Peoples Daily Newspaper, Wednesday 20, February, 2013

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 10 No. 38

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Demolition continues in Mararaba

Mali war: Repatriated Nigerian soldier dies in Jaji >> PAGE 2

>> PAGE 3

Rabiul Akhir 10, 1434 AH

N150

We’ll not spend money on Good Governance Tour - Oshiomhole >> PAGE 5

Reps want Interpol to arrest Maina

By Umar Mohammed Puma

T

he House of Representatives yesterday toed the line of the Senate and called for the sack and prosecution of the Chairman, Presidential Task Force on

Pensions, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, who has been declared wanted by the police.

The House also directed the Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Muhammed, to liaise with the Interpol and effect Maina's arrest without delay.

The concurrence was approved following the adoption of a motion sponsored by the Chairman, Rules and Business, Hon. Albert Sam-Tsokwa(PDPTaraba).

In his lead argument, SamTsokwa recalled that "the Senate

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Wednesday 13th February 2013 passed Resolution (S/Res/ 033/02/13) requesting that Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina be dismissed from the public service of the Federal Republic of Nigeria immediately and be disengaged

from all acts relating to public duty, and that the Inspector General of Police appears before the Committee on Police Affairs to give reasons why he did not act on the Warrant issued by the President of the Senate and that Contd on Page 2

Former members of staff of National Identity Management Commission blocked the entrance of the National Assembly to demand for intervention of the parliament in their case, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Protesting NIMC staff storm NASS, barricade entrance

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

S

everal hundreds of staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), who were recently dismissed by the commission for allegedly possessing inferior qualifications, yesterday thronged the National Assembly complex in Abuja disrupting official activities, as well as causing grave confusion.

The protesters, numbering hundreds, stormed the complex at

about 8am, overwhelmed the security operatives and chanted different songs like "D.G. NIMC is the enemy of the masses".

The protesters prevented journalists, legislative aides and the staff of the National Assembly from gaining entrance into the complex, demanding that the lawmakers must intervene in their plight.

It would be recalled that the sacked NIMC staff had demonstrated in the past but their plight was not addressed, which

prompted them to stage a comeback to further press home their demands.

The leader of the protesting staff, Ushe Fidelis, said they will sustain the protest, even after yesterday, adding that they will only rest if the lawmakers intervene and explain to them why the Director General of NIMC should be recruiting 18,600 new staff after sacking 4,600 of the existing staff of the commission.

He lamented a situation where several investigative

inquiries into the issue in both chambers of the National Assembly failed to yield the desired result which is to recall the dismissed workers.

Cars were barricaded from entering or leaving the assembly.

The efforts made by the Divisional Police Officer of Asokoro to control the rowdy situation did not yield any meaningful result.

Addressing the protesters, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity, Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

19th Feb., 2013

CBN RATES $ £ EURO CFA RIYAL

BUYING 154.74 239.72 206.11 0.2954 41.26

SELLING 155.74 241.27 207.44 0.3154 41.52

PARALLEL RATES EURO £ RIYAL $

BUYING 208 254.50 42 157

SELLING 210 257.50 43 158

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Alleged terrorism: Court dismisses Ndume's application to stay proceedings

Letters

14

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

Opinion

15

CONTENTS News

2-10

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

Property

24-27

Motoring

28

Arts

29-30

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Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, dismissed an application brought before it by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume seeking an interim stay order to allow him challenge two interlocutory orders made by the trial court.

The interlocutory orders paved the way for the admission of three DVDs that contained alleged record of communication between Ndume and the convicted spokesperson of the Boko Haram, Ali Kondunga.

The trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole in his ruling, said: "I shall instead of granting an interim order give you 60 days to attend to your appeal.

"The accused applicant would be compelled to explain to the justices of the Court of Appeal why he withdrew his motion on stay before the trial court to suddenly file a fresh one at the appellate court", he added.

The judge held that there could be some pertinent events that could lead to a situation where motion on stay could leapfrog to the appellate court, but expressed doubt that the unfolding events on the matter so far have necessitated that.

He adjourned the matter to May 6, 2013 for mention and added that Ndume would continue to enjoy bail as granted him earlier.

When the matter was called yesterday, Ndume's counsel, Rickey Tarfa, pleaded the court to withdraw a motion for stay

he filed earlier on behalf of his client.

Tarfa said that the withdrawal became necessary because Ndume’s appeal had eventually been entered at the Court of Appeal.

"We have also filed our brief of argument and fresh stay application at the Court of Appeal, consequent upon that we are calling for the withdrawal of the one we filed before this court on February 5,’’ he said.

Prosecution counsel, Thompson Olatigbe, did not oppose the oral application for the withdrawal of the motion on stay but did oppose the prayer for an interim stay order.

Olatigbe said that the accused applicant and his counsel had introduced a new dimension to criminal proceedings by abandoning the trial court without a stay order.

Contractor raising false alarm over 3rd Mainland Bridge After stealing billions, grounding Nigeria Airways, indicted officials still enjoy loot, Page 4

Int’l

31-34

Newsxtra

35

Digest

36

Politics

37-39

People & Polity 40 Sports

41-45

Leisure

47

Columnist

48

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU The Peoples Daily wants to hear from you with any news and pictures you think we should publish.

You can send your news and pictures to: letters@peoplesdaily-online.com pictures@peoplesdaily-online.com contact@peoplesdaily-online.com

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, yesterday revealed that the alarm in both the social media and the senate that the 3rd Mainland Bridge is collapsing was sequel to the refusal of the ministry to pay the N35 billion demanded by the Nigeria Submarine Divers Ltd; the ministry's consultant to carry out repair works on the under-water structures of the bridge.

Briefing the Senate Committee on Works over the motion recently moved by Senator Olugbenga Ashafa, (ACN Lagos East), seeking urgent

intervention to save the 3rd Mainland Bridge, which he claimed a consultant said is at the point of collapse, Onolememen explained that what angered the ministry's consultant was because he sought the opinion of another consultant.

In addition, he revealed that the repair works on the bridge, which the ministry's consultant claimed will require N35 billion to carry out, was subjected to further investigations and enquiries, and it was discovered that only N5 billion could suffice to carry out the repair works on the bridge.

Onolememen said it was because of this further move to

consult second consultant that made the first consultant to give out the copies of the photos it took on the under-water situation of the bridge, raising alarm on its possible collapse.

While emphatically stating that the bridge is very strong and intact, according to a European expert on under-water civil engineering it consulted, the minister argued that the ministry sought expert opinion on the bridge, because of its conviction that Nigeria Submarine Divers Ltd has expertise only in carrying out under-water investigations other than the civil engineering analysis of the work and what it will cost.

Mali war: Repatriated Nigerian soldier dies in Jaji

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ne of the Nigerian soldiers deployed to Mali for the ongoing war reportedly died at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College medical centre in Jaji after he was hurriedly repatriated from the West African country.

According to an online news report yesterday, the soldier, identified simply as Sergeant Gabriel, was serving at the NACOL Signal Unit, Lagos before he was sent to Mali allegedly without medical examination.

The late Sgt Gabriel is survived by his wife, four children and other relatives.

The Director of Defence Information, Mohammed Yerima confirmed the story however

declined saying what led to his death. He said an autopsy is yet to be performed on the dead soldier.

Sources were quoted as saying had a proper medical examination been carried out before deployment, the late Sgt Gabriel would not have been taken to Mali.

Despite the commencement of normal feeding, the army is yet to resolve other challenges faced by the troops such as basic supplies and payment of allowances.

Few days ago, members of a platoon, led by Captain A.H. Ali, on patrol to Koulikoro, 80 kilometres from the Malian capital, Bamako, were forced to buy fuel with their money as the Toyota Hilux truck they were traveling in ran out of fuel.

A defence insider said normal regime of meals resumed among the troops as from Monday, days after the soldiers faced hardship.

Despite the claim by President Goodluck Jonathan that the government has spent $34 million (N5.1 billion) on the deployment of troops to the war-torn country, the contingent has been hit by food shortages and lack of basic supplies, according to the report.

Mohammed Yerima, said in an interview that the contingent did not solicit for the food items.

He said the rice and cows were given to the contingent by the Mayor after he paid them a courtesy visit.

“They did not beg for food,” he said. “The items were given to them (the soldiers) as gift in accordance with their (host community) tradition.

Protesting NIMC staff storm NASS, barricade entrance Contd from Page 1

Senator Abdulmumini Maigoro, said that the Senate would look into the situation, assuring them that the parliament will do everything possible to unravel the situation behind the sack.

He said that the committee had met with the management of the NIMC to find solutions to the issue, adding that the affected staff will hear from the senate soon.

Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, the protesters were still at the gate of the National Assembly.

Reps want Interpol to arrest Maina Contd from Page 1

Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina should be investigated and prosecuted".

Tsokwa therefore urged the House to be "Conscious of the need to present a common front with respect to the institutional integrity of the National Assembly".

He said, "there was a need to send a strong signal to the executive arm of government of the resolve of the National Assembly to stop impunity and disregard for due process in the conduct of government business".

In his remarks after the motion was adopted, Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, warned top government functionaries against protecting corrupt public officials.

He said: "We cannot be fighting corruption in isolation through selective processes. We cannot pretend to be fighting corruption, yet we are condoning corrupt officials in government. Those of us in high places should not be seen as condoning corruption".

"I am calling on the IGP to use every available means in ensuring that Maina is arrested and the resolution of the House and the Senate is duly complied with".

Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 3

Demolition continues in Mararaba

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he demolition of illegal structures along the AbujaKeffi dual carriage way in Nasarawa state continued yesterday with the special task force visiting Ado, New Nyanya, Nyanya Gwandara and Masaka.

Caterpillars were busy pulling down illegal structures and makeshift shops along the highway.

Most shop owners hurriedly removed their belongings ahead of the task force visit.

Most commuters interviewed expressed joy and happiness over

the exercise and commended Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura for taking the bull by the horns in other to sanitise the Greater Karu Area.

Meanwhile, Governor Almakura has warned those whose makeshift shops were pulled down to desist from any

attempt to rebuild them because they would face prosecution.

In a press statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Press Affairs, Sani Musa Mairiga, the governor said government would not fold its arms and watch illegal

occupants tarnish the aesthetic beauty of the state; adding that anybody who reoccupies the place would be charged to court.

Sani Musa Mairiga senior special Assistant on media and press affairs to the Nasarawa state governor.

Perform or be sacked, FCT Compol warns officers

By Lambert Tyem

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Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima (2nd right), his deputy, Zannah Umar Mustapha (2nd left), and chairman of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi (right), during the commissioning of AIT/Ray Power Station, yesterday in Maiduguri.

Gunmen attack police outpost, kill 4 in Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

T

wo policemen attached to the Borno state police command were among the four persons killed on Monday evening, when unknown gunmen launched multiple attacks in separate locations.

In one of the incidents, more 10 young men armed with assault rifles and explosives, had From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

S

peaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji who is standing trial for money laundering allegedly approved N22 million cash for assembly members to celebrate the 2011 Ramadan.

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) official, Mr. Adebayo Adeniji, said this yesterday while giving evidence against the Speaker before Justice

reportedly stormed a police outpost in Konduga town, the administrative headquarters of Konduga local government area.

It was further gathered that the invaders who arrived in the area in two Volkswagen cars, split themselves into two, with one group directly firing at the outpost, while the other took strategic locations and fired sporadic shots into the air.

The attackers reportedly took the policemen on duty unawares,

killing two officers and burning down the building.

Konduga is about 40 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital and had witnessed series of attacks and killings.

Our correspondent reports that the latest incidentlasted for an hour, with the invaders forcing other policemen to flee before detonating improvised explosive devices (IEDs), leaving the structure completely burnt.

Lagos Speaker approved N22m cash for Salah celebration – EFCC tells court Okechukwu Okeke of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

The EFCC official who was led in evidence by the prosecutor, Godwin Obla, told the court that investigations by the EFCC revealed that financial transactions in the Lagos State House of Assembly were done in

cash.

"The various statements from members of the house as well as the first and second accused revealed that all financial transactions in the house were done without going through any financial institution".

Adeniji told the court that the

Six killed as rival political parties clash in Benue From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

A

t least six persons have been confirmed killed in TorDonga, Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue state during a clash between thugs of two rival political parties.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ezeala who confirmed the incident in a telephone chat

Also later in the day, another group of gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers waylaid a vigilante team in Lassa town of Askira Uba local government council.

The hoodlums were said to had gunned down a member of the vigilante group as well as an unidentified civilian.

Both the Joint Military Task Force, (JTF) and the police command declined comments on the incidents.

with our reporter said trouble started on Monday night when thugs of a certain political party which he did not disclose ostensibly for security reasons, killed the leader of a rival party.

He added that a reprisal attack by the other group saw the death of five other persons.

Ezeala said no arrest has so far been made but intimated that the

police has cordoned the area and would arrest anyone spotted there.

An eye witness said one Terzungwe Jebu who is the leader of the group was murdered on Monday after he had returned from market and his group did not waste time in embarking on a reprisal, killing five members of the opposing group.

statement of one Mr. Bolaji Ayila, a member of the house who saw to the welfare of members, showed that in 2011, the sum of N22 million was approved by Ikuforiji for the Ramadam celebration for the legislators.

Another statement retrieved from a former clerk of the house, Mr Adewale Taiwo, according to the EFCC official showed that even training allowance, flight allowance and course allowance paid to members were given to them in cash rather than cheque.

Adeniji told the court that according to Atoyebi's statement, 14 members of the house of assembly collected the sum of N1.188 million each for the 42nd conference of the Commonwealth Parliament.

ewly posted Commissioner of Police Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Femi Ogunbayode has warned officers and men of the command to brace up for new challenges and better performance or face dismissal.

Addressing officers while assuming duty yesterday in Abuja, Ogunbayode warned that any officer who is not ready to work professionally and dedicatedly would be removed.

While expressing his commitment to fighting crime and criminality in Abuja, he promised to look into the operations of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the command with a view to repositioning it to have a human face.

According to him, "We will continue to maintain an open doorpolicy, our goal is the same as ever to effectively police the FCT to provide an atmosphere for people to pursue their economic, political and social engagements safely.

Emirates breakup: Katsina Assembly to organise public hearing From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

K

atsina State House of Assembly has mandated its committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to study the relevant laws establishing emirates in the state and conduct public hearing on the issue of creating new emirates or otherwise.

The assembly had last week given the go ahead to communities across the state to come-up with the demand of new emirate councils and the proposed transfer of seven local governments from Katsina Emirate to Daura Emirate.

The proposed local governments to be cut off from Katsina Emirate and joined with Daura include, Mashi, Kusada, Kankia, Bindawa, Mani, Ingawa and Dutsi.

At the sitting on Monday, the House urged the committee to consult relevant stakeholders and scrutinise relevant laws to look at the demand and get inputs on demands from various communities.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 20, 2013

How officials, travel agencies robbed, ran Nigeria Airways aground (II) T he pillaging and misappropriation that characterised the Nigerian Airways was not limited to the alleged corruption of its former Managing Directors- Jani Ibrahim and Mohammed Joji; several top management staff of the company between 1985 and 1999 in one way or the other either embezzled, misappropriated or mismanaged its resources, Premium Times can authoritatively reveal.

In 1992, Nigerian Airways Director of Finance, Afam Nwagboso, with the approval of Mr. Joji, allegedly disregarded all vibrant banks and used a moribund bank (Continental Merchant Bank) as the collecting bank for all cash taking of the airline. Soon after, the bank capitulated and the airline lost N40 million already collected by the bank.

In 1993, the Area Marketing Manager of the airline, Ibrahim Bala, allegedly stole N354 million ($2,359,546.95) collected from the Jeddah station amount for excess baggage and luggage allowance.

Sometimes between January 1984 and December 1985, during the time of Bernard Banfa, a retired Air Commodore, as the managing director of the airways, the Minister of Aviation, Patrick Konshoni, a retired Air Admiral, were alleged to have sold an air worthy A310 aircraft for paltry sums against expert advice. The White Paper directed that Mr. Koshoni and Mr. Banfa be compelled to pay N65.29 billion ($435.25 million) being the cost of an A310 aircraft.

Mr. Konshoni could not be reached for comments.

We could not reach Mr. Banfa, now a senior member of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), for comments as well; but Rotimi Fasakin, spokesperson for the party, rose to his defence: "The only institution that can find someone guilty of any crime is a competent court of law," he said.

"Was Mr. Banfa convicted of any crime? There have been various White Papers and nothing has come out of them.

You should ask the government why it did not prosecute those indicted. Mr. Banfa served this country meritoriously, to the best of my knowledge."

Between 1988 and 1990

Mrs Stella Odua, the minister of aviation when Olu Bajowa was the boss of the airline, CES travels was "given the exclusive right to sell all tickets for NAL (Nigerian Airways Limited) in the UK and US even to the exclusion of NAL itself," the White Paper noted. During this period, CES Travels did not remit N945 million ($6.3 million) to the airline. The report recommended that Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, a two-time federal minister, Olu Bajowa, M. Abdulsalam, T. Mgbhor and U.S.H Maigida be made to pay the money to the airline's account.

Mr. Bajowa also deposited the N652.5 million ($4.35 million) for the purchase of two aircraft (MD-11 and ATR42). The aircraft were not delivered and the deposit was never accounted for.

Mr. Bajowa did not respond to our request to comment via am e-mail sent to his personal website.

A certain Mohammed Kari and other officials of the airways also pulled an insurance scam with the aid of some NICON officials and N21 billion ($13,935,956.20) was deposited in a phony company- Alexander Services Limited in the Channel Islands, the report stated.

From 1995 to 1997, a director, All-Well Brown," kept some crew of the airline in Miami for five months for no

reasonable cause," the commission discovered. Their stay cost the airline N18.3 million ($122,000.00).

According to the White Paper, in 1994 Alexandra Howden, a London based insurance company with the aid of some officials of the airline, collected N367.5 million ($2.45 million) without rendering any service to the company.

Information on U.K. company directory, Company Check, shows that the company is dissolved. It filed its last account in 2002.

Between 1991 and 1996, A. Olafisoye, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bond limited, and other senior management officials allegedly

stole millions of dollar from the airline.

The r e p o r t described Mr. Olafisoye as "all-in-all [who] manipulated the operators of the company at will." The report said his involvement with the company "led to the looting of funds and other fraudulent activities that brought the [airline] on its kneels."

Fidelty Bond has vacated its only known address at E l e p h a n t House, Alausa, Ikeja. Security men at the address said they last opened for business two years ago; their office has remained closed since then.

Other junior staff too The corruption of topranked officials of the airline blinded them to the side thievery that was being perpetrated by nonmanagement staff, contractors and travel agencies while property belonging to the airline were allowed to be occupied under uncertain terms or left to rot away.

The commission discovered that they indulged in unrestrained stealing and fraudulent conversion of property belonging to the airline.

In 1995, Mrs. Abimbola, C.O Awosika, Adetoye A.B. and K. Omoregbe all assigned to the TBS office of the airways

“

In 1992, Nigerian Airways Director of Finance, Afam Nwagboso, with the approval of Mr. Joji, allegedly disregarded all vibrant banks and used a moribund bank (Continental Merchant Bank) as the collecting bank for all cash taking of the airline. Soon after, the bank capitulated and the airline lost N40 million already collected by the bank.

collectively stole N27 million, the report states. Around the same time, staff and travel agencies in the Jos joined the free-for-all: D.A Adebiyi cornered (N86,179.00), Deen Travels (N629,834,00), Lagustr Travels (N214,854.00), Assab Travels (N8,493,796.00), H&B travels (N6,885,046.00), All Staff Travels (N3,027,354.00)and Classique Travels (N2,421,105.00).

Also in 1995, the Head of Insurance and Claims of the airline, A.S. Amalu, corroborated with other staff to steal N3.75 million ($250,000.00), the White Paper stated.

The next year, staff at the Kinshasha and Mgbengele stations in the Democratic Repulblic of Congo stole N123, 280.00. In Jos Dilli K.M. stole N3,258,284.00, in Ilorin Olobayo T.D stole N188,768.00, in Abeokuta Adeluola V.I. embezzled N182, 700.00, in Sokoto S.L. Atitebi stole N574,969.00, in Onitsha J. Osukponu moved N723,469.00, in Benin A.A Echu stole N1,115,269.00, the report showed. Those stationed at Lagos did not miss out in the thievery: Mr. Aro grabbed ÂŁ203,484.00 (N50.87 million), Mr. Fakeye stole $108,429.00 (N16.26 million) Cosvir Travels didn't remit N8 million, All Sky Travels N234,546.00, Octilon Travels N645,515.00 QCA Travel N124,548.00, Qualitex Travels N582,433.00, Nokoy Travels N235,254.00, FLT Contract Travels N1,337,711.00, Aeroswift Travels N1,365,281.00, BOFAM Travels N232,322.00 and Onent Travel Agency N573,035.00.

Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to locate all the travel agencies involved were futile as many of them have since become extinct.

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies at its Fadeyi, Lagos office asked for a list of all the indicted travel agencies. After receiving the list, the official at the agency identified Classique Travels and Qualitex Travels as its members, saying others no longer exist.

The official requested that PREMIUM TIMES route its questions to these two agencies through the association.

Several weeks after the questions were sent, both the agencies and the association are yet to respond.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

We’ll not spend money on Good Governance Tour, Oshiomhole declares From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

E

do State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has vowed not to spend the state government’s money in hosting the 120-member Good Governance tour team led by information minister, Mr. Labaran Maku, who are schedule to visit the state next Week.

Oshiomhole dropped the hint yesterday during a stakeholders seminar organised by the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue in collaboration with the state judiciary which had as its theme: “X-raying the laws guiding the operations of revenue generation in Edo”.

Oshiomhole said whenever he travels to Abuja for any official business, the cost is on Edo state and not the Federal Government; therefore, it would be inappropriate to use tax payers’ money to finance a Federal Government programme.

The governor however promised to receive the team when they pay a courtesy call on him at State House.

By Maryam Garba Hassan

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of vice chancellors and registrars for the three newly established Federal Universities in Kebbi, Yobe and Zamfara states.

A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, stated that the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i who conveyed the President’s approval, said the new vice chancellors are Prof. Shehu AbdulRahman, Federal University Gashua, Prof. Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, Federal University Birnin Kebbi and Prof.

Ben Chuks Okeke, Federal University Gusau.

The statement added that the

PAGE 5

Jonathan approves appointment of VCS, registrars for three new varsities President also approved the appointed of Prof. Isaac Asuzu to replace Prof. Chinedu Nebo the new Minister of Power as vice chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti.

It further stated that the registrars for the new universities

are Alhaji Sule Dauda, Federal University Gashua, Mr. Ibrahim Mungadi, Federal University Birnin Kebbi and Mr. Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, Federal University Gusau.

The statement said the

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

CPC chairman loses brother

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lder brother of former information minister and chairman, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Prince Tony Momoh, Prince Attahiru Bamaiyi Cyril (ABC) Momoh, has passed on.

He died on Friday, February 15, 2013, in Lagos at the age of 84.

Until his death, Prince ABC

Momoh was the Managing Director of Zarat (Nigeria), Limited, a shipping, clearing and forwarding company.

Before establishing Zarat in 1982, he worked for 34 years in several divisions of UAC (Nigeria) Limited. Between 1948 and 1960, he was at Niger River Transport

appointments Registrars is with immediate effect and that they are expected to report for briefings by the Minister of Education on Friday February 22, 2013 at 10 am at the Minister’s Conference Room.

and from 1960 to 1982 he was in Palm Line Agencies, where he rose to the position of Commercial Representative.

The Dania of Auchi, the late ABC Momoh was the eldest of the more than 1,200 members of the Momoh royal family of Auchi, Edo state living in Lagos.

E4A launches website to reduce maternal/child death in Nigeria

By A’isha Biola Raji

E

vidence for Action (E4A) has launched a website solely for inspiring the general public to rise in action to help save the lives of numerous Nigerian mothers and babies.

The website, ‘MamaYe’ campaign was yesterday launched in Abuja as a tool for curtailing the preventable ‘uncontrolled bleeding, infection,

poor medical care and lack of education’ battling women in Nigeria, which as a result render affected surviving children of such circumstances of birth motherless.

To mark the launch, E4A staged a live drama event with songs and provided the platform to donate blood and other wellmeaning actions by concerned citizens in order to help save mothers and children.

Evidence for Action is a group being funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) According to Dr. Tunde Segun, Country Director, E4A Nigeria, the act of giving birth is not a death ticket. “The hardest pill to swallow is that, giving life to Nigeria’s next generation is one of the biggest killers of Nigeria’s women”, he said.

Not limiting the task of saving lives of mothers and babies to government or the UN alone, he tasked Nigerians irrespective of social, educational, or financial status to ensure women have ‘timely’ access to safe healthcare services, including sufficient blood supply through donation of blood. “This could help save about 40,000 mothers and 240,000 babies a year,” he said.

2013 Guild of Editor’s convention holds in Ibadan

By Joy Baba

T

he Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) is scheduled to hold its 2013 convention in Ibadan, Oyo state capital two years after its last convention in Lagos.

A statement signed by the General Secretary of NGE, Isaac Ighure, said a new president and executive members are expected to emerge at the end of the convention since the tenure of the current executive led by Mr. Gbenga Adefaye who has served for the past four years elapsed January this year.

The statement also said the Guild has appointed Malam Mohammed Haruna, a respected veteran journalist as the chairman of the eight-man electoral committee which consists of top-notch journalists of proven integrity to ensure a rancour and acrimony-free convention.

According to the statement, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the governor of Oyo state, will declare the convention open while the Minister for Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, is expected to address about 300 editors that are expected to converge for the event.

L-R: Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President David Mark, former President of Ghana, Mr. John Kufor, and Chairman, The Sun Newspapers, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu, during the 10th anniversary lecture of the The Sun Newspapers, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate yesterday expressed its readiness to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill this year, urging the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Deziani Alison-Madueke, to corporate with the lawmakers for clarifications and easy passage of the bill.

Speaking yesterday when the minister led some top members of the ministry to lobby the senate to pass the bill, the Senate President, David Mark, represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekwetenmadu, reminded the minister that the passage will only be possible if the petroleum ministry works with relevant Senate committees treating the PIB to ensure a new legal regime for

Senate to pass PIB this year •As Alison-Madueke kicks off lobby Nigeria's oil sector.

He said this would ensure that the law serves the interest of the country, adding that the senate is prepared to dislodge hiccups, adding that this was why it called for briefing by the minister for easy second reading of the bill.

Mark, who noted that the bill is very essential owing to its economic potentials, said the meeting is "a technical briefing on the PIB to clear areas of doubt".

Speaking to journalists also, the minister insisted that the new PIB has drastically reduced the powers

of the Petroleum Minister, pointing out that it is in line with the unbundling process of the ministry in the oil sector.

Earlier in her presentation, the petroleum minister said in line with the deregulation drive of the PIB, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will be unbundled to create a worldclass National Oil Company (NOC) designed in line with the globally acceptable system, as obtains in Petrobras (Brazil) and Petronas (Malaysia).

She however faulted claims in

some quarters that the PIB grants unlimited powers to the petroleum minister, saying that the PIB as presently drafted has drastically reduced the powers of the minister by virtue of PIB proposals that government divest much of its interest in the state-run oil companyy and related agencies and departments.

"You can check the law, there is no legislation that gives the petroleum minister as much powers like the current Petroleum Act. The current Petroleum Act gives the current petroleum minister which happens to be myself more powers than any other bill can possibly give.

PAGE 6

Peace Corps urged to promote peace in Nigeria

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Mild fire at FAAN fuel dump in Lagos From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

A

fire outbreak which lasted for about 10 minutes yesterday morning gutted the fuel dump operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), at the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed

Airport in Lagos.

Firemen from FAAN’s fire department promptly put out the inferno and no life was lost.

The fire was said to have resulted from a spark in the course of work going on at the dump.

A workman at the site told our correspondent the dump was

stocked with diesel but expressed surprise that the facility could go up in flames.

“Nobody can explain what really happened, all we know is that we were working and all of a sudden we saw fire and so we started shouting for help”, he said.

Responding, the General

Manager Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, on a visit to the scene expressed satisfaction thst the fire was put out in good time in order to avoid further damage; he commended FAAN’s fire service men for effectively combating the incident.

By Maryam Garba Hassan

A

cting Dean of the Association of Ambassadors for Peace in Nigeria, Dr. Paddy Kemdi Njoku, has called on her colleagues to rise up and canvass for peace and equity in the country.

Njoku made the call at the inaugural meeting of the association and the formation of the Nigerian Peace Movement in Abuja.

She lamented that at a time when Nigeria needs peace the most, Peace Ambassadors in the country cannot come together to speak with one voice, map out a national peace-building plan and act with one purpose to salvage the nation from imminent chaos and disintegration.

She added that it was regrettable that until the recent withdrawal of “Peace Corps” vehicle number plates by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the only and most palpable way two peace ambassadors recognised themselves was by their similar vehicle number plates.

According to her, many well-meaning Nigerians, including President Jonathan, embraced the tenets of corps and acquired its membership and certificates with great enthusiasm and determination to use their status to further the cause of peace in the nation and in the world.

Njoku said Nigerians are becoming progressively insensitive to violence and mass murder adding that this is the only country in the world where dozens of unidentified corpses float on the river and people behave as if they were dead fish.

“We are supposed to be Ambassadors Without Frontiers, as Peace has neither tribe nor race, gender nor complexion. But today, we watch and do nothing as criminal zealots and extremists kidnap, torture and butcher our fellow countrymen and women; corrupt public officers use unbridled corruption as a weapon of mass destruction against our hapless compatriots and even ailing pensioners in the departure halls of their earthly sojourn.

“As Ambassadors For Peace, we must stand firm to condemn injustice and violence wherever we feel or see them, as well as canvass for peace and equity wherever they are lacking”, she said.

L-R: Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, former Managing Director, Uganda Water Sewerage Corporation, Dr William Muhairwe, and Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Ms Evelyn Oputu, during the closing ceremony of the presidential water summit, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Mrs. Jonathan’s illness: CACOL calls Presidency a ‘serial liar’ From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), has berated the Presidency over the revelation by the President’s wife, Mrs. Patience Jonathan that she was clinically dead for seven days.

Mrs. Jonathan revealed during a thanksgiving at the Presidential Villa last Sunday, that she was dead for a week and the doctors attending to her had

T

lost hope but she was brought back to life miraculously.

Deriding the Presidency for putting up so many lies during the Mrs. Jonathan’s absence, the executive chairman of CACOL, Debo Adeniran noted that the revelation has reinforced the notion that the President is a serial liar.

“Every Nigerian has known President Jonathan as a serial liar so we are not surprised the First Lady made that revelation.

Despite the spurious claims by the President’s and his wife’s media aides that Patience was resting abroad after the rigour of the 2011 elections, hosting the African Ladies Summit and other balderdash, the truth has come to the fore. It is very unfortunate that the people in this present government lack integrity and credibility.

They run government like family business; no transparency! no accountability to the mass of the

people!

What is the secret in someone getting ill? Is it an offence that the First Lady took ill? Ok! They were hiding behind one finger and now their shadow has caught up with them. Maybe they were ashamed to tell the Nigerian masses that they used our common patrimony to fly Mrs. Jonathan abroad whereas many patients diagnosed of the same illness are dying in the slaughter slabs they call hospitals in Nigeria?

Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the executive chairman of the coalition, Debo Adeniran noted that all Nigerian anti-graft agencies must partner and compare notes to rid the country of endemic corruption.

“All the anti-graft agencies in the country have been rendered toothless with less action to back up their talks. There is lack of

political will on both sides of the government and the anti-graft agencies to bring corruption perpetrators to book. The antigraft agencies are just paying lip service to combating graft whereas the ‘corruptionists’ are stealing our common patrimony unperturbed...

“What Nigerians need is action; seeing the leaders that have rendered them

impoverished behind the bars, their assets impounded and used for the betterment of the common man: this is the utmost desire of the Nigerian masses. Enough of many talks, the masses want to see the anti-graft agencies at work!

The cabals in the oil sector should be brought to book; the people who are perpetrating corruption in the oil sector must be made to face the wrath of the law! “ Adeniran said.

… urges anti-graft agencies to partner

he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has called on all the antigraft agencies in the country to partner in order to reduce corruption to the barest minimum in the polity.

Reacting to the news of the investigation of four governors over alleged misappropriation of public funds and abuse of office by the Independent Corrupt

Shettima tasks journalists on professionalism From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

G

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno state yesterday charged journalists to respect the ethics of their profession through verifying facts before publication so as to avoid scuttling the gradual peace that is being restored to the state and the country at large.

Shettima made the call while commissioning the Maiduguri broadcast centre of Africa Independent Television (AIT),

saying media practitioners, should be partners in addressing the security challenges confronting various parts of the country.

“My doors are always open to welcome any media outfit to clarify any issue that concerns various aspects of government activities. I wish to assure all media outfits of my full cooperation and support in order to achieve meaningful and sustainable development of the state and indeed the country, he added”.

He said the establishment of the AIT broadcast center in the state will no doubt balance the reporting of information, as many people felt the two public stations; Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Borno Radio Television (BRTV) have always concentrated their program on government activities.

The governor described the presence of the media outfit as timely, saying government is ready to partner with any media house in order to project the image of the state and also

provide service to humanity.

He stressed that the government will always support the AIT as already demonstrated through providing land for the station and construction of parameter fence around the premises.

In his remarks, the chairman, Daar Communications, owners of AIT, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, said the station will partner with the government and commended Governor Shettima for working tirelessly to bring peace to the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 7

Persons with disability launch fight against malaria in Kebbi From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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ersons with disabilities in Kebbi State have embarked on the fight to eradicate mosquitoes through a collective campaign effort of fumigating drainages with chemicals so as to reduce malaria fever amongst people.

The fumigation exercise which was organized by the Joint Association of persons with disabilities took place yesterday in Birnin Kebbi, the State capital which saw the physically challenged persons moving along major roads in the state capital spraying chemicals inside open drainages in dirty areas.

The State Chairman of the Joint Association of persons with disabilities, Abdullahi Aliyu Usman told Peoples Daily during the exercise that they have decided to contribute their own quota by complimenting the efforts of health authorities in getting rid of mosquitoes.

‘’We have come out today to join in the fight against mosquitoes and to show the world that in any disability , there is ability and that our physical condition would not be a hindrance to our pursuit for livelihood in the society ‘’ The chairman also said that members of his association would

Ilorin ancestral land: Court commences hearing Feb 21 From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Kwara State High Court will start hearing in the case filed by three indigenes of Ilorin on February 21, 2013 over alleged sale of land belonging to Ilorin community by the state government to Arte Industry Limited.

The plaintiffs are Dr. Saliu Ajibola Ajia, Dr. Saad Omoiya and Alhaji Saleh Duro Garba while Governor of Kwara state, Attorney General of Kwara

State,Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Director General, Bureau of Lands, Arte Industry Limited and Mrs. Toyin Bukola Saraki are defendants.

The plaintiffs want the court to declare that defendants have no power to change or convert the public ownership status and structure of Ilorin Old Eid praying ground and now the site of Ilorin Amusement Park from public use to private ownership either by sale or transfer .

They also want the Court to decide that the sale or transfer of Amusement Park through the 6th defendants by the 1st-5th defendants was wrong, illegal and unconstitutional and in breach of the fundamental rights of the claimants entrenched in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Land Use Act,1978.

While faulting the transfer steps, the complainants averred that the 7th defendants used her influence as the Governor’s wife

and connived to sell, transfer the Park to Arte Industry Limited where 80 percent purchased shares by 6th defendant was alleged to be owned by 7th defendant.

They argued that the Park was meant to serve as recreation and tourism centre for the people with a mini zoo where animals are kept and also serve as venue for Army remembrance day events and communal purposes among others.

L-R: Bayelsa state Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribogha John Jonah, Minister of State for Education, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Acting Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Professor Charles Onocha, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwabiala, during the minister's inspection of Federal Government schools projects, yesterday in Yenegoa, Bayelsa state.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Gombe to establish three additional hospitals

By Maryam Garba Hassan

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orried by the high number of patients visiting the Gombe State Specialist Hospital for medical treatment, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe state said his government is looking at the possibility of establishing three additional specialist hospitals in the State.

Dankwambo stated this after visiting the State’s Specialist Hospital to assess facilities where he met an unprecedented number of patients in different sections of the hospital waiting to be attended to by medical personnel.

The Governor who was taken round the hospital by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. James Madi, also told the

governor that patients from Cameroon, Chad, Niger and many neighboring countries visit the hospital.

The governor instructed that three hospitals in different parts of the state be identified for immediate conversion and

upgrading to standard Specialist hospitals to reduce the pressure on the state’s Specialist hospital.

Earlier at a courtesy call, a London based Non-Governmental Organisation, Africa Health Development Trust which offers free medical treatment and had

been in the state for almost two weeks on the invitation of the wife of the State Governor, Hajiya Adama Dankwambo, noted among other challenges the increasing dearth in manpower capacity, especially in the nursing and midwifery sector.

KRPC to provide electricity in Kaduna community From Mohammed Adamu, Kaduna

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he Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) is to provide electricity to Kamazo Community in Chikun local government of Kaduna state.

The Manager, Public Affairs Department of the KRPC, Mallam Abdullahi Idris said during a familiarization tour of media organizations yesterday in Kaduna.

He said as part of the

refinery’s corporate social responsibility, solar power boreholes were also provided to Mahuta community to alleviate water shortage in the area.

“We have also embarked on the construction of toilets in primary schools within the host community.

“KRPC has continued to maintain a lead in fulfilling its social responsibility to its host community.

“KRPC is also the only refinery plant in the entire sub Sahara

Africa that also has a Tin and Drum manufacturing plant that is used to transport fuel rural to the area.

“The plant manufactures 18 liter Tin and 250 liter Drum that can also be customized to the taste and logo of customers,” he said.

Idris further stated that the mission of the Public Affairs team is to familiarize and to strengthen the already existing relationship between the media and the company.

broaden the campaign against mosquitoes by house to house fumigation exercise to ensure that drainages in their surroundings were fully cleaned so that people in the communities become protected against malaria.

He called on government, the well-to-do and private organizations to support the physically challenged persons to be productive in the society.

Group blames Yuguda for Bauchi security challenges From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he various security challenges threatening the peace of the people in Bauchi State, has been attributed to poor and insincere leadership of the governor.

A press release issued to journalists by Bauchi Alliance for Good Governance (BAGG) on the escalation of security challenges in the State and signed by leader of the group, Comrade Chindo Abdulsalam, stated that the security challenges confronting the State usually emanate from poor and insincere leadership over the people.

According to the group, despite the presence of trained and determined security personnel in the State, the Yuguda administration seems to rely more on the use of miscreants parading themselves as security personnel to proffer solutions to security challenges.

“Yuguda believes more in the reports of untrained political groups the likes of Conflict Resolution outfit and another group led by a dismissed military private than supporting the efforts of recognized security agencies operating in the State. Such groups have over the years caused more damage than solution to security challenges”, it said BAGG said that in most cases, concocted and fictitious alarms are raised by such outfits not usually authenticated by genuine security agencies before funds are hurriedly released to support the dubious claims.

“In most cases, these political groups concoct fictitious alarms in collaboration with their like minds to squeeze funds from government.

In such cases, instead of the government to refer such alarms to genuine security agencies for proper investigation, funds are released to the miscreants for ‘service’. Most of their security alerts are arranged with the intent to defraud government than supporting it to overcome the challenges”, it said The NGO added that in 2008, one of such groups had duped the State Government of over N100million for ‘security’ protection during the local government council’s election and since then, the gates remain open for all sorts of fictitious security alerts to siphon funds with ease.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Members of Nigerian universities nursing students association protesting over non-implementation of internship in institutions, yesterday in Abuja.

Humphrey Fellow Alumni, Dr. Benedicta Agusiobo (4th left),presenting books to the Provost Federal College of Education Zuba, Professor Tijjani Ismail (2nd left), on behalf of the Humphrey Fellows, recently at the college premises in Zuba.

L-R: Commander 2 Brigade, Brigier-General Osasogie Uzamere, and the outgoing commissioner of police, Rivers command, Mr. Mohammed Indabawa, during his visit to Rivers Police Commissioner day in Port Harcourt.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Fatima Bamidele, discussing with the Director, Public Health, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, and former Minister of Water Resources, Dr. Obadiah Ando, during the launch of Nigeria’s NTDS multi-year master plan for the control and elimination of NTDS, yesterday in Abuja.

Victims of demolished houses on NNPC pipelines discussing their plight, yesterday at Arepo, in Ogun state.

Photos: Joe Oroye and NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 9

Wada urges CP to surpass predecessor in crime control From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

K

ogi State Government has restated its resolve to sustain the prevailing peace and security being enjoyed in the State with all resources at its disposal.

Kogi State Governor, Capt.

Idris Wada, stated this when he

received Mr. Hilary N. Opara, the new Commissioner of Police posted to the State.

The governor, who lauded the role played by the police in the maintenance and sustenance of peace and security in the State, assured of adequate support of working tools that would enable men of the Command discharge

their functions effectively.

Represented by his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, the State Governor urged the new Commissioner to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the policing of the State.

He described the State as a gateway with commuters from 23 states crisscrossing on daily

basis, noting that the State which is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, needs peace to tap them.

The state, he said, equally offers large possibilities, thus making it prone to crime but however assured of government’s support to ensure that the State remains the safest

R-L: President Goodluck Jonathan, receiving letter of credence from Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria, Mr. Joao Andre Dias Lima, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

place for investment and habitation.

While describing the out – going Commissioner of Police in the State, Mohammed Katsina as a Police Officer with high integrity and reputation, Capt Wada urged the incoming Commissioner to surpass the reputation of his predecessor in making the State a safe place.

In his speech, CP Hilary N. Okpara, promised to bring his wealth of experience to bear in curbing crime and providing security in the State.

While assuring of a peaceful State, he warned criminals to steer clear of the State, as he is determined to reduce crime to its lowest ebb.

The new Commissioner commended the State Government for its assistance to the Police Command with operational tools that has facilitated the effective policing of the state.

FCE Okene establishes vocational centres From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Delta, UNIDO sign MoU to set up leatherworks centre From Adesoji Oyinlola, Lagos

D

elta State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to establish a shoe manufacturing and leatherworks production and training centre in the Asaba.

The centre which would be spread across 2.6 hectres of land, would provide a minimum of 2,000 jobs on completion.

The State Governor, Dr From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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he National Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE – P) NPH has donated medical equipment worth millions of naira to four health centers in Kebbi State as part of its efforts to provide health facilities and reduce maternal mortality and neonatal death in the country.

This was disclosed to Journalist yesterday in Birnin Kebbi by the State coordinator of National Primary Health Care

Emmanuel Uduaghan who disclosed this shortly after signing the MoU, said that the land has been made available while the 820,000 US dollars state counterpart funding has been released for collection by UNIDO. “The land is in place and the money is ready for collection by UNIDO. Everything is set and the beauty of it all is that it would be managed by UNIDO”, he stated.

He lauded the UNIDO for partnering with the Delta State government, noting that it was

part of the measures being put in place to achieve the mantra of ‘Delta Beyond Oil’, assuring that his administration would provide necessary logistics to make the programme a success.

Essentially, he said, it was geared towards providing employment for the youths, declaring that the State will extend the partnership with UNIDO to areas of renewable energy and wastes to wealth projects.

Earlier, the representative of UNIDO in Nigeria, Mr. Patrick

Korma said that the partnership would change the face of production of footwares and leather materials in Nigeria.

He stressed that the project which is a “centre of excellence for leather works in Nigeria”, would reduce poverty in the country.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation in Delta State, Dr Anthonia Ashiedu said the state was passionate about the programme and was determined to do all it would take to alleviate poverty in the state.

Sure-P donates equipment to Kebbi primary healthcare centers Development Agency, Alh. Ahmed Shehu after handing over the medical equipment to the representatives of the four health centers of Bachaka, Bui, Gulumbe and Lailaba.

“This equipment are provided

by SURE-P NPH which is aimed at reducing maternal neonatal deaths in the country, these equipment are provided under the chairmanship of Dr. Kolade

who is the National Chairman on procurement of drugs and equipment in SURE-P headquarters, Abuja. These equipment are provided by SURE-P Federal not state and the equipment are qualitative and also standard ’’, he said.

The State Coordinator called on the local government councils and members of the ward

development committees to ensure that the equipment reached the designated Primary Healthcare Centers directly.

The 57 medical equipment of different quantity has been provided to each of the four Primary Health Care Centers while six of medical equipment of different quantities have also been provided to one General Hospital.

Lover boy in court for allegedly enticing married woman

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he police yesterday arraigned one Adesiyan Adebayo, 23, of Dawaki District in Abuja, before the Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly enticing a married woman.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that on February 14, at about 1.57 p.m, one Fatima Ndako

of Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, reported the accused at the Maitama Police Station, Abuja.

Ahmed told the court that the complainant, Ndako, had told the police that the accused who was her ex-boyfriend was still asking her for a relationship.

Ahmed added that Ndako had earlier told the accused that she

was married but he kept calling and sending text messages to her.

He told the court that the offence of enticing a married woman was contrary to section 389 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

In his defence, he told the court that he had no idea Ndako was already married and that she had

even fixed an appointment for both of them to meet.

Senior Magistrate Mrs. Vera Tukura granted the accused bail in the sum of N20,000 with a surety in like sum, who must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.

She adjourned the case to March 13 for further hearing.

(NAN)

I

n order to curb youth restiveness in Ebiraland, the Federal College of Education [FCE], Okene has set up a skill acquisition centre to train youths of the community, staff and students of the institution in various vocations.

Provost of the college, Dr. Iyela Ajayi disclosed this when members of the correspondents chapel of the Nigeria Union of journalists [NUJ], Kogi state council paid him a working visit in his office in Okene, Kogi state.

According to him, the centre would assist the youths of the host community and students to learn various trades in order to reduce the rate of youth restiveness in the area.

“You all know that for some time now, the area has history of youths restiveness due to lack of meaningful employment among the teeming youths and being a responsible institution, we believe that the establishment of the centre is part of our quota to reduce the rate of crisis and violence among the youths.

The centre will also be of benefit to our students where they can learn some trades which can help them in future by setting up their own small scale industries which will reduce the rate of unemployment in the country”, he said.

On the physical and academic development of the institution, the provost said that 40 new projects have been completed while 70 projects are undergoing renovation, stressing that the institution is presently enjoying uninterrupted academic calendar since his assumption of office in October, 2009.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 20, 2013

Taraba: Residents react to arrest of tricycle operators From Yusha’u Alhassan Jalingo

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he indiscriminate arrest of tricycles riders by the Taraba state task force on environmental sanitation has started generating negative comments from the public.

Some riders of tricycles, known as KEKE NAPEP, who spoke

with our reporter questioned the right of the task force to arrest and fine them arbitrarily.

Musa Lau and Steven Mailafiya accused the task force of charging them N2000 each after arresting them for wrong parking without issuing receipts, the situation he described as extortion.

Another rider, Yahaya

Mafindi who condemned the action of the task force said no law permitted the officials to either arrest or fine operators of the tricycles.

He said it was the duty of the police or the Federal Road Safety Corps to arrest and fine defaulters.

When contacted the chairman of the state task force committee on environmental sanitation,

Daniel Santi, confirmed the report.

He said that the task force had on one occasion arrested eight operators of tricycles in the state for wrong parking at the Izala Mosque roundabout Jalingo and were later released without paying any fine.

Santi who reiterated the in ensuring smooth flow of traffic

Disengaged staff of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), protesting at the main gate of National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Seven injured as revenue collectors clash in Benin From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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ver seven persons were on Monday reported to have been injured when two factions of revenue collectors assigned to collect taxes on behalf of the Edo State government engaged in a bloody clash in Benin City, the state capital.

The clash which occurred in the early hours of the day at the city center involved Messrs, Akugbe Ventures Limited and members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).

The incident, according to reports, occurred when members of the Akugbe Ventures who recently got the state

government’s approval to collect taxes on its behalf from commercial vehicles and tricycles in the state were repelled by members of RTEAN. Chairman of Akugbe Ventures, Tony Kabaka, lamented the inability of both the state government and the Nigerian police to bring the crisis under control before it escalated.

He said that the situation became very critical when three of his workers who had set out to carry out their duty were attacked by RETEAN officials.

Denying the allegations, the state Assistant Secretary of RTEAN, Collins Okundaye said there was no quarrel between them and Akugbe Ventures, pointing out that the drivers were

only protesting extra charges being imposed on them by agents of Akugbe Ventures who he said were collecting N500 from vehicles and N200 from tricycles and motorcycles daily instead of the approved N20 and N10 daily respectively.

According to Kabaka, “the situation now is very critical because, there were a lot of casualties today, a lot of people injured.

The RTEAN headed by Osakpamwan mobilized to fight us, and they tore our boys uniform, they beat them up , collected their handsets and their receipts and even destroyed some of our cars and as I talk with you now, three of our boys are hospitalized.”

“The government gave us job, to generate revenue for the state to develop its infrastructure, the money is not coming to my pocket, and it goes directly to the government treasuries while we only work on percentage. There has been government announcement to the effect that I have been appointed as consultant to collect revenue for the state government”.

“If the government cannot do something between now and tomorrow, we will resist them because I have the power and I have the papers.

I have been enduring since the 13th of this month. Nobody have the monopoly of violence. We have tried to be orderly.” Kabaka said.

ADB to sink 25 new boreholes in Jalingo From Yusha’u Alhassan Jalingo

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he African Development Bank is to sink twenty five new boreholes in Jalingo metropolis, the capital of Taraba State.

Programme Manager for Water supply and Sanitation Improvement projects of the Bank for Jalingo, Musa Buba made this

known while speaking with our reporter yesterday in Jalingo.

Buba explained that the bank would also rehabilitate fourteen existing boreholes in the state Capital.

According to him, the bank would also rehabilitate the existing water works in Jalingo and extend pipe-borne water to 150 kilometers radius of Jalingo.

The programme Manager

said water reservoir and transmission lines would be constructed to transport water from one point to the other.

He said the projects would create awareness on public health and hygiene in schools and public places to improve sanitation among the populace.

The programme Manager said the project is part of the N3.5 billion loan being sought by the

Taraba state Government from the bank.

He said that the Taraba state government has fulfilled all the conditions for the commencement of the projects, saying that the Federal Government would serve as guarantor of the loan.

Buba stated that all paper works have been completed and passed to the Federal Ministry of finance for necessary action.

after clearing refuse indiscriminately dumped on some locations in the state capital, admitted that the committee was neither FRSC nor VIO mandated to arrest operators of KEKE NAPEP but on special operation backed by the authority of the Taraba state government.

In another development, chairman Taraba state motorcycles Regulatory Agency, Yusuf Aliyu Gwaram, said his agency has not released any motorcycle from the over 1000 under its custody.

Gwaram was reacting to insinuations that the Agency has released some motorcycles to their owners after being bribed.

He explained that the motorcycles were impounded in compliance with the state Governor’s directive and that there was no further directives to release them.

The chairman said that the motorcycles were kept in four places, the police Headquarters, the area command, the GRA police station Jalingo and his Agency saying on no account would he released them to anybody.

Gwaram said his Agency was awaiting directive from the office of the Governor on what to do with the motorcycles in its custody.

On the alleged uncontrolled number of tricycles in Jalingo, the chairman confirmed that government did not specify the number of the cycles to ply the routes in the state capital.

He observed that Adamawa state has over 4000 tricycles while Gombe and Bauchi states have 7000 and 8000 respectively and urged private individuals to venture into the business.

Zamfara govt releases N1bn for payment of pension arrears

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he Zamfara Government has released about N1 billion for the payment of pension arrears to local and state government pensioners.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Gasau and signed by the Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of pensioners, Alhaji Muhammad Tukur.

The statement said the money was part of more than N2.6 billion the state government was owing pensioners.

It said that of the N2.6 billion debt, the 14 local government areas in the state were owing their pensioners about N1.7 billion and the state government was owing its pensioners N700 million.

The statement recalled that last year the state government paid about N450 million arrears to its pensioners.

It appealed to the state government to increase the current minimum pension rate of N4,600 in view of the rising cost of living so that the senior citizens of the state could live a better life.

“Since the state government is considering paying N18,000 as minimum wage to its workers, pensioners deserved a corresponding increase in their pensions.’’ (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 20, 2013

Pocket some hard-earned cash by saving on the electric bill W

hen you go to the mailbox, do you hate seeing a stack of bills?

Bills are a fact of life and you may as well get used to them showing up every month! However, you can take steps to reduce some of these bills. You can reduce your monthly electric bill in a number of simple ways. In fact, it is possible to cut your current monthly electric bill by upwards of 30 percent to 50 percent quite easily.

Purchasing newer electronic devices will save a great deal of money in the longrun. If you are using an older appliance, it will be an energy drain. Even a mere toaster starts to burn more electricity as it grows older because its internal mechanisms

become worn and less efficient.

Whenever possible, it is best to replace older appliances and electronics.

Those old incandescent light bulbs have to go! There are alternative light bulbs available on the market such as CFL bulbs.

Now, some may look at CFL bulbs and be somewhat leery because they have a higher price tag.

Don't let the higher price be a turn off. These newer bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional bulbs. That means they will make your energy bills

a lot smaller. As a result, they will end up not only paying for themselves; they will drastically reduce energy costs.

Avoid using the central air conditioner whenever possible is helpful as well. No, that does not mean you should never use it. It simply means you should replace it with a ceiling fan or portable oscillating fan. These devices use a lot less energy and they can effectively cool a room under a number of circumstances.

Turning off your lights when they are not in use can be a significant costsaving strategy.

Sometimes, we may be a little lazy and leave the light on in the other room when we are in bed and ready to go to sleep. The problem

lodgement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The CBN says individuals and corporate organisations that make cash transactions above the limits will be charged a penal fee of N100/thousand and N200/ thousand, respectively for amounts above the cumulative limits. Experts say it will cost you less to comply with such regulations than spend your hard earned money on penalty for contravening the rules.

According to them, compliance typically includes specific areas such as the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, and may extend to tax laws that are relevant to the structuring of banking products or customer advice.

John Aboh, Managing

Director/CEO, Oceanic Bank International Plc, who spoke on "Justifying the cost of compliance", at the Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria (CCOBIN), hosted by the bank in Lagos, said costs associated with compliance are not extraneous to the business; they are integral to running the business, they are unavoidable but can be managed. According to him, "businesses often respond to regulatory compliance issues in an ad hoc manner.

This approach is less viable, as regulatory mandate continue to multiply. Businesses must approach compliance holistically, creating solutions that work together over the long term.

"Actually, there are potential personal costs and inconveniences to the compliance officer.

Avoiding such may look prudent in the short-term however, the long-term price may include, financial sanctions, which are increasingly becoming very punitive and are also being applied with 'full effect', regurgitation of earnings and income reversals, reputation damage, loss of market share, imprisonment and withdrawal of operating licence."

How can you manage the cost of compliance? Aboh said you have to understand, categorise and communicate the risks of noncompliance to your business.

Also you have clarity of customer acceptance policy, disseminate it within the business, keep to it and avoid surprises. You should create a "weather bureau" to forecast changes in governance and

here is that this can end up costing an enormous amount of money over time. Leaving lights on or leaving appliances plugged in can run electric bills up through the roof. Why would you want your bills to be so needlessly high? If you do not need the lights on, turn them off. This will cut costs back tremendously.

If your bills are fairly high and nothing you do brings down the costs, you may wish to hire someone to perform an energy audit. A professional who is versed in this type of work can examine a home or office and locate cost saving areas that others may not be able to discover. These auditors can definitely help you save a great deal of money and that is why their work is so valuable.

No, it is not very difficult to take the steps needed to cut back on costs. However, you do need to make the proper effort for this task.

The effort will be worth it because your household expenses will reflect the results.

Rule compliance cheaper than penalty payment

T

o obey is better than sacrifice," this is a popular saying. When you obey, you have nothing to lose, but when you disobey, you may lose not only your money but also your reputation.

In a contemporary society, as in the ancient days, there have been rules and regulations guiding the activities of individuals and corporate bodies. Sanctions are usually stipulated against noncompliance to such regulations or principles of which you pay penalty for bridging any rule.

For instance, in Lagos state today, there are traffic rules which will cost you not less than N50, 000 if you are taken to an appropriate agency for sanction when you break such rules. There are financial regulations such as the proposed cash withdrawal/

compliance requirements. He said you should create an explicit link between compliance, performance management and value. You should manage compliance as a programme, not a project.

Effective compliance requires organisational support, process control methodology and content control.

According to experts, to control compliance costs, you must look for commonalities in compliance requirements, use an investment approach for budgeting, and take complexities out of the system whenever possible. "We all know that a major compliance failure costs not only millions of naira in direct costs, but can also bring a company to its knees. The ongoing CBN intervention in some banks, more than anything, attests to the risk of non-compliance," he said.

Using a cheque booklet, don't sign below the sensitive line

I

f you are used to signing cheques for bank transactions, watch it, you are at the risk of paying a fine of N250.00 or making someone who draws the cheque pay N250, if you do not take cognizance of the sensitive line on the check leaf.

Before now, this error was pardonable as people consciously and unconsciously signed on the sensitive line written 'don not sign below this line', but today any attempt to make such mistake attracts an unpardonable fine of N250.

This development is following a new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rule which requires that banks would be made to pay a fine of N250 if they accept cheques that has signatures across the

Quote Sit down before fact with an open mind. Be prepared to give up every preconceived notion. Follow humbly wherever and to whatever abyss Nature leads or you learn nothing. Don't push out figures when facts are going in the opposite direction.

sensitive line.

With this development, the banks are more than ever before conscious of the sensitive line and ready to hack a customer who presents a cheque with such error or it would be rejected.

Julius, customer to one the GTBank at Alimosho Local Government area in Lagos state presented a third party cheque and was told by the bank attendant that he must sign an undertaking at the back of the deposit slip that he be charged N250 for presenting a cheque that is signed on the sensitive line.

According to Julius, the cheque was either to be rejected or he signs the paper, as according to the bank staff, it would be passed on to point of clearing.

Lucy Newman, Managing Director, Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) said it is important that every person undergo through financial literacy training so that minor errors and mistakes could be avoided.

She said there are basic knowledge, which people should acquire to help them in financial

planning and management of money resources.

A cheque is a document/ instrument (usually a piece of paper) that orders a payment of money from a bank account. The person writing the cheque, the

drawer, usually has a current account, or checking account (US) where their money was previously deposited.

The drawer writes the various details including the money amount, date, and a payee on the

cheque, and signs it, ordering their bank, known as the drawee, to pay that person or company the amount of money stated. ( S o u r c e : www.moneyning.com)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

P

Pope Benedict's resignation

ope Benedict XVI's February 11 announcement that he would be stepping down on Feb. 28 (eight days away) as leader of the 2,000-year-old Roman Catholic Church that boasts over one billion members worldwide sent "shockwaves throughout the world". But in truth, it wasn't as unexpected to those close to the pontiff and keen watchers of Vatican politics.

Let us look at the pope's reason for resigning now. A terse statement he gave to cardinals he called to make the announcement to said: "After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds but no less with prayer and suffering.

"However, in today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of the Gospel, ...both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me ..." Two things: advanced age and poor health.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was already aged 78 in April 29, 2005 when he was elected pope. Now 86,

he is not a young man, and with worsening poor health, the weight of the ministry is sure to be too great for his weak shoulders. However, he retains his sharp intellect and lucidness of mind to take the unforced decision, a requirement for the acceptability of the resignation.

Besides his personal health problems, the pope, a liberal-turned neoconservative, finds himself

“

Perhaps, it is best that he has stepped down.

One, this way he has given the Roman Catholic Church a chance to do soul-searching, an opportunity to confront its own demons struggling to come to terms with a church caught up in an age of "rapid changes and shaken by questions of questions of deep relevance for the life of the Gospel". This internal struggle explains the many paradoxes of Pope Benedict XVI. For example, while recognizing "the supreme dignity of every human being, created in God's image and destined for eternal life", he is unequivocally against gay

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marriages. According to him, gays and lesbians have rejected the "essence of the human creature" and denied "their nature." His opposition to abortion and ordination of female priests puts him at odds with a small but growing number of the flock.

Then there are people who feel that his papacy hasn't been as strong against paedophile priests as expected. To be sure, abuse of children by priests did not start in his time, yet his response to public outcry in the Americas has been rather less than assertive.

However, this is not to say that Benedict XVI has been an unpopular papa Roma. Far from it.

His recognition of the vitality of the Church in Africa, in sharp contrast to its shrinking status in the West where secularism and cult culture are in the ascendancy, makes him a friend of the continent. And so does his advocacy that Christians must fight poverty and injustices.

It is a great pity that the pope has had to throw in the towel in these trying times for the Church.

Perhaps, it is best that he has stepped down. One, this way he has given the Roman Catholic Church a chance to do soul-searching, an opportunity to confront its own demons. Two, by his "inspired resignation", Benedict XVI has made the not-too-obvious but vital distinction between the “responsibilities of the pope as a leader and the 'aura' of the papacy itself.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

By Na-Allah Mohammed Zagga

T

he murder of nine polio immunization officials in Kano state by yet to be identified gunmen is not an isolated incident. It bears the hallmark of the negative campaign launched against the programme, led by Dr. Datti Ahmed, in 2003. Once you play on their emotions of the uncritical or gullible majority, it is hard to convince the people otherwise. Since 2003, there is a significant number of Muslims who still believe that polio immunization programme is a Western or American scheme to induce infertility among Muslims to achieve the single objective of reducing their population. How preposterous!

Unfounded rumours travel fast and do the society enormous harm.

Sadly, a majority of Muslims whose children are victims or potential victims of this groundless campaign of falsehood can hardly ask critical questions about the validity of the claim that polio vaccination is intended to cause infertility among Muslims. Sadder still, is that this unfounded claim is being propagated by some preachers and imams based on the misleading information fed to them by Dr. Datti Ahmed and likeminded fellow travellers.

For the sake of our innocent children who are being enormously harmed by this dangerous campaign of lies, it is important at this point to raise questions about the reliability of this allegation or claim to withstand scrutiny. The greatest harm you can to do to the people is to exploit their ignorance or gullibility. And to a great extent, the anti-polio campaigners have succeeded in their diabolical propaganda.

Concerned Nigerians have a duty to subject their unsubstantiated claim to logical

By Jon Chikadibie Okafo

A

s a self-acclaimed social critic, I have had cause in the past to disagree with certain actions of President Goodluck Jonathan; I still don't think he is well suited to be the leader of Nigeria. The man might be a good human being but it is apparent he is meekly grappling with the challenges of ruling Nigeria.

However, my recent discussion with a very special friend and mentor a few days ago brought me to a sudden realization that perhaps, we may have been mobilising against the wrong individual. According to this friend, for this extensively misruled country to have a semblance of sanity and accountability, we should invest more energy in monitoring the activities of our local council chairmen and state governors.

These men and women are the ones closer to us and, from experience, are the ones conspiring to ruin our nation.

I will start my Anambra, my home state, a state richly endowed but shockingly mismanaged and misrepresented.

Under the captainship of Peter Obi, my home state continues to be afflicted by bouts of misery, misfortune and strife. Is President Jonathan responsible for the dare-devil machinations of armed robbers and evil kidnappers that continue to terrorise the good people of Anambra state? Did President

PAGE 13

Dangers of an anti-polio campaign questions. For example, did these enemies of polio programme present any evidence of Muslims who have become infertile as a result of immunization now or in the past? If such evidence ever existed, why is it available only to them? Why didn't their claim survive critical inquiry from the global scientific community? If they insist on their claim, they should submit a record from 1964 to date of the number of Muslim male and females who have been rendered infertile as a result of exposure to polio immunization.

The truth is that they have no such record or data to buttress their claim and, if they have, let them publish cases of infertility ever recorded as a result of immunization.

Do we need to be scientists to ask intelligent and simple questions? For anyone to dogmatically claim that polio immunization induces infertility, especially when he is a scientist, the onus of proof lies with him.

Although Datti Ahmed is a first class medical doctor, he deviated from basic requirement of scientific inquiry. Accuracy is described as the morality of science. In the absence of valid evidence to support their claim, should we surrender the fate of our innocent children to the manipulation of these anti-polio campaigners?

What would the WHO or UNICEF gain by deliberately promoting any immunization programme specifically intended to reduce Muslim population in Nigeria or anywhere else? The claim of the anti-polio immunization campaigners stretches our credulity to its ridiculous limit. The business of science is not conducted in the dark corners of secrecy. If the anti-polio

immunization campaigners have any valid proof that the vaccination causes infertility, why didn't they put it on the table in the open market of ideas? They have so far failed to do so convincingly.

Science is not about dogmatically making unsubstantiated claims and then imposing them on humanity as gospel truth. Polio immunization in Nigeria has suffered intermittent setbacks, thanks to the inimical campaign by people whose mission is to cause chaos, confusion, fear, uncertainty and disruption of progress at the expense of innocent children who must be protected. It is a purposeless, wicked and misguided campaign against the interest of our children.

Despite the fact that this claim was discredited repeatedly, thousands of Muslim parents are still skeptical or suspicious of the polio immunization. The seeds for this needless fear were laid since 2003 when Dr. Datti Ahmed and his fellow travellers on the train of confusion started the negative

campaign against polio immunization. Therefore, the latest murder of polio officials in Kano State has only added a dangerous dimension to the rejection of the immunization programme by Muslims misled by Dr. Datti and his group.

Playing with the lives of innocent children is the most irresponsible thing to do by any right thinking person. If the Americans or the West had any policy to reduce Muslim populations, why is Nigeria their primary target? The Muslim population of India is 177 million.

Wouldn't you wonder why the West didn't target Indian Muslims with infertility causing polio vaccines to reduce their population? What specifically does America or the West stand to gain by reducing the population of Nigerian Muslims through polio immunization?

Exploiting the ignorance of the majority is wickedly selfish and sadistic. If truly the West or America has any plan to reduce Muslim population by inducing

“

When you tell Muslims to reject polio immunization, you have a duty to give them alternative. Unfortunately, Dr. Datti Ahmed and his group have no such alternative of saving children from polio. Should we then abandon our children to their fate, watching them become cripples and permanently incapacitated, denying them the benefits of immunization?

Governors are stealing us silly Jonathan direct the Police Commissioner to permanently block a public road in Amawbia for his own weird "security" amusement? Mr Peter Obi has been governor for about seven years now and it may well be said that his state remains the only one that does not have functional pipeborne water supply. How do we smuggle the President into this glaring misrule/injustice?

Welcome to Lagos state.

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola calls the shots in this highly cosmopolitan State. Let it be on record that Lagos under this gentleman governor is a monumental embodiment of media hype and great work of spin by paid publicists. Well, in his first four years in office, Fashola attempted to transform Lagos into a sane city, but swiftly went into

"sleep mode" in his second term.

Lagos remains one vast, stinking, rats-infested, lawless, disease-filled, polluted and frustrating city.

Truth be told, Fashola should be ashamed of his public transport. His BRT and LAGBUS - the two faces of his public transport scheme - are a collection of rickety, smoky, dirty buses that are not fit to convey goats to the market! Meanwhile, Lagos government officials cruise around in air-conditioned sleek cars. The BRT and LAGBUS coaches are horrible and make the outlawed molues look like London coaches!

Because Lagosians have been traumatised into submission, nobody sees the insults being heaped on them by the government anymore.

We really need to focus more

“

on the activities of our governors and local council leaders-this is where the big fraud is incubated and nurtured to fruition. Since the advent of this democracy with a voracious financial appetite, past governors have been accused of stealing so much money from their various States and virtually all of them continue to spring forth silly reasons to avoid standing before a Judge to give accounts of their stewardship. These thieving governors plundered the resources of their States while we, the malnourished and docile lot continue to slumber and point accusing fingers at imaginary enemies and evil spirits as being responsible for our plight.

Imagine what difference it would have made if we had been vigilant during the inglorious reigns of some former governors!

Imagine what difference it would have made if we had been vigilant during the inglorious reigns of some former governors! They stole what belonged to the long-suffering people of their states.

Today, most of them are Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we continue to offer prayers for their protection since "the Bible enjoins us to pray for our leaders". What rubbish?

infertility through immunization, why do they need to achieve this objective only through vaccines?

Can't they achieve the same objective through foods and drugs, which we import and consume daily? Isn't their science advanced enough to achieve this objective by other means? Islam is expanding in the U.S. and Europe and one wonders why the West didn't see the need to reduce their Muslim populations through public health policies.

Having wrongly converted many Muslims to the idea that polio immunization is intended to decimate their population in disguise, why should anybody be surprised at the latest killing of nine polio immunization officials in Kano state? The fact that armed extremists have now joined the campaign to express violent opposition to polio immunization is bad enough. However, the responsibility for this tragedy must be laid at the doorsteps of those who started the anti-polio campaign in 2003. Manipulating the religious emotions of gullible Muslims for cheap popularity is vile and indefensible.

When you tell Muslims to reject polio immunization, you have a duty to give them alternative.

Unfortunately, Dr. Datti Ahmed and his group have no such alternative of saving children from polio. Should we then abandon our children to their fate, watching them become cripples and permanently incapacitated, denying them the benefits of immunization? Poliomyelitis is preventable and although it is not a fatal disease, it can badly damage the quality of life for its victims.

Na-Allah Mohammed Zagga can be reached on muhazagga@yahoo.com They stole what belonged to the long-suffering people of their states. Today, most of them are Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we continue to offer prayers for their protection since "the Bible enjoins us to pray for our leaders". What rubbish? This is the height of absurdity, the most dramatic case of paupers celebrating those that induced their hunger. The same people that stole our future are now in Abuja as our law-makerschurning our ludicrous laws that will continue to promote their stinking welfare while securing their loots.

We really need to take this criticism, social media fight against corruption, "occupy Nigeria" mantra, "PDP must go", and all other lawful fight against oppression down to our states and local councils. We cannot change Nigeria from Abuja; real development must start from our immediate environment-in this instance, states and local councils.

Have you not wondered why all our governors and their cronies embark on medical tourism (now that's a new one) to foreign countries with their sacks loaded with our money? Same rubbish Governors that have a "Ministry of Health" and claim to spend billions annually on hospitals and all that jazz. Sullivan Chime just returned from London-I wonder what happened to all the hospitals in Enugu.

John Chikadibi Okafo is on Johnteddy@hotmail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 14

Banks and public finances

By Ifeanyi Uddin

O

ne of the more interesting aspects of the last global financial and economic crisis was the way in which the health of banks, public finances, and the outcome of countries became almost inextricable intertwined. The most obvious thread in this link was that between banks' holding of sovereign debts and the effect on these of the ensuing sovereign fiscal crises. As governments' finances worsened, and concerns rose over their ability to sustainably meet their obligations the value of these assets on the banks' balance sheets quickly deteriorated.

This was not the only channel, though, through which banks' balance sheets and public finances looped in on each other. For, as concerns heightened over individual countries' ability to meet their obligations, even the assurances that the markets had come to expect from governments' regulation and supervision of banks was not worth much any longer. Public finances thus drove both bank runs, and aridity in the interbank markets. How much were bank-held collaterals worth subsequently?

Not much!

Especially when financial services institutions, themselves, inherited

exposure to the effects of public finances sovereign credit that regulators downgrades. elsewhere have In most Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text come to hold cases, this messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written responsible for relationship the adverse contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 between banks feedback loop and their words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and between banks, sovereigns a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed public finances, continued postto: and output crisis; with growth. Was the subsequent The Editor, CBN justified in bank bailouts Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, its disquiet? leaving gaping 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.

What is the true holes in public Email: opinion@peoplesdaily-online.com character of the finances.

In SMS: 07037756364 c u r r e n t what is relationship arguably the between banks most odious example, Ireland's bailout of its stress events. In the particular and the public sector in Nigeria?

Much has been made of banks' financial sector (estimated at example of the last crisis, because around 40% of GDP) was a major global oil prices were not as in thrall holding of treasury bills. How for contributor to the worsening of its to the diverse stress events as most instance monies that should be deficit. Invariably, post-crisis analysts had predicted, our driving private sector credit attempts at remediation have economy was spared even the growth ends up supporting the government's new concentrated on weakening these disruptions through this "bank- federal adverse feedback links between sovereign" channel. Still, the bulimia for borrowed money. But banks and their sovereigns. Or economy has another attribute rarely does bank lending to sub(states, largely) rendering the links a lot more peculiar to it: its penchant for being national make the tenuous. wagged furiously long after the governments headlines. The trouble with The Nigerian economy is global mutt suffers the creeps. to the federal unique in many respects. Its When the Central Bank of lending sundry diseconomies guarantee Nigeria (CBN) moved, last month, government is past moot. that the links that work elsewhere, toughening the weights used for Without any doubt, government the transmission mechanisms on calculating banks' capital borrowing prevents money going which systems are based just do adequacy ratios, it did so obviously the private sector's way. not function at all. Thus, it is out of concern to prevent the However, what government does regularly insulated from global buildup of the kind of bank with the borrowed funds matters

WRITE TO US

more than how it sources the monies. Spent maintaining or acquiring new roads, bridges, power infrastructure, fibre-optic networks, etc. government spending could drive rapid output growth, and result in net welfare gains for us all. Spent, on the other hand, on "recurrent" items, chances are that all such government spending does is drive inflation up.

Incidentally, of our huge recurrent expenditure bill at the federal level, only about half of it goes to meeting the federal government's wage bill. The rest is spent on stationery, fuel, furniture and fittings, etc. The monetary authority is then forced to push the policy rate up in a bid to hold prices steady. The higher rate bids up the yield on government debt, inviting further financial sector interests in these instruments. A classic vicious cycle! Interestingly, inflation is the tool of last resort available to the federal government for managing its debt.

Once it decides to print money to pay these debts (a sovereign's prerogative) domestic prices come under additional pressure. States, alas, are not permitted this sleight of hand. If they borrow from banks, and proceed to squander it after the federal government's example, what is to be done? This question is more pertinent today, when a good many states in Nigeria are near broke.

Ifeanyi Uddin is on www.twitter.com/uddin

1914 amalgamation: Fraud or act of God

By Tayo Oke

O

n January first, 2014, it will be one hundred years since the colonial robber Baron, Lord Frederick John Dealtry Lugard (1858-1945), made the audacious decision to bring what was then the Northern part of the Niger (area) in unison with the Southern part, to create what we have today as Nigeria. Before then, the two regions lived as distinct and separate entities, not having much in common. Lugard, however, felt it expedient to create the new country, Nigeria, purely for administrative convenience. No account was taken of differences in culture, tradition, religion, ways of life or, for that matter, the wishes of the peoples being so rudely submerged. After all, the inhabitants of the regions were colonial subjects, and so, it was left to the master to do as he pleased.

This singular colonial fiat has been the source of Nigeria's persistent crisis of nationhood ever since.

Thus, the Federal Government's plan to throw up a huge party to "celebrate" the centenary of this forced merger, next year, is ill-advised. Of course, the act of drawing up arbitrary boundaries and creating new state territories is not unique to Nigeria.

The whole of modern African states were created in exactly the same fashion at the Berlin Conference of European powers in 1884/5. They sat around a long, round table with the boundaryless map of Africa in the middle, and started carving up the

territories into choice names: Cameroon (land of shrimps), Gold Coast (land of gold), Ivory Coast (land of ivories), Upper Volta, Kenya, Mali, etc. That is how modern African states acquired their identities. It is a painful part of African history. That is why no one proposed the centenary celebration of the Berlin Conference in 1995. The 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria was an unfinished business from 'Berlin 1885'. It therefore defies logic that right-thinking Nigerians would want to turn that into a cause célèbre.

Perhaps more than just the funfair planned by the Federal Government is the more pressing issue of the legality of the amalgamation itself. My search through the UK Parliamentary archives did not reveal any promulgation of an Act of Parliament on the subject as it should have.

Lord Lugard presented a series of "reports", one of which was published in May 1913 in which "the secretary of state has decided that the combined territories of Northern and Southern Nigeria, divided into two or more subsidiary administrations, shall be placed under the control of a single Governor-General..." Lugard had simply prevailed on the secretary of state to rubber stamp his wish to rule over a vast swathe of land which he had christened Nigeria.

The next occasion of historical significance that took place in relation to this was when Lugard actually delivered the "amalgamation speech" on the "amalgamation day of January

1st 1914". He boldly announced to the world, based on his agreement with the secretary of state the previous year, his 'desire therefore as briefly as possible to describe to his audience, and through them to the official and unofficial community of Nigeria the basis on which this Amalgamation is to be carried out..' The basis, of course, was to facilitate the continued exploitation of the people and their natural resources. Let's not forget, this was done as World War 1 was just breaking out, Parliamentary process was thus dispensed with.

It is my submission, therefore, that a Nigerian court of competent jurisdiction can and should be given the opportunity to rule on the said Amalgamation.

Committed eminent Nigerian lawyers could, if they choose to, seek a judicial review of the decision to amalgamate as soon as it is practicable to do so. A declaration that the decision is null and void should usher in an immediate convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) to give Nigerians the long awaited say on this most vexed of all issues.

Having said that, I can hear voices saying: 'leave well alone; let it be; the fraud was perpetrated long time ago; it's an Act of God; it's our destiny to be together, etc.

These voices are well meaning, but wrong in a fundamental respect. In 1707, the previously disagreeable Kingdoms of Scotland and England were merged together by King James (1), a Scottish Monarch, and was later ratified by Scottish and English

Parliaments when they both met for the first time in October 1707.

There lies the basis of the United Kingdom as we know it today.

Why was this precedent not applied to the amalgamation of Nigeria over two hundred years later?

Nonetheless, Parliamentary legitimacy notwithstanding, the "Act of Union" between Scotland and England has been a running sore in the hearts of many Scots for a long time. With its population of just over five million compared to England's fifty three million (or 84% of total UK population), Scottish nationalist leaders have long felt 'sub-merged' and 'marginalised' within the UK although, this may be more apparent than real to an outside observer.

Nonetheless, because this feeling runs deep, it was given political expression by the formation of the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) in 1934.

Why can't, for instance, Boko Haram be allowed to express their political grievances through a legitimate political party with the sole aim of establishing a Sharia state in the Northern region? Why not? Once you have feelings of 'injustice' running so deep, and being so visceral, it needs to be given democratic expression or, the people will resort to violence.

Anyway, back to Scotland.

The SNP was berated and shunned for much of its early existence, until it gradually began to win the hearts and minds of the Scottish people. It won its first Parliamentary seat

in 1945, then, substantially increased its representation in 1974 with eleven Members of Parliament, before finally becoming the majority in Scottish Parliament in 2007. The party's mantra since formation has remained full independence for Scotland and a break away from the UK. Guess what? The UK Parliament has now agreed a referendum of the Scottish people to take place in 2014 to determine whether Scotland should opt out of the UK and re-start life as an independent entity.

The campaign has already started between pro and anti independence camps. It promises to be lively and enlightening.

My haunch is that there will be a narrow victory for those who wish to remain in the UK and the nationalist fervour would have been extinguished for the foreseeable future. The question for us in Nigeria is why are we afraid of an open democratic debate about the terms of our existence as a state? Why is this type of debate encouraged in Western countries as a mark of political maturity but discouraged in our society as heresy? Why do we want to spend a trillion naira bringing out dance troupes and masquerades next year to celebrate the centenary of an amalgamation, which to all intent and purposes is a legal infamy? Our leaders appear to have taken leave of their senses with this one. Let's hope common sense will eventually prevail.

Tayo Oke is reachable on tayooke@okeassociates.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 15

Nollywood prayer warriors: The movie just got real

By Chinedu Ekeke

M

y friends understand my reluctance in referring to the Nigerian movie industry as "Nollywood". For me, the name represents all that is wrong with the industry: lack of imagination, half-baked dramas passed down as movies, regurgitated scripts. I don't understand why we can't name ours Tinapa, Surulere or New Haven to represent locations where these movies are acted, or industry players gather more often for meetings. Forcing an industry to sound like its American counterpart is the worst form of intellectual laziness.

This is even more so when the original industry they sought to imitate was named after a physical location. And for an industry which stock in trade should be creativity, that imitation in its identity highlights an unwillingness to bring newness to the world of movies. In their lack of originality, they unwittingly send out a signal about their low standards. Their movies carry this badge into every home.

But this isn't about their name.

This is about their blindness to the Nigerian reality and their seeming forgetfulness of the line between screen dramas and real life challenges. For the purpose of this piece, I will still refer to the

industry as Nollywood. In Nigerian movies, every life challenge is solved by prayers.Full stop. The brain is rarely challenged to explore physical possibilities, to soberly recall causes of effects, and apply solutions that could be lasting, and ultimately help others to not get into similar situation. It's not that prayers don't work; it is just that Nigeria's problems aren't in any way related to insufficient prayers.

Recently, Nollywoodians and some of their singing counterparts convened somewhere to 'pray against untimely death' in the entertainment industry. They probably assumed the spirit of death was after their industry, a reason for which prayers were invoked. It was a real-life replay of all they've been acting and feeding on, a typical Nigerian movie.

Well, their fear is understandable. Last year, a couple of actors in the movie industry died. And since death is a mystery, safety against it, at least in the interim, can only be acquired from divinity. So they prayed, and sang, and clapped, and danced. They decreed, and cast away the spirit of death, and then believed their decrees had been established.

Well, it isn't a prayer issue. I do believe in prayers and their ability to move mountains. But I also believe in understanding such

basic issues as life expectancy. It is low in Nigeria. And it is that way because of bad governance. All the well-governed countries in the world have very amazing life expectancy years. Actually, life has got so good now that people are expected to live a lot longer than the biblical seventy years.

Improvement in modern medicine has made this possible. In Monaco, it is 89 years. Japan is 83. France is 81. UK is 80, Canada 81, United States 78, Nigeria 52, Afghanistan 48, Zimbabwe 51, Somalia 50.

While the serious countries are enjoying longevity past the biblical 70 years, the unserious ones can't even live near 70, except, of course, those in government, their business fronts and associates and their relatives who could all afford medical trips to these countries where healthcare system is working.

It should surprise everybody that Nollywood prayer warriors do not know this. There are too many reasons why people die in their numbers in Nigeria, and lack of adequate healthcare system ranks top. It is also not true that untimely death has been peculiar to only Nigeria's entertainment industry.

In fact, what is happening there currently is a reflection of how bad it is in the entire Nigerian society.

People die in their numbers! Our huge population silences major tragedies that strike many

families. People only complain about the ones they know. And in a population of 160 million, how many 'ordinary' citizens will their deaths get to be heard by the entire nation? Countless deaths can't - and never will - make newspaper headlines.

My friend, Ifeanyi Umeh was buried January 30. He died a month earlier, during the yuletide. He was 29. We knew in our university years while I was a campus reporter in Students Union law court. Ifeanyi was a counsel representing an impeached SUG President in a suit filed by the president himself. His brilliance dazzled everybody and made the Students' Court the cynosure of all eyes on campus. What killed him?

He wasn't even sick. He just slumped during a wedding ceremony, conked out and died after two days. It's easy to point fingers at witches and wizards, or wicked uncles and 'village people' who themselves are victims of government-induced poverty and lack, and may not even be connected in any way to the sad incident. If there was a functional hospital in his village where he slumped, two days could have been enough to revive him.

There are many other Ifeanyis. Our roads alone have consistently cut short the lives of many. And far from the ignorance of merchants of

religion, the deaths aren't caused by witches and wizards or 'bloodsucking demons'. The deaths are caused by roads in total disrepair.

Between the time CD John and MC Loph fell victim to our terrible roads and now, who knows how many unknown youths who have been consumed?

Our Nollywood prayer warriors should, therefore, understand the challenge that we all face: that bad governance is robbing us of long life in Nigeria, and that in their movies, people should be made to know how this evil thrives. They can highlight, using the instrumentality of their movies, how bad leadership cuts lives short, instead of the lies about witches and wizards in the villages which their movies portray.

When next Nollywood wants to cast and bind the spirit of untimely death, they should remember that no Japanese wastes energy doing that: for a parent in Japan knows that their baby born today will live up to 83 years (except an earthquake strikes, or something just goes awfully wrong). China doesn't have churches and mosques littered everywhere. It is even doubtful if the country officially recognizes God, but the average Chinese lives 74 years.

That's how countries work.

Join Chinedu @Nedunaija on Twitter

2015: Opposition merger: What lies ahead

By Theophilus Ilevbare

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here is a need to provide a credible alternative for the electorate, a radical change borne out of the growing discontent of Nigerians with the failure of the PDP led government that has held power at the centre since 1999 to transform the country despite the $67billion foreign reserves built up in the last few years. Any hope of a breath of Jonathan's 'fresh air" has since evaporated.

And so much was the euphoria that greeted the announcement of the formation of All Peoples Congress (APC) that it sent jitters across the political divide. The coalition of ACN, CPC, ANPP and APGA to form the new alliance is an audacious bid to unseat the ruling party in the 2015 general elections. Two recent events gave fillip to the merger. First, was the meeting of 10 governors from opposition parties to endorse the coalition. Secondly, the formation of contact and mobilization committee to expedite alliance talks. Both moves coupled with a new name have helped to silence the sceptics who described the merger as a political mirage that will go the way of previous attempts to form a viable opposition party in 2011.

The political landscape has been dogged by the absence of credible and formidable opposition.

The new party on the block, has a lot to prove to Nigerians; do they have something different from what the PDP has to offer? Can they prove that they are not the same with the PDP? From their respective states, senatorial districts and other areas they

represent, can they genuinely say that they have fared better than the party they oppose? These and more will determine if they will be taken seriously by Nigerians and how far they will go.

The political will demonstrated by the ACN and CPC so far must now be translated to persuasion with renewed optimism and enthusiasm to convince the indifferent factions to be part of the merger. The leaders of the parties in the coalition must be ready to further shift ground in the sacrifice of personal and regional ambition for the merger to come to fruition.

The APC must rise above the debate on issues such as the logo, which many observers believe is trivial.

Technical and ideological differences like the constitution and manifesto must be given priority as this is the basis for which the opposition party will be weighed with the PDP. There is no merger where the dissolving bodies remain adamant on their ideologies. A sound ideology will surely boost the APC's acceptance and penetration. It can learn from the PDP's lack of internal democracy that has led to incessant wrangling and animosity among its members.

The jostling for the allocation of offices among various political parties in the alliance will be the litmus test of how the APC will deal with the selection process for the candidates before the general elections. It will be interesting to see how the parties will shift ground to concede ideological differences in the larger interest of the new party.

The merger between the ACN and CPC alone might just be

enough to see out the PDP, as a school of thought will have us believe. No, it is a political miscalculation. The PDP has gained cult followership over the last 14 years in most rural areas where they have a preponderance of votes cast. A cursory look at the outcome of election since 1999, indicate, the incumbent seldom lose election. The odds are always against the opposition. The PDP had boasted sometime ago, that the merger of all the opposition parties will not be enough to upstage them.

No surprise. Over the years the ruling party has enriched a lot of Nigerians who can spread a few billions around the country to win votes from an electorate, a greater proportion, living below the poverty line. The merger must be consummated in time to allow the APC put proper structures across the geo-political zones to consolidate what the parties

already have on ground.

Immediate mobilisation and sensitisation of the electorate, down to the grassroots, on the manifesto of the new party must commence.

In the North, the CPC and ANPP have got four states governors; the ACN is well grounded in the SouthWest, capturing five out of six states, they can also count on votes from Edo state in the South-South.

APGA is in power in Imo state, led

by Governor Rochas Okorocha and it has strong structures in other states of the South-East. It is still a far cry from the 23 states the PDP control across the country, but with the merger, the APC can consolidate by retaining those states and hopefully win a few more. The consummation of all four political parties as part of the merger, will give it national spread and outlook.

The APC must guard against surreptitious tactics by the PDP to stymie the new party using the

“

In the North, the CPC and ANPP have got four states governors; the ACN is well grounded in the South-West, capturing five out of six states, they can also count on votes from Edo state in the South-South.

APGA is in power in Imo state, led by Governor Rochas Okorocha and it has strong structures in other states of the South-East. It is still a far cry from the 23 states the PDP control across the country

factions of ANPP and APGA not part of the merger. Effort must be made to woo these disaffected factions who are indifferent to the coalition. The APC must beware of smear campaigns against the drivers of the opposition alliance.

With the storm always rocking the PDP boat, the APC should prevent aggrieved members of the PDP from cross-carpeting to the APC, as the aftermath could be grave.

The applecart in waiting for the APC will be the jostle for the nomination for their presidential aspirant and other candidates seeking ticket for various political offices. One that is most likely to generate controversy is the Presidential ticket. General Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his interest in contesting the 2015 election. His antecedents do not make him popular in the South but his followership in the north put him in a tall position.

There is the agitation in the SouthEast for an Ndigbo presidency in 2015; the APGA faction will definitely want a look in that direction, even if they have to settle for a VP slot. The South-West has been in and around the corridors of power, Bola Tinubu, still very much in contention. Most Nigerians want a clean break from the old brigade; preference for younger breed of outstanding politicians from the APC, the likes of Babatunde Fashola, Nasir elRufai, Nuhu Ribadu, Oby Ezekwesili, has been suggested. It will be interesting to see how things play out in the upcoming months.

Theophilus Ilevbare is reachable on theophilus@ilevbare.com

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Bus conductor bags nine months imprisonment

A

Senior Magistrates Court in Mararaba, Nasarawa state has sentenced a bus conductor, Babangida Mukaila, 27, to nine months imprisonment for cheating and inciting public disturbance.

The Police prosecutor, Corporal Samuel Okoro, had told the court that the matter was reported by one Maureen Oguche of Uke, Karshi, Abuja,

at the Sani Abacha Road Police Station on Monday.

He said Oguche boarded a bus from Area 1, Garki, to Mararaba, and gave N1,000 to the conductor, to be given N950 as change.

“He gave her only N450 and pocketed N500, claiming to have given her everything.

On getting to Mararaba junction, Mukaila incited public disturbance and refused

to give her the correct change.

“He ran out of luck when the DCO, Sani Abacha Road Police Station, who was on patrol, intervened in the matter’’.

The prosecutor said that Mukaila swore to the DCO that he had only N30 on him.

“He was arrested and taken to the police station where the police discovered the N500 in his pocket.’’

Okoro said the offences contravene the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charges and begged the court to temper justice with mercy.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr Jeremiah Danladi, sentenced him to nine months imprisonment with an option N3,000 fine for each offence, totaling N9,000.

(NAN)

Vehicles involved in an accident on Airport road, yesterday in Lugbe, Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Woman wants ex-husband to accept responsibility for her pregnancy one year after divorce

A

23-year-old woman, Hadiza Aliyu, has asked an Abuja Area Court to compel her ex-husband to accept responsibility for her pregnancy, one year after he divorced her.

Aliyu, who resides at IdoSarki Village, Lugbe, Abuja, also accused her ex-husband, Ibrahim Leleyi of Leleyi Village, Lugbe, Abuja, of neglect and lack of care for their 3-year-old son since their divorce.

She told the court that she had been married to her husband for five years until February 2012 when he just woke up one day and asked her to leave his house.

The plaintiff told the court that she was shocked, and decided to report the issue to the village head, who invited her ex-husband for a meeting to resolve the issue, to no avail.

She said she had no option than to leave for her parents’ house, adding that her parents invited her ex-husband for a meeting with a view to resolving the matter.

Aliyu said following her

parents’ intervention, her exhusband reluctantly took her back, only to send her packing again 15 days later.

The plaintiff said she returned to her parents’ house again with her only son, saying that Leleyi had again failed to take responsibility for her son’s upkeep.

Aliyu, however, said she went to her ex-husband’s house three months after to console him when he lost a relation as tradition demands and stayed there for three weeks only for her to discover that she had

taken in for him.

In his defence, Leleyi said that he divorced his former wife since February, 2012 and never had any matrimonial relationship with her to date.

“In February, 2012, we had a problem and she left my house for her parents’ house; the problem was resolved later and she came back to my house, only to depart again 15 days later.

“A few months after, she sent me a message that my 3year-old son who lives with her took ill and I sent her some

money to take him to the hospital.

“While in the hospital, she said she did a pregnancy test on a doctor’s advice and it turned out positive and she told me that I was responsible, but I disclaimed the pregnancy,’’ Leleyi said.

The Judge, Haruna Masanawa, after hearing both sides, adjourned the case to March 4, 2013 for judgment.

“This matter is hereby adjourned to March 4 for judgment,’’ Masanawa said.

(NAN)

INSIDE FCT COURTS Butcher gets pardon after stabbing fellow

A

Gudu Upper Area Court in Abuja on Monday discharged Bilya Abubakar, 26, a butcher of Garki Village, Abuja, after he was forgiven by Abdulrazak Mustapha the complainant.

Abubakar was arraigned by the police for causing grievous hurt to Mustapha, who also reside at Garki Village, Abuja.

Abubakar was, however, forgiven by Mustapha after he pleaded guilty to the offence.

The presiding Judge, Adamu Wakili, in his ruling said that the accused was discharged based on a written application by the complainant.

“This letter dated Feb. 18, 2013, written and signed by the complainant corroborates the application of the prosecution.

“The case has been compounded and the accused is hereby discharged,’’ Wakili said.

Wakili told the accused that the attitude of stabbing another man in the arm with a knife was bad and uncivilised.

“You (accused) are meant to resolve issues with your mouth and not with a weapon.

“You are lucky you were forgiven by the complainant, but if you are brought to this court again for the same offence, you will go to jail, I will not pardon you because you are harmful to the society,’’ Police prosecutor Christian Munonye had told the court that the complainant had forgiven the accused through a letter addressed to the court.

Munonye said the accused was reported by Mustapha at the Garki Police Station on February 15, 2013.

“That on the said date, he (Mustapha) had a misunderstanding with the accused at the Garki Market Square,’’ he said, adding that in the midst of the scuffle, the accused used a sharp knife to inflict a very deep cut on his right arm.

“The offence is contrary the provisions of Section 247 of the Penal Code,’’ Munonye said. (NAN)

Bizman absconds with tenant’s rent

T

he Police have arraigned a businessman, Ilemona Victor of Aunty Alice Road, Mararaba, Nasarawa state, before a Senior Magistrates Court for alleged cheating.

The Police Prosecutor, Corporal Samuel Okoro, told the court that the incident was reported by one Moses Oteikwu of Markurdi, Benue, at the Sani

Abacha Road Police Station on February 14, 2013.

“The accused person and one Mike (now at large) in October 2012, conspired and deceived Oteikwu to pay N340,000 into two bank accounts.

“Ilemona gave Oteikwu the account numbers to pay in the money as house rent under the pretence that there was an

available accommodation.

“Oteikwu paid N320,000 into an FCMB account and N20,000 into a GTBank account.

After the payment, Ilemona and Mike converted the money to their personal use and absconded,’’ he said.

The prosecutor said Ilemona was arrested on February 14 by the police and he confessed to

committing the offence which contravene Sections the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr Jeremiah Danladi, ordered that he be remanded in Keffi Prison and adjourned the case to February 25, 2013 for hearing.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 17

Land swap initiative: Natives assured of adequate compensation

By Josephine Ella Ejeh

N

atives of communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be affected by the opening up and provision of infrastructure for the 10 new districts under the LandSwap-Model-Initiative in the Phase IV of the Federal Capital City have been assured of adequate compensation for all their economic trees and farmlands.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who gave this assurance at a meeting with the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, graded chiefs, district heads, village heads and the youth leaders of the communities to be affected, revealed that the ground breaking of the Land Swap Model would be performed in March 2013.

He explained that the initiative is by using the land as resource for the investors to bring in the capital to provide the basic infrastructure and recoup their investment from the sale of such land.

He also said that under this policy, the government will not put a dime into the provision of infrastructure as the investors are expected to source for over N300 billion to finance the projects.

The minister restated that any square meter of land taken would be adequately compensated for in tune with the best world practices; insisting that no investor would be allowed to commence work without inputting the cost of compensation.

He however, warned that the FCT Administration would not condone lawlessness because no government will take it lightly when people take laws into their hands.

According to him, this compensation package will create synergy between the investors and the natives while the FCT Administration remains the arbiter to ensure that neither the natives nor investors are shortchanged in the process.

He emphasized that this nature of compensation is to either pay outright compensation in cash or building houses in traditional fashion to become tourists centers, but that all will be dependent on the negotiation between the consultant handling the projects, the investors, the communities and the FCT Administration.

In a remark at the meeting, the Chief of Garki, Alhaji Usman Nga-Kupi, affirmed that Abuja has come to stay, hence they would join hands to ensure it success as he praised the courage of the minister for the policy.

Nga-Kupi also declared that his people would prefer the policy of integration rather than outright resettlement.

Water vendor out for business at Karu in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Attack on villagers: Gurudi village head appeals for adequate security

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he village head of Gurudi in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory( FCT), Mallam Khaladu Gimba has appealed to the chairman of the council and other relevant authority to provide adequate security for his people.

He made the pledge recently after the attack on his village members by the Action Congress of Nigeria(CAN) members, who took the campaign rally to the village and were shun by the

villagers, giving their mandate only to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who came out from the rural area.

The Monarch said: ”I was shocked the way and manner my people were attacked by the ACN members from Abaji town, they destroyed some of our valuables in the name of campaign. Gurudi Village have already decided to vote for the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who is from the rural area as matter of zoning arrangement, why should they beat my village

members”.

He further appeal to the authorities concern to regulate campaigns and rallies of the political parties to safeguard his people and others from now to the period of the upcoming election so that people can come out and vote for the candidate of their choice.

The Councillor Representing Gurudi Ward, Hon. Tanko Alfa (PDP) who was one of the victims of the attack said the ACN members came into their village (Gurudi) and started attacking some people just because they refuse to support ACN candidate

and more so our youth have left for farm, if not there would be a lot of crisis in the village.

In his words: “They destroyed some of our belongings and mentioned to us that election of next month will witness a lot of surprises; therefore we are begging Government to provide enough security personal to us and other nearby villages for peace to reign”.

The councillor said the matter has already being reported to Divisional Police Officer of Abaji Town, who assured them of thorough investigation.

Excess heat: Gwagwalada residents resort to sleeping outside

By Usman Shuaibu

I

nhabitants of Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have resorted to sleeping outside their houses due to the

increasing heat in the area.

Many residents who spoke to Peoples Daily said that heat often constitute a serious problem to them during the dry season.

They said the situation had caused a lot of malaria for the

people, praying for onset of timely heavy rains to arrest the situation.

A resident, Mallam Yahaya Adamu, said he was happy over the rain that fell yesterday night in the area, noting that

the heat had reduced a little bit.

“Heat is not a strange thing in Gwagwalada. Mosquitoes have not made it easy at all and that is why malaria is now common in the area”, he said.

NGO unveils plan to offer free university education to indigents

By Josephine Ella Ejeh

A

n Abuja based nong o v e r n m e n t a l organisation (NGO), Helpline Foundation for the Needy said it has concluded plans to upgrade its scholarship scheme to university level.

This was as it also identified six more vulnerable children in the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT) to be enlisted in its scholarship scheme.

President of the Foundation, Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu, who made this known in a chat with journalists said the gesture was a demonstration of the foundation’s reach out programme for the needy in the society.

She said, though the present scholarship for the vulnerable children terminates

at senior secondary school level, the foundation has concluded plans to upscale the scholarship scheme to university level depending on the resources at its disposal.

Ahmadu appealed to charity organisations not to see charity work as a profit oriented outfit, but a divine calling, adding that, it is only God who rewards such gesture.

One of the beneficiaries of

the scholarship scheme, Folashade Agunloyi, expressed her gratitude for being able to go out for the festival she has not been privileged since she lost her mother twelve years ago.

“When my mother died, I thought that is the end of life, but another person has taken over the place of my mother. I can now go to school with my mate,” she said.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Hospital wants handcuff removed from patient to facilitate treatment

T

he University of Abuja Teaching Hospital has called on the police to remove the handcuff on a patient, Mr Samaila Bello.

The hospital authorities said the patient had been tied to a bed in the hospital since he was dumped as an alleged armed robbery suspect about year ago.

Mr Frank Omagbon, the Chief Information Officer of the hospital, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gwagwalada yesterday that chaining the patient to his hospital bed for the past one year was a violation of his fundamental human rights.

Omagbon said that efforts by the hospital management to resolve the issue through writing to the Gwagwalada Divisional Police Headquarters that brought him to the hospital had yielded no result.

“Apart from not removing the handcuff from the patient to enhance easy treatment, the police had not given any financial support for his feeding and treatment.

“It has been the hospital taking the responsibility of both the feeding and treatment of the patient who had bullet wounds on his left leg. Since he is chained to

his hospital bed, surgery cannot be performed on him, he urinates and defecate on the bed and this is an additional work for the nurses and hospital attendants,” he said.

A matron in the hospital, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed dismay over the attitude of police towards the life of the patient, adding that he was a mere suspect.

She said the patient was brought and abandoned by the police since March 2012, and that the hospital had written severally to the police in respect of the patient.

“Our major concern now is that the patient be unchained from the bed to allow for proper treatment. As I speak to you, the patient may have lost the use of his leg to this long period without proper treatment,” she said.

In his reaction, CSP Adamu Mohammed, the Gwagwalada Divisional Police Officer, said the patient was an armed robbery suspect whose relatives had failed to show up since his arrest in March 2012.

He said the division was waiting for a certain pastor who promised to take the suspect on bail. (NAN)

Bags of grains been brought to Garki market from other parts of the country in Garki, Abuja.

College of Education Zuba matriculates 1,670

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he authority of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) College of Education Zuba in Gwagwalada Area Council has matriculated a total of 1,670 students in this year’s academic session.

Disclosing this in an address presented during the matriculation ceremony, the Provost of the institution, Prof.

Tijjani Isma’il, said his

administration would continue to provide a conducive environment for students to enhance learning.

He said: “The FCT College of Education Zuba was established in 1997 with only three schools as at today, the college has a total of five schools with addition of schools of Arts and Social Sciences and Languages in 2001”.

He said that his leadership would not hesitate to recruit qualified tutors to impart knowledge on students in the institution, noting that all the

courses being run by the college were accredited.

The Provost said that plans are underway to hold a maiden convocation for the back log of ten sets of students who had graduated since its inception, adding that the committee had already proposed April 2013 as the convocation date which would take place at the permanent site of the college.

Isma’il, however, advised the students to obey the rules and regulation guiding the institution

and commended the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed and other stakeholders in education sector for their contributions towards the development of the school.

Speaking at the occasion, the special guest of honour, Comrade Jude Imagwe, who is the Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youth and Students Matters, urged the matriculating students to face their studies squarely and warned them against examination malpractices.

Kubwa General Hospital now offers morgue services-CMD

T

he Kubwa General Hospital in Abuja now offers quality services to the public in its 240 capacity mortuary, Dr Ahmed Danfulani, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), has said.

Danfulani disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Bwari, headquarters of the Bwari Area Council in the FCT. “We have a fridge that can take at least 12 corpses at a time and the

mortuary can take 20 morgues.

We have an expert who does what we call dry embalmment that can take 100 corpses at a time,’’ he said.

Danfulani said the hospital services had been a relief for people in the area council.

“The mortuary we have here is very big. There is no limit to the corpses the mortuary can take for now,’’ he said.

Danfulani advised residents in the area council to make the best use of the facilities in the hospital. (NAN)

Residents assured of adequate water supply soon

By Adeola Tukuru

R

esidents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been assured of adequate supply of pipe borne water in the satellite towns and also within the city centre.

The Acting Director of FCT Water Board, Engr Anto Jiniya Bidda gave this assurance during an inspection of the connection of the integration of the new treatment plant of Phase 3 and 4 to Phase 1 and 2, explaining that the essence of this to boost the supply of water to the existing system on the ground.

According to him, the current challenges facing the projects are that they are predicating the whole water so that all leakages are blocked.

In his words: “Some areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) do not have water and once we have boost these from the new treatment plant, this issue of none availability of water would be resolved. On the new treatment plant all the electrical facilities, the botanical facilities has been checked”.

Anto revealed that the project would be completed in a couple of weeks, because the connection has already been hooked and the leakages detected have been put in place.

“What we are doing now is the modern treatment with sophisticated gadgets and they all have to be checked, we are already washing the chemical tanks for processing solution, so we are working hand in hand with the Bi-water company to fast track it”, he said.

He explained that the FCT Water Board is also working hand in hand with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), saying: “The FCTA is laying the pipes and putting the infrastructure in place, while water board is putting in water and maintaining the projects”.

He further advised residents to pay their water bills in Diamond Bank, First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Aso Savings and Loans, Fidelity Bank, Unity Bank, Zenith Bank, FCMB and Main Street Bank, due to the persistent problem of non reflection of payments made by the residents.

He added that it was the reason they have also reduced the number of banks to enable it to be solved.

Also the Site Operations Manager of Bi-water Nigeria Limited in charge of the water project at Usman Dam in Bwari, Mr David Murphy told newsmen that they found out that the existing pipe is broken and they have carried out a fully operational work on the pipe which is been repaired to avoid any problems in the future.

“We also experienced some leakages in the area and we intend complete the whole project in the next couple of weeks. There was also a problem that we can’t shot the water off right from the existing works, which we have done”.

“Some of our sections will be coming from Gurara , due to some challenges we are overcoming ,then our process commissioning will begin.

All the chemicals are ready on ground and all the process completion will finish very soon”, he said.

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

Benin airport ready for commissioning, say FAAN MD

Mob: 08033644990

CBN reviews weights on banks’, discount houses’ risk exposure

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has reviewed weights associated with banks and discount houses’ exposure to risk through the establishment of sound risk management processes.

This was announced in a circular titled “Review of Risk Weights on Certain Exposures in the Computation of Capital Adequacy” issued to banks and discount houses.

The CBN said that it had identified that recent crisis in the banking industry had highlighted several weaknesses in the banking system.

It said that a major contributor was the excessive concentration of credit in the asset portfolios of banks.

The apex bank said that such concentration cut across products, business lines and legal entities, among others.

It, therefore, urged banks to properly manage the concentration through the establishment of sound risk management processes.

The CBN said that it had increased the risk weight assigned to direct lending from 100 per cent to 200 per cent to aid the management of the concentration, It said that the increment was for the direct lending to local governments, states,

ministries, departments and agencies of governments.

The CBN said that investments in Federal Government bonds should continue to attract zero per cent risk weight, while state government bonds would remain at 20 per cent.

It said that where the exposure to any industry was in the excess of 20 per cent of the total credit facilities of a bank, the risk weight of the

entire portfolio shall be 150 per cent.

The apex bank said that total exposure to a particular industry would include offbalance sheet engagements in which the bank takes the credit risk.

It added that all the breaches of single obligor limits without the prior approval of the CBN should be regarded as impairment to capital.

The CBN said that for the purposes of credit transactions, banks’ related parties within a holding company structure should include the financial holding company and other subsidiaries within the group.

(NAN)

PHCN sets up monitoring team to check abuse of meters

By Udenna Orji with agency report

T

Chief Ernest Nwosu displaying his farm produces at the "made in Abia" exhibition, yesterday in Umuahia.

Photo: NAN

MTN Nigeria maintains leadership position

By Chris Alu

M

TN Nigeria, counting over 47.4 million subscribers, has maintained a comfortable lead in Nigeria’s highly competitive telecommunications market which crossed the 113 million active lines in 2012, according to a report by Renaissance Capital.

This figure represents a growth of 13 percent year-onyear, which according to industry analysts, is a much improved performance over 2011.

The report, however, says the performance exceeds management guidance of 5.3 million net additions by 0.5 million or 9.4 percent. Analysts told BusinessDay on Monday that the South African owned telecoms company has continued to sustain its market leadership by continuously redirecting its operational and marketing strategies to offer

… as industry crosses 113m active lines better customer service and innovative products with compelling value proposition.

The telecoms firm, according to them, has also succeeded in gaining a foothold on the enterprise segment and youth segment, which constitutes Nigeria’s largest consumer group.

On MTN’s part, wooing customers with mouthwatering offers and promos

was a big deal for the company in 2012.

For instance, it pulled off the biggest promotion, the MTN Ultimate Wonder, in which customers were given opportunity to win weekly cash prizes while the ultimate winner went home with the cash equivalent of a Cessana 182T airplane, the grand prize.

However, MTN’s share of net subscriber additions slipped in

2012, and Glo Mobile and Airtel Nigeria appear to have picked up pace in 2012.

For the industry overall, 2012 saw a much-improved performance as far as net subscriber additions were concerned, almost matching the record of 2010 (19.44 million), with 19.26 million net subscribers added among the four GSM networks in Nigeria, M-TEL excluded.

Management Tip of the Day

W

Give your slides some white space

hen preparing a presentation, it’s tempting to fill your slides with as much content as possible.

But it’s your job to carefully arrange the elements so that your audience can both process the information and hear what you’re

saying.

Don’t crowd the slide with so much content that it competes for attention. Respect the white space (the open space surrounding items of interest).

Provide a healthy amount of it and you’ll impart a feeling of

luxury — advertisers have discovered that it creates higher perceived value.That doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is literally “white,” just that the design feels spacious.

Source: Harvard Business Review

he Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) says it has set up a market monitoring team to check customers who are bypassing pre-paid and analogue meters.

The Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs Division of PHCN, Mr. Pekun Adeyanju, who stated this yesterday in Lagos said that some consumers were bypassing their meters.

“They will not connect electrical appliances that consume more power like pumping machine, pressing iron and air-condition to pre-paid meters. At the end of the month, such a customer will pay less because the pre-paid meter has been tampered with,” he said.

According to him, each monitoring team is set up to check pre-paid meters in the zone and is directly under the supervision of the business unit in the different units.

“Any customer found guilty of bypassing pre-paid meter or adjusting the analogue meter will be invited to the business unit. If found guilty of this offence, the customer will be asked to pay N50, 000 fine within three days; Failure to pay the fine, the customer will be charged to court,’’ he said.

Adeyanju urged consumers to always report any staff of PHCN who demanded money from them to write-off their bills to the business manager of their unit.

He advised them to allow officials of PHCN to do their lawful duties anytime they visited their compound.

Adeyanju promised that PHCN would continue to serve them better and stressed the need for consumers to always pay their bills promptly.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS

Nestle Plc

N

estle Plc on Monday opened an ultra-modern distribution centre in Agbara, Ogun State to boost the company's growth in Nigeria and in Africa as a whole.

NestlĂŠ's spokesperson, Samuel Adenekan told newsmen at the opening ceremony that the new facility will further strengthen Nigeria's role as the largest manufacturing operation for Nestle in the West and Central Africa region.

The Managing director of Nestle Nigeria, Martin Woolnough said the new state-of-the-art distribution centre reflects more than just an important investment to broaden our nutrition, health and wellness platform; it illustrates also our commitment to the growth of the Nigerian economy."

Pfizer International

P

fizer International said its fourth-quarter results for 2012 are helped by rebounding sales in emerging markets.

The company also issued a financial forecast for 2013 with the management seeing Pfizer's adjusted earnings in a range of $2.20 to $2.30 a share, implying double-digit growth from 2012, on lower revenue pegged at $56.2 billion to $58.2 billion.

Pfizer, the largest researchbased pharmaceutical company in United States, said quarterly earnings quadrupled to $6.32 billion as it recorded a gain from selling its nutritional products business to Swiss food groups Nestle SA for about $12 billion in November 2012.

United Bank for Africa

I

n furtherance of its objectives and commitment to improving the level of security in Nigeria and Ebonyi State in particular, UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has donated five security vehicles to the state government.

Presenting the vehicles which include four Toyota Hilux pick-ups and a van, at the Government House, Abakaliki, Dan Okeke, executive director, East and Abuja, UBA Plc, said the donation is the bank's contribution to improving the security situation in Ebonyi state.

"We at UBA have appraised the security situation in Ebonyi State and decided to make a commitment of support by donating these security vehicles to boost government's effort at creating a safe and secure environment for residents and businesses in the state.

Benin airport ready for commissioning, say FAAN MD Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos & Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

T

he Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. George Uriesi said with the level of works carried out at the Benin airport, the project will soon be commissioned.

Uriesi, who was accompanied by directors and senior officials of the agency on

inspection tour of four airports on Friday, noted that that ongoing remodelling project was long overdue appealed to users to bear with the inconveniences adding that hassles accompany repairs of an existing facility while operations continue.

He advised contractors to see themselves as stakeholders in the aviation industry by giving the best service they could render, so that Nigerian airports

would become a true hub in the West African sub-region.

"The Federal Government of Nigeria is concerned with the welfare of the travelling public, and is doing all it could to raise the standard of operations to international standard through the transformation agenda which the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah is championing to change the landscape of Nigerian airports within the next few months", he

said.

He affirmed that the second phase of the airport re-modelling project involving the remaining airports in the country would commence before June this year, when work on the first phase would have been completed.

The FAAN helmsman also commended the levels of work on the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, which he affirmed has reached advanced stage.

Aviation unions protest over transfer of Aero Contractor's workers

A

viation unions under the aegis of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) yesterday protested over the transfer of Aero Contractors' drivers from the airline to an outsource company, Remlord Tours and Car Hire Service.

Our correspondent, who was at the Aero Contractors' office where the union members and workers were protesting, gathered that the protesting workers were busy accusing the airline of transferring them illegally.

Speaking during the protest, Acting General Secretary of Air Transport Service Senior Staff

Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Mr. Olayinka Abioye affirmed that what the airline has just done was a breach of the fundamental rights of the workers stating that as at the time of their employment they were never told that they would be transferred to an outsource car hire company.

According to Mr. Olayinka, the drivers were never carried along nor were they informed about the development adding that they were only given the letters of their transfer yesterday, (Thursday February 14, 2013).

"Some of the management sat down and gave 41 drivers letter that they have been transferred without involving

the unions'' "The drivers should be told and agree if they want their services to be contracted out. We told the drivers to return back the letter of transfer which was given to them yesterday but back dated to January 14, 2013'' "The transfer was to take effect in February 1; if any driver is going to be sacked, we the unions must know why.

These drivers do not say they want to work for another company, the airline management is forcing it on them," he said.

Also speaking, Acting General Secretary of National Union of Air Transport Employee (NUATE), Mr. Abdulkareem Motajo pointed out that the drivers were part

of aviation staff, adding that it was wrong to call them non aviation staff.

He said that it was wrong for the management to allowed the drivers work for the airline and been paid by another company.

While reacting to the protest of the union and workers of the airline, Acting Managing, Aero Contractors Airlines, Mr. Obaro Ibru affirmed that no driver of the company was sacked stressing that they were only transferred from Aero books to an outsource company.

Mr. Obaro further noted that the workers were expected to enjoy improved benefit vas it was part of the airline's plan in streamlining the business model, adding that no loss of income.

Court judgement: Bi-Courtney out to deceive the public - FAAN

T

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday described as unfortunate and misleading a news release by misleading news release by BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited based on a non-existent court order or judgement over the ownership of domestic Terminal 1 (formerly General Aviation Terminal) of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos.

FAAN reaction is coming on the of the reports that dominated the news media on Monday, that

a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on Friday struck out the suit filed by the Aviation Ministry and the FAAN over the concessioning of the General Aviation Terminal in Lagos.

The General Manager, Corporate Communications of the agency, Mr. Yakubu Dati said, "It is unfortunate that BiCourtney has acquired the notoriety of being a serial distorter of the truth, which could mislead the press and by extension, the public into believing that the company had received a recent judgement or

order on the ownership of Domestic Terminal 1, using a distorted interpretation of a court judgement given as far back as 2007, an appeal against which is still pending at the Supreme Court."

Dati said, "This is more so because some of the newspaper reports mischievously declared that Bi-Courtney was "set to take over the GAT", a dream that BiCourtney has employed every intrigue at its disposal to actualize, without success."

FAAN told reporters in a statement that members of the

public, especially aviation stakeholders, to regard those news reports as figments of the imagination of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited and their co-travellers as FAAN is still the rightful custodian of Domestic Terminal 1 (formerly GAT) on behalf of the Nigerian people.

Reports in the media indicated that the court presided over by Justice A.R. Mohammed, in a judgment delivered on Friday, and described the suit by the ministry and the FAAN, as an abuse of court process.

Etihad to commence daily flight to Lagos

E

tihad Airways said it will upgrade its Lagos service to daily to meet growing demand from passengers travelling to and from Nigeria.

The airline initially launched its service between Lagos and Abu Dhabi on July 1, 2012, with six flights a week enhancing the links between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The new daily service will be introduced on March 31, coinciding with the start of the airline's new summer schedule, and will significantly improve connections between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, and beyond to key destinations across the airline's network in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, India, Malaysia and China.

Etihad Airways' General Manager, Nigeria and West Africa, Maurice Phohleli said:

"We have received a very positive response from the Nigerian market since launching our service six months ago. Clearly, the people of Nigeria appreciate the superior product and service of the World's Leading Airline and we are proud to serve them."

"Our passenger loads are strong and we are confident that this route will continue to support the growing flow of business and leisure travellers who fly from Nigeria to the UAE, and onwards over the airline's hub in Abu Dhabi to key commercial and tourism destinations in the GCC, North

and South East Asia and markets in the Indian subcontinent", he told reporters.

The service, comprising a mix of morning and evening departures, is operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft configured to carry 22 Pearl Business class and 240 Coral Economy class passengers.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 22

AfDB to revolutionise information dissemination in Africa

T

he African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched an ambitious program to significantly improve data management and dissemination in Africa. The ultimate goal of the program is to facilitate wider public access to official statistics and to support countries in their efforts to improve data quality

and dissemination for better policy formulation, monitoring and evaluation.

The program was launched in November 2012 as part of the Bank’s broader statistical capacity building program in Africa. Work has been going on concurrently in several African countries and institutions and

has been completed in the following 13 countries and one Pan-African institution: Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and the African Union Commission.

The plan is to finalize the

development and installation of data portals in all 54 African countries and 16 sub-regional and regional agencies by the end of July 2013.

The program involves the development and installation of common IT platforms in all 54 countries and 16 sub-regional and regional organizations in

Africa. The aim is to establish live data links between the Bank and National Statistical Agencies, Central Banks and Line Ministries in African countries, on one hand, and linking the countries with each other and with other external development partners, on the other. This will facilitate easy data exchange, validation, analysis and dissemination using common international standards and guidelines.

This AfDB initiative provides a unique opportunity for African countries to take the lead in implementing statistical standards at a regional level and make their data easily accessible through a common platform.

It will also significantly revolutionize data management and dissemination in Africa, and reposition the continent for more effective participation in the global information economy. (Source: AfDB)

Economy will grow steadily for four year - NBS L-R: Business Manager, Hand Held Products, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Daesong Ra, Samsung Electronics Brand Ambassador, Ms. Kate Henshaw, Samsung Electronics West Africa's Hand Held Products Marketing, Ms. Olajumoke Okikiolu and Sales Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Tonye Briggs, during the unveiling of the new Samsung Galaxy Grand dual-SIM Smartphone and launch of musician and Samsung Ambassador, Banky W's 'R&BW' album, recently in Lagos.

122 million workers will enter Africa’s labour force by 2020, says Okonjo-Iweala

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he Minister of Finance and Coordinating minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonko Iweala has revealed that an additional 122million worker will enter Africa’s labour force by 2020 and that by 2035; the size of African labour force will be larger than any nation’s, including China.

Okonjo-Iweala stated this in Abuja at the opening session of the National Consultation on the Post 2015 Development Agenda, organised by Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Office. adding that if Nigeria gets the crucial period of development right ,both preand post -2015,there is no doubt that we shall be at the regional forefront of this progress. ”Therefore as a continent, we need to focus on increasing investment in infrastructure, particularly within energy and transportation. I suggest that ways through which infrastructure could be captured within the new framework would be to include indicators such as electricity power consumption per capita, density of road network, and percentage of population with access to electricity, improved water resources and roads”.

“To do this, there needs to be employment opportunities for

our youth. There therefore needs an expansion of enterprise, and such an expansion needs to be supported by better infrastructure. This is true not just for Nigeria, but also for the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa”, she said.

Ngozi further said Nigeria has the opportunity to make transformational changes throughout Society, and in particular ensure that those who are most in need within our country are aided. As you all understand, Nigeria sits at a key point in her

history. The next few years are going to see huge African growth; Nigeria should be at the forefront of this.

According to her the country has many challenges facing this proposition. Some of which I have enunciated today. Your contribution within this National Consultation is crucial to Nigeria being on the right side of this moment.

Also the Senior Special Assistant on Millennium Development Goals, OSSAPMDGs, Dr Precious Kalamba Gbeneol said the forum

underlines the shared comprehension of the importance of ensuring that the planning process for a Post-2015 Development Agenda needs an inclusive and participatory foundation.

She assured that Nigeria’s contribution will be taken into consideration in the formulation of post 2015 development agenda, adding that the MDGs framework has been lauded for focusing development attention on key aspects such as poverty, health and education indicators, it has been criticised for the lack of inclusion in their formulation.

As such, efforts are focused on ensuring this is not the case during the Post-2015 consideration”.

Shipper urges FG to dredge Escravos channel

M

r. Jonathan Nicol, a shipper, has urged the Federal Government to dredge the Escravos channel leading to Warri Port to allow large ships to sail into the port.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos that the draught of the Escravos channel could no longer accommodate large ships, adding that it could only accommodate trawlers.

Nicol, who is also the General Secretary of Shippers’ Association of Lagos State, said that shipping companies had been using barges to transfer cargoes to Warri Port.

He recalled that the Sapele Port used to be a base for exportation of timber in the 1960s before the

avalanche of exporters of timber in the port disappeared.

Nicol said that Koko Port had also been abandoned because of the toxic wastes experience in 1988, saying that it would take about 25 years for the radioactive iodine to fizzle out.

“One would not expect that cargo movement should commence in Koko Port now. “ Even, fishing vessels going to Koko Port is a risk because of the radioactive presence in that area,’’ he said.

On the delay experienced in cargo clearance in Onne port, Nicol said that this had to do with the location of the shipping companies in Port Harcourt, far away from Onne.

He said that freight forwarders had to travel for about two hours outside Onne Port to process their cargo documents with the shipping companies.

“Customs officers in Onne Port don’t delay. Goods can be cleared at Onne Port within 24 hours if the shipping companies are relocated near the port,’’ he said.

The shipper also suggested that government should repair the Onne–Port Harcourt road to facilitate movement of cargoes.

On Destination Inspection, Nicol said that the men of Nigeria Customs Service could improve on the scheme over time if government allowed them. (NAN)

T

he National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has projected a steady growth pattern for the Nigerian economy in the next four years.

The bureau disclosed this in its “Economic Outlook for the Nigerian Economy for 2013 to 2016” posted on its website.

It said the economy would rise at 6.74 per cent in 2013 with inflation rate of 9.74 per cent.

The NBS said that rising imports and exports were expected to lead to higher merchandise trade values over the forecast period. The bureau said the projections were, however, premised on the current monetary policy stance, stable fuel prices across the country and stable external environment over the forecast period.

The outlook said the Nigerian economy was expected to expand moderately in 2013 under the presumption of resilience witnessed in 2012.

“This is primarily predicated on the stated intent by government to pursue macroeconomic stability in 2013. The macro economic variables considered for this forecast include the nation’s real gross domestic product, value of total merchandise trade and the inflation rate.

“This report provided a review of developments in key economic variables and sectors in 2012, and discusses projections on selected macro economic variables, such as real GDP and inflation rate.

“It also placed values on imports and exports as well as total trade over the period, 2013 to 2016,” it said.

The bureau said that the forecast appeared to mirror a consistent growth pattern when compared to previous statistics for the Nigerian economy.

(NAN)

PEOSPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Report as at Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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National Assembly urged to pass housing legislations

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How building materials production can drive industrial development

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07055652553 udennaorji@yahoo.com

Pg 27

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

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Bulls return to United States housing market The United States housing market has steadily picked up after nearly six years in the doldrums. It was its fall, and the consequential massive default on mortgage payments that led to the global economic meltdown which began in 2008. Last quarter, the United States housing market returned to profit, an indication that the global economy may be recovering from the financial crisis as performance of mortgages held by home-buyers in America has direct effect on world financial markets. About July 2012, the houses below were selling at approximately less than 15% of their current price tags. The bears have retreated and the bulls are now returning to the market. Those who bought homes during the crisis are now laughing their way to the banks.

Cincinnati, OH ($249,000 ) Four bedrooms and 3.5 baths make up this all-brick home in Cincinnati. Measuring 2,049 square feet, the house has a three-car garage and full basement.

York, PA ( $249,900) Beautiful landscaping and fresh paint mark the exterior of this York home. The 2,278square-foot house has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths.

Destin, FL ($249,000 ) Two homes for the price of one. This listing contains a 1,630-square-foot main house with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms as well as a detached 1-bedroom, 1-bath guest cottage measuring 729 square

Longmont, CO ($250,000 ) Centrally located about 15 miles from Boulder and 40 miles from Denver, this Longmont home features mountain views from its back deck. The 1,875-square-foot home has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

Las Vegas, NV ($249,900 ) This Las Vegas home is located in a neighborhood with community extras such as a clubhouse, pool and basketball court. The 3-bed, 3-bath home has a lower-level master suite and updated kitchen with granite countertops.

San Antonio ($255,000 ) This upgraded single-story home is located in the heart of a popular neighborhood.

The 2,309-square-foot home has an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Legislations as recipe for housing development

By Udenna Orji

F

ollowing the setting up of a committee by the federal government to draw up a roadmap for housing development in Nigeria, housing stakeholders have called for the passage of the various housing reform legislations at the National Assembly without further delay.

Government has also been called upon to create an intervention fund to be used for the development of housing for low income earners and the less privileged across the state capitals and local councils of Nigeria.

The Managing Director of Resort Savings and Loans Plc, Mr. Abimbola Olayinka who made these calls in Abuja recently stressed that "the three tiers of government should not shy away from their responsibility of providing primary infrastructure if we must achieve our goal of providing affordable housing.

The infrastructure projects could be financed by issuing bonds and will also provide a future income stream for government through municipal fees that will be paid by home owners."

He also appealed to the federal government to set up an agency that will oversee the development and delivery of social housing in Nigeria.

The agency will act as a dedicated and credible intermediary that will harness national efforts in the social housing sector as different from the existing structures set up with commercial responsibilities and intents.

According to him, "high cost of building materials is also a key factor that has led to the high construction cost in Nigeria. The restriction on the importation of cement which by account constitutes about 40 per cent of building materials has also hindered provision of social housing".

He therefore advised the government to "seek for alternatives to usage of cement in the building of houses".

In her presentation, Mrs. Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, chief executive officer of The Filmo Group, a real estate company, described social housing as "an umbrella term referring to housing which is owned and managed by the state, not-for-profit organizations, or a combination of the two,

President Goodluck Jonathan usually with the aim of providing affordable rental housing.

Social rented housing can be seen either as a broad concept where rented dwellings are provided for a fairly large part of the population or as a narrow concept where dwellings are provided only for the most underprivileged segment of the population. Social housing is often defined from the providers' perspective which could be government, private sector or not-for-profit organizations, etc" She called for "intervention funds targeted towards the development of social housing programmes and implementation of the social housing policy; adequate infrastructure and facilities that will improve accessibility for social housing programmes; incentives to enhance institutionalized rental housing opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups; upfront grants to meet part of the land and construction costs to providers of social housing to increase stock; comfort to avert/outlaw illegal eviction of beneficiaries; tax incentives for Social Housing Institution; capital grants, interest-rate subsidies to create a type of "equity" which cushions the private sector loan debt;

Senate President David Mark incorporate default risk insurance schemes for beneficiaries; protection for stakeholders willing to engage in this limited-profit part of the real estate sector - e.g. publicly owned companies, not-for-profit organizations, foundations etc; plus an increasing number of nonspecialized actors (commercial developers and private landlord) through appropriate policies and financial incentives to encourage such participation".

In his contribution, the President of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Chief Olabode Afolayan, regretted that "government sees lands as another source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and not as a resource to be used for helping the citizens live a better life", pointing out that "if we must achieve success in social housing, governmen t must provide the land". He decried "the overcharging of tax on property by government" and called on government to make land available for the construction of houses to help reduce slums and Nigeria's deficit of 16 million housing units.

In his presentation, Mr. Adekunle Abdulrazaq Oyinloye, Mananging

Director of Infrastructure Bank highlighted "the fallacy in the thinking in some quarters that "Social Housing" is for poor and the poor alone" adding that "this could not be further from the truth". According to him, "in the UK, vital professionals or "key workers" such as teachers, police officers and nurses are mass beneficiaries of Social Housing Programs that enable them to afford quality accommodation near their places of work in cities, as opposed to being forced to live in suburban areas requiring long hours of commuting. Needless to say, such arrangement speaks to household income levels directly".

In the area of financing, Oyinloye noted that "there is a clear consensus that the extent of financing required to bridge the country's housing deficit surpasses the supply of capital available from government…there is thus a need for increased p r i v a t e s e c t o r p articipation alongside the public sector, be it from: the commercial banking sector; the contractual savings sector which includes Insurance Premiums, Mutual Funds and Nigeria's N 2.7 trillion Pension Funds pot; private equity funds; Third Party Funds; and Development

Finance Institutions both here at home and abroad; and many other sources of private capital. …The proven reality is that the provision of housing through budgetary allocations alone would fall far short of addressing the existing huge deficit, which if not quickly addressed, is capable derailing the developmental agenda of the country. The putting in place of adequate regulatory and institutional framework necessary for private sector involvement in housing development initiatives, such as the establishment of the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission, the Housing and Infrastructure Finance Unit within the Development Finance Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the establishment of PPP Units within key Ministries and State Governments are all part of the necessary fundamentals to providing viable and sustainable solutions. However, there is much more to be done particularly in the areas of Land and Mortgage Legislations. …The Infrastructure Bank is working with public and private sector alike to mobilize funding specifically dedicated to the Housing Sector…"

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 27

Analysts forecast bullish market for Nigerian real estate

By Udenna Orji

A

new World Bank report says Nigeria has the potential to become Africa’s foremost economic power, with an average GDP of six per cent per annum, buoyed by a young and growing population of 160 million.

Morgan Stanley, an investment banking institution, has also

predicted that Nigeria’s economy would overtake South Africa’s by 2025 to become the biggest in Africa.

Both institutions say Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook is favourable. With an expected stable inflation rate, five per cent rural to urban immigration, and three per cent population growth, the financial institutions say Nigeria is a huge

real estate market by all standards.

Concurring with the statistics, Mohammed Jibrin , Managing Director of mortgage banker, Sun Trust Savings and Loans Limited noted that “in the highly developed economies, the average contribution of the real estate and housing sectors to the GDP is 40 per cent. In every economy, there is an engine

room for that economy. The Nigerian housing sector can serve as that engine room as we seek to diversify our economic base. The sector has the potential to generate and create huge economic activities. The housing sector needs to consume other building materials and products such as electrical equipment, furniture, paints, roofing, cement, etc. The sector can help

in developing small and large scale production of these key inputs thereby generating employment and increasing the level of national income.

Addressing the housing sector problem is the same as addressing the unemployment problem and one avenue to diversify the economy away from dependence on the oil sector”.

Rental Homes: Making more money by keeping your tenants happy

A

s an individual landlord, as opposed to a property owner with apartment buildings and an on-site manger, you have unique challenges in maximizing the money you earn on your rental property. I work with and teach many small-scale landlords — plus I am one myself — and some common themes come up about how to make the most money with the least hassle. And all real estate has issues and hassles, so reducing them should be your top priority.

Aim for long-term tenants First, treat your tenants like they are the most important people in your life. In fact, since they are likely paying for your retirement, they really are the most important people in your life. Acting and conducting yourself in a respectful manner will usually make your life a lot easier and your properties more profitable. It doesn’t work every time, but hopefully if you choose this strategy it will be successful.

Treating your tenants well helps you keep them in your property longer. Every time your rental unit turns over, even if you have a new tenant ready to move in the next day, you will probably spend a month’s worth of rent fixing and repairing normal wearand-tear items, not to mention countless hours completing the whole leasing process — advertising, taking phone calls, interviewing, showing the property, getting credit reports, drafting the leases, discussing the lease, move in day, etc. It’s a lot of work.

So why not just try to keep your tenants as long as possible by treating them really well?

And that starts by acting toward them the way you would like to be treated.

Remember the basics Additionally, in order to keep tenants a long time, maintain your cash flow and avoid angry tenants or having to re-lease the unit: · Keep your properties well maintained and fix any issues in a reasonable period of time. · Don’t try to charge your tenants for items like plumbing or repairs — I’ve never had a tenant intentionally damage one of my properties — just pay for it. · Ask reasonable rents, maybe even a bit under market, so that you have a large pool of applicants and can select the

best credit quality group that you think will be good tenants. · If there are problems, like a broken water pipe, deal fairly with your tenants and compensate them a reasonable

amount if it ends up being a big hassle for them. That way they are happy, they stay and they keep paying rent. · If they pay on time, take care of your property and are

good tenants, reward them with minimal rent increases.

Keeping these tips in mind should help you minimize vacancy and costs, plus have reasonable people in your

property who will take care of it. And you’ll learn over time why treating your tenants well — the ones who are paying for your golden years — is just a good idea!

An housing estate

How building materials production can drive industrial development

A

s a means of diversifying the economy and creating jobs, the General Manager of Vidson Ventures, Northern Region, Pastor Wale Popoola has called on the Federal Government to harness the abundant potentials of the aluminum industry in order to lay a solid foundation for the industrial and economic development of Nigeria”.

Pastor Popoola, an aluminum expert said, “the aluminium industry is a vast industry because people make massive use of aluminium worldwide. Much of what we see in automobiles and aircraft is aluminium. This is because the components are durable. Although it is used in large quantities abroad, in

Nigeria, it is scantily used. Even in the building industry, we are yet to use up to 10% of the potential of aluminium. We have about 4 notable aluminium extrusion plants in Nigeria and this is grossly inadequate.

Billets are the primary products you work upon to get aluminium products. They are extruded to get aluminium.

Nothing less than 65% of the aluminium used in Nigeria is imported from Europe. Nigeria can accommodate 60 – 70 aluminium extrusion plants.

They say aluminium plants are capital intensive but Nigerians are wasting foreign exchange importing aluminium. This nation should invest in extrusion plants. However, the

erratic electric power supply in Nigeria will be a problem because aluminium is powerbased. If you run the extrusion plant with a generator, you may go under. Government should fix the power sector.

According to the aluminium expert, “All we are doing in Nigeria is trade in imported aluminium. But we should produce it here.

Many industries need it. It is important in our industrial development and in employment creation. It will conserve foreign exchange.

Government should do the right thing. They should back up policies with concrete action.

There are always good policies but poor implementation.

When we talk about the Asian tigers, it is because these people discovered the needs of their nations. In the 80’s in Nigeria, people worked in shifts in factories but those industries are moribund today. We should focus on manufacturing to jump-start the economy and aluminium development will help industrialize Nigeria because diverse manufactured products are made with aluminium. A fraction of the money we realize from oil if judiciously spent can industrialize Nigeria. Nigerians are industrious people. If an enabling environment is created, this country will be greater than the big European countries”

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Hyundai Azera Sedan sensible luxury

By Mark Takahashi

H

yundai's march to the top over the last couple of years has been impressive to say the least.

Vehicles from the Korean manufacturer have gone from afterthoughts in their market segments to class leaders thanks to sharp styling, a wealth of standard and optional features and a very generous warranty.

The completely redesigned 2012 Hyundai Azera capitalizes on the brand's recent success, and it seems to take the Hyundai toward the premium market where you might find entry-level versions of cars from premium brands like Acura, Infiniti and Lexus.

As part of this effort, this allnew second-generation Azera straddles the line between Hyundai's relatively commonplace Sonata and the stately Genesis sedan in terms of size, refinement and price. The question is, can a place really be found for what is really just a bigger, slightly more luxurious Sonata? But if you can ignore this existential question, you'll be pleased to discover that the Hyundai Azera is a praiseworthy sedan that scores well where it matters most.

As such, the Azera compares favourably against some fairly accomplished rivals. We position the Hyundai in direct competition with the 2012 Toyota Avalon, as both deliver similar levels of sensible luxury while placing a low priority on athleticism. Drivers seeking a little more sporting fun with their large sedans would be well advised to check out the 2012 Acura TL or 2012 Chrysler 300, while those looking for more style will appreciate the 2012 Volkswagen CC. That said, if a

comparably equipped Hyundai Sonata leaves you wanting more in the way of interior space, the Azera is the obvious choice for only a few thousand dollars more.

As with every 2012 Hyundai Azera, this t e s t

vehicle is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 that produces 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. All of this is channelled through a six-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 20 city/29 highway mpg and 23 mpg in combined driving.

In Edmunds instrumented testing, the Azera accelerated from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is quick among sedans competing in this segment. But although the Hyundai gets up to speed with just enough authority to merge onto highways with confidence, there's not more to the engine's personality than this.

Gearchanges are quite smooth, but rather slow, reinforcing an impression of quiet yet unremarkable composure.

Coming to a stop from 60 mph required 126 feet, which is about

average in this class, but we did notice a bit of a wiggle u n d e r

heavy braking.

In terms of handling, the 2012 Hyundai Azera feels rather soft, like a traditional American sedan for traditional Americans. It rolls and wallows compared to a Sonata or Genesis, although it nevertheless responds quite well to avoidance manoeuvres.

There's not much in the way of steering feel either, yet the steering response is precise and predictable. Overall, the Azera feels and behaves like a big luxury sedan. It delivers perfect competence, but it's so reserved that you rarely notice the car itself.

The 2012 Hyundai Azera's big sedan character is especially evident on the inside. There's an abundance of legroom for every passenger and enough headroom in the rear seats for 6footers. Furthermore, the driver seat features a wealth of adjustments to fine-tune it to

you particular preference. The Azera isn't quite a s

insulated from the outside as true luxury sedans are, but wind and road noise are silenced to barely detectable levels.

The same goes for the Azera's suspension. Even over the roughest industrial district roads, massive potholes are pleasantly smoothed over. And while there is a considerable amount of body roll while cornering, the Hyundai remains solidly poised on the highway without a floating sensation.

On the whole, drivers and passengers are also treated to a thoughtfully designed interior.

Front-seat visibility is very good, with enough reference points to accurately gauge how wide and long the Azera is in tight spaces.

Rear-seat passengers also have a decent forward view, though they will have to peer around the thick door pillar to see out the side.

Mounting a rear-facing child seat in the back is a cinch and does not impact front seat space in the least.

Dash-mounted controls for audio and climate are unconventional, but thankfully easy to operate, perhaps because the

c a r is targeted at those who might not be tech-savvy when it comes to electronics. The large power button/volume knob in the middle of the display reminds us of a certain "Easy" button touted by an office supply store.

The touchscreen layout and graphics are identical to other Hyundai vehicles, which is to say attractive and intuitive to use.

Sound quality from the optional Infinity audio upgrade is noteworthy, with powerful bass and clear highs. We also appreciated the covered center bin that houses the USB/ auxiliary audio inputs, which keeps portable music players out of sight of pry ing eyes.

Elsewhere in the Azera, storage is similarly ample, with a large center armrest bin, cupholders and door pockets. In terms of luggage space, the Azera's trunk is one of the most spacious in the large sedan class, accommodating up to 16.3 cubic feet of cargo. For the rare item that won't fit, the rear seats fold down.

Source: Edmund.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 20, 2013

PAGE 29

Restless Journeys and Horsemen BOOK REVIEW

By Ikhide R. Ikheloa

T

his one is for Mr. V. O. Thomas, my English Literature teacher, "Fat head!

Read! Read Abiku!"

"There seems to be a crisis in the poet's trade these days; his shop is worm-eaten and the wooden beams of its roof rotten and collapsing; the ceiling is caving in and our poet might go to the doghouse if the critic does not rebuild the shop. A notable and signal decline in quality, coupled with an overproduction of poetry, is ceaselessly propelled by a contemporary failure of criticism in nurturing and mid-wifing good or even great poetry.

This phenomenon seems to stretch from equator to equator around the globe.

And it seems to involve all who are in the business of publishing - from poet or 'poetaster', to editor, to critic, prize-awarding institutions, and publishers, especially the vanity press and, online poetry journals! This is not to suggest that there are no great quality works being produced, but that such quality poetry seems to burst forth in spurts these days; that there is much too much chaff out there."

Anyone who worries about the fate of poetry in today's world should

read Amatoritsero Ede's editorial on the subject here. It is an immensely readable and enlightening look at the state of poetry in today's global world of unthinking consumers.

Ede's editorial begs the question: Is poetry on its last knees? From where I sit, I honestly believe that poetry is enjoying a renaissance. Warning:

Poets who rely solely on the book as a medium of expression are yearning for irrelevance.

Publishers are in the business of making money and they are not going to publish poems unless they are assured of a profit. Therefore the

poet's volume of rejection slips from traditional publishers is directly proportional to the enormity of the poet's literary gifts. These days, the book does the poet a huge disservice.

I personally have a love-hate relationship with the book as a medium of expression. I don't like books because they tend to trap the ideas of our best minds in a forgettable vat of obscurity. How many people read books these days? Meanwhile, mediocrity soars free, on the wild wings of the Internet. I believe it is time to escape the limitations of traditional literary media. We must not be like bound books bound by the suffocating strictures of tradition. Our writers should be judged by the quality of their ideas not the quantity of their books. And I dream of a living, breathing anthology of the best poems I have read in recent times. That anthology would not be a book; it would be on the Internet, on a blog or a website showcasing the best and the brightest of our beautiful people.

In my eyes, it would be a rollicking roll call of brilliance with names we have never seen gracing books. I mention no names, but I ask the gentle reader to surf the web and look for hope in our writers. There is hope everywhere one sees. If we don't see hope in our books, it is because hope doesn't sell. Publishers have to eat and eat well. It is a crying shame. But we must change that or lose our best thinkers like Obi Nwakanma.

Source: Africanwriter.com

Casey Imafidon Kick-starts AWF's season

W

riter, Journalist and Filmmaker, Casey Imafidon kick-starts the first quarter of the Abuja Writers Forum's readings on February 23 at Hamdala Plaza, Plot 23, Jimmy Carter Street, off Protea Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja.

An indigene of Edo State, Imafodon was born and raised in Lagos. After his secondary school stint, he proceeded to the Nigeria Institute of Journalism and got a grounding in Mass Communications, with a specialization in Broadcast Journalism. He also studied film production at the SAE Institute in South Africa, which has a reputation for practical creative media education.

The writing bug bit Imafidon at the tender age of nine and since then he has been at it and his stories have appeared in various publications including online literary magazines. His first published book, "Effects", is a study of youthful exuberance. In a nutshell, it revolves around the relationship between the weird, strikingly peculiar and physically unkempt Simisola and the deported felon, Ronald Adetokunbo.

His current publication, "Ajegunle", is part of an ongoing project to map Lagos in the context of stories. The short stories metaphorically compare daily living in Ajegunle to a larger Nigerian picture. It tells the story of tough persons who grapple with the hardships of existing in West

Africa's most populated slum, driving by the passion of succeeding against all odds.

According to Okechukwu Uwaezuoke, editor of Thisday Arts and Review, "Casey Imafidon's style of writing paints a vivid description to the reader, biting and consuming, he holds you to the last page."

Imafidon is currently negotiating with the producers of

stints in Corporate Communication.

The Guest Writer Session, an initiative of the Abuja Writers' Forum(AWF), debuted in June, 2008 and has run non-stop, providing a valuable platform for budding and established writers to showcase their publications. It has become the template for similar interventions across the country.

"Igodo" with the intention of doing two sequels of the popular film. He has also worked on film scripts with the likes of Onyeka Nwelue and Iyke Okogwu and is the inhouse film director for Eagles and Angels, a Lagos-based production outfit.

He has since also obtained professional training and certifications in Project Management, Creative Writing and Public Relations and does

The February 23 edition of the Guest Writer Session starts at 4pm and will include the usual side attractions of poetry performance, mini art exhibition, and a raffle-draw as well as live music. The Abuja Writer's Forum meets three Sundays each month and hosts a reading on every last Saturday at the International Institute of Journalism, Hamdala Plaza, Jimmy Carter Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

FR OM THE FROM LIVE ST AGE STA with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

Meeting With Rashid - Part two THE NEW VENUE. e are presently looking for a new venue to accommodate our festival.

The reason for this is that in the last four years, the present venue with a capacity for 35,000 has consistently sold out. We are also seeking for more income so getting a bigger venue will assure us of more income.

However, the new venue we are seeking must accommodate more than 35,000 people, have the capacity for a multiplicity of stages under one roof which we have found works very well for our kind of festival. If we were to get different stages in different venues this will not work and there will bean increase in transport costs especially as we all from the organizers and the audience will be running from one end to another. This does not work for us. We are looking for a venue that will take up to 45,000 people under one roof. So we have to change. This is the ultimate challenge for us and for me.

In our plans, we are hoping that we should be safely inside a new venue by 2015. The convention centre present venue we have been told will be extended by then to accommodate a crowd estimate of 45,000 plus more but when politicians talk you have to take it with a pinch of salt. For now this is all talk. It is not definite and there is no commitment on this yet but we hope and hope that it would work out. We know that in two years, our ticket demand will be in the neighbourhood of 40,000 and for us economically, the more people we get the less we depend on sponsorships. The less we depend on sponsorship, the more control we will have over our festival. Most times sponsors make too much demands.

Some make artistic sense, some just don’t. But we have to keep on juggling until we are able to sell enough tickets to replace the sponsors.

THEGROWTHOFTHECAPETOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL The festival is growing and growing even beyond our wildest dreams. It is also becoming a huge brand in the South African region. Presently we have clients in Angola, Mozambique, Botswana. What we are doing with them is replicating and reproducing festivals in the region for them but in five years, they would run on their own.

The festivals have their own identities and they are independent from the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. I am just a contractor engaged to transfer skills in running Jazz festivals and Jazz related music.

The extension of the idea is to create a circuit in the South African region and with one big name in the industry there will be movement round the countries and hopefully this is a model we will extend to other countries. We have done little work in Lagos but with the population of Nigeria, this has not been enough.

The word is spreading though and we hope to be able to do more in the coming years.

TRAINING/PERSONNEL This is key to whatever we do at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. First there is a full time staff of 20 who work all year round and

W

they comprise 16 women and 4 men.

I had absolutely no control over the gender composition of those who came to work. When we called for application, more women turned up and that was it. There are those who work three months to the opening of the festival on a three months contract and they number 220 and they are made up of specialists in the area of marketing, fundraising, technicians, lighting people and then for the actual festival within which we have two days to the opening of the festival, two days for the festival proper and another two days for breakdown there are a further 2,700 contractors and casual staff and they are all paid. All of these people are not the ones we train. They are all paid and full time workers.

In the area of training, there are two trainings before the festival and there is one for the school band and school kids learning about careers and also learning on the job. There are out of school youths who number about 220 who are more senior and ready to take on a career in the arts. This makes our second group of trainees within the festival.

FESTIVALBUDGET The entire festival budget is 38m Rand which is about $21m. This money is raised from ticket sales, from the government comprising national, city and province and then there is the private sector who support us through adverts and outright paying for services from which they hope to get mileage for their products.

TICKETS Tickets in Cape Town cost $37 for two days while in Angola at the Jazz Festival we are trying to replicate there the same ticket goes for $150 for two days. This disparity in pricing occurs due to demand and the dynamics of each festival. Angola has only two stages compared to ten stages in Cape Town and only 4,000 people turn up compared to the 35,000 in Cape Town which by the standards of the city of Luanda is quite huge.

WHY FESTIVALS? Festivals create cultural tourism in all levels – regionally, nationally and internationally. All the people who come to Cape Town come with a huge economic impact on the host city – the hotels benefit, food vendors and restaurants, taxis, car hire – everyone benefits and we know that in Cape Town at the end of March, there will be music for two days and the extension to this is free community concerts for the benefit of those who cannot afford tickets. The length of the actual festivals is nine days. There are popular clubs and restaurants and our golf days are also very popular. The rich people will come in to listen to good jazz music while also playing golf while they are at the festival. It is a package that is exciting and for some they still transact their businesses even while they are enjoying the ambience of the festival and the environment. While the festival lasts, paid interns work all round to ensure that everyone has a feel of the festival and the city. It is an amazing gathering and it is for no small reason that we have been referred to as ‘Africa’s grandest gathering’.

Concluded

PAGE 30

BOOK REVIEW

By Dr. Usman Muhammad

C

hapter three analyzed Chinese revolution and to reformative level. This chapter has rich historical research of the infamous Qing dynasty and its fall to the imperialist aggression (16441911), the war of resistance came and the peasant's revolt of the Taiping kingdom in the middle of 19th century to the reform movement of 1898 up to boxer uprising (the .Pi He Tuan movement) at the time of the 20th century which started from the lower strata of Chinese society.

Crucial break came with the highly respected Dr. Sun Yat-sen who has formed a small revolutionary group society for the revival of China (Xing Zhong Itui) in Honolulu, the United States of America in 1894 by 1905 the movement was essentially out to oust the compromised Qing dynasty. By 1911, a watershed revolution ending the feudal monarchy of 2000 years. With all its contradictions an inconsistencies the 1911 revolution underscored the history of the emergence of the communist party of China and the popular May 4th Movement. But the emergence of the indefatigable and larger than life revolutionary reveared leader chairman Mao Zedong became materially intellectually and socially a very strong bond for the Chinese to rally round a purposive, focused and knowledgeable leader for the success of the society.

Cultural movements, theological doctrines and feudal forces all fight for relivance in the revolution.

But Chairman Mao's conviction on Marxist-Leninist ideological potency was supported by such disciples such as Deng Zhongxia, Cai Hesen and Zhou Enlai. This gave birth to the July 23th 1921, when the 1st National Congress of the Communist Party of China was convened in Shanghai twelve delegates, representing fifty-three party members in seven localities met.

The role of youthful leaders such as Lioa and Li Hanjun, Zhaug Guatao and Liu Renjing, Mao Zedong and He Shuheng, Dong Jinmei and Zhou Fohai with Chen Duxiu together with G. Maring and Nicolsky.

By and large by October 1st 1949 Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed on the rostrum of the Tianamen square, "the Central people's Government of the People's Republic of China is founded today!! Chairman Mao hoisted the first bright red five-star flag and his action was followed by a military review of commanderin-chief Zhu De who reviewed the land, Naval and Air-forces of the people's Liberation Army PLC. Once a society has strong leadership and ideological footing like China, the lost of leaders through ill health or natural death never deter the strong convictions of the masses to uplift their society with vision.

China suffered a set-back in 1976, when in July Zhu De a veteran military leader, founder of People's Liberation Army and a

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 20, 2013

China/Africa: Issues, Challenges and Possibilities(II) very key figure in the communist party passed away. Principal leader of the communist party Chairman Mao Zedong followed on September 9th. Infact between 1975 to 1976 China lost her three most illustrious leaders and was in great grief. But Mao's admonition which said: "Act according to principles" as his last guiding spirit, rejuvenated the entire China and exposed the renegade "GANG OF FOUR" that campaigned against Chairman Mao soon after his exit.

The dysfunction of most contemporary African state, more than half a century after independence have raised question whether independence was worth it, in the first place.

The author made very exciting references to the powerful anti-colonial struggles against the Dutch in Indonesia and France.

In Indo China and Algeria and Britain in Malaya, India, Kenya and Cyprus drawing inspiration to Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah and Jomo Kenyan of Kenya.

Soon after the 70s, a painful but necessary periods of economic reforms launched China silently into a nation with massive population that is indeed an asset rather than liability in real GDP growth.

Chapter four of the Author's book analyzed challenges of postcolonial state in Africa and the struggle the continent went through to post independent.

Huge expectations at the back drop of past repressive Alien, and exploitative capitalist system, the author captures the situation in a more graphically palpable phrase of journalistic skill thus "under colonial rule the state with its heavily repressive apparatus imposed "order" in a formerly huge swath of territories segmented into multiplicities of autonomous political entities. The order, imposed by the colonial authorities was only to the convenience of its administrative suzerainty over the occupied territories. In spite of the purpose and function of the colonial states to the service of the metropolitan country, there was always a widespread optimism by the colonized people in Africa that colonial states, when transformed could be made to serve the broad interests of the indigenous people".

This dream failed and the dilemma and travails of the postcolonial states in Africa. The author asked the crucial question:-

Chapter five, Africa, China and the post-cold war order draws an argument on the regional politics of the world, vis-à-vis China's influence and international politics in the United Nations. The foreign minister of New China at that time Zhou Enlai's dimplomatic expertise and struggle for recognition of Republic of China, and the China/Korea crisis. The author no doubt analyzed the official Washington thinking visà-vis official policy of high ranking diplomats such as at that time the secretary of state Henry Kissinger, his secret visits to China and official refusal of Washington to recognize Beijing in the UN as sole seat of authority in China, up until the voting record of the 25th session, when the Richard Nixon administration came in strongly playing the TAIWAN politics with the intent of creating "two Chinas" in the UN. Then came the founding of the Non-Align Movement by Marshal Josip Tito of the former Yugoslavia Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt and Surkano of Indonesia, Nehru of India "Offered a wide space for emergent states to berth in the international system without the political baggage of joining any of the super power rivals or ideological strands".

Chairman Mao's reaction to this ideological warfare was to strategize China in its relationship

with the world. Its concept of "strategic concept of two intermediate zones" help redefine China's relations, with the two super-powers on one hand, and the vast number of less developed countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America on the other hand. The reason why most countries found themselves on a common ground with the Warsaw Pact Treaty members led by the soviet Union was because the Soviet Union disfavored colonialism, racism and apartheid which were the core issues that preoccupied the foreign policy priorities of the most emergent states in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean.

Lastly, China-Africa relationship during the tense period of the cold war focused on political co-operation securing and consolidating national sovereignty and promoting international stability. China gave tremendous support to Africa in its quest for liberation struggle especially in Southern Africa. The author was quick to add Egypt Suez Canal conflict, Algerian national liberation struggle and on April 12th, 1960, "China-Africa People's Friendship Association" was formed. The African leaders on the other hand provided political and moral support to enhance and consolidate China's National Sovereignty. As far as 1963, about 50 years ago, China held its third Asian and African conference held in Tanzania, which condemned the occupation of Taiwan by the US. The historic December 1963 to February 1964 premier Zhou Enlai's state visits to 14 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe out of which 10 were African countries, was to draw international support and establish a sense of camaraderie among the nations which indeed had its effect in the United Nations.

Then came the collapse of Soviet Union and the unification of Germany East and West, provided China with a very ample opportunity to move closer to Africa, Asia and Latin America for closer co-operation, technical exchanges of experts, trainings and constructions in Africa. Congo and later Zaire now DRC under then Mr. Mobutu Sese Seko was surely a sore point in diplomatic history remembering the big causalities who was the first premier Patrice Lumomba and the UN Sec. Gen. becomes instructive just as the South African state of Zambia and Tanzania started in May 1968, Railway which China helped construct. Popularly known as TAZARA, it was a classic regional cooperation theory in practical and pragmatic terms where China's technology connected East, Central and Southern Africa on a single transport hub popularly known as "Freedom Road" for its relieving the region of the strangle-hold of the then Racist-South Africa state. This in no small measure promoted and enhanced the economic and social development of the affected countries.

POEM OF THE WEEK Title: Chant of the

Rhapsodist

By Abigail George

G

ive me the arrogant tuber that transfigures in a twinkle, let maidens pound in sweat and song, and bossoms heave to grind the paste.

Rid the barns of cornheads today, let the damsels fashion the magic, for us to reap the finest lump of sweet and savoury eko…It is Jisafe's feast.

Drums beat… He takes his tenth wife, Jisafe, man of valour, Lord of townships, Pride of homesteads, Raging elephant, roving solely conquering the forest, as foes tremble, and foes crumble.

Give me rich sediments, Prime sediments, Those settlers at the keg's basement.

Tailpieces of Palmwine fermented with siesta.

Only the best befits the stalwarts' fiesta.

Jisafe, Slayer of tigers, Whose might silences the roar of lions, whose face bears tattoos a feat not feebly done by listless hands - His exploits with demons in hundreds are verses for fables.

Jisafe, Radiance of manhood!

When he bathes in the stream price of crude soap rises, and maidens tumble in the river of elan, offering their hands, offering their soap to him in desire's hunger for a smile… or a word.

Jisafe the great, So chivalrous he turns the romance of concubines into the passion of princes.

So chivalrous you ponder and wonder if he hungers for women.

Jisafe, Lord of a harem filled with nine.

Jisafe…Conqueror who comes from the lineage of valiant hunters, lavishes cowries that stretch your wonder: Has he a mint hidden within his ample Homestead?

Give me vegetables… Those green hosts, dancers in dainty steps with mashed melon on canvas of flaming cauldron; Royal leaves richly anointed with red palm oil, like choice offertory on a deity's altar.

Vegetable sauces wait nervously… Hail the royal wedding with pounded yam the king of dishes, Prime imagery of the charmed rhapsodist… I chant this Rara To Jisafe… on a tenth nuptial.

QUO TE UOTE

When Wealth walks in the door, the Press Agent comes in through the window.

George Ade

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

DIPLOMATIC CIRCUIT

PAGE 31

isaochako@yahoo.com 08091700949

Nigeria-Serbia relations gains momentum

By Charles Onunaiju Last September, Nigeria reopened its embassy in Belgrade, capital of the Republic of Serbia after almost a decade when the country's mission in the Balkan's diplomatic hub was closed down.

However, since then, as in the past five decades after the former Yugoslavia, (which Serbia is a major successor state) established diplomatic relations with Nigeria in 1961, the Serbian embassy in Nigeria has functioned in full throttle.

In the years of Nigeria's diplomatic absence from Belgrade, increasing number of Serbian citizens coming to Nigeria have to obtain consular services from Nigerian embassy in Hungary. The Serbian current ambassador to Nigeria, MrRifatRondic who built on the energetic effort oh his predecessor to pull the Nigeria's return to Belgrade was delighted that Abuja's reciprocal diplomacy with ambassadorial level representation in Belgrade will put the needed vigour and dynamism to Nigeria/Serbia bilateral co-operation which according to him has been traditionally cordial and fruitful.

The former Yugoslavia recognized Nigeria immediately after her independence in 1960 and went ahead to establish diplomatic relation and quickly opened its mission in the then Nigeria capital, Lagos in 1961.

And since then, Belgrade has maintained an unbroken diplomatic relation with Nigeria, until the break-up of former Yugoslavia. The Republic of Serbia, major successor state of the former Yugoslavia continued the tradition of diplomatic engagement even in years, when Nigeria closed its mission in Belgrade. The return of Nigeria to Belgrade means that a clear equilibrium has been struck in Serbia-Nigeria relation.

The Serbian envoy said in an interview with People's Daily that diplomatic engagement between Belgrade and Nigeria has been traditionally characterized by frank political dialogue and mutual co-operation in key areas such as education under which scheme numerous Nigerians studied in the former Yugoslavia.

The co-operation also extends to Defence, Agriculture, and Infrastructure.

According to the envoy, Nigerian students alumni of the former Yugoslavia universities reported to him, that the experiences of the study were prominent part of their life experience and relished quite delightfully that in the nearly six decades of bilateral co-operation between Serbia and Nigeria, there

Mr. Rifat Rondic, ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Nigeria has never been incidence of misunderstanding or standoff.

According to him, there are considerable possibilities in mutual benefit of Serbia/Nigerian co-operation, and expressed optimism that with Nigeria's ambassador in Belgrade which he described as enthusiastic, the two countries are bound to break new ground in co-operation. He however, made know that he is currently engaged in pushing for a clearly established legal framework that would enhance vast economic co-operation.

According to him, the legal framework for bilateral cooperation was signed some few years ago. The first of the agreement was the protection of investment which the Serbian parliament has since ratified. The envoy regretted that the Nigerian side is yet to ratify the agreement but expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon take measures to assent to the agreement. The other agreement in the legal framework for bilateral cooperation is on the avoidance of double taxation.

These agreements with Serbia or with any other country are crucial conditions for creating viable business and economic environment to encourage investment flow from private or other institutional investors. This month of March, about 20 Nigerian business people will participate in Belgrade, the 2nd special Agriculture fair where they are expected find prospective Serbian partners. As both countries are also engaged in development effort, the Serbian envoy noted that with his

country's experience in heavy infrastructure project, Serbia is desirous of keying into one of Nigeria's major transformation agenda of rebuilding her infrastructure.

Agreement of defence cooperation between the countries has already opened the way for high level consultation and cooperation in the military field.

Already both the Nigerian and Serbian defence ministers have exchanged visits and the two countries major defence institutions are on the way to active co-operation in this field.

Both defence personnel of the two sides have been engaged in United Nations sanctioned Peace-Keeping operations around the world.

In 2009, when Serbia foreign minister visited Nigeria, the ministry of foreign affairs of Serbia signed a protocol of co-operation with the Nigeria's ministry of foreign affairs, which spelt out, regular political consultation between the two sides and

reciprocal visits at high levels. It is expression of political will for cooperation in all areas. The protocol also cleared the way for the two sides to support each other in multilateral fora and back a candidate of each side for positions in international organisations. In fact Nigeria is a strategic partner of Serbia and Belgrade's foreign policy priority in Sub Saharan Africa. This priority is clearly indicated by a recent submission to the appropriate authority in Abuja of a building plan for the construction of a permanent embassy structure by the government of the Republic of Serbia.

On the issue of Kosovo, the Serbian the envoy was full of praise on Nigeria's principled stance on the sovereignty of Republic of Serbia. He praised Nigeria which has refused any consideration for the recognition of Kosovo as independent state but rather maintained a principled stance on the sovereignty of the

“

The lives and property of Serbs and other non-Albanians continue to be threatened; there are no basic security conditions or freedom of movement and employment; a safe return has not been assured to Serbian refugees and displaced persons to their homes in Kosovo and Metohija;

State of Serbia over all its territories including the province of Kosovo and Metohija. Kosovo has tremendous significance as the spiritual birth place of the Serbs. Meanwhile the Republic of Serbia has taken measure for negotiated settlement to resolve the Kosovo issue but maintained the principled stance of nonrecognition of Kosovo as independent state and its inadmissibility to the United Nations. The new Serbian government which assumed office last July has the settlement of the Kosovo issue as a priority and as such, has mandated a high level dialogue to achieve sustainable settlement and to normalize relations.

At a meeting of the United Nations security council last November in the New York, the minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Ivan Mrkic said very clearly that "the Serbian side continues to promote and pursue the policy of finding peaceful solutions, in a constructive dialogue with pristine, adding that "the Republic of Serbia sees the dialogue as the only way of overcoming the current crises and arriving at sustainable solutions for the problems facing the population in Kosovo and Metohija on a daily basis. He further stressed that "Serbia wishes to move committed to the process which would result in lasting peace between Serbs and Albanians."

However, the minister expressed concern that "despite the longstanding international presence, there is no significant improvement on the ground. The lives and property of Serbs and other non-Albanians continue to be threatened; there are no basic security conditions or freedom of movement and employment; a safe return has not been assured to Serbian refugees and displaced persons to their homes in Kosovo and Metohija; no major infrastructure facilities have been rebuilt, violence against Serbian population and their cultural and religious sites by Albanians separatists continue. The human rights situation in Kosovo and Metohija especially of Serbs other non-Albanians continue to deteriorate.

According to the Serbian ambassador, Nigeria's respect and recognition of Serbian sovereign rights over all its territories including the province of Kosovo and Metohija contributes to the search for a peaceful and sustainable solution to the resolution of the Kosovo issue. The new Serbian government which has upgraded negotiation with the Albanian leadership in Pristina to prime minister's level is committed to achieve a lasting and sustainable solution to the Kosovo issue.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

'I thought I was firing at intruder' –Oscar Pistorius S

outh African athletics star Oscar Pistorius has denied murdering his girlfriend, and said he thought he was firing at an intruder when he shot her at his home.

He told a bail hearing that he loved her and never intended to kill her.

Prosecutors accuse him of premeditated murder. They told the Pretoria court that Mr Pistorius shot Reeva Steenkamp dead by firing though a bathroom door.

The hearing came as the victim's family held a funeral for her.

Tuesday's hearing began with the prosecution giving its account of the killing, which it says was premeditated murder by the 26-year-old athlete.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the court that on the evening of 14 February, Mr Pistorius - a double amputee - had got up from bed, put on his prostheses, and fired his gun through the door of the small bathroom.

He shot four times and hit Ms Steenkamp three times, Mr Nel said.

Pistorius(R) with late girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp He added that the defendant later broke down the bathroom door and carried the body downstairs, Mr Nel added.

Defence lawyer Barry Roux then read a sworn statement from Mr Pistorius, saying the

couple had decided to spend that evening at home.

They were in the bedroom when at one point Oscar Pistorius went to the balcony and heard a noise, the statement said.

"It was pitch-dark in the

bedroom," it added. "I did not have my prosthetic legs on and felt extremely vulnerable."

According to the statement, the defendant thought Ms Steenkamp was still in bed, and he fired through the bathroom door believing he was shooting at an intruder.

When he realised Ms Steenkamp was not in the bed, "it filled me with horror and fear", it said.

Mr Pistorius broke the door down with a cricket bat to find his girlfriend shot inside, the statement said.

The athlete was sobbing in court, correspondents say.

The hearing was later adjourned until Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the private funeral for the 29-year-old former model was held in her home town of Port Elizabeth.

Her father, Barry Steenkamp, told reporters: "We have to keep Reeva in our hearts forever".

Her brother Adam said there was "a space missing" inside all the people she knew.

Ivory Coast's Gbagbo set for trial

Pro-Gbagbo supporter holds a newspaper bearing the former Ivory Coast president's image ahead of his trial.

Laurent Gbagbo, Ivory Coast's former president, is set to appear before the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.

Judges will today decide if there is enough evidence to try him for masterminding a bloody election standoff two years ago, when four months of fighting left about 3,000 dead following his refusal to concede defeat to current president Alassane Outtara.

Prosecutors say Gbagbo, who faces four counts including murder and rape, spearheaded a plan to "stay in power by all means... through carefully planned, sustained and deadly attacks" against supporters of the election winner.

"Hundreds of civilian opponents were attacked, killed, wounded or victims of rape as a result of this policy," the prosecution said.

Gbagbo is the first former head of state to appear before the Hague-based court, where hearings will last just over a week.

Between November 28, 2010 and May 8, 2011 Gbagbo's forces killed between 706 and 1,059 people and raped more than 35 women, prosecutors say.

In one instance, about 80 people were massacred when perceived Ouattara supporters were attacked in the northwestern Abidjan suburb of Yopougon a day after Gbagbo's arrest by rival forces.

"The perpetrators were armed with Kalashnikovs and machetes. They attacked people in the street, sometimes stopping them at illegal roadblocks," prosecutors said, adding "victims were summarily executed or burnt alive, under the eyes of police officers who did not intervene."

'French tourists seized in Cameroon' - Hollande

S

even French tourists have been kidnapped by gunmen in Cameroon, near the border with Nigeria, French President Francois Hollande has said.

He says they belong to the same family and were seized by a "known terrorist group based in Nigeria".

Mr Hollande added that the seven - including four children were probably taken to northern Nigeria.

He indicated that the Nigerian Islamist militant group Boko

Haram may have been responsible.

"I see the hand of Boko Haram in that part of Cameroon, and that is worrying enough for us to mobilise," Mr Hollande said.

He said everything possible was being done to rescue the family and warned other French nationals in northern Cameroon to avoid "exposing themselves".

The family had been returning from a visit to Waza National Park when they were

attacked by men on motorcycles, Cameroonian officials said.

The incidents come amid a French-led intervention against Islamist militants in Mali.

At least eight French nationals were already being held by Islamist groups in Africa.

Boko Haram has staged many attacks across northern Nigeria in recent years, targeting churches, government buildings and the security forces.

Another Islamist group-

Ansaru - is also active in the region.

On Sunday, Ansaru claimed the abduction of seven foreign workers in Nigeria.

Italian, British, Greek and Lebanese workers are thought to be among those held after an attack on a construction project in Bauchi state.

Ansaru also says it is holding a French national, Francis Colump, who was seized in the northern state of Katsina.

EU lifts sanctions on Zimbabwe officials The European Union said on Monday that it has removed 21 loyalists of Zimbabwe's president from a sanctions list of people facing travel and banking bans.

The EU said another six cabinet ministers from president Robert Mugabe's party are also now allowed to travel to Europe.

It said the decision to remove those restrictions was a result of a "step forward" in finalizing a draft constitution which is set to go voted on in a national referendum on March 16.

The draft constitution "adds further momentum to the reform process and paves way for the holding of peaceful, transparent and credible elections later this year," said the EU statement.

Those freed to travel and do business in Europe include former cabinet ministers, officials and one company linked to Mugabe's party.

Another 101 individuals and companies remain on the banned list.

The sanctions were imposed on Mugabe's party to protest human rights violations over the past decade of political turmoil and economic meltdown.

The EU decision was made at a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers and the announcement was made in a statement released simultaneously in Harare and Brussels.

Among the ministers from Mugabe's party allowed to visit Europe is Webster Shamu, the information minister who controls the state media.

Prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, the former opposition leader in a four-year old coalition with Mugabe that was formed regional mediators after violent and disputed elections in 2008, told reporters later Monday that there has been no "political will" to implement much needed reforms to create an "enabling environment" for free and fair elections.

UN Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Asia and Middle East

A

t least 12 people have been killed after a military aircraft crashed in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

It crashed into buildings near "Change Square," the site of two

PAGE 33

Deadly military aircraft crash in Yemen years of anti-government protests, according to witnesses.

The death toll is expected to rise as the aircraft caused heavy damage to buildings.

The aircraft was on a training mission, the defence ministry told the Reuters news agency. A security official said

the pilot had ejected from the plane. There was no immediate word on whether he had survived.

"It's terrible and painful," resident Abdullah al-Ashwal said. "The police and medics evacuated five completely burned bodies, they were all

unrecognisable."

Cars in the area were set on fire, and rescue efforts are ongoing. An eyewitness, Ahmed Fathi, told the Associated Press that at least two houses were completely destroyed, and that people were still believed to be under the rubble.

Medical officials told the Associated Press that the victims included women and children.

In November, an Antonov M26 from the Yemeni air force crashed during a training mission in a northern district of Sanaa, killing all ten occupants.

Palestinian hunger striker to seek bail

P

alestinian hunger striker Samer Issawi is due to appear in an Israeli court, where his lawyers will attempt to get him released on bail as hundreds protest across the West Bank.

"This is the third time [Issawi] has appeared in court to try to get out on bail, the previous two times were rejected," Al Jazeera's Nicole Johnston reported from Jerusalem.

"His family and lawyers have no idea about the outcome of this court case... but they seem to think that Israel will not allow him to die because that could lead to huge protests across the West Bank."

Issawi has been refusing food for more than 200 days, in protest of Israel's policy of 'administrative detention,' which allows authorities to detain Palestinians without charge or trial indefinitely.

His rapidly deteriorating health, caused by his recent refusal of water and vitamins, has brought international attention to his case and put Israel's detention policies under the spotlight.

Navi Pillay, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said: "Persons detained must be charged and face trial with judicial guarantees in accordance with international standards, or be promptly released."

The worsening health of Issawi and other prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails has also sparked several mass protests across the occupied Palestinian territories, some of which resulted in clashes with the Israeli army.

Activists report that hundreds of Palestinians began a protest at the International Committee of the Red Cross in

Firefighters to the rescue at the scene of the crash.

Palestinians protest with Samer's pictures in West Bank.

Ramallah and then moved to Israel's Ofer prison, in the West Bank.

Palestinian medical sources told Al Jazeera that at least 10 Palestinians were wounded by rubber-coated steel bullets fired by Israeli soldiers - two in their heads.

UN finds decrease in Afghan civilian deaths

T

he United Nations mission in Afghanistan has recorded a 12 percent drop in civilian deaths in Afghanistan, the first such decrease in six years. The figures for 2012, released on Tuesday, did show an incremental increase in civilian injuries compared to the previous year. In 2012, the mission recorded 7,559 civilian casualties - 2,754 of them deaths and the rest injuries. In 2011, 3,131 civilians were killed.

Over the past six years, 14,728 Afghan civilians have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.

"While the overall incidence of civilian casualties decreased in 2012, anti-government elements increasingly targeted civilians throughout the country and carried out attacks without regard for human life," it said.

The drop was attributed to fewer casualties from on-theground engagements, a decline in suicide attacks and a reduced number of aerial operations.

However, the re-emergence of armed groups in the north and northeast of the country has posed new threats to civilians, the report indicated. In particular, the number of Afghan women and girls killed and injured in the conflict increased by 20 percent in 2012.

Cameron promises India co-operation in corruption probe

D

avid Cameron has promised to "respond to any request for information" on corruption allegations over India's procurement of helicopters from the Anglo-Italian company AgustaWestland.

India has suspended payments under the terms of the ÂŁ480m contract, following arrests at Agusta Westland and its parent firm Finmeccanica.

Mr Cameron, visiting India, stressed Finmeccanica was an "Italian company".

Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh raised "serious

concerns".

Mr Cameron held talks with Mr Singh in Delhi on the second day of his three-day trade visit to India.

AgustaWestland signed the deal to supply 12 AW101 helicopters to the Indian air force in 2010, since when there have been allegations of bribery, which are being investigated by the Italian authorities.

Finmeccanica's chairman and chief executive Giuseppe Orsi and AgustaWestland chief executive Bruno Spagnolini were arrested last week on corruption and tax fraud charges.

At a press conference after his

meeting with Mr Cameron, Mr Singh said he had "conveyed to the prime minister our very serious concerns regarding allegations about unethical means used in securing the 2010 contract for AgustaWestland helicopters.

"I told him that we have sought an explanation from the company by 22 February to examine if the contractual conditions on unethical practices and the integrity pact have been violated.

"I have sought full assistance from the UK in this case. Prime Minister David Cameron has assured me of the co-operation of his government in the

investigation."

Mr Cameron said: "In terms of AgustaWestland, we will respond to any request for information. I am glad that the Italian authorities are looking into this issue in detail, as Finmeccanica is an Italian company."

He added: "In Britain, we have introduced anti-bribery legislation that is probably the strongest anywhere in the world and we will root out any problems of bribery and corruption wherever and whenever they appear."

AgustaWestland employs more than 3,000 people in Yeovil, Somerset.

During their talks Mr Cameron and Mr Singh also agreed more co-operation between Britain and India in combating cyber attacks, including police training exchanges and research into online security.

Mr Cameron said the countries were "on track" to double overall trade to ÂŁ23bn by 2015.

The UK prime minister, whose delegation includes representatives from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, London Underground and the English Premier League, will also meet Indian President Pranab Mukherjee during his trip.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 34

America and Europe Sars-like virus death reported in UK

A

patient infected with a new respiratory illness similar to the deadly Sars virus has died in the UK. He was being treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and died on Sunday morning, the hospital has confirmed.

Of the 12 people known to have been infected with the virus around the world, six have died.

The threat to the general population is thought to be small, although the virus has shown signs of spreading in people.

Three members of the same family have been infected with the virus in the UK as well as another patient who was flown in from Qatar for treatment.

It is thought one family member picked up the virus while travelling to the Middle East and Pakistan and then the virus spread to his son and another family member.

The son, who died, had a weakened immune system, which would have left him more vulnerable to the infection.

The hospital said it extended its sympathies to the family and was working with the Health Protection Agency to test other people who may have come into contact with the virus.

The infection causes pneumonia and sometimes kidney failure.

The exact source of the new virus and how it spreads is still unknown. The leading theory is that it comes from animals and the new Sars-like virus does appear to be closely related to a virus in bats.

The threat posed by the virus is thought to be low as it struggles to spread in people.

Prof Ian Jones, from the University of Reading, said: "Given the previous health status of the patient it may be premature to assume the death was a result of the infection but even if it was, it is unlikely to signify a change in the virus.

"No general virus spread has been reported meaning the risk to the public remains very low."

Prof. Ian Jones

Security group suspects Chinese military is behind hacking attacks

A

secretive Chinese military unit is believed to be behind a series of hacking attacks, a U.S. computer security company said, prompting a strong denial by China and accusations that it was in fact the victim of U.S. hacking.

The company, Mandiant, identified the People's Liberation Army's Shanghai-based Unit 61398 as the most likely driving force behind the hacking.

Mandiant said it believed the unit had carried out "sustained" attacks on a wide range of industries.

"The nature of 'Unit 61398's' work is considered by China to be a state secret; however, we believe it engages in harmful 'Computer Network Operations'," Mandiant said in a report released in the United States on Monday.

"It is time to acknowledge the threat is originating in China, and we wanted to do our part to arm and prepare security professionals to combat that threat effectively," it said.

China's Defense Ministry issued a flat denial of the accusations and called them "unprofessional". It said hacking

attacks are a global problem and that China is one of world's biggest victims of cyber assaults.

"The Chinese army has never supported any hacking activity," the Defense Ministry said in a brief faxed statement to Reuters. "Statements about the Chinese army engaging in cyber attacks are unprofessional and not in line with facts."

Unit 61398 is located in Shanghai's Pudong district, China's financial and banking hub, and is staffed by perhaps thousands of people proficient in English as well as computer

programming and network operations, Mandiant said in its report.

The unit had stolen "hundreds of terabytes of data from at least 141 organizations across a diverse set of industries beginning as early as 2006", it said.

Most of the victims were located in the United States, with smaller numbers in Canada and Britain. The information stolen ranged from details on mergers and acquisitions to the emails of senior employees, the company said.

Armenia's president wins re-election

A

rmenian President Serzh Sargsyan has won reelection with more than 58 percent of the vote, official results showed, as his main rival cried foul.

The Central Election Commission said that tallies from all voting precincts showed former foreign minister Raffi Hovannisian trailing in a distant second place with 36.8 percent of votes cast in Monday's election.

But Hovannisian insisted he was the real winner and called on Sargsyan to concede defeat, despite the official results which gave him 58.7 percent of the votes.

Referring to himself, Hovannisian said: "Our people deserve a de jure elected president."

Hovannisian's camp has alleged a range of electoral violations, including the use of "vanishing ink" to allow multiple voting and "caravans" of taxis and buses to take progovernment voters to the polls.

However Eduard Sharmazanov, spokesman for Sargsyan's ruling Republican

Party, said exit polls showed the president "was the only favourite" and called the vote "the best in the history of independent Armenia", rejecting allegations of fraud.

Police also dismissed the allegations as an "obvious fiction".

Voter turnout was 60 percent in the polls seen as a crucial democratic test for the former Soviet state.

A Gallup exit poll had also found Sargsyan, president since 2008, set for re-election to another five-year term. The five other candidates were said to be scoring in single digits.

Former prime minister Hrant Bagratian was on course for three percent, as was the Soviet-era dissident Paruyr Hayrikyan, according to the exit poll.

The outcome had become predictable back in December when the highly popular leader of the Prosperous Armenia party - super-rich former armwrestling champion Gagik Tsarukian - said he was out of the race and Armenia's first post-Soviet president Levon

President Serzh Sargsyan rejoices after results were announced Ter-Petrosian said he was too old for the country's top job.

The election was clouded both by the lack of strong opposition to the incumbent, and a mysterious assassination attempt against Hayrikyan last month.

The authorities were hoping for a peaceful process that would improve the country's chances of European

integration.

The vote that brought Sargsyan to power in 2008 ended in clashes in which 10 people died.

Hovannisian said the election marked "the most crucial day in our country's modern history" but denounced irregularities in voters' lists and voting procedures.

Venezuela's Chavez back home, rejoices online

V

enezuelan President Hugo Chavez has returned home to Venezuela after more than two months of medical treatment in Cuba after cancer surgery.

Chavez, 58, announced his return in a series of messages on Monday on his Twitter account, and aides confirmed the news.

They were the first messages to appear on the president's account since November 1.

"We have arrived back in the Venezuelan fatherland. Thanks, my God! Thanks, my beloved people! Here we will continue the treatment," Chavez said via Twitter.

"I'm clinging to Christ and trusting in my doctors and nurses," he said in another tweet.

"Onward toward victory always!! We will live and we will triumph!!"

There had been speculation

that Chavez was not well enough to travel despite wanting to return to his homeland for continued treatment for the disease he was first diagnosed with in mid-2011.

Upon his return, he was immediately taken to the military hospital in Caracas, where the Venezuelan government had set aside an area in front of the hospital so that people could "be close to Chavez".

Andy Gallacher, reporting from Caracas, described jubilant scenes outside the military hospital.

"About 150 Chavez supporters have gathered here at the hospital, which is the closest they've come to their beloved leader in just over two months. But this was no jubilant return; under the cover of darkness, just tweeting that he was back on Venezuelan soil.

Nobody has actually seen the man himself."

Fireworks could be heard going off in some neighbourhoods of Caracas as the news spread and celebrations begun among Chavistas.

Venezuelan ministers were

jubilant, one singing "He's back, he's back!" live on state TV. Henrique Capriles, the opposition's de facto leader who lost to Chavez in the October elections, welcomed the president back to Venezuela.

Chaves supporters outside the Dr. Carlos Arvelo military hospital in Caracas.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 35

Suspect arrested after leaving photo of self at crime scene A

Santa Cruz man was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly left a camera containing a picture of himself at the scene of a burglary, police said.

Early on Thursday morning,

officers responded to reports that two businesses in the 800 block of Pacific Avenue had been broken into through their back doors, according to Santa Cruz police. Both businesses -- Santa Cruz Glass and Kayber Pass

Restaurant -- were ransacked, and one had more than $170 stolen from a cash register, police said.

During the investigation, various items left at the scene were processed as evidence. One

of the items was a digital camera that was believed to have been left behind by the burglar. The camera contained a picture of 42-year-old Richard Stipe.

Stipe was contacted by police on Friday, after he was

recognized by an officer who had seen his photograph, police said.

During questioning, Stipe allegedly confessed to the burglaries on Pacific Avenue. He was arrested and booked into jail.

Grandmother, 80, signed by top modelling agency after returning to catwalk 60 years since debut

T

hey say true beauty never dies, and one Scottish grandmother is certainly an example of this.

Former model Marion Finlayson, 80, has been snapped up by a top Glasgow modelling agencyColours, after catching the eye of scouts when she graced the catwalk after a 60-year break.

The glamorous grandmotherof-two made her modelling debut back in the 1940s, and decided to tread the runway once again at a charity event in her hometown Aberdeen as a way of distracting herself from her husband Bruce's death.

Marion, who is grandmother to Antonia, 13, and Andrew, 11, said: 'It's all go at the moment. I've never been busier since appearing on the catwalk last year.

'I actually got offers from two

modelling agencies hundreds of miles away in Glasgow.

'It's great fun and I'm just happy to still do something I enjoy. I'm turning 81 next month so I think I'm doing alright.'

Marion made her catwalk comeback at Aberdeen City Council's 50 Plus Festival in August, a staggering 60 years after her fashion debut.

Back in the 1940s she gave up her modelling commitments to become a teacher, but decided to take part in the fashion show in Aberdeen as a distraction from the death of husband Bruce, to whom she was married for 54 years.

Marion, who worked at the Albyn School in Aberdeen for years and went on to work with special needs children, said: 'My husband, Bruce, died a year and a half ago after 54 years of

Great San Francisco pillow fight incurs $5K for clean up

marriage, a very good marriage, and I found it very difficult to overcome it,' she explained.

'But doing this catwalk has really helped. I've got to meet lots of new, younger people, which I think is good for me.

'I even had a muscly personal trainer in tartan to walk me down the catwalk.'

Marion says she likes to keep active, and regularly attends yoga and Pilates classes.

'I do yoga, Pilates and tums and bums classes every week,' she says.

'My grandchildren are a handful as well, they're always running about.

'The modelling was something different and I would definitely do it again. If anyone asks me I will have a go - it's better than doing the ironing.

'I've been interested in fashion all my life and I'd be the first to admit that I'm a bit of a shopaholic.'

Marion recently wowed millions of viewers as she appeared on ITV's This Morning show with Eamonn Holmes.

She said: 'I couldn't believe it.

They phoned up and just said "we'd love you to come on the programme, would you like to do it?".'

This was the scene in San Francisco Feb. 14, 2013.

T

he cleanup cost for the annual Valentine's Day pillow fight in San Francisco was about $5,000, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Public Works said.

The eighth annual "Great San Francisco Pillow Fight" that kicked off at 6 p.m. Thursday at Justin Herman Plaza left the area covered in feathers, synthetic pillow stuffing and other debris.

The event, which drew hundreds of people, involved participants whacking each other with pillows.

The aftermath of the battle required the city to send DPW crews to the plaza for cleaning between 10 p.m. Thursday and 4 a.m. today.

About 10 crewmembers

working in shifts swept up the feathers and used steamer machines. DPW spokeswoman Rachel Gordon estimated labor costs were between $4,000 and $5,000.

"It's messy but becoming a regular San Francisco Valentine's Day experience," Gordon said. She said the cleanup process has become easier over the years with the department more experienced in clearing out the feathers.

The city spent about the same amount to clean up last year's event, but has spent more in previous years, including in 2010 when cleaning the plaza cost about $16,000.

Marion, back in the days.

At 80 Marion hits the runway again.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

How a bad relationship can make you ill

By Anna Hodgekiss

F

eeling anxious about close relationships could make you fall ill - by damaging your immune system.

Not only does anxiety appear to raise levels of stress hormones in the body, it also makes it less effective at fighting off illness.

Researchers at Ohio Sate University tested the health effects of 'attachment anxiety' on 85 couples who had been married for an average of more

than 12 years.

People with attachment anxiety are defined as being excessively concerned about rejection.

They also have a tendency to constantly seek reassurance that they are loved, and are more likely to interpret ambiguous events in a relationship as negative, the researchers said.

Couples completes questionnaires about their relationships and had samples of blood and saliva taken.

People with relationship woes had higher levels of cortisol - a hormone associated with stress and increased risk of disease.

They also had fewer T-cells, important components of the immune system's defence against infection.

A

nurse is researching whether an old family remedy using sugar to heal wounds does actually work.

Moses Murandu, from Zimbabwe, grew up watching his father use granulated sugar to treat wounds.

Sugar is thought to draw water away from wounds and prevent bacteria from multiplying.

Early results from a trial on 35 hospital patients in Birmingham are encouraging, but more research is needed.

One of the patients who received sugar treatment on a wound was 62-year-old Alan Bayliss from Birmingham.

He had undergone an abovethe knee amputation on his right leg at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and, as part of the surgery, a vein was removed from his left leg leaving a wound which would not heal properly.

Murandu, who is studying for a doctorate at Birmingham University, was contacted and asked to treat the wound with sugar.

Fast recovery Mr Bayliss said: "It has been revolutionary. The actual wound was very deep - it was almost as

This was so levels of a key stress-related hormone and numbers of certain immune cells could be tested.

The participants also reported general anxiety symptoms and their sleep quality.

Of particular interest were people considered to be at the high end of the attachment anxiety spectrum.

The researchers found that people with high attachment anxiety produced, on average, 11 per cent more cortisol - a hormone associated with stress - than those who weren't so anxious.

They also found that the more anxious people were also

less able to fight off infection, as they had up to 22 per cent Tcells than less anxiously attached partners.

Incidentally, while more women in the study suffered from higher levels of attachment anxiety, the researchers saw the same elevated levels of cortisol and lower T-cells in the men who were anxious.

Stress is already known to negatively affect health, but this study aimed to look specifically at relationship anxiety.

And while more women in the study suffered from higher levels of attachment anxiety, the researchers saw the same elevated levels of cortisol and lower T-cells in the men who

were anxious.

Lead study author Lisa Jaremka said: 'Everyone has these types of concerns now and again in their relationships, but a high level of attachment anxiety refers to people who have these worries fairly constantly in most of their relationships.'

Though some scientists believe that attachment anxiety can be traced back to childhood, Dr Jaremka noted that people who feel anxious can change, over time.

'It's not necessarily a permanent state of existence,' she said in the study published in the journal Psychological Science Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Family sugar remedy tested for healing people's wounds big as my finger.

"When Moses first did the dressing he almost used the whole pot of sugar, but two weeks later he only needed to use four or five teaspoons.

"I am very pleased indeed. I feel that it has speeded up my recovery a lot, and it has been a positive step forward. I was a little sceptical at first but once I saw the sugar in operation and how much

it was drawing the wound out, I was impressed."

The randomised control trial at three West Midlands hospitals is only half way through. So far 35 patients have been treated

Moses Murandu saw sugar treatment being used often as a child in Zimbabwe

with sugar treatment.

Murandu, a senior lecturer in adult nursing at the University of Wolverhampton, said he was very pleased by the results.

"I believe in the sugar and the nurses and doctors who see the effects are beginning to believe in it too."

The treatment is thought to work because applying sugar to a wound draws the water away, thereby starving the bacteria of what it needs to grow. This prevents the bacteria from multiplying and they die.

Staff nurse Jonathan Janneman said the treatment had boosted the patient's morale too.

"He could see the cavity in his leg as well as having been unwell and through operations. But the sugar has given him something to hold on to.

"It is amazing that something as simple as sugar has given him a morale boost."

Source: BBCNews.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 37

Expedite trials of former governors facing corruption charges, says CACOL ANALYSIS

T

he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) strongly calls on the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde and the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to review all the pending corruption cases involving about ten former governors since 2006 and intensify effort at prosecuting them.

Executive Chairman, CACOL Adeniran Debo, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to show serious commitment, zeal and determination in the war against corruption by fully supporting the ECCC morally, financially and technically to prosecute accused former governors and other indicted public officials including serving ministers in his cabinet who have been trailed by various allegations of corruptions.

CACOL maintains that the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke, is a clog in the wheel of progress of the EFCC and therefore the anti-graft agencies in the country should be given autonomy from the influence of the AGF if corruption must be reduced in the civil and public service.

He said unending demands for adjournments and amendments of corruption charges by lawyers engaged

by EFCC have contributed to the setbacks experienced in prosecuting its cases and suspicions that many of the lawyers hired by EFCC for prosecution of cases may be conniving with the defence team for elongation of cases, especially those involving highly placed persons for their mutual benefit. Also, former governors on trial followed a familiar pattern and adopted what seemingly became a trend by challenging the jurisdiction of courts trying them.

“Similarly, the serious issue of funding in respect of EFCC complaints of not getting enough funds to embark on investigations of its cases and prosecute indicted corrupt persons shows a clear demonstration of the government near-nil support for the war against corruption by President Goodluck Jonathan as the Commission revealed that the United Kingdom Metropolitan

Executive Chairman, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Adeniran Debo, recently called on President Goodluck Jonathan to empower the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conclude the trial some former governors facing corruption before the courts, several years after their tenure. In this piece, our Lagos Correspondent, Ayodele Samuel, takes a look at some former governors whose cases have been dragging at the courts.

Uzor Kalu Police spent more money to successfully prosecute Ibori than the amount allocated to the agency for a whole year; which is a clear indications of the averse nature and posture of the Federal Government towards the fight against corruption,” CACOL stated.

Uzor Kalu Specifically on 27 July 2007, Kalu was arraigned before an Abuja High Court on a 107-count charge of money laundering, official corruption and criminal diversion of public funds in excess of N5billion. The agency accused Kalu of transferring billions of naira belonging to the Abia State government to Slok Airlines, laundered funds over a period of time from the defunct Manny bank (now part of Fidelity bank) to Sloks account in Inland bank and in between 1999-2007, Uzor Kalu moved various sums of government money into Slok investment, Slok Nigerian Limited, Slok incorporated and other companies by him.

However, after Uzor Kalu pleaded not guilty to the charges and his counsel asked the court for bail, the court presided over by Justice Binta Muritala Nyako ordered Kalu detention at Kuje prison in Abuja even as she fixed the date for the argument for bail

Joshua Chibi Dariye and he had three of his former colleagues for company and they are: Reverend Jolly Nyame, Joshua Chibi Dariye and Saminu Turaki, former governors of Taraba, Plateau and Jigawa States respectively but Kalu regained his freedom four days later.

During his trial, the EFCC obtained a court order to freeze Kalu’s key assets which would be handed over to Abia State government if he was unable to prove that the funds used to establish his companies were not proceeds of graft but five years after, nothing has been heard.

Reverend Jolly Nyame Joshua Chibi Dariye Joshua Chibi Dariye, former governor of Plateau state was arraigned before an Abuja High Court on a 23count charge involving the sum of N700million but pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against him and was subsequent granted bail but later challenged the jurisdiction of the court to try him. He contended that the alleged offence committed by him took place in Plateau state and the funds involved belonged to the state thereby argued that his trial ought to take place in the state, not in Abuja. The presiding judge

“

Ironically, the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly is replete with many people who have stood or are still standing corruption trials. The Senate had two of its member tried for corruption by the EFCC; Senator Hosea Ayoola Agboola and former governor of Benue state, George Akume who is now the Senate Minority Leader

dismissed the objections which prompted the former governor to approach the Court of Appeal with the same application but the appellate court threw it out and ordered him to go and face his trial. The case is still pending with series of adjournments.

Dariye is now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Reverend Jolly Nyame When former Governor of Taraba State, Reverend Jolly Nyame was docked on a 41court charge in July 2007, he was alleged to have embezzled the sum of N1.3billion and at his trial, a graphic illustration was given by one Mr. Dennis Orkama Nev, a Permanent Secretary with the state government. The witness told the court how Nyame directed him to raise the sum of N100million being an amount proposed for the preparations of the visit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the state in 2006 and narrated all the events and transactions. Orkuma told the court how he used his discretion and raised three different memos for the former governor in which he requested for N323million, N27million and N42milllion respectively listing vehicle

Contiuned on page 39

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Opposition merger’ll fail, says Rep

L-R: Kaduna state Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, Chairman, Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Umaru Yunusa, and Commissioner for Education, Dr Muhammad Usman, during the educational summit for 23 local government chairmen and members of the State Assembly Committee on Education, recently in Kaduna.

By Lawrence Olaoye

A

Photo: NAN

Court Order: Tukur’s NWC disqualifies self, says Group

By Lawrence Olaoye

A

group, Save The Nation Movement (STNM), has said the decision of the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s National Working Committee (NWC) to obey the court ruling sacking its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and National Auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha made their continuous stay in office illegal.

The group pointed out that all actions purportedly taken by the NWC since the order was given on April 27, 2012 were null and void. It added “The PDP NEC must act to avoid contempt of court by giving effect to the court order, which also declared the South-West Zonal Convention held in Oshogbo, Osun State on March 21, 2012 a nullity.”

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday and signed by its President, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulai, STNM noted that it would amount to building something on nothing for the PDP NWC to continue to pretend that the Justice E. Abang’s order, which nullified the SouthWest Zonal Congress of the party, did not also affect the National Convention, which produced the NWC members.

“From the wording of the ruling of Justice Abang in the suit Number FHC/L/CS/282/ 2012 and what we have read in the newspapers, the order granted was in two folds.

“One sets aside the South West zonal congress of the PDP held in Osogbo, Osun State, on 21st March 2012 involving the election of delegates to the National Convention of the PDP, while the second part sets aside

the election of officers at the National Convention of the party.

“That second part, which is the third paragraph of the ruling read; ‘The election of officers at the National Convention of the 1st respondent (PDP) involving only those that emerged as purported elected delegates from South West zonal congress of the 1st respondent is hereby set aside and accordingly nullified.’

“From our elementary understanding of law, participation of delegates elected at the South-West Congress in the National Convention of the PDP, where Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and others were elected as members of the NWC rendered the Convention a nullity, thereby sacking all members of the NWC.

“It was the stay of execution granted on June 25, 2012 by the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos presided over by Justice H M Ogunwumiju pending the Appeal filed by the Chief Segun Oni-led PDP zonal executive that enabled the NWC to remain in office till now.

“Therefore, since the Tukurled NWC had by itself jettisoned the stay of execution granted by the Appellate Court and chosen to obey the first part of the order granted by a lower court, it must also be made to obey the second part of the order by vacating office.

“Should the NWC however refuse to give effect to the court order, it is our call that the NEC, which is the highest decision making organ of the PDP should dissolve the NWC in obedience to the court pronouncement,” Abdulai said.

PDP faults Edo ACN LGs’ primaries From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he Edo State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has faulted the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leadership in the state over its recent local governments’ primaries held ahead of the April 20 local council election in the state.

The opposition PDP accused the ruling ACN of failing to adhere to electoral guidelines, just as it demanded the immediate refund of monies paid by aspirant as “deposits” to the state electoral commission.

Edo PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, while speaking with newsmen in the Benin City, said

the April council election was a true test of what the Adams Oshiomhole’s administration is capable of offering to the people, adding that the way and manner the ACN leadership has portrayed itself in the conduct of its supposed primaries which was devoid of the principle of free and fair election is an indication that the ACN is doomed to fail.

He however called on the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, (EDSIEC), to make immediate refund of monies collected from aspirants contesting in the council polls as deposits in the range of N100, 000 for Chairmanship position and N50, 000 for Councillorship.

He described such collections as illegal and unacceptable.

Orbih faulted the ACN leadership for negating the principles of one man, one vote, adding that the primaries across the 18 local councils were a case of imposition and the recent attack on the ACN secretariat by irate youth and party members is an expression of the anger of its members and a clear indication of the rot in the party.

The PDP boss urged all stakeholders in the April election to adhere to EDSIEC guidelines adding that the “Guidelines states clearly that EDSIEC should conduct and witness primaries as exhibited

in the conduct of primaries by the PDP.” According to him, “We are going to explore all legal means by serving a notice to the electoral Commission, (EDSIEC) to ensure that it starts preparing for the refund all monies collected from aspirants.”

Responding on the merger by the four progressive parties resulting in the formation of All Progressive Congress, (APC), Orbih said that the merger is another merger that is bound to fail, noting that “the problem of Nigeria cannot be cured by APC”. He stated that those behind the merger were only out to actualize their selfish interest.

member of the House of Representatives, Bassey Dan-Abia, has said that the opposition merger party, All Progressives’ Congress (APC), will fail because it was a product of desperation which would not stand the test of time.

According to him, the APC is a “compendium of strange and odd bed fellows that are given much hype by the media”.

Dan Abia in a statement issued yesterday also took time to commend the presidency for unearthing 45,000 ghost workers in the payroll of about 215 MDAs through the recently implemented Integrated Personnel Payment System (IPPS).

The lawmaker in his comments on the newly formed party noted that the idea behind its formation was not altruistic and as such will not benefit the generality of Nigerians. He warned that the party should not be trusted. He insisted that it only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that possess the political will to give good leadership to Nigerians, and as well, transform the nation in all spheres.

“The so called merger of opposition parties which gave birth to “All Progressive Congress” is portentous to the country as it is a product of desperation” “The APC is a compendium of strange and odd bed fellows that are given much hype by the media. Like former President Okusegun Obasanjo would say ‘I dey laugh’ the promoters of the merged parties do not have the character and interest of the country at heart to make any meaningful headway at leadership of the country, hence ‘I dey laugh’.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the only party without ethnic or regional appendage. Our party is strong, united, have the required structures and is desirous on transforming the country.

“With such visionary leaders as President Goodluck Jonathan, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-President Ibrahim Babangida, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Vice President Alex Ekwueme and Atiku Abubakar, backed by strong and able Governors like Chief Godswill Akpabio among others, PDP remains the party with the right focus at transforming the country” he said.

He however noted that no matter the hype given to APC, the PDP is not moved but charged to keep its place in Nigerian governance.

“The party remains strong and determined and is unruffled by the kind of amateurish propaganda that characterized the formation of APC” he added.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 39

Expedite trials of former governors facing corruption charges, says CACOL Contiuned from page 37 maintenance, overhaul of power generating sets, security arrangements, general facelift of the capital city (Jalingo), sanitation, civil works, souvenirs and honorarium as the purposes for which the money was to be used.

Nev also told the court that upon the receipt of the three memos, Nyame approved release of the funds and ordered him to bring the monies to him in his office, an order he complied with and added that the funds were never used for the purposes for which they were approved. More so, part of the allegations against Nyame was that he collected N180million from USAB International Nigeria Limited, a kick back money from a N250million contract awarded to the company for the supply of stationeries to the state government between January and February 2005. Nyama admitted to the bribe.

Saminu Turaki Saminu Turaki, former governor of Jigawa state was docked on a 32-count charge on allegations that he stole about N36billion from the treasury over an eightyear period.

Charged along with three companies accused of using to siphon the funds as accomplices are INC National Resources Limited, Arkel Construction Nigeria Limited and Wildcat Construction Limited with another

Danjuma Goje

Saminu Turaki accomplices who was in Lagos. After a brief detention, Turaki was granted bail in the sum of N100million on July 27, 2007 by Justice Binta Muritala Nyako and his bail was vigorously contested by the EFCC which accused the former governor of possessing multiple nationality and capable of jumping bail if granted. But the judge noted that the crimes were bailable offences and ordered Turaki to swear to an affidavit concerning all the countries which citizenship he held and soon after securing his bail, Turaki who was a senator between 2007 and 2011, successfully secured the transfer of his trial to his home state and the case is now domiciled in a Federal High court now sitting in Jigawa State.

C h i m a r o k e Nnamani

Chimaroke Nnamani Former Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani who spent four years in the Senate after leaving office in 2007 was also arraigned before a Federal High court sitting in Lagos on a 105-count charge for allegedly stealing the sum of N5.3billion but pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He was subsequently granted

bail with the case still pending.

Abubakar Audu Abubakar Audu, former governor of Kogi State from 1999-2003 was originally arraigned on 30 November 2006 on an 80-count charge of fraud and and was alleged to have embezzled over N4billion. The charge

“

CACOL maintains that the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke, is a clog in the wheel of progress of the EFCC and therefore the anti-graft agencies in the country should be given autonomy from the influence of the AGF if corruption must be reduced in the civil and public service

George Akume

Boni Haruna suffered several setbacks as he had thrice approached the Supreme Court and returned to the Kogi State High court where his trial is going on before Justice Saidu Tanko Hussani.

Boni Haruna Former governor of Adamawa state was arraigned before a Federal High court sitting in Abuja on an amended 28-count charge of embezzling the sum of N16million and pleaded not guilty to the alleged crimes. He secured bail from the court and soon after applied for the release of his travel documents to enable him travel to honour a medical appointment in the US and the court granted his request while he made the trip and upon his return to Nigeria, Haruna gave back his travel document to the court and has been

Abubakar Audu

attending his trial but the case is still going on.

George Akume, Danjuma Goje others Ironically, the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly is replete with many people who have stood or are still standing corruption trials. The Senate had two of its member tried for corruption by the EFCC; Senator Hosea Ayoola Agboola and former governor of Benue state, George Akume who is now the Senate Minority Leader. Agboola, who has been facing trial at the Oyo State High court, was charged alongside former Oyo State governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala. Likewise, three former governors still standing trial on various charges of corruption, Abdullahi Adamu, Danjuma Goje and George Akume are also serving Senators of the Federal Republic.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013 With Sonde Abbah 0803-2159-249 (SMS only) asonde@yahoo.com

Who is after Senator George Akume?

S ince he left Government House, Makurdi in 2007 after serving two terms as Benue State governor, there has been no peace for Senator George Akume.

Particularly since he and his successor, Gabriel Suswam, parted ways. When he is not being accused of one thing or the other, he would be facing sundry persecution for all sorts of spurious allegations.

So much so that Akume had to quit his party, PDP, to contest his Senatorial poll on the platform of another party, CAN. Akume's traducers are at it again. Penultimate Sunday a damaging report was published in a national daily against the serving Senator.

Akume, according to the story, has been dragged to court for alleged certificate

forgery. Specificially, Akume is accused of parading a fake WAEC certificate, and that he did not graduate from the University of Ibadan.

It is on record that Akume performed the mandatory Natioal Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and had a distinguished career in the Benue State civil service, rising to the position of a Permanent Secretary. It is difficult to believe that such a person passed through all these with a fake WAEC certificate and forged degree.

What has endeared Senator Akume to many is his prompt and statesman-like response to the barbed arrow. He not only debunked the "tissue of lies" with iron-clad facts, he published all his certificates.

Hear him: "As a political leader, I believe we owe a

“

Our political leaders owe a responsibility to the public to always come clean when called to account

Senator George Akume

responsibility to the public to prove that Benue is not about forgers and forgeries."

Truly so. Our political leaders owe a responsibility to the public to always come clean when called to account.

As ex-USA President George Bush said in TIME magazine of

August 3, 2009, "If a person does not tell the truth, particularly if he serves in government and holds the public trust, he must be held accountable."

With Akume's response filled to the brim with the ring of truth, the question is: who

is after this gentleman? Is there a campaign of calumny against this gentleman? Is a certain person in the corridor of power using a proxy to smear Akume's reputation, as is being alleged? And how with this dirty duel end? We shall see.

'Gurku is Nasarawa's best, not worst'

H

ardly had the ink with which this column was printed last week, dried than a series of responses poured in. a few of these responses came through emails while the rest were sent via SMS. Some of my respondents agreed that indeed the incumbent chairman of Karu LGA is the worst of his ilk while others, notably Hajia Jamila Mohammed of Detiny Youths Int'l Forum, Abuja, emphasized that "Hashimu Gurku is one of the best, if not the very best, council chairmen of his generation".

To put the matter in perspective, and in view of the salient issue raised in Hajia Jamila's rejoinder, an abridged version of her piece is published here: "As someone who has lived here in Karu LGA for over a decade now, and who has witnessed the good, bad and worst in terms of governance at different levels, including the grassroots, I feel constrained to state that the incumbent Karu council boss, Hashimu Gurku, is not as bad as as he is being painted. Rather, he is, in my humble view, a hardworking, dedicated and patriotic public servant.

"Granted, Karu LGA is not in the best of shapes, especially given the council's vast potentials and strategic location, but it must be borne in mind that as a caretaker chairman who hasn't spent much time in office, Gurku cannot be hanged with the verdict of worst LGA bosses in Nasarawa. This is more so as a certain agency of Nasarawa, NUDB, is said to be vested with the control of a

Hashimu Jibril Gurku sizeable chunk of Karu's revenue-yielding resources "Against this backdrop, and given the comparatively minor time Hon. Gurku has spent on the job, one dares say without fearv of contradiction that he has been trying.

Granted, his best may not be

enough, but Hasimu Gurku is, in my view, and in the view of most of us here at the Nasarawa State chapter of Destiny Youth Int'l Forum, one of the best, if not the best, council chairmen of his generation, in terms of vision, hard work, dedication and integrity."

Patience Jonathan's shameful conduct

W

hen she was dying in a foreign hospital at the tail end of last year, the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, and Co. pretended that all was all. They insulted all of us who had reported that Mrs Jonathan was critically ill.

And, to complete the shamefull cover-up, the First Lady had, on return from hospital, rained invectives on all of us for supposedly wishing her dead.

At long last the chicken has come home to roost. In a candid, though belated, confession, the president's wife declared a few days ago that she was indeed critically ill. That he was virtually dead for about one week at the hospital. In other words, Patience Jonathan and the presidency had been fooling us all along by pretending that she was hale and healthy when in fact she was all but dead.

This is as shameful as it is scandalous. It brings to the fore, once again, that statement by former USA president, George Bush: "If a person does not tell the truth, particularly if he serves in government and holds the public trust, he must be held accountable."

President Jonathan and Co. must be held accountable for violating the public trust with such impunity.

First Lady, Patience Jonathan

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 41

FCT emerge NVBF President’s Beach Volleyball champions

Ambrose now toasts of top European clubs

S

ome Super Eagles players are started to reap bountifully from their superlative performance at the 29th Africa Cup of Nations, which the Eagles won penultimate weekend.

One of such players is Celtic defender, Efe Ambrose, who is attracting several interests from top clubs around Europe according to his coach Neil Lennon The coach revealed yesterday that he doubts Celtic would be able to retain the services of the defender

following several interests from some English premiership clubs including Liverpool, Swansea, Sunderland among other European clubs that have declared more than casual interest in Efe. Ambrose, who signed for the Bhoys in the summer from Ashdod in Israel, has recently won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles, their first major title in 19 years. He is expected to cost around £6 million.

The defender is

under contract until July 2015 and Lennon is optimistic Celtic will not have to sell him as soon as the next transfer window this summer.

“Efe has been brilliant for us and there’s been a lot of interest in him,” said Lennon according to The Scotsman.

“There is definite interest from top teams, not just in England but on the continent as well.

“There’s been nothing concrete so far, but I’ve been made aware of it, put it that way. I don’t

think we will lose him in the summer, as he’s just in the door and there’s more he can add to his game.

But he’s got a few admirers out there with his performances last season.”

Used as a central defender in his club, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi preferred to play Ambrose as a right back at the Afcon and he excelled in that position helping the Eagles to break down attacks as well as being a fulcrum for launching forward.

By Albert Akota

T

By Patrick Andrew

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) team beat Delta teams at the Jabi Lake yesterday to emerge winners of the second edition of the Volleyball President’s Beach Volleyball Championship.

The team overcame stiff oppositions to excel in the championship that was organized by Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) to select players for the national teams.

The FCT team beat UCEM of Enugu 2-0, winning 24-22, 21-15 to claim the men’s competition and going home with the main trophy and a cash prize.

In the competition’s third place match, Kaduna beat Delta 12-21, 22-20, 15-8 for a 2-1 win. Kaduna had lost to UCEM 1-2 in the semifinals, while Delta lost 0-2 to the FCT, also at the same stage.

The six teams that took part in the tournament were Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, FCT, Delta and Kaduna in the men’s competition.

In the women’s competition which had only four teams, Delta overwhelmed UCEM in the final, while Akwa Ibom beat Kaduna in the thirdplace match.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition, Chairman of the Beach Volleyball Commission Engr Musa Mimrod said he was happy with the results achieved at the event.

“This is second time we are organizing President’s Beach Volleyball Championship and I am happy with the fact that we finished it as planned,’’ he said.

The competition also served as an avenue for the federation to pick players for its junior team which will begin camping in Abuja soonest while the prospect players would be nurture for a continental championship in Cotonou later in the year.

N

AYC: Flying Eagles play junior Pharoahs today

Efe Ambrose

Tanko-Lato hails Duamlong’s appointment as Kaduna Utd coach

S

alleh Tanko-Lato, the interim head coach of Kaduna United, has hailed the appointment of Ben Duamlong as the new Chief Coach/ Technical Adviser of the team as a forward lokking appontment.

Daumlong, who was recently appointed by the management of Kaduna United resumed yesterday ahead of the 2012/13 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Tanko-Lato said he considers working with Duamlong a great privilege having played under him at Plateau United.

“It’s a rare privilege to once again to learn from him in a technical capacity. Duamlong was my coach in 1998 when I was playing for

Plateau United.

“He is very much welcome by me and the other technical crew members. We’re ready to give him maximum support he needs to succeed in his new assignment. “The management in their wisdom may have felt they need an experienced hand to head the technical crew and add more value to whatever success we achieved last season.

“I think they made the right choice and actually went after the best man for the job. The technical crew is happy and with open hands receive him in our midst,” he said to supersport.com.

Kaduna United will kick off their NPFL campaign at Sunshine Stars on March 9.

2014 World Cup: Super Eagles to regroup first week of March ewly crowned A f r i c a n champions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will regroup early next month to begin preparations for the 2014 World Cup qualifying game against the Harambee Stars of kenya.

The match scheduled to be held at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar will be the Eagles first game after beating the rest of Africa to clinch the AFCON trophy they last won 19 years ago.

Though Nigeria top the group with four points from two matches, a point ahead of closest rivals Namibia with Malawi third with two points, while Kenya have a point on the log,

T Super Eagles celebrating with AFCON trophy the Eagles are likely to open a wide margin lead.

According to a release by the NFF, the Head Coach Stephen Keshi is mostly likely to keep faith with the squad that won the 2013 AFCON in South Africa recently.

However, there may be some inclusions especially those dropped

Champions League last 16 updates Arsenal 1 v Bayern Munich 3 FC Porto 1 V Malaga 0

at the eve of their departure to South Africa including the likes of Bright Dike, Raheem Lawal, Henry Uche, and may be new faces in Sydney Sam, among others.

Eagles spokesman Ben Alaiya said a date has not been fixed when the camping will begin, but he is hopefully the list of call-ups for the match will be released by the end of the month.

“The list of the players who will play the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya should be made public before the end of the month,” he disclosed.

“The game is on March 23 and as usual the home-based players will be the first set of players to resume while their foreign-based counterparts will join up later.

“There is no cause for

alarm as our foreignbased players are back at their clubs and doing well, while the home lads are with their club preparing for the new NPL season.”

Nigeria lead their qualifying group with four points from two matches, a point ahead of closest rivals Namibia. Malawi are third on two points, while Kenya have a point.

he Flying Eagles will play the first of their two friendly games today in Cairo, Egypt as part of their build up to the Africa Youth Championship (AYC) in Algeria from March 16 to 30.

According to Media Officer,Samm Audu, the junior Eagles who had booked into the Baron Hotel in Heliopolis on arrival on Monday, will trade tackles with their EWgyptian counterparts today.

The second game comes up on Friday at the same venue Degla Stadium in Cairo against same team.

Egypt, which placed third at the 2011 championship in South Africa, are drawn in Group A at the 2013 competition, while defending champions, Nigeria, are in Group B. The statement said the first match comes up today and would kick off by 2 p.m. Nigeria time, while the second game on Friday at the Salam Stadium, would begin at 7 p.m. Nigeria time.

According to the statement, Nigeria trained at the Cairo International Stadium practice pitch yesterday.

“The Flying Eagles will depart Egypt on Saturday for Tunisia for a three-week training before it will arrive in Algeria for the championship which will kick off on March 16,” the statement said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PAGE 45

Peoples Daily CLASSIFIED Lomong breaks Lagat’s Millrose mile record

PUBLIC NOTICE

S

DIVINE HERITAGE GLOBAL GOSPEL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

udanese-born Lopez Lomong edged defending champion Matthew Centrowitz in a meet-record time, edging his 2012 US Olympic teammate to win the feature mile showdown at Saturday’s 106th Millrose Games.

Lomong, the 2008 US Olympic flag bearer who escaped Sudan soldiers to become a two-time Olympian, won in 3 minutes 51.21 seconds to edge Centrowitz by .13 of a second with Irish Olympian Ciaran O’Lionaird third in 3:52.10.

The old meet record was 3:52.87 set by Bernard Lagat in 2005 when the meet was still staged at Madison Square Garden.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. OPUEBIPADE YELEME 2. REV. DR. MRS IRENE YELEMI 3. MR STANLEY ODEH 4. BRO. NEMIAYEFA YELEMI 5. MRS RECHAEL UGOH 6. MR AUGUSTINE OFOEDU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROF. MRS OLUFUNKE AGBEKE EGUNJOBI 2. SIR PATRICK NWABUEZE IKEMEFUNA 3. PROF. STEPHEN MADUJOS MISARI 4. PROF. ANTHONY ARINZE 5. PROF. BABATUNDE AKINTUNDE IKOTUN 6. PROF. STEPHEN ABIODUN SHOYINKA 7. PROF. DAVID BABATUNDE OLUFOLAJI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ADVANCE THE SCIENCE OF PLANT PROTECTION ON BOTH ITS FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED ASPECTS. 2. TO PROMOTE THE EXCHANGE OF KNOWLEDGE IN ALL PHASES OF PLANT PROTECTION THROUGH PUBLICATIONS, LECTURE, SYMPOSIA AND SEMINARS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: DR. J. J. ATUNGWU (08037156261) SECRETARY

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THE GREAT COMMISSION GLOBAL HARVEST MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR SOLOMON OLUDARE ADEKANMBI -CHAIRMAN 2. EVANG. NIKE OLOSUNDE 3. DEACONESS ODUTOLA ESTHER OLUFUNKE 4. BOLARINWA FOLASHADE OMOLARA 5. OLAYINKA OLUSEYE -SECRETARY 6. AWOTUNDE BABATUNDE SOLOMON AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Lopez Lomong

The indoor event is now conducted at the city Armory.

Lagat was a winner on Saturday as well, capturing the two-mile event in 8:09.49.

Canada’s Sheila Reid won the women’s mile in 4:27.02.

US Olympian Darvis Patton won the men’s 60 metres in 6.50 seconds with Zambia’s Gerald Phiri second in 6.64 while English Gardner captured the women’s 60 in 7.19, .03 ahead of Jeneba Tarmoh.

Jeff Porter captured the 60m hurdles in 7.59, edging Jamaica’s Andrew Riley by .01 in a showdown of 2012 Olympians.

Yvette Lewis won the women’s 60 hurdles in

Agent says Pistorius future races cancelled

A

ll future races paralympian Oscar Pistorius had been contracted to compete in have been cancelled, his agent confirmed.

“I have decided that following these tragic events that we have no option but to cancel all future races... to allow Oscar to concentrate on the upcoming legal proceedings,” his agent Peet van Zyl said in a statement.

“As well as] to help and support all those involved as they try to come to terms with this very difficult and distressing situation.”

Pistorius was arrested on Thursday after his 29year-old girlfriend, model and law graduate, Reeva Steenkamp, was shot and killed in his Pretoria home.

The 26-year-old ‘blade runner’ is currently in police custody.

The cancelled races include IAAF World Championships in Russia, Australia, Brazil, America and England.

“Regarding sponsors and partners, I can confirm that at this point in time, all parties are supportive and their c o n t r a c t u a l commitments are maintained,” he added.

“They have said they are happy to let the legal process takes its course before making any change in their position.

“On Oscar’s behalf, we, as his management company, would like to formally thank the thousands of people who have sent supportive messages which have come from all over the world.”

Van Zyl said he could not answer any questions relating to the legal proceedings.

Pistorius has been charged with murder and is due to appear in court on Tuesday for a formal bail application.

Steenkamp was cremated in a ceremony closed to the public and the media in Port Elizabeth yesterday.

Pistorius’ family and

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UZOIGWE IFUNANYI LOVE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. IFUNANYA FRIDAY OKPARA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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NEW SONG PRAYER & MIRACLE MINISTRY

IFELAGBA PROGRESSIVE MEN CLUB

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALHAJI BULIAMINU KAZEEM 2. ADEREMI OLABIYI 3. AKINWALE KAZEEM 4. OLUSOLA FABIYI 5. OLUFEMI AMOO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE THE PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE MEMBERS. 2. TO PROMOTE LOVE AND BETTERMENT OF ALL MEMBERS. 3. TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS IN ALL MATTERS WHERE AND WHEN PRACTICABLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: BARR. AKAGHA TINA ONYINYECHI 08025789555

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Management Company on Friday disputed claims that the he had murdered Steenkamp.

Oscar Pistorius

7.84.

Men 60m: 1. Darvis Patton 6.50 seconds, 2. Gerald Phiri (ZAM) 6.64, 3. Keith Ricks 6.67 60m hurdles: 1. Jeff Porter 7.59, 2. Andrew Riley (JAM) 7.60, 3. Jarret Eaton 7.63 600: 1. Erik Sowinski 1:15.61, 2. Duane Solomon 1:16.04, 3. Jarrin Solomon (TRI) 1:16.19 Mile: 1. Lopez Lomong 3:51.21, 2. Matthew Centrowitz 3:51.34, 3. Ciaran O’Lionaird (IRL) 3:52.10 Two-Mile: 1. Bernard Lagat 8:09.49, 2. Andrew Bumbalough 8:13.02, 3. Cam Levins (CAN) 8:14.69 Women 60m: 1. English Gardner 7.19, 2. Jeneba Tarmoh 7.22, 3. Lauryn Williams 7.24 60m hurdles: 1. Yvette Lewis 7.84, 2. Ginnie Crawford 7.97, 3. Kristi Castlin 8.00 400: 1. Mary Wineberg 52.19, 2. Francena McCorory 52.20, 3. Georganne Moline 53.23 600: 1. Alysia Montano 1:23.59, 2. Ajee Wilson 1:26.45, 3. Erica Moore 1:26.48 Mile: 1.Sheila Reid (CAN) 4:27.02, 2. Mary Cain 4:28.25, 3. Kate Grace 4:28.79 Long Jump: 1. Janay DeLoach 6.90m, 2. Brittney Reese 6.85, 3. Vashti Thomas 6.28 Pole Vault: 1. Jenn Suhr 4.65m, 2. Kylie Hudson 4.65, 3. Mary Saxer 4.40 High Jump: 1. Inika McPherson 1.87m, 2. Brigetta Barrett 1.87, 3. Priscilla Frederick and Becky Christensen 1.83

FCT U-12 baseball miss national over logistics

F

CT U-12 baseball team may miss the national training camp programme being organized in Ibadan preparatory to Nigeria’s participation in the IBAF World Cup in Taipei, China.

The camp, which is under the supervision of the Coach Gerard Hall of DC Knight Baseball, USA and his assistants, will afford players the chance of being groomed and put in the mental and physical shape for the world tournament.

Though players from Lagos, Ibadan, Ondo and Ilorin have arrived in camp for the exercise, their FCT counterparts

are unable to because they expected support from the baseball authority and the FCT Sports Council are not forthcoming.

Coach Kunle Ajayi, who is an assistant coach, noted with sadness that “…the entire camp will miss the Abuja Catcher who became a star of the Championship where all the players were selected last year in Ibadan”.

Coach Kunle Ajayi is from Ondo State Sports Council. Other Coaches in the Camp are Coach Rita Ato, Delta State Sports Commission and Coach Joseph Ogunseye from Kwara State.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

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THE TRUSTEES NAME REMAIN THE SAME: ADDITIONAL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO FURTHER ACHIEVE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF THE SOCIETY, THROUGH THE PUBLICATION OF VIRGINHOOD MAGAZINE, VIRGINHOOD RECORD LABEL, ORGANIZING MISS ESANLAND CULTURAL BEAUTY PAGEANT AND A TALK-SHOW KNOWN AS GETTING REAL WITH PHINA TELEVISION TALK SHOW. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BARR. ABRAHAM E. IYOHA 08030528365

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ABUBAKAR MUSA SECRETARY

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MARYAM HASSAN ABUBAKAR 2.COMFORT MASUMBI 3.JAMILA MANUGA 4.AMINA YAHAYA 5.ALHAJI ABUBAKAR G. HASSAN 6.MICHEAL MAKAMA 7.HAUSATU ELIZABETH JIYA 8.FUNMILAYO AMADI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO SUPPORT LESS PRIVILEDGE WIDOWS, ORPHANS, WOMEN GENERALLY AND PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED. 2.RENDERING ASSISTANCE AND CONCEILING IN AREAS OF HYGIENE HEALTHCARE AS WELL AS DISASTER SUCH AS FIRE, FLOOD, ACCIDENT, HIV/ AIDS AND ILL HEALTH SITUATION AFFECTING WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 3.SENSITIZATION OF WOMEN COMMUNITIES THROUGH ENLIGHTENMENT PROGRAMMES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOP AND CONFERENCES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED SECRETARY

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GARKI VALLEY ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES ASO SOLID INVESTMENT LIMITED RC 318435 (IN VOLUNTARY WINDING UP)

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CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS. ALTINE ABDULLAHI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALTINE TITUS DAUDA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BOGORO L.G.A. ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE REGISTRAR OF THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO.1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR. OBIDIGBO UDOKWU –CHAIRMAN 2.ENGINEER MUHAMMED USMAN ALKALI –MEMBER 3.IBRAHIM SADIQ GARBA –MEMBER 4.MR. SAKA AKADRI –MEMBER 5.MR. EBIZIMOH OKOLO –SECRETARY 6.MR. BADARU NA’ALI –MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO CATER FOR THE GENERAL WELL BEING AND ENCOURAGE HARMONIOUS CO-EXISTENCE AMONG THE RESIDENTS. 2. TO ENSURE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH EVERY MEMBER WILL BE PROUD OF. 3. TO ARRANGE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE SECURITY AND SAFETY OF MEMBERS AND THEIR PROPERTIES. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OF THIS ASSOCIATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

NOTICE OF FINAL GENRAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT PURSUANT TO SECTION 468(2) OF COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, THE FINAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ABOVE NAMED COMPANY WILL BE HELD AT PLOT 266, FMBN BUILDING, CENTRAL ZONE A0 ON THE 21ST DAY OF MARCH, 2013 AT 2:00PM FOR THE PURPOSE OF LAYING BEFORE SUCH MEETING THE FINAL ACCOUNT OF THE COMPANY AND GIVING ANY EXPLANATION THEREOF. DATED THIS ?8TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2012

BY THE ORDER OF THE LIQUIDATOR SIGNED: CHARLES DONGLONG & CO. SUITE B8-9, ABUJA SHOPPING MALL, ZONE 3, WUSE, ABUJA

PAGE 43

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SURVEYORS ASSOCIATION OF KULA, AKU L.G.A. RIVERS STATE

THRONE GLORY KINGDOM AND POWER MINISTRY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (C of O) NO. NW129Aforemention IN THE NAME OF ALHAJI BELLO DZAFU MAGAJI C/O LOCAL AUTHORITY CENTRAL OFFICE BIDA WITH REGISTRATION NO. NW129 PLOT NO.19TP’17/2 NEW GRA LAYOUT BIDA BELONGING TO AL-MUSTAPHA N. MUSTAPHA OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BIDA IS DECLARED MISSING. ALL EFFORT TO TRACE THE MISSING DOCUMENT PROVE ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, PLEASE KINDLY RETURNED TO THE NEAREST PERSON OR ALHMUSTAPHA OR THE FOLLOWING GS. 08058369786, 08061685797

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MOSES IBOROMA BEREKUMA 2.SAMUEL MOSES 3.FAYE-OFORI HART 4.NAPOLEON GEORGE 5.IGBIKIS FURTUNE 6.KARIBO ALALIBO 7.DANIEL ANTHONY AFONYA 8.ISINUMIBO-OFORI BEREKUMA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE UNITY AMONG SURVEYORS IN KULA KINGDOM. 2.TO REPRESENT GENERALLY THE VIEWS OF THE SURVEYING PROFESSION IN KULA KINGDOM

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.TION TITUS 2.REV. SEWUSI TAIWO OLAITAN DAVID 3.PETER TIMBUAK 4.JOSEPHINE TIMBUAK 5.CLEMENT ILOBA 6.VINCENT IFEACHOR 7.ZAKA STEPHEN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO TRAIN AND EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR MINISTERIAL WORK.

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MAN U FOOTBALL CLUB FANS, ZUBA BRANCH

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BELLVICKS AID INITIATIVES

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR DANIEL NWOKEDI 2. MALLAM TIJJANI ABASS 3. MR OBII IKEME 4. CHIEF DAVID AYAN ALAYANDE 5. CHIEF BENNY NNABUE 6. ENGR. GAZALI TUKUR 7. PRINCE EZENWA ANANTI 8. MR AUGUSTINE IFEDI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED OGO UKO PAUL ADROIT SOLICITORS 08024048505, 08033649092

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTER HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. PETER AZUMA - PRESIDENT 2. DR (MRS) ANGELA NGOZI AZUMA 3. MRS. PATRICIA TONY ABEL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST ALL OVER THE WORLD. 2. TO ESTABLISH LOCAL BRANCHES FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL WORLDWIDE. 3. TO ORGANISE OUTREACH, CRUSADES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOP AND REVIVAL SERVICES FOR THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL. 4. TO WIN SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BARR. KENNETH OSEMEHA 08037332991

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVES HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. IBRAHIM MOHAMMED BELLO 2. DR CHRISTOPHER OTABOR 3. PHARM. TONY IEREN 4. ABBA YAHAYA 5. AINEMBABAZI SHAMILLAH 6. IBRAHIM ADEIZA KABIR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.EDUCATION/YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SKILLS ACQUISITION ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BARR. A. S. MUHAMMED 08067959551

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST BUSINESS CHURCH THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR ODIGIE AUSTY UWADIALE 2. PASTOR (MRS) ELO ODIGIE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2. TO BRING MORE UNTO THE KNOWLEDGMENT OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOSPEL SUMMIT MINISTRY

LIFE CAMP TRADERS ASSOCIATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1, OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.SUBWAY SATURDAY ODIALE OSAZUWA 2.JECINTA OSAZUWA 3.THEOPHILUS OSAZUWA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE ENTIRE WORLD. 2.TO ORGANIZE SEMINARS, CRUSADES AND ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT WILL ADVANCE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) IKECHUKWU OKOYE -CHAIRMAN (2) JUDE ONOH -VICE- CHAIRMAN (3) EMMANUEL ONYEKA RUBEN - SEC (4) OKECHUKWU OZOR -TREASURER (5) PHILIP EMENIKE RICHARD - FINANCIAL SEC. (6) HENRY NWAIWE ESQ -LEGAL ADVISER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: CHRIS MAKPU & CO. LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, 1ST FLOOR, SUITE 039, TRINITY HOUSE VIA, FED. MINISTRY OF WORKS MABUSHI, ABUJA. - 07037789924.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

APOSTOLIC BELIEVERS MINISTRY

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS APOSTOLIC MINISTRY

HEART HEALTH FOUNDATION FOR TODAY’S WOMEN THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. BERNADETTE CHUKWUEZI (MRS) 2. THERESA WILSON 3. DR. OKECHUKWU EWURUM. 4. EDMONDSON CHUKWUEZI. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO BE A PLATFORM THROUGH WHICH GREAT PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO WOMEN’S HEALTH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO HEART HEALTH. 2. TO PROMOTE HEART HEALTH PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT IN WOMEN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PASTOR MOSES OLUWAYEMI AMOO - CHAIRMAN 2. MR. ADEGOKE OLUSEGUN EMMANUEL - GENERAL SECRETARY 3. MR. JOSEPH ADEBAYO ADEFOWORA - FIN SECRETARY 4. MR. EMMANUEL ANOZIE-MANAS - TREASURER 5. MR. AYODELE TEMITOPE FRANCIS - P.R.O. 6. MRS. BUNMI CHRISTIANAH AMOO - MEMBER 7. PASTOR JOSEPH FOLARIN AGBENIGA - MEMBER 8. PASTOR OLUSEGUN ADENIYI - MEMBER 9. MR. SUNDAY OLALEKAN AJALA - MEMBER 10. MR. OLUDARE SUNDAY ADEBAYO - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL NATIONS OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

SIGNED: BARR EKENE ISAAC UMUNNAKWE 08037799335

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. DR. MICHAEL OLUADE ADENIRAN 2. REV. MRS MARY ADEJOKE ADENIRAN 3. OLUWASEUN SALAKO 4. MR FELIX OSEH 5. MR MAKINDE ADENIRAN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST JESUS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED ; ADEYINKA A. A. 08034011187

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column.

And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the GRANT LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby that the said letter of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is field in the probate Registry of the above named court within twentyone (21) days from the date of publication.

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column.

And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the GRANT LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby that the said letter of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is field in the probate Registry of the above named court within twentyone (21) days from the date of publication.

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column.

And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the GRANT LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby that the said letter of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is field in the probate Registry of the above named court within twentyone (21) days from the date of publication.

SIGNED; SECRETARY

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME & ADDRESS CPL ABUBAKAR SALLAH Nigeria Police Force ‘B’ Dept. Birnin Kebbi Kebbi State.

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT FARUKU MOHAMMED Sanyinna Village Tambuwal L.G.A. Sokoto State

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME & ADDRESS HASSAN DANJUMA Nigeria Police Force 36 MPF Birnin Kebbi Kebbi State Command.

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT ABDULKARIM HASSAN Amanawa Village Zuru L.G.A. Kebbi State.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME & ADDRESS DSP. JOHN B. TAUNA (RTD.) The Nigeria Police Force Kamba Division Kebbi State Command

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT CPL. JACOB JOHN Nigeria Police Force ‘B’ Dept. Kaduna State Command,

Who died on 26th day of January, 2013

Who died on 3rd day of November, 2012.

Whoe died on 4th day of March, 2012

Dated at Birnin Kebbi on the 18th day of February, 2013.

Dated at Birnin Kebbi on the 18th day of February, 2013.

Dated at Birnin Kebbi on the 5th day of February, 2012

ABUBAKAR SIDDIQ BELLO Probate Registrar

ABUBAKAR SIDDIQ BELLO Probate Registrar

ABUBAKAR SIDDIQ BELLO Probate Registrar

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PRINCE ALEX MBATA HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION

NENE HOPE FOUNDATION

ETERNAL LIFE GOSPEL ASSEMBLY INTERNATIONAL

THE GENERAL PUBLIC 1S HEREBY NOT1F1ED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDAT1ON HAS APPL1ED TO THE CORPORATE AFFA1RS COMM1SS1ON FOR REG1STRAT1ON UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPAN1ES AND ALL1ED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE. 1.PRINCE ALEX MBATA, 2. MRS UCHENNA MBATA, 3.MR GRAVIN OKORO. 4. GRANVILLE PATRICK OKORO, 5. UCHENNA MBATA, ALEX MBATA. A1MS AND OBJECT1VES ARE: 1. TO HELP THE NEEDLY, 2. TO. ACCESS SK1LLS ACQU1S1T1ON FOR D1SADVANTAGED. 3. ACCESS TO GOOD EDUCAT1ON.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990

ANY OBJECT1ON TO THE REG1STRAT1ON SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REG1STRAR-GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFA1RS COMM1SS1ON,PLOT 420,T1GR1S CRESCENT, OFF AGUY1 IRONS1 STREET,MA1TAMA P.M.B 198, GARK1. ABUJA W1TH1N TWENTY-E1GHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF TH1S PUBL1CAT1ON.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSEMBLY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. OMORUYI JOSEPH AYO - CHAIRMAN 2. ATEKHA ERNEST EKHRUTOMWEN - SECRETARY 3. TIMOTHY OMERE - MEMBER 4. EBUEHI IDEH CONRAD - MEMBER 5. MRS EUNICE ADIA OMORUYI - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

S1GNED: BARR:N1NA OKEF1

SIGNED; SECRETARY

SIGNED; SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PHARM CHINEDU NWANKWO. 2. HON. FLORENCE OSOKA. 3. NZE AKACHUKWU NWANKPO. 4. NIMECHUKWU UGORJI 5. BARR. CHUKWUMA NWACHUKWU. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN SERVICES. 2. TO PROVIDE FREE SKILLS TRAININGS TO THE YOUTH.

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

PUBLIC NOTICE

APOSTOLIC BELIEVERS MINISTRY

PUBLIC NOTICE OTUNBA AKINKOYE COSIA FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE JESUS INSPIRATION GOSPEL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

SIGNED; ADEYINKA A. A. 08034011187

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1.DR. OLU AKINKOYE 2.DR.(MRS) IYABO EMMANUEL-OLUWAFEMI 3.DR. AJIBIKE OLUKUNLE AKINKOYE 4.MR. ABIODUN AKINKOYE 5.MRS. OLUBUKOLA ABU(NEE AKINKOYE) 6.MRS. BOLAJOKO MAMUKUYO(NEE AKINKOYE) 7. MRS. ADEWOLA AKINYEMI .

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO CARE FOR THE NEEDY AND LESS PRIVILEGED 2.TO CARE FOR THE SAMUEL AND OMOLADE AKINLOYE NUCLEAR AND EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBERS. 3.TO GIVE MORAL, FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SUPPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY WHEN NEED ARISE. 4.TO ENGAGE IN HUMANITARIAN SERVICES 5. TO ORGANISE LECTURES, SEMINARS, SYMPOSIA GEARED TOWARDS EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUTH. 6. TO WORK IN COLLABORATION WITH GOVERNMENT AND DONOR AGENCIES, CORPORATE BODIES AND ASSOCIATION OF LIKE MIND. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; STEVE ADARAMOYE ESQ LEGAL PRACTITIONER 07025361177

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ABBAS ELEGBA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS OWNERS FOR EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT LAGOS

THE SHEPHERD WORLDWIDE MINISTRY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PASTOR MOSES OLUWAYEMI AMOO - CHAIRMAN 2. MR. ADEGOKE OLUSEGUN EMMANUEL - GENERAL SECRETARY 3. MR. JOSEPH ADEBAYO ADEFOWORA - FIN SECRETARY 4. MR. EMMANUEL ANOZIE-MANAS - TREASURER 5. MR. AYODELE TEMITOPE FRANCIS - P.R.O. 6. MRS. BUNMI CHRISTIANAH AMOO - MEMBER 7. PASTOR JOSEPH FOLARIN AGBENIGA - MEMBER 8. PASTOR OLUSEGUN ADENIYI - MEMBER 9. MR. SUNDAY OLALEKAN AJALA - MEMBER 10. MR. OLUDARE SUNDAY ADEBAYO - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL NATIONS OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROFESSOR S.A ADETORO 2. IMAN MOHAMMED SHAFI MUMUNEY. 3. SHEIKH ABDRAHMAN ADANGBA. 4. ALHAJI TAJUDEEN BOKINI 5. ALHAJI ROTIMI BISIRIYU. 6. ALHAJA KUDIRAT SAHEED. 7. PROFESSOR S.B ELEGBA. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE TOWARDS THE EDUCATION OF INDIGENT AND NEEDY CHILDREN FROM IJAIYE HOUSING ESTATE MUSLIM COMMUNITY, LAGOS. 2. ANY OTHER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES SIMILAR AND RELATED TO THE FIRST AIM AND OBJECTIVE. ANY OBJECTIONS THERETO SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA DISTRICT, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: VICTOR C. GWAM ESQ. 1ST FLOOR INVESTMENT HOUSE, 21/25 BROAD STREET, LAGOS.

THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SAMURADEEN AZEEZ OLARENWAJU - CHAIRMAN 2. ADETUNJI AJAYI-SECRETARY 3. ESTHER OLUWAWEMIMO TAIWO-TREASURER 4. KEHINDE ADENIYI -MEMBER 5. RASHIDAT YUSUF-MEMBER AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO RAISE STANDARD AND QUALITY EDUCATION AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTIONS THERETO SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA DISTRICT, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED “RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION” HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. PASTOR EMMANUEL O. ADEYINKA - GENERAL OVERSEER. 2. PASTOR OYETOLA J. FASINU - DEP.GEN OVERSEER/SECRETARY. 3. DEACONESS ADUNOLA O. PHILLIPS - TREASURER. 4. KOLAPO TAIWO - FIN. SECRETARY. 5. ELDER OSENI YUSUF - PUB. RELATIONS OFFICER. 6. LADY EVANGELIST REMI FOLORUNSHO - MEMBER. 7. DEACON KAYODE OMOTOSHO - MEMBER. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO ORGANISE BIBLE TEACHING, PRAYER MEETINGS AND SEMINAR 3. TO RAISE AND PREPARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD’S KINGDOM. 4. TO ESTABLISH CHURCHES WHERE CONVERTS ARE MADE, SO THAT THEY MAY BE PROPERLY NURTURED AND TAUGHT IN WORD OF GOD UNTO MATURITY. 5. TO RESTORE HOPE AND STRENGTH TO THE SICK, BROKEN HEARTED AND FRUSTRATED. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR - GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, P.M.B 198, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN {28} DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY: PASTOR OYETOLA J. FASINU

THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR OLUSEYI OLANIYI ABIODUN 2. PASTOR MOBOLANLE ADUKI FOLARANMI 3. PASTOR ADEJOKE ABIOLA SOETAN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. SOUL WINNING AND EVANGELISM 2. TO WIN SOUL AND PREACH THE WORD 3.

TO ESTABLISH INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP THROUGHOUT THE NATIONS, CITIES , TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF THE WORLD FOR THE UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST. 4. TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES, ESTABLISH SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, MISSIONARY WORKS, LEADERSHIP TRAINING, SEMINARS, CRUSADES & COUNSELLING WORLDWIDE. ANY OBJECTIONS THERETO SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA DISTRICT, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

REST IN CHRIST GOSPEL MINISTRY

CHRIST UNIVERSAL TRUTH MISSION INT’L

GREAT EMPOWERMENT SUPPORT INITIATIVE FOR WOMEN

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF EKPENYONG STEPHEN EKPENYONG GENERAL OVERSEER 2. MRS. ROSE EKPENYONG STEPHEN ASSISTANT GENERAL OVERSEER 3. RT HON UDUAK STEPHEN EKPENYONG SECRETARY 4. MR. EBONG PETER UDO AKONG FINANCIAL SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS. FADESOLA IYABO BANJO PRESIDENT 2. MRS. CHINEKE KRISTEN NGOZI SECRETARY 3. PASTOR GBENGA BANJO 4. PASTOR MRS. OLUBUNMI IGBINIJESU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY

THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PROPHET JOHN WASINU 2.EVANGELIST WASINU AUGUSTINA 3.SISTER ODEBODE ESTHER 4.SUNDAY KUEKE. ANY OBJECTIONS THERETO SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA DISTRICT, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST 2.TO CONDUCT REVIVALS,SEMINARS AND CRUSADES 3.TO ASSISTS THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY 4.TO CONDUCTS MARRIAGE ACCORDING TO BIBLICAL STANDARDS. ANY OBJECTIONS THERETO SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA DISTRICT, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OMONIYI OLAREWAJU

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST GLORY COVENANT APOSTOLIC CHURCH THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE With the revelation by our back-from-the-dead first lady, it is clear that the Jonathan Presidency has egg on its face, and must apologise to Nigerians for lying to them. — ACN statement issued Monday, Feb. 18, 2013

SPORTS Murtala killed again, by family LA TEST LATEST

FIFA approves goal line technology at 2014 World Cup

F

IFA has approved the use of goal-line technology for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

It will also be used at the Confederations Cup, which takes place in the country from June 15 this year, the governing body said.

FIFA has launched a tender and is inviting goal-line technology providers to apply to supply the systems, with the final decision on the provider to be made in April.

Hawk-Eye and GoalRef both have FIFA approval, with the former using cameras and the latter involving a lowfrequency magnetic field surrounding the goal and an electronic circuit in the ball.

Goal-line technology has been the subject of debate for several years.

England famously scored against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final when Geoff Hurst's shot cannoned down from the crossbar.

England was denied an equalizer in their second-round defeat to Germany at the 2010 World Cup when the officials failed to spot that Frank Lampard's effort had crossed the line.

At the 1986 World Cup, Spain lost 1-0 to Brazil in their opening match due to the failure to award a goal to Michel in similar circumstances.

Despite widespread support for the use of goal-line technology, UEFA president Michel Platini has repeatedly stated his opposition. In December, in light of the trials at the Club World Cup, he had said it was an unnecessary expense.

He has also expressed the view that technology should not be introduced until it can cover all aspects of the game.

At the 2012 European Championship, the officials had failed to spot that Marko Devic's shot had crossed the line before being cleared by John Terry in a match between Ukraine and England, yet there had been an offside in the build-up.

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0803 0805 0803 0805 0803

W

ednesday, February 13th was yet another Murtala Day, this being the 37th anniversary of the gruesome killing of the foremost Nigerian leader, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. In stark contrast to established tradition, the day passed with barely a whimper. The family which runs a foundation in his name kept mute. Not a single event held in his memory. No messages or newspaper pull-outs, no speeches, no essays, no editorials, no lectures, no symposia to remind the younger generations of the greatness of this leader who, in the view of many, is only next to the legendary Nelson Mandela on the continent. On that day, all I saw was a tail piece in the back page of The Nation, a full page in the new, vibrant Hausa newspaper, Rariya, published by Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, and a short commemorative statement from the State House, Abuja.

Was this an indication that the relevance of Murtala Mohammed has completely ebbed?

If you reflect on this, you will notice that in the last couple of years, Murtala Day was no longer marked with seminars held across the country, books published on the occasion; scholars revising his insights, thoughts and actions to determine what had flawed and what endured. Also missing are those personal or intimate accounts of associates, family and relatives, rendering compelling narratives of Murtala from his native Kano; testimonials from mates in school, college, the army and at the pinnacle of his career where he held sway as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief.

What went wrong?

In contrast to Murtala, Nigerian leaders of more, equal or even far lesser pedigree are celebrated year-in-year-out. You don't have to look far to see and feel what veteran journalists in Western Nigeria make of Adekunle Fajuyi or ObafemiAwolowo by the Awolowo foundation. Surely, the reader must be familiar with the Anyiam-Osigwe annual lecture series and the Nnamdi Azikiwe lecture and awards. In the North, we celebrate the Sardauna, Sir Ahmadu Bello, General Yakubu Gowon, Shehu Musa Yar'Adua and many others.

Murtala rises above many or all of these celebrities especially in the light of his epic struggle for the decolonization of Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the Saharawi Arab Republic.

Murtala's leadership of Africa's biggest and richest country in his time was marked by genuine advocacy for the dignity and honour of the African. That was

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MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

Late Gen. Murtala Ramat Mohammed why it was supported by all freedom-loving people all over the world. At home in Nigeria, Murtala taught citizens to place national integrity and national interest above self.

The fact that Africans still don't have equal rights in the global economic and political systems suggests that Murtala's thoughts and struggle are as relevant today as they were in the 70s.

As students of tertiary education at that time, Murtala inspired our generation to go out for freedom and social justice and to seek a society that did not discriminate on any basis including religion, region, ethnicity or gender. He not only mouthed the rhetoric against corruption but his was the first serious attempt to curb its menace.

This writer is not equipped to pass judgement on why Murtala

Mohammed's memory has died in Nigeria and the larger continent. I myself feel a sense of guilt, along with my generation, for not doing enough to sustain the high aspirations of Murtala. By way of explanation, there are many who believe that the rot in Nigeria where corruption is the largest industry did not conduce to Murtala's rigid anti-corruption stance. I believe strongly, however, that the core villain is the family of the late General that has reduced this pan-African giant to a family possession, locked up in their closet.

These problems started early when the family snubbed the enormous gesture of the government and people of Kano state, the General's home state.

Kano used to harbour the most committed people who idolised Murtala in Nigeria. A fine bungalow, stately if you might call it, was built for them to resettle in at a prime location in the northern city but there was no one to hand the keys to. The family chose Lagos as their home and we must all respect their right in making that decision. No one can, however, deny that this was the first thing to create a chasm between the family and his passionate supporters in Kano.

The house became home to rodents and reptiles before it was targeted by vandals who removed every removable item. It now lies on a sorry, despoiled and desolated premise.

“

To arrest and roll back the diminishing status and stature of Murtala Mohammed in Nigeria and the continent, it is incumbent on the MMF and his lovers in Nigeria to take a number of dramatic steps. One of these is, of course, that they should start a rebuilding process. They need to open up the foundation to other stakeholders and embark on a serious process of reconciliation with the people of Kano, Nigeria and the entire continent

The surface calm of Kano people over this snub did not find expression until Abba, Murtala's likeable young son, sought to represent a portion of the city at the Federal House of Representatives in an election. He failed woefully.

The family did not help matters by holding onto the Murtala Mohammed Foundation, MMF, set up to perpetuate his legacy but which has, unfortunately, been run with shut minds that hardly find anything right in anything done by others.

They have not made it allinclusive.

I recall a major outing at the Bayero University, B.U.K, Kano, which until then had celebrated Murtala Day with speeches, marches and pomp every year. A few years ago, the Executive Secretary of the foundation, who is a family member, published an embarrassing disclaimer of an event at the B.U.K. at which Mr. Sam Nujoma, the former Namibian President, had been called to speak. The MMF said the Kano event was unauthorized and that the only recognized event was the one organized by the familyled foundation. The Kano event still went very well but it was the last of such to be called there.

To arrest and roll back the diminishing status and stature of Murtala Mohammed in Nigeria and the continent, it is incumbent on the MMF and his lovers in Nigeria to take a number of dramatic steps. One of these is, of course, that they should start a rebuilding process. They need to open up the foundation to other stakeholders and embark on a serious process of reconciliation with the people of Kano, Nigeria and the entire continent. Murtala's idealism had in the past served as the rallying cry of student union activism, university staff unions and the labour movement. How can they be reengaged? The MMF must also reach out this country's political leaders as well as others on the continent because they can't achieve much without political support.

President Obasanjo who was Murtala's deputy in their time and has done a lot to keep Murtala alive in the memory of the world is no longer in power and I can't see him making any impact. Right now, there is nobody with that kind of relationship with Murtala to serve as a driving force except perhaps General T.Y.Danjuma, who is their Vice Chairman or industry leaders like Aliko Dangote. There is need for all-round engagement.

The MMF may thereafter need to hand the foundation to credible others and the family to shed their overarching role.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 805 727 9862. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141