Peoples Daily Newspaper, Wednesday, June 20, 2012 by Peoples Media Limited

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 63

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Rajab 30, 1433 AH

N150

34 killed in Damaturu JTF, Boko Haram clash From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

he last two days of battle between members of the Boko Haram and the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Damaturu, Yobe state capital has claimed no fewer

24-hour curfew on Kaduna, Yobe than 34 lives. A hospital source told Agence France Presse (AFP) yesterday, that the series of explosions and

shootings in the town led to the killing of at least 34 people dead. However, an official of the Nigerian Red Cross Society who

spoke to the Associated Press (AP) puts the casualty figure at 25. The clash which lasted for more than 13 hours resulted in the

imposition of a 24-hour curfew on the state capital. Also yesterday, there was renewed violence in several parts of Kaduna metropolis leading to the loss of several lives and Contd on Page 2

Insecurity

Outrage trails Jonathan’s Brazil trip As Reps summon President, Azazi, others By Lawrence Olaoye, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, Ikechukwu Okaforadi, Abuja, Ayodele Samuel, Lagos & Edwin Olofu, Kano

uge public outrage has trailed President Goodluck Jonathan’s trip to Brazil for the 2012 World Earth Summit, at a time the nation he swore to protect is under siege from terrorists. The President had travelled out early yesterday for the summit in the Latin American nation though Damaturu, the Yobe state capital had been under ceaseless terror attacks from the evening before up to the time of his trip. More so, the crisis that followed Sunday’s bombing of three churches in Kaduna and Zaria was still raging up to the time of the President’s exit. This prompted the outpouring of anger over Jonathan’s perceived insensitivity to the mood of his nation by some National Assembly members, opposition parties and

Deserted Ahmadu Bello Way in Kaduna, following the restoration of 24-hour curfew by the state government, yesterday. Photo: NAN

Contd on Page 2

Mubarak is 'clinically' dead – Report >> PAGE 4

Senate says bombings ploy to destabilise Nigeria >> PAGE 2

Corruption cause of insecurity, says Auditor-General >> PAGE 4

Lafia prison protest: 2 inmates die, one injured >> PAGE 5

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

CONTENTS

Outrage trails Jonathan’s Brazil trip

News

Contd from Page 1 other Nigerians. Opposition parties including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) were unanimous in their condemnation of Jonathan’s trip even as they urged him to urgently return to the country to quell the crisis they alleged originated from him. Speaking to our reporters, the parties argued that his manifest nonchalance to the insecurity in the country has contributed to the persistence and more daring posture of the Boko Haram insurgency just as they reminded him of the oath he took on the security of lives and property of Nigerians. In a statement issued in Lagos by the ACN’s National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party said the decision by the President to travel two days after dozens of innocent Nigerians, including women and children, were killed and maimed by suicide bombers in Kaduna state, was a sign of an insensitive and confused leadership. ‘’Again, we are constrained to ask whether this President is getting quality advice from the myriad of aides surrounding him, or whether, like his benefactor, Olusegun Obasanjo, he has decided he may not even take any advice from his advisers. Even a phone-hacking scandal was enough for British Prime Minister, David Cameron, to cut short an African trade tour and return home in 2011", ACN stated. The CPC in its reaction said though the President has the right

2-11

Editorial

Op.Ed

Letters

Opinion

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

S/Report

Motoring

Arts

Police deny downing of its helicopter in Kaduna, Page 5

International 31-34

Digest

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

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“irresponsible and a clear case of dereliction of duty”. Junaid, who spoke to our correspondent in Kano said the President ought not to travel out of the country “at this crucial period when some parts of the country were in crisis”. While calling on the President to cut short his trip and return home, the former lawmaker urged the National Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings to oust the President if he fails to do so. “President Goodluck Jonathan must immediately come back to the country to attend to the serious security issues he is trying to run away from and if he doesn’t do that the National Assembly should commence impeachment process against him for irresponsible dereliction of duty. “Whatever happens on this occasion, Nigerians must begin to think on how to get rid of the President before he plunges this country into a full scale civil war; enough of this irresponsibility, shameless corruption and incompetence. A word is enough for the wise”, he said. On the contrary, however, elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, said the President does not need to be around to tackle the challenges of insecurity in the country. According to him, the Brazil meeting had been arranged long ago and the President has no prior knowledge that crisis will erupt in Kaduna state on Sunday. He noted that the world has become a global village with the availability of modern communication gadgets

which would help the President to successfully run the affairs of the country from anywhere in the world. In the meantime, worried by the escalating spate of violence across the country, the House of Representatives yesterday in an unprecedented motion summoned President Jonathan, the National Security Adviser (NSA), General Owoye Azazi (rtd.), and other Service Chiefs to appear before it to address the lawmakers on the security situation in the country. The House, following a motion raised by Rep Yakubu Barde (Kaduna), condemned the President for having the audacity to travel out of the country when his house was on fire.

Senate says bombings ploy to destabilise Nigeria By Richard Ihediwa

he Senate yesterday said the increasing terrorist attacks on churches are a plot to orchestrate a religious war. Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Publicity, Chief Enyinnaya Abaribe, said this while briefing newsmen after a closed-door session of the Senate. Abaribe said the Senate is alarmed at the disturbing level of insecurity in the country, especially Sunday’s bombings and the reprisals in Zaria and Kaduna.

34 killed in Damaturu JTF, Boko Haram clash Contd from Page 1

Strange World 35

to attend overseas conferences, such trip must conform to humane, ethical and urbane standards of responsible leadership. While, recounting that no fewer than 74 persons were killed in the multiple bomb blasts in Kaduna and Zaria, in addition to scores that were killed on Monday’s fresh attacks in Damaturu, the CPC, through its Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Fashakin, said the situation has since exacerbated with reprisal killings and maiming which may require extraordinary use of executive powers. The CNPP, on its part, said it was very unfortunate that the President could not cancel his international engagements when his country was on fire, particularly as he was in the country when the crisis started in Damaturu and Kaduna. According to the CNPP National Secretary, Willy Ezeugwu, “He does not have the interest of Nigerians at heart. He should have stayed to show that he was touched by the loss of lives in Kaduna, Damaturu and other places.” Also ventilating its position on the seeming insensitivity, the ANPP, through its spokesman, Emma Eneukwu said that the decision of the President to travel indicates his level of non-challant to the sufferings of the people he governs, regretting that though he swore to an oath to protect the country, the nation was on the brink of collapse, yet he chose to travel out. Speaking in the same vein, a member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, described Jonathan’s trip as

vandalisation of properties. This compelled the Kaduna state government to re-impose a 24-hour curfew on the city. On the Damaturu incident, the AP said a Nigerian Red Cross official, Andronicus Adeyemo, disclosed that 20 of the 25 dead it confirmed were civilians. Yobe state Commissioner of Police, Patrick Egbuniwe said Boko Haram members started attacking police and military institutions late Monday in Damaturu. ‘Resident Fatima Garba told AP that at least two schools were burnt, suggesting that there had also been civilian targets. In a statement issued yesterday by Governor Ibrahim Gaidam’s Special Adviser on Media, Malam Abdullahi Bego said, “Residents were directed to remain in their homes while officers and men of the Joint Task force (JTF) and other security agencies continue with their effort to ensure peace and security and the protection of life and property. According to the statement, “The 24-hour curfew directive was for Damaturu metropolis only. Restriction of movement for other parts of the state, except Potiskum town, still remains 10pm to 6am daily. Restriction of movement in Potiskum town remains 6.00am to 6.00am daily”.

Governor Gaidam called on members of the public to continue to give maximum cooperation to the JTF and other security agencies in their effort to ensure the safety of lives and properties. In Kaduna trouble started at about 10am when some suspected Muslim youths began to attack traders and other people at the Sheikh Mahmud Gumi (Central market) in the city centre. According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers had penetrated the market through the Panteka axis and began using machetes and other dangerous weapons sporadically in the course of which some people were killed. Police and other security personnel were said to have been swiftly deployed to tackle the invaders. The entire metropolis was thrown into confusion even as reports made the rounds that some Muslim and Christian groups had engaged one another in Nasarawa, Sabon Tasha, Hayin Banki, Trikania, Anguwan Muazu, Kabala West, Bakin Ruwa, Malali, Barnawa and Tudun Wada suburbs of the town. Eyewitnesses in the affected areas said that residential houses and other property were set ablaze while the combatants engaged one another using all manner of

weapons and blocking major roads in the town. But briefing the press later, Kaduna state Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Jinjiri Abubakar, said that his men were able to “dismantle all the road blocks mounted by the rioters.” At the wake of the multiple bomb attacks on churches in Zaria and Kaduna metropolis on Sunday, government had imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state which it later relaxed on Monday. But re-imposing the curfew yesterday afternoon, Governor Patrick Ibrahim’s Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Reuben Buhari, explained in a statement that, “in view of the new security challenges that came up today (yesterday) and based on the need for government to continue with its responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, the state government is hereby re-introducing a 24 hours curfew in all parts of the state. “This curfew covers all the 23 local government areas of the state. As unpalatable as this decision is, the state government is doing it in the best interest of the state. “Consequently, everybody is strongly advised to go back home while security agencies continue with the task of ensuring total

peace in the state,” it said. Also reacting yesterday in a press statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) said that, “the JNI under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, notes with pain and sadness, the sporadic bombings of some churches in Sabon Gari and Wusasa in Zaria, Nasarawa and Trikaniya, Kaduna, Kaduna state and regrettably the immediate reprisal attacks that were carried out by some irate Christian youths on the Muslim communities leading to loss of lives and property in Sabon Tasha, Kakuri GRA, Gonin Gora, Abuja junction, all within Kaduna state look like pre-planned acts of unleashing terror on the Muslims. “The reprisal attacks that do always ensure signal hidden agenda to black paint the Muslims and the way things are unfolding; Muslims are put at the receiving end. “This is so because previous perpetrators of similar acts have gone unpunished. We call on the government to leave no stone unturned in unmasking the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” JNI urged.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 3

Subsidy Probe bribe: Jagaba disowns Lawan By Lawrence Olaoye

he Chairman, House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes in the House of Representatives, Adams Jagaba, yesterday put a lie to the claims made by the embattled Rep Farouk Lawan that he was in custody of the $620,000 alleged bribe money from the subsidy probe by the adhoc committee. Lawan had claimed he

formally alerted Jagaba of the attempt by oil marketer, Femi Otedola, to bribe the House fuel subsidy committee which he chaired. With the denial, police investigation into the $3 million bribery allegation made against Lawan by the oil baron, Femi Otedola, may be heading to the rocks as the where-about of the $620,000 marked money may be elusive. Lawan had in his statement

after spirited attempts to deny the allegation that he wrote a letter to Jagaba intimating him of Otedola’s attempt to compromise him. In the said letter, the beleaguered lawmaker claimed that he attached the money as evidence. During interrogations by the Police last week, Lawan was reported to have told his interrogators that the $620,000 was with a member of the House (Jagaba). Police have said locating the currency, marked by security

agents in the sting operation that caught Mr. Lawan, is at the centre of its investigations. Speaking on a Radio Nigeria network programme, Police Diary, yesterday morning, a police spokesperson, Emmanuel Inyang, confirmed the money had not been surrendered. He said Lawan had instead undertaken to work with all law enforcement agencies to recover the money which he had earlier claimed part of it was stolen by burglars.

Yobe govt urges Nigerians to disregard text messages By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

he Yobe state government yesterday asked Nigerians to disregard the text messages in circulation that members of the Christian community in the state were being attacked, churches were set ablaze in Damaturu and that Yobe was boiling as a result of the activities of the Boko Haram sect. A statement by the Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information to state Governor, Abdullahi Bego, said the text message being circulated by some mischievous elements was intended to cause disaffection between followers of different religions in the state. “We wish to state categorically that the entire content of the text being circulated is false, misleading, mischievous and unfounded. There were no churches in Damaturu that were attacked”, the statement noted.

Court judgement would not affect Edo guber polls, says INEC By Umar Mohammed Puma

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday said that the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja would not threaten the Edo state governorship elections. A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu said the judgment is in the suit by Bedding Holdings Limited over the patent on transparent ballot boxes used in the past by the Commission, which the Court issued on the 5th of June, 2012. The court also granted an order of perpetual injunction concerning “electronic collapsible transparent ballot boxes,” which the Commission is not using and has no intention of using in the Edo polls.

7 killed as JTF battles gunmen in Maiduguri From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

ive people were feared killed and several others wounded yesterday, in two separate attacks carried out by unknown gunmen in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. It was gathered that the first incident took place in the afternoon at Shehuri South ward, when two gunmen stormed the area, firing several shots into the air before heading to a compound and killing two young men. Though the motive behind the attack cannot be ascertained, residents of the area said the victims might have been targeted over suspicions of being informants to security agents. It was further learnt that the assailants were suspected to be living in the area, before fleeing few weeks ago, only for them to return yesterday and killed two persons. The second incident which claimed five lives, occurred when operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) and unknown gunmen engaged in a fierce gun battle in custom area.

Gunmen kill Gombe Govt House official From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

L-R: Minister of Lands and Urban Development, Ms. Amal Pepple, handing over key to one of the beneficiaries of a house in a housing estate for federal public servants, Mr. Akintan Akinwumi, during the inauguration of the estate, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Sambo meets security chiefs By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

n the wake of escalating crisis in Kaduna and environs, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo yesterday summoned an emergency meeting of top security chiefs at the Presidential Villa. Briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting and the general situation in the troubled city, National Security Adviser (NSA),

Gen Andrew Owoye Azazi (rtd) assured Nigerians that security forces are on ground to quell the violence, calling on religious leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to speak out against the attacks and counter- attacks. "The security forces have moved in so the place is stabilised. You will find out that the governor and religious leaders are talking. What we are talking about is how do we extend this discussion beyond just the state so that it can go down

to the church and mosque leaders to see how they can tell the adherents to please be mindful that we need to address the security situation in the country peacefully," he said. The NSA further said that he was not aware of any plan by the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Kaduna state in view of the ongoing bloodletting which was triggered by the bombing of three churches in the state last Sunday.

nidentified gunmen have killed the Deputy Director (Political) in Gombe state Government House, Adamu Yunusa at KumbiyaKumbiya quarters in Gombe metropolis. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Fwaje Atajiri, said that the gunmen went to the house of the deceased on foot and opened fire on him while he was relaxing in front of his residence. Peoples Daily reports that such killings have been a regular occurrence in the state in recent weeks. The police command is yet to complete the investigation of five other separate assassinations which were carried out in similar circumstances within this month.

Anniversary day bombings: SSS says suspect Ebiware planned attacks By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

he State Security Service (SSS) yesterday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that one of the suspects, Edmund Ebiware standing trial for his alleged involvement in the October 1, 2010 bombing in Abuja was involved in the planning and execution of the anniversary day bombings. While being cross-examined by

Ebiware’s lawyer, Goddy Uche, an assistant director of the SSS, Mr. Abdul Abubakar said investigation showed that the suspect was one of the loyalists of the prime mastermind of the twin bombings, Henry Okah. “Edmund was in constant communication with Henry Okah in South Africa from planning stage up to the execution of the bomb explosions. “Henry Okah told him

categorically that he would strike and cause mayhem in Nigeria because the amnesty programme was no longer been carried out as earlier planned’’, Abubakar said. The trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole had on May 3, 2012 granted Edmund‘s application for an independent trial after the suspect claimed that he had no relationship with the other suspects. The applicant said his trial with other accused would be a

distraction for his defence because he had no contact with them until their arrest. Kolawole said in his ruling that: "This applicant has asked for a separate trial and in the absence of any valid opposition, the court shall have no option but to grant the application. The accused has repeatedly held that he was wrongly charged with those accused to have orchestrated the Independence Day bombing in Abuja.

PAGE 4

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Expert raises alarm over increasing number of sickle cell patients

Row between FIRS, Air Nigeria deepens By Abdulwahab Isa

he tax evasion row between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS and the management of Air Nigeria over unremitted tax worth N4.86 billion deepend yesterday as FIRS insists that Air Nigeria was attempting to whip up sentiment over its debt obligation. The airline’s Managing Director, Mr. Kinfe Kayssay was arrested on Monday over the airline’s failure to remit taxes amounting to N4.868 billion but the airline in its reaction said FIRS intent was to tarnish its corporate image. Providing a perspective into the row, FIRS, in a statement by its spokesman, Emmanuel Obetta said the duration of tax obligation was immaterial as the management of Air Nigeria inherited both assets and liabilities of Virgin Nigeria. The FIRS said the excuses were "concocted by Air Nigeria as an attempt to obfuscate issues and whip up public sentiment against a lawful agency of government, doing its utmost to ensure that all business that operate within Nigeria, fulfill their minimal corporate obligation to the Nigerian state". "This is not the first enforcement FIRS is carrying out. No company has complained about the conduct of our officials", FIRS said in a statement.

Corruption cause of insecurity, says AuditorGeneral From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

he Auditor-General of Federation, Samuel T. Ukura has lamented over the rate of corruption across Nigeria noting that the menace was getting to alarming level which need collective efforts before its could be eradicated. Ukura, who stated this in Ilorin yesterday during the 42nd BiAnnual Conference of Body of Federal and State AuditorsGeneral of Nigeria, noted that for the nation to sustain its transformation and other economic reform policies, the body must adopt policy of survival among other strategies. The Auditor-General, who lamented over the rate of corruption in Nigeria said: “ I urge you to be above board in your business and commercial relations. Your conduct must seek to conform to best practices and promote the ideals of the public sector. For emphasis, the spate of corruption in our governance structure is alarming and has permeated all segments, including institutions charged with oversight functions.”

From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

Kaduna state Commissioner of Police, Jinjiri Abubakar (left), displaying improvised explosive devices recovered from suspects at the weekend church bomb explosions, yesterday in Kaduna. Photo: NAN

he President of the Sicklecell Hope Alive Foundation, Prof Adeyinka Falusi yesterday raised an alarm over the rapid increase in the number of patients suffering from sickle cell disease. Prof. Falusi, who made this call at an event marking the World Sickle-cell Day held at University Teaching Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, called on government to raise its prevention awareness.. The former Director of the Institute for Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, UCH, lamented that, as the number of patients suffering from the disease increased, the Nigerian government was not doing enough to help provide necessary equipment to do neo-natal screening for early detection of the disease in infants.

We’re ready for dialogue, Borno govt tells Boko Haram By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

he deputy governor of Borno state, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha has expressed the readiness of the government and people of Borno state to dialogue with the dreaded Boko Haram sect, responsible for the death of several people in the northern parts of the country.

Speaking yesterday at the public presentation of the book, “Tit-Bits of Advocacy” in honour of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher, Alhaji Mustapha called on Boko Haram to drop their stance and embrace dialogue, pointing out that the activities of the Boko Haram sect has dealt a devastating blow on

the economy of the state and states of North. Also speaking, an elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu called on the Federal Government to immediately enter into dialogue with the Boko Haram in order to bring to an end the incessant killing citizens. He warned that any further delay on the part of government

to take up the dialogue option could snowball into a war that would spell doom for the country. Iwuanyanwu, who was the chairman of the occasion, warned that posterity would not be fair to the traditional, religious and political leaders if the on-going terrorism was allowed to break up the country.

Northern security problems orchestrated, says Na’Abba By Umar Mohammed Puma

he former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba has attributed the present security challenges facing the nation as a plan to destroy Northern Nigeria by some group outside the region. Speaking at the Northern ReAwakening Forum in Abuja yesterday, Na’Abba said, "We were aware of the security threat when we were in office at that time, and

we were able to deal with the situation, only for it resurface again this time". Na’Abba, who was a guest speaker at the occasion, said the current situation we found ourselves in is worse than what obtained during his tenure as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. "We must not leave politics at the hands of politicians alone, otherwise politicians would continue to give us who they want,

and what they want may not necessarily be the choice of the majority", he stated. Earlier in his speech, the leader of the group, Hon. Mohammed Kumalia said the current state of affairs in the North is of grave concern to the people of the region as it is witnessing persistent animosity and intolerance that often lead to violence among it own people, and also from elsewhere. In her submission, an academician, Dr. Enayatu Efene,

said: "We have internal and external forces working against the unity of the North, and the fire, if not quickly curtailed will spread to the other regions" adding that "I don't know whether the government is competent or are lacking in commitment, or the combination of both; I'm a Christian but if our state governors will adopt Shari’ah fully, we would not have all these kind of situations we are facing today".

2 lawyers face exam fraud, impersonation charges By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

he Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Tahir Mamman, yesterday in Abuja said that two lawyers are to be charged to court for attempting to write the Bar finals examination for two re-sit students of the school. Mamman, who disclosed this at the call to the Bar ceremony for 1,116 new lawyers, which held at the International Conference

Centre in Abuja, said that, during the examination, which took place from 5th to 9th May, 2012, two recently qualified lawyers collaborated with two re-sit students and attempted to write the examinations on behalf of the two re-sit students. He said: “They were caught and will soon be charged to court while the school is preparing to petition the Disciplinary Committee of the Body of Benchers for their debar.”

He said that such lawyers should not be allowed to associate with the legal profession. While welcoming the new lawyers into the legal profession, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN) told them to be truthful to their clients in all situations and reminded the new lawyers that they were responsible to the Bar, the Bench and to their clients. “You may not tow the path of

litigation every time; sometime, it is more prudent to arbitrate, mediate or conciliate,” he added. He urged them to eschew sharp practices and any other acts capable of bringing the profession into disrepute. Out of the 1,873 candidates that sat for the examinations, only 1,116 passed. None had First Class, while only five passed with Second Class Upper as 23 graduated with second class lower. The rest had passes.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 5

Lafia prison protest: 2 inmates tortured to death, 1 injured From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

wo inmates at the Lafia prison, Nasarawa state, died a week ago, as a result of injuries they allegedly sustained while being tortured by prison officials following the protest that recently erupted at the facility over meals being served the inmates. Musa Aliyu, 33 and Godwin Francis, 30, were said to have been among the inmates singled out by the prison authorities for torture over their alleged role in the protest, and were alleged to have been severely beaten and tortured by warders who used batons, whips and sticks on them, leading to their death.

Another inmate, Monday Sati, 27, was said to have sustained gunshot wounds from bullets fired by security agents on the night of the protest. Addressing newsmen yesterday on the matter, at the premises of the Dalhatu Araf Specialists Hospital (DASH), the lawyer representing the late Musa Aliyu, Barrister Musa Usman Elegu, who led the family of the deceased inmate to retrieve the dead body of their son from the mortuary, said prison authorities informed him of the death of his client only two days ago, eight days after he died. He disclosed that he had earlier been informed by one of his six clients, who are all inmates at the Lafia prisons, about the condition

of the late Musa, who was said to have been brought back to his cell unconscious, having been thoroughly beaten for his alleged role in the protest, with prison officials singling out inmates three days after the protest after which they subjected them to intense torture, at the centre of the facility in the open view of other inmates. The legal practitioner added that after visiting the facility four times in order to see Musa Aliyu to no avail, "I wrote officially to see my client, only for the prison authorities to reply me two days ago that he is dead." "When I demanded to know the cause of his death, they said they will not tell me for security reasons."

Not only that, Elegu, said he was equally informed about the death of Godwin Francis, another of his client, who also died in similar circumstances, with both bodies deposited at the DASH mortuary. When newsmen visited the state headquarters of the Nigerian Prison Service, along Jos road, officials failed to comment on the matter, with the DCP Operations, Oti U. B, saying that the Controller of Prisons in the state, CP Kunle Sanusi, has directed him to inform the members of the press that the command has already submitted a report shortly after the protest and they should therefore take up the matter at the national headquarters.

Again, scammers advertise SGF vacancies By Joy Baba

n spite of publicised information about fake employment racket which is luring unsuspecting members of the public to the purported existence of vacancies, scammers have again advertised vacancies in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), directing their targets to apply and forward their resume' for immediate employment. One of the text messages sent by one James Matthew, purportedly from the press unit of the office to the SGF, also directed would-be victims to send their recent passport photograph including GSM phone numbers and email addresses to office of the SGF via email, sgf.pressunit@ presidency.com for consideration for a federal appointment. When contacted over the veracity of the vacancies, Sam Nwaobasi, Special Assistant on Media to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, denied that the email address and the phone contact supplied by the suspect scammer were known to the SGF's office. He reiterated the warning by the office to members of the public to be wary of such information so as not to be duped by fraudsters.

FRSC threatens to sack weak marshals From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

L-R: Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar, Director-General, State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Ita Ekpenyong, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika, and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Sa'ad Ibrahim, after a security meeting with Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Police deny downing of its helicopter in Kaduna By Lambert Tyem

olice authorities in Abuja yesterday said that it is not true that its helicopter was shot down in Kaduna by youths during patrol. According police spokesman CSP Frank Mba in a statement, "The attention of the Police High Command has been drawn to

rumours being circulated in the social media, internet and conventional news media that a police helicopter detailed for aerial patrol in Kaduna, was shot down by irate youths. We wish to state categorically that this information is false in its entirety. "Admittedly, following the explosion incidents that took place

in Kaduna on Sunday 17th June, 2012 and the attendant security challenges the Acting InspectorGeneral of Police, MD Abubakar has ordered a massive deployment of police personnel to the state. Police operatives from the Police Airwing were among those deployed to the state... "These operations have been ongoing without any hitch. We are

therefore, totally surprised at the story making rounds that the same helicopter that had undergone several successful operational missions up till this evening had suffered a mishap. This is rather unfortunate. "Our helicopter is intact, in perfect operational condition and had not suffered any incident whatsoever..."

he Corp Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Osita Chidoka has warned the officers of the corps to ensure they are up and doing with their jobs or else, they will be replaced by able men. Chidoka who gave this warning in Ilorin while addressing men and officers of the Zone 8 command, noted that any officer who fails physical fitness test would be retired on medical grounds. Represented by the deputy marshal, Operations, Boboye Oyeyemi, Osita said that the corps has zero tolerance for indiscipline, stressing that a lot of officers have been sacked by the corps due to indiscipline. The Corps Marshal advised those on patrol to ensure they stop all forms of extortion and corruption on the highway warning anyone caught taking bribe on the road would be dealt with.

Company sues UBA over unauthorised withdrawal From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

he management of Mage Ltd and Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Agwai of Nasarawa state has sued the management of United Bank of Africa Ltd before the Benue State High Court 2 alleging unauthorised withdrawal of millions of naira from its account.

The company claimed that they had over N43 million at the time the account was frozen by UBA, adding too that the bank had also gone ahead to auction their property and refused to avail them statement of account since 2002. The case was opened and closed yesterday before Justice Ada

Onum with Prince Agwai testifying before the court. He told the court that the matter was taken to EFCC which had ordered UBA to give explanation on the company's account but they adamantly refused to do so. "I was not impressed with the way the EFCC handled the matter

and so I decided to come back to the court. My younger brother had earlier taken the bank to court after they auctioned our property claiming that we took an overdraft of N500, 000. 00. The matter was later settled out of court following the intervention of our uncle who is the Emir of Lafia. But we are contesting the unauthorised

withdrawal made on our account", Prince Agwai contended. Counsel to the Agwais, Barr. Austine Chukwuma who spoke to newsmen expressed confidence that they would triumph at the end of the case. Meanwhile, Justice Ada Onum has adjourned the matter to July 10 for UBA to open its defense.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Niger gov orders water for primary, secondary schools From Iliya Garba, Minna

overnor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger state has directed that borehole and overhead water tanks be provided in all primary and secondary schools across the state.

The Governor made this known shortly after receiving the report of the committee to proffer solution to the water problem in the state at the Government House in Minna, the state capital yesterday. Earlier, then chairman of the committee Engr. Inuwa Kuta

Musa, informed the governor that the committee undertook a comprehensive inspection units to all the water supply facilities in the state in order to assess the performance of the systems, identified the lingering challenges as well as recommended strategies to overcome them.

FG commends Osunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food production initiatives From Inumidun Ojelade, Osogbo

he Federal Government yesterday commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state for aggressively promoting massive food production and agriculture in the state. The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina made the commendation on behalf of the Federal Government while launching the Growth Enhancement Support scheme on fertiliser and seeds in Ede in Osun state. He stated that Osun has been

at the vanguard ever since Aregbesola assumed the mantle of leadership in the state with his administration's programme on food production and the support for local farmers to boost agriculture and food sufficiency. Dr. Adesina held that the Federal Government will continually work with the state in making agriculture a veritable tool in the provision of employment in the country, stating that the silo constructed by the Federal Government in Ilesa has been completed and ready for commissioning.

Salami: Plaintiff claims ignorance of suit By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Senate President David Mark, and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, during the opening of an investigative hearing on DANA Air crash, yesterday at National Assembly, in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

lawyer, Wilfred Okoli yesterday told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that he has no knowledge of the suit filed in his name seeking to restrain President Goodluck Jonathan from reinstating the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami. Immediately the court mentioned the case and called the parties in the matter to enter appearances, Okoli got up and said he was not aware of the suit filed in his name. "My lord, I am not aware of

DANA crash: Minister calls for postponement of public hearing By Muhammad Sada

he Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah has called on the Federal Government and the joint committees of the Senate and the House of Reps on Aviation, to postpone the ongoing public

hearing on the recent air crash that claimed many lives and properties, till the Accident Investigation Bureau is done with its investigations. The minister made the call during a public hearing conducted by the Senate and House Committees on Aviation

over the recent crash of a Dana Airline aircraft in Lagos. According to the minister, "I wish to sincerely seek the approval of the Senate Committee on Aviation led by Senator Hope Uzodinma and Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha of the House Committee on Aviation as well as

the President of the Republic of Nigeria to stall the hearing till the Accident Investigation Bureau is through with its investigations as such will make the hearing more comprehensive and conclusive, the black box has been sent to the United States for more effective and thorough investigations".

Constitution amendment: NASS moves to quicken dispensation of justice By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

orried by the delay in the dispensation of justice in the country, Senate President David Mark, has assured that the proposed amendment of the 1999 Constitution would addressed

all grey areas to promote quick dispensation of justice. The assurance which was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, added that it was in conformity with the judicial reforms being

championed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher. Receiving the proposed judicial amendment to the Constitution from Justice Musdapher in his office yesterday, Senator Mark said:"Anything we can do to

deliver justice swiftly without delay is welcome as Justice delayed is justice denied. "The three arms of government are important, we must work together to promote democracy and deliver dividend to our people." Mark said.

this suit, my consent was never sought before it was brought before you. I have no knowledge of it, my lord'', the lawyer stated. An Abuja based senior lawyer, Amobi Nzelu filed the suit on behalf of Okoli (a counsel in Amobi's chamber), asking the court to stop President Jonathan from acting on the recommendation sent to him by the National Judicial Council (NJC). In the suit, the plaintiff purportedly named NJC, Salami, the Attorney-General of the Federation and President Goodluck Jonathan as codefendants. NJC had on May 10, 2012 recommended the reinstatement of the suspended President of the Court of Appeal. Justice Abdu Kafarati however asked Amobi and Okoli to go back home and put their houses in order. The court also asked Amobi to ensure that Salami, the 2nd defendant was served and render report of service to the court on the next adjourned day, September 25, 2012. The plaintiff is asking the court to hold that NJC cannot deliberate on an issue which is a subject of litigation, a declaration that the 4th defendant's right to act or not to act upon any recommendation made to him by the 1st defendant is uninhibited as well as a declaration that it is only a court of law duly created by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) that has the power to hear and determine matters between parties.

Doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; strike: Lagos government files appeal against ruling From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

he Lagos state government has filed an appeal against the ruling of Justice Benedict Kanyip of the National Industrial Court which overruled its objection to the suit filed by the 788 medical doctors who were recently recalled to work after the initial termination of their

appointments owing to a prolonged trade dispute. Sequel to this, the government is asking the Industrial Court to halt further proceedings in the matter pending the outcome of the appeal. Justice Kanyip had while dismissing the government's objection on May 24, held that "justice of this case demands that parties be given the

opportunity to explain issues at the trial and not to shut out all enquiries at this stage". In a motion on notice brought pursuant to the provisions of Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and the inherent court's jurisdiction, the government is seeking for an order of the court staying further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of its appeal

against the said ruling. To back up its request, the government argued that the appeal raises such substantial and arguable points of law that all further proceedings in the matter ought to be stayed until the issues are determined on appeal. Hearing of the motion for stay of proceedings has been fixed for the 11th of July. The suit was instituted by

both the chairman of the Medical Guild, Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote and the general secretary, Dr. Idris Durojaiye, for themselves and on behalf of other members of the Guild. Joined as defendants in the suit are the Lagos state government, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State Health Service Commission and the State University Teaching Hospital Management Board.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

NGO to sponsor bill for widows, orphans By Etuka Sunday

hristian Care for Widows, Widowers, the Aged and Orphans (CCWA), a faith based non-denominational, nonprofit ministry, providing for the spiritual, physical, material and social well-being of widows, widowers, the aged and orphans has planned to initiate a bill in the National Assembly to carter for the welfare of its members. Briefing newsmen at the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) Abuja Council Secretariat, its president/founder, Prof. Deborah E. Ajakaiye said the idea is for the agency to be created to carter for them since they are often neglected. “We want to initiate a bill for an agency to be set up to take care of the widows, widowers, the aged and orphans, she said”. Prof. Ajakaiye added that CCWA provides skills acquisition programmes to support and encourage its members to be selfreliance and sufficient.

PAGE 7

CSOs accuses FG of lackadaisical attitude towards corruption By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

rganised Civil Society Organizations led by Zero Corruption Coalition (CSOs), have accused the Federal Government of being lackadaisical in its approach to the anti-corruption war. The coalition which made the accusation in a statement signed by 14 associations, expressed worry over what it

described as “the rising profile of official corruption in Nigeria under the present administration”. “The systematic system failure has its root in the manifestation of corruption at all level which undermines development and promotes insecurity and poverty in our country. In the first instance, incessant probes that do not yield public reports rob

Nigerian citizens of their commonwealth and scarce resources. In spite of this, many well documented reports on corruption suggest there is laxity and lack of interest to deal with corruption in Nigeria” It added that reports on cases of alleged corruption were being swept under the carpet, and made a 12-point demand, “that the Federal Government should

set up an Independent panel of inquiry to investigate these allegations and prosecute those found guilty; that President Goodluck Jonathan should not only take note, but also take a stand and live by example on the fight against corruption; That government must take strong measures to prevent political corruption;(and among others) cut down waste and duplication of resources as contained in the current budget”, the statement added.

Gombe communities appeal to FG on Ashakacem’s ‘maltreatment’ From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

ndigenes of Maiganga and Laushi communities in Akko local government area of Gombe state where Ashaka Cement Plc is mining coal for power supply, have appealed to the Federal Government to intervene on Ashaka Cement factory to fulfill its obligations to the communities. Speaking to newsmen, Head of Maiganga Village, Uba Garba, said they believe their cry had become necessary, having called out to the company severally and had a stakeholders’ meeting with the state government representative in attendance to no avail. He added that there were three families that have been squatting since they were relocated about six years ago to make way for mining activities. According to him, “They (AshakaCem) constructed 76 houses for us instead of 79. He also complained about the company’s earlier promise to employ children of the community which has not been fulfilled till date”. Uba Garba also complained of poor health facility as members of the community complain of proliferation heart related ailments since coal mining activities began in their neighborhood. Similarly, the Village Head of Laushi, Kalbe Hassan, also said he is fortunate enough to be employed by the company till date. He said the boreholes the company constructed for them which supplied water suspected to be laced with chemical contents that are dangerous for human consumption have since gone bad as well.

L-R: Representative of Director-General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mohammed Shuaibu, Vice-Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Hon. Bala Matawali, and Deputy Director, Rural Agricultural Development and Training Scheme (RADTS) Department of NDE, Mr. Cyril Effiong, during the launch of RADTS, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Explosion blows up suspected suicide bomber From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

n explosion went off wounding the suspected bomber along Gombe Road in Bauchi metropolis yesterday barely two weeks after a bomb blast rocked two churches in the city. The incident which occurred near the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Bauchi put residents of the area into panic.

According to eyewitnesses, the bomb was detonated when the suspected bomber dropped from a car that transported him thereby injuring him and leaving him unconscious. They said the suspect’s hand and leg were torn off as a result of the blast. Our correspondent who visited the scene of the blast reports that it was barricaded by policemen who evacuated the unconscious man to hospital.

There was however no detail about the incident from the state police command as at press time. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abdullahi Abubakar Idris, told our correspondent that he could not talk to the press at that moment. A source at the State Security Service (SSS) in Bauchi who spoke to our correspondent on phone said the bomb exploded with the suspect and injured

him, adding that he has been taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital. The security source who gave the name of the suspect as Abdulrahman Abu Huzaifa, said the suspects came to Bauchi from Maiduguri. He disclosed that a pistol and some ammunition were found on the bomber saying investigation is ongoing to ascertain the mission of the bomber.

Malaria causes loss of 2 FCT schools to represent Nigeria in US entrepreneurship productivity - NPA MD The year 2012 edition of From Ayodele samuel, Lagos world malaria day has as its competition two schools emerged winners he Managing Director of theme; ‘Sustaining gains, Save

wo secondary schools from rural areas of the FCT would represent Nigeria at the forthcoming 2012 Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) Competition in the U.S. Mr. Kabir Usman, the Secretary of Education in the FCT, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja. He named the schools as Junior Secondary School, Jikwoyi and Government Secondary School, Jibi. Usman explained that the

out of the 16 that converged in Calabar for the qualifying competition. “The competition was very tough. The panel of judges consisted of representatives of American Ambassador, CBN Governor, Commissioners and other dignitaries. “GSS Jikwoyi exhibited how to repair GSM phones while GSS, Jibi, demonstrated how to produce shear butter. “They are from rural areas, and had made this country proud several times at SAGE competitions.’’ (NAN)

the Nigerian Ports Authority, Omar Suleiman has affirmed that malaria is one of the biggest problems in Africa which has contributed in no small measure to loss of active man hours amongst the workforce. The Managing Director made this declaration while flagging off the world Malaria Day organised by the Authority’s Roll Back Malaria Committee at its Corporate Headquarters in Lagos, adding that NPA will continue to support all efforts to sustain the war against malaria in all ramification.

lives and Invest in Malaria’, while its significance serves as a wake-up call for policy formulators. In a welcome address, the Asst. Gen. Manager, Medical Services, Dr. Mrs C.I. Abama disclosed that the ceremony for the commemoration of world malaria day is set aside for community mobilisation, sensitisation and drawing media attention to scourge of malaria, pointing out that the Authority is taking a cue from national and global awareness programme of roll-back malaria.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

An accident scene at a school junction on Lagos- L- R National Chairman, Jama’atu Badagry expressway, yesterday in lagos. Photo: NAN Izalatil Bid’a wa ‘Iqamatis-Sunnah, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, VicePresident Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Katsina state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari, and chairman of the occasion, General A.B. Mamman (rtd), during the national seminar on Islam, Peace & Development, recently at the National Mosque in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa L-R: Chief Audu Ogbe, former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Umar Na’abba, and Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah,, during a conference organised by Northern Reawakening Forum, with the theme: ‘United North for One Nigeria’, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

R-L: Chairman INCAR, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, INCAR Plaza Project Manager, Adekunle Alonge, and former EFCC Chairman, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, during the presentation of INCAR plaza, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

of Murtala, Azikwe, Balewa to Ramadan: Stop violence, Tombs be declared National Heritage sites Shehu of Borno urges T Boko Haram From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri he Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai ElKanemi, yesterday, urged members of the Jama’atul Ahlis Sunnati Lidawati wal Jihad also called Boko Haram, to sheath their swords in the spirit of the forthcoming Holy month of Ramadan. El-Kanemi, who doubles as the deputy President-General of both the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (SCIA) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam, the Muslims’ apex decision-making bodies, made the call, while speaking at a three-day capacity building workshop

organised by the Borno state Pilgrims Welfare Broad, (PWB), in Maiduguri, the capital. According to the monarch there was need for the aggrieved group to consider ceasing fire as mark of respect for the holy month to enable the Muslims observe the Ramadan fast under peaceful atmosphere. “We plead with our brothers and sisters in the sect to sheath their swords immediately in the spirit of Ramadan fast and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah and respect for the traditions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in order to restore peace and tranquility”, he advised. “Let

me add my voice to the numerous appeals made to you by well meaning Nigerians to seek the course of peace and harmony in the Holy month of Ramadan and beyond. We all desperately need this so as to ensure peaceful co-existence among Muslims and other individuals with different religious persuasions which is a bedrock for survival and progress of the nation”, the monarch added. The royal father also called on members of the sect to come forward and accept the Federal Government’s dialogue offer, while tasking the latter to exhibit high sense sincerity and determination in the much pronounced dialogue to stem the incessant killings.

he tombs of the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the historical site of Oloibiri oil well will soon be declared as National Heritage sites. Mrs Adama Muhammed, the Head of the Department of Monuments Heritage and Sites at the National Commission for Museum and Monument (NCMM) disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja. NAN recalls that Muhammed, a former Head of state was buried in Kano, former Prime Minister Balewa was interred in Bauchi while former President Azikwe has his final resting place in Onitsha. Murtala Mohammed was killed on February 13, 1976 in an abortive coup and buried in Kano,

CACOL condemns call for Tambuwal’s resignation From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

L-R: Chairman of the occasion,Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, and Deputy Governor of Borno state, Alhaji Zanna Mustapha, during the presentation of the book titled "Tit-bits of Advocacy' in honour of Justice Musdapher, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Cult clash: We warned varsity, police, say ex-militants From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

eader of undergraduates Ex-militants Niger Delta Students in Igbinedion University, Okada, in Ovia North East, Edo State, Mr. Andrew Ijiri has challenged the Nigeria Police force and the School authorities to take responsibilities for last Sunday bloody clash. Mr. Ijiri blamed the attack which left over six Students injured and over five vehicles destroyed in reprisal in an interview, on the duo for handling their complaints on ‘unwarranted discrimination’ and an attack lunched by unnamed Cult group brought

to their notice with kid-gloves weeks ago. He alleged that in one of the attacks the sum of N30, 000 was stolen from one of the victims and eventually, four of the Cult members were arrested by the Police. He alleged that for the University to have peace, authorities should learn to treat issues concerning all Students dispassionately, irrespective of financial status or influence. Till now the Police have been brought to them and they have not done anything. They should not address any of Ijaw Youth Students as militants, rather they should regard

them as federal Government Children, he said. But the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae who debunked media reports that Students were beheaded and the ivory tower is not on siege as speculated on conventional and social Media. “Qualified youths under the Niger Delta youths empowerment programme were issued scholarship to study in tertiary institutions across the country, what we have are normal regular students who wrote JAMB to gain admission and not Ex-militants. Infact, we have a policy that we don’t admit students who are above 22-years said the VC.

while Nnamdi Azikwe, who was the first Nigerian President, died on May 11, 1996 and buried in Onitsha. The late Tafawa Balewa the only prime minister of an independent Nigeria died on January 15, 1966 and was buried in Bauchi and his tomb had since become a tourist attraction. Oloibirii’s a small community in Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa, Niger Delta region of Nigeria, where oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in Jan. 15, 1956 by Shell Darcy. Muhammed said that NCMM has about 24 heritage sites, which it had been working upon to be declared as national heritage sites in the country. She said that the NCMM had succeeded in establishing 65 monuments. (NAN)

he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has condemned in strong terms the unwarranted call for the resignation of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal over the alleged $3m bribery scandal involving Hon. Farouk Lawan, the Chairman of the House’s Adhoc-Committee on fuel subsidy probe and some other members of the house. Speaking through its Executive Chairman, Debo Adeniran, the Coalition described the call for the Speaker’s resignation as “malicious which mission is to frustrate the anticorruption stance of some upright members of the house because the whole house should not bear the brunt of the malfeasance of some individuals in the house. According to Adeniran, “it is sheer wickedness to call for the head of the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives when the

accuser and the accused have not pointed finger in his direction. The federal government should not use the scandal to humiliate any member of the house. The culprits should be punished, if truly we practice the rule of law, not calling for the resignation of someone not involved any way in the bribery scandal. “Likewise, the allegation against some members of the probe committee does not nullify the recommendations adopted by the whole house; hence the federal government should not discredit the resolution of the House on the fuel subsidy probe.” The Coalition asserted, “It is doubtful if the federal government would not use the allegation as a means to divert public attention from the substantive issue, which is to recover the nation’s money from those who fraudulently rerouted it into the coffers via fuel subsidy, as this could draw the nation’s image further into the quagmire.

Bribery saga not enough to write us off, says Rep FromDimejiKayode-Adedeji,Abeokuta Federal lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Honourable Segun Williams said Farouk Lawan bribery saga was not enough to write off the lower chamber, just as he further assured that the development would not stand against wheel of progress towards exhibiting right attitude and right decisions, in the course of their legislative duties. Williams representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency stated this in an interview with newsmen, in Abeokuta, shortly after declaring open a Workshop on Attitude Change in a Broadcast Organisation, organized by Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Abeokuta. The ugly incident according

to the lawmaker is an avenue to assess quality and caliber of members in the assembly, pointing out that if it did not happen there won’t be such disclosure, while maintaining that the case will not be swept under the carpet. Also reacting to the alleged bribe receiver being detained while the giver was not detained, Williams explained that, there is a clear fact about the role of both parties, which warrant one being detained and other not. According to him, based on what was said to be on ground now, the giver work in conjunction with the security operatives having intimated the authorities of desire by the collector to take bribe, and in view of this he in any way could have been detained.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Lagos residents use charcoal as price of kerosene rises

ome residents in Lagos have resorted to using charcoal for cooking as price of kerosene has gone up to between N180 and N200 per litre, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. Price of kerosene, which is widely used by the common man, has gone up by about 200 per cent above official pump price of N50 per litre due to scarcity.

Some residents, who spoke with NAN, blamed the government for not making the product available after the subsidy probe. Mrs. Christiana Julius, a trader, said that many households were now using charcoal as kerosene had become very scarce and unaffordable. She urged the government to address the problem of distribution

of the product so that kerosene would be available at affordable price. She said that kerosene that was usually sold for N50 per litre was now being sold for between N175 to N210 in some filling stations. “This has affected the price of charcoal in the market. “I now buy nylon of charcoal

for between N120 and N180 which lasted for one week in some instances,” she said. She said that that same quantity was hitherto sold for N80. Miss Juliana Shoremilekun, a kerosene seller at Onipanu area of Lagos, claimed that the hike in price of kerosene was due to its scarcity in the open

market. She alleged that marketers had not received kerosene allocation from NNPC in the last five months, adding that many of them were sourcing the product from third parties. Efforts to get to NNPC and Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPMC) to react to the issue proved abortive. (NAN)

VP, Okonjo-Iweala’s absence stalls NACOFED By Isa Abdulwahab

Deputy Corps Marshal, Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, inspecting a guard of honour, during his official visit yesterfay at the FRSC, Zone 8, Ilorin. Photo: NAN

he annual forum of states' Commissioners of finance, National Association of Commissioners of Finance Development (NACOFED), billed to commence yesterday and today in Ibadan city, capital of Oyo state, was abruptly put off yesterday. While Minister of state for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawal Ngama, cited problem of logistics as a reason without further elaboration, finance sources told Peoples Daily that NACOFED was put off because both VicePresident, Arch. Namadi Sambo and Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala billed to deliver a lead paper and declare the forum open were absent. The vice-president is said to be holding forte for President Goodluck Jonathan who left for Brazil yesterday. Iweala, expected to deliver a key note address on the topic: Deregulation of the downstream

at the Hotel was alerted and he was rushed to the Wuse General Hospital where he died,” he noted. The corpse arrived Yola on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 and was buried at Lokoro, in Guyuk LGA of Adamawa state on Thursday, April 19, 2012. However, the father of the deceased went to Abuja in May to find out the circumstances that resulted to the death of his son whom he had spoken to, the previous day before the sad incidence, but the Valencia Hotel appears not to know much about the incidence and General Hospital

claimed that it was a corpse that was deposited in the Hospital. Also the person who deposited the corpse did not use the deceased name but one Chibuzie Caleb and the police appear not to be involved in any stage of the incidence from the pool side of the Hotel to the deposit of the corpse at the Wuse General Hospital or at any time at all. The father of the deceased and guardian, Eng. James Musa urged that a thorough investigation should be carried out and they were ready to give any further information that may be required.

FCT Police petitioned over lawyer’s suspicious death By Muhammad Nasir

he FCT Commissioner of Police has been petitioned over the death of a lawyer Barrister Chibege Danujma Lawi who was claimed to have died in mysterious circumstances in a hotel’s swimming pool in Abuja. In a petition by father of the deceased, through his lawyers, D.D Azura &Co of Mar-Hyel Chambers in Abuja, Hon. Jusitce B.P. Lawi, revealed that the deceased, Barrister Chibege Danjuma Lawi on 13th April 2012 was invited by his friend Mr.Mumsi Tifasi to go

for swimming at Valencia Hotel Wuse II, Abuja, adding that after an hour later, Mr.Mumsi Tifasi reported via phone call that Danjuma is dead. He observed that Barr.Chibege Danjuma Lawi’s death is suspicious because of the circumstances surrounding his demise, adding that he passed out from the Nigerian Law School and started his NYSC in a law firm in Abuja before the incidence. “The information made available to us was that, Barrister Lawi started shivering in the water and the life guard by the pool side

Benue farmers decry late sales of fertilizer From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

housands of farmers across the length and breadth of Benue state thronged the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday in anticipation to the commencement of fertilizer sales but were disappointed as they told that the product was unavailable. It could be recalled that

recently Governor Gabriel Suswam flagged off this year’s cropping season in Abinsi and assured that sales of fertilizer would be commenced soon. However, more than two weeks, there are no fertilizers anywhere in the state. Our correspondent spoke to farmers on this development who lamented bitterly over the persistent delay in the sale of

fertilizers by the state government. “This has been a recurring decimal. Year in and out the state government delays the sale of fertilizer to farmers even when the farming season is already at its peak. This is very bad”, a farmer Barnabas Gbev complained bitterly. Another farmer from Gwer LGA Mr. Isaac Angbande questioned “what happened to the surplus

fertilizer that was reserved from last year? Can this be sold to the farmers? While Mr. Kuma Akondo in Logo LGA regretted that the State as the Food basket of the Nation is not living up to expectation in this regard. He frowned at the manner fertilizer has been distributed by the State government in the past and advised that this year, it should be handled by individuals.

sector and the economy is attending a function at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and will proceed to the United States of America. However, Ngama while leading members of Federal Allocation Accounts Committee (FAAC) on a courtesy visit to Oyo state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi yesterday at Government House, Ibadan, assured the governor that NACOFED will hold next month and Ibadan still remains the venue. The minister commended Oyo state governor for the landmark achievements his administration recorded in office within a short space of his tenure. Ngama informed governor Ajimobi that FAAC has begun the comparison of peer expenditure structure among states with a view to determining percentage of resource allocated by states to capital and recurrent expenditure. He advised the governor to devote substantial allocation of the state to capital expenditure.

Muslim, Christian groups charged to dialogue From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

hristian-Muslims Peace Initiative (CMPI) has appealed to the federal Government and other stake holders to do all they could to stop the suicide bombing of places of worship across the country through dialogue The Chairman of CMPI Alhaji Aminu Sidi made the appealed while addressing newsmen, he said “the attackers gave religious colouration, but in Nigeria this is the first time we are witnessing this types of attack, it’s sad and very worrisome unless if federal government came out with holistic approach in order to resolve the present insecurity problem or else it will set both Muslims and Christians on each other’s throat and by doing the threat will consume everybody.” Sidi appealed to the warring factions to put Allah in their heart and sheath their swords and look for ways to dialogue in order to save country from the total collapse of socio economic activities, which already they have crippled and paralyzed.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Lagos IGR hits N23bn monthly — Fashola From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

agos state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has disclosed that the monthly internally generated revenue (IGR), of the state has hit N23 billion. Fashola said this at the annual public lecture of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), where he spoke on the theme: “Accounting and Accountability in the Oil and Financial Sectors.” Fashola, who was represented by Lateef Abari, Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, charged members of the ICAN to ensure accountability in handling the nation’s financial resources. He said the IGR of the state rose from a paltry N600 million monthly in 1999 to N23 billion currently and that it was through the efforts of accountants in the public service that the loopholes were blocked resulting in increase in IGR. Fashola decried the gross imbalance in the nation’s revenue sharing formula which saw the Federal Government taking the lion’s share and the states and local government being impoverished.

PAGE 11

Kano Assembly confirms ex-Chief of Staff as commissioner

ano State House Assembly has confirmed the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Yunusa Dangwani, as a commissioner and member of the state executive council. The Chairman, House

Committee on Information, Malam Danladi Idris, announced the decision at the end of the House sitting in Kano on Tuesday. He commended members of the Assembly for their usual cooperation with the

Executive and urged the new commissioner to redouble his efforts in serving the state. Idris advised the commissioner to be honest and dedicated to his duties. Responding, Dangwani expressed his readiness to help

the administration continue with its human development programmes. He thanked the Governor, Dr Rabi'u Kwankwaso, for giving him another opportunity to serve the state. (NAN)

HoS commissions 10 buses for Abuja civil servants By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

s part of efforts to redeem the pledge he made last year on the transportation challenges being faced by civil servants, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, Sunday commissioned 10 mass transit buses for civil servants in Abuja. Sali commissioned the buses at the premises of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Abuja where he noted that government regards the welfare of staff as a priority that should be given serious attention. The head of service said government is not unaware of the plight of civil servants particularly in the area of housing and transportation. “During the fuel subsidy crisis early in the year, the Federal Government promised to strengthen the Staff Bus Scheme for Federal Civil Servants living in Abuja. The first phase of the promise is being fulfilled today (yesterday) as we launch 10 additional buses to the fleet.”

L-R: President, Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF), Prof. Adeyinka Falusi, representative of Oyo state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community Development and Social Welfare, Mrs. Oluyemisi Fola-Kayode, and representative of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olayemisi Iyiola, during a symposium to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day, yesterday in Ibadan. Photo: NAN

Monarch applauds Rep for providing free medical care From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

he Emir of Dass, Alhaji Bilyaminu Othman, has applauded member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dogara Yakubu for providing free medical services to his constituency. The emir disclosed this in Bauchi yesterday, saying the achievements recorded by Hon.Yabuku Dogara since his election has justified him to be a true democrat and urged politician to learn from him. According to him, the

lawmaker, representing Tafawa Balewa, Bogoro and Dass Federal Constituency mobilised 100 competent medical doctors to carry out free medical services on 26,355 people in his constituency as part of annual free medical services in the constituency. He said the lawmaker’s landmark achievement will remain indelible in the annals of political history not only in Bauchi state with a charge on people to always vote credible people who are capable to provide meaningful democratic

dividends It’s reported that among the beneficiaries about 210 people successfully underwent surgery while 520 enjoyed free laboratory test as check-up from all kinds of ailments particularly those with malnutrition. “In fact I lack words to express not only my profound gratitude to the lawmaker for the numerous direct bearing projects he executed in the constituency, it is a challenge to most politicians,” he said Speaking earlier, representa-

tive of Hon Dogara Yakubu and his Special Assistant Mr. Dauda Dada said, the free medical exercise is part of fulfilling the campaign promises made to the people of the constituency in line with Hon. Dogara Yakubu’s vision and missions for solid political foundation. Hon. Dogara added that in the year 2011 a total of 22,200 people enjoyed free medical services from the same exercise when 165 underwent successful surgery in the constituency while 725 benefited from laboratory test.

Boko Haram: Arewa youths advocate unity among religious leaders

he Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) yesterday called for unity among religious leaders to curtail the tide of insecurity in Nigeria. The call followed reports of reprisal attacks in Kaduna State following the suicide bombing at three churches in Kaduna and Zaria on Sunday. AYCF President, Alhaji Yerima Shetima, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that rather than make inciting comments, religious leaders must

see the situation as a challenge to their faith. “No religion encourages killing for any reason. Religious leaders must see the situation as a call to stand united and face the common enemy; Boko Haram is not a religious creation. “The only way to fight it is for all religions, including traditional, to work together to avert crisis that could result from people’s misunderstanding of Boko Haram’s action as a religious war,” he said. According to him, religious

leaders, including Muslims and Christians, who shy away from telling their followers the truth, must realise that a crisis will consume every Nigerian. “War, be it religious or ethnic is an evil wind that blows no one any good,” he warned. He advised that Nigerians must refrain from giving in to the sect by helping it to further create confusion in the country. “The truth remains that the Boko Haram is an enemy of every Nigerian, Northerners and Southerners, even Islamic clerics

have been affected. “There is no doubt that the only way out is for the people to remain united and assist the government in combating this devil,” Yerima said. Also reacting to the reprisal attacks, the President of the Igbo Youth Congress (IYC), Mr Bright Ezeocha, told NAN that there was need for every leader to discourage reprisal attacks. “Whatever grievances we have, it is time we set it aside and take part in searching out those responsible for all the

killings and bring them to book,” he said. Ezeocha also warned that a crisis in Nigeria would not only devastate the country but would overwhelm the entire African continent. He appealed to those sponsoring terrorism to look beyond their interests and think of Nigeria and humanity. The IYC leader, however, said that time had come for government to allow a Sovereign National Conference to discuss the country’s problems. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

Botched dialogue: Break this silence, please

early three weeks ago, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi made one of the boldest attempts to tackle, once and for all, the seeming insurmountable insurgency by the Jama'atu ahlis Sunna lid Da'awati wal Jihad, commonly referred to as Boko Haram. That courageous move by the Sheikh was however dead on arrival as the Boko Haram sect denounced him barely 24 hours after his public pronouncement on the 6th of this month on the matter. Addressing newsmen during an occasion to mark the birthday of late leader of the Tijjaniyya Movement, Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass, Dahiru Bauchi announced that the Federal Government had agreed to dialogue with Boko Haram through his mediation. The venerable Islamic leader disclosed further that the Federal Government had, based on its acceptance of the dialogue, set up a committee comprising of himself, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Aminu Saleh, Principal Private Secretary to the President, Ambassador Hassan Tukur, among others, to pursue the peace deal. The cleric had also announced that the committee made contacts with Boko Haram and intimated its leadership of the Federal Government's demand for a declaration of cease fire for a minimum of 40 days as a condition for the peace talks. The Federal Government, according to him, had

agreed to stop arresting the sect's members or labelling them as terrorists. He said further that in line with the Federal Government's endorsement of the move, the Bauchi state government had also set up a committee in pursuit of the dialogue. But the high hopes that Dahiru Bauchi's announcement raised were

“

We feel the Federal and Bauchi state governments, including their agents who were listed as part of the dialogue committee must let Nigerians know the whole truth about that failed effort dashed almost immediately following the Boko Haram's rebuttal of his claims. While declaring that it has great respect for the Bauchi based Sheikh, the sect denied having any dialogue with the Federal Government through him. Boko Haram also urged the Islamic cleric to steer clear of such matters, saying it had foreclosed any peace talks with the government since the collapse of the earlier attempts through Dr. Ibrahim Datti Ahmad.

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We find it curious however that almost three weeks after the failure of this courageous effort by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, there seems to be a conspiracy of silence from both the Federal Government and the Government of Bauchi state on what actually transpired as far as that peace effort by the cleric was concerned. This is even more so as a permanent secretary in the Bauchi state government, Alhaji Abdu Aliyu Ilelah, had written a letter confirming the Federal Government's commitment to the dialogue. We believe this silence is unfortunate and unacceptable as it made the widely respected Sheikh to appear to be merely opportunistic. The situation also suggests that the Sheikh had actually lied to Nigerians. Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi's followership spreads beyond Nigeria and we doubt that he would try to take advantage of the ongoing crisis in the country for personal gain. We believe there was more to that botched dialogue than it has so far been made to appear. We feel the Federal and Bauchi state governments, including their agents who were listed as part of the dialogue committee must let Nigerians know the whole truth about that failed effort. This is imperative not only to clear the respected Sheikh's name, but also to inspire confidence in other Nigerians who may be genuinely committed to helping government to resolve the lingering Boko Haram insurgency, what with the obvious failure of the military option adopted in that regard.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

By Leonard Karshima Shilgba

have seen that there is no leader over Nigeria, so what should the people do? The people of Israel had a similar experience thousands of years ago, when there was no leader in Israel, and so every man did what was right in their eyes. Boko Haram group struck some churches in Kaduna state on Sunday, June 17, 2012. Ah, this time, the victims or the aggrieved struck back at symbols which, in their opinion, most closely represented the aggressor, Boko Haram. The word that has popped up now is "reprisals". Now, a new dimension has been introduced into the crisis of bombings in Nigeria. It is my consistent position that if the leadership fails to provide security to life and property and welfare for the people, then the people do not owe it loyalty; such leadership has compromised its purpose. For a long time Nigerians have suffered as the Jonathan government looked on helplessly as Boko Haram continued to kill innocent Nigerians and desecrate Christian places of worship, killing even women and children. The new dimension of reprisal attacks against Boko Haram provocations has sent across a poignant message that the people have now decided to fight for their safety and honor because the government has failed them. It is only an indicator that the Nigerian government has lost respect, integrity, and the confidence of the people. I saw war in Nigeria before that Sunday of reprisals; it was a deadly experience. The future of Nigeria can be guaranteed by the removal of the current Nigerian leadership and convocation of a sovereign national conference. The safety and future of Nigeria is greater than the political ambition of one man or his people. President Jonathan lacks both the moral and mental capacity to lead Nigeria. In truth, he is not leading. Nigerians are being By Muhammad Jameel Yusha'u

t will not necessarily be a swift generalisation to suggest that corruption is the largest industry in Nigeria. Data from the World Bank suggests that the corruption industry in the world is worth $1 trillion. Coming closer home, the African Union stated that corruption costs African countries $148 billion every year, which represents 25 percent of the continent's GDP. During his testimony to the US House of Representatives on May 19, 2009, the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, told the US Congress: "Between 1960 and 1999, Nigerian officials had stolen or wasted more than $440 billion. That is six times the Marshall Plan, the total sum needed to rebuild a devastated Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War". Following this statement was another one on May 25, 2009 by General Muhammadu Buhari in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service where he mentioned that

PAGE 13

Anarchy in Nigeria killed weekly and the president is helpless. I wonder how he manages to sleep with this obvious self-conviction that he has failed the people he should protect. What other definition of failure of leadership do we seek other than that the shepherd has not gone to look for that one lamb that is lost? When the senate president, David Mark said after the Sunday reprisals that they ("leaders") would "continue to appeal to people who are responsible [for the spate of violence in Nigeria]" to desist, it further confirmed that we have no leader. Leaders don't "appeal" to criminals; they apprehend and punish them. What is the use of a country if its leaders can't defend the people? Why does President Jonathan lack moral authority to lead? When officials in Jonathan's government could not answer the simple question on who approved the extra budgetary expenditure on fuel subsidy payments in 2011, Jonathan did nothing. When the fuel subsidy probe exposed to all Nigerians the apparent collaboration of government officials in the fuel subsidy fraud, the president did nothing. The president himself has been directly accused of acts that threatened Nigeria's security (Refer to Henry Okah's affidavit sworn to in a South African court this year). The president himself has openly confessed that he has Boko haram members in his government. Does Jonathan lack the power to sack any government official working in the executive arm of government? President Jonathan's security adviser openly accused Jonathan's party of being responsible for the monster called Boko Haram. Impunity is an appropriate word that can be used to describe the actions or inactions of Jonathan's government.

President Jonathan lacks the mental or intellectual dexterity required to lead because he has run out of ideas to maintain security in the land. I should believe that he himself would be bored by any more condolences to victims of Boko Haram attacks. He has no inspiring words for the people of Nigeria. The last time he addressed the nation, he made such terrible pronouncement that threw the University of Lagos students into the streets, leading to a two-week shut-down of that university.

that lie ahead. Christians in Nigeria, who are at the war front without any protection from the Jonathan government, would be acting in selfannihilation if they do nothing (just like the Jonathan government) and watch their children, wives, and relatives killed every week simply because they have gone to their worship centers to worship. It should not be surprising if they carry guns and other weapons of defence to their churches every week. The response of President Jonathan

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

President Jonathan lacks both the moral and mental capacity to lead Nigeria. In truth, he is not leading. Whenever formal leadership fails, informal leadership is the result. When people feel endangered and there is no help from their formal leaders, they would quickly accept informal leadership that could provide some succour. President Jonathan is insidiously ceding leadership to informal leaders. Should Nigerians wait until more reprisals against perceived and real aggressive actions become so common; what happened in Kaduna only reveals a new way of responding to Boko Haram by the victims. It is not right to call on Christians to leave "vengeance to God." What happened in Kaduna on that "reprisal Sunday" was a message; harbinger of the deadlier days

would determine the next course of action. What we are caught in is a war. In war, anything is fair. It is only disgusting if the adversary (Boko Haram) threatens to continue attacking Christians and killing even women and children until Christians in Nigeria become Muslims. This is utter nonsense! And if the Nigerian government refrains from stopping this, then even the moderate Christians will find it difficult to restrain reprisal attacks. But I see anarchy because President Jonathan is either incompetent or cowardly. Recent Judicial pronouncements also threaten anarchy in Nigeria. When the Supreme Court of Nigeria says

that the principle of fair hearing in the Nigerian constitution does not keep in abeyance the 180 day-limitation on electoral litigation, and so a litigant "can go to hell" even though his claims have not been duly heard because of deliberate delays occasioned by the respondent, it makes a statement that in 2015 the courts may not be relied upon for determination of electoral disputes. When the Supreme Court bears no compunction upon its soul even as it interprets the constitution in a way that undercuts justice (fair hearing), it has sent out a strong message that it ceases to be the ultimate temple of justice in Nigeria; anarchy is the result. The Nigerian legislature is presently enmeshed in one scandal and another, with one of its members facing prosecution for his involvement with Boko Haram. A former president recently referred to the legislature in Nigeria (both at the state and national levels) as a gathering of rogues and robbers. The integrity of this arm of government has been rubbished by this spate of scandals-fuel subsidy probe scandal, pension fund probe scandal, capital market probe scandal, and the electricity expenditure probe scandal. Although there have been no definitive judicial convictions in any of those scandals, the image of the legislature has not been helped by them. Therefore, the executive, judicial, and legislative arms of the PDP-led government have only acted to create a state of anarchy in Nigeria. We the people are left with one option-the creation of informal leadership for self-protection and survival in this state of anarchy. Leonard Karshima Shilgb, PhD, a is an Associate Professor of Mathematics with the American University of Nigeria and chair of the Middle Belt Alliance (www.middlebeltalliance.org ) E m a i l : shilgba@middlebeltalliance.org

Corruption industry and the political future of Nigeria between 1999 to 2009 Nigeria made more money from oil proceeds than it had generated between 1914 when the country was amalgamated to 2009. Yet there is nothing to show on ground that matches those figures. The data that one could not lay his hands on is, how much of the one trillion dollars generated from corruption the world over, is Nigeria contributing annually? This entire amount was generated before the world came to know about the probe conducted by the House of Representatives committee under the chairmanship of Farouk Lawan which found that about ÂŁ12.6 billion or at least N2 trillion vanished from the so called fuel subsidy. Added to that was the new allegation that the committee chair who led the investigation was promised $3 million bribe, of

which $620,000 had already been collected. Corruption is an old business. The word itself originated from the Latin word 'currumpere', and it entered the English dictionary in the fourteenth century. Its original meaning refers to a state in which a substance is completely dissolved, spoilt or disintegrated. This meaning was then applied to the human behaviour in which there is loss in the integrity of the individual in discharging public responsibility. In the modern age, as discussed by some of the leading theorists in the study of corruption such as John Thompson, James Lull and Stephen Hinerman, the corrupt behaviour of public officials in using public office for private gain leads to what is called scandal. Although newspapers have made

the word into a clichĂŠ in describing certain aspects of corruption, it will be important to make a clear distinction between corruption and scandal. This will help us to understand the current state of confusion about the stories that dominated the pages of Nigerian newspapers involving Farouk Lawan. According to John Thompson, "If corrupt activities remain hidden from the view of others, if they are consigned to a shadowy existence in a world that is shielded from public scrutiny, then they will not and cannot become the focus of scandal. A scandal can arise if and only if the veil of secrecy is lifted and the corrupt activities become known to others or become the focus of public investigation". In this case the allegation made against Farouk Lawan by

Femi Otedola has qualified to be called a scandal, even if the amount allegedly collected is just one dollar, because what is important is unveiling the shadowy nature and the secrecy of the deal. The moral outrage from members of the public, as well as the mediation of the story in the media, qualifies it to be a scandal. Some cases of scandal require thorough investigation and the involvement of law enforcement agencies. But an additional dimension to the story about the Lawan bribery allegation is its tendency to divert attention from the scandal that gave birth to it. That is the House Committee Report which indicted some 'untouchable' individuals in Nigeria. Both cases of abuse of public office whether Continued on page 15

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

El-Rufai versus Peter Obi: A welcome development By Cmoni Nwokike

l-Rufai's recent criticism of Governor Obi's governance has dominated discourse in the online media. Many have called him a political jobber while others insist that we should ignore the messenger and concentrate on the message. The problem most times is that much as we strive to digest only the message it is difficult to separate it wholly from the messenger and even more so when such messenger is Nasir El-Rufai. A bold and erudite intellectual who does not suffer fools gladly and cares little about whose ox is gored in his mostly succinct but scathing articles. El-Rufai did well as FCT Minister no doubt and will remain one of the few in Obasanjo's massively corrupt administration who can walk tall and claim little or no blemish. However, for some reason the man increasingly appears to posit what favours him at a particular moment and a history of inconsistencies have put him on a spot where I am sure many like me are gradually beginning to question the sincerity of his intentions. However, in all its assumptions and assertions, ElRufai's audacious piece may unwittingly turn out to be what Anambrarians need to start asking relevant questions about Obi's policies. It has already elicited responses from notable quarters with opinions and comments pouring out continuously on the online media. While the governor's men

have countered by labeling him Offodile appears to have done El- Nnewi but it is working and the an ignorant person who has Rufai more harm than good. standard of service delivery is insulted Ndi-Igbo by his actions, Firstly he chose to list his good. However, all I have said does Hon Chudi Offodile boldly wrote in credentials at the end of his piece not seek to applaud nor exonerate El-Rufai's defence accusing Obi and thereby portraying himself as Obi in any way as I know fully his handlers of well that his p u s h i n g administration propaganda to its is culpable in limits. This is good many areas. for democracy and Many indices Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text Obi's spokesman o f messages and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pictures of yesteryears.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; All written Mr. Obienyem development contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 may end up remain below words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and getting more than par. Quite a lot he bargained for. of roads in the a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed I am no Obi state are not to: motorable, apologist. As a there is matter of fact, I The Editor, g e n e r a l have severally Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, insecurity in criticized his 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. Anambra and administration, Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com majority of but I believe ElSMS: 07037756364 the public Rufai got some schools and assertions wrong in his write up. Where did he get partisan. Is it not to the governor's hospitals remain in deplorable his data from? We all know that credit that the former house of rep states. Another area where Obi Anambra more than any other member concedes that he has failed and continues to do so state is a victim of demographic continued projects initiated by woefully is in the state capital. I distortions. Over 70% of what predecessors? Obi may not have believe that a capital should should constitute the bulk of its transformed Anambra state to represent all the good things human and material resources are our expectations but for Offodile about a state. I dare say that domicile outside the state but to claim he has only initiated and Abakaliki and Umuahia are more blaming that solely on the current completed just one project is habitable than Awka. Anambra security challenges is unfair. Ndi being economical with the truth. state capital remains what the Igbo and more especially I cannot list Obi's completed critics say it is..RURAL! Frankly, Anambrarians are natural projects but I can say there has I consider his administration an migrants. They love adventure been visible improvement in under achieving one, and to me and what's more the entire Anambra's road network more El-Rufai was even magnanimous southeast has been grappling with than in any past administration. in stating that the state cannot the scourge of insecurity ever For instance in 2007 I went to progress with figures bandied in since and as a matter of fact there Ayamelum LGA for a function the 2012 budget. In fact it can be are higher incidents of and the journey took virtually a rightly viewed as regression for a kidnappings in Delta state than whole day but last year I went to state's IGR to remain stagnant Anambra state not to mention and fro the same place in less than while its expenditure is on the rise. Abia which gained worldwide 3 hours. The road is now tarred Responsible and proactive notoriety through the likes of till Omor. I have also visited the governance should initiate Osisikankwu et al. teaching hospital in Amaku and policies that lead to growth in for sustainable On his part Hon Chudi yes it may not compare to that in revenue

WRITE TO US

development. A cursory look at some points raised by El-Rufai truly calls to question Obi's priorities for the state. It is sheer hypocrisy that a government, which signed an MOU with UNDP to support human development, will allocate about 4% and 2% of the state budget to education and health respectively, knowing full well that UNDP's projection for education in developing nations is 26% of the budget. Pray, how on earth can you develop human resources without adequate investment in the pivotal sectors of health and education? These reasons and many more make it pertinent for Anambrarians to discard the messenger and critically appraise the message in El-Rufai's piece. May it not be our lot that we have come to expect nothing from our leaders that a little appears to be plenty. Though Obi has ruled for six years he still has two more to go and in politics that is a lot of time. There is still time to put the man under enough pressure to toe the path of Chime who is running an all-inclusive government with vibrant and innovative young men in Enugu state. It is time for prominent voices in Anambra to join Hon Offodile in seeking answers to various questions around governance in Anambra state. Where are the Ubas, the Soludos, the Ekwuemes and the rest? If indeed Obi has done nothing, we should demand that he starts doing something, and if he has done little then we should demand he does more. Cmoni Nwokike

Scourge of state visits by President, governors

By Austine Uche-Ejeke

here is absolutely nothing wrong in embarkation of state visits by the president or any other high ranking government officials. At least it will make for the state or localities visited to have a sense of belonging that they are still part and parcel of the entity. Also it could be for assessment of ongoing projects or commissioning of completed projects. Thus it is supposed to be a welcome development and a thing of joy when such trips are contemplated and in fact carried out. But do we say in all honesty that the citizens to whom visits are supposed to profit more actually benefit or look forward to such visits. The fact on ground is that when such visits are embarked on the people are inflicted with several hardships and horrendous experiences. It starts right from the flight arrangement in which taking off and landing of other aircrafts are suspended until the one carrying the president is landed. It does not matter if the time for the actual take off is ascertained . there are several accounts where airplanes are 'suspended' mid air, waiting

for either takeoff or landing of the presidential craft. Implications are that those suspended aircrafts could run out of fuel or develop mid air technical problems and could crash land, thereby endangering the lives of innocent Nigerians. The situation is further compounded for the hapless countrymen and women as several hours before takeoff of aircraft say in Abuja, all major roads leading to the venue of the visitor will be barricaded. People will now be subjected to terrific tariff jam as they scramble for passage through other 'bush parts'. In several occasions that president Jonathan had visited Lagos. It was a kind of nightmarish experience that the people wished the visit never occurred. Just last week the president visited Lagos to commission a naval base along busy and popular Ahmadu Bello way in Victoria Island and for an upward of six grueling hours traffic was at stand still as major link roads the president will pass through was barricaded by overzealous security men. Nigerians that had business engagements in that axis of the town had it rough that at the end of the day they left barrage of curses to those that inflicted such pains on them. If the visit of the president or

any other high ranking government official can be condoled as part of the trappings of our own genre of democracy and ruler ship, what can we make of the visit of the wife a president? Note that constitutionally, there is nothing like the office of the wife of the president or first lady. But on some occasions that Patience Goodluck has visited Lagos, Lagosians nearly ran out of patience in their entrapment on several excruciating hours of traffic jam. Purpose of visit is usually premised from the mundane to almost non-serious national issue. Her last visit to Lagos in April was nothing more than to thank women folk on the election of her husband who is supposed to bring good luck to Nigerians! On the day of the visit Lagosians that had the misfortune of passing through dedicated roads that the wife of president were scheduled to pass through had to spend long hours on a particular spot as most of the linkage roads has been barricaded by what they call overzealous security apparatus. This was so bad that Lagos state governor Babatunde Fashola was irked to the extent of lambasting that singular action that inflicted unquantifiable mental and physical injury to the already stressed and traumatized

Lagosians. As that was not enough the same president's wife visited Warri in the second week of May and the same scenario replicated itself. Residents of Warri with their narrow roads had to stay several hours on the road for the dame of our time to pass. Purpose of visit, to commission a beauty salon/clinic! This very act pained the residents that report had it that some people voiced out their disappointment vehemently. One thing that these rulers forget to know is that if you are doing well, you may not need to fear or subject your people to untold hardships in the name road closures to effect your smooth passage each time you visit a place . It is on record that Fashola don't use unnecessary siren, endless entourage whenever he is going to anywhere. By that he feels the pulse of the people by experiencing the hold-ups and as such knows some palliative measures to take to resolve the problems. Same character is obtainable in other climes like western nations where heads of government and not even their wives go around without escorts or stupendous entourage. A candid advice to some of

these VIP who are enjoying the spoils of office such as barricading of roads each time they visit is that they should be reminded of the transient nature of power . Today you are the president, first lady, governor or senate president and tomorrow you are out of office and back to the streets. This was why somebody like Obansanjo has to spend close to four hours from CMS in Lagos to Ahmadu Bello way in Victoria Island, a distance of about two minutes drive. He was on his way to write his examinations and this was just few days after relinquishing power! Nobody would have told him that such ordeal waited him just few days after hand over. Attempts should be made to ensure that the lives, security and well-being of the people are not compromised each time they visit a particular area. After all the purpose of such visit to such areas are supposed to bring good tidings and not unmitigated sufferings on the part of the people being visited. In most cases the people in turn release curse on them for subjecting them to avoidable sufferings and hardships. Austine Uche-Ejeke, public affairs analyst wrote vide,toff_ng@yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 15

Charles Taylor: Neocolonialism at its latest By Ike Willie Nwobu

fter twelve long and tortuous years, the curtains have finally drawn to a conclusive close on the trial of the Liberian knave, Charles Ghankay Taylor in an expected twist of drama and intrigue. He was summarily handed a fifty-year jail term by the United Nations-backed International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in fuelling the genociding of hundreds of thousands of human lives in one of the most brutal wars ever fought on African soil. Depending on how many years of existence his Maker has allotted to him on planet Earth, the sexagenarian may as well wave a conclusive goodbye to the pleasures of seeing the sun as a free man, to the joy, jubilation and perceived satisfaction of many an aggrieved victim of the ten-year offensive, that shook the African unity and cohesion to its foundations. War and belligerence anywhere in the world have always brought about untold hardship and inconveniences to not only the perpetrators and victims in particular, but even to the neighbours who have to play emergency and costly host to influx of refugees and such other fallouts of conquest. In actual fact, the limbs of hundreds of Nigerians that were hacked off

by the insensitive and beastly savagery of those rebels, the ladies who were assaulted time and again, the child soldiers that were forcefully conscripted to their untimely doom, and the magnitude of lives and property that were wasted in the throes of the war will NEVER be recovered or even justifiably avenged, even with a two-hundred year jail term on all the convicted parties involved. That is apart from the economic, psychological, social and even spiritual drawback it constituted on not only the psyche of the people but even the soil of the land on which innocent blood flowed freely, which is a subject for another day. The crux of the matter for consideration here is that no war of this magnitude, or even any war or aagitation whatsoever, crops up without three principal factors on which it is pivoted: interest, executor and progenitor. The three of them may vary in degree and intensity, but they are there all the same. Most wars are fought under the auspices of certain business men, capitalists, imperialists, politicians and foreign interests, and even unexpectedly but truly sometimes, religious leaders, and this one is more or less not an exception. Whatever it will cost these progenitors to get at the object of their interest, in this case the rich alluvial diamonds of Sierra Leone, does not measure

up to their lust, and must and will be sacrificed. The executor, which in this case turned out to be Charles 'Bad Boy' Taylor was just a tool that fell into the yearning hands of necessity. All this is glaringly evident from the genesis of the war, the funding of the war, how it went, and the route through which the diamonds went and into how many hands it fell in the process. For some people who do not know, diamonds do not have nutritional value, neither can they be consumed as food nor can it sustain life. They are items of ostentation and luxury, the exclusive preserve of the superfluously rich. Poor plebeians do not, and cannot use diamonds. It is so sickening that despite the replay of the nemesis that usually rounds up most executors, time and again in various climes and lands in the world, people do not learn, and it is just as obvious that they will never. Whether it is due to the allure of ill wealth or plain fool-hardiness, they get into the same web over and over again, and as always, are consumed when they outlive their usefulness. The power lords who masterminded the war are presently feeding fat as always, on the economic benefits of the diamonds of blood so to say, while lives have been wasted, property lost, untold suffering unleashed on the hapless commoners who are even the legitimate owners of

Demystifying the gun in Nigeria! By SOC Okenwa

he gun, or any other lethal weapon for that matter, instills fear in any mortal. The gun is synonymous with blackmail, abuse and intimidation even though war and fighting happen to be the major reason(s) of its manufacturing. When a gun is brandished, men and women who hitherto are seen as ironwilled, melt into despair and subdued emotion. When a robber, a kidnapper or a rapist is armed he believes he is above the law and a government unto himself! That is why the late Lawrence Anini and his late sniper-friend Monday Osunbor got the extra-ordinary attention of the military dictator at their time, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. The gun, when not demystified, encourages crime perpetuation and aids and abets criminality of every sort. Never mind that back home in Nigeria our people are faced presently with two evils: that of gun-wielding men of the underworld and the politicians -- using their gold-plated pens and lap-top computer to embezzle billions of our commonwealth! Between these two evils I think the armed hooligans are less hypocritical and more fearless. While the average Nigerian politician steals shamelessly and devises smart ways to hide his loot (away from the prying eyes of the ICPC and EFCC) the professional killer, kidnapper or armed robber

believes in one philosophy of life: one thing must kill a man! The Nigerian politicians, swimming in looted petro-dollars, are mortally afraid of death and indeed 'die' many times before their real death! Living dangerously and desperately in a nation where justice is bought and sold, where insecurity is generalized and ubiquitous, where corruption has metamorphosed into a national tragedy, where leadership has simply failed at the zenith these bunch of Abuja-based criminals surround themselves and their families with impressionable battery of security goons. Gun has generally taken the lives of notable leaders and people in different lands and epochs. It was the assassin's bullet that felled the great black-American orator and freedom fighter Martin Luther King. It was the gun that brought down the former Nigerian Justice Minister, the 'Cicero' Bola Ige snuffing life out of the great mind. It was the gun that was used to assassinate the late President MKO Abiola's wife Kudirat Abiola in broad daylight in Lagos! It was the gun that terminated the existence here on earth of the late NADECO chieftain Alfred Rewane. The late Pope John Paul 11, the Catholic Pontiff, was nearly killed by an assassin's bullet and he survived the attempt on his life by the grace of the Almighty God who he served and worshipped. The list of victims of guns and bullets are endless in a world where violence is growing as the human

population grows. When the late Liberian President Samuel Doe was caught and taken away in the ECOMOG headquarters in Monrovia many years ago he was armed with a pistol. But his aggressor in Yormie Johnson had to disarm him and extracted certain state secret information from him before mutilating him and leaving his bleeding body by the riverside to die a painful instalmental death! And when the former member of the presidential guard in Kinshasa, Rashidi, went inside the Palace and met with the late President Laurent Kabila he utilised his pistol to fatally shoot at close range the fat ex-President pumping bullets into his system and destroying the system within leaving Kabila to die minutes later on his way to the hospital. The gun is indeed an instrument of control with both the good and ugly sides. So from the foregoing, plus and minus, one can say that the gun plays a major role in the public administration of any entity. Without the force of coercion which arms represent then governance the world over would have been one hell of a mission impossible. But having said that the gun ought to be demystified in Nigeria! Like in the developed Western world where the gun has been demystified with responsible adult-citizens allowed to own guns for self-defense there is urgent need to demystify the terror of gun in Nigeria by

these resources. The jailing of Charles Taylor in Europe, I will opine, is a coordinated failure on the part of the African Union, the ECOWAS, and every other body that has lent a hand in instilling peace in the feud. It is a failure and a slight on our internal conflict resolution mechanism and capacity. Judging from the length of the war and its obvious results, Charles Taylor's sentencing has been a major tragedy and abuse of trust on our part as a continent. The reason the Bible is to be feared and revered is that when God says something by it, it stands and remains, in whatever instance and parlance it comes up. When the negroid race was put in a perpetual position of servitude on account of his misdemeanour in the early times, it has proven true and sure, and will be so ad infinituum. Otherwise our level of reasoning and intellectual capabilities should have exceeded the level where we consistently play pawns in the hands of these colonialists who have their interests only at heart. The ICC has proven to be another institution of surrogate dictatorship and neocolonialism of the Western world over Africa. Because our leaders are not reflective, strategic and deep in their thinking, they are more often violated and abused,

and this is only a miniature version of it. This is apart from the cost of trying, jailing and hosting Charles Taylor which is another business concern, another after-effluent of neocolonialism, and profit to The Hague and host prison country, Britain. Nigeria cannot point to a tangible gain it has derived in the ten-year effort it put into peacekeeping by way of ECOMOG, by way of cost, men and material. We practically did the fighting, played a role in the mediation and several other efforts but ended up swallowing the bitter pill of abuse and blackmail till Taylor was extradited. We lost credibility, name and men to this cause, for all our trouble. The present predicament should be another lesson for our leaders and policy makers to invest and trust in their own country. The West has always been on the prowl for a grab at the resources that greatly abound in Africa, and has always been the better for it. The Hosni Mubarak saga, that of Laurent Gbagbo and even Ghaddafi ought to be enough lessons for us to grasp and learn. South Sudan is another luscious attraction. Our leaders should be on the lookout. Ike Willie Nwobu can be reached at ikewillienwobu@yahoo.com

legislating the ownership of the instrument into the constitution. With kidnapping becoming part of everyday life in Nigeria, armed robbery happening here and there, killers taking what they cannot give in terms of life, Boko Haram throwing bombs into churches in the northern cities and killing in the grim process the faithful worshipping the living God is it not high time the Nigerian government considered legalizing the individual bearing of guns? That is de-penalizing ownership of arms? I strongly believe that a responsible citizen should be able to defend himself when attacked proving thus to the aggressor that blood equally runs in his body like the one he wants to silence. In that way crime and assault will be reduced to the barest minimum as everyone will be respecting each other. Whilst one recognizes the danger in arming some segment

of the population with its inherent uncontrollable dimensions in an underdeveloped nation where the centralized police force is ineffective and inefficient one thinks the advantage far out-weighs the disadvantage. Bearing a licensed serially-numbered gun in self defense could go a long way in taming the monsters of armed robbery, kidnapping and unresolved murders littering the case-files of the Nigerian law enforcement agencies scattered across the landscape. Here in my station I possess a licensed pistol with which I keep watch over my young family and household especially at dusk! While we pray daily for divine protection one must take physical control of his immediate security. God, it is said, helps those who help themselves! SOC Okenwa can be reached at soco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr

Corruption industry and the political future of Nigeria Continued from page 13

directly by those in position of authority or by their proxies parading as businessmen are abominable. But the Machiavellian tactics employed by Nigerian politicians on issues as important as these allegations will only sink the country further into political turmoil. An important aspect of investigating corruption scandals is the consequence that follows such behaviour. Richard Nixon

lost his office for getting involved in corrupt activities. The growth of the corruption industry in Nigeria in recent months, coupled with the state of insecurity, causes a lot of concern. When you combine these two evils together, you begin to wonder whether those in the position of authority are interested in having a geographical location called Nigeria. mjyushau@yahoo.com

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Wife of AMAC chair tasks parents on love, care By Adeola Tukuru ife of the chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council( AMAC), Mrs. Christiana Jiba has urged parents to desist from abusing their children but, rather show them love and care always. Mrs. Jiba made the call when she visit mothers and their new born babies in hospitals in the council as part of the activities to mark the International Day of African Child. The wife of the AMAC chairman, who gave gifts items to mothers of the babies born during the event, said her priority is to show love to women in the council by supporting them the best way she could. She said: ”Without a child in a home, a couple’s joy is limited, but when a child is born, the joy of the family will start growing and even the love of the couple will increase. So, I am advising that we should love and care for our children because they are the sources of our joy as mothers”. Continuing, she noted that: “When we show love to our children at home, they will also learn to show love to their fellow brothers and sisters outside, they will also learn to show love to neighbours that are not related to them. So, please, let us as women learn to treat our children right and not abuse our child or children”. One of the mothers that received the gift items from the first lady, Mrs. Ann Nkwa, commended her kind gesture and love for women in the council.

Iron welders in action at the Aco Estate Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

PHCN deploys 135 prepaid metres to Garki model market By Josephine Ella

n a bid to address the incessant disconnection of power in the Garki Model Market by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), following the huge accumulated debt owed by traders, the management of the market, Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) has taken delivery of 135 prepaid metres. Peoples Daily recalls that the market had suffered protracted black-out, infrastructural decay and environmental challenges, a situation some traders blamed on

the then traders’ association, until the management was taken over in 2006 by Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML). Addressing journalists, the chairman of the Market’s Electricity Stakeholders Committee, Mr. Alex Okechuku said the next step was to agree with the PHCN officials on the commencement date of migration from the existing estimation system of metering to the new platform. This, according to him, becomes necessary as ‘both systems cannot operate side by side.’ Asked what becomes of those

who have not subscribed to the prepaid meter, Okechukwu said that once the 135 metres are connected, it would be ‘ no meter no electricity supply’ situation. He however, noted that since the delivery of the metres, other traders who were doubtful of the initiative have been making frantic effort to make their subscription. He expressed hope that all would be carried along as the connection progresses. Reacting to the development, the Manager of the Market, Ibrahim Yahaya Joe thanked PHCN for living up to their part of the bargain. The manager said that the

power reform being witnessed in the market was yet another value that Abuja Markets Management Limited has brought to the market since it took over management. The PHCN had recently, disconnected the market from power supply as a result of a N23 million accumulated electricity bills. This threw the traders, who claimed that they were paying their bills regularly as some even tendered receipts issued to them by their association as proof, into five years black out. However, the PHCN said such payments were not reflecting in their own record.

Court remands four in prison for theft

n Abuja Magistrate’s Court yesterday, ordered that four persons, Kabir Idris, Tokunbo Raji, Emmanuel Bala and John Obi, all of Maitama, Abuha be remanded in prison custody for conspiracy and theft. The Magistrate, Mr Musa Ibrahim, said the offence of theft, was not an ordinary bailable

offence, as provided for in Section 341 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code. Ibrahim thereby refused the accused persons bail and ordered that they be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing of a formal application for their bail. The Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Simeon Ibrahim, had told the court

that on June 13, 2012, one Durotoye Olufunmi of 13 Malabe Street, Wuse 2, Abuja reported the case at the Utako Police Station, Jabi. Ibrahim said the accused persons formed a common intention and stole two bullet proof doors, two Jacuzzi, ceiling materials, water heater, transformer and washing

AEPB engages 18 cleaning contractors The Abuja Environmental Protection Board has engaged the services of 18 contractors to keep the FCT clean under a Public Private Partnership arrangement. Deputy Director, Environmental Health and Safety

of the board, Mrs Aishatu Adebayo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the contractors had commenced work. She added that the companies had set up refuse collection points from which wastes are evacuated.

The deputy director said the arrangement was to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the city and its environs, as well as avert outbreak of diseases. Adebayo called on residents to cooperate with the sanitation

materials. The prosecutor said that during police investigation, all the above mentioned items were recovered, except one Jacuzzi. The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges, but did not have legal representation. The case was adjourned till June 20, 2012 for hearing. (NAN) workers by acquiring waste bins for proper waste evacuation and disposal. She urged the residents to stop dumping refuse along the river course and drainage to avert flooding. She said the board would ensure sustainability of the clean up arrangement in the city. (NAN)

Man arraigned for impersonating police officer

31-year-old man, Augustine Orhuaye of Ifoke, Lagos State, on Monday appeared before an Abuja Upper Area Court in Karu for forgery and impersonation. Police Prosecutor, Ambi Ayuba told the court that Superintendent Christopher Shaributu of the FCT Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) arrested the accused on June 18, 2012. Ayuba said the accused was arrested in Garki village, Abuja with a fake police identity card, claiming to be a police officer. The prosecutor added that during police investigation, it was revealed that the accused was dismissed from the police force in 2008. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted the accused bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety in like sum. Kagarko said the surety must be reasonable and reliable and adjourned the case to August 15, 2012 for hearing. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Monarch appeals to Bwari chair to rehabilitate roads By Usman Shuaibu

he village head of Dakwa in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Alhassan Musa Baba-Chukuri has appealed the council chairman, Hon. Peter Yohanna Ushafa to rehabilitate the dilapidated roads in the area.

He said that the people of Dakwa village have been neglected in the area of social amenities and asked the administration of the council to arrest the situation. Baba-Chukuri made the call at an occasion to mark his five years in office, begging the chairman to also build a befitting hospital in the area to prevent residents from travelling long distance in

search for treatment. He said that his leadership would continue to carry the people of Dakwa along for the overall development of the area. The village head appealed to his subjects and the people of Dakwa to be law abiding and urged them to support government’s policies. Also speaking, Dan- Malikin Dakwa, Dr Mohammed

Mohammed, who is also the Sarkin Malamai Bwari Yamman called on the Bwari chairman to arrest some pending problems affecting the people of Dakwa town. The Sarkin Malamai said he would not relent in his efforts to fight for the welfare of residents, noting that he had executed a lot of projects to boost socio – economic activities in the area.

AEPB to build three waste transfer stations

he Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) is to build three waste transfer stations in different parts of the city, the Head of Information and Outreach programme Mr Joe Ukairo said. Ukairo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday, that the stations would be built in Gudu, Mpape and Kubwa. He said the transfer stations were necessary to shorten the turnaround time for the cleaning contractors, adding that the permanent dump site at Gosa, along Airport Road, was far away from the city centre. “For instance, if the city is very dirty, instead of the contractors going to the dumpsite at Gosa, they will go to the transfer station,’’ Ukairo said. He said the transfer stations would serve as temporary dumpsites for the cleaning contractors, while the waste would be picked up when there was less work load. He further explained that in the transfer stations would be a mini sorting plant where wastes, such as bottles and plastics, would be sorted out for recycling. (NAN)

ontractors handling developmental projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received an outstanding payment of N36, 250,000,000 for some of the contracts executed for the provision of infrastructure. The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who disclosed

By Adeola Tukuru A woman hawking banana to eke out living, yesterday at Utako district of Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

this on Monday, said that the sum include the first batch, amounting to N12, 250,000,000 which was paid between January-March, 2012 from the National Budget to the contractors. He also disclosed that the administration on Monday, paid the sum of N15,500,000,000 to the contractors handling the expansion and rehabilitation of

Umar Musa Yar’Adua (Airport Road) and the Murtala Muhammed Expressway (Kubwa Road). Furthermore, he revealed that N8, 500,000,000 has been set aside for local and small contractors that have executed contracts for the FCT Administration and would be paid on or before Friday June 22, 2012.

According to him, this is aimed at reducing the hardship being faced by development partners. This was as he assured that henceforth, there would be no need for a contractor to follow up with any payment in the FCT Administration as FCT Treasury Services Department has put measures in place to ensure that payments are made when due.

Sales man steals seven cartons of soft drink

24-year-old man, Emmanuel Godwin of block 29, Wire House, Wuse Market, Abuja has confessed to stealing seven cartons of soft drinks and other items. Godwin made the confessional statement before an Abuja Senior Magistrate’s, where he was arraigned by the police on a one-

he Police on Monday arraigned a lawyer, Enabosi Godday, 36, of 10, Presidency Road, Gbazango, Kubwa, before an Abuja Senior Magistrate’s Court for breach of trust and cheating. Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Simeon Ibrahim, told the court that one Lilian Ibrahim of suit 34B, ANAN Plaza, Gudu, Abuja, reported the matter at Utako Police Station on April 30, 2012. ”Godday collected N430, 000 from Ibrahim to register her name in a micro finance bank. He failed to register her and converted the money to his personal use,’’ he said. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Senior Magistrate, Grace Adebayo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 and two sureties in like sum. Adebayo said the sureties must be civil servants residing in the FCT and must be on Grade Level 04. She adjourned the case to June 20, 2012 for hearing. (NAN)

Abaji council remits N7m to pension administrators

Contractors get N36.25bn payment from FCTA By Josephine Ella

Lawyer allegedly dupes client of N.4m

count charge of theft. Police Prosecutor, Francis Tanko told the court that on May 31, 2012, one Ikechukwu Nnamani of the same address reported the case to the Wuse Police Station. Tanko said the accused, a sales representative of the complainant, dishonestly made

away with five cartons of vita milk drink and two cartons of Malta Guinness. Others are bird custard, horlics milk, bagel hair dye, sachet of starch, noodle and oval care kit, all valued at N24, 200. The prosecutor said that during police investigation, the items were recovered from the

accused, “who confessed to have connived with a wheel barrow pusher to commit the crime’’. The accused pleaded guilty, and Senior Magistrate Grace Adebayo, ordered him to bring the wheel barrow vendor to court, and adjourned the case till June 20, 2012 for sentencing. (NAN)

he Abaji Area Council said it has remitted N7 million pension fund to pension administrators, urging staff yet to choose a pension administrator to do so immediately and forward their pin number to the appropriate office. The Head of administration of the council, Mr. Dan Ayuba stated this yesterday, at an interactive session with staff and the Management of Area Council Service Commission at the council secretariat. He called on other staff of the council to have a pension administrator and submit their pin number to the departmental accountant for monthly remittance. “Some of the staff of the council up till date remain as civil servant but have neither pension administrator nor Pin No. The funds released for pensioner at times don’t reflect in any place and such transaction hangs until when issues are cleared,” he said. He advised every staff to monitor his or her pension administrator in line with the Federal Government Pension Act, calling on other council chairmen to emulate Abaji Area Council.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 17

A middle aged woman cleaning the street, yesterday in Area 7, Abuja.

This over-loaded Keke NAPEP with vegetable posing a great risk to other road users, yesterday in Garki Market, Abuja.

A man treating himself to local pedicure, at a road side, recently in Maitama, Abuja.

What an environment Hazard: The carbon emission from this truck plying Federal In the absence of pedestrian bridge, people taking risk to cross over ever busy Area 3 Secretariat Road, yesterday in Abuja is rather contributing to the depletion of the ozone Junction, yesterday in Abuja. layers. Photos: Justin Imo-owo

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

Air Nigeria denies owing N4.9bn debt

Mob: 08033644990

CBN Headquarters in Abuja

CBN to establish N200bn fund for MSMEs development By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday disclosed that it would establish a N200 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Fund before the end of the year to promote the development of microfinance sub-sector in the country. CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, made the disclosure in his keynote address at third D-8 Workshop Group Meeting in Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, with the theme: “Promoting International Trade through SME Development”. Sanusi, who spoke through a Deputy Director in the bank, Uji Musa Amedu explained that this would provide the wholesale funding requirements of microfinance banks and microfinance institutions to support MSMEs in the country. “The fund which targets 60 per cent intervention at women entrepreneurs has credit, insurance, capacity building and interest draw back elements” he

stated. The CBN governor maintained that the establishment of MSME Bank as practiced in countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Pakistan, among others, would be a veritable source of MSME financing in Nigeria. “This is a more sustainable approach to the provision of credit, guarantee and advisory services to the specialised needs of the MSME sector and provide an exit window for the MSME schemes and programmes currently implemented by the Central Bank,” he stressed. Sanusi further pointed out that this would also allow the bank to concentrate on MSME financing policy and monitoring and evaluation, affirming that the MSME sector provides a huge potential for the economic development of all. He therefore called for urgent collaboration between government, CBN, banks, entrepreneurs and all stakeholders to ensure a seamless transmission of cheap and long-

CFA • £ RIYAL $

18th June, 2012 BUYING 0.2784 195.4993 242.3875 41.3001 154.9

SELLING 0.2984 196.7614 243.9523 41.5667 155.9

PARALLEL RATES • £ RIYAL $

BUYING 210 250 40 156

SELLING 212 252 42 158

million people. Aganga, represented by Engr. Samuel Adeniyi therefore informed that a national MSME policy has been developed and a database established in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), but identified access to finance, low business development support services, inefficient SME policy implementation and

igeria’s consumer inflation eased slightly to 12.7 percent year-onyear in May, from 12.9 percent in April, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report said yesterday. Food inflation rose sharply to 12.9 percent year-on-year in May, from 11.2 percent the previous month, the NBS data showed. According to the NBS report, “The high year-on-year change could be partly attributable to persistent increases in the prices some farm produce due to the

Use three-part lists to communicate

ists of three are an old trick of effective persuasion. They distill any message into key takeaways. These lists work because most people can remember three things , a n d three of anything sufficiently provides proof of

a pattern. Next time you need to deliver an important message, divide it into three parts. You can openly announce your three-part list, as in “There are three things we need to do to get

infrastructural challenges, among others as the main barriers to MSME growth in the country. To address the issue of access to finance, the minister said “we are executing matching programmes with state governments on SMEs and deepening financial penetration, using microfinance banks.”

Inflation eases to 12.7% in May

Management Tip of the Day

EXCHANGE RATES

CBN

term financial resources for the development of the sector. In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and D-8 Commissioner of Nigeria, Dr. Martin I. Uhomoibhi, stressed the need for member countries to strengthen their SMEs base as a vehicle for accelerating socioeconomic transformation and development of their national economies, employment and wealth creation as well as poverty eradication. Uhomoibhi noted with delight that Nigeria had not only hosted a number of meetings and activities of the organisation, but also effectively steered its affairs to the admiration of the global community. Also speaking, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga maintained that MSMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economic development and the driving force of its national growth, disclosing that over 17 million MSMEs are presently in the country employing over 31

our bottom line back into the black”, Or it can be more subtle, as in “We have the best product on the market. We have the best team. Yet we did not make the sales target.” Source: Harvard Business Review

farming season, for example vegetables which are typically in short supply at this time of the year”. Core inflation, which excludes volatile agricultural produce also rose to 14.9 percent in May, from 14.7 percent in April. , adding to expectations the central bank will keep interest rates on hold in the near term. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wants consumer inflation in single-digits but has accepted that the headline figure is likely to peak at around 14 percent later this year. The regulator last month kept its benchmark interest rate on hold at 12 percent for the fourth meeting running, citing the need to balance inflationary concerns with slowing economic growth. “Given the slowdown in real GDP growth, and the weakness in monetary aggregates, Nigerian interest rates are likely comfortably on hold for the rest of the year,” Head of Africa Research at Standard Chartered, Razia Khan said in reaction to the inflation figures. (Reuters)

PEOPLES DAILY,WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS ‘Cassava bread will reduce cost of importation’

he Association of Small Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN) said on Tuesday that the Federal Government initiative in substituting wheat flour with cassava flour in bread making would reduce cost of importation.

Microsoft launches its own tablet, ‘The Surface’

icrosoft has unveiled its Surface Tablet called the Microsoft Surface.

Foundation reiterates commitment to Nigeria’s agribusiness

ritish American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has reaffirmed its commitment to continuously support the agricultural sector in the country as a vital solution to poverty, dwindling economy and unemployment.

NITDA begins review of national software policy

he National Information and Technology Development Agency of Nigeria (NITDA) is to commence the review of the national software policy, which was submitted to it by the National Software Policy Committee next month.

Govt to distribute fertilizer, seedlings to 4.3m farmers

he Federal Government at the weekend unfolded plans to distribute subsidised seeds and fertilizer to 4.3 million smallholder farmers captured under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme.

Oil prices pare three-day gains on debt worries

rude oil prices dropped for the first time in three days as the worsening European debt crisis threatened to slow global economic growth and reduce demand for crude.

Air Nigeria craft on tarmac

Air Nigeria denies owing N4.9bn debt By Aminu Imam

ollowing Monday’s arrest of Air Nigeria’s Managing Director, Mr. Kinfe Kayssay by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), for failure to remit taxes totaling N4.868,496,152.00 billion due to theFederal Government, the airline has denied that it is indebted on current taxes since the acquisition of the airline by Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim. According to a press statement issued yesterday by the airline, signed by its spokesperson, Samuel Ogbogoro: “We are at a loss as to what the

FIRS has been doing for the past 8 years without collecting the taxes from previous management of the airline. We assure the general public that Air Nigeria cannot be intimidated by this crude approach and will not be ready to give bribe to any person no matter how highly placed. We will brief the general public as the issue progresses. ”It should be noted that since the commencement of international operations on the Lagos - London route, Air Nigeria has become the object of an orchestrated attacks that show clearly that this is a case of the voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau.

“In following the external influence, local staff of the airline went on strike in May for May salary which the management has resolved amicably. As the airline was coming out of that, the news of it being grounded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) infiltrated town. Again, as the airline was coming out of this with a clean bill of health, barely two days after, the airline is yet invaded in a military manner”, it stated. “We suspect that one other line of action will be coming in the coming week to further attempt to damage us in the public eye; but we assure the

instigator of such uncivilized approach that Air Nigeria will not compromise its corporate values and development strategy. ”We therefore consider the FIRS action as uncivilised and condemnable”, it further stated. The FIRS has said the arrest of Mr. Kayssay is in pursuit of the drive by the Service to recover over N170.1 billion outstanding taxes owed government by various public and private organisations as well as ensure that all taxpayers are captured in the tax net. Air Nigeria was also accused of failure to file its annual tax returns for 2011 as and when due, while the one for 2012 is still pending, contrary to Section 31 of the VAT Act No. 12 of 2007.

‘Dana Air will resume full operations soon’ Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

arring any unforeseen circumstances after going through the necessary checks on their aircrafts both at home and abroad, management of Dana Airline, Operator of the MD 83 aircraft that killed all its passengersand others on ground earlier this month will soon commence full operations. The company said against popular opinions in the aviation industry that finding

from investigators regarding the remote and immediate cause o f the crash will not be allowed to inaction of similarincident in the past in its quest to return to the sky. Speaking yesterday in Lagos, the airline’s Head of Quality Department, Engineer Dave Sambo affirmed that the company has not stop carrying out all the necessary checks and maintenance as recommended by regulators even has it look forward to resuming the airline normal

flight schedules. Disclosing that the management of the airline has applied for permission to send one of the planes abroad for its mandatory C- check, Sambo said “from our policy point of view and our maintenance point of view, we do not regard our MD83 aircraft as being inferior to any aircraft flying in this country technically. So, we are hopeful that Dana airline will come back and for that reason, we are maintaining our aircraft for

continuous air worthiness status of these remaining airplanes” Speaking on the alleged contaminated fuel said to have caused the crash of the ill-fated aircraft on June 3rd in Lagos as allegedly reported in the preliminary finding on the cause of the crash, Sambosaid the management has not received any report to that effect from the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), the agency responsible for carrying out findings in Nigeria.

. . . hearing on inquest adjourned to July 12 By Muhammad Sada

coroner inquest, investigating the c i r c u m s t a n c e s surrounding the Dana Air crash of June 3, which commenced sitting in Lagos on Monday has been adjourned till July 12th.

The main reason for the adjournment was to enable both the counsel for the coroner and the affected parties to be served with the proper order of summons as well as prepare for the inquest. At the inaugural sitting of the Coroner Inquest on Monday, at

the premises of Alimosho Magistrate Court, Abule-Egba, Lagos, the Chief Coroner asked the lawyers to furnish the court with the names of those required to appear before it, so that hearing summons would be issued on them. Mrs. Funmi Falana, who

represented one of the petitioners, told the court that in line with Section 32 of the Rules of the Court, it was for the court to list and issue hearing summons on the relevant agencies and individuals, who are to give evidence before the court to carry out its statutory obligation.

SAHCOL kicks off construction of ultra modern cargo warehouse From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

he Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), said it has kick-started the construction of an ultra-modern Custom Bonded Cargo Warehouse at the Murtala

Mohammed International Airport Cargo Complex in Lagos. The custom Bonded warehouse, which is expected to be the first of its kind in the West African Sub Region, will include, among others a Cold Room, Strong Room, Racks, Office block of two (2) floors

(covering a total space of 800 square meters per floor) and a loading bay, with four (4) loading gates. According to the spokesperson Mr. Basil Agboarumi, the 9000 square meters cargo warehouse will be designed and fabricated

by Remco Romania, a division of the Remco Group of companies, with itsheadquarters in the Netherlands. He said the construction, which is expected to be completed within nine (9) months, is being handled by Mazin Engineering, a Zen Group Subsidiary.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 21

By Miriam Humbe with agency report

ankari National Park, a large wildlife park is located in the southcentral part of Bauchi state in North-Eastern Nigeria. It covers an area of about 2,244 km² (870 mi²) and is home to several natural warm water springs, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its location in the heartland of the West African savannah makes it a unique way for tourists and holidaymakers to watch wildlife in its natural habitat. Yankari was designated and opened as Nigeria's biggest national park in 1991. It is the most popular destination for tourists in Nigeria and, as such, plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of tourism and eco-tourism in Nigeria. It is also one of the most popular ecodestinations in West Africa. At inception, the reserve covered an area of 2,244 sq km, and harboured a wide range of prized indigenous wildlife, including baboons, monkeys, warthogs, hippopotamuses, lions and leopards. Other animals included buffalo, gannet, roan antelope, bubal hartebeest and spotted hyena.

lso in the reserve were African elephants, African hunting dogs, cheetahs, giraffes, western kobs, red-fronted gazelles, bucks and stripped-hyenas. It also hosted water-ducks, Grimm's duckers, oribi and red-flanked duckers. Available records show that the reserve also hosted more than 350 species of indigenous birds, 26 species of fish, seven species of amphibians and 17 species of African reptiles. The reserve was at different times managed by different governments and their agencies. For instance, it was transferred from the defunct Northern Nigeria Government to the North-Eastern State Government in 1967. With the creation of Bauchi state, the management of the reserve fell under its control in 1976. However, in 1990, the Bauchi state government sought the intervention of the Federal Government to save the reserve from extinction when it was clear that it could not effectively manage it. The park was reverted to the state government in 2005, following an amendment of the National Parks Act by the National Assembly. Stakeholders have argued that the handing over of the reserve to the Bauchi state government was a good decision, pointing out to the provision of improved infrastructure in the reserve since its takeover in 2006. Although, the exact population of the species of animals in the reserve is unknown, their numbers have depleted over the years, with the loss of its prized species due to neglect and mismanagement. This may not be unconnected primarily to either the activities of poachers, adverse weather

An elephant roaming in the popular game reserve

Government’s effort enhancing Yankari Game Reserve’s potential

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state conditions or other natural phenomena. The reserve is also at the risk of losing some of its endemic species of elephants due to several years of unchecked encroachment and poaching. Experts have also expressed concern over the gradual extinction of some of the reserve's finest and unique species of flora due to the depletion of its forest resources by human encroachment. To regenerate and further boost the animal population in the reserve, the Bauchi state government in 2006 received some 300 animals from Namibia, including Giraffe, Eland, Kudu, Impala and Zebra.

s good as the Namibian gesture was, it was realised that the animals were alien to West Africa, and needed to be specially fed to protect them from premature deaths. The animals were fenced in an area of about eight sq. km., with a provision of N750, 000 monthly allowances. The state government recently enlisted the services of 20 local hunters to check encroachment and the menace of poachers, to ensure a 24-hour patrol of the protected areas of the 55-year-old West African ecotourism park. Besides, the government said that four additional rangers' posts have been established in four villages to ensure effective surveillance of the reserve in the host communities.

The government's effort received a boost when a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), “The Friends of Yankari (FOY)'', donated equipment to ease patrol of the protected areas by the rangers. The action was further complemented by the U.S.-based Wildlife Conservation Society, which offered to support the antipoaching efforts for a period of one year. Beside these efforts, the rangers claim that the activities of poachers were a threat to the survival and regeneration of animals in the reserve.

he state government has taken steps to fast-track the transformation of the reserve into money spinning ecotourism centre, and has concluded plans to establish a branch of a commercial bank at the reserve.

other animals in the reserve

It has also offered to establish a website to enable tourists to have first-hand information on the tourism potential of the state. In addition, the state government has also signed a MoU with two South African tourism firms and a British tourism outfit for effective and proper management of the reserve. The state government says plans are also underway to ensure more private sector participation in the management of the reserve. Analysts have called for more private sector participation in the transformation process to guarantee its sustainable management process. This, they say, is the surest way to launch Bauchi state and indeed Nigeria, in the world tourism map, and increase government capacity to generate more revenue from the tourism industry.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Sanusi explains CBN’s donations to bomb blast victims C By Lawrence Olaoye

entral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on Monday, told the House of Representatives that he acted within statutory powers to donate millions of naira to bomb blast victims in the country. Sanusi made the clearance when he appeared before the House Committee on Banking and Currency investigating the alleged expenditures made by the CBN and Assets Management Corporation of

Nigeria (AMCON) without recourse to appropriation. The CBN governor explained that the money was approved in line with policy framework and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. He also disclosed that the N620 billion bail-out fund injected into the eight troubled banks following special examination conducted in 2009 was limited to its statutory role as the 'lender-of-last-resort' as provided by section 42(2) of the CBN Act 2007. He maintained that the

N620 billion loan "simply involved an asset creation in the balance sheet of the CBN and falls within the unique powers of the bank to create money. It did not involve using money from any existing funds in the Treasury. The loan was duly approved by both the Committee of Governors and the Board of Directors of the bank." Meanwhile, the management of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) yesterday explained it has injected the sum of N1.742 trillion into

major sectors of the nation's economy. AMCON’s Executive Director, Abbas Jega, who gave details of the investment while appearing before the House of Representatives committee on Banking and Currency investigating the alleged expenditures made by the CBN and AMCON, stated that 87 percent of the revenue was raised by bonds issued by the corporation while 13 percent of the revenue came from debenture which the CBN subscribed to up to 12 percent.

R-L: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, Minister of State for Agriculture, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, and Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development in FCT, Mrs. Olvadi Bema Madayi, during the flag-off of the distribution of subsidised inputs for farmers under the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS), at the weekend in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

LCCI kicks against fixed tariff charge From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to review the new payment of monthly fixed tariff charge ranging from N500 to over N100,000. The Director-General of LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf made the call on Monday in Lagos, while reviewing the new electricity tariff regime, which the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Minister of Power, Professor Bath Nnaji have argued was a major plank of the power sector reform. Yusuf stressed that the imposition of fixed charge, irrespective of whether there is power supply or not, is exploitative and would encourage inefficiency. He said “The payment of monthly fixed charge ranging from 500 to over N100,000 is a cause for worry. There is no justification for this under the current tariff regime since the tariff is now cost reflective. Imposition of fixed charge, irrespective of whether there is power supply or not, is exploitative and would

encourage inefficiency and should therefore be reviewed”. Arguing that it will still be cheaper, even with the review, than individual firms or households providing electricity through generators powered by diesel, petrol generators or LPFO, Yusuf said “It must be made clear here that electricity consumer should not be made to pay for inefficiency or corruption costs”. “It is important to evaluate the elements of the current costs especially the integrity of procurement processes and other operational expenditure under the current dispensation. The risk of bloated costs is typically high with public sector projects and operations”, he added. According to the LCCI Director General, pricing is only one component, although it is fundamental in the reform process. “There are other issues such as the gas availability, security of gas infrastructures; adequacy of investment in gas infrastructure; the unbundling of the PHCN and subsequent privatization; security and adequacy of the transmission

lines; the inherent labour issues; and the general framework to mitigate the risk of investment in the sector”, he said. “All these need to be sorted out in order to inspire the confidence of investors”, he added. The industrialist, who emphasised that the concession

given to the poor under the new tariff regime is commendable, however said, “It is desirable to extend similar gesture to real sector activities in the economy to encourage job creation. All things considered, it is desirable to give the reform initiative a chance. Not reforming the sector is clearly not an option”.

Shell reduces gas flaring by 60% in 9 yrs By Muhammad Nasir

hell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Joint Venture has stated that it reduced gas flaring in Nigeria by over 60 per cent from 0.6billion cubic feet per day in 2002 to 0.2bcf/d in 2011, after spending over $3billion on associated gas gathering infrastructure. The senior executives of the parent company also recently hosted the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, at the group's headquarters in the Netherlands to discuss other issues of national

interest. Shell Nigeria's Media Relations Manager, Mr. Tony Okonedo, said recently in a statement that the company's contribution to efforts to end gas flaring in the country made it to be among the best of its peers in amount of flaring per volume of oil produced. He noted that during the visit of the minister of petroleum to the company's headquarters in the Netherlands, the issue of gas flaring was also discussed. Okonedo disclosed that since 2000, the Joint Venture has spent more than $3 billion on associated gas gathering infrastructure.

Diamond Bank tasks customers on e-business transactions By Abdulwahab Isa

o ensure safer, faster and easier banking transactions, Diamond Bank Plc at the weekend advised all stakeholders in the banking sector to embrace technological innovations, also identified as “ebusiness”. Specifically, Diamond Bank, according to a statement, has appealed to its numerous customers and other stakeholders to adopt e-business as part of measures to move the Nigeria’s economy forward, adding that “ebusiness is fast becoming the new normal”. Speaking at the 2012 ebusiness awards and dinner, Diamond Bank Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alex Otti, who was represented by Executive Director, Risk Management/ Group Chief Risk Officer, Caroline Anyanwu, appealed to customers to embrace the unfolding change in the sector without delay. During the ceremony, which marked the end of the 2012 Cards, Mobile and ATM Expo, Diamond Bank Plc was honoured with an award for its contributions towards the development of ebusiness in Nigeria. The Minister of Communications and Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, in her speech urged Nigerians to support the ebusiness initiatives.

OPEC’s income up N41.1tr in 2011 By Muhammad Nasir

trong oil prices allied with higher production to boost Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)’s crude export earnings by a whopping $257 billion (N41.1 trillion) to an all time high in 2011 and the income is set to break another record, according to official US data. The income of the 12-nation OPEC, which pumps just over 40 per cent of the global crude supply, peaked at nearly $1,026 billion in 2011 compared with $769 billion in 2010, showed the figures by the Energy Information Agency (EIA) of the US Energy Department. Its forecasts showed the group’s revenue could break the 2011 record and climb to 1,154 billion in 2012 before slipping to about $1.117 billion in 2013. A breakdown showed Saudi Arabia, sitting atop a fifth of the world’s recoverable crude deposits, was the largest earner within the 42-year-old OPEC, with its income climbing to a record high of $311 billion from $222 billion.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

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PAGE 25

The lamentable lot of Nigerian widows As the world marks the International Widows’ Day on Saturday, Augustine Aminu takes a look at the plight of Nigerian widows over the years.

igerian widows face daunting challenges, not least of the making of their erstwhile inlaws. Clearly, their late husbands’ relatives are their tormentors-in-chief, and more often than not, the reason is invariably about inheritance. The bottom line is always who becomes the heir to the deceased’s wealth. Such a widow usually finds herself in a battle too big to fight. Her major headache is also that her children are either too young to defend their mothers or too naïve to understand the ordeal their mothers pass through. Many widows die or are maimed.

Barrister Elizabeth Isola, a women’s rights activist stated that the plight of widows in Nigeria is lamentable because they are not empowered. Most of them, according to her, depend on their husbands for their upkeep. Even worse for some, is the fact that some men in Nigeria see no reason why their wives should be their next-of-kin. “It is a pity that some men use their brothers as their next-of-kin. This makes it impossible for such a widow to become the heir to her husband’s property. At times, widows are called murderers,” she lamented. She cites the traditional

institution in Nigeria as one of the greatest obstacles in her fight for the rights of widows. “We don’t have evidences and the law still respects the culture. In most cases, we don’t have any law guiding their operations. We solicit for legislation to this effect. There is also no law in Nigeria that specifically protects widows’ rights. We still rely on the English law which comes into effect through the court marriage. The other aspect of the Nigerian constitution that protects the widows is the fundamental human rights.” It was gathered that over eighty percent of Nigerian widows, who fall into this

Some widows socialising at a get-together organised by GEM recently

category, are not educated or lack the skills to sustain themselves. They are thus subjected to inhuman treatment, squalid life and very vulnerable. Perhaps succour might just be around the corner, thanks to the Gathering of Eagles Ministries. A faithbased organisation, Gathering of Eagles Ministries is into finding succour to the plight of the thousands of widows languishing at every nook and cranny of the country. The group, which also extends its magnanimity to orphans and the needy, came into existence in June 2009 with a presence in six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Pastor Emmanuel Isola, who is the founder/President of the group, said the organisation was founded to trace indigent widows and the needy at large and give them a sense of belonging. “Eagles are a special kind of birds and can fly over 10, 000 kilometres with their eyes focused. The Gathering of Eagles locates widows, orphans and the less

GEM widows

privileged at every nook and cranny of this country to find them succour. It has been in existence since in 2009. We shall celebrate our two years’ anniversary on June 25, which is after the World’s Widows’ Day celebration on 23 June, 2012.” Although the number of widows in Nigeria is not clear, statistics show that they are many. Pastor Emmanuel Isola says the widows that his organisation currently provides for are in thousands. “At the onset, we had 375 widows. Today we have over 1, 200 widows in Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and Enugu states,” he disclosed. “The degree at which people help widows in Nigeria is still low. Our research shows that it is not unconnected with the fact that they don’t have a common forum where they could be reached out. Again, very many nongovernmental organisations are not into widowhood arrangement. It is also alleged that some o r g a n i s a t i o n s misappropriate funds

donated to them,” he added. Making a case for widows in Nigeria, Pastor Isola however, urged donors to examine the operations of all the bodies claiming to render services to the needy before making donations. He said, “The Nigerian Navy attended our programme for widows sometime ago to find out how we operate and to know if we are sincere with our activities. They were overwhelmed and they supported us tremendously. We also get support from the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Social Development Secretariat of the FCDA. They praised our accountability. We serve humanity. Our income and expenditure account is regularly sent to our partners for scrutiny. And the widows are in the know of our operations. “We don’t have much government support for now. Our partners are everybody. We sell our ideas to people in the society who have the passion for widows. We tell them that there are many widows on the streets begging

for empowerment. Many people have come to identify with us. Presently we have about 80 partners. We encourage them to donate one percent of their income, but some people give whatever they can. “Our slogan is ‘don’t throw anything away’. There are people who need those things you feel they are old. Bring your fairly used things and we embrace them. We gather these items and take them to the doorsteps of people who need them. Some widows cannot afford school bags for their children, and other basic items. But some people still give us brand new items. We also give them food items.” The sorry plight of widows is not an isolated Nigerian problem, but a global matter. As such, June 23 every year has been slated for the celebration of the World’s Widows’ Day. According to the founder of the Gathering of Eagles Ministries, “The Lumba Foundation started

it around 2005. Presently the United Nations approved it to be celebrated every 23 of June. We make efforts to ensure that it is celebrated in Nigeria. It is the platform for widows to come around and we celebrate them. People also come around and deliberate on how children of widows should be catered for. We use it to sensitise the public that these people urgently need assistance.” He said his organisation was open to all categories of widows, both the educated, the uneducated; the working class and jobless ones. According to him, “This organisation is not only meant for poor widows. Some of them are well-to-do and support their poor colleagues. They are not the widows we reach out to primarily, but we make them our stakeholders. A part of our efforts is to make the widows remarry. We lecture them and some actually remarry, and care for their children. We also teach them how they can be a single mother and live a fulfilled life.”

He lamented that the challenge of taking care of the widows was herculean as, according to him, due to their vulnerable nature, they are prone to vices and

exploitation. “We need money to empower widows. We give them interest-free loans and the multiplier effect has been tremendous. We fix them in

Pastor Emmanuel Folunsho Isola

jobs which they can do. We are currently looking for a piece of land where we can build low-income houses for these widows. Some of them live in houses and cannot pay rents. We also pay their children’s school fees when the need arises. We have the data of their respective family members and we have a dossier of their needs. They tell us what they need and we intervene accordingly. One high point we had was when we gave a widow some furniture we collected from a home and she fainted. It was in Abuja. We gave one a bag of rice for Christmas. Because she owed a house rent, her landlord seized the rice as part of the rent,” Pastor Isola declared. He said his organisation had a legal department where the issues of widows whose rights are trampled upon are handled. “We have a legal department. We go to court when the need arises. We intervene appropriately when they are being cheated by their families. In most cases, their brothers-in-law confiscate their late husbands’ property. We are also seriously working on influencing bills at both state and National assemblies for the protection of widows’ rights. Presently in Enugu, the bill for the rights of widows has been passed. We want to work on that nationally. We also sensitise husbands to use their wives as their next-of-kin.” On the forthcoming international widows’ day on June 23, Emmanuel said, “Ten countries have already celebrated it, and Nigeria is joining them this year. We do it in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs. There will be lectures by women’s affairs minister, concert by widows, football matches for widows, dancing and drama.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Hyundai Azera Sedan: Sensible luxury

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 entrylevel versions of cars from premium brands like Acura, Infiniti and Lexus. As part of this effort, this all-new 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 test 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 sixspeed 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 under 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 6-footers. Furthermore, the driver seat features a wealth of adjustments to fine-tune it to you particular preference. The Azera isn't quite as 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 car 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. Source: Edmund.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 29

The Black Smiths Daughter By Myne Whitman

BOOK REVIEW

f you're a fan of the style of Chinua Achebe, who happens to be Ngozi's uncle, this book will not disappoint. The main story is that of Onaedo, a young teenager of Igbo ethnicity, in the time before the English colonialists made our geographic space a country called Nigeria. The novel is engaging and swiftpaced but also manages to be serious and moving. Onaedo The Blacksmith's daughter is a work of fiction and the tale of two women separated by four hundred years of history. Maxine, a modern American woman who is half-white and half-African comes across a set of diaries written by a slave in the 16th century and tries to write a book about it. She uses elements of the discovered diaries in her book and also information she has discovered herself based on ancient stories retold to her by a collaborator. The main character in the book, Onaedo, an Igbo girl, the daughter of a renowned blacksmith, starts her life in an idyllic town in the heart of West Africa, with her own trials and tribulations as a young, independent minded girl growing up in a traditional society. There are poignantly drawn sharp storylines and an unforgettable cast of characters and villains as the story moves to a tiny sugar plantation island off

the coast of West Africa and pulls a curtain back to reveal the life of the colonialists in the 16th century where there are twists and unexpected turns from beginning to end. Myne Whitman's Review For: Onaedo The Blacksmith's daughter is absorbing and fun in equal parts, and will keep you turning the pages. The cast are each treated as interesting, individual characters, and we see the points of view of several of them. The subject of slavery makes the last half of the book sad and provocative, but not depressing. Against: The style of the book changes half way from a more relaxed storytelling mode to a fast narration. This makes it more difficult to connect emotionally to the characters in the latter part. Some sections of the book are quite touching, with descriptions of death which might not sit well with those looking for a more lighthearted read or those without a stomach for such things. It is a not so pleasant surprise to get to the end and see that the book seems set up for a sequel. This might be just me, but a more rounded up ending would have been preferable. High Points - The novel opens with an epilogue from the point of view of Maxine. She is waiting to receive the first copy of the book she has just had published. She has been able to piece the story in the book from centuries old letters she obtained from some ladies. As she begins to read, we move into the story of

Onaedo. This is a great gimmick and the fiction within a fiction gives a stronger sense of believability. - The main book is about the not-so-idyllic life of Onaedo. Her daily struggles of being a woman in a patriachal society and how she deals with life, love and along the way, an unloving husband. In the later part of the novel, she is captured and sold into slavery through the actions of two Portuguese traders. We also see a bit of what only has to be ancient Bini Kingdom called Delta City in the book. Through the eyes of Onaedo's father, brother, mother, and aunt, we get glimpses of a more rounded society and the interactions that glued society together including their myths and traditions. General Onaedo - The Blacksmith's daughter is told from the perspective of a young Igbo woman who would still be a girl by today's standards. She has her group of friends, her family and a man she loves, who also loves her back. The main story begins with Onaedo making plans with her lover to find a way and get married even though he is poor and not up to the standards expected of her as the daughter of an influential and wealthy blacksmith and adviser to the king. Onaedo's life does not go according as she would have wished but she makes the best of the hand she's been dealt. It is over two hundred pages into

The book front cover

the book before she is captured. This suspense serves a narrative purpose, but might be frustrating for some readers.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Onaedo - The Blacksmith's daughter is a work of fiction and the tale of two women separated by four hundred years of history. Maxine, a modern American woman who is half-white and half-African comes across a set of diaries written by a slave in the 16th century and tries to write a book about it. She uses elements of the discovered diaries in her book and also information she has discovered herself based on ancient stories retold to her by a collaborator. Ngozi Achebe

However, Ngozi Achebe has done a great job of balancing a thoughtful look into issues of love, loss, and family with a more lighthearted tone and the accessible writing makes the book a quick read. Several issues are explored through the experiences of Onaedo and the other cast of characters; including the place of women in the society, killing of twins, and even the supernatural through an aunt who sees into the future. If you're looking for a book both thoughtful and entertaining, this is for you. You'll also learn a thing or two about precolonial life, how these people lived and their connections with the early European explorers and traders. In my opinion, Onaedo The Blacksmith's daughter breaks new ground in Nigerian literature by presenting a part of history that is rarely talked about. It is very well written and will surely bring Ngozi Achebe lots of accolades both in Nigeria and outside. Source: Nigerian Village Square

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Churchill, the e-book years: 40 digital volumes by late Prime Minister to be available next year By Daniel Bates

inston Churchill's works are being made available as e-books with the vast majority going digital for the first time in Britain. Some forty volumes will be made downloadable from now until next Spring including his famous 'A History of the English Speaking Peoples'. The deal has been done by New York based publishers RosettaBooks but Churchill's works will be available throughout the world, including the UK. The volumes will cost between £5 and £6 each and the first seven are set to go on sale on July 1. In addition to being a statesman and politician Churchill was also a

prolific writer and won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953. The judges at the time praised his 'mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values'. The works are likely to be made available on e-readers such as the Kindle and the Kobo ,though further details have not been announced. In an unusual move, RosettaBooks has made a deal that covers global rights and not just individual countries. Some of Churchill's works have been digitised before including his six-volume history of World War II but were only available in North America.RosettaBooks Chief Executive Arthur Klebanoff said that Churchill's writing stood the test

Title: Rose of Eden By Arthur Alexandra Apeh Ojima Oh! Princess! What an extra-ordinary name With fabulous surface Oh! Daffodil can tell better. Hey prince What do you see? Immortal beauty of a dove Dove! Dove!! Oh! Dove!!!

Churchill's works will be digitised so they can be read on e-book devices like the Kindle

Sir Winston Churchill's famous 'A History of the English peaking Peoples' is among the volumes being made available on e-book readers

of time because of its sheer quality. He said: 'There are only two American figures who have done something comparable, Teddy Roosevelt who wrote 50 books and Richard Nixon who wrote around 10. 'It's wildly unusual to have a world leader who is also a writer, especially when they were such an important figure for 60 years. 'And Churchill was an extraordinary writer. You could open one of his books at a random chapter and read it aloud and you'll find it's beautifully written. 'He didn't just win the Nobel Prize for Literature, he won it for a good reason.'

Gordon Wise, of London-based Curtis Brown Group, who represents the Churchill estate, said he was excited to be bringing more of the former Prime Minister's writings into the digital age. He said: 'Rosetta made a very strong commitment to the whole project, both in the start-up and for the longer term; with a highly competitive and ambitious package that we felt could not be bettered'. Mr Wise added a separate deal had been reached to digitise Churchill's papers currently being held at the Churchill Archive Centre in Cambridge Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Google’s data artists will inspire at Eyeo Festival By Kathryn Buford

ringing together pioneers in data science, arts and community engagement, the 2012 Eyeo Festival is sure to live up to its slogan: "Converge to Inspire." Speakers include innovators working at the intersections arts and data like Aaron Koblin, head of the Data Arts Team in Google's Creative Lab, and Fernda Viégas and Martin Wattenberg, who together lead Google's "Big Picture" visualization group. The 4-day festival is expected to have 500 attendees and takes place June 5th - June 8th in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Participants will attend panels, demos, interactive labs and keynotes at the Walker Art Center (the Festival Hub) and other venues throughout the city. Aaron Koblin is known for work like, The Sheep Market and Ten Thousand Cents, which use community-generated data to explore creative ways of relating through technology. Koblin's workshop, JavaScript Tools for HTML 5 Artists, explains the Google Data Arts Team's usage of dat.GUI for changing variables, three.js 3D engine and stats.js performance widget. Koblin will also lead the Data Arts session, which reviews the Google Data Arts team's current projects and libraries. Fernanda Viégas and Martin Watternberg (founders of Flowing

Media, Inc. and formerly of IBM's visual communication lab) create eclectic visualization based artwork, which has shown at institutions like the Museum of Modern Art NY and London Institute of Contemporary Arts. Viégas and Wattenberg's session, Seeing Invisible Influences, will explore "how we use visualization to spark the joy of revelation-

PEOPLES POEM OF THE WEEK

mapping the invisible forces that surround us, from social networks to the play of the wind." As the fields of data science and art continue to intersect, organizers believe events like Eyeo Festival can help us imagine new ways for harnessing big data and emerging technologies. "Access to data and tools continues to enter new realms…it's

open access to oceans of digitized archives and more and more APIs. What can we do with all this data? What can't we do? Artists, designers and coders build and bend technology and give us a glimpse into what's possible, into what's next." Source: Google Arts Festival

Oh! Perfect oha! Why do I love everything about thee? But I have met edikaikong from South Africa with beauty all over, And Editan from India Oh perfect oha! Even Atama from calaba, White soup from Jerusalem and Afang from Jos! And still, you are unforgettable. Oh! Oh!! Oh!!! Miss planet! What? Who?? And where??? Will I compare thee with? Oh! Disciple of love Is it pacific ocean Which I can drink the whole a minute call? Angel! How special is Bill gate, Bill Clinton, Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Good luck Jonathan, Obama or your colleague Queen Elizabeth??? To compare thee with? Oh! I canâ•™t. Oh! Rose of Eden! I will set room 101 for thee! Manchester for your honey moon! Chelsea for your bachelor Eve and Our kingdom shall be as big as paradise. Oh! Virgin Mary! I also wait patiently for thee Source: Online Nigeria

QUO TE UOTE There is something that is much more scarce, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability. –– Robert Half

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

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A Celtic message to Palestine

Mahmoud Sarsak

ANALYSIS By Andrew McFadyen

n the final day of the Scottish football season, one of the biggest crowds in Europe turned up to watch Celtic FC being crowned champions. Nearly 60,000 fans danced and sang as their heroes demolished Edinburgh club Heart of Midlothian 5-0. Anthems such as "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "The Celtic Song" mingled with tributes to players past and present. Then something different happened. For a few minutes, in one corner of the stadium, a flurry of Palestinian flags flew proudly amidst the green and white colours of the home supporters. A banner appeared reading: "Dignity is More Precious than Food." This display of support for Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails was organised by members of the Green Brigade, a well-known "ultras" group who describe themselves as left-wing, anti-racist and anti-sectarian. An unnamed spokesman told the "We are all Hana Shalabi" website: "We did this in solidarity, to raise awareness and because it's the right thing to do. We want Palestinians to know we are thinking about them and encourage Scottish civil society to look at the injustice in Palestine." Palestinian and Basque flags have been flown at Celtic Park since at least the 1980s. Celtic's

identification with left-wing causes is said to reflect the sometimes bitter experience of the Scots-Irish community from which it sprang. For most of the 20th century, Irish immigrants to Scotland faced prejudice and discrimination. Catholics were excluded from skilled trades and denied jobs in many of Glasgow's shipyards and engineering workshops. Celtic's great rivals, Rangers, the club of the Scottish Protestant establishment, reflected this intolerance with their own sectarian signing policy - refusing to enlist Catholic players - a policy which continued well into the 1980s. Historian David Potter, who has written over 20 books about Celtic, told Al Jazeera that their success "provided a rallying point for the Irish community and gave them their selfrespect". Many Celtic fans today regard the Palestinian struggle for national freedom and equality as similar to their own. Potter commented: "Ulster and Israel are similarly

artificially created states. They were created by the British as an attempt to retain their influence, even if this was at the expense of naked and brutal suppression of those who disagreed." On the other side of the city, Rangers fans fly the Israeli flag alongside the Union Jack. Some Ulster Unionists make a connection between their own minority status on the island of Ireland and Israel, standing alone against its foes in a hostile region. Other Rangers supporters fly the Star of David as a tribute to the club's former Israeli defender, Avi Cohen, who died tragically young in a motorcycle accident in 2010. However, Alasdair McKillop from the Rangers Supporters Trust says the Israeli flags at Ibrox are largely a manifestation of the tit-for-tat dynamics of Glasgow's intense football rivalry. He told Al Jazeera: "I don't think many Rangers fans would list 'support for Israel' if you asked them what they thought it meant to be a Rangers fan. But in the world of Rangers and Celtic, every action has an equal and opposite reaction." The sporting significance of this cultural divide is likely to grow, as Palestine's national team attempts to qualify for major tournaments and Israel looks forward to hosting the UEFA Under-23 Championship in 2013. Palestine was accepted as a FIFA member in 1998, after the creation of the Palestinian

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Authority. Nabhan Khraishi, spokesman for the Palestinian Football Association, said they are "using sport to deliver a message to the world". A national team is a powerful symbol among a nation without a state, but progress has been difficult. In 2009, three Palestinian footballers, Ayman Alkurd, Shadi Sbakhe and Wajeh Moshtahe were among those killed during the bombing of Gaza. The National Stadium and the offices of the Palestinian Football Association were also destroyed. "We are facing harassment from the Israelis," Khraishi told Al Jazeera. "Our players - and even our technical teams - are not allowed to move freely between Gaza and the West Bank, and are held up at international borders." When Palestine played their first competitive home international last year, an Olympic qualifier against Thailand, eight Gaza-based players were stopped from making the short journey to Ramallah for the match. "We are asking international organisations to pressure Israel to allow us freedom of movement," said Khraishi. "We are appealing to all sports clubs to stand with us." Amir Ofek, press attache at the Israeli embassy in London, denied that Israel was deliberately targeting players. He told Al Jazeera that "almostdaily missile attacks" launched on Israel from Gaza were the only reason for imposing travel restrictions on Palestinians.

Sarsak is one of 300 Palestinian prisoners being held under "administrative detention", a procedure used to hold suspects for potentially unlimited time without trial.

He added that Israel had the right to control who and what entered the Palestinian territories because of the security situation - and that it had to conduct checks to stop materials being brought in that could potentially be used for "hostile activity". Most pressing of all is the case of Palestinian footballer, Mahmoud Sarsak, whose life is said to be at grave risk after beginning a hunger strike on March 19. Sarsak is one of 300 Palestinian prisoners being held under "administrative detention", a procedure used to hold suspects for potentially unlimited time without trial. He has been in Israeli custody since July 2009, when he was detained at a checkpoint as he travelled from his home in Gaza to join the Palestinian national squad for a match at the Balata Refugee Camp in the northern West Bank. The recent wave of hunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners has mobilised widespread support and cut across differences of faith and geography. There are now wider calls from civic Scotland for a sporting boycott of Israel. Pauline McNeill, a former member of the Scottish parliament and a prominent pro-Palestinian activist, told Al Jazeera that UEFA should reconsider its decision to hold its Under-23 Championship in Israel in 2013. "Nelson Mandela said the sporting boycott was hugely significant in breaking the Apartheid Regime in South Africa," she said. "I believe it is time to make a stand that this is unacceptable. Amongst other things I believe that UEFA should not endorse the actions of Israel by playing the tournament in Israel as if it's just business as usual." The new Scottish football season kicks-off in August. There are growing fears that Mahmoud Sarsak may never play again. Source: Al-Jazeera.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 32

Both sides claim victory in Egypt elections US military expands covert intelligence operations in Africa

he US military is expanding its secret intelligence operations across Africa, establishing a network of small air bases to spy on terrorist hideouts from the fringes of the Sahara to jungle terrain along the equator, according to documents and people involved in the project. At the heart of the surveillance operations are small, unarmed turboprop aircraft disguised as private planes. Equipped with hidden sensors that can record fullmotion video, track infrared heat patterns, and vacuum up radio and cellphone signals, the planes refuel on isolated airstrips favoured by African bush pilots, extending their flight range by thousands of kilometres. About a dozen air bases have been established in Africa since 2007, according to a former senior US commander involved in setting up the network. Most are small operations run out of secluded hangars at African military bases or civilian airports. The extent of the missions have not been previously reported but are partially documented in public US defence department contracts. The operations have intensified in recent months, part of a growing shadow war against al-Qaida affiliates and other militant groups. The surveillance is overseen by US Special Operations forces but relies heavily on private military contractors and support from African troops. The surveillance underscores how special operations forces, which have played an outsized role in the Obama administration's national security strategy, are working clandestinely all over the globe, not just in war zones. The lightly equipped commando units train foreign security forces and perform aid missions, but they also include teams dedicated to tracking and killing suspected terrorists. A key hub of the US spying network can be found in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, one of the most impoverished countries in Africa. Under a classified surveillance programme codenamed Creek Sand, dozens of US personnel and contractors have come to Ouagadougou in recent years to establish a small air base on the military side of the international airport.

Egyptians have started gathering in Tahrir Square to protest against recent rulings made by the Military Council [EPA] campaign spokesman for the "General Ahmed Shafik is the Meanwhile, Cairo braced for former Egyptian prime next president of Egypt,'' said protests on Tuesday against the minister says Ahmed Shafik Sarhan, adding that the candidate ruling military's bid to grab new has won the Egyptian presidential won some 500,000 votes more powers. election, countering the Muslim than Morsi, of the fundamentalist The Brotherhood is expected to Brotherhood's claims that its Brotherhood. participate in the yesterday's candidate was the winner. Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna, afternoon protests, called by several Ahmed Sarhan has told a reporting from Cairo, said these groups which had participated in televised news conference that claims do not come as a surprise. Egypt's 2011 uprising, against Shafik won 51.5 per cent of the vote. "What we have at the moment measures by the ruling military He said the claim of victory by is both sides claiming they have council to claim sweeping powers. Shafiq's rival Mohammed Morsi won, and both sides are using Our correspondent said the was "false". exactly the same figures," he said. crowd at the moment has not

reached huge numbers. "It is very small at the moment, with people gathering but in their hundreds, not in their thousands," he said. "There is very much a sense at the moment is to wait for the official results from the Presidential Election Commission." Just as counting began in the pivotal presidential polls late Sunday, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) issued a constitutional declaration claiming legislative power after a constitutional court ruling ordered parliament dissolved. The declaration also grants the council veto power over the wording of a new permanent constitution and appeared to interfere with the ability of the incoming president to exercise his powers. With official results in the presidential poll, the first since the uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak, not expected before Thursday, both camps claimed victory for their candidates. At yesterday's press conference, Morsi's campaign released what they said were the certified figures transmitted by election officials to the electoral commission, which they said showed their candidate taking 52 percent of the vote. Egyptian state media reported that counts showed Morsi ahead. "After the counting was finished in all of Egypt's 27 provinces, indications show that Mohammed Morsi has won 51 per cent and Ahmed Shafik won 49 per cent," the state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper said on its website. A confirmed win for Mursi would mark the first time the Islamists have taken the presidency of the Arab world's most populous nation.

Sudan crackdown on independent newspapers

hree Sudanese newspapers were ordered by the government not to distribute their Sunday issues at the weekend after they had printed them. The move is seen is an escalation of the government's campaign against press freedom ahead of plans by the authorities to end fuel subsidies. Independent Sudanese newspapers have been experiencing an increased

government crackdown in recent weeks, usually exercised by its controversial security wing, the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). It was the NISS that issued orders to the dailies Al-Ahdath, Al-Watan and Al-Jarida not to distribute their Sunday print runs. No reasons were given. Later, the same papers were told they could not send Monday's editions to the presses until approved by an NISS

agent. These moves indicate the return of the pre-publication censorship system under which Sudanese newspapers suffered in recent years before it was officially suspended in 2009. Another title, Al-Midan, the weekly mouthpiece of the opposition Sudanese communist party, has received orders not to publish for a month. Al-Jarida's editor-in-chief, Osman Shinger, told AFP that

the publisher had incurred "heavy financial losses" because it could not distribute. He said: "They want to kick us out of the market. It is a bad thing for the freedom of expression in Sudan". Newspapers are under strict instructions by the NISS to refrain from reporting statements by South Sudanese officials or Sudanese rebel groups from the western region of Darfur or the border regions of South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

Australian minister heads to Libya to plead for lawyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s release

he Australian foreign minister, Bob Carr, is heading to Libya to intervene in the spiralling crisis over the arrest last week of international criminal court officials who were visiting the son of the former dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The four officials, including ICC public defender Melinda Taylor, an Australian, are accused by Libya of trying to pass unauthorised information to Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, who is being held prisoner in the mountain town of Zintan. Carr's visit comes after Nato, the United Nations security council and the ICC itself called for the release of the officials, who were travelling under the protection of diplomatic immunity. But Libyan prosecutors claim Taylor was seeking to pass

documents unrelated to the case to Saif, allegedly supplied by a friend of Saif's who has fled Libya to Cairo. On the eve of his visit, Carr said: "We will press the case that Ms Taylor is in Libya under the mandate of the ICC and United Nations security council, and this mandate provides a legal immunity." The crisis is threatening to overshadow Libya's preparations for national elections due to be held on 7 July, with the security council on Friday expressing serious concern over the arrest. Libya insists it will hold Taylor for 45 days while prosecutors launch an investigation. At the centre of the crisis are claims, yet to be substantiated, that Taylor was acting outside her mandate in passing documents not related to the ICC case to Gaddafi. If

true - and no evidence has yet been made public - this would constitute a serious breach of court rules. Saif, 39, is wanted by the ICC for charges of war crimes and

crimes against humanity. He was arrested by Zintan militia forces in November and remains under arrest in a boarded-up villa in the town.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi: four ICC officials are accused by Libya of trying to give unauthorised information to former dictator's son.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

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Pakistan court disqualifies Gilani as PM

he Pakistan People's Party (PPP), the nation's ruling party has "accepted" a Supreme Court order that has disqualified Yusuf Raza Gilani from his post as the prime minister of Pakistan.

Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan's president, has held emergency talks among top leaders in the ruling PPP following Tuesday's disqualification. The decision comes two months after Gilani, the nation's

longest-running prime minister, was convicted of contempt for refusing to ask Swiss authorities to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, state TV has reported. Yusuf Raza Gilani has become

disqualified from being member of the parliament," said chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, reading the order. "He has also ceased to be the prime minister of Pakistan with effect from the same date [April

Afghanistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s south rocked by deadly attacks

series of attacks has rocked southern Afghanistan over the last 24 hours, local officials have reported. Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith, reporting from Kabul, says up to seven attackers "breached the perimeter security fence" of a NATO base in southern Kandahar province. All of the attackers were shot before they could make it further into the base in the Shah Wali Kot district. Earlier on Tuesday, an hour-long gunbattle ensued between local police forces and fighters after fighters attacked a police checkpoint in the province's Zhari district. At least three policemen were killed in the gunfire that ensued. Another six people were injured, according to local officials. Tuesday's attacks followed another incident in Kandahar in which three gunmen in Afghan National Police uniforms killed a NATO service member in the latest "green-on-blue" insider attack. The three gunmen in Monday's attack fled after killing a US service member and injuring several others, Jamie Graybeal, a spokesman for the International Security Assistance Force, told the Associated Press.

Supreme Court has ordered the president to take steps to elect a new prime minister [EPA]

Prince Salman named Saudi crown prince

ing Abdullah, after the death of Crown Prince Nayef on Saturday, state TV says citing a royal decree. The 76-year-old prince will retain his role as defence minister, a post he was appointed to in October; he will also become the deputy prime minister. Salman served for nearly five decades as the governor of Riyadh, the desert metropolis which today houses more than five million people. He is seen as a less reactionary figure than Nayef, but still tends towards political conservatism. In a 2007 US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks, he argues against introducing democracy to Saudi Arabia because of regional and tribal divisions. "He [Salman] said that the [kingdom] is composed of tribes and regions, and if democracy were imposed, each tribe and region would have its political party," the cable said. He will be Saudi Arabia's third crown prince in less than a year: Nayef's predecessor, Prince Sultan, died in October of an unspecified illness.

In 2010, the Operation Moshtarak offensive, targeted Helmand's 'poppy-growing belt' [EPA]

Saudi Arabia has named Prince Salman its new crown prince, heir apparent to the 89-year-Old

26] and office of the prime minister shall be deemed to be vacant accordingly." The high court ordered Zardari to take steps to elect a new prime minister, state media reported. The court has asked the president to "honour democracy and appoint a new prime minister as quickly" as he can. Gilani, the nation's first-ever sitting prime minister to be convicted, can have the verdict reviewed but has no formal appeal process available to him, Al Jazeera's Imtiaz Tyab reported from Islamabad. "It's going to be very difficult for [Gilani] to come back from this," our correspondent said. On February 13, the nation's top court summoned Gilani to charge him with contempt of court over his refusal to ask Switzerland to investigate Zardari, who is also the head of the ruling Pakistan People Party, for money laundering. Gilani told the court he would never think of violating judicial orders, but said he could not write the letter because the head of state he enjoyed immunity under the constitution. The court's April decision has been considered controversial. Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has been accused of working to bring down the current administration before February 2013, when it would become the first in Pakistan to complete a full five-year term in office. The matter of disqualification fell first to the speaker of parliament, Fehmida Mirza, a member of the main ruling Pakistan People's Party, who on May 24 said conviction for contempt was not a charge that meant Gilani should be disqualified under the constitution. Gilani subsequently decided not to appeal his conviction in a move interpreted as an effort not to antagonise the court into disqualifying him. But senior opposition politicians, including cricket legend Imran Khan and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, challenged the ruling. The allegations against Zardari date back to the 1990s, when he and his late wife, former president Benazir Bhutto, are suspected of using Swiss bank accounts to launder an estimated $12m allegedly paid in bribes by companies seeking customs inspection contracts. The Swiss shelved the cases in 2008 when Zardari became president. Gilani has always insisted Zardari has full immunity as head of state and last month said that writing to the Swiss would be a violation of the constitution. He was briefly, but symbolically, held in the courtroom for his sentence, which ended as soon as the judges arose for the day after announcing the verdict.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

G20 leaders scramble to boost global growth T

he leaders of the world's major economies embarked on the final day of the G20 summit determined to kickstart growth and pull the eurozone back from the brink of disaster. European members gathered on Tuesday were under extraordinary pressure from their international counterparts to loosen their austerity programs and to allow the European Central Bank to open the lending floodgates. Germany's Angela Merkel, the driving force behind the eurozone's austere determination to privilege deficit busting over stimulus spending, has publicly stood her ground, although US officials say her position is softening. A draft version of the G20 final statement, which was to be finalized and published by the leaders on Tuesday, suggested that a form of words would be found that would commit the leaders to a pro-growth agenda. "All G20 members will take the necessary actions to strengthen global growth and restore confidence," it said, vowing that eurozone members would safeguard the stability of the single currency in the face of volatile markets. The version seen by the AFP news agency allowed no hint that Merkel or her allies might crumble and allow the ECB to pump out cash or to pool German debt with that of the weaker eurozone members in order to create low-interest eurobonds. But it contained a phrase that opened up the possibility of more lending and spending if the European economy continues to struggle. "Should economic conditions deteriorate significantly further, those countries with sufficient fiscal space stand ready to coordinate and implement discretionary fiscal actions to support domestic demand," the draft reads. Officials from eurozone countries also patted themselves on the back for remaining more or less united in the face of pressure from the United States, emerging powers, Britain and a skeptical media. EU Commission chairman Jose Manuel Barroso bristled at hostile questioning over why his rich continent needed so much support from abroad, declaring: "We are

certainly not coming here to receive lessons from nobody." US President Barack Obama

canceled a planned meeting with European G20 members after an official dinner hosted by Mexico's

President Felipe Calderon ran long, but White House aides said compromise was possible.

Protesters stand near the word "G20" formed from sawdust during a Mexico City rally against the summit [Reuters]

PKK and Turkish troops in deadly clashes

urkish soldiers and Kurdish fighters clashed in the most intense battles of the separatist conflict

this year, with 18 people killed in three army outposts in the southeast, Turklsh officials and security sources say.

Eight Turkish soldiers were killed and 16 wounded in PKK attacks on three army outposts in the southeast [EPA]

Up to 100 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) fighters launched simultaneous attacks at dawn on Tuesday on the three military observation points in Hakkari province near the mountainous border with Iraq, killing eight soldiers and wounding 16, the sources said. In subsequent clashes Turkish troops killed 10 PKK fighters, the Hakkari governor's office said. The attacks came at a time of new efforts in Turkey to address the grievances of the Kurdish minority to end a conflict that has scarred the region for three decades. "I curse this treacherous attack," President Abdullah Gul said in a statement. "The

Obama and Putin urge end to Syria violence

S President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have called for an "immediate" end to the Syria conflict, as 94

But Merkel, fast becoming a hate figure among Greeks, remained unmoved.

deaths were reported in a worsening artillery pounding of cities. The call on Monday by the rival powers was made as Russia

A severely damaged building is seen after shelling at the Al Qussoor area of Homs city on June 17, 2012 [Reuters]

reportedly prepared to send two warships with marines to its naval base in Syria, where UN monitors have suspended their patrols because of escalating violence. "In order to stop the bloodshed in Syria, we call for an immediate cessation of all violence," the two leaders said in a statement after meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Los Cabos, Mexico. "We are united in the belief that the Syrian people should have the opportunity to independently and democratically choose their own future," the two leaders said. Putin told reporters that he and Obama had found "many common points" on the 15-month-old uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. Obama said he and Putin agreed on the need for a "political process"

to halt the conflict and had pledged to work with UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan on the crisis. But there was little sign they had agreed a way to end the conflict which monitors say has now cost more than 14,400 lives. The US has voiced frustration at Russia's blocking of UN Security Council moves against Assad. Meanwhile, the head of the UN mission in Syria is to brief the Security Council on Tuesday about the deteriorating conflict. The US, Britain and France are working on a new UN Council resolution in which they want to threaten sanctions against Assad. But Russia, Syria's main international ally, and China have already blocked two resolutions which just hinted at measures.

terrorist group wants to sabotage the atmosphere of trust and stability and is continuing its inhumane bloody attacks." The head of Turkey's proKurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), whose members are frequently accused of ties to the fighters, made a striking call for the PKK to halt hostilities. "The PKK should stop all kinds of armed activity. The government should also halt [military] operations. Let them give a political solution a chance," Selahattin Demirtas, BDP chairman, told a meeting of the party's parliamentary group. "This war must end. The deaths must stop. We can't stand by and watch the youngsters kill each other." The PKK fighters began the co-ordinated attacks with rocket launchers and rifles on the outposts and operations were continuing against the armed group, the sources said. The fighters were believed to have crossed the border from northern Iraq. Several thousand PKK fighters are based in mountain hideouts in northern Iraq, from where they regularly launch attacks on state targets in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey. General Necdet Ozel, Turkish armed forces chief, rushed to the region, along with the commanders of the ground forces and paramilitary gendarmerie, Turkish media reported. The interior minister and a deputy prime minister also headed there.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 35

Woken up by ‘Death’: Grandmother fights off drunken neighbour who broke into her home dressed as the Grim Reaper Philip Evans, 35, handed suspended prison sentence for break-in By James White grandmother who woke to find an intruder dressed as the Grim Reaper standing in her bedroom ripped off his mask and discovered the man was her neighbour. Widow Sharron Mayers, 54, was fast asleep when she was woken by mystery man dressed as the Grim Reaper in a white mask and long black cape. Grandmother Mrs Mayers tried to sink her teeth into the 6ft 4in intruder - but had taken out her dentures before bed.A court heard she then bravely pulled the man's mask off to reveal her neighbour Philip Evans, 35. Mrs Mayers said: 'His arm was inches from my face so I thought: "I'll bite him". 'But unfortunately I'd taken my false teeth out at bedtime.' More... Drug-fuelled girl gang jailed over four-hour torture of 21-yearold woman, who was scarred for life... and they even posted pictures of attack on Facebook Police arrived at Mrs Mayers' home in Beaumaris, North Wales, to find he had smashed through her front door to give her the fright of her life. Mrs Mayers suffered minor injuries to her neck and arms and needed counselling and medication. Father-of-four Evans claimed admitted causing actual bodily harm to Mrs Mayers - but blamed it on a drunken prank. She told the court: 'It has cost me £1,000 to move house because

Don't fear the reaper: Philip Evans, pictured in his scary outfit, left, broke into the home of grandmother Sharron Mayers, right. He received a suspended prison sentence for the prank I no longer felt safe in my own home. I still can't sleep a year after it happened.' Trainee plumber Evans, of Beaumaris, was given a 45-week prison sentence at Caernarfon Crown Court. He was ordered to pay Mrs Mayers £750 compensation and made the subject of a five-year restraining order. Judge Peter Heywood told Evans: 'This was a prank which went horribly wrong.' The court ordered Evans' Grim Reaper outfit to be destroyed. After the cae Mrs Mayers, who

lives alone, said: 'I was asleep when I heard heavy footsteps coming up my stairs. 'The bedroom door opened and in the dim light I could see the Grim Reaper standing there. 'I thought my time had come.' Mrs Mayers jumped out of bed but the masked man put his hands around her throat. She said: 'I knew there was a man behind the mask so I reached out and quickly pulled at it to reveal Philip Evans. 'I wish I hadn't taken my teeth out - he would really have felt my bite.'

Rampage: Evans - pictured outside court - was drunk when he broke into the house

Father beheads daughter in horrific sword attack By Jack Losh

man who was upset with his daughter's lifestyle decapitated her with a sword and paraded her severed head through his village. Marble miner Ogad Singh was angered by a series of affairs his 20-year-old daughter Manju Kunwar had recently had and became enraged when she eloped with a man two weeks ago. Manju had been living with her parents in the Rajasthani village of Dungarji after leaving her husband two years ago. Police Superintendent Umesh Ojha said Singh forced her to return home from her new husband on Sunday and beheaded her the following day, before surrendering to the

Brutal the girl's father was reportedly upset with her lifestyle and 'indecent behaviour' Sentenced: Evans was handed suspended prison sentence at Caernafon Crown Court (pictured)

authorities. Kunwar's mother, a farmer, was working in the fields at the time and was too distressed to comment. The 20-year-old's head and the rest of her body were cremated according to Hindu tradition, police said. The horrific incident is the latest example of the social clashes faced by a rapidly modernising India, as young people resist traditional arranged marriages and rules dictating women's behaviour. Earlier this month, India topped a poll as the worst place to be a woman in the top 19 economies in the world. The Thomas Reuters Foundation cited abuse, killings and discrimination on a scale unparalleled in the other nations.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Just two tablespoons of olive oil a day could cut heart disease risk By Pat Hagan

Super food: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that can reduce the risk of blood cuts

Obese children struggle more in maths lessons ‘because they feel lonely’ By Claire Bates

hildren who grow up obese have more to contend with than a greater risk of health problems such as asthma and diabetes. A new study has found they will struggle more in the classroom as well. Researchers from three U.S universities found youngsters who were overweight from the ages of three to nine performed worse on a maths test than their slim peers. The findings add to a growing body of research that suggests obesity is associated with poorer academic performance and therefore long-term career prospects. Lead author Sara Gable from the University of Missouri, Columbia, said: 'Our study suggests that obesity in the early years of school, especially obesity that persists across the elementary grades, can harm children's social and emotional well-being and academic performance.'

The team from the University of Missouri, Columbia, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Vermont looked at a nationally representative sample of more than 6,250 children. The children were followed from the time they started kindergarten (aged three) through to fifth grade (aged nine). At five time points, parents provided information about their families, teachers reported on the children's interpersonal skills and emotional well-being, and children were weighed and measured; they also took academic tests. When compared with children who were never obese, boys and girls whose obesity persisted from the start of the study performed worse on the math test in the first grade. This lower performance continued through fifth grade. Girls who were persistently obese were also

live oil has long been known to be good for the heart. Now scientists have found out exactly how good it can be. And it doesn't take much to enjoy the benefits. According to their research, just two tablespoons of olive oil almost halves your risk of dying from heart disease. The equivalent of one tablespoon cuts the risk by around 28 per cent. There have been numerous studies highlighting olive oil's benefits to the heart, but few have investigated the extent to which this translates into reduced death rates. The results are based on the diets of nearly 41,000 adults in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, which began 20 years ago. While the research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found olive oil does not appear to reduce cancer deaths, there was an enormous impact on the death toll from heart disease. Last night British experts said the results showed that olive oil, a large part of the socalled Mediterranean diet which is rich in fish, fruit and vegetables, played an even bigger part in preventing heart disease than first thought. The researchers stressed that they had allowed for the benefits of other ingredients in the Mediterranean diet when assessing olive oil's powers.

'These findings are very significant,' said Dr Charles Knight of the British Cardiovascular Society. 'This is confirmation that olive oil is good for the heart.' Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, compounds that can dampen inflammation in the body and possibly reduce the risk of clots. Spanish researchers studied data on the eating habits of 40,622 men and women between 29 and 69, tracking them for just over 13 years to see what effect olive oil had on death rates. In the study period, just under 2,000 of the recruits died, including 956 from cancer and 416 from heart disease. The data showed that heart death victims were among the lowest consumers of olive oil. Those who got through 29 grams or more a day - just over two tablespoons - were 44 per cent less likely to die from cardiac problems. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Two tablespoons of olive oil a day almost halves the risk of heart disease while one spoonful cuts the risk by 28 per cent found to have fewer social skills. The researchers said the poor maths performance of obese boys and girls could be partly explained because they reported feeling sadder, lonelier and more anxious. Obesity is a growing concern in all western countries. In 2010, 30 per cent of boys and girls aged two to 15 were classed as either overweight or obese in the UK. It is estimated that the NHS spends £4.2billion every year treating patients for obesity-related illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes - as well as on costly weightloss surgery. These include gastric band operations which costs £6,000 per patient as well as gastric bypass surgery which splits the stomach into compartments so patients feel full more quickly - at £10,000 a time The study was published in the journal Child Development.

Struggling at school: Obese children performed worse on maths tests than their slim peers (posed by model)

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Eagles still far from being perfect, says Shorunmu

oaches, ex-international and enthusiasts have talked down on the Super Eagles for lacking the flair and rhythm of a team with serious intent. Albeit a team full of promise, according to some of the loudest assessors of the team, most have thumbed down the Eagles for lacking depth, co-ordination, technical flair and offensive quality hitherto common with the Eagles. Yesterday, a member of the technical crew of the team, Ike Shorunmu, goalkeeper trainer, admitted that the Eagles were far from the perfect squad Nigerians want to see and also said the team would require reasonable length of time to hit the desired form. “You can see, when we started this journey, we did a lot of plus and minus. And the way it is now, and the way it is going now, we still need to work more as a coach to the team to get a better team for the future.’’ The coach said the technical crew would work on the team’s strength and other lapses noticed during the competitive matches and the friendly games. Shorunmu said the coaches were working assiduously to forge a blend among the players and build a team that would delight the public with its peculiar flair as well as win matches convincingly. “I think in the near future, we will have a good team. But there is a lot of pressure on the team. The complaint is that we are just scoring only one goal. When you are building a team, it is better you start like this. “Because when you give the impression to fans, by scoring four, five goals at the beginning of your rebuilding process, it’s a big pressure,” he said stressing that the coaches have noted the flaws in the team and would work to correct them. he admitted that the Eagles that have sealed a place in the next stage of the 2013 Nations Cup qualifier were still imperfect and would strenuous efforts to get it out of the works.

PAGE 41

NFF begs Nnaji to accept instalmental compensation By Patrick Andrew

ut for the intervention of Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the semblance of peace prevailing in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) would have from yesterday witnessed another round of hiccups following Barrister Ray Nnaji’s resolve to resume his legal battle with the NFF. However, the minister intervened by calling a truce

Ray Nnaji

over the weekend in Calabar where the two parties held a meeting that stalled Nnaji’s renewal of legal battle over the alleged failure of the executive committee of the NFF to honour agreement reached in the initial settlement. Nnaji had sued the NFF for N1 billion but was persuaded by the minister to withdraw the case in exchange for certain financial compensation and public apology plus unconditional lifting of the ban from all football activities imposed on him. All but the financial compensation were met and Nnaji felt that was enough reason to renew his legal contest against the Aminu Maigari-led board of the football federation. However, in Calabar, Abdullahi secured a truce in a meeting he supervised and which was attended by Nnaji, Maigari, Musa Amadu. According to a dependable source, the NFF pleaded with Nnaji to accept instalmental payment of the

compensation. “The NFF pleaded for time to enable them pay the compensation instalmentally because they claimed they don’t have money. Maigari begged Nnaji to bear with them because the federation is short of funds, but agreed to pay all the bonuses that could have accrued to Nnaji had he not been banned and had attended all meetings as a member of the referee’s committee. “The minister made it clear to the NFF that compensating Dr. Sam Sam Jaja with a honourary membership of the board without extending same level compensation and recognition to Nnaji was unfair and therefore directed the NFF to begin the compensation payment immediately,” the source said. According to the source, Nnaji bluntly told the minister that he would not hesitate to renew his quest to right the wrong done if the NFF fails to meet the compensation payment within a given period.

...pledges support for Eagles, Falcons, Falconets

he Nigeria Football Federation has pledged total support for the Super Eagles and particularly the Super Falcons and the Falconets after both teams qualified for major championships this year. NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, who praised the Super Falcons, Falconets and the Flamingos for making Nigeria proud by qualifying for all available women tournaments in the globe this year, assured that the football federation will render necessary to steer them to grander successes. “Last year, the Super Falcons did not qualify for the AllAfrica Games and the 2012 Olympics and we all felt bad,

but they have been able to lift themselves up with the support of the Federation and have done Nigeria proud by qualifying in style for the 2012 African Women Championship. “The Falconets have also qualified for this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Japan and the Flamingos are among the finalists for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan. We are very proud of them. “The Super Eagles have also been doing well. At present, Nigeria is top of her group in the qualifying series for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil and we are through to the final round of qualification series for 2013African Cup of Nations,” he and pledged to do more to support the teams.

Aminu Maigari, NFF president The former Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports and later Local Government he said to have insisted on being paid N500m being half of the sum he claimed in the suit he filed against the NFF. When Peoples Daily Sports sought confirmation of the development from Nnaji yesterday he merely agreed that there was a meeting held between him and the officials of the NFF but declined to say what it was about.

Banyana arrive for Falcons tomorrow

outh Africa, Banyana Banyana, will arrive in Lagos on Thursday for Saturday’s international friendly match against the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. The first of the two-leg friendly took place in Rustenburg two weeks ago with the two teams stalemating at 1-1. The Super Falcons’ goal was scored by veteran Stella Mbachu. Both teams are at the top of the African women football tree. However, the Falcons have never lost to the Banyana in any match, competitive or international. The Banyana Banyana will return to South Africa aboard South African Airways flight immediately after the match on Saturday.

Maigari denies rumble in Eagles camp, blames mischief makers “

t saddens me that people will deliberately go all out to hawk bad news just to discredit an institution. No, it’s not true that the NFF has sacked Dan Amokachi or anybody at that in the Super Eagles’ technical crew. “Whatever you have heard is simply from mischief makers who want to disrupt the peaceful

Dan Amokachi

relationship among members of the technical crew and between the crew and the NFF.” President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari reacted yesterday in denial of the purported sacking of an Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles and another backroom staff for an alleged ugly incident

Slyvanus Okpalla

that occurred in Blantyre, Malawi, 11 days ago. Though the football federation kept mute over the actual incident, but the internet was abuzzed yesterday with the purported sacking of one of the coaches-an ex-international- who was alleged to be working behind the scene to disrupt the smooth relationships in the team as well

as engendering unsportsmanlike attitude. “No, it’s not true that we have sacked (him). It’s rather sad that some people delight in making bad news to derail us from our stride. No, we won’t give them that opportunity. We are focused and would remain in that state,” Maigari said in a swift reaction to the rumour.

Ike shorunmu

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Pillars battle Heartland to stay top K

Enyimba promise backlash in Gombe

itle-chasing Enyimba hope to get a result at Gombe United after their aspirations in the NPL were dealt a huge blow by ABS last week. Enyimba are on 49 points, same as second-placed Rangers and a point behind leaders Kano Pillars and victory against Gombe United would shoot the Aba team to summit of the table if their closest rivals slip in mid-week games. Enyimba outclassed Gombe United 3-1 at home in the first round of the championship. Enyimba captain Josiah Maduabuchi has disclosed that they are gunning for victory against Gombe after losing 3-1 to ABS in Ilorin. “Our attention is now shifted to the Gombe United game. We are going for victory because with that we can go to the top or at worst keep the pressure on the front two. We have put behind us the loss to ABS and everything now points to an outright victory against Gombe. Gombe are good, but we are good enough to beat them,” he said. Enyimba forward Gbolahan Salami said his club remains on track to win a seventh league championship after they turned away Sunshine Stars 2-1 last week. “Enyimba are therefore one of the favourites to win the league this season.” Gombe United forward Sanusi Sani said he hopes to end his goals drought by finding the back of the net against Enyimba. Ten-goal Mustapha Babadidi remains on the sidelines no thanks to a serious knee injury despite claims to the contrary.

Gbolahan Salami of Enyimba

Rangers need win against Kwara Utd to go top

home win by Rangers today against Kwara United would be enough to return the Coal City team to the apex of the NPL table. Rangers are in serious contention for the top spot with Kano Pillars, who dethroned them from the summit. But the slimmest of win and loss for Pillars at the Dan Ayiam Stadium, Owerri would to the advantage of Rangers. ‘The Flying Antelopes’ are second on the table with 49 points, while Pillars have recorded 50 points, just as there are as many as six teams all in with a chance of climbing up the ladder in the top bracket.Rangers and Kwara United played out a goalless draw when both teams clashed in the reverse fixture in Ilorin.Rangers captain James Okwuosa said a victory over

Kwara was not negotiable. Okwuosa, who has formed a strong partnership with Cyril Oriaku in the heart of Rangers defence, was upbeat the team would leave no room for even marginal errors as they confront Kwara United. A win would further push them nearer breaking a 38-year trophy drought. “We are in the right frame of mind to collect all three points and ensure we keep hope alive in the chase for the league title,” said the big central defender, who was the unlikely hero when Rangers pipped ABS at the death recently. The defender said Rangers have put behind them four straight losses on the road. “It is very painful to have lost four games on the road on a stretch but we have put that

Mustapha Babadidi of Gombe Utd

hooting Stars have said they expect a battle of attrition at Sunshine Stars today Wednesday as the NPL heads towards the business end. The Ibadan club has been on a steady rise since the second round and is now 11th on the table with 44 points. Sunshine are ninth on the table, also on 44 points. Philip Asuquo, who has been one of the reasons

behind us now and we will make it up in the remaining games of the season,” he said. “Our remaining seven games are a must-win for us and I believe that we have all it takes to do this for our teaming supporters who have been standing by us since the start of the season.” Efe Yarhere is expected to lead Rangers strike in absence of top scorer Chikeluba Ofoedu, who is away on trials in Norway. Emeka Eze has also returned from the U20 camp, so too Eagles winger Ejike Uzoenyi, while Ugonna Uzochukwu will miss this game to attend to some personal matters. Kwara are 12th on the table with 43 points and they said they hope to get a result in Enugu.”We will battle Rangers for the points after we drew the first leg and I believe we can do same in Enugu or even win,” said Kwara spokesman Olusola Ajide Olayioye.

ano Pillars will be going for broke against hosts Heartland as they aimed at consolidating their grip on the leadership of the NPL today. The Kano ancient city team would be playing with an eye on top-spot chasing Rangers who must beat Kwara United to return to the top. Pillars therefore need a result to keep up the pace. Pillars failed to beat Heartland in a first round clash in Kano as the game ended 1-1 and will needing a result similar to what Heartland got in Kano today in owerri. Though, they will be missing the services of Eagles stars Papa Idris and Gabriel Reuben ( Idris is still nursing an injury, while Reuben has been granted compassionate leave to be with his family in Kaduna following the passing away of his mother recently), they will have midfielder Shehu Abdullahi and defender Adamu Murtala from Flying Eagles’s camp to rely on. Centre back Umar Zango said they are prepared for this crucial clash at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. “We are battle ready for the game, which is important to us as we want to remain on top of the table. We cannot afford to lose this game. And above all, we have to pay them back by getting at

least a draw at their own backyard just as they did in Kano,” said the former Lobi Stars player. Heartland leading scorer Kabiru Umar said they are in shape and will do their best to win. “We have the ambition of getting at least a continental ticket and so it is very important we win this game. We drew the first leg in Kano and we will go all out to win this one. They are top side and leading the table says a lot about them, but we will beat them,” said Umar. Defender Chibuzor Okonkwo has fully recovered from a long-term injury and he is again to play a big role on Wednesday for ‘The Naze Millionaires’, but Pillars’ striker Victor Namo may not be that fortunate as he’s still nursing a groin injury.

FIXTURES Rangers vs Kwara Utd ABS FC vs Tornadoes Heartland vs Pillars Akwa Utd vs Dolphins Wikki vs Kaduna Utd Golden Stars vs Ocean Boys Sunshine vs 3SC Warri Wolves vs Rising Stars Lobi Stars vs Sharks

ThankGod Ike, Warri Wolves

Papa Idris is out of Pillars’ game

3SC expect a fight at Sunshine behind the resurgence of ‘The Oluyole Warriors’,said they want a result at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode. “We have our full squad and we will capitalise on the fact that the match will played at a neutral ground to make our three points,” Asuquo, who scored the

winning goal in his team’s first away victory this season said. Meanwhile, Lobi will keep a date at home against visiting Sharks and hope to sustain their home record as the best in the league with the highest number of points - 43. Sharks are one of the three sides with two

away wins - ABS and Sunshine Stars being the others. In spite of winning the first game 2-0 this season, Sharks do have a mountain to climb in Katsina-Ala. Since 2003, Sharks have managed two draws from seven games at Lobi including last season’s 1-1.

The hosts have several inform stars including David Tyavkase, capable of wrecking the Blue Angels. Also, new boys, Rising Stars stunned Wolves in the reverse game through Kayode Agboola’s second half strike in February this year. Wolves know that their bid to win a

continental place is now on the line and will give an arm and a leg to win this tie. Surprisingly defender ThankGod Ike has become Wolves’ main source of goals in the past three matchdays. Rising Stars will be wary of him though Yahaya Adamu will be on hand to cause all sorts of trouble for the hosts. Expect a win for Wolves but not a big win.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 43

UERO 2012

German FA faces new UEFA fine

Croatia hit by UEFA fine

EFA has announced that the Croatian FA will be fined £65,000 for “the setting-off and throwing of fireworks and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols)” in Thursday’s fixture with Italy. The game in Poznan was marred by crowd problems, with flares thrown onto the pitch on more than one occasion, as well as monkey chanting directed at Italy striker Mario Balotelli. The punishment for racist chanting is the first official UEFA charge over racism at the tournament, with previous incidents dropped due to lack of evidence. The official observers present at the game report a group of 300-500 Croatia fans participating in the abuse. The fine for the respective incidents come only a day after Niklas Bendtner was fined £80,000 for the advertising of a betting company on his underpants, as well as imparting a one-match ban. The company has since stated that they will cover the cost of the fine. UEFA said in a statement: “The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has been fined •80,000 for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters at the UEFA EURO 2012 Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday 14 June. An appeal can be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision.”

Luka Murdic

EFA has announced it is to take action against Germany’s football association (DFB) over “improper conduct” by German fans during the win over Denmark on Sunday. The action means the DFB could be hit with a second fine in the space of a week. UEFA said it was bringing the disciplinary action for the “display of inappropriate banners and symbols, and “inappropriate chanting,” but UEFA has not confirmed whether that had been racist in nature. The DFB was also charged over fans setting off fireworks, and UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on Saturday. The German association was fined •10,000 after fans threw balls of paper at Portugal players during their opening match. The Football against Racism in Europe (FARE) organisation, which has been working with UEFA to monitor crowd problems at Euro 2012, later announced one of its observers had reported a neo-Nazi banner in the German section of the crowd during the match in Lviv. FARE posted on its official Twitter account: “FARE can confirm that one of our observers reported a neo-nazi banner in the German section at the match v Denmark in Lviv on Sunday.”

Del Bosque, Iniesta round on critics

Andres Iniesta

pain coach Vicente Del Bosque and midfielder Andres Iniesta have played down criticism of their insipid 1-0 victory over Croatia, insisting the world and European champions get better the longer major tournaments go on. The holders were far from their fluent best and were grateful to goalkeeper Iker Casillas for making some key saves as they flirted with going out of the competition in

Prandelli set for Balotelli talks I

taly coach Cesare Prandelli has said he will follow up Mario Balotelli’s goal celebration against Ireland, even if the striker is not causing any problems for the team. Balotelli, 21, appeared to respond to his goal by gesturing and shouting towards the dugout, before team-mate

Leonardo Bonucci stepped in to stop the situation escalating. Prandelli says he does not know if Balotelli’s actions were aimed at him, following the Manchester City striker’s relegation to the substitute’s bench, but believes that Bonucci’s actions demonstrate the side’s togetherness.

“I don’t know if Balotelli was upset with me, I will ask him,’’ Prandelli told a press conference on Tuesday. “But from Bonucci’s gesture you can see the team spirit in the group. “Why didn’t he (Balotelli) celebrate the goal? That has to be something spontaneous. Perhaps he is not able to express the joy he feels inside. He is like that, he has always been like that but that doesn’t mean he is detached from the group.’’ Prandelli was, though, impressed with Balotelli’s contribution to the game,

Gdansk. An 88th minute Jesus Navas goal handed them victory and secured top spot in Group C but their lacklustre performance drew criticism from their fans and the media. But Iniesta told Spanish paper Marca: “All the criticism is valid as long as it is constructive. Everyone has their own way of looking at things. “When we don’t like what we have seen we don’t think it is

correct, but I would say to the fans to be calm and to believe in the team no matter who plays because every team has its difficult moments. Iniesta did cite tiredness as a factor with many of their players involved in long and gruelling domestic campaigns for their clubs, but he also suggested that Spain would be content if the Croatia clash represented their poorest performance of Euro 2012.

adding: “When he entered the pitch he did what we asked him to do. In order to take that leap

and become a champion, Balotelli has to go through these moments.

Mario Balotelli

Poland confirm exit of coach

Franciszek Smuda

he Polish Football Federation (PZPN) has confirmed that the national coach Franciszek Smuda will leave his post following the cohosts’ elimination from Euro 2012. On Saturday, Smuda, 63, announced that he would stand down after Poland were knocked out from the competition by a 1-0 defeat to Czech Republic in their final group game. Grzegorz Lato, the president of PZPN, confirmed that Smuda would be leaving, saying he “will

not continue his work with Poland” once his contract, which began in October 2009, expires at the end of August. Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “Before this press conference, I met Franciszek Smuda and spoke about the future. We agreed that he will not continue his work with Poland.” In the aftermath of the Czech defeat, Smuda had told TVP: “This is the end of my adventure. Thank you all. For these two and a half years, we have created a team we can count on in the

future. They were not perfect, they were not as good as we imagined - but this is football.” Lato said the Polish football authorities have already received expressions of interest from several managers eyeing Smuda’s role, adding: “We’ve had some offers from [other] European countries, but also one from Brazil. “We haven’t started negotiations yet, but it’s true that we don’t have much time before the World Cup qualifiers start in September.”

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Hughes set to replace bad boy

ark Hughes is thinking of replacing controversial midfielder Joey Barton with controversial midfielder Stephen Ireland. The QPR boss completed deals for defender

Rafael Da Silva

Manchester United set for Rafael contract extension

afael Da Silva with a new contract in a bid to fend off interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea. The 21-year-old has developed into a consistent performer for both United and the Brazilian national team in the last 12 months, and Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to reward the full-back's improvement with fresh terms. 'Rafael is very happy to stay at Manchester United, who are one of the giants of world football and always play in Europe's biggest competitions,' he said. 'Manchester United is the club that opened the door to Europe for him. He is loved, respected and has prestige at the club. We are all very happy that he is renewing his contract.' The new deal is seen as much about rewarding Rafael's development as it is fending off interest from Chelsea, who are longterm admirers, and have reportedly asked to be kept in the loop about the negotiations. Serie A outfit Inter Milan have also been tracking Rafael, but both clubs are now set to be disappointed, with the former Fluminense starlet happy to pledge his future to United. The news comes as Rafael's twin brother, Fabio da Silva, prepares to leave Old Trafford on loan, with Queens Park Rangers favourites to land the versatile youngster, ahead of Benfica and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Yak set for China

lackburn’s Yakubu Ayigbani is in talks over a big-money move to Chinese Super League champs Guangzhou. The striker can leave for £1million after relegation to the Championship.

Ryan Nelsen and Fulham striker Andrew Johnson yesterday and Ireland could be his third old-boy signing. Hughes is looking to strengthen his midfield as bad-boy skipper

Victor Moses: I’m for highest bidder, as Wigan turn down Chelsea’s bid

igeria international Victor Moses has revealed he will move to the club who table the highest bid to tempt him away from EPL side Wigan. Moses, who shone like a million stars for Wigan Athletics last season is wanted by several English Premier League clubs. “Now that am done with the national team, my attention would switch to the transfer window,” he said. “I have heard a lot of offers are on the table. First of all Wigan have the final say but for me the highest

Victor Moses

bidder would take the day but right now I am still a DW faithful.” Wigan Monday turned down a £4 million bid from Chelsea who wanted Moses as a replacement for Cote d’Ivoire star Solomon Kalou. However, the European champions are ready to present a fresh £10m bid for the Nigeria forward, reports the Daily Mirror. Chelsea have turned their attention to Wigan winger Victor Moses in their search for attacking talent. The 21-year-old has just one year left on his contract at the DW Stadium and Liverpool, Arsenal, QPR and Newcastle have also shown interest. Bilionaire owner Roman Abramovich wants ‘The Blues’ to adopt at an attacking style despite their defensive tactics being the key to their Champions League triumph. Moses is a favourite of -Chelsea’s top talent spotter and fellow Nigerian Michael Emenalo. Latics boss Martinez does not want to lose his talisman, but chairman Dave Whelan has admitted that a big offer will be hard to resist. Moses was a key factor for Wigan Athletics escape from relegation last season.

United line up Porto starlet to replace Nani

25million-rated Colombia international Rodriguez who has already admitted it’s his dream to play for the Red Devils Portugal star Nani has already admitted publicly he may quit Old Trafford this summer, and Inter Milan are watching developments closely. Colombian starlet Rodriguez, 20, is rated in the £25million range by Porto, and has already admitted a dream of playing for United. United scouts have been tracking Rodriguez this season and even went to South America to watch him in action for the national team. He is said be furious he has had no contact from anyone at United

during Euro 2012, despite impressing at the tournament. United manager Alex Ferguson is known for keeping in touch with his players by phone or text message, but sources within the Portugal camp say Nani is angry and feels isolated. Nani still has two years left on his existing deal, but it was expected the 25-year-old would be rewarded with an improved contract to reflect the progress he has made at United. The arrival of Japan star Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund, and the fact wingers Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are already established at United, has cast doubt on Nani’s future.

Barton is banned for the first 12 games of the season. Aston Villa’s £4million-rated Irish rebel Ireland who has refused to play for his country since 2007 played under Hughes at Manchester City. Nelsen, who was with Hughes at Blackburn, has joined on a oneyear deal after a loan spell at Spurs. He said: “I’ve obviously got a lot of history with the manager and that was a massive draw for me.” Sparky also hopes to seal a £3.2m permanent deal for Nancy’s Mali midfielder Samba Diakite.

Yobo looks forward to Everton return

igeria captain, Joseph Yobo is certain his future with Everton will be sorted out in a matter of days. Yobo, 31, has been on loan to Turkish Cup champions, Fenerbahce for the past two seasons from English Premier League side, Everton. In spite of being farmed out on loan by the English club, Yobo believes his “career has always been on the rise.” “My career has always been on the rise. I’ve been on loan to Fener where I won the Cup. Fener are a big club with big ambition and I’m happy to have played for them. My future will be settled soon,” stated the former Olympique Marseille centre-back during a tour of selected media houses in Lagos yesterday. Yobo also spoke of his international career with Nigeria’s Super Eagles after becoming the nation’s most capped footballer. The defender expressed unhappiness with missing the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June owing to a hamstring injury. But he was quick to note that in spite of the players being committed to the cause of the team, there has been a lack of “unity.” “I don’t feel satisfied as a player after a decade without winning anything. We have won the bronze a number of times (at the Afcon). Hopefully we will qualify for the Nations Cup in South Africa next year and go a step further. “(Stephen) Keshi knows what it takes to set up a flying team. We are committed but there’s no unity,” Yobo remarked. Yobo has made 87 appearances for the Super Eagles since his debut in 2001.

City table £30m for Fernando M

anchester City has been warned it will cost them up to £30million to land Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente this summer. The Spain international is on a list of possible targets if Roberto Mancini fails to bag Arsenal’s Robin van Persie during the close season. But Llorente, 27, has a release clause of around £30m in his contract at Athletic and they are unlikely to change their stance. Bilboa president Josu Urrutia said: “He is a key player and we would not accept less. “The supporters would not accept this.” Llorente, who scored 24 goals last season, is refusing to talk about his future while he remains part of Vicente Del Bosque’s squad at the Euros. City is preparing to shuffle their strikers this summer as they hunt buyers for Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz. They will also listen to offers for Bayern Munich target Edin Dzeko but Carlos Tevez has indicated he would be happy to stay at the Etihad.

Lille reject Newcastle £4m for Debuchy

L Yakubu Ayegbeni

ille has knocked back a £4million bid from Newcastle for Mathieu Debuchy. The French club reckons the Toon must be confused about their target because they value the France full-back at a much higher price. Lille boss Rudi Garcia said: “He is torn between staying with us and playing in the Champions League in our new stadium or going elsewhere. “If he does go and it is a sporting progression, then we will be happy to see him evolve but we have not planned to replace him. “But I do believe that Newcastle has faxed an offer of £4million but they must have the wrong player.

Joey Barton

Fernando Llorente

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 45

PICTORIAL b

g a. Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, top seed Agnieszka Radwanska and Caroline Wozniacki lose at Eastbourne but Laura Robson wins. b. Daniel Fogg gets the Team GB open water swimming place ahead of Beijing silver medallist David Davies. c. Alastair Cook and Ian Bell share a century stand as England make a fine start to their pursuit of 239 to win the second ODI - and the series. d. Roy Hodgson believes the returning Wayne Rooney can be England's very own Pele while looking forward to secure progress from Group D. e. The World number three Lee Westwood plans to move to the United States to increase his chances of winning an elusive major. f. The Great Britain men's coxless four are confident they can recover from defeat by Australia to win Olympic gold this summer. g. Floyd Mayweather knocks Tiger Woods off the top of the Forbes money list with fellow boxer Manny Pacquiao second highest earner.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

PAGE 47

Knockout Kings to defend titles September 15 M

Saul Alvarez

Zaira Road Stadium 11 months away from commissioning, says firm From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

he construction company, BCC-TROPICAL currently handling the construction of the Jos, Zaira Road Stadium Complex, has disclosed that it would complete and hand over the stadium to Plateau state government within 11months. The of engineering site, Mr. Robert J Parkkinson said recently while conducting news men around the project site that the facility when completed would be one of the best in the country. He assured that though the initial period for completion of the contact was 2 years and that they have spent 13 months already, the facility would be ready for commissioning before the deadline expires. Parkinson said the construction of the stadium is being done to the FIFA standard and added that FIFA was also supervising the construction to ensure strict adherence to the standard as contained in the design. According to him, the stadium is has 40, 000 seating capacity and has synthetic pitch in the football field and running tracks. According to him, there are 12 entrances into the stadium with two security posts at each of the entrances, apart from other security posts hidden within the stadium to adequately provide security for spectators. Parkinson said other features of the stadium are the four addressing rooms, two for the visiting team and the other two are for the host team with shower for players, offices for the team officials and references and press crew.

exican knockout specialists Saul Alvarez and Jhonny Gonzalez will defend their world titles on September 15. The card, dubbed “Knockout Kings”, will offer four bouts. Details of two of them are still to be announced. Three days after Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao suffered a disputed loss to Tim Bradley in a high-profile fight promoted by Bob Arum, rival promoter Golden Boy took aim at judging itself. “We wanted to put together a fight card that would keep the judges at home. We’re not here to discuss that (Pacquiao) fight. But on September 15 you can leave your scorecards at home,” Golden Boy chief executive

Richard Schaefer said. Schaefer said the “Knockout Kings” idea was in the works long before Bradley was given the victory over Pacquiao, which will result in a rematch later this year. “It really is no reference to what happened this past weekend,” Schaefer said. But Pacquiao’s defeat does remind fighters about the dangers of leaving the outcome in the hands of judges by failing to knock out an opponent, former fighter and Golden Boy president Oscar de la Hoya said. “You cannot leave it up to the judges, especially with $100 000 on the line.” Alvarez, who has a record of 400, with one drawn and 29

knockouts, will defend his WBC light-middleweight title against US southpaw Victor Ortiz, who stands at 29-3 with two drawn and 22 knockouts. Gonzalez (52-7 with 45 knockouts) will defend his WBC featherweight title against Daniel Ponce de Leon (43-4 with 35 knockouts). Ortiz first has to win or draw against Josesito Lopez (29-4 with 17 knockouts) in Los Angeles on June 23. If he fails, Lopez is likely to fight Alvarez on the Mexican Independence Day card. Alvarez was originally scheduled to fight US southpaw Paul Williams in September but Williams was paralysed in a motorcycle accident last month.

Jhonny Gonzalez

Nigeria to groom ECOWAS Games’ athletes for Brazil 2016, says Minister T he National Sports Commission (NSC) will focus on grooming athletes who performed well at the on-going ECOWAS Games, for the 2016 Olympic Games, Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi has said. Abdullahi, who made the promise yesterday while addressing Nigerian athletes at the Games holding in Accra, Ghana, said he was impressed by their performances. Nigeria is taking part in the second edition of the Games, which began on Saturday, June 16 and will end on Friday, June 22. Already, the Nigerian contingent of 43 athletes and 30 officials had as at Monday evening won 10 gold, eight silver and three bronze medals to upstage hosts Ghana that initially topped the medals table. “We believe that even if you can’t be part of the athletes that will compete for Nigeria in London at the Summer Olympic Games in July, we can begin to hope that at the next Olympic Games in Brazil in 2016, champions will emerge from amongst you here,” Abdullahi said. The minister, who is also the NSC Chairman, said the commission was going to take note of all the athletes who competed in Ghana and give them motivational support. “We are going to continue to support you, and continue to give you all the necessary exposure,” he said. Abdullahi, who arrived at the Games on Monday, also said he was going to inform President Goodluck Jonathan of the athletes’ performances for appropriate reward. “For now, we are very proud of what we have achieved and I will convey this to Mr President; and I can assure you that you will be adequately rewarded at the appropriate time,” he said. The athletes won the six gold, three silver and one bronze medals in track and field events at the El-Wak Stadium in the presence of the minister. Team Nigeria had trailed the hosts from Day One on Saturday, and had slipped further down on Monday morning when it lost out in the team event of traditional wrestling. But a scintillating performance later in the day in athletics events helped Nigeria to move to the summit of the medals table. The minister urged the athletes to do more to ensure that the country led the medals table at the end of the Games. “I am very excited to see the performances that most of you posted since I got here and I can tell you that Nigeria is indeed the leader in West Africa. You have to maintain the tempo till the end of the game, as the country will settle for nothing less

than winning the Games. “This is the West African Games, and there shouldn’t be any doubt about who the leader in West Africa should be,” he said. Abdullahi also pledged his support for the growth of athletics, saying that “he is not a minister of Football but a minister of sports. I am Minister of Sports, and track and field are top of my agenda,” he said. Responding on behalf of Team Nigeria, Tamunotoye Briggs, a sprint athlete and the Games’ men’s 100 metres champion, thanked the minister for visiting the athletes. “We are happy with this, and the team is proud, and we promise to win the Games,” he said.

Josphine Omaka, Nigeria’s rising athlete

ECOWAS Games: 3 Nigerian boxers in today’s semi-finals

hree Nigerian boxers are still in line for medals at the on-going 2012 ECOWAS Games in Accra, Ghana as the event enters its semifinal stage today. Two of the five Nigerian boxers at the Games were sent packing during the quarter-finals held on Monday and Tuesday. Two others had earlier drawn bye

into the semi-finals, while Oladosu Rilwan beat Senegal’s Moussa Samb in their lightweight 60 kg fight. In their semi-final bouts today, Okerinde Semiu is meeting Amed Sadek of Burkina Faso in the bantamweight 56 kg category. Also, Masebinu Adewale is facing Nouhou Sangare of Mali in a middleweight 75 kg category bout. Rilwan will on his part meet Burkina

Faso’s Sanon Kouesse who had beaten Achirou Adamou of Niger Republic in the quarter-finals also. Earlier in the quarter-finals, Muideen Buhari had lost to Ghana’s Micah Duke in the flyweight 52 kg. Pender Agwholo had also lost to Ghana’s Lawson Rahman in the light welterweight 64 kg. It would be recalled that only 32

boxers in five weight categories are participating in the Games which got off to a start last Saturday, with the boxers from seven countries. The countries are hosts Ghana, Nigeria, Niger Republic, Republic of Benin, Mali, Senegal and Burkina Faso. The boxing competition’s finals have been scheduled for Thursday, while the Games as a whole ends on Friday.

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

UERO 2012: Rooney heads England into quarter-finals

ayne Rooney made a decisive impact on his belated entry to Euro 2012 when his header gave England a 1-0 win over Ukraine yesterday that sent them into the quarter-finals as Group D winners and eliminated the co-hosts. Rooney, suspended for the first two matches, wasted a good chance in the first half but could not miss three minutes into the second after Steven Gerrard's deflected right-wing cross deceived goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov and left the striker an easy header. Ukraine, needing a win to go through, came desperately close to equalizing after 62 minutes when Marco Devic's shot was half-saved by Joe Hart then hacked off the line by John Terry. Ukraine's players and most of the crowd screamed that the ball had crossed the line but the fifth official decided otherwise. England top the group with seven points and will play Group C runners-up Italy in Kiev on Sunday. France finished second on four points and will face holders Spain. But France qualified for the knockout stages of a major finals for the first time in six years despite losing their final Euro 2012 Group D match 20 to already eliminated Sweden. A brilliant bicycle kick by Sweden's inspirational captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 54th minute gave them the lead with the outstanding Sebastian Larsson adding a second in the final minute of normal time. It handed the Swedes not only their first points of the group stage but also their first win over France in almost 43 years dating back to October 1969. The French, who also saw their 23-match unbeaten run ended, progress in second place in the group after England beat co-hosts Ukraine 1-0 in the other game to finish top.

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE Given the level of sophistication involved in the bombings, it is easy to conclude that some oblique forces are behind the violence in the Nor th and North not Boko Haram alone — Nig er sta te Go v. Ba bangida Aliyu state Gov Babangida Niger

Otedola tastes his own medicine W

atching the fall from grace of my good friend and brother, Farouk Lawan, I was wondering if I was inside a cinema or outside. It is not about bribery or theft of money. The theft of billions of Naira has become commonplace news item increasingly devoid of shock value. The difference that this scandal makes is that it is happening with someone who many think was above scandals. He may be small or petite as some will call it but Farouk looms larger than life. He has etched his name in gold in the minds of those who closely know him. Farouk was Mr. Integrity, a name he gave to himself for the causes he pursued and the uprightness and persistence with which he did that. He had courage combined with sartorial splendor and eloquence. He didn’t become Speaker of the Parliament in 2011, and at various other trajectories in his 13-year legislative tenure, not because he didn’t merit it but because, in my view, of the tenuous nature of politics in his home state, Kano. The out-break of this scandal was understandably greeted with skepticism and in many cases, out-right disbelief. A retired female broadcaster sent this SMS to me and I share it with the readers: “I have always believed in the integrity of his brain and his ability to gauge situations. Please, please is the Farouk Lawan case true? What is wrong with us? Where did we get it wrong? Kanina (younger brother) what is going on? I feel disillusioned.” My answer to her is to say that we should not rush to judgement on the matter although Farouk compounded the matter when he told different stories in two days. I heard his BBC Hausa interview when he said he had not met Otedola and did not receive bribes from him. This was on Sunday. On Monday, the press reported him verbatim saying he had got this money. Whether it was as exhibit as he claimed or not is secondary to the issue at stake. Another thing to ponder is the integrity of the so-called sting operation itself. Did the SSS give him marked money and then let him go away? Is that how to sting? I have myself helped the police nearly 20 years ago to

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MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

Femi Otedola

catch a bribe-seeking NEPA official. As a new occupant, I was upset that NEPA had disconnected light in my apartment and had taken the electricity metre with them. When I called at their office, an impudent official said that I was illegally connected. He shocked me by making an outright demand for a bribe. I thought this was blackmail, simple and clear. I spoke to the head of the CID in Kano, at that time Babalisa Ciroma, an Assistant Commissioner of Police. He is now late. ACP Ciroma gave me marked money and attached two Sergeants to accompany me to NEPA. I resumed my conversation with the NEPA official. When he insisted on being paid, I gave the crisp new N20 wads. This money had been powdered and as they explained to me later, it was marked to register finger-prints. The moment the officer collected it from me, the Sergeants pounced on him. He struggled to throw away the money across the wall but they were stronger so they held him, cash at hand. For nearly three years, I went to Court as Police prosecution witness until the case was disposed of. Could the sting on Farouk have been successful without anybody attempting to hold him with the exhibit at hand? But given all that has been revealed by Farouk himself, the

legislator’s human weakness betrayed him in his most important battle against a powerful enemy. Government was determined to void the fuel subsidy report, which has indicted every important state functionary from the President, who is the Chairman down to the janitor in the NNPC. They wanted to kill the report and bury the unprecedented theft of staggering two trillion (N2trn) Naira. They threw everything into the Farouk hunting expedition – not just the secret service cameras – cameras that should have been deployed to catch Boko Haram, but including, and not limited to subterfuge to uncover his personal possessions, at home and abroad. Given the efforts that have gone into these, it is hard to see how any man, not just Farouk could have survived this onslaught. The Hausa have an apt answer to this intriguing situation. They say “Mutuwar mai adashi, ba mutuwar adashi bane” literally: The death of the debtor is not the death of the debt. A President pampered by a boot-licking culture of an army of fawning characters who together have succeeded in bringing Nigeria to the verge of doom and disaster is now desperate to paper over the biggest official theft in our history. They are well determined to shoot down the messenger to kill the message. If they succeed, this will not be the first time because that is what the administration did with the theft by their predecessor in office, of sixteen billion United States Dollars (USD 16bn) supposedly ploughed into the electric power project. They cashed in on a mistake, indiscretion and greed on the part of the lawmakers, as did Farouk, and they shot down that report. As a consequence, Nigerians continue to suffer irreparable damage caused by collapsed and inoperative power systems. The high drama being

enacted between Farouk and the parliament on the one hand and Presidency through Otedola and other proxies is a battle for gains and political survival. It has nothing to do with the common man. The nation is still to recover from the shock, shame and anger that thieves masquerading as oil importers have stolen N2 trillion in collaboration with officials. The clash between Otedola and Farouk is not at all shocking in comparison to this monumental fraud. The two are not the same because their weight of the toll on the common man’s interest is not the same. For this reason, the parliament, the Labour and other Civil Society groups are right to remove Farouk from this complicated picture so as to focus on this heist of record. The oil subsidy fraud is the greatest failure of government in the annals of this country. No armtwisting techniques should succeed in removing the focus of the public from what becomes of that report and the perpetrators of the heist. This country’s misfortune is to find itself in the hands of leaders who are 100 percent selfish. Except their interest, nothing matters. As for Otedola, a pawn and lead character in the simulation of this bribery scheme, the decision to reinstate him as an accused person on the report must do irreparable damage to his international credibility and standing. A taste, they say, of his own medicine. Now he must fight for his own survival. As one wise man noted, “the earth is made of glass; there is nowhere in the wide world to hide a rogue.” No chicanery, no connection, no shenanigans, can kill the report of this epic thievery. The lawmakers themselves know that it is beyond their power to kill this subsidy fraud report; they have no choice but to stick out their necks on the side of the people. The insistence of Nigerians that the integrity of the report should not die with the reputation of the actors in this latest bribery scandal makes it difficult for any rational person to toy with the idea of killing the report. This government and others before have pledged to fight corruption and Nigerians are now united to hold the powers that be accountable by insisting that no offender, however powerful, should get off the hook.

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