the area as well as Tripoli; there are so many," he said.

US drops criminal case against John Edwards

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he US justice department has dropped its criminal case against former Senator John Edwards, closing the book on a prosecution that had threatened the two-time presidential hopeful with prison and a further fall from grace.

"We knew that this case - like all campaign finance cases - would be challenging," Lanny Breuer, assistant attorney-general, said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict on five of the six counts of the indictment, however, and we respect their judgement.

"In the interest of justice, we have decided not to retry Mr Edwards on those counts."

Edwards, 59, was indicted in June 2011 and accused of seeking more than $900,000 from two wealthy supporters to conceal his pregnant mistress from voters during his bid to win the Democratic presidential nomination four years ago.

Al Jazeera's John Terrett, reporting from Washington DC, said while the courts are done with Edwards, the former senator's reputation remains tainted.

"In the court of public opinion ... John Edwards is likely to go down as the Democrat most likely to succeed [but] who in the end, let down his wife, his family and his party," he said.

The government said he orchestrated a cover-up scheme that diverted money from heiress Rachel "Bunny" Mellon and trial lawyer Fred Baron to mistress Rielle Hunter and campaign aide Andrew Young, who said he once falsely claimed paternity of Edwards' daughter with Hunter at the candidate's request.

A federal jury acquitted Edwards last month on one count of accepting illegal political contributions but deadlocked on five related campaign-finance charges arising from his failed 2008 White House bid.

are fears that violence in the country may jeopardise a July 7 election for the national assembly [Reuters]

Four climbers feared dead after Mount McKinley avalanche

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our Japanese climbers are feared dead following an avalanche on Alaska's Mount McKinley, according to the National Park Service.

Park rangers are engaged in a search-and-recovery effort after the avalanche barreled down the western side of North America's highest peak early Thursday, in a section roughly 11,800 feet above sea level, according to park spokeswoman Maureen McLaughlin.

"Given how long it's been and how long they may have been trapped under there, it's more of a recovery effort at this point," McLaughlin said Saturday.

The five were traveling on McKinley's West Buttress as one rope team, although the rope broke during the incident, officials said.

One climber survived the incident after he was swept into a mountain crevasse and was able to climb out, sustaining only minor injuries, the service reported.

Hitoshi Ogi, 69, was unable to locate his fellow climbers and descended solo to the Kahiltna base camp and reported the event late Thursday afternoon.

The missing were identified as male climbers Yoshiaki Kato, 64, and Tamao Suzuki, 63, and female climbers Masako Suda, 50, and Michiko Suzuki, 56. All are from Miyagi Prefecture and are affiliated with the Miyagi Workers Alpine Federation.

"The avalanche that occurred could have happened to anybody," McLaughlin said.

The climbers, on their registration forms, indicated their experience included climbing peaks in Africa and Asia, but not McKinley, she said.

Named after William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, the mountain's summit reaches an elevation of 20,320 feet above sea level. The mountain is also known as "Denali," an indigenous name meaning "the high one."

"We did not ask Mr. Ogi whether they reached the summit," said McLaughlin. "We presume they did not because the weather has not been conducive (the past week) for people to summit."

spearheaded Saudi Arabia's clampdown on al-Qaeda following a wave of attacks in the kingdom [Reuters]

Rescuers search for the missing climbers on Mount McKinley.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Greeks go to polls on euro’s day of destiny V

oters in Greece are going to the polls to elect a parliament for the second time in weeks with the country's economic future and membership of the eurozone hanging in the balance.

Sunday's vote has been cast as a stark dilemma between rejecting austerity and risking the country's place in the single currency bloc, or choosing to keep the euro despite the punishing terms of an

international bailout package.

Riding a wave of anger to rise from obscurity to contender for power, leftist Syriza party leader Alexis Tsipras, 37, has promised to reject the 130bn-euro ($164bn) bailout if he wins the vote.

"We have conquered fear.

Today we open a path to hope, to a better future," said Tsipras as he arrived to vote.

Greeks would keep their place as an "equal member" of Europe,

Victim crushed in Toronto stage collapse

he added.

Tsipras has given himself a 10-day deadline for negotiations - in time, if elected, to face a summit of European leaders on June 28 and 29.

Tsipras says the mood in Europe is shifting against austerity and that the European Union and International Monetary Fund will not want to risk a Greek euro exit that would send shockwaves through the global economy.

Saudi King seeks successor as crown prince buried

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audi Arabia's King Abdullah (R) arrives in Mecca to attend the funeral of Saudi Crown Prince Nayef June 17, 2012.

Credit: Reuters/Saudi Press Agency/Handout Saudi Arabia's elderly king led funeral prayers yesterday for his heir, Crown Prince Nayef, whose death forces him to find a new successor capable of tackling domestic unemployment, bitter rivalry with Iran and turmoil in close Arab neighbours.

Mecca's Great Mosque, Islam's holiest place, was lined with members of the al-Saud ruling family and leaders of Arab states as an imam led the sunset prayer next to the body of Nayef, who died on Saturday.

Among the mourners was the man most likely to be named as successor: Prince Salman, 76, who is seen as more likely to continue the 89-year-old King Abdullah's cautious economic and social reforms than the conservative Nayef.

The world's top oil exporter is locked in regional rivalry with Shi'ite Iran, which it suspects of fomenting unrest among its Shi'ite Muslim minority and in allied Gulf Arab states.

T

Nayef spearheaded Saudi Arabia's clampdown on al-Qaeda following a wave of attacks in the kingdom [Reuters] Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri was among those who met Nayef's body at Jeddah airport, representing the Sunni Muslim political alliance that Saudi Arabia cultivates against Iran.

Saudi Arabia is also struggling with entrenched

youth unemployment and wary of the threat posed by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, based in neighbouring Yemen, which has plotted attacks against the kingdom and sworn to topple the ruling al-Saud family.

Crew scurries as stage collapses before Radiohead concert, killing 1

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he collapse happened around 4 p.m., one hour before spectators were set to begin streaming in for a concert by the alternative rock group Radiohead.

Several people were on the stage at the time, preparing for the show, when scaffolding-like material towering about 50 feet above collapsed.

"Unfortunately, four people were hurt," Toronto police

Stage, which had been constructed for sold-out Radiohead concert, collapsed hour before gates were to open [Reuters] oronto paramedics say one said crew were setting up the person is dead and stage, specially built for the another is seriously hurt British rockers, when it collapsed. after an outdoor stage collapsed Dusty Lalas, an employee while it was being assembled for with Toronto Radio Station "The a Radiohead concert.

Edge", a concert sponsor, said Emergency services official the structure suddenly caved David Viljakainen said a man in. who was trapped under the "There was a loud crash and rubble on Saturday was it sounded like sheet metal and pronounced dead at the scene. lightning and we just saw the Officials said he was in his mid- stage collapse," Lalas said. thirties. They say three other The three-time Grammypeople were injured and are being winning band tweeted that "due assessed. to unforeseen circumstances Tony Bellavance, a fire tonight's concert at Downsview service platoon chief, said crews Park tonight has been cancelled. had assisted in extracting the Fans are advised not to make victim. their way to the venue".

"It was a crushing injury that Radiohead's website had listed killed the man", he said. the concert as being sold out, with Police spokesman Tony Vella sales of 40,000 tickets.

Constable Tony Vella said. "The remainder of the people, when they heard the stage coming (down), ran from the area."

Firefighters arrived to find one man "trapped under the structure," said Toronto fire Platoon Chief Tony Bellavance.

They helped to extricate the man, then moved away from what was then still considered an "unstable structure," Bellavance added.

Crew members ran for their lives when overhanging metalwork crashed onto a stage in a Toronto park Saturday afternoon, pinning and killing one man, authorities said.

Paramedics, who happened to be at the scene in preparation for the concert, "immediately rendered aid," according to onsite Toronto Emergency Medical Services commander Peter Rotolo. The victim -- who has not been identified, amid efforts to contact his next of kin -- was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said he was in his 30s.

Another man who suffered serious injuries due to the collapse was transported to Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital, Ian McClelland of the city's EMS department said. The 45-yearold man suffered a head injury that isn't considered lifethreatening, according to Toronto police.

Two other men with minor injuries were assessed and released, McClelland said.

Aerial footage afterward showed that some metal framing -- some of it covered in a blue material -- crumpled on the stage, which was in front of a large grassy area. Some of the scaffolding-like material remained standing, reaching about 50 feet in the sky.

French left seeks gains in runoff elections

V

oting in France is under way in general election runoff contests expected to hand President Francois Hollande's Socialist Party a clear parliamentary majority to push his anti-austerity agenda.

Opinion polls released before the end of campaigning showed the Socialists and their parliamentary allies on track to take control of France's lower-house National Assembly.

Hollande, who defeated rightwinger Nicolas Sarkozy in May's presidential election, has urged voters to give him the majority he needs to steer France through Europe's debt crisis, rising unemployment and a faltering

economy.

The French vote risks being overshadowed however by Sunday's elections in Greece, which could determine whether Athens stays in the eurozone amid concern over the global economic shock that would result if it were forced to abandon the currency.

The polls showed France's Socialists winning between 287 and 330 seats in Sunday's run-off vote almost certainly enough to secure a majority in the 577-seat Assembly.

Since the Greens, who are close allies of the Socialists and already in government, are expected to win up to 20 seats, Hollande is all but guaranteed to get the parliamentary backing he needs.

The Socialists and other left-wing parties came out on top in last Sunday's first round of the vote [Reuters]

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 35

Competitors are swamped competing in Mud Run challenge O

rganisers say there is nothing tougher but that didn't stop over 6,000 competitors turning up to compete in the world famous Mud Run challenge.

If running 10km wasn't challenging enough, competitors also had to navigate troublesome obstacle courses, tough river crossings and a gruelling 30-foot mud pit.

Described as a 'filthy festival of fun', the world famous Mud Run attracts competitors around the globe keen to take on the endurance course.

US Marines were on hand at the weekend event, held at Camp Pendleton, California, however they appeared to be dishing out some tough love as opposed to encouraging advice.

After running up hills and clambering up five-foot-high walls, competitors were finally plunged into a neck-deep pit of mud before slipping and sliding across the finish line.

Several proud participants took to micro-blogging site Twitter after completing the challenge, with one user saying: 'The mud run was amazing today! Had a blast.

Definitely doing it again next year! :)' Another added: 'Completed the Camp Pendleton Mud Run and still in one piece. I call that a victory.'

Contestants take on the final 30-foot mud pit (Picture: REX)

The ultimate late-night kebab: Seven-cow doner sets new record

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one-tonne doner kebab made from seven cows has been crowned the largest on the planet by Guinness World Record officials in Turkey.

Officials confirmed that the gigantic meat mountain, weighing a whopping 1,198kg and measuring 2.5m, was a new world record on Tuesday.

It took ten cooks to create the gut buster, which had to be held in place by a crane while it was officially measured.

The hefty kebab smashed a previous record set in Australia in 2004, weighing almost double the size.

Working from a special set of scaffolding, the collection of cooks later cut the meat feast up into pieces for spectators at Ankara Shopping Fest in Genclik Park, Ankara.

The modern version of the doner kebab was invented by Mahmut Aygun in 1971, who first came up with the idea of putting the meat inside a pitta bread.

Hopefully there was enough pitta bread to go around once the meat was finally carved.

Crocodile bites off more than it can shoe in battle with Croc

I

t was croc versus Croc as this very snappy creature tried to gobble up a rubbery shoe.

The reptile spent 30 minutes trying to eat the tough footwear before admitting defeat and spitting it out.

The humorous scene was captured on camera by Phil Lanoue in the salt marshes of Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina, after he saw a group of people standing staring down into the lake.

He initially thought the gator had grabbed one of the area's crabs.

The 58-year-old said: 'I stopped my car and asked a few people what the gator had.

When they said it was a shoe I quickly grabbed my camera to get some shots. When we found out it was a Crocs shoe, everyone thought it was hilarious.

'After a while the gator grew confused and frustrated by the resilient rubber and gave up. It spit out the Croc and eventually left it alone.'

Lanoue was just 20 feet away from the action as he took the snaps, and while he had often taken shots of crocs on the hunt for their next meal, this incident was definitely a first.

Lanoue added: 'I've seen alligators grab some interesting items before but certainly never anything like this.'

Turkish cooks prepare the giant doner kebab in Turkey (Picture: EPA)

The kebab set a new world record (Picture: EPA)

Croc vs Croc: The snappy reptile tries to gobble up the shoe but to no avail (Picture: Phil Lanoue/Caters News)

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Why sharing a bed is good for the heart S noring, sweating, stealing the sheets... it’s little wonder that an estimated one in four couples insist on sleeping in separate rooms.

Now, however, there’s an emerging body of research to suggest there could be health benefits to sharing a bed with a long-term partner.

It’s even been suggested as a major reason why people in close relationships tend to be in better health and live longer.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh in the U.S. believe sleeping next to someone helps lower the stress hormone cortisol, perhaps because it encourages feelings of safety and security.

Prolonged periods of elevated cortisol have been linked with an increase in cytokines — proteins involved in inflammation that can trigger heart disease, depression and auto-immune disorders.

Sleeping together has a protective effect by lowering the levels of these proteins.

‘Sleep is a critically important health behaviour that we know is associated with heart disease and psychiatric wellbeing,’ says lead researcher Wendy Troxel, assistant professor of psychiatry and psychology at the university.

‘There is extensive literature showing that married people — happily married people, in particular — live longer, happier, and healthier lives than their unmarried or unhappily married counterparts.

‘We also know sleep is critically important for health and wellbeing, and it happens to be a behaviour couples engage in together, so it stands to reason it may be an important link with their health.’

Sharing a bed is also thought to boost levels of the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin, known to induce bonding feelings.

This is traditionally thought to be released during sex, but Dr David Hamilton, a scientist who has examined the role of oxytocin in health in his book, Why Kindness Is Good For You, says it’s also associated with cuddling in bed and ‘pillow talk’.

‘Sleeping together will increase oxytocin levels, providing you are happy in the relationship,’ he says.

‘Making love is one of the most reliable ways to produce oxytocin, as is going to sleep embracing someone or just being physically happy in their company or with the conversation you are having in bed.

‘And oxytocin has a superspiral effect; the more physical contact you have, the more oxytocin you’ll produce, which causes you to want more contact, and so on... Oxytocin can have an addictive effect.’

Recent studies have shown oxytocin’s vital role in health.

Scientists at Malmo University Hospital in Sweden found it can affect digestion.

Those with lower levels had poorer gastric motility — the process by which food is moved from the stomach to the intestines, therefore slowing down digestion.

Levels of the hormone have been found to be lower in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, says Dr Hamilton.

‘Oxytocin has also been shown to reduce inflammation.

While inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process, too much of it, which can accompany bacterial infections or chronic stress, is damaging to the body.

‘It’s well known, for example, that inflammation plays a role in many types of cancer.

‘Meanwhile, a number of recent studies have shown how oxytocin can affect the heart.’

For example, a study from the University of North Carolina asked 59 women who were married or had partners to keep a diary of the number of hugs they received over a set time.

The scientists then analysed levels of oxytocin in the blood.

The women who’d received the most hugs had the highest levels of oxytocin — and the lowest blood pressure and heart rates.

‘Indeed, oxytocin is like a natural angina medication,’ says Dr Hamilton.

‘Angina medication is basically nitric oxide, which expand blood vessels. Oxytocin helps the body produce nitric oxide itself.’

It may come as a surprise to the long-suffering partners of snorers, teeth grinders and kickers, but sharing a bed may also improve your sleep.

In another of Dr Troxel’s

Those with lower levels of oxytocin had poorer gastric motility - the process by which food is moved from the stomach to the intestines

Sharing a bed is thought to boost levels of the 'love hormone' oxytocin, known to induce bonding feelings.

There is evidence showing that married people - happily married people, in particular - live longer, happier, and healthier lives than their unmarried or unhappily married counterparts. studies, published in 2009, women in long-term stable relationships fell asleep more quickly and woke up less frequently during the night than single women or women who lost or gained a partner during the six to eight years of the study.

‘Feelings of safety and security with a partner may lead to more restful sleep,’ she says.

These findings are interesting given that men move around more in bed than women, according to Professor Jim Horne, director of the sleep research centre at Loughborough University.

‘In fact, research we did showed the biggest cause of sleep disturbance is a bed partner,’ he says.

‘Despite this, if the man was absent from the bed, the woman moved around more than normal, so her sleep was still disturbed.

‘Though her male partner was a nuisance when he was there, her sleep was still affected when he wasn’t.’

Women do reap more benefits from bed sharing than men, says Dr Jason Ellis, a chartered psychologist and director of Northumbria Centre for Sleep

Research.

‘These benefits tend to be psychological rather than physiological, but nevertheless, the women we studied reported more enjoyable and refreshing sleep when sharing a bed compared to the men,’ he says.

‘As sleeping alone has been shown to elevate levels of the stress hormone cortisol, it might be an evolutionary thing related to feeling less secure or supported — though the long-term health implications of that have yet to be studied.’

Dr Troxel adds bed partners can also play a crucial role in diagnosing the other’s health problems and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea — where the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax and collapse sufficiently to cause a total blockage of the airway.

One of the main symptoms is heavy snoring.

Left untreated, it increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

A number of couples believe sharing a bed has saved their lives, says Paul Rosenblatt, professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota and author of Two In A Bed: The Social System Of Couple Bed

Sharing.

‘I spoke with a man who slept every night cuddling his wife and so immediately noticed when she had a seizure,’ he says.

‘Similar stories came from couples where one partner had gone into diabetic shock.’

He found that many of the couples interviewed said they would get a better night’s sleep apart.

‘But they didn’t want to sleep separately because of the intimacy of sharing a bed, the security and the sense of belonging together.’

However, it’s clear the benefits of sharing a bed only appear to be there if the relationship is happy — and you can tolerate sharing a bed with your partner.

‘What we do know about couples and sleep is that happily married women have fewer sleep problems than their unhappily married counterparts,’ says Dr Troxel.

‘Couples who are mismatched in terms of their preferences for sleep timing, have poorer relationship functioning (i.e. more conflict, less intimacy, less support) will not reap so many benefits.’

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 37

Rejuvenating Reps’ war against corruption

By Lawrence Olaoye

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orruption and corrupt practices among top government officials in the country did not start today.

Several administrations in the past, military and civilian alike, since independence have acknowledged the challenge and fashioned out several measures aimed at combating the cankerworm. Since the advent of the fourth republic however, the Federal Government has increased the tempo in its fight against corruption with the creation of an independent body, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to specifically address the problem with the sole aim of reducing corruption to the barest minimum in the society. The level of success in the war against corruption is better left at the realm of conjectures as no one could say with absolute finality that the government is winning the war.

The Seventh House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, right from inception last year, rededicated itself to the task of exposing corruption in government circles even as it promised to be transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people. In his Legislative Agenda, Tambuwal promised “Therefore we seek to do things differently and reverse the notion of business-as-usual approach that has been a source of worry to our people. We will be sensitive to what the Nigerian people want and increase our public sensitivity quotient.’

Not a few Nigerians have lost confidence in the ability of the executive to fight corruption because they reason that doing so would amount to a house divided against itself; but they have implicit confidence in the National Assembly, an assembly of their representatives, to make the executive to accountable via constant oversight its activities.

The National Assembly has the primary responsibility of exposing corruption but the latest development in the parliament where the hunter is becoming the hunted has become a source of worry to the citizens who are gradually coming to think that the legislature, as an institution, would come to their rescue in the

fight against corruption.

Like Tambuwal pointed out in his speech at the special plenary convened at the weekend, the executive has never encouraged the legislature to perform its legitimate function of oversight as the former regard such as administrative trespass into its areas of specialty.

Commenting on the reluctance of the executive to submit itself to the lawmakers’ statutory responsibility of oversight aimed at checking corruption, Tambuwal stated “ The Constitution has given the parliament three broad duties which include Law Making, Representation and Oversight. It is interesting to note that of these three, it is that last function, which gives legislature the powers to conduct oversight, that has tended to cause conflict between the legislature and the Executive and remains the most controversial. Yet, it would have been impossible to conduct the other two functions successfully

the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it. In the exercise of this function there shall be no sacred cows.

He continued “ I have emphasized the constitutionality of the oversight function of the legislature because there lingers among many public officials, the notion that in holding public or investigative hearings, the Legislature is over stepping its bounds and also neglecting its other functions.

Nothing can be further from the truth. The records of our performance for the first legislative year which just ended on 6th June 2012 show that the performance in the area of legislation was equally impressive.”

The Legislature/Executive relationship, observers noted has assumed a new dimension with the former adopting a new style of setting-up unsuspecting lawmakers charged with

“

Therefore we seek to do things differently and reverse the notion of business-as-usual approach that has been a source of worry to our people.

We will be sensitive to what the Nigerian people want and increase our public sensitivity quotient if the Constitution had not given the parliament oversight powers: the single most potent weapon that makers of the Constitution put in place to check abuse by those who execute its law.

“In full compliance with the Constitutional prescription in S 62(1) and (2) the House has always ensured that all Committees empanelled by it, be they Ad-Hoc or Standing, are given a clear mandate. I find it compelling to state for the umpteenth time that the constitutional power of investigation conferred on the Legislature is for the purpose of law reform and for the exposure of corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in

investigative roles with a view to discrediting first, the outcome of probe, which more often than not are uncomplimentary, and by extension, rubbishing the whole institution.

The Minority Whip of the House said this much while making comments at the weekend’s emergency plenary when he warned “Members should be careful in this new dimension on Legislature/ Executive relationship where they now set-up National Assembly members in our fight against corruption and protection of powerful individuals.”

It is an incontrovertible fact that the House of Representatives has, in the

Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal performance of its oversight functions, clashed severally with some public officials in the executive. There have been several cases of accusation and counter-accusation of corruption against lawmakers in the course of performance of oversight functions through investigative hearings. Two fresh cases involving the Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Market, Herman Hembe, and that of the Chairman of the House ad hoc Committee charged with the responsibility of probing into the nation’s subsidy regime, Farouk Lawan, attest eloquently to this.

In the case of Hembe, the former Director General of Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Aruma Oteh, alleged that he solicited bribe from her and that her refusal to bulge made the committee to be harsh on her.

But this claim did not vitiate the revelations that the Commission did not fare well under her management. Oteh’s eventual forced leave ordered by the SEC’s Board cannot be isolated from the odious revelation that came out of the probe, though the committee has yet to submit its reports.

Lawan whose rising profile as ‘Mr. Integrity’ was punctured last week had severally denied ever being compromised by the indicted oil marketers in the subsidy probe. He maintained this stand until the Chairman of one of the indicted companies, Zenon Oil and Gas Ltd., Mr. Femi Otedola, openly alleged that Lawan solicited $3 million bribe and obtained $620,000 as part payment.

The leadership of the House has made frantic efforts to isolate these cases by insisting that the misdemeanor of individuals should not be generalized even as

it maintained that their actions should not be used to rubbish the entire institution. Lawan’s admittance of culpability in the $3 million bribery scandal notwithstanding, the House has insisted that the resolutions it passed after the consideration of the Subsidy Reports should be implemented by the executive.

In order to extricate itself from the mud of corruption allegation, the House relisted Otedola’s firms, Synopsis Enterprises Ltd. and Zenon Oil and Gas Ltd. to the list of companies that obtained FOREX but failed to import petroleum products into the country during the duration of the subsidy regime that the panel investigated.

Lawan was equally punished with his removal as the Chairman of the Subsidy Committee and that of Education in the House. Apart from this, he would be facing the Ethics and Privileges Committee which has been empowered to investigate the allegation of graft against him.

In rededicating the resolve of the parliament to its oversight functions with the aim of fighting corruption and ensuring the delivery of the dividends of democracy, Tambuwal stated “ I wish at this point to make this pledge that the House of Representatives shall continue to act responsibly by ensuring that all investigations are instituted only when absolutely necessary.

Furthermore, we shall insist on probity and fairness on the part of our members conducting such investigations; and we shall not hesitate to sanction anyone who in the course of these investigations overreaches himself or uses the process to intimidate anyone or engages in corruption.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Rep distributes 60 motorcycles to supporters in Katsina

By Lawrence Olaoye with agency reports

R

ep Gambo Musa, a member representing Batsina/Safana/ Danmusa constituency of Katsina state in the House of Representatives, has distributed 60 motorcycles worth N4.8 million to CPC supporters in his constituency.

Twenty motorcycles were distributed to CPC members from each of the three local government areas within the constituency.

Gambo, who distributed the

motorcycles in Danmusa on yesterday said the gesture was intended to assist the party members and supporters toward mobilising more people to the party.

He said that each CPC ward chairman in Batsari, Safana and Danmusa local government areas, was given a motorcycle to facilitate his work for the party while some selected supporters were also to benefit from the gesture.

Gambo, who is also chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, urged the CPC supporters in the

constituency to exercise more patience and expect more dividends of democracy from him. ”I am just one year as a member and I have constructed many culverts and drains across the area, constructed mosques, provided scholarship to many students and now distributing motorcycles.

“You should therefore expect more projects from me as I am not going to fail you, God willing.”

The member, who promised to influence execution of Federal Government’s projects in the

constituency, also urged the people to continue praying to God to grant him success at the National Assembly.

In his address, Alhaji Mamman Danmusa, a CPC chieftain in the state and former Speaker of the defunct Kaduna state, charged the entire CPC members in the area to remain peaceful and pray for the success of Gambo.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malam Isa Gobirawa thanked the member for the gesture and assured him of the the party members’ continued support.

Sambo’s visit to Edo: Agents nab intruders 0n runnway From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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hree suspected barbers are in Police net for loitering on the runway of Benin airport.

Two of the suspects identified as Mr Pedro Sunday and Ehiweka Mr Precious were arrested few minutes before Vice President Namadi Sambo’s Nigeria Airforce jet with No. 5N-FGU touched the runway of the airport last Saturday at 11:30am, amid tight security.

Meanwhile, Edo state Governor, Adms Oshiomhole was reportedly bullied by some praise singers believed to be hired by opposition party at the airport. The Praise singers who defied the heavy presence of security attached to the Governor chanted songs of war.

The situation attracted Chief Tony Anenih who admonished them to stop insulting the Governor.

PDP to partner ANPP on Zamfara council poll, says Shinkafi

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L-R: Hon. Ahmed Audu Zarewa, Hon. Alhassan Ado Garba, and Hon. Tijjani Abdulquadir, during the emergency session on Hon. Faruk Lawan scam’s, at the National Assembly, on Friday, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Kwankwaso sacks 6 LG Interim Management Officers

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ov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso of Kano State has sacked the Interim Management Officers (IMOs) of six local government councils for non performance and replaced them with the Directors of Personnel Management (DPMs).

This is contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Abdu Usman, the Public Relations Officer in the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in Kano on Saturday.

According to the statement, the local governments affected are Ajingi, Dawakin-Tofa, Garko, Sumaila, Kibiya and Kiru.

The statement said their sack was sequel to a motion passed by the state House of Assembly calling on the state government to remove them. ‘’The state assembly called for their removal for failing to meet

the desired expectations of moving their local councils forward in the last one year.’’ ‘’The affected interim management officers who were appointed by the governor sometime last year, fell below standard in the ratings of the house.’’

The statement said that four other officers had also received the last warning to either sit up or face the wrath of the governor.

The IMOs are those of Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Minjibir and Madobi local governments.

Meanwhile, the state government has directed the only ANPP-elected Chairman of Dawakin Kudu Local Government to vacate the office before June 17, because his tenure had expired.

He was asked to hand over the council to its Director of Personnel Management (DPM).

Benue to ensure transparency in LGs Mr. Solomon Wombo, the Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Benue, says the bureau has instituted accounting systems aimed at making the administration financially transparent.

Wombo made the statement in Makurdi on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said the bureau was collaborating with the anticorruption agencies to ensure that all financial leakages in local government administration were blocked.

The adviser said his office had put in place measures for the effective monitoring of projects to ensure they were developmentoriented.

Wombo said the focus of the local

government administration was to provide service to the people at the grassroots, adding that all funds were directed toward achieving the aim.

“As soon as salaries are paid, any money that is left is channelled toward development projects. “I am satisfied so far with what is happening at the local government areas in the state and very soon I shall invite experts to document local government projects for the world to see,’’ he said.

Wombo said he often undertook unscheduled inspection visits to project sites at the councils to ensure that funds were used for the benefit of the people.

He said that local government chairmen were not wasteful in the management of public funds since they were aware of the consequences of such action.

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara yesterday offered to support the ruling All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the coming local government council polls slated for Saturday.

This is however on the condition that ANPP “continues to display fairness to all.”

The immediate past governor, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi, said this in Gusau while presenting candidates for the June 23 poll.

“We believe in the state governor’s pronouncement that the elections will be free and fair and we are waiting to see this accomplished.”

Shinkafi pleaded with the state government, security agencies and the state electoral commission (ZMSIEC) to ensure free, fair and credible contest during the election.

He urged the stakeholders in the exercise to make sure that “only true winners of the elections into the offices of chairmen and councillors are given certificate of return.”

He cautioned the electorate against money politics, adding that they should vote based on their conscience and be convinced that the candidates they voted would work for the benefit of the people.

The former governor also urged supporters of the party to ensure orderliness throughout the exercise but must guard and protect their votes “till the final declaration of the winners.”

Also speaking , the Chairman party in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Mallaha, called on the party supporters to come out en mass and vote for the PDP candidates.

He said PDP would present candidates into all elective offices in the 13 out of 14 local councils in the state. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

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PDP holds retreat in Uyo

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will tomorrow proceed to Uyo, capital of Akwa-Ibom state for a 3day retreat for members of its National Working Committee (NWC) and the six Zonal Chairmen of the party.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the retreat is the first step in the line up of reform programmes intended to prepare the new officers for the challenge of re-engineering the Party as a formidable, people oriented, issue based and united political Party.

He said, “recall that on his acceptance speech after our election in March, our National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Turkur assured Nigerians that the opportunity given to us by the Party to serve is a historic moment to re-build not only the Party but the entire nation. We have remained focused to this commitment.

This retreat therefore is an induction, a baptism of sorts; meant to suffuse the Party with all the ideas necessary to take the Party to the intended destination.”

According to him, the driving agenda of the new PDP leadership as captured in Reconciliation, Reformation and Rebuilding (3Rs) will officially be unveiled at the Retreat by the Party’s National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Turkur.

“We are taking the reconciliation efforts of the previous administration a notch higher. We are bringing back the spirit of the founding fathers of the Party, our National Chairman being a founding father himself.

Our reformation and rebuilding process will be anchored on a solid base of truthful reconciliation of all members including those estranged.”

He further said three papers on Party Membership Drive; Party Funding and Strategy; Party Democracy and Discipline will be presented by the Minister of Defence and former Acting National Chairman of the Party, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, Corp Marshal and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. Osita Chidioka and Professor Fred Onyeoziri respectively. Discussants for the papers includes Senator Jonathan Zwingina, Dr Emeka Enejere, Senator Stella Omu, Prince Hon. Chibudo Nwuche, Alhaji Yakubu Shehu, Dr. Akilu Ndabawa, Chief Shuaibu Oyedoku and Hon Ahmed Gulak, the Political Adviser to the President.

Chief Metuh added that the retreat will also provide an opportunity for the PDP leadership to take a first-hand assessment of the efforts of the Akwa Ibom state Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, in the implementation of the manifesto of the Party.

L-R: Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, with Chairman, House of Committee on ICT, Hon. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, during the emergency session on Hon Faruk Lawan’s bribery scandal, at the National Assembly, on Friday, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

ACN hails Reps handling of alleged bribery scandal From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has urged the presidency to emulate the House of Representatives in the urgency, courage and sense of purpose with which the legislativechamber has handled the case of alleged bribery involving one of its ranking members.

In a statement issued in Lagos on ysterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the decision of the House to suspend Hon. Farouk Lawan as the Chairman of the ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy management, while also standing by the report of the committee, sends a strong signal that the House will not condone corruption under any guise, and that it practices what it preaches.

It said even though it has not been conclusively proven that Hon Lawan indeed took the bribe as alleged, the House went ahead to suspend him, unlike

•••urges Presidency to emulate lawmakers the presidency which has been shielding all those indicted in the monumental fraud uncovered by the committee a tale of two nations in one!’’Corruption has reached unprecedented levels in our country, especially under the present political dispensation.

Unfortunately, while the executive arm of government has beennonchalant at best and conniving in the worst case scenario in tackling this cankerworm that is fast decimating our society, the legislative arm has been frontal and unrelenting in its efforts to check graft, even when it is acknowledged that the House itself is not populated by saints.’’

In fact, the story making the rounds is that the bribery allegation was contrived by the executive, backed by the everfeckless and marauding ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to ‘kill’ the report of the ad hoc committee, and many

Nigerians are now circulating the report’s ‘obituary’ on the social media. They also said the whole ‘sting operation’ was designed to sting the leadership of the House and ruin the integrity of the entire House.

“We do not know if these allegations are true or not.

But we do know, from available evidence, that the executive is encouraging corrupt practices by failing so far to decisively dealwith any of the myriad of corruption allegations that have rocked the nation in recent times, whether it is the police pension scandal, the Malabu oil scandal or the fuel subsidy scandal, just to mention a few.’’We also know that while the security and anti-graft agencies have been lukewarm in their response to those scandals, they have suddenly discovered a high level of alacrity in dealing withthe bribery scandal involving a legislator. Within

so short a time, arrests have been made and investigations have been kick-started.

Yet, those in the executive arm of government who are facing similar or worse accusations have not even been invited for questioning,’’ the party said.It wondered who the security agencies and their antigraft counterparts are working for, and whose interest they serve.ACN said if the presidency is not paying lip service to the fight against corruption, it must end its ambivalence on the implementation of the report of the ad hoc committee on fuel subsidymanagement, even as the probe of the alleged bribery scandal involving the former chairman of the committee continues. “’To do otherwise is to send a dangerous signal to the citizenry that you can only be held liable for corruption if you are neither in the executive nor in the good books of the presidency,’’the party said.

Federal Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi honours Imo Gov, two others

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he Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, on Saturday honoured Imo Gov Rochas Okoracha, with a Fellowship of the institution.

The polytechnic also awarded the fellowship to Alhaji Muhammadu Kwaido, former Accountant-General in the defunct Sokoto state and, Hajiya Salamatu Suleiman,

ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs.

The fellowship was conferred on them at the 11th joint convocation of the institution.

The Rector, Alhaji Mohammed Nabade, said that the awardees were recognised for their individual contributions to the development of education and

humanity. ”Our fellowship is deep rooted in the ideas of sincerity, devoid of any ulterior motives, but guided by singular drive for excellence and elevation of the society”, the rector said.

Okorocha who spoke on behalf of the awardees commended the institution for recognising

their efforts in the education sector.

He promised to provide a befitting structure and funding that would enhance academic and research activities in the polytechnic.

The governor called on policy makers to support tertiary institutions to develop technical education for rapid development of the country.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Ajimobi promises better life for Oyo people Nigeria will From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state has promised better life for the people of Oyo state while inagura5ting some newlyreconstructed roads across all the five local government councils within the Ibadan

metropolis.

Some of the newlyinaugurated roads includ Ile Oke-Idi Omo-Oke Apon Road in Ibadan North local Government Area; Bisi Akande Road in Ibadan South-West Council Area and Bere-Ayeye Road, among others.

The governor also i naugurated the new headquarters of Ibadan SouthWest Local Government Council at Aleshinloye Area which had been abandoned for the past 21 years.

He explained that his administration would not compromise quality in the

execution of development projects in the state, adding also that there would be no room for wasteful spending.

“We were elected to serve and I want to assure the people of Oyo state that we will use our tenure to better their lives and turn things around in this state,’’ he pledged.

remain an indivisible nation, says Bagudu

A

L-R: PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and Edo state PDP governorship candidate, Major- General Charles Ehigie Arhiavbere during flag-off PDP’s governorship candidate campaign at the weekend in Benin City.

Edo 2012: PDP candidate will make a difference, says Anenih From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

A

National Leader of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, has put the federal Government on notice to remain united, steadfast and deliver July 14 2012 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship flag bearer in Edo, Major Gen. Charles A i r h i a v b e r e (Rted.) by shunning acts that could cause a bitterness.

The former Chairman of PDP Board of trustee, BoT, who disclosed this at the State party campaign rally held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium

at the weekend assured that if Edo PDP Candidate is elected as Governor, the party would ensure a purposeful leadership that will redefine governance in the state.

‘I want to say that, our National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and our Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo should prove a point that PDP does not run the party on the pages of Newspapers’, he said.

Vice President Arc. Namadi Sambo assured that come July 14 2012 Edo state will join the other Southsouth PDP-controlled states like Delta, Cross Rivers,

Rivers, Bayelsa and AkwaIbom.

The PDP National Chairman, Dr Bamanga Tukur, assured that the governorship polls will be free and fair,”one man one vote”.

He counseled the youths against violent activities just he described the PDP Governorship Candidate, Major Gen. Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere as a credible candidate.

Present at the stadium were the Governors of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa and Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor Cross River State, Delta State Deputy Governor,

Prof. Amos Utuama, Gabriel Igbinedion, former Bayelsa state Governor DSP Alamiesegha, former Kaduna State Governor Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Brig.

Samuel Ogbemudia (Rtd.) Meanwhile, the Federal Government has vowed to hasten the contractor handling the dualisation work on Benin-Okene road to link up the two states.

Vice President Sambo who gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy call on Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, assured the traditional ruler that the project would soon be completed.

Adamawa: INEC trains 80 education officers on voter education From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

N

o fewer than eighty education officers and secondary school principals are currently being trained by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa state as part of the commissions’ plan to introduce voter education in schools curriculum.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barr.

Kassim Gaidam, told the participants that the measure became necessary as part of the initiatives to nurture the present and future generations into becoming better democrats.

“It is in the light of this that the Commission considered the need to commence voter

education in our schools nationwide; INEC is interested in the practical aspects that can help students to develop the required attitudes.” Gaidam explained.

He said the training would sensitise school principals on the importance of voter education and also to encourage them to initiate activities in their schools which

would designate teachers as “voter education coordinators” as well as setting up voter education clubs.

In an address, state President of All Nigerian Principals of Secondary Schools Association, Mr. Ibrahim Farai, thanked INEC for organising the training which he said would instill democratic consciousness in young people.

university don, Prof.

Abdullahi Bagudu, says Nigeria will remain an indivisible entity in spite of its security challenges, endemic corruption and recklessness.

Bagudu, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto, stated this on Saturday in Kaduna during the presentation of a book titled: “Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility.’’

The book was written by Prof. Kabiru Dandago in honour of former Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University (KASU), Prof.

Aminu Mika’ilu.

Bagudu described Nigeria as “a wonderful country that has passed through various challenges but came out of them stronger”.

He added, “we are going to get over the current situation stronger than ever before. “ “ For us in the academia, ours is to make contributions into knowledge for those who want to utilise it.

“Our role is to generate and disseminate knowledge and this is what informed the effort to attract scholars from various universities to contribute in the writing the book.”

According to him, the book centres on corporate governance and social responsibility, adding the two concepts are relevant to the country’s development.

He described Mika’ilu as a humble person that spent his life in the development of education in Nigeria.

“I salute your effort because you have dedicated this book to the right person who has spent significant part of his life serving humanity.

“I think there is no better way to do it than to have a book on a current and topical issue dedicated to the person of Professor Aminu Salihu Mika’ilu,” he said.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of KASU, Prof.

Barnabas Quirix commended the author of the book “for a well written book”.

He expressed optimism that “the book will no doubt contribute to the academic development of this country.

“Q u i t r i x u r g e d s t u d e n t s of the university to emulate the quality of Mika’ilu, by contributing to the nation’s educational development.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

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he Super Eagles yesterday went into recess after successfully sealing a place in the in the next stage of the 2013 Nations Cup qualifier scheduled for September and October.

The team though, which had been in and out camp since November last year, may return to the camp in August, if the NFF accepts and invitational tourney call from its Indian counterpart.

The team took a break after its 20 win over Rwanda in the AFCON qualifier played at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. Dayo Enebi Achor, the team’s Scribe who spoke on behalf of

PAGE 41

Eagles go on break, as Keshi recounts sleepless nights NFF Scribe, Musa Amadu, said the team has no assignment in the immediate future.

In the maintime, the NFF has scheduled a meeting with the technical crew in the coming days in Abuja. The meeting is to streamline preparations for the next round of qualifiers and also ensure that Nigeria is not caught unaware in the qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has spoken of how he has had to wake up late at night and early in the mornings to pray with unknown

Nigerians in the bid to ensure that the country does not miss out consecutively from the Nations Cup, adding that he the job was not done yet as there are still several hurdles to overcome.

“I will like to dedicate the victory over Rwanda to thousands of Nigerians who will wake up and call me for prayers early in the morning at about 2, 3 or 4am, the victory we have here is obviously for them”, he said.

Keshi praised the resilience of the team in the game against Rwanda, assuring that in the coming days the

team will even get better.

“We have reached a point where I think we can really rediscover

Nigerian football and we again appeal for understanding from all football loving Nigerians,” he said.

Olympics: Nigeria’s medal hopes in athletics, weightlifting, wrestling, says Minister Ahmed Musa dedicates Ahmed Musa

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igeria’s participation in next month’s London 2012 Olympic Games will not be a jamboree, as the country has sumptuous medal prospects in weightlifting, wrestling, taekwondo, boxing and especially athletics, according to Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi.

The Minister, who sounded upbeat about Nigeria’s medal chances at the Games, says the Team Nigeria will do well at the London Olympics and adds that the various sports federations had given the assurances to that

Bolaji Abdullahi, Sports Minister

Blessing Okagbare, Nigeria’s medal prospect

effect.

“I am very confident that we are going to do well in the Olympics. You remember when I was still supervising the ministry, people asked me how is this preparation? I was not so sure. But from what I have seen so far, I am confident that we are going to do well. I am not in a position to promise medals. The various federations have promised me medals.

“But I am not going to start saying, this is it. In boxing, I am very sure we are going to do well in boxing. I am confident we are going to do well in wrestling. I am confident we are going to do well in female boxing especially.

“I am confident that we are going to do well in weightlifting.

Athletics we are going to Port Novo next week for the all-Africa open. So, I am confident that the preparation that we have made so far is enough to take us somewhere.’’

Abdullahi said the Paralympics team was also full of potential and was excited with its level of preparations.

He said he was not promising the country medals haul at the games, but that there was hope of winning medals in some games.

“I believe that we are going to do very well. I am not saying that we are going to be where we should be. That requires greater work than we have done. But I am confident that Nigeria will do well in this Olympic Games.’’

goal to crash victims

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hmed Musa has dedicated his goal against Rwanda in a 2-0 win to those who lost their lives in an air crash in Lagos recently.

“I have dedicated my goal against Rwanda to the people who lost their lives in that crash. It was a sad day for Nigeria. May their souls rest in perfect peace,” Musa said.

At least 150 people died when a local commercial airline crashed into a residential area on the outskirts of Lagos earlier this month.

Ahmed Musa was picked ahead of Wigan Athletic forward Victor Moses for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier and he responded with a well-taken goal

in the 56th minute after he was set up by Enyimba striker Uche Kalu.

“I am happy I scored and the goal came at the right time because we needed to consolidate our lead in the game and give Rwanda no hope.

I got the chance to shoot and didn’t think twice about it. I wanted to score two goals but I am still happy with my one goal and the three points,” he said.

The Eagles will now await their opponents for the next round of the qualifying series in September with the overall winners of this clash advancing to the Nations Cup finals to be hosted by South Africa in January.

Dilichukwu hails Falcons

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he Chairperson of the Nigeria Women League, Dilichukwu Onyedinma, has hailed the Super Falcons for qualifying for the next edition of the African Women Championship scheduled to be held in Equatorial Guinea in November.

The NFF Board member said that their qualification has crowned efforts of women teams in the country.

We have recorded the first 100 percent qualification since the

inception of this administration.

It is all about God’s favour on us, and the total support we received from the leadership of NFF and the whole Nigerians.

“We want to assure them that we would rest on our oars until we achieve the ultimate in Azjebajan and Japan later in year by winning both trophies. We are also promising Nigerians that we would retain the Africa Women championship trophy later in the year,” she said.

Reuben is Nigeria’s Vieira, Says Green

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ano Pillars and Super Eagles midfield power house, Gabriel Reuben, has been described as the Nigerian version of ex-French and Arsenal of England legend Patrick Vieira.

Chairman, NFF Technical Committee, Barrister Chris Green, who made the declaration in Calabar, after the Nigerian side won the Nations Cup qualifier against Rwanda by 2-0, said it was

amazing the way and manner the midfielder hitherto regarded as a minnow has dominated in the national team. Reuben was named the TomTom Man of the Match after the encounter in Calabar.

“For me, I will call Reuben, Nigeria’s Vieira and I think most Nigerians think the same way and in no distance future he would be named one of Africa’s best, just mark my words”, Green said

in Calabar after the match.

Meawhile, journalists, supporters and other stakeholders have been pouring encomiums on Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River state and his Sports Commissioner, Patrick Ugbe, for the excellent job they have done to sports in the state.

Presidential General, Football Supporters Club, Dr Rauf Ladipo, said it was the first in a long while

that the football and indeed sports will be congregating in a state outside of Lagos and Abuja, the Federal capital.

Ugbe on his part said the drive to make sports a national limelight informed the state government’s commitment to the putting huge resources sports in the country, adding that it will be even get better in the coming years.

Reuben Gabriel

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

Akwa Utd go on strike over pay

A

kwa United have begun an indefinite strike to press home their demand for the payment of their sign-on fees, according to one of the Uyobased team players, who will not want his name mentioned.

The player disclosed that the management has been insensitive to their demand and that they have no other choice than to embark on a strike.

“This is to inform you that we the players of Akwa United are on strike now. We started Saturday to tell the management that we are tired of this insensitivity

towards our welfare,” the player said.

“They are yet to pay us 20% from the 2010/2011 season and only paid us 20% for the on-going season.

The season is coming to an end and no one is talking about us.

We have been telling them but nothing has come out of this and so we decided to go on strike and not to resume until they pay us.”

Akwa Utd, who won promotion back to the top flight this season, are eighth on the table with 45 points. They host champions Dolphin in a rescheduled game on Wednesday.

Adamu, Gaiya commend Eagles, Falcons over Nations Cup, AWC for victories

Vincent Enyeama, Super Eagles’ stand-in skipper

Super Falcons will excel at the 8th AWC in Equatorial Guinea, says Ikhana

S

Femi Thomas, Akwa Utd goalkeeper Sen Adamu Gumba, the Chairman Senate Committee on Sports, over the weekend in Abuja commended the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons for the victories against their Rwandan and Zimbabwean opponents.

The Super Eagles trounced the Wasps of Rwanda 2-0 in the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Calabar, while the Super Falcons also walloped the Mighty Warriors of Zimbabwe 4-0 in Lagos to book a place in the African Cup of Nations competition billed for November in Equatorial Guinea.

It would be recalled that the African champions had earlier defeated the Mighty Warriors by 2-0 during the first leg in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Senator Adamu expressed happiness with the performance of the two teams and noted the on-going rebuilding process in the Super Eagles was paying off.

“Rome was not built in one day; the dwindling fortunes of our teams are being revived. It is my feeling that the rebuilding process has started yielding good results. We at the National Assembly will work alongside the relevant bodies and individuals to sustain the current winning trend.’’

On his part, Rep Godfrey Gaiya, the Chairman, House Committee on Sports, said that the current blend of more local players with few foreign-based players was commendable.

“In this match, he (Keshi) featured about eight local professionals before making substitutions; we are delighted he got a good result from that.”

uper Falcons Coach, Khadiri Ikhana on Saturday said the team would not relent in its preparation to ensure that the girls excel at the 8th African Women Championship slated for Equatorial Guinea.

Ikhana made the pledge at the second leg qualifiers between Nigeria and Zimbabwe at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

The coach said the 6-0 aggregate victory over Equatorial Guinea had shown the Falcon’s superiority as the giant of African Women Football.

“I am satisfied because we won our matches home and away, confirming that we are far ahead of Zimbabwe. It is fantastic that we kept clean sheets in two competitive games. I could not have asked for more from my players.”

Perpetua Nwkocha scored the first goal in the 7th minute, Desire Oparanozie scored the second in the 15th minute and Esther Sunday netted the third goal.

Zimbabwe’s Lilian Masase scored an own goal at the 57th minute to conclude the 4-0 bashing of the visitors. The 8th AWC is scheduled to hold from Oct. 28 to Nov. 11 in Equatorial Guinea.

Super Eagles consider India tourney

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he Super Eagles are studying a proposal to feature in an invitational tournament in India in August, officials have disclosed.

The team will now await their next opponents in the final round qualifiers for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after they dumped out Rwanda at the weekend.

And the India tournament could serve as a build-up to the qualifiers fixed for between September and October, officials said.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has slated a meeting with the Eagles coaches in Abuja. The meeting is to streamline preparations for the next round of qualifiers and also ensure that Nigeria are not caught unawares.

Meanwhile, Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, has spoken of how he has had to wake up late at night and early in the mornings to pray with unknown Nigerians in the bid to ensure that the country did not miss out on another AFCON. “I will like to dedicate the victory over Rwanda to thousands of Nigerians who will wake up and call me for prayers early in the morning at about 2, 3 or 4am, the victory we have here is obviously for them,” he said.

Keshi also praised the resilience of his team against Rwanda.

“We have reached a point where

I think we can really rediscover Nigerian football and we again appeal for understanding from all football-loving Nigerians,” he appealed.

Kano Pillars midfielder Gabriel Reuben, who was picked as the best player against Rwanda, has been compared to ex-France and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.

Chairman NFF technical committee Chris Green said it was amazing how Reuben has established himself in the national team.

“I will call Reuben, Nigeria’s Vieira and I think most Nigerians think the same way and in no distant future he would be named one of Africa’s best, just mark my words,” Green predicted.

Stephen Keshi, Eagles coach

Emenike’s parents escape Odoh emerges winner of golf tourney kidnap attempt Perpetua Nkwocha, Super Falcons

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ndrew Odoh, a member of the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Golf and Country Club, has emerged winner in the Uche Luke Okpuno (ULO) PRO-AM Golf Championship.

He won the professional category by playing an under 5 game with a total gross of 283 while Emos Koblar of Achimota Golf Club, Ghana, played second place by playing under 4 with a total gross of 284.

Martin Odoh of Minna Cantonment Golf Club played even par at third place with total gross of 288 with Vincent Torgah of Tema Golf Club Ghana.

The tournament featured golfers from other African countries with 84 golfers playing the professional category while 38 played the amateur category.

In the CAT 1 Amateurs category,

Christopher Francis of Minna Cantonment Golf Club came first, while Bako Karmal of Kano Golf Club placed second position. Third place went to Chima Nnamdi of Air Assault Golf Club Port Harcourt.

Andrew, a member of the Sunshine Tours Club of South Africa said the tournament was a great challenge to him because of the number of professionals that participated in it.

“It was very challenging considering the fact that we had players from other countries, but I'm happy I was able to pull it through.

“I just think that there is something special about this event for me because this is the third time I'm winning it and it feels really wonderful to win it again.''

Sponsor of the tournament, Mr

Uche Okpuno, said he was impressed with the way the golfers played, explaining that it would be more challenging next year to get the best out of them.

“Next year, we are going to make it much harder, we're going to have the same incentive but we are going to let them know the limit of cuts. I want them to prepare themselves and work hard because that is the only way we can push them into the international circle.''

Okpuno said the event would be an annual event and that next year's best two would be sponsored to any country of their choice for professional training.

He, however, advised the players to create incentives for themselves from within as that would help them to strive to be the best.

T

he parents of Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike escaped an attempt to abduct them yesterday in Otuocha, eastern Nigeria, the family said.

“Five armed men tried to kidnap our mother this morning (Sunday) from Emma’s house,” Ebuka Emenike, younger brother of the Super Eagles star told a wire service.

“I was not there when the incident happened. I was called shortly after the incident took place. I was told that my aunt who came out of the house was mistaken for my mother as five men on motorcycles pointed guns at her and told her to cooperate so as not to lose her life.

“They threatened to kill her but she screamed for help which alerted people around to rush out,

forcing the men to run away. While she was trying to escape from them, she got injured.”

Ebuka Emenike said a gang of gun men had laid ambush for either their father or mother to step out of the house first for the morning Catholic mass, but unfortunately for them neither of the two came out as the person who first got out of the house was an aunt.

They then mistook her for Emenike’s mother and tried to whisk her away on a motorcycle before she raised alarm.

Only last week, Italy-based midfielder Christian Obodo was abducted and later freed by police around Warri, while the father of Chelsea star Mikel Obi was also held for several days before he was set free by the police.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 43

EURO 2012

Poland coach confirms departure after group-stage exit

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oland coach Franciszek Smuda has announced he will leave the role following the co-hosts’ Euro 2012 exit.

Having drawn with both Greece and Russia, Poland knew victory in their final

Franciszek Smuda

game against Czech Republic would secure victory, but they ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat that saw them finish bottom of Group A. Smuda, 63, has now confirmed that he will not continue in the post.

Smuda suggested his players had been overconfident in their approach to the game against the Czechs and had failed to perform when it mattered.

“They played excellent football, they scored a goal, we had some opportunities in the first half but we didn’t take advantage of them and we lost the game.

“In the second half we really wanted to attack the Czechs. Unfortunately in the changing room we said something and on the pitch the players did something different.

“We cannot say that the players didn’t want to win - perhaps they were too motivated. Of course we wanted to reach the quarter-finals but we did not manage to do so.”

England charged by UEFA

T

he English Football Association has been charged by UEFA after several fans attempted to get on to the pitch following Theo Walcott’s goal in the 3-2 victory over Sweden.

The tumultuous game provoked emotional reactions in the stands and European football’s governing body are investigating whether some fans tried to invade the pitch after Walcott levelled the game up at 2-2.

A statement read: “UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Football

Association of England for the inappropriate conduct of their fans at the Group D match with Sweden.

“UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association of England (FA) for the inappropriate behaviour of their supporters - attempted invasion of the field of play - at the UEFA EURO 2012 Group D match against Sweden in Kyiv on Friday.

“The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on 20 June.”

Bilek delighted with Czech progress

C

zech Republic coach Michal Bilek believes his side deserves to be in the quarterfinals after they recovered from an opening day thrashing at the hands of Russia to top Group A. The Czechs looked like they could be the whipping boys of the group after Alan Dzagoev inspired Russia to a 4-1 win, but victories over Greece and co-hosts Poland saw them top the group while Russia are on the plane home.

“We knew that Greece had scored a goal and told the players to be patient and to be attentive at the back,” he said. “There were situations that weren’t 100% but we could counter-attack because they opened their defence and one of the breaks brought the goal so we are very happy.

“We are really, really very satisfied because we beat a team that was playing at home. They had played two fantastic matches prior to tonight and were favourites coming into this match.

“I think we weren’t good for the first 25 minutes, we couldn’t get into the game but then we improved and I think we were the better

Luka Modric

L

uka Modric insists Croatia can hurt world champions Spain in their Group C decider, as long as they are clinical in front of goal.

Modric is backing striker Mario Mandzukic to continue his streak of scoring form and add to the three goals he has

already netted at the tournament.

And the Tottenham Hotspur star, which has been linked with a move to Barcelona, thinks Croatia have the quality to shock the defending European champions in Gdansk.

“This is the match in which all of us can prove ourselves,” he said. “We are convinced that we can reach the quarter finals.”

But Modric isn’t underestimating the task at hand and expects Spain to have large chunks of possession in the match, and warned his side to be compact.

However, we have to posture solid in the middle, try to block their play and push them as far from our goal as possible.

Modric is backing Mandzukic to find the net should any of those chances come his way after the Wolfsburg striker claimed all three of Croatia’s goals in the competition to date.

Roy Keane blasts Ireland

R

oy Keane has reignited his war of words with Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni, saying the country should not be going to tournaments “shrugging our shoulders and having a sing-song”.

Keane, the former Ireland captain, had criticised the players for praising the supporters’ efforts in the loss to Spain rather than looking at their own mistakes. Trapattoni didn’t take too kindly to those remarks, and Keane used his column in the Sun to comment further.

“You’ll never beat the Irish?” he wrote. “It’s time for that song to be put away because, at the moment, everyone is beating them. I’m sick of this ‘win, lose, we’re on the booze’ mentality.

It has to change.

“The likes of (Robbie) Keane, Shay Given, Richard Dunne, John O’Shea and Damien Duff

are picked every game as they have a big reputation.

“They love having a dig back when I say something but I tell you now, I’ll be ready if they do because players have to be accountable for how the team did. I’m trying to be constructive but the manager and players all have to be accountable. It’s not good shrugging our shoulders and having a sing-song.

“I can’t think of one player who has had a good season at club level. A couple of years ago Kevin Doyle was linked with Arsenal. Now he’s heading back to the Championship. Stephen Hunt has been relegated three times in five years.

“Their club form is poor and no player has come out of the two games with any credit. Not one. That’s why Giovanni Trapattoni should make 11 changes against Italy tomorrow.”

Spain boss signs contract extension S

Peter Czech side in the second half. We were patient, we waited for the chance and the chance came, we scored the goal and then we fought on.

“We lost the first match and the situation was very difficult but the guys showed their morale and I’m very happy that we played this game and I think we deserved to go through.’’

I can’t win Euros alone, says Rooney

W

Wayne Rooney

We can hurt Spain, says Modric

ayne Rooney is eager to make up for lost time at Euro 2012 but has warned England’s expectant fans and players he can’t win the tournament on his own.

Rooney will return for England in their crucial Group D decider against co-hosts Ukraine after missing the first two games through suspension but has made light of the huge pressure that will be on his shoulders.

In a swipe at former coach Fabio Capello, the Manchester United forward also said the squad is enjoying working under Roy Hodgson and that no instruction gets lost in translation.

Rooney thinks every single man in the squad must pull together if England are to finally make a big splash at the European Championships.

“I’m not going to win the Euros on my own,

pain boss Vicente Del Bosque has signed a new contract until 2014. The Spanish football federation had been keen to tie Del Bosque down to a new contract ahead of Euro 2012 but, though he confirmed he had verbally agreed a deal in April, he had not intended to sign a deal until after the tournament.

It is reported that he had been keen to await the outcome of this summer’s tournament before putting pen to paper, to allow for an exit should Spain underperform, but the federation met with

Del Bosque in Gdansk earlier this month to convince him to commit his future. It has now been confirmed that the extension was signed prior to Spain’s opening game against Italy.

The 61-year-old, who led Spain to World Cup glory in 2010, is now contracted to the national team until after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The majority of his backroom team will stay on, though assistant coach Paco Jimenez, who takes responsibility for scouting the opposition, is to retire.

there’s 23 players to chip in and help us go as far as we can,” Rooney told a press conference.

“Obviously I’m delighted to be back. The lads have done great to put us in the position we’re in now. Hopefully I can get an opportunity to play to help us get through the group.

“Since I joined up with the squad I took part in every training session and I feel good.

I’m ready and excited to get back out on the pitch.”

Rooney also praised Hodgson for the relaxed atmosphere he has fostered within the squad, claiming team spirit is better than it was at the World Cup two years ago.

Rooney hasn’t scored at a major tournament since he burst on to the international scene at Euro 2004 and he again lamented the fact that England hasn’t landed a major title in 46 years.

Vicente Del Bosque

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

ECOWAS Games will help to achieve borderless states in West Africa

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hana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Kofi Humado, has praised the staging of the ongoing 2nd ECOWAS Games, which got underway on Saturday in Accra.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Accra yesterday that the games would pave the way for achieving unity within the sub-region.

Humado added that apart from promoting peace and unity with

the union, the games would help to move the sub-region from ECOWAS of borders to “ECOWAS of borderless states.”

“I think the purpose of the Games is to bring the youths of West Africa together in peace and unity, and for them to make friends, so that we can move the ECOWAS of borders to ECOWAS of borderless states.

“We think that sports can contribute to the vision of

P

Para-powerlifters train in open space, beg NSC for speedy completion of gym

ara-Powerlifters have appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to expedite action on the renovation of the National Stadium Lagos gym where they used to train until the repair works on the facility began in 2010.

Also, a Para-Powerlifting Coach, Ijeoma Iherobiem, has pleaded with the authorities of the commission to step up efforts to ensure that the facility was ready for use soonest to halted the suffering of parapowerlifters whom he said are compelled to train in the open for about two years now.

Iherobiem, a coach with the Delta State Sports Commission, said the completion of the renovation works was necessary because without the gym they would be unable to conduct their training, stressing that they have been forced to train in an open space.

The gymnasium, located under the terraces of the Main Bowl of the stadium, has been under renovation since 2010. “The situation has compelled us to be training under

difficult conditions which is not good for the lifters’ physique.”

She also identified the lack of incentives as a major challenge affecting the sustenance of new athletes in the sport.

Iherobiem said that she provided money for the athletes to transport themselves to and from training just to sustain their interest and keep them off begging alms in the street.

“Whenever I come in contact with them, I counsel them on how they can be useful even in their disability and I give them money to encourage them.”

She applauded the Delta State Government for its support to the development of powerlifting, especially by offering automatic employment to the gold medallist at

ECOWAS by focussing on the youths, ensuring that they move away from violence; ensuring that they move away from drugs and using sports for physical fitness and also for friendship, for discipline and as well as livelihoods.

“So we think that we are in a position to help ECOWAS to achieve that objective.”

Humado said the Games had also helped Ghana to refurbish

the last National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt.

“The incentives by the Delta government have compelled some of them to be committed to the sport,” he said.

In a separate interview, Kehinde Paul, a 60kg lifter, said that rainfall was hampering their training in an open space and appealed to the NSC come to their rescue by ensuring the

its facilities because ordinarily, the ministry could not have been able to secure the funds for infrastructure improvements.

“Through this particular event, we have improved on our infrastructure. It’s not usual that you can approach government and say ‘I want to take money for infrastructural improvement,’ unless it is based on some events.

And the ECOWAS events gives us that opportunity to do that.”

speedy completion of the renovation work.

“As an indoor sport, training in the open deters our performance and exposes us to danger. I am begging the NSC to help us to put the gymnasium in order.”

Similarly, Maria Komo (55kg), urged the sports ministry to provide training equipment and money to enable them to participate in competitions.

He suggested that all the countries that make up ECOWAS should work hard to sustain the objective because the destinies of member states were interlinked.

He noted that the member nations owed it a duty to ensure continuous success of the games in the sub-region.

Nigeria and 10 other countries are participating in the competition.

Komo said: “We need standard training equipment to engage in more competitions to evaluate our performances. Sports festivals should not be the only games to assess athletes.”

She also urged the government to provide transportation for the physically challenged at various locations to convey athletes to and from training venues.

Squash coach wants squash in school curriculum

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asiu Sanni, Head Coach, Lagos State Squash Association, has advocated the re-introduction of squash in schools to promote the sport at the grassroots.

Sanni said unless sports administrators returned to schools, the sport might not be developed in the country.

He said many people believed that squash was a game of the elite, thereby scaring people from participating in it.

“Squash is a sport for all. Many still believe that squash is being played by the elderly rich and mighty; I can tell you that it is a game for all, especially the youth.

“We need to embark on vigorous grassroots talent hunt programme, especially in the

Wasiu Sanni

schools for youths to embrace it and for the sport to be promoted in the country.”

He noted that only a few schools participated in the recently-concluded Ibile Games while the local government areas were conspicuously absent.

Sanni also said that facility was not a problem as any wall around could serve as squash court for training.

“Though squash courts are not easy to build around the state, common wall can be used as court for anyone who is serious to pick a career in the sport.”

He said that the association was targeting the schools to select a good team to prepare for the 18th National Sports Festival scheduled for Nov. 27 to Dec. 9 in Lagos.

Nigerian female para-powerlifter

Team Nigeria in bright start at ECOWAS Games

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eam Nigeria on Saturday in Accra started her ECOWAS Games title defence on a bright start with two medals on the opening day of competition.

In the day’s two athletics events at the El-Wak Stadium, Nigeria won a gold medal and a bronze medal to be among the Games’ leader.

Shimenenge Agber powered past two Ghanaians with about 200 metres left to win the women’s 800 metres gold, with the hosts claiming the other medals.

Agber ran in after two minutes 10.51 seconds to win the gold, while Agnes Abu won silver with 2:12.35 seconds and Rita Lounab the bronze with 2:16.65.

In the men’s 1,500 metres, the hosts, however, returned the compliment by winning both the gold and silver and leaving Nigeria’s Barnabas David with the bronze.

Sampson Azumah was the winner with 3:57.14, while Bright Atta-Gyamfi was second with 4:03.03 and David with 4:04.19, in an invitational event.

Earlier, while declaring the seven-day Games open, Ghanaian Vice-President John Mahama had urged

West African youths to utilise the competition to further integrate the sub-region.

“Not only that, you must use this Games to empower yourselves as sports is now big business nowadays.”

Also speaking, ECOWAS Commissioner in charge of Human Development and Gender, Mrs Adrianne Diop, had underlined the importance of the Games, saying it would help to promote unity .

In his address of welcome, Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Clement Humado, had assured participants of good competition and warm hospitality.

Ten countries took part in the march-past at the occasion. They incude hosts Ghana, defending champions Nigeria, Togo, Republic of Benin, Niger Republic, Cote D’ivoire, Mali, Liberia, Senegal and Burkina Faso.

Sierra Leone, which finished last at the maiden edition in 2010 in Abuja with no medal won, were yet to arrive in Accra for the Games as at Saturday evening. The Games is expected to end on Friday, June 22.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 45

a

b

c

d

e

f

a. England batsman Ian Bell says he hopes his match-winning century against West Indies would mark a turning point in his one-day career.

I R O T C I P

L A

b. Graeme McDowell leads with Jim Furyk, while Lee Westwood is also in contention in the 112th US Open at the Olympic Club.

c. David Nalbandian is disqualified from the Aegon Championships final after injuring a line judge by kicking an advertising board into his shin. d. Britain's Tasha Danvers, a 400m hurdles Olympics bronze medallist in 2008, retires because of a series of injury problems. e. Scrum-half Ben Youngs will miss the remainder of England's tour of South Africa because of a shoulder injury. f. The WBA interim super-bantamweight title fight between Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe ends in a technical draw after a clash of heads. g. England striker Wayne Rooney says he has no problems with his attitude or temperament ahead of the match with Ukraine tomorrow.

g

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

SPORTS

LA TEST LATEST UERO 2012: Ronaldo’s brace sends Portugal into quarter-finals

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eal Madrid's ace scored twice against the Dutch to secure Portugal's ticket to the quarterfinals of the ongoing UERO 2012 tournament.

Though The Netherlands scored first through Van Der Vaart, the Portuguese lads did just enough to ensure they join Germany who defeated Denmark also 2-1 to advance to the knock stage of the fiesta.

In an open and entertaining game, Ronaldo cancelled out Rafael van der Vaart's 11thminute opener and hit the winner with 16 minutes left as Portugal went through as runners-up behind Germany and now face the Czech Republic on Thursday.

Dutch midfielder Van der Vaart beat keeper Rui Patricio with an exquisite curling shot from outside the box but Ronaldo, the world's most expensive player, latched on to Joao Pereira's slide-rule pass to level for the Portuguese in the 28th.

As the Dutch, World Cup finalists two years ago, left huge gaps at the back after the break, Ronaldo was fed by Nani and had time to pick his spot and fire past Maarten Stekelenburg.

The defeat for the Dutch meant that the star-glut team left the tournament without a win and once more returned to the tag of 'team of promise' which they managed to shake off at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa where they got to the final but lost to European champions Spain.

Meanwhile, Italy striker Mario Balotelli was back in trainingyesterday just a day after limping off the pitch with a knee problem. He limped off the pitch during training on Saturday.

Italy play Ireland in their final Group C match today knowing they must win to stand a chance of reaching the Euro 2012 quarterfinals.

Today's matches Spain vs Croatia Italy vs Ireland CAF results Congo DR. 3 Seychelles 0 Zimbabwe 1 Burundi 1 Mozambique 1 Tanzania 1 Benin Rep. 1 Ethiopia 1 Togo 1 Kenya 0

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE The holy passion of friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money— Mark Twain

Are we there yet?

“If two men on the same job agree all the time, then one of them is useless. If they disagree all the time, then both are useless.”

Darryl F. Zanuck

I

ronically, President Jonathan started it all. In his bid to convince a skeptical nation that he needed to remove the subsidy on petroleum products, he harped on the existence of waste and abuse of the subsidy policy which made the product cheap, but deprived the state of the resources it needed to invest in critical sectors.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Finance followed through with shocking statistics on the drain to the economy which the subsidy policy represented. There were remote hints at large scale corruption and systemic plunder, but these became louder only when civil society and organized labour began to ask searching questions about the cost of imported and consumed petroleum products, as well as quantities and benchmarks on appropriate pricing.

Suddenly, the dark veils around the fuel subsidy world was being lifted, partly because citizens asked awkward questions; and partly because the administration which made such desperate moves to remove the subsidy failed to answer such questions. No one could say how much petroleum we consumed on a daily basis; or how much we paid for its importation; or why it cost what it did; or why we had to pay more than 100% more for a litre of petroleum. When it began to filter through to the citizenry that corruption was largely responsible for the huge cost of the subsidy policy, Nigerians demanded that Jonathan removed corruption, not subsidy. The National Assembly, with its welldeveloped instinct for opportunity waded in with ad hoc committees to probe the subsidy policy. An almighty confrontation took place between a well-mobilized citizenry and an administration which had committed itself to a battle it was ill-prepared to win, but could not lose. In the end, both sides lost. The administration raised the pump price on petroleum, but left itself open to searching demands for transparency and massive inquiry. Nigerians lost the battle to keep the subsidy where it was, but gained a strategic foothold on the administration’s defenses, particularly its low capacity on relating with big business and corruption.

The probing hearings by the National Assembly looked

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FIFTEEN MINUTES with Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed drbabaahmed@yahoo.com

Hon. Farouk Lawan promising. The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee in particular looked like what the nation needed to expose the deep and elaborate scam which cost us trillions in stolen funds, and which everyone involved in managing our economy said had to be stopped, or our economy will crash.

It was headed by a well-known legislator who had carefully cultivated an image of Mr Clean.

The hearings were open, televised, and full of drama. Everything you could expect in a probe with high stakes was there: threats of blackmail; strong denials and bullying tactics; elaborate plays to the gallery; conjectures; facts; half facts and falsehood dressed as evidence.

But like most probes of this nature, the public actually sees very little of the action. Substantial amount of energy and maneuvering takes places behind hearing rooms and television cameras, when high stakes and endemic corruption size each other up, and negotiate a settlement. And the stakes could not have come much higher. The target of the probe is a cartel intimately connected with the administration. It is substantially the power base and financial powerhouse on which the Jonathan Presidency relied to come to power. Some of the biggest names under investigation are the economic pillars of the administration. The assault on the subsidy policy was a declaration of war and although it was triggered

by the Jonathan administration, the incursion of the national assembly, and the very high expectations over the exposure of unprecedented sleaze had threatened a major lifeline of many multi billionaires.

It would have been foolhardy to think these extremely wealthy and well-connected interests will not fight back. Since it appeared as if the presidency had inadvertently hung them out to dry, they sized up the enemy in the national assembly. It was an enemy they knew very well. The legislature’s many layers of committees and other mechanisms for oversight is a familiar facade behind which they have transacted many businesses.

Every activity of the executive or the economy has a committee which interfaces with it in the legislature. Committees are powerful. Their words or findings on any issue is virtually gospel for their colleagues in the House or Senate. Chairmen of Committees are extraordinarily powerful, which is why the fight over them is so intense. Chairmen could take decisions for Committees, and in most instances they broker “resolutions” between committees and targets of probes or subjects of oversight. Everyone who has interfaced with committees of the legislature comes out with massive bruises and tightly sealed lips.

The only way the national assembly probe into the fuel subsidy scam could have yielded genuine dividends was if the legislature operated absolutely above board. This means resisting both the pressure from the cartel to compromise, or pressure from within to have a bite at the cherry.

It appears to have capitulated without a fight under both pressures.

We have now come full circle.

The unheard-of corruption which characterized the subsidy policy now threatens to destroy all evidence against it. All the legalese and face-saving stunts by the legislature will not salvage a report which is badly tainted by cynical manipulation of rules, institutional mechanisms, security agencies and public opinion. The reality is

that the findings of the committee are not worth the paper they are written on. Nothing will obliterate the infamy of the chairman is delisting of Otedola’s companies on the floor of the house. Nor would the re-listing of the companies salvage the integrity of the report or of the House of Representatives.

The collusion of the executive arm through the involvement of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies will further dent the integrity of the exercise. Why should President Jonathan or other Nigerians believe that Otedola is the only person who was asked to give bribes to the chairman or the committee? Why should Nigerians believe a word of the other members of the committee? What, in fact, is the committee doing at this stage, when its report has been submitted to the full house? Just how much behind-the-scene activity around the subsidy probe do Nigerians know? Why was it necessary for the House to pass a vote of confidence on its Speaker?

Does it suggest that he or his position are under threat as a result of the muck from the scandal?

Painful as it is, it is fair to say that the Farouk Lawan report is tainted beyond redemption. The president should now constitute a judicial panel of inquiry to examine every facet of the subsidy policy, including the Farouk Lawan report and the bribery allegation.

This suggestion itself will be dismissed by many Nigerians who are convinced, not without some justification, that the judiciary is just as bad as the executive and legislative arms.

But this is not a reason not to insist on an open, judicial inquiry.

Certainly, it will be difficult believe that the same Ad Hoc Committee with a new chairman, a House which is desperately interested in covering up its weaknesses at this stage; security and lawenforcement agencies whose involvement in the saga has already substantially compromised them; and a president who has shown a very weak political will to fight corruption, will produce a result out of this tragic development that will substantially damage corruption.

Our anger as a people at the impunity and arrogance with which power robes us of our few possessions is yet to reach its limits.

But it is getting there, and many young people in particular are asking if we are there yet. We must avoid getting there. A judicial panel of inquiry into the subsidy scam and scandal is the only option left.

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