Saturday 21 - Sunday 22, November, 2015. Weekend Edition. by Peoples Media Limited

weekend.peoplesdailyng.com

Saturday, November 21, 2015 Safar 9, 1437 AH

. . . Putting the people first

pmlonline peoplesdailyng

N150 Vol. 4 No. 70

N18,000 minimum wage non-negotiable â&#x20AC;&#x201D; NLC Pg 6

Prospective Voters Boading a ferry at Ganaja jetty to cross River Niger ahead of Kogi Governorship Election in , yesterday Lokoja

Presidency, APC detailing military to rig Kogi poll â&#x20AC;&#x201D;PDP

586 Days after

Will the abducted Chibok schoolgirls ever be rescued?

Ohanaeze warns Igbo youths against agitation for Biafra >>Pg 18

Pg 6

Buhari to attend gas exporting countries forum in Tehran >>PG 6

7 passengers roasted to death in ghastly motor accident Pg 10

>>Pg 13

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Interview

ne thing that had given Nigeria a negative publicity in the recent time is incessant building collapse in the country. As a builder, what do you think is responsible for this? In fairness to government, we have all the legal framework and regulations but they are not being applied. When these ugly incidents became rampant, all the stakeholders in the building environment came together and drafted a document which is today known as the National Building Code. This fine regulatory document is still pending before the National Assembly. If the Code is passed by the parliament, I believe it will bring to an end the issue of building collapse in the country. The document specified what is expected of every professional in the built environment. With the code in place, every professional will be liable for their actions and inactions. For example, the building code states that the architect and engineers will supervise in line with their inputs and their inputs are just designs. It also said that building production management is the role of a builder who is trained to manage. So if that code is followed strictly, I can assure you that there will be no building collapse either during construction or after construction. Then, the other thing is that since the laws are there and they are not enforced, a carpenter can wake up and say that he is a builder. There is also inadequate information out there about the dangers of using non professional; those who want to build houses want to spend minimum cost. So if he employs a professional and they give him a brief and the cost, if it is high for him, he will go and engage someone who may claim that he had worked for a construction firm for over 30 years in a bid to cut cost. Sometimes this factor compels the person to give out the work to a carpenter or painter who lacks the professional competence to build the house for him. But I do not see how such building will stand the test of time, so you can see some of the causes of the collapse. What can be done to reduce these perennial collapses of building in Nigeria? What can be done to the best of my knowledge is to first of all, ensure that the building code pending before the National Assembly is passed. Then we can now ensure that only the professionals are given contracts to build houses for government and even corporate enterprise. And for professionals to be allowed to do their job in addition to imposing stringent penalty for defaulting professional, in fact I propose death penalty for defaulters. In so doing, I am sure every professional will be very careful. There is need also to flush out quacks in the built environment. I understand design but I am not licensed to do design and if we go by building code, it says that only the architect is permitted to do a design. Then if he finishes the design and it needs the input of a structural Engi-

Corruption responsible for Nigeria’s housing deficit —Alao As Nigerians lament the towering figure of housing deficit in the country despite the huge resource accruing to government from crude oil, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Building and the General Secretary of the institute, Bldr. Abdulrazaq Alao in this interview with Peoples Daily Weekly attributed the ever growing number of homeless Nigerians to corruption and lack of government’s will to address the situation. He also spoke on other issues such as building collapse

Alao

neer, he calls a structural Engineer who will also make his input, then the electrical and mechanical Engineers are called in to make their input into the design, then the quantity surveyors before a builder is invited to then go to the site with the design to supervise the artisans and craftsmen who will do the field work. This is because by law, it is the builder who is supposed to supervise and manage the site. And if we do it like that, it means that the building will come out with some documents that will make the building stand the test of time. One, the builder, during the process, will have a construction programme which means the building will not stay longer than it is supposed to stay. Two, he will come out with quality management plan where the quality of all the materials at every stage of work is specified. He will come out with health and safety plan which means there will be no single accident during construction. Then when he has finished, he is expected to produce a maintenance manual that will tell the owner of the house, that after two years, he is expected to change certain bulbs or door handle etc. and the owner will have a planned programme on how to maintain his house and all these problems will end. Is there any regulation that checkmates encroachment of one professional into another’s role in the built environment? The regulation is the building code, so that is why we are praying for its passage into law. Can the blame for the incessant collapse of building in the country be attributed to government inaction on monitoring in the built environment? I will tell you something that I know, the monitoring and regulatory agencies of government are grossly under staffed. So they do not have the capacity to check what is going on in the building industry. What I think government needs to do to arrest the situation is to engage the professional bodies and consulting firms in the building environment to ensure effective monitoring of projects around the country. Take for instance, if government engages our institute to monitor all the construction activities in Garki District of Abuja; Institute of Architects, Maitama District; Institute of Engineers, Asokoro District etc. with an MOU that if anything goes wrong in the district you are monitoring, government will come after you instead of the contractor because you approved stages of the construction. I bet you, if that is done, Nigerians will begin to witness high quality jobs because these professional bodies will not do anything that will bring their name into disrepute. Is Nigeria lacking skilled craftsmen and artisans that foreigners from neigbouring African countries are preferred to do jobs such as brick laying and POP in most building sites in the Contd on Pg 17

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 3

FEATURE

Should History be made a compulsory subject at O’Level? Asks Sani Adamu

“

he present is a product of the past. The past is the foundation of today, and today is the foundation of tomorrow. ‘’There is always that interorganic connection between the past, present and the future. ‘’Historical knowledge helps to cast life on the problems of the society, but unfortunately, our history is being ignored. ‘’Children are now interested in knowing the history of western world rather than their own history and that is the beginning of our problems as a nation,” says Dr Godwin Onyekpe, a fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria and an associate professor at the University of Lagos. Onyekpe, who was reacting to the removal of History as a core subject in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools in the country, insists that Nigeria’s rebirth relies on the country’s ability to look back into her history. History as a subject was removed from the curriculum of junior secondary school following the introduction of the 6-3- 3-4 education policy in 1989. Some stakeholders in the education sector decried the removal of the subject, insisting that the teaching of History should not only be re-introduced, but be made compulsory in the school curriculum. “Unless we know what we are and how we came about to be what we are, we shall certainly be unable to know where and how to go further,” Chief Nwafor Orizu, an elder statesman, observed in his book titled ‘’Without Bitterness,’’ published in 1944. Corroborating Orizu’s viewpoints, Prof. Alice Jekayinfa, President of the History of Education Society of Nigeria, believes that history is the root of all disciplines. ‘’History instills patriotism and nationalism in the minds of citizens of any nation,’’ he said. Prof. Michael Omolewa, an emeritus professor of the History of Education at the University of Ibadan, shares similar sentiments, noting that without knowledge and keeping historical events and issues, there will be nothing to build on. ‘’History is the foundation of all things; everything has a history and knowledge is built always on examples of one past event or another,’’ he insists. Shedding more light on the relevance of historical knowledge to the growth and development of society, Sir Sidney Philipson, a British administrator, remarked in 1954, that no society could achieve

meaningful progress without a knowledge of its past. ‘’Every situation has its roots in the past and the past survives in the present; the present is indeed the past undergoing modification,” Philipson insisted. Stakeholders, who faulted the replacement of History with Social Studies and Government at basic level of education, described the decision as an error and a huge mistake. According to them ``Social Studies and Government are not in-depth and cannot replace History as they are teaching things of the present.’’ A former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji, who spoke on the importance of the subject, said that the teaching of History in secondary schools would enhance the building of a better country. According to her, teaching History as a subject will assist in shaping the thoughts of today’s generation, concerning the country and its heroes, past and present. She said that a lot of children and some other Nigerians today had little or no knowledge concerning the country’s past, noting that such scenario was saddening. ``I want to say that any country without history can never think of the future, because in every sense, it determines where we go.

``We must be in firm grasp of our history, if we must determine where we are going to collectively as a people and as individuals. ``So many people in our country today know next to nothing about those who fought for the independence of this country called Nigeria. ``A lot of people do not know some of our heroes past like Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Tafawa Balewa and Obafemi Awolowo, among others,” she said. Obaji said that it was important for everyone to be grounded about the trying phases that Nigeria had passed through, such as the civil war, the causes and consequences. ``We should think of developing those historical places that make us what we are as a people, and a nation. How many people know where Mungo Park landed in Lokoja? ``What about other historical sites in the country that we no longer talk about nor visit? ``Can’t these places be maintained and preserved and in fact, turned into tourist sites, which could in turn generate foreign exchange for the country, and even create more jobs for our youth? Espousing the relevance of history to man’s existence, Dr Oluwatoki Jamiu, Head of Department, History and International Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), said

that history was man’s struggle to understand his environment. According to him, history is not just relevant but germane to national development, because the problem currently facing the society was because history had been neglected. Jamiu said that when a man or a nation failed to learn from the past, there was no way such a person or a nation could improve on its present condition. The lecturer said it was important to teach history at every level of education, so that the younger generation could know their source, and tow the part for a brighter future. ``History should be taught at the basic and secondary levels, even to science students, because science started from the Art. ``When a man recognises the origin of civilisation, he will be determined to improve upon it,’’ the don said. In the same vein, Dr Muritala Olalekan, a lecturer in the Department of History, University of Ibadan, said that there could be no development without the knowledge of one’s past. ‘’You cannot do without referring to past events at every stage of a given country’s development. “That is why most of the developed nations cannot do without their history. “History itself dwells on the economic, political and the social

aspect of a nation’s development, “ he said. Besides, Chief Bola Omoloja, Chairman, Parents and Teachers’ Association, Ondo Chapter, insists that History should be accorded similar status like English and Mathematics. “It’s my belief that History, which relates to what happened in the past, is important to the children of today because the events happened in their absence. “It is like having a mirror to reveal past events which could be examined and studied,” he said. Mr Dare Ilekoye, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Ogun Chapter, said that the removal of History as a subject in primary and secondary school curriculum has a negative effect on the culture and the economy of the nation. “History as a subject deals with past events of people and generation; it was a surprise when History gradually faded out of the curriculum of secondary school education. “History is a subject that captures the past for us to act for the present and plan for the future,’’ he said. Dr Gaius Jatau, Head of History Department, Kaduna State University, said that the knowledgement of history remained an essential instrument in nation building. According to him, knowledge of history promotes national consciousness, patriotism and the flowering of moral leadership which ensures overall national development. He described the replacement of the teaching of History with Social Studies as a `` pathetic decision. ``This explains why the country remains a crawling giant with ethno-religious chauvinism as the major driving force of Nigeria’s polity. ``The lack of historical consciousness is a major reason why so much violence, aggression, hatred, poverty dominate day to day existence of Nigerians. ``We tend to act or react based on the present situation and care little about the past,’’ he said. However, some stakeholders, including parents, teachers and students have argued that although History is important, it should be made optional for students at basic level of education. All in all, educationists insist that whether or not History is made compulsory of optional, measures must be put in place to make teaching and learning of the subject much easier for both students and teachers. (NANFeatures)

PAGE 4

Special Report

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Kannywood TV reality show debuts

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

annywood Hausa Film Industry has continued to thrive in the world of movies. After coming up with many innovations, the industry has now introduced a unique programme called Kannywood Next Movie Star. The programme is reality TV show that would house bunch of talents to showcase their rich talents in various fields of Art. In its effort to hatch more talents and empower youths in Northern Nigeria, the popular Hausa movie industry, would debut the TV reality show to further create employment opportunities and develop the industry. In a press conference held in Kano Friday, Abdulkarim Muhammad, who is the pioneer of the programme, said that the programme was created to empower the teeming youths who have passion for Art, adding that it would also be an opportunity for the nascent artists in the industry to exploit their inherent talents. According to him, the programme would not violate religious and cultural life of the people, stressing that special consideration was placed to give the programme a sound moral look. “This programme was just to create

employment opportunity and empower our teeming youths. There are special considerations on culture and religion. We would do everything possible to avoid violating our religion and cultures in the show.” He said. Muhammad added that the project is intended in searching for determined and interested individuals in the film industry to develop their nascent talents, adding that the project would help in making the industry endowed with professional stars. Speaking on the show, the programme manager, Mr. Babs Adeniyi,

“

said that the programme would run for thirty days where thirty contestants would be on camp. He added that 20 contestants would be evicted from the camp as the winners, a male and a female would emerge from the last ten contestants, adding that the final ten contestants will have their feature film location experience immediately after the end of the show. According to him the contestants would emerge from qualifying from an audition that would be held in five major cities in the northern Nigeria, adding that the cities will be based on catchment

According to him, the programme would not violate religious and cultural life of the people, stressing that special consideration was placed to give the programme a sound moral look.

areas, covering the whole 19 northern states. Adeniyi further revealed that the winners would be given a branded car with one year Artiste Management Contract each, while other eight contestants would be given a one year Artiste Management Contract only. The project would also provide opportunity for the housemates to go through academy while on camp, saying “ The programmes include Art courses: Acting, dancing, singing, skills acquisition programmes like horse riding, swimming etc.” The programme moderators, according to Adeniyi, would run rigorous activities that contestants would go through in the academy, while the judges and other major support personalities would come from veterans and practitioners from Kannywwod, Nollywood and the academics. Registration is also going to be online through www.Kannywoodnextmoviestar.com or call the following numbers 08156516807, 08136831001. He also said that the project would offer opportunity for the nascent artistes in the industry to meet with their counterparts from Nollywood, Bollywood and even the Hollywood

PAGE 5

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

FEATURE

Encouraging Nigerians to pursue a career in seafaring By Aisha Cole

xperts say that seafarers are the `engine room’ of the maritime industry. They work 24 hours daily, 365 days of the year; moving cargo from one end of the world to the other on board ships of all types and sizes. Ironically, there are just about 1.5 million seafarers globally, keeping the world economy moving through the carriage of cargo on board ships. To underscore the importance of seafarers, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), in 2011 set aside June 25 of every year as Day of Seafarers. This year’s Seafarers Day across the globe, including Nigeria was set aside to sensitize youths on the need to take up career in seafaring. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in a message to the celebration held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, said seafarers were grossly inadequate especially at the officers’ cadre level. Mr Calistus Obi, NIMASA’s Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, who represented the director-general, attributed the deficit to huge sum required to train a competent seafarer. He explained that the agency’s policy of capacity building through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) was in line with the theme of this year’s campaign. According to him, as at today, NIMASA is fully sponsoring over 2,500 young Nigerians in various reputable maritime universities in the United Kingdom, Egypt, Romania, India and Philippines. ``There is therefore, more than ever before, the need for continuous training and retraining of Nigerian seafarers with a view to upgrading their skills and competencies. ``This no doubt will afford our nation adequate and skilled seafarers to drive the Cabotage regime and put Nigeria in good stead to achieve her goal of being the maritime hub in Africa and indeed the world.’’ Obi, in a keynote address, urged all maritime stakeholders to take up the challenge of encouraging young Nigerians to pursue a career in the maritime sector as seafarers. Capt. Sunday Umoren, Head of Cabotage Services of NIMASA who stood in for Obi, said the encouragement could be in form of sponsorship and improvement in working and living conditions of seafarers. ``The various training programmes embarked upon by the agency are aimed at addressing the challenge of low level human capacity development of seafarers,’’ Obi said. He said the agency was mindful of the poor welfare condition of seafarers at the local and global levels. The director also noted the strenu-

NIMASA DG, Hassan Baba Jauro ous journey the seafarers embarked upon; the life of isolation they have to bear; and the associated boredom which they must withstand. Obi, however, said he was proud to note that in spite of all these, the seafarers had remained undeterred toward the improvement of the nation’s economic prosperity. Chief Kunle Folarin, the Chairman, National Seafarers Welfare Board, said seafarers should be commended for handling more than 85 per cent of goods coming into Nigerian ports. Folarin said the celebration of the Seafarers Day provided opportunity for

“

awareness of the roles of seafarers, adding that seafarers were major contributors to national economy. ``In 2014, a total of 5,400 vessels called at Nigerian ports, moved by foreign crew but now we want a change, that at least 10 per cent must be manned by Nigerians. ``Philippines’ seafarers remit about eight million dollars to their government. ``In few months, Nigerian seafarers will do the same when they are fully employed after going through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) training by NIMASA.

Seafaring could be a major foreign exchange earner of the country if all states of the federation and other maritime stakeholders key into the NSDP programme of NIMASA by investing in our seafarers now and reaping the benefits in the near future

``The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006 was ratified by the Federal Government. We want the National Assembly to domesticate it so that people will enjoy the benefits,’’ Folarin said. He urged NIMASA not to relent in training the seafarers as well as policing the nation’s territorial waters. Dr Joshua Okpo, Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, said ``seafaring is rewarding and exciting’’. According to him, the remuneration is mouth-watering but Nigeria and Nigerians are yet to tap into this maritime potential. Okpo said , `` there are currently in excess of 50,000 merchant ships trading across the world and with the amount of international trade continuing to expand, the shipping industry must continue to expand to meet the ever-increasing demand. ``The ever increasing demand in ships necessitates the demand for welltrained and qualified seafarers to man these ships. ``The contributions of seafarers to the development of shipping and world economy cannot be over-emphasised. ``Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, was established to meet these challenges,’’ the rector said. Okpo mentioned careers like: deck officer, engineering officer, marine cook, marine electrician , marine stewards and Navy. He also mentioned ship building and hip repairs; divers; oil and rigs; towage and salvage; marine surveyors; offshore oil and gas and teaching. Mrs Juliana Gunwa, Director, Maritime Labour Services in NIMASA said governments, seafarers’ employers, manning agents, private organisations could encourage young people to take up career in shipping by carrying out a campaign. Gunwa who was represented by Ms Ego Nwokocha, Deputy Director Maritime Labour Service of NIMASA, said the benefits which could accrue to the individual, the organisation and the government could be highlighted. ``Seafaring could be a major foreign exchange earner of the country if all states of the federation and other maritime stakeholders key into the NSDP programme of NIMASA by investing in our seafarers now and reaping the benefits in the near future,’’ she said. Gunwa advised that seafarers must shun acts which might bring shame to their families and the country, like certificate forgery, pilfering, stealing, alcoholism, drug abuse and armed banditry. Stakeholders want Nigerian youths to pursue a career ` at sea’ in order to earn ‘mouth-watering’ foreign exchange. They say that a country like Philippines is known to be earning huge foreign exchange by exporting seafarers to other countries. Nigeria, they say, could do so if the youths are encouraged to pursue a career in seafaring. (NANFeatures

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

News Presidency, APC detailing military to rig Kogi poll – PDP By Ahmed Abubakar

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts the nation that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government has pulled in partisan military operatives to assist it in rigging Saturday’s Kogi state governorship election, instead of allowing the forces to concentrate on their statutory role of providing peripheral security during elections. The party said intelligence information available to it shows that some compromised military personnel led by a senior officer of the rank of a Colonel have been detailed by the Presidency to carry out specific assignments in support of APC candidate in the election. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Friday said the development is not only a recipe to civil disorder, but also a clear invitation to total disruption of free and fair polls in the state if not immediately checked. “Available intelligence shows that the deployment to Kogi state, of the Army Colonel,

who is a known APC sympathizer is part of the fallout of last week’s secret meeting coordinated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), where orders were issued to clamp-down on PDP members and supporters to pave way for some pliable INEC officials to manipulate the election in favour of the APC. “Compromised troops have already been detailed to Dekina Local Government Area, the largest PDP stronghold in the state and home of Governor Idris Wada, where they have been instructed to create panic, strong-arm PDP supporters, frighten and scare away voters, ostensibly to deprive the our party of its expected large votes from the area. “We are also aware of how the head of Security of APC candidate’s Campaign Organization, a retired Army General, is coordinating the movement of partisan security operatives into other key local governments, including Igalamela, Ofu, Ankpa and Idah, to harass and frighten PDP supporters and provide a leeway for the APC to manipulate the election. “The PDP also has information of the copious

involvement of a retired police officer, who is working with some men of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS) in providing illegal arms, vehicles and cover for APC thugs who have been positioned to attack PDP supporters during the election. “We find it absolutely shocking that President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government, a huge beneficiary of free, fair and credible election conducted by the PDP, would so early in the day, seek to corrupt the electoral system and willfully attempt to subvert the will of the people. “The PDP however notes that no amount of force and intimidation can bend the will of the Kogi people from appropriately exercising their franchise and using every means within the law to protect their mandate. “While we charge our members and the entire people of Kogi state to remain vigilant and continue to assert their constitutional rights and liberty, we also call on the security forces to note that their duty is primarily to the nation and its citizens, and as such must ensure that they do not become tools in the hands of anti-democratic forces seeking to truncate our democracy.

Buhari to attend gas exporting countries’ forum in Tehran

The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. MIke Omeri; Hon. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the Perm Sec. of the Ministry, Mrs. Ayounde Adesugba in a group photograph with Directors of the agency, during an official meeting with the Hon. Minister, yesterday in Abuja. P h o t o : Justin Imo-Owo

By Osby Isibor

resident Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja tomorrow where he will lead Nigeria’s delegation to Tehran to participate in the 3rd Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum (GECF) opening in the Iranian capital on Monday. A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that Buhari and the leaders of Iran, Russia, Qatar, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Oman, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Bolivia and other member-countries of the GECF are expected to review the current market outlook on gas and discuss strategies for boosting gas production. Nigeria and other GECF members currently account for 42 per cent of global gas production, 70 per cent of global gas reserves, 40 per cent of pipeline transmission of gas and 65 per cent of the global trade in Liquefied Natural Gas. According to the release, Buhari will also hold bilateral talks with other participating Heads of State and Government on the sidelines of the summit and meet with Nigerians resident in Iran. The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama; Power, Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Ibe Kachikwu and the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.). He is due back in Abuja on Tuesday November, 24.

Labour vows to resist reduction of 18,000 minimum wages …as Oshiomhole moves to end internal crisis

By Doyin Ojosipe

he President of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba yesterday disclosed the union’s plan to meet with stiff resistance any attempt by the federal or state government to either reduce or abolish the N18, 000 minimum wages which he said was not even enough to cater for the common man. He said this while speaking with journalists at the NLC Headquarters in Abuja. Comrade Wabba noted that the decision to pay the minimum wage was never a wishful stance but an agreement arrived by through negotiations by a tripartite party, which included the federal, state government and stakeholders. He reminded that the suggestion was initially to pay about N46, 000 which was rejected and renegotiated to arrive at the current minimum wage. He added that it was unanimously

agreed on while it was passed into law by the past Government, saying it was never done under duress or due to strike actions. He said, “It is not wishful thinking and therefore, if they think they can also withdraw it, I don’t think that will be accepted by us because in reality, the minimum wage cannot take us home…. We will resist any attempt to try to withdraw the minimum wage unilaterally.” The NLC president vented his anger while saying that removal of N18,000 minimum wage will not save the economy from imminent collapse, urging that state and federal government need think outside the box or develop other avenues to cushion the effects. He said it was unfortunate that governors could only think towards cutting salaries of the poor when the jumbo allowances collected by politicians was not first to be considered for slash.

“Why should it be workers salary alone, what of the jumbo pay that the political office holders are earning; what is 18000 to the jumbo pay of politicians, let’s be realistic, is it because people have found themselves in position of authority, that other citizens do not matter ?”, he queried. Wabba also said that if corruption must be really dealt with, then workers need be paid adequately. Meanwhile, in a bid to help bring the 8 months internal crisis which had rocked the congress giving birth to two factions in the house, former Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) president and Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has waded in, as he successfully brought the warring factions together. Comrade Oshiomhole however, said yesterday that the issues on ground warrants quick end to its internal crisis as Nigerian workers are on the way to being cheated again.

NSCDC urges vigilance over Boko Haram From Femi Oylola, Kaduna

ollowing renewed and increasing incidence of bombing in the country, the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kaduna State Command, Modu Bunu, has called on residents of the state and members of the public to be vigilant and report perceived threats to security agencies. According to Bunu, vigilance and report of incidence with potential threats to security of lives and property has become necessary to curb huge loss of human and material resources arising from the heinous activities of insurgents who are on the prowl. The Commandant tasked residents as a matter of necessity to report suspicious people, movements and activities to security agencies for appropriate measures. He explained that “security agencies often times cannot be everywhere, but when we get information on perceived threats, we shall act accordingly and I believe swift response would yield desired result.” The Kaduna State NSCDC helmsman pointed out that in order to strengthen public confidence in the corps, he has embarked on a courtesy visit to the Chairman Kaduna State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris who pledged the institution’s support. Bunu explained that the command is collaborating with other agencies, assuring that public support for security agencies in information sharing is indispensible to address our security challenges. In a similar development, the Commandant has renewed a call on the public to consider public infrastructures as personal property and report vandals who have formed the habit of destroying them. He expressed worry that destruction of such installations has resulted in huge economic loss in the country, warning that the corps is doing its best to arrest and sanction perpetrators of such evil acts. Commandant Bunu tasked a delegation of Association of Licensed private security practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Kaduna State Chapter, led by its vice chairman Mr. Sunday Amin, to share vital information on destruction of infrastructure obtained on the field with NSCDC to curb such incidence.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 7

Cover

Fuel queues take over Nigerian city streets

From Etuka Sunday, Abuja, Femi Oyelola, Kaduna, Ibrahim Sidi Muhâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d, Gusau, Yakubu Mustapha, Minna, Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos and Osakhare Erese, Asaba

ajor streets in most Nigerian state capitals have been taken over by long queues created by non-availability of Premium Motor Spirit aka petrol as, motorists waited for hours with the hope of getting their tanks filled up. Investigations revealed that major Kaduna streets like Ahmadu Bello Way, Nnamdi Azikiwe Bye-Pass Expressway, Ali Akilu Road, Kachia Road, Waff Road, Junction Road and Independence Way, saw drivers in their cars

waiting patiently for their turn in order to buy fuel. The queues created by drivers are also creating some hazards to other businesses because the lines stretch across their premises making entry and exit into such premises difficult. At the UTC Shopping Complex the security guards on duty for the past four days have been battling hard with motorists who want to go to Edi-Jen Filling Station not to block their main entrance gate. The conflict degenerated into a freefor-all fight when some drivers insisted that people were coming from within the premises to join the queue thereby shunting those who have been on the queue for hours on end. At the Mobil Filling Station along

Yakubu Gowon Way/Ahmadu Bello Way, the situation was very chaotic as motorists blocked the popular Leventis Roundabout that serves as a gateway to the famous Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Market creating long holdups that stretched as long as Singer Roundabout from the north and Katsina Road Roundabout in the south. Many traders at the Gumi Market who spoke to Peoples Daily Weekly complained that since they started witnessing long queues people have stopped coming to the market because of holdups; and the result of this is low business patronage. They wondered why government has not come to their rescue by finding solution to the long queues.

Alhaji Abdallah Liman, Secretary of the Joint Traders Association in the market said the situation is becoming uncontrollable and they have to write to security organizations in the state to come to their aid. In the same vein, formidable economic challenges caused by the dearth of fuel has eventually put restrictions on both the movements and purchasing ability of most needed commodities among the teeming populace of most state capitals. It was learnt that, only about 22 out of over 200 filling stations across Zamfara State (including major marketers) Contd on Page 8

PAGE 8

Cover Contd from Page 7 were able to operate, the situation which compels both the transporters and the merchants to drop their services by a threatening percentage in the state. Visits to some filling stations comprising major and independent oil marketers especially in Gusau, the state capital, witnessed that, a litre of fuel was sold at the cost of 150-170 naira against the federal government’s official 87 naira (per litre) being sold at only filling stations run by the few major marketers. The hike in fuel price had forced transporters to have no other alternative than to join endless queues in order for them to refill at the government’s controlled price; this has become a convincing reason for witnessing a reduction in the amount of movements of both passengers and commodities within and outside the state. A visit to a Mega filling station in Gusau, the state capital revealed that a combined queue of over 700 private and commercial vehicles and over 1000 motorcycles in pursuit of fuel at government’s controlled price. However, hawkers selling items like sachet water, yoghourt, pastry products etc, were making brisk business as they sell their products to customers on fuel queues. People who spoke to Peoples Daily Weekly expressed concern at the danger of those long queues because of the present insecurity situation in the country, saying such crowded areas are not in the best interest of the country because of insurgents’ love for soft target spots. Meanwhile, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Kaduna Zonal office has commenced station to station verification of fuel received and dispensed. The team who were at the Texaco Filling Station along Stadium Roundabout took measure of the number of fuel litres delivered, sales record and remaining reserve. The station manager, Timothy Akpan was also asked some questions in respect of his supply. The team leader, Mohammed Bello said, the exercise was to check the activities of fuel hoarders who contributed immensely to the present scarcity. He wondered how black marketers walk into filling stations and fill their containers at ease while motorists were being told there was no fuel. He said he has been instructed to seal up any filling station that was found wanting. And two filling stations along Nnamdi Azikikwe Expressway were sealed because of alleged sharp practices. A long-distanced commercial driver identified as Lawali Yaro Hanya found on the queue in Gusau, and who spoke to our reporter said, he preferred joining the long queue not minding how many days it would take, provided it was on the government’s controlled 87 naira fuel price, as that would allow him to realise profit out of his business. Hanya further claimed that, he identified over 300 long-distance commercial drivers on the queue, a clear indication that the movement of people and commodities has dropped by a threatening percentage in the state.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Queues take over Nigerian streets

Long queue of vehicles waiting to buy fuel in Abuja “People have been grumbling for the sudden increase attached to transportation charges and were blaming drivers in ignorance, it could not be our fault considering how we toil to get the fuel, we had to suspend our services for that purpose,” Hanya complained. The hard situation as always, turned into a money-spinner for black marketers as they sell each 4-litre of fuel at the cost 1200 naira, while at some places especially suburbs it goes for as high as 1500 naira. The situation in Niger State is not different from what is obtained in other parts of the nation as most filling stations now sell at N140 per litre despite intervention by the Department of Petroleum of Resources (DPR). Consequently, most filling stations apart from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) mega station that sells at regulated price of N87 per litre, others sell for a minimum of

“

N140 per litre with long queues if ready to sale just as black market booms in the state capital, Minna. Many stations that have the commodity refuse to dispense to consumers and the reopening of some them was attributed to the intervention of the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago who met with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in the state pleading that the scarcity of the commodity has brought too much hardship on the people. The product is now sold, but at the rate of N140 per litre in most stations. Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello held a meeting at government house Minna with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and independent marketers under the banner of IPMAN. He sought to find out how to make the product available in the state, following the hardship created by its scarcity, but IPMAN Chair-

He said he has been instructed to seal up any filling station that was found wanting. And two filling stations along Nnamdi Azikikwe Expressway were sealed because of alleged sharp practices.

man said their hands were tied as DPR will not allow them to sell above government regulated price. He then expressed optimism that the fuel scarcity will be a thing of the past, especially if their products bought above regulated price from private depots would be allowed to be sold at a price that will not harm the marketers. But in a swift reaction, the Niger State DPR controller, Engineer Abdullahi Isah Jankara, said he was not aware of price of petroleum sold above regulated price by the depots while he insisted that the government regulated price must be maintained. Jankara reassured that his department will continue in carrying out its legitimate responsibility to the people adding that it will not be business as usual in the state. The DPR led by the Niger State Controller, Engr. Abdullahi Isah Jankara while responding to the marketers’ threat warned that, any Marketer who goes on strike or refuses to sell stands to have his licence revoked. The IPMAN, led by the State Chairman, Adamu Erena, earlier advised the Federal Government to order private depots across the country to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to its members at the regulated price of N77.66 per litre so that they can start selling at the controlled price. Meanwhile, in Plateau State, long queues of hundreds of vehicles at various filling stations have been spotted waiting to buy the fuel, though the queues have reduced minimally. Peoples Daily Weekly findings re Contd on Page 9

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 9

Cover

Queues take over Nigerian city streets Contd from Page 8 vealed that unlike in the last two weeks, petroleum products are relatively obtainable and affordable now, especially in the city centre of Jos, the state capital. It is also reported that in both Central and Southern zones of the state, fuel products are obtainable after queuing for same, but the queues are not as long as in the Jos metropolis. This according to our correspondent could not be unconnected to the number of cars in the capital compared to the other zones. Our correspondent also reported that fuel price at various stations in Jos is still N87 per litre despite its scarcity across the state. But reports from other parts of the state revealed that fuel stations sell the product at N100 and above. It was however gathered in many filling stations that fuel was massively sold to black marketers in cans as against the directive of the DPR. In Asaba, the Delta State capital and its environs, the scarcity took a dramatic turn as marketers have resolved to sell their products on black markets. While the situation has deepened the problem of transportation and social lives of the people, investigation revealed that many residents of Asaba has resorted to trekking long distances as they cannot afford the high fare while domestic fuel users cannot afford to fuel their generators for domestic home usage. It was learnt that petrol dealers in Asaba and its environs sell their fuel products as much as N200 per litre, leaving motorists and commercial tricycle owners lamenting the high cost and lack of patronage. While the situation is becoming too unbearable for pedestrians and motorists, some of the filling stations visited by our correspondent only a handful of motorists were purchasing products apparently due to the high cost of petrol. A commercial tricycle operator, Chinedu Okoye who spoke to our correspondent said “I bought petrol at N200 per litre and I have been regretting the situation because the process of getting the product alone has been difficult, we no longer get more passengers because everybody prefer to trek long distance, we appeal to Federal Government to come to our aid for the situation is worse hit” A dealer in Okpanam community Joseph Eze who also spoke to our correspondent said “We cannot afford to reduce the cost, it is N200 per litre and people are scrambling for it, those who cannot afford N200 can trek no matter what the Federal Government says, we are selling according to how we bought, the fuel crisis in Nigeria has not been properly addressed and the Federal Government should take the blame”. In her comment, a housewife Mrs. Joy Abasi who was seen trekking to her destination revealed that she had to trek because she could not afford a high cost

Consumers on queue for petroleum products

“

Even as the Department of Petroleum Resources is said to be working round the clock to check the long queues, streets of Kaduna metropolis and environs will continue to witness long queues unless something definite is done.

of transport fare, saying that transport fare from her house to the office is N100 before now but she pays N200 to cover the distance at present. Some passengers who spoke to our correspondent said “Where we used to go for N50 is N150 now and the situation is biting hard on us, so we have resolved to trek.” Earlier in the week, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu gave marching orders to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to sanction any fuel station found hoarding or selling the product above the regulated price. The order was in furtherance of efforts to end the noticeable fuel queues in major cities across the country. A statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe quoted the minister to have given the order after a working visit to some retail outlets in Abuja. According to the statement, Kachik-

wu directed the DPR to ensure that any petrol station caught in the nefarious act of product hoarding, should have such concealed products sold off to members of the public for free (gratis). “I have instructed DPR that if they discover any fuel station involved in hoarding, they should sell the products for free to customers around there. It is not just sealing the station that is the answer. It is penalizing them when they do these things and I hope the message goes out loud and clear,” he said. The Minister who is billed to host strategy session with the Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) as well as Jetty and Tank Farm Owners Associations as well as all other relevant stakeholders in Abuja on Wednesday, charged oil marketers across the country to cooperate with government to ensure speedy clearance of the fuel queues. “I am getting all the Majors to get

involved and they must take charge of the situation and they must take responsibility for all their filling stations. Currently, there is enough supply and we are moving trucks massively to address the situation. I have instructed the DPR and the Petroleum Equalization Fund and all the other agencies to work towards the Fast track movement of petrol bearing trucks and vessels,’’ Dr. Kachikwu stated. On the approved payment of N413 billion subsidy claims to marketers, he reiterated that President Muhammadu Buhari has transmitted a letter to the National Assembly for the legislative approval of the subsidy claims, noting that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will make the funds available to the marketers once appropriated by the National Assembly. The Minister also said there is no price reduction of petrol in the horizon and that marketers should desist from hoarding by making the products available to the motorists. Meanwhile figures from the daily dispatch of petrol to depots across the country indicate that 38, 277, 955, 00 (Thirty Eight Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand and Nine Hundred and Fifty Five Litres of petrol was dispatched by PPMC across the country on 16th November, 2015. Even as the Department of Petroleum Resources is said to be working round the clock to check the long queues, streets of Kaduna metropolis and environs will continue to witness long queues unless something definite is done.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

News

Korean, Nigerian artists thrill guests at 2015 Korea National Day By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Republic of Korea has begun a week long ceremony to mark the 2015 National Day celebration of the country, even as the event witnessed a mixture of artists from both Nigeria and Korea, who thrilled guests with entertaining and beautiful dance, fashion and song shows. The event which commenced on Monday, at the Transcorp Hilton, attracted prominent Nigerians and non-Nigerians, including lawmakers and envoys of other countries, all of who commended the Republic of Korea for putting up such events to strengthen cultural relationship with Nigeria. The Korea National Day, which is being organised by the Korea Cultural Center (KCC) in Abuja, in conjunction with the Embassy, is one of the efforts of the KCC and the Korean Embassy in Nigeria to create cultural relationships with Nigeria and also expose Nigerian artists on the dance and songs of the Korean people. This year’s Korea National Day celebration is organised in grand style, with fixtures such as dinner, cooking competition, dance and fashion shows, among others. The ceremony also witnessed presentation of Nigerian indigenous songs by Korean art-

ists, as well as display of Korean native dance steps by the Nigerian youths. Speaking to journalists on the importance of the event, the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Noh Kyu-Duk, said the National Day

marks the Korean day of appreciating the citizens, and a day for country to remember its journey to nationhood. He also commended the KCC for putting up the programme to commemorate the Korea’s

National Day in Nigeria, stating that the event will further strengthen the cultural and other bilateral relationships between Nigeria and Korea. Also speaking, a lawmaker, Nnenna Ukaeje (PDP, Abia),

7 passengers roasted to death in ghastly motor accident By Osakhare Erese, Asaba

t least seven persons were yesterday roasted to death in a ghastly motor accident involving a trailer and 18-seater commercial bus along the Benin-Asaba expressway. An eyewitness, Patience Oduah, said the 18-seater bus caught fire after it collided with a trailer com-

ing from Benin, leaving seven out of the18 passengers burnt beyond recognition. It was gathered that the 18-seater bus driver with registration number AA 126 XX veered out of its way around a mega filling station before the Asaba airport. Oduah said “The bus collided with the incoming trailer belonging to a well known business man while

driving on one way because of the heavy traffic at the mega filling station, it suddenly caught fire and seven persons out of the 18 passengers were burnt beyond recognition, while others sustained fatal injuries”. But the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Celestina Kalu, confirmed that seven persons were burnt beyond recognition while others sustained fatal injuries.

While blaming the accident on one way driving, Kalu said “It is unfortunate that the driver of the 18-seater bus struggled his way out of the heavy gridlock to take one way, hence he ran into the oncoming trailer, those severely injured are at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), while the driver of the trailer escaped.”

produce documents of purported payment of N2.7 billion severance package to its board members. The House also ordered that the necessary documents be presented to the committee on or before Monday, November 23, or

face the wrath of the House. Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Rep Daniel Asuquo, noted that despite a written communication to the leadership of NERC, the commission was unable to tender any docu-

ment as requested by the committee. He accused the commission of undermining the committee’s investigation, saying they would not entertain any excuse from the commission on Monday. On November 4, following a motion moved on the floor, the House of Representatives issued a resolution halting the planned payment of N2.7 billion by the board of the NERC to its members. The House also referred the matter to the committee on power, charging the committee to investigate. Responding, Chairman of the commission, Mr. Sam Amadi, however, denied plots to undermine the committee, saying all the required documents will be ready by Monday as requested by the committee. “I want to assure you that these documents are already with us, it is not the case of we don’t have them or we are looking for them, they are available, it just that there are some administrative errors, they did not photocopy all the documents, and I took only some, the first thing we observed was that error and here and there I asked them to start bringing whatever they can bring. I want to apologize, it was not deliberate at all. “Another thing I want to say is that these documents are in public domain, we sent them quarterly to the Speaker and the Senate president, and most often they are sent to the relevant committee. I want to assure you that there was no desire whatsoever to delay or disrespect any member of this committee it is just that there is a failure from our own process and we take full responsibility”, he said. Some of the documents requested by the committee include; audited finance status of the commission in the last four years, all its correspondence with the National salaries Income and wages commission, audited bank statement, detailed communications with the pension commission, among other.

N2.7bn: Reps query NERC over inability to tender documents

By Umar Muhammad Puma

he House of Representatives Committee on Power has queried the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) over its inability to

R-L: Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah with his aids, Hon. Frank ibezim, during the Minister’s interactive parley with Education correspondence, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Nigeria to host 10th African water facility anniversary By Mohammed Usman

he federal government is set to host the 10th Africa Water Facility (AWF) anniversary. The three-day event is slated for Wednesday, November 25 to Friday, 27. In a statement by the Director,

Press & Public Relations Unit of the ministry, Mrs. Margaret Umoh, the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, will declare the governing council meeting open on Thursday, November 26, while the10th anniversary celebration will take place on Friday. The Chairman, Local Organizing

Committee and Director of Water Supply at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Engr. Rufus Onyeanusi, disclosed this in Abuja. He said the theme of the event anchors on Fund Raising/ Replenishment of Water Fund. Nigeria is equally expected to make a commitment to the replenishment of the Water Fund

as part of its obligation to the regional body. The three-day event will witness over 294 participants comprising the governing council members which Nigeria is a member; as well as observers, donor partners, potential partners, beneficiaries and AFDB representatives.

Nigerians urged to leverage on ICT for development

igerians have been urged to leverage on the derivable benefits from ICT to chart the country’s development. The Chief Executive Officer and founder of a non-governmental organization, A3 Foundation, Ambassador. Dr. Aisha Audu-Emeje, stated this in an interview on the sidelines of eNigeria 2015 organized by the National

said it was a fantastic event, saying it has offered Nigerians the knowledge of how the Koreans celebrate their National Day, and to learn ways other cultural diversities between Nigeria and Korea.

Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Abuja Dr Audu-Emeje noted that globally the growth and development of any nation is now based on utilizing ICT tools and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. “The growth of the world today is based on ICT, Nigeria cannot be left behind, as the impact it has on a devel-

oping nation like Nigeria is enormous. For us adding growth to the economy we need to key into the area of e-agric and e-health which is a dream way to live, we are only connecting to the global world.’’ On her foundation known as A3 foundation, Dr. Aisha-Emeje said they are working with the Rockefeller Foundation to promote digital jobs in

Africa. “We are training youths in fixing, assembling and networking computers, this is going to help the ICT infrastructure that we are building all over the country and also facilitate businesses that the international investors are bringing into the country because they will need skilled hands,” she explained.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 11

News

Why EFCC is after me - Bafarawa From Raji Bello, Sokoto

ormer governor of Sokoto State and Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) chieftain, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has described the siege on his residence by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) as “political intimidation and persecution”. He also added that the Department of State Security’s (DSS) ac-

tion was meant to frighten him against the political choice and freedom of association he had chosen. Speaking through a statement issued by his Media Aide, Malam Yusuf Dingyadi, the former governor wondered why those assigned the duty and responsibility of providing protection to citizens have become tools of destruction and abuse of rule of law. “The Nigerian security ought

to be the vanguard of ensuring security and liberty of a citizen not by the use of force, intimidation and threat. His friendship and political alliance with former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, after he joined PDP has earned him respect due to his commitment to the welfare, unity and development of the people of Sokoto state and Nigeria. “Therefore, he cannot abandon him now due to the change

of government”, the statement maintained. Dingyadi also posited that no amount of intimidation or persecution by any of the federal government security agencies can stop Bafarawa from his resolve to support and sympathise with any person he wish to align with. “Just as he was treated the same way while supporting Buhari in 2007 in which he was bundled from a meeting at Abuja to prison in Sokoto.

“If EFCC has anything against Bafarawa let them present it to the court of law instead of becoming a tool of victimization in order to deter him from his constitutional role of free association and expression,” he maintained. Bafarawa assured his readiness to appear before EFCC anytime he is legally summoned. He also advised on the need to follow due process through court of law if have anything against him.

PDP warns Bello over LG caretaker bosses From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

President, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Najeem Yasin; Guest Speaker, Dr Emmanuel Sokpo, and Chairman, Health Partners International, Mr Bryan Haddon, at a seminar on accelerating the attainment of universal health coverage through community based emergency transport schemes , yesterday in Abuja

Kogi poll: Police in full control - DIG From Ahmad Ibrahim, Lokoja

he Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Kogi State governorship poll, Mr. Soyenyo Lery, has disclosed that the Nigerian Army has no business with to-

day’s election, saying the Nigeria Police is fully in control as far as security is concerned. Briefing newsmen on the preparation of the police for the election yesterday in Lokoja, the DIG said the army are only on standby to guide critical national institu-

tions as well as to be drafted in, in case of serious violence that the police may not be able to handle. Leroy also urged commuters not to ply through Kogi State as they may experience some ‘discomfort’, “because Kogi is in the

Free treatment: Bomb blast victims laud hospital management From Umar Dankano, Yola

he remaining victims of Jambutu Tipper Garage bomb blast receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, have commended the efforts of hospitals and the state government in providing free medical services to them. Speaking to journalists at the FMC Yola, yesterday, they said they were impressed by the reception and concern shown to them since their admission.

“They are nice to us and since we came everything is free” Alhassan Audu, a sugar cane seller, recuperating at the old orthopedic ward, said. Malam Isah Adamu, 14, who lauded the free medical treatment, said he was highly relieved by the gesture. Another victim, Usman Birma, a tipper driver, said he was happy with the free treatment and expressed gratitude to government and the management of the hospital for the timely intervention, saying is only Allah who will reward them abundantly.

Also commenting, a mother of one of the victims, Malama Sumaiyatu Adamu, who was delighted with the support from the hospital and government, appealed to military troops to redouble their courageous efforts in curbing insurgency. Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the centre, Adamu Dodo, said so far 13 out of the over 30 patients receiving treatment at the centre have been discharged. Dodo lauded members of the public for their support, particularly for donating blood.

centre of the country and it is a gateway between the South and the Northern part of the country. “We (police) therefore advise them to either take alternative routes or wait till the end of the election because every motorist would be subjected to stop, screen and search’ process thereby causing some discomfort to them”. He added that they cannot afford to take chances considering the reports of some people flying in arms and ammunitions to the state to cause violence during the election, warning trouble makers to steer clear in their own interest. He further disclosed that the dispatched police officers have been licensed to take picture and video of any proceeding in their posted polling booth, stressing that the videos would later be screened so as to identify those who perpetrate violence during the poll and help to get to their sponsors. He, however, enjoined supporters of party that may eventually win the election to be circumspect in their celebration so as not to infringe on the feelings of the supporters of the losing party.

he Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of the illegality of the ongoing plan to inaugurate caretaker committees for the 25 local government areas. The party made the observation yesterday in Minna. It said the latest plan by the governor to inaugurate caretaker committees contravenes the contents of an earlier letter sent to the House of Assembly requesting for the extension of the committees that was approved. The PDP Chairman, Hon. Musa Ma’ali stated this yesterday in Minna in a press briefing at the party secretariat, that the issue of Director of Personnel Management DPM though was also unconstitutional but could be overlooked, added that the party had already filled a case in court to that effect who will determined the viability of the case before it. In the same vein, the party’s Deputy Chairman, Barrister Tanko Beji, said “Nigerlites cannot be taken for granted, the Niger State House of Assembly is a duely constituted arm of government that needs to be respected by all and the request of the governor must be followed to the lather, you asked for one thing that was approved which lead to another, it is an abrasion of the law.” It would be recalled that on Tuesday, October, 27, the House of Assembly passed a resolution number16 and 17 2015/2016 session which was communicated to the governor by a letter dated October 27. Beji said the resolution stated clearly that the continued running of the LGAs by caretaker committees was an illegality, that the tenure of caretaker committees have expired and the governor did not write to the Assembly for extension of their tenure which the House declared unlawful and unconstitutional. A letter which was made available to our reporter stated that this infraction of the governor breached the provision of Section 5 sub-section 2(b) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), stressing that this illegality is an impeachable offence.

PAGE 12

Photosplash

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo interacting with students during his visit to Ikenegbu girls secondary school, yesterday in owerri

Ad-doc staff checking their names at the INEC zonal office, yesterday in lokoja

L-R:Deputy Director,skill Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Development Dept. NYSC, Mr. Lanre Ologun; CEO, Fate Foundation, Mrs Adenike Adeyemi; MD/CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa; and Programme Manager. LEAP Africa, Mrs Ndifreke Ekwuegbunam, at the NYSC/BOI Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund Training Programme , yesterday in Lagos

L-R: Oat taking officer, Abuja Municipal Area Council marriage registry, Hajia Mamu Abubakar, the couple Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Ndueso signing their marriage register during their court wedding ceremony on Thursday in Abuja.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa (right), being presented with a gift by the President, Students Union Government, Lagos State University, Mr. Adeyemi Onikoro, during their visit at the National Assembly Complex yesterday in, Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE13

News

Committee seeks synergy with NGOs on relief to IDPs From Uche Uche, Damaturu

committee for resettlement and distribution of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in partnership with other non-governmental organizations, yesterday, visited the Kukareta self-made camp consisting of 13,000 IDPs. Speaking to the IDPs who gathered at the residence of the district head of the area, Lawan Zanna, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State,

Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, who is the chairman of the state committee on resettlement and distribution of relief materials to the IDPs, informed the gathering that they were there to sympathize with them, look at how they are being taken care of and seek ways of improving on their welfare as directed by Governor Ibrahim Gaidam. He equally told them that the state government is consulting with the military to see how safe it would be for them to go back to their own

localities from where they were displaced by the Boko Haram insurgents. He also said that their complaints would be taken care of as efforts are being made towards having proper coordination of activities by all stakeholders including Red Cross, Action Against Hunger, UNICEF, among others. He, however, urged them to exercise patience and endurance with the hope that soon, the activities of the insurgents would be overcome

and they would be able to go back to their various homes and live normal lives. He also informed them that the governor, in cognizance of their problem of potable drinking water, has approved the release of funds to those responsible for the supply to improve on their services. He pointed out that sub-committees have been inaugurated and would visit all the affected areas to ascertain the extent of damage as it affects them individually and how

the government can assist them rebuild their houses, establish and re-establish damaged health facilities and schools in the respective communities. Earlier, the district head presented the requests made by the IDPs on how they could be assisted to go back to their houses, the provision of local food they were used to as many of them were not used to eating rice and improved accommodation and water.

RTEAN urges drivers to co-operate with FRSC By Usman Shuaibu

he Chairman of Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Gwagwalada branch, Alhaji Inuwa Mohammed, has called on drivers, as well as members of the association to always co-operate with men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the discharge of their official assignments. Mohammed made the call in an interview with newsmen during the 2015 Ember month flag-off campaign of RS7.11 Gwagwalada Unit Command, tagged “kill the Speed and Not a life” on Thursday at the RTEAN’s office in Gwagwalada. He said his administration would continue to parley with FRSC for the safety of drivers, advising motorists against taking alcohol while on driving. He pleaded with the government to carry the union/association leaders, as well as FRSC along in the scheme of things. In his speech, the RTEAN Secretary in Gwagwalada, Malam Idris Adamu, appealed to the management of FRSC in the area to fight road traffic crashes at all times. He also charged them to continue to checkmate the activities of those who engage in reckless driving, as according to him, this is the only prevention to road accidents. Adamu, however, lauded the FRSC for its initiative.

Policemen deployed for the Kogi election, yesterday in lokoja

‘Heed to governor’s directive on bailout funds’

Civil servants back Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade

By Osakhare Erese, Asaba

From Ahmed Kaigam, Bauchi

he Chairman, Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Delta State, Comrade Olumami Oyibo, has directed all Heads of Personnel Management (HPM) and treasurers in local government councils to strictly comply with the directive of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to use 100 percent of the bailout fund for workers salaries. Comrade Oyibo, in a statement in Asaba, emphasized that the funds released was strictly for workers’ salaries, including those of serving political office holders in the local government, adding that diversion of the funds for other uses will attract sanctions to any erring HPM and treasurer. He revealed that the funds released to the councils, and in addition to the allocation for the month of October, can conveniently pay at least three months salaries of work-

ers in the affected 21 local governments where salaries of workers were being owed for months. Oyibo noted that members of the commission and directors are currently on tour of the affected 21 local government areas to monitor the implementation of the governor’s directive on the bailout fund, with a view to ensure strict compliance. The LGSC boss further directed the HPMs and treasurers in the affected councils, excluding Warri North, Warri South West, Burutu and Bomadi to submit returns on salaries paid with the funds to the commission not later than 48 hours after conclusion of payment. Oyibo directed that the completed forms containing the Returns on Payment of Bailout by local government, which must be submitted to the commission, should be duly signed by the HPMs and treasurers to local government.

he Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Bauchi State chapter, has expressed its determination to support the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari, just as it stipulated that declaring their assets periodically would ensure accountability and morality in the civil service. The Bauchi State Secretary of ASCSN, Comrade Oladimeji Koleosho, disclosed this during a seminar organized by the state Chapter of the association with the theme: ‘Sustaining the Anti-Corruption Crusade:Role of Civil Servants and Trade Union’ held at the Development Exchange Centre, Bauchi. ‘’We shall continue to support the anti-corruption crusade of the president by educating our members not to involve in corrupt practices. It is unfortunate that corruption has eaten deep into our system but with the determination of the present administration, and the support of Nigerians, it would be reduce it to the barest minimum.

The Bauchi State Director of Code of Conduct Bureau, Ibraheem Abdullahi Mahmood, while presenting a paper entitled:’Roles And Responsibilities of Code of Conduct Bureau in Deepening Accountability In Nigeria’s Democracy’, said the code requires holders of public offices to take decisions solely in terms of public interest. He added that they are also required by the provisions not to place themselves under any financial obligations in the course of their official duties while at the same time accounting for all official actions and decisions. Mahmood added that Public officers must declare any private interest relating to his public duties and be ready to take steps to resolve conflicts arising in a way which will protect public interests. On his part, the Permanent Secretary Establishment and Servicom Matters Bureau, Bauchi State, Liman Bello, in his paper entitled: ‘Raising The Standard Of Service Delivery In Public Sector’, said there is need for civil servants to be disciplined and committed.

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Crime Cycle

Mashe Umaru Gwamna pmlcrimecycle@gmail.com 08138559513

Court remands woman for beating 3-year-old niece with iron belt

n Ikeja Magistrates’ Court remanded Juliana Monday, 33, in Kirikiri Prisons for allegedly beating up her three-year-old niece with iron belt. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and adjourned the case till Nov. 24 for ruling on the bail condition. The accused, a trader, who lives at no. 9, Irepodun Street, Agege, Lagos, is facing a charge of assault. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the offence was committed on Sept. 22 at the accused residence. Iseghede said the accused beat the little girl with an iron belt and caused her grievous harm all over her body. ``If not for the intervention of the neighbours that rescued the girl, she would have died as a result of bleeding from her mouth,’’ he said. He also told the court that the girl’s parents live in the North and gave their daughter to the accused to take care of her because she had no child of her own. The offence contravened Section 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused pleaded not guilty. (NAN)

Man, 31, docked over N30m land fraud A

31-year-old Chizoba Maduba was on charged before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State for allegedly selling his brother’s land valued at N30 million. Maduba was charged alongside Ikechukwu Onuoha, 35, Emma Adebayo, 58, Mauruf Olanrewaju, 52, Alex Okorie, 52 and Nnamdi Onwukazo, 45, for alleged involvement in land fraud. The accused are standing trial on a four-count-charge of felony, theft, forgery and unlawful possession. The Prosecutor, Cpl. Femi Adeleye, told the court that Maduka, who is the brother to Dr Iyk Maduba, the complainant, conspired with five others to sell the land entrusted in his care. “The complainant, Iyk , who was outside the country, entrusted the land to his brother for keep until he was set to build; but the brother forged the documents and sold it out. “Two of the accused; Okorie and Onwukazo, now at large, in company of others, in October at Oke Afa, Ejigbo, .Lagos State, conspired with the intention to commit felony and forgery,” he said. He said the accused forged the documents of the property, purported to have been signed by his brother, Iyk, to facilitate the sale of the land. “His plan was to share the

IG Solomon Arase proceeds of the land if the business was successful but his brother showed up and discovered the conspiracy,” he said. The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 409, 285 (9),(a), 363 (2)(e) and 318 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused pleaded not guilty.

25-year-old man, Benjamin Ibehmonic, on Friday appeared in a Makurdi Magistrate’s Court for alleged rape of a 13-year-old boy through his anus. The Prosecutor, Cpl. Omaye Ujata, told the court that one Christian Ornguga of No. 39 Off Vandeikya Street, High-Level Makurdi, reported the case at B Division Police Station. Uajta said that Ibehmonic of the same address raped the informant’s younger brother through the anus while he was coming back from an errand. She told the court that the complainant told the police that he sent the victim to buy him recharge card. The prosecutor said that Ornguga told the police that the accused called him into his room, tied his mouth, legs, hands and had sexual intercourse with him through his anus. The accused was arrested during police investigation and he voluntarily confessed to the crime. She said that investigation into the matter had been completed and applied for a date for hearing. The Magistrate, Ibrahim Mohammed, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N20, 000 with one surety in like sum. Mohammed said that the surety must reside within Makurdi town, and adjourned the case till Nov. 23, for hearing. (NAN)

Man in court for allegedly defiling neigbour’s under aged daughter

27-year old man, Jelili Yusuf, who allegedly raped his neighbour’s 10-year old daughter, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. The accused, a generator repairer, who lives at no. 5, Bello Owoso St., Shogunle, Oshodi, Lagos, is facing a charge of defilement. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Jimah Iseghede, told

the court that the offence was committed on Nov. 13 at the accused residence. Iseghede said that accused was caught defiling the girl at the back of their house by one of the neighbours. “The accused was caught in the act and the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused pleaded not guilty to the

Edo: hoodlums chase ‘pro-Igbinedion women protesters’ By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

The Magistrate, Mr A.A. Fashola, granted each of the accused N500, 000 bail with two sureties each. Fashola said that the sureties’ addresses must be verified and certified by the court’s prosecutor, and adjourned the case till Nov. 30 for mention. (NAN)

Man, 25, in court for alleged rape of 13-year-old boy

he peaceful rally by some aged women across Edo south senatorial district of Edo state was on Tuesday morning disrupted by suspected hoodlums. The hoodlsums were said to have crashed into the midst of the women who were clad in red apparel at the main entrance of the state House of Assembly complex in Benin City. The women who sang dirges, was caught in the Web of controversy for pronouncing the Governor guilty of bad behaviour over his recent outburst on the father of the former Governor of

the state, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, according to reports. It was gathered that the women had barely marched across some traditional strines at the Kings quare, including Emotan statue in the state Capital, drew the flakes of the suspected hoolhms when they openly rebuked the Governor and demanded apology from the former Labour Leader . A cross session of the women abandoned their placcards which they earlier brandished to show their solidarity with the Octogenarian (Igbinedion), which reads: “ Oshiomhole, you are always insulting your elders”,” Go and Beg for Forgiveness”, and

“Nemesis will catch up with You” at the city centre” when the suspected hoodlums gave them a hot chase. The situation practically impossible for the women who mutter words to speak with newsmen But, the priest in charge of the Emotan statue had earlier told the women who decried the language employed by the state Governor against Chief Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin at different for lately, as unwarranted, revealed that ‘the protest was a welcome one as nobody, regardless of his position in state’.

charge. Chief Magistrate Mr Tajudeen Elias granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum. Elias ordered the accused to pay N200, 000 into the court registrar’s account as part of the bail condition and adjourned the case till Dec. 9 for further hearing. (NAN)

POLICE DIARY Security is a collective responsibility. Partner with the Police command to fight and provide security for all. Promote Community Partnership in preventing and controlling social disorder in the society

Police Emergency Numbers in the FCT

08032003913, 08061581936, 07057337653, 0802840883

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 15

FEATURE

Fundamental human rights abuse of Awaiting Trial Persons

Prisoners on awaiting trial By Wandoo Sombo

he number of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) spread across the country’s prisons is worrisome. Statistics released by the Nigerian Prisons Service and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), showed that 70 per cent of prisoners are awaiting trial. A report compiled by NHRC after visiting some prisons in September put the number of inmates in the country’s prisons at 56, 718. Out of this number, 17, 686 were convicted for various offences while 39, 032 are Awaiting Trial Persons. Mrs Morphy Okwa, NHRC’s Assistant Director, Investigation and Coordination, who presented the report, said though prisons in six states were visited in the last exercise, other

“

The numbers of ATPs far outnumber the convicts, poor feeding and sanitation, lack of access to justice, long incarceration without court appearances, punishment cells.

states were visited earlier. Okwa listed the prisons visited as: Kuje, Lafia, Jos, Sokoto and Kebbi prisons. She explained that the visits enabled the commission to assess the conditions at the various prisons. “It was found out that there were 240 prison institutions spread across Nigeria as follows: 138 main prisons, 85 satellites, 14 farm centres, and 3 borstal institutions “That the prisons have 268 vehicles serving various prisons that serve 5,022 courts in the 774 local government areas. “The total prison population in Nigeria is 56,718, comprising – 17,686 convicts (4,000 lifers; 1,612 condemned convicts) and 39,032 Awaiting Trial Persons. “Meanwhile, the population of the prison personnel is put at 28,065,’’ she noted. She also noted that some of the inmates living in the same cell suffered from terminal diseases, mental illness, tuberculosis and HIV and AIDS. Okwa described the facilities at the prisons as “deplorable and overstretched,” with most of the prisons overloaded. She said the findings from the prisons visited were a reflection of happenings in other prisons across the country. ``The story in all the prisons are similar, from old and dilapidated structures to the nonexistence of facilities such as vocational, health, recreational, educational, transport, well established source of water and energy supply. ``The numbers of ATPs far outnumber the convicts, poor feeding and sanitation, lack of access to justice, long incarceration without court appearances, punishment cells. ``It was appalling to see that in the 21st century, inmates are seen sleeping on bare floors and using their personal clothing in prisons,’’ she said. Mr Ope Fatinikun, former Public Relations/Correctional Officer, Nigerian Prisons, also decried the high number of ATPs. He said that the prisons were congested

with a large number of “awaiting trial” inmates and inadequate number of staff. Fatinikun said part of the challenges the prisons faced were inadequate budgetary allocation to cater for various essential needs of the services. “Our prisons need to be reconstructed as some of them are in deplorable states. The prisons need to be completed, especially the ones where construction started over thirty years ago,” he said. Prof. Bem Angwe, the Executive Secretary, NHRC said inmates in Nigerian prisons were vulnerable to violations of their fundamental human rights. ``To ensure that these groups of people are protected, the commission is committed to ensuring that such violations are brought to an end. ``This can only be achieved by regular visits to the places of detention and creating awareness in the detaining authorities on the rights of the detainees. ``This is imperative as the security and well being of the detainees are under the responsibility of the detaining authorities, thus the need to monitor these facilities to guarantee their compliance with human rights standards. ``The commission is committed to institutionalising the observance, promotion and protection of human rights for everyone, by encouraging national values built on the principles of democracy, good governance and respect for the rule of law.’’ Angwe said the visit to the prisons was in line with the mandate of the commission as enshrined in Section 6(1) (d) of the commission’s Act. ``National Human Rights Commission Amendment Act, 2010 mandates the commission to visit prisons, police cells and other places of detention in order to ascertain the conditions thereof and make recommendations to the appropriate authorities.’’

Mr Tony Ojukwu, the Director in charge of Monitoring in the Commission, says the high number of awaiting trial inmates is indicative of the failure of the criminal justice administration system. According to Ojukwu, prisons are meant for convicts. `Òn the contrary, more than 70 per cent of inmates are awaiting trial because their cases are not going on in court or are not moving as fast as possible. `À situation where somebody is supposed to stay two years in prison if convicted, and he has stayed five years awaiting trial, what kind of compensation will you give to him if at the end, he is not guilty? `Òur constitution says that you are innocent until proven guilty, so what happens if this person who has been kept in trial for five years is innocent? ``That means he has stayed in detention for five years for nothing, for an offence he did not commit, so we think that the criminal justice administration should be improved.’’ Ojukwu said that imprisonment ought to pave way for eventual reintegration of convicts into the society as law abiding citizens on discharge; among others. He noted that as a result of the current condition of the prisons, most people who go in there come out more toughened than reformed. Stakeholders, including the NHRC advocate a review of the existing legal framework as it relates to prisons. They called for constant audit of the prisons, training and retraining of prisons officials, and addressing the problems of large number of Awaiting Trial Persons. They say that adequate budgetary provisions for the Nigerian Prisons Service would boost the decongestion of the prisons. (NANFeatures)

PAGE 16

By Zainab Charati

hen President Muhammadu Buhari nominated Abubakar Malami, as one of the ministers-designate of the federal republic, it came to a few people as a surprise. But to many, especially those who have followed Malami’s steady but rapid rise in his chosen career as a legal practitioner with keen interest, his choice is a fitting recognition of a man who has remained true to his calling for over two decades. The rise of Malami, who was until his nomination as Minister was a principal partner A.A. Malami & Co is a clear testimony of how hardwork and luck worked in his favour. Born on April 17, 1967, Malami has for decades combined legal practice, teaching and business with the murky water of politics. He has also made success of all. As a legal practitioner he rose to the enviable rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, making him a member of the exclusive club of who is who in the Nigerian legal profession. Regarded as conscientious private legal practitioner with decades of impressive track records, Malami is highly experienced and articulate legal luminary, who has demonstrated ability to lead diverse higher level and complicated litigations. It is his outstanding performance in the legal profession that resulted in his conferment with the coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2008, which is the highest rank of honour accorded to legal practitioners that excelled in the legal profession in Nigeria. As a politician, Malami has held key appointments first in the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC and then in All Progressives Congress, APC. In both instances, Malami never disappointed both stakeholders in the political parties as well as his supporters and admirers. As a politician, Abubakar was a one-time the National Legal Adviser of the then opposition political party, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He actively participated in the process that led to the merger of the legacy parties and marshalled the birth of All Progressives Congress (APC) in2013. After the successful outcome of the 2015 presidential elections which was won by APC, Malami was nominated by the then President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari to serve in the19man transition committee of the All progressive Congress. His other political engagements include National Legal Adviser of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC); Chairman Legal Team of the CPC Presidential Campaign Organization, 2011; Member of the PDP Legal Team for Election Petition, 2003; Member, Kano State Local Government Election Tribunal, 2004; Resource Person to the Manifesto Drafting Sub-Committee of Inter Joint party Merger Committees among the CPC, ACN and ANPP towards the formation of the All Pro-

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Malami: A Conscientious legal mind

Malami

gressives Congress (APC) 2013; Member to the National Convention and Congress Committee 2013; Member of APC Electoral Committee for Anambra State Gubernatorial Election, 2013; Member of Kebbi State Committee on National Conference Convened by the Federal Government, 2013; Chair-

“

man, All Progressives Congress (APC) Kano State Congress Appeals Committee, 15th May, 2014; Member of the Constitution Sub – Committee for All Progressives Congress (APC) 6th June, 2014; Member of the APC National Peace and Reconciliation Committee (South West Zone) 14th October, 2014;

The rise of Malami, who was until his nomination as Minister was a principal partner A.A. Malami & Co is a clear testimony of how hardwork and luck worked in his favour.

Politics Deputy Director Legal Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, January 14th, 2015 and Member, APC Transition Committee, 23rdApril, 2015. Over the years, Malami has also lived up to his name, which in Hausa translates to ‘teacher’. Apart from attending teachers training college, he also taught at Usmanu Danfodio University, UDUS, focusing on Nigerian Legal System; Nigerian Land Law; Islamic Family Law and Conflicts of Laws. He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) from 1992 to date and Member, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, 2008 to date. Malami’s areas of specialization include Law of Oil & Gas; Law of Legal Drafting; Election Petition; Islamic Law; Nigerian Land Law and Nigerian Legal System. A recipient of many awards, Malami has given lectures and presented papers at various forums on diverse issues ranging from law to security. Some of the papers include: Executive-Legislative Relationship in law and in Practice: it’s Role in Engendering Accountability and Good Governance through Executive-Legislative Co-operation in Sokoto State; The Role of Judge under the National Industrial Court Act 2006, presented at a Oneday National Sensitization Workshop for Stakeholders on the National Industrial Court Act, 2006 at Ni’ima Guest Palace, Kano; The Realities of Nigerian Fiscal Federalism and the Challenges of the Economic Viability of the Federating Components – A Critical Appraisal on the Proposed PIB Amendment, presented at a One day National Youth Conference for the Representatives of various Youth Associations from the Nineteen Northern States and Abuja, held at Sultan Maccido Institute of Qur’anic and General Studies, Sokoto and Insecurity in Nigeria, causes and way out,” paper presented at Energy Research Centre, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. For over one decade, Malami who did his one-year compulsory National Youth Service (NYSC) as legal officer of Nnewi Local Government, Anambra State in 1993, has at various times been an active member of Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) activism both at state and national levels. He was at various times Member Welfare Committee, NBA Kano Branch; member, Sub Committee of 2002 (IBADAN) National Conference Planning Committee; National Publicity Secretary Muslim Lawyers Forum of Nigeria; Secretary General, Nigerian Bar Association, Kano Branch and National Executive Committee member of the NBA Representing, Kano. There is no doubt that Malami’s wealth of experience as a legal luminary with both bar and bench, would come handy in his new portfolio as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. As minister of justice in an administration that has taken fighting corruption as vital to realization of its set agenda, Malami would be expected to deploy his experiences and knowledge in handling various complex and high profile cases. Charati writes from Abuja

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 17

Interview

‘Ego, reason for unoccupied Abuja mansions’ Contd from Pg 2

country? It is not that we do not have skilled and qualified craftsmen and artisans in the country, of a truth; our institute has been training artisans in Nigeria over the years. The problem is that contractors want to maximize profit whenever they are given a job to do. So that is the reason why they prefer to engage the services of foreigners who will bill them less than what Nigerian artisans will demand for the same services. Because of the economic situation in Nigeria, the bill of artisans in the country is often higher than what their counterparts from these smaller African countries like Togo and Ghana will demand for same quality of job. Unfortunately again for home breed artisans, our borders are porous and these foreign artisans troop into the country in their number without the immigration service knowing. As a business man, I cannot take a Nigerian who will bill me one thousand five hundred naira per square meter of POP, when I can actually get the same job done for me at the cost of three hundred naira by a foreign artisan. So it is not that we do not have these artisans but using foreign artisan is more cost effective to contractors. Secondly, the foreign firms that are the major government contractors in the country also smuggle in these artisans from their countries in the guise of expatriate and use them to siphon our money. Meanwhile, I put the blame on the doorstep of immigration because some of these companies bring in more expatriates than the law allows them to. These expatriate take jobs made for local professionals in the country, what is your institute doing to stop such ugly practice in order to make these jobs available to your members? There is really little that we can do as professional body to stop such practice by foreign firms. Only government has the powers to wade in and stop such practice with a view to preserving the jobs for our citizens. On our part, we have been doing advocacy, to draw government attention to it. I believe that in no distant time, such sharp practices will be history in Nigeria. This is because government will be willing to cooperate so as to reduce the rate of unemployment. Is it normal for these foreign firms to bring in these so called expatriates, even when such skills and services can be provided by local professionals? No, that is a serious misnomer; you can only bring in expatriates in a situation whereby you cannot source such skills locally. But what they do is to bring in even painters from their country and give excuse that they could not find a skilled painter in Nigeria. That in a way is an insult on our professionals and artisans.

What is responsible for the huge housing deficit in the country today? There are lots of things that are responsible for the housing deficit in the country. Officially, Nigeria is said to have 17 million housing deficit. The bugging question will now be what is responsible. I will attribute the problems to high cost of building materials, high unemployment rate in Nigeria, unbridled corruption in the system and lack of political will on the part of government. When I said lack of political will, I meant that government needs to create a framework to subsidize housing in the country. Government can achieve that by insisting that the mortgage system in the country work effectively. Commercial banks can also be compelled by law to set aside certain amount of their income annually for housing development in Nigeria. Government can also establish what I may call Construction Development Bank or Development Board that will initiate policies that will help government address the challenges of housing deficit in Nigeria. That is on the part of government. A lot of Nigerians are unemployed and a man without income cannot buy a house. So he will sleep anywhere he finds and that is why you still see some Nigerians sleeping under the bridge and in motor parks. The huge resources available, find its way into the pockets of few privileged Nigerians, thereby creating scarcity of funds for majority to be unable to embark on building projects. That is why there is increment in the numbers of slums and shanties in most urban centres across Nigeria. Therefore government needs to declare a state of emergency in the housing sector considering the fact that shelter is one of the basic necessities of life after food and clothing. Despite these threatening figures of 17 million deficit, there are still many unoccupied houses in high brow areas of FCT such as Asokoro and Maitama. Why are houses in those areas locked up and so many people are homeless? Houses are expensive, not only in Abuja but even other big cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt. The reasons are simple, the high cost of building

“

Alao

such houses are responsible for it, being unaffordable to majority of Nigerians. You hardly can find one or two bedroom apartment in those areas, you mentioned, unoccupied. Those big-big duplexes and mansions are built for the rich men. Take for instance, that you are an estate developer, and you acquire a land in such areas at a very exorbitant price, you are not likely going to build one or two bedroom apartment on it. This is because it will take you decades to recover your money whereas you are doing business. Another factor is the culture and mentality of the big men in Nigeria. Most of them build these mansions not because they want to sell or live in it, but because they want to

Nigerians do not like anything that is local, not only in the building materials but also in clothing and other utensils. If we make use of that material produced by the research institute, it will make houses affordable.

boost their ego and exhibit their pride of ‘I have a house in Maitama, I have a house in Lekki or there abouts.’ It is just a pride thing and nothing more. Over 60 percent of building materials used in Nigeria are imported, why can Nigerians not source their building materials locally to help reduce the cost of houses? With adequate research, Nigeria can source a lot of building materials locally. For example, we can generate our steel locally; most of the cement we use in the country is sourced locally. Another thing that can bring down the cost of houses in Nigeria is making the use of clay bricks acceptable in the building environment. The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) has done a research and has come up with a new material that was made from clay which is relatively cheap when compared to cement blocks and the machines are there, but because of the culture of pride in the country, we are not making use of it. Nigerians do not like anything that is local, not only in the building materials but also in clothing and other utensils. If we make use of that material produced by the research institute, it will make houses affordable. This is because it is cheap, but Nigerians prefer the bricks with cement because of pride.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 18

News

Saraki’s trial: Court fixes December for AGF’s counter motion A Federal High Court, Abuja, will hear the Attorney General of the Federation’s counter motion on Sen. Bukola Saraki’s Code of Conduct trial on Dec 2. Saraki is challenging the legality of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to try him. He joined the AGF, ICPC, EFFC, InspectorGeneral of Police, Ataedze Adza, Sam Saba, Mohammed Diri, M.S Hassan, CCB, CCT and Justice Danladi Umar, as co-defendants. At the resumed hearing, Counsel to AGF, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said that they were served with the court processes directing AGF to appear in court today. Jacobs told the court that he filed Notice of Preliminary Objections on behalf of the AGF, EFCC, ICPC, IGP, CCB, CCT, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.

Jacobs argued that the applicant’s suit constituted an abuse of court process, saying that the suit did not disclose a reasonable cause of action. According to him, all the reliefs being sought by the applicant are not available under the law. He submitted that the sole issue for determination was whether the suit was not liable to be dismissed on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction, abuse of court process and incompetence. Jacobs submitted that the court of appeal had earlier ruled against the applicant in the same matter where he urged the appellate court to nullify the charge against him at the tribunal. He said the appellate court directed the

applicant to go back to the tribunal and face criminal charges, saying that the tribunal was properly constituted, competent to trial the applicant. Jacobs said that the application was an abuse of court process. He said that the court had earlier refused an application brought by the applicant seeking for an exparte injunction restraining EFCC, ICPC, from arresting the applicant. Saraki’s Counsel, R. A Oluyede, told the court that the case was slated for the AGF to show cause on why the interim order earlier granted by the court was not obeyed. It will be recalled that the Saraki also filed a fresh application seeking for enforcement of his fundamental right. (NAN)

Police investigates disappearance of female lecturer in Adamawa

he Adamawa State Police command has launched an investigation over the disappearance of a female lecturer with the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Othman Abubakar, a deputy supretendant said police had commenced investigation into the matter. He added that the police were working assiduously to trace the missing person, calling on the public to assist with credible information. Aisha Nana, Kaigama, 39 was last seen on Wednesday morning when she left her family home in Mubi for work on a commercial tricycle. A family member, Bello Sahabo Digil said all efforts by the family to trace her were not successful as her phone was switched off, hence the need to seek the intervention of all relevant authorities. Digil, a former councilor in Mubi said the incident had deeply affected the family and the community, calling for prayers from friends and the general public for safe return of Kaigama to her family. Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Polytechnic, Danladi Jambas said the institution was in contact with Kaigama’s family. He noted that the incident had shocked staff and students of the Polytechnic, calling on security to expedite action with a view to resolving the situation. Mubi is one of the busiest towns in Adamawa Northern senatorial zone that shares boundaries with the Northern parts of Cameroon. It was of recent liberated by Nigerian soldiers after Boko Haram insurgents took control of the area, displacing thousands of people.

Commandant, Police Staff College Jos, Aig, Joseph mbu (L) presenting certificate of participation to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Joseph Egbunike, during the graduation of the strategic leadership and command course

Niger Delta Minister vows to uphold prudence By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani, has vowed to uphold the principles of accountability, probity and prudence in the management of the affairs of the Ministry, in line with the change mantra of the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari. A statement issued yesterday by the Director of Information for the Ministry, Salisu Saleh Dambatta, said the Minister stated this when he hosted the Forum of the 36 State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja. The statement also said Usani, who until his appointment was the chairman of APC in Cross Rivers, assured the APC state chairmen that his leadership role in the Ministry would lay high premium to programmes and projects that

would be of benefit to the people of the region. While pointing out that the wellbeing of Niger Delta people is what the Ministry was mandated to improve, the Minister commended members of the Forum for the visit and assured them that he would do everything possible within his powers not to disappoint the body of APC Chairmen. He also advised them not to be tired of sustaining the orientation that made the APC a harmonious and united party, urging them to continuously offer suggestions and ideas to their various state APC governments to ensure that Governors elected on the platform of the APC discharged their responsibilities to the people. Usani, who advised the Nigerian leaders to make sacrifices in their leadership roles as the goodwill gained from such sacrifices could not be exhausted, also said “My office is open to the Forum

for suggestions and ideas on how things could be done better in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the country”. He urged them to offer such suggestions freely, even as he disclosed that he and the Minister of State had received total cooperation from the Management and Staff of the Ministry, since their assumption of duty. Speaking also, the leader of the delegation, Umar Haruna Doguwa, the Chairman of APC in Kano State, advised the management and staff of the Ministry to guide the Ministers to do the right things in discharging their obligations to the people. In his remarks, the Minister of State for the Ministry, Claudius Daramola, advised member of the Forum to continue to work as a team in the interest of the party and the nation. He assured them that he and his colleague would not fail in their

Extra

Ohaneze warns Igbo youths against agitation for Biafra

he apex lgbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, on Friday warned youths in the South-East and the South South to stop their agitation for Biafra. According to the group, any plan of secession will not work this time. Chairman, forum of state presidents of Ohaneze in the seven Igbo speaking states, Elder Chris Eluemunoh, told the region to give President Muhammadu Buhari the needed support to perform, saying Ohaneze will never back agitation of Biafra. There have been demonstrations in some states of the South following the arrest of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Members of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have joined the group in solidarity. But Eluemunoh said, “Ohaneze as Igbo cultural group cannot support insurgency, we are totally against it and we will never support it. “Anybody that has any issue with the federal government should go for dialogue with the president and that is why we went for national conference, Nigeria is a one united country and we do not want any other. “I believe what the youths are doing is to call the attention of the president to see the infrastructural decay in the zone, this region has been abandoned and neglected and not by Buhari, but by previous administrations started by Olusegun Obasanjo which Goodluck Jonathan also tried to bring back. “Ohaneze is calling on the federal government to declare state of emergency in the zone on roads for purposes of infrastructural development and that is what the youths are saying, we believe and not secession. “Our president should forget what happened in the last election and Ohaneze is going to give him full support through prayers and other means and in making sure that Nigeria stays as one indivisible entity. “Therefore, the youths should stop such agitations for Biafra because Biafra died in 1970 and we are saying it again that Ohaneze will never support it,” Eluemunoh warned. Ohaneze stated that if Nnamdi Kanu and others who were spearheading such agitation had committed any offence, they should face the law, otherwise be freed. “What they call agitation for Biafra is not in the dictionary of Ohaneze Ndigbo and we will never give it a look in, what Ohaneze is saying is that president Buhari’s administration should be supported to move this country forward,” said Eluemunoh.

PAGE 19

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Tourism

Ancient Kano city walls: Place of spiritual, historical and cultural significance

uilt in the 11th and 12th centuries and extended in the 1500s, the walls in the city of Kano are among of the most interesting examples of ancient fortifications in Africa. Because of the earthen building materials used and the lack of a conservation movement until very recently, the walls of Kano are not nearly as intact as should be. However, sections are still well preserved, and the walls have been submitted

to UNESCO as an important natural and cultural heritage site, the first step in becoming a World Heritage Site. Kano was, and still is, a major stop along the trans-Saharan trade route. The Kurmi Market, first established in the 1400s and still used today, is a living example of the colorful past when goods from all across Northern and Western Africa were traded in its narrow lanes.

ncient Kano City Wall is a 14km radius earth structure, while associated sites are made up of these features, Dala Hills, Kurmi Market and Emir’s Palace. The ancient Kano city walls were built in order to provide security to the growing population. The foundation for the construction of the wall was laid by Sakri Gijimasu from 1095 - 1134 and was completed in the middle of 14th Century during the reign of Zamnagawa. In the 16th century, the walls were further extended to their present position. The gates are as old as the walls and were used to control movement of people in and out of the city. Though, most of them are largely in ruins. Dala Hill is an archaeological site of an ancient settlement dating back to the 10th century AD. It is the source of the evolution of Kano City and a vital reference point in the development of Hausa Kingdoms, societies and cultures which greatly influenced the early indigenous civilizations in the savannah zone of the Western African sub region. Kurmi Market is one of the oldest and largest local markets in Africa. It used to serve as an international market where North African and some European goods were exchanged for domestic goods through trans-Saharan trade. The market was, and still is, laid out’ in lanes. Each lane consists of traders, who

One of 25 gates of the old city

Old Kano City Walls

trade in identical good, e,g leatherwork, textiles, iron and brass work, spices etc. Emir’s Palace was built by Muhammadu Rumfa who ruled Kano from 1463 to 1499. The palace has three gates namely Kofar Kwaru, Kofar Fatalawa and Kofar Kudu. The palace is divided into three sections. At the south are the Administrative buildings with rooms (Soran Zauna Lafiya, Soron Giwa and Soron

Bello and Rumfar Kasa). The central part houses members of the emir’s family and at the northern parts are the stables and the servants’ rooms. Statements of authenticity and/or integrity Ancient Kano city Walls and associated sites are places of spiritual, historical and cultural significance. Dala Hill was the place of the first settlement in Kano city and it formed the nucleus for the peopling of

the rest of the city and was the foundation of its economic and political development. The site bear testimony to local craftsmanship and ingenuity as is evidenced in the materials used for the construction of the walls and palace. Comparison with other similar properties The ancient Kano city walls and associated sites is a cultural landscape that the people still

Women walking outside the walls

pride themselves in. On the other hand, Kurmi market has retained its preeminence in the sale and marketing of traditional crafts in leather, local textile materials and clothing etc. The site can compare with other sites like Zaria city wall, Kufena archaeological site and Daura City wall in the northern part of Nigeria. Whc.unesco.org

PAGE 20

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Homes

utdoor living space like a balcony gives you your own place to enjoy being outside in the home. Balconies are common on apartments and condos where space is often limited indoors. Furnishing your balcony efficiently allows you to maximize the outdoor space you have to extend your overall living area. The size of your balcony affects to a very large extent, the type of furniture and decorations that will work for you. A balance of seating and decorative elements makes your balcony functional and attractive. Here are a few tricks that will work if you are striving for a new look to your balcony without having to spend much: Measure the balcony to figure out exactly how much space is available for furniture and decorations. Sketch the balcony and determine what type of furniture you want to put in each area. For example, if you want to add a small table, sketch it in a place that won’t interfere with the door. Place a small bistro table at one end of the balcony if you have room. Placing it at the end makes it easier for you to move around the rest of the balcony. Place a narrow bench with storage inside along the balcony railing. This gives you seating and provides storage for any outdoor items you want to store. Keep folding chairs available on the balcony if you need additional seating. Decorate the railing of the balcony by attaching a decorative bamboo fencing panel along it. The bamboo fencing also gives you more privacy on your balcony. Add flowers or plants to the bal-

By Miriam Humbe

cony to add some life and color. Attach lower boxes along the railings or place pots on the floor of the balcony. Another option is to attach a trellis for vine plants that you plant in a pot. Hang up decorative outdoor artwork on the side of the building over your balcony. Ask for permission from your landlord or condo association before attaching anything to the wall. Rearrange – Move all your pots to a different corner. Change the order in which they are lined. Try various combinations until you hit a satisfying one. Take some inside the house. Paint – If you have smaller terracotta pots, don the paint hat. Take out your brushes, get into the mood of the season, and splash your pots in an array of colors. Nothing more eyecatching than a colorful cluster. Get some new ones – Have a few seasonal plants. Most of my plants are the same. But, I always have two to three empty pots filled with potting sand for experimentation. Every season change is a good time to discard what didn’t turn out well and replace it with new ones. Add curios – Get out some curios from your corner table to the balcony. I moved a three-legged chinese frog from my side table to the balcony recently. Decorate your walls- The walls need not be bare. Draw a little something like art work or small colourful butterflies on the walls. Or fix candle stands at varying heights; light them in the evening. Look in your collections for unused old decor pieces like wall hanging gifts of a tourist site somewhere in the country. Get them out. www.ehow.com

Bamboo chairs make for good relaxation

The balcony can be a mini dining room

d n e k e e W

a g a

ent m n i a t r e t n E

Fashion

s Beauty Tip

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Waje launches #A icanWoman Campaig >>Pg 36

Simi releases ‘Open and close’ PG 36

d Kannywoo

Hollywood

Bollywood

Actress Iyabo Ojo goes to Hollywood PG 36

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 23

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Saturday Column

Contd from Back Page enjoining good and forbidding evil. She would discipline people with a whip that she had with her.” (See Al-Isti’ab bil Ma’ruf, 3,197) Ibn Al-Jawziy said: “Umar ibn Al-Khattab would enter the market and he would come to her.” (See Seerah Umar ibn Al-Khattab 41) In Madinah during the leadership of Umar May Allah be pleased with him, AlShifa bint Abdullah was made in charge of trade and commerce in the city. Hafsah bint Umar, may Allah be pleased with her, was entrusted by Abu Bakr to safeguard the first complete written copy of the Quran. Aisha, May Allah be pleased with her, was one of the leading scholars of prophetic traditions and was considered an authority by the companions of the Prophet. Abu Musa reported: We never had a new problem occur to us as the companions of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, except that we would ask Aisha and find with her some knowledge concerning it. (See Sunan AtTirmidhi 3,883) Mu’adhah al-Adawiyyah was a narrator of prophetic traditions from the second generation of Islam who related sayings from Ali ibn Abu Talib, Aisha and Hisham ibn Amir. Amrah bint Abdurrahman was a student of Aisha from the second generation of Islam who related sayings from Umm Salamah and Rafi’ ibn Khadeej and was considered a legal guru in the city of Madinah. Hafsah bint Sireen was a student of Umm Atiyyah, Anas ibn Malik, and other companions of the Prophet. She was a legal scholar from the second generation of Islam and one of her students, Qatadah, is an important authority in the exegesis of the Quran. There are many other women who were scholars in the early age of Islam and through the succeeding eras until today. Women played an important role in supporting the Muslim community when they were under attack by the idolaters. Anas ibn Malik reported: “The Messenger of Allah, Peace and blessings be upon him, would go into battle with Umm Sulaim and other women with her from the Ansar and they would give water and tend to the wounded.” (See Sunan AtTirmidhi 1,575) There is no doubt that the support and services of women were critical to the defence of the nation. Women have an important role for consulting the leadership. The Prophet (SAW) would consult his wives in the most sensitive matters among the Muslims. On the occasions of Al-Hudaybiyyah, the Muslims were denied access to perform the Hajj Pilgrimage in Makkah as a condition for the peace treaty. The Prophet accepted this condition but the Muslims were largely upset and refused to leave. In such a difficult matter, the Prophet consulted his wife Umm Salamah about the best course of action. Marwan reported: When the writing of the peace treaty was concluded the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessing be upon him, said to his companions: “Get up and offer your sacrifices and shave your heads.” None of them stood up and the Prophet repeated his order three times. When none of them stood up, the Prophet left them and went to Umm Salamah and told her about the people’s attitude. Umm Salamah said: “O Prophet of Allah, would you like your order to be carried out? Go out and do not speak to them until you have offered your sacrifices and have called the barber to shave

Islam on women your head.” (See Sahih Bukhari 2,731) The Prophet followed the advice of his wife and the companions began to make preparations to leave Makkah. This incident is an important precedent for us because it demonstrates the value the Prophet (SAW) placed on the consultation of his wives and women in general. Allah has commanded consultation among the believers and this is general to both men and women. Allah said: “So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter.”(Surah Ali-Imraan, 3:159) Women even have the right to correct the leadership and the leadership has to be humble enough to accept it. In a famous incident, a woman once corrected Umar Ibn Al-Khattab during one of his sermons while he was the Caliph. Umar, May Allah be pleased with him, said: “The woman is correct and the man (Umar) is mistaken.” In another narration, Umar said: “The woman has disputed Umar and she has defeated him.” (See Fathul-Bari 4,853) Anas ibn Malik reported: “Abdurrahman ibn Awf married a woman and he gave her the weight of a date stone in gold as a dowry. When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed the signs of happiness on his face, he asked him about it and Abdurrahman said, “indeed, I have married a woman and I have given her the weight of a date stone in gold.” (Sahih Bukhari 4,853) Ibn Hajar reported: Umar ibn Al-Khattab said, “Do not exaggerate in the dowry given to women.” A woman said, “You cannot do that, O Umar, for Allah said: You have given them a great amount of gold,” (4:20) and this was according to the recitation of Ibn Mas’ud. So Umar said, “The woman has disputed Umar and she has defeated him.” In another narration, Umar said: “The woman is right and the man is wrong.” The basis of this story is the statement of Umar, “Do not exaggerate in your charity towards women,” as recorded by the compilers of the Sunan books and authenticated by Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim.” (See Fathul-Bari 4,853) My respected people, All what I want to indicate here in summary is: IN ISLAM, WOMAN CAN HOLD PUBLIC POSITIONS OF AUTHORITY IN A POSITION FOR WHICH SHE IS QUALIFIED. Among our reasons are as follows: On a scholarly level, there was Aisha, May Allah be pleased with her. She is credited with disseminating the knowledge of Islam and information about almost all aspects of Islamic life. Today, nearly half of the Islamic

“

Murtada Gusau jurisprudence of the Hanafi school of thought (which is followed by about 70 percent of the Muslim World) comes through the students of Aisha alone. On a political level, there was Umm Salamah. During the signing of the treaty of Hudaybiyyah, when none of the Muslim men agreed to forego Hajj due to the demands of the pagan Makkans, the Prophet consulted Umm Salamah. Her advice to him was to perform the rituals indicating that they would not be performing the pilgrimage, and the Muslims would follow. He heeded her advice, and as she suggested, the Muslims accepted this. After the death of the Prophet, one major issue was how to preserve the authenticity of the Qur’an. Although the Qur’an had always been committed to memory and writing, the written pages were scattered. When a master copy was put together at the time of the first Khalifah (Caliph), Abu-Bakr, that copy was not kept with him or any other Muslim man. It was kept with a woman – Hafsah (May Allah be pleased with her). Brothers and Sisters, These are just a few examples of the dynamic role women played in early Islamic history. But they are of no use if the inclusion of women in the community or nation’s affairs is reflected only in theory.

In modern practice, Muslim women perform many roles in society in the fields of religion, politics, science, medicine, education, police, the military, and other important functions. Muslim women provide important contributions to their countries and they should be valued for the services they provide. Therefore, a Muslim woman is allowed to obtain any position of leadership and authority for which she is qualified, although some positions are specific only to men such as commander of the armed forces and prayer leader (Imamship). Lastly, Allah the Most High, Mighty and Wise said: “…Never will I allow to be lost the reward of the work of any of you, be he male or female. You are (members) of one another…” (Ali Imraan, 3:195) Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best. All praise belongs to Allah, may His peace and blessings be upon our final Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and all those who follow his guidance. premiumtimesng.com

On a political level, there was Umm Salamah. During the signing of the treaty of Hudaybiyyah, when none of the Muslim men agreed to forego Hajj due to the demands of the pagan Makkans, the Prophet consulted Umm Salamah. Her advice to him was to perform the rituals indicating that they would not be performing the pilgrimage, and the Muslims would follow. He heeded her advice, and as she suggested, the Muslims accepted this.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 24

World Kiddies

With Miriam

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Humbe

ABCDE

HIS AND HERS CORNER

The warm embrace of history at Jos Museums

Making friends for keeps

CARTOON

os Museum is a museum in Jos, Nigeria. The museum was established in 1952 by Bernard Fagg and was originally the National Museum. It is an important centre of research into the prehistoric culture of Nigeria, and was recognized as one of the best in the country but fell into ruin. The Pottery Hall in the museum has an exceptional collection of finely crafted pottery from all over Nigeria. The museum boasts some fine specimens of Nok terracotta heads and artifacts dating from between 500 BC to AD 200. It also incorporates the Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture with life-size replicas of a variety of buildings, from the walls of Kano and the Mosque at Zaria to a Tiv village. Articles of interest from colonial times relating to the railway and tin mining can also be found on display. A School for Museum Technicians is attached to the museum, established with the help of UNESCO. The Jos Museum is also located beside the zoo. From its small beginning as a Federal Department of Antiquity, the national museum in Jos has over the five decades of its existence transformed into a fascinating tourist destination for people from all walks of life. Governor Sir John Macpherson formally opened the Jos museum on the 26th of April 1952.

Though it is the second oldest, after the rather obscure museum at Esie near Ilorin in Kwara state, the Jos museum stands out as being very unique among the over 30 museums across the country. It is the only museum in the country, for instance, that has a zoological garden attached to it. The Jos museum bears close links with the mining Industry in the state. Tin mining was noted to have been a great spur to archaeological interest in the area, before the terracotta sculpture of Nok Culture was discovered and used to start the museum. Today, the Jos museum, said to be one of the best for archaeology and pottery, boasts of a number of relevant facilities, which add luster t o the zoological Garden. The Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MUTNA), the main Gallery, Library, Laboratory, Workroom, Studio, Darkroom, Auditorium, are all features and units which were over the years incorporated into museum. The MUTNA, an open air museum within the Jos museum recreates Nigerian Architecture of the old. It exhibits the different kind of archaeological buildings used in various parts of the country. The MUTNA has to its credit exact replica of palaces, Mosques, walls among others, in full scale as they were.

Tom and Jerry

Pinnocio and the sly cat

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Kiddies World

PAGE 25

With Miriam

AFRICAN TALES AFRICAN TALES

ABCDE

Humbe

MODEL OF THE WEEK

How the Ostrich got his long neck O nce upon a time, Mr. Ostrich was a sober minded, serious husband, who was always willing to assist his wife in her family duties. “My Dear”, he said to her one evening, when their large clutch of eggs seemed almost ready to hatch, “my black feathers can not be seen in the darkness, so I will guard our eggs by night, and at the same time keep them warm for you. That will leave you free to relax and enjoy yourself until daybreak each morning.” He settled down clumsily to his unaccustomed task, while his flighty wife was more than thankful to be relieved of a duty which she already found a trial. She fluffed up her feathers and, to show how pleased she was, she set off in a joyful highstepping dance among the low termite-mounds that surrounded their nest. The big birds had chosen the site with care, for they knew that a sitting ostrich hen, with her head down, looks from the distance like a grey mound of earth. They had decided to rear their young on the short-grassed plain lands because they could see all round them, for in those days the ostrich had a short neck like a guinea-fowl and partridge. They had learned the hard lesson that in long grass their enemies could attack them before they realised their danger. To keep their precious eggs safe from the dreaded fires that swept across the plains, the two birds had carefully scratched away a broad band of dusty earth in the grass round the slight hollow that was their nest. On the whole they were a happy pair-although from time to time the husband had disapproved of his wife’s highspirited ways. At this particular time, she should behave more sensibly as she had her eggs to look after. He wriggled his massive thighs on the ground as he had seen his wife do, to shift the position of the eggs so that they lay more comfortably in their bed, and settled down to his long night’s wait. It was full moon. The silvery light shed strange

shadows and threw up ghostly figures among the surrounding mounds of earth. His head was beginning to nod with weariness, when he became aware of his wife’s hissing laugh. He was wide awake in a moment. Straining his short neck to its utmost limit, he saw her dodging in and out between the termite-mounds in a wild game of hide-and-seek with a handsome young ostrich in hot pursuit. This would never do. He half rose from the nest - but sank down again with a sigh. He dare not leave the precious eggs, whatever the reason. What if they were to grow cold while he went to tell his flirting wife what he thought of her disgraceful behaviour? He settled down again with a feeling of annoyance, but strained his neck further and further, to try to catch sight of her as she dodged and raced between the termite-mounds on the moonlit veldt. From time to time he did catch a glimpse of her, and heard her foolish giggles - and each time that he did so, he strained and stretched his neck trying to see further and yet further between the nearby termite-mounds. At last, the long, tedious night came to an end. As it did so, his wife appeared out of the grey distance to take over her duties once more. The ostrich rose stiffly, prepared to punish his wife for her undignified behaviours; but as he did so, he felt strangeness in the muscles of his neck. He looked down at his feet, and was alarmed to discover how very far away from his head they were - and realised with a shock that, as a result of all the straining that he had done during the long night, his neck and stretched, and stretched, and stretched. He tried to shake it back to its former length, but no matter what he did, it stayed just the same: he had stretched beyond return. And that is why the ostrich has a long neck- a lasting memory of a flirty wife.

Fatima Usman

ACTIVITIES Using the right colours, shade the image below. Describe your action and show your work to your teacher for correction. Cheers!

CREATIVITY

Paper plate wall clock This paper plate wall clock project is so incredibly easy to do. In just two simple steps, you can make a stylish clock that can be changed as often as your wardrobe! What you need: Paper plate Clock kit Follow these steps: Using a pencil, mark the center of the

plate, then poke a small hole through. Take the clock piece, and place it through the hole from the back of the plate, then attach the clock arms according to the instructions provided. That’s it!

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 26

e-Learning

How Einstein got it wrong: Second paper proves ‘spooky action at a distance’ is real

instein has been proven wrong, yet again - at least on one thing. There is in fact, ‘spooky actions at a distance,’ according to a recent experiment that provides the most convincing proof yet of its existence. Einstein used that term to refer to quantum mechanics, which describes the strange behaviour of the smallest particles of matter and light. He was referring, specifically, to entanglement - the idea that pairs of sub-atomic particles can be invisibly connected in a way that transcends time and space. This offended Einstein, since passing information between two points in space faster than the speed of light is supposed to be impossible. In 1964, the scientist John Stewart Bell devised an experiment designed to rule out hidden variables that could offer a non-weird explanation for ‘action at a distance’. But all the ‘Bell tests’ performed still contained ‘loopholes’ that, according to critics, could invalidate proof of

entanglement. Now a new paper, which appears in the Physical Review Letters, has provided the most solid proof yet that entanglement does indeed exist. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) created pairs of identical light particles, or photons, and sent them to two different locations to be measured. The research team achieved this feat by simultaneously closing all three major ‘loopholes’ that have plagued previous Bell tests. ‘You can’t prove quantum mechanics, but local realism, or hidden local action, is incompatible with our experiment,’ NIST’s Krister Shalm says. ‘Our results agree with what quantum mechanics predicts about the spooky actions shared by entangled particles.’ The NIST paper was submitted to PRL with the paper by the University of Vienna in Austria who used a similar high-efficiency single-photon detector to achieve the same results. However, NIST says its re-

Quantum entanglement describes how the state of one sub-atomic particle can instantly influence the state of the other, no matter how far apart they are. This offended Albert Einstein, since passing information between two points in space faster than the speed of light is supposed to be impossible

Einstein has been proven wrong, yet again - at least on one thing. There is in fact, ‘spooky actions at a distance,’ according to a recent experiment that provides the most convincing proof yet of its existence. Pictured is NIST physicist Krister Shalm with the photon source used in the ‘Bell test’ sults are more definitive than those reported recently by researchers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. The latest experiment was conducted at NIST’s Boulder, Colorado campus, In the NIST study, the photon source and the two detectors were located in three different, widely separated rooms on the same floor in a large laboratory building. The two detectors are 184 meters apart, and 126 and 132 meters, respectively, from the photon source. The source creates a stream of photon pairs through a common process in which a laser beam stimulates a special type of crystal. This process is generally presumed to create pairs of photons that are entangled, so that the photons’ polarisations are linked with one another. Polarisation refers to the specific orientation of the photon, like vertical or horizontal. Photon pairs are then separated and sent by fiber-

optic cable to separate detectors in the distant rooms. While the photons are in flight, a random number generator picks one of two polarisation settings for each polarisation analyser. If the photon matched the analyser setting, then it was detected more than 90 per cent of the time. In the best experimental run, both detectors simultaneously identified photons a total of 6,378 times over a period of 30 minutes. Other outcomes, such as j u s t one detector firing, ac-

counted for only 5,749 of the 12,127 total relevant events. Researchers calculated that the maximum chance of local realism producing these results is just 0.0000000059, or about 1 in 170 million. The NIST experiment closed the three major loopholes which including fair sampling. Thanks to NIST’s singlephoton detectors, the experiment was efficient enough to ensure that the detected photons and measurement results were representative of the actual totals. The detectors, made of superconducting nanowires, were 90 percent efficient, and total system efficiency was about 75 per cent. There was no faster-thanlight communication. The two detectors measured photons from the same pair a few hundreds of nanoseconds apart, finishing more than 40 nanoseconds before any light-speed communication could take place between the detectors. Detector settings were chosen by random number generators operating outside the light cone of the photon source. This means there was no chance they could be manipulated.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 27

Leisure

Laugh out loud A

woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: ‘’Ugh, that’s the ugliest baby I’ve ever seen!’’ The woman walks to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: ‘’The driver just insulted me!’’ The man says: ‘’You go up there and tell him off. Go on, I’ll hold your monkey for you.’’ An aboki man and an Igbo man went to an ATM machine to withdraw money....While the aboki man was withdrawing, the Igbo man said, ‘’aboki u be mumu o!.... I don see your

password, your password na four x (****)’’. The aboki laughed at him and said, ‘’na i be mumu, my fassword na 5298 no be pour x!!! A Nigeria lady got married to a Chinese guy, and gave birth to a son, d baby died after 5days. Her aunt started crying saying; l knew it, i knew it. A relative took her 2 a corner and ask her what she meant by she knew it .she said. I know say china product no dey last, u no dey see their phones?

Reasons why you should solve some puzzles

1. Boost your vocabulary by solving puzzles Whether you are learning a new language or trying to improve your own, crosswords and code words are a great source of new words. The clues tell you much about how the word is to be used, too. 2. Puzzles are great for improving your spelling and expanding your word power! Particularly for children but for adults as well, crosswords and code words force you to get the spelling right. If it isn’t, the word won’t fit into the squares or won’t let the connecting words make sense. 3. Playing puzzles help your problem solving skills There are many problems that we are just unable to solve; however, a puzzle does not have to be one of them. It is a great feeling when you realise you have cracked the first word in a codeword, filled all the squares of a crossword, or all the numbers of the Sudoku have fallen into place. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time.”, and perseverance is often the key to puzzling success. 4. Puzzles ease anxiety Focusing your attention on a puzzle can help you to keep anxiety at bay or at least to take the edge off it. Concentrating on fact and data will help keep your emotional side under control. 5. Solve a puzzle and ward off dementia Doing puzzles on a regular basis is known to have an effect on warding off dementia. An active brain is much healthier and less likely to be affected by the disease. 6. Solving puzzles improves performance at work A brain that is active and stimulated by puzzles is a brain that will function well at work. The better your brain works in one area the more likely it is to spill over into different areas of your life. Your thinking will be clearer and much faster than it was. 7. Uses different forms of thinking for

different types of puzzle There are different types of puzzles, and they each require you to think differently. A standard crossword makes you think of a word, based on its definition, and how it is spelt. Sudoku require you to use your logical thinking skills to place the numbers correctly in the puzzle grid. A trivia quiz will either require you to mentally search your existing generally knowledge to try and recall the answer, or failing that, to think laterally about the potential sources where you might find it. 8. Solving puzzles give you a successful experience Doesn’t it feel fantastic when you complete a puzzle or trivia quiz? It gives me a good feeling for the whole day. I am ready to challenge myself again in the next one. Puzzlers who can see that they are getting better with each attempt will be more likely to keep at it until they complete the whole puzzle. Many puzzles can be designed so that they cater for levels of ability. Code words can be made easier by adding extra letters, and Sudoku can be graded as easy, medium and hard. 9. Puzzles let you monitor your brain function Regular puzzlers will tell you that they can see how their brain is working over a period of time. They can see improvements by looking at the level of crossword they are doing, the rate of success they are having and the speed at which they can work. They can see the patterns of their progress in a way that they couldn’t in day to day life. 10. Puzzles are just pure fun What else do we need to say? There are so many benefits that puzzling provides to people of all ages. However, you don’t have look far for a good reason to solve a puzzle. The main reason we do them is that they are just a lot of fun!

Try this career puzzle

•

Doctor

•

Teacher

•

Architect

•

Officer

•

Mail career

•

Nurse

•

Librarian

•

Mechanic

•

Accountant

•

Pilot

•

Coif aere

•

Pharmacist

•

Police officer

•

Dentist

•

porter

TIPS S

COMPILED BY ISIOMA NWABASHA PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 28

veryone is beautiful or handsome in some ways. That’s a matter of looks. But looks are a combination of factors. Your physical appearance: what you wear, how you wear them, your carriage, composure and even combination of colours, are all essentials for an emerging good look. For a lady, makeup is as important as the selection of the colours one may choose to wear. So some care is needed in selecting both colours and how to apply them. Poorly-applied makeup will make you look worse, not better. It dispels not attract and that’s the last thing a lady wants. True, not every lady wants to be noticed or deliberately goes out to seek attention. And we are not talking about attention seekers here but simply dressing (wearing makeup) decently and moderately or even if one wants to be a little extravagant, all that matters is being gorgeous. It also means being comfortable about your dressing and being graceful in it. Applying your makeup poorly reduces your grace, makes you unduly self-conscious because you would have attracted unnecessary stare, one that makes onlookers to sneer at you not generates that awe and lasting impression. Again, if your makeup makes you awkward chances are that you will become too self-conscious failing to relax and be yourself. Even if you pretend to be bold your presence will make others uncomfortable, they will want to give you some distance in order to avoid the embarrassment of associating with an awkward looking fellow. Unless you deliberately set out to make yourself outlandish, endeavour to wear your makeup in a manner that is moderate, makes you comfortable, put others at ease with you and yet allows you that commanding presence that is endearing and attractive. If you have a tendency to over-apply your makeup, then learn to experiment with wearing natural-looking makeup. That’s simplicity at its best. You lose nothing because it will accentuate your natural look making you

Stylish, isn’t she

really yourself. However, a good makeup will accentuate your eyes, and proper application and combination of colours tone up your skin and projects your face. In essence, you should learn to properly shade your face: your eyebrows, the lips, jaws even the brim of your nose always making them blend with ease. Being confident is yet another attribute that many ladies seem to undermine. Yes, being confident is far from being arrogant. No, it’s nothing to do with being pompous and living larger than one’s real life. It’s all about self esteem. The manner you project yourself, your poise, self-assured manner of handling things or carriage such that everyone readily sees in you a character, a personality and a laudable individual with the capacity to influence. Self-esteem, therefore, gives you an incredible makeover. Of course, wearing the right thing, being in the right circle with the depth and width peculiar to that circle, full of knowledge or simply being not off the mark in whatever situation one finds himself. A way to start building self esteem is by ensuring that what you wear - your makeup - does not make you appear awkward. In essence, you want to improve on yourself projection, your image, general outlook as per what manner you appear or seem to conduct and convey impressions. A sullen, sloppy dressing distracts, an extremely casual posture does your image no good nor does it enhance and augment yourself esteem. Your dresses may be expensive but if you don’t fit into them or you are overly businesslike in a casual social environment, then you become out of sync with the event, and therefore, yourself confidence will drop. So, connect with the audience, your associate, the event through your confidence, poise and winsome appearance. Your poise is like a body language that communicates and connects with the listeners. It makes you approachable and sociable.

Make up box

A lady wearing a simple but gorgeous makeup

COMPILED BY MIRIAM HUMBE

Fashion

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 29

Arouse your fashion sense with Ankara mix-up I

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always fun and trendy to mix colours and prints, even more so when you are doing it with the vibrant fabric of Ankara! You can mix your Ankara with dry lace or chiffon or even mix two Ankara fabrics of different colours or patterns. Get classy and design your fabrics with lace, silk materials and chiffon, embellish with sequins, beads,

stones, buttons and even feathers. You can also incorporate Ankara fabric on a pair of jeans. So arouse your fashion sense. Get mixing and matching and ensure to have fun while doing it the Ankara style.

Black Louis Vuitton designer bag

Double Ankara mix

Open toe heeled shoes

Stone fitted blue and white bracelet

Pencilled high-waist skirt with dry lace mix

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Pots & Pans

With Miriam Humbe

Great recipes for great taste in Tomato rice Ingredients • 1-cup white or brown rice • ¼ of yellow or white onion minced • 2 tablespoons olive oil • ½ cup plain tomato sauce • 2-cups water • ½ tablespoon to 1-tablespoon salt How to cook In a large saucepot stir fry the onions in the olive oil

until they are aromatic and glossy. Add the rice and toast for a few minutes on medium heat. Next, add in the tomato sauce and mix it into the rice. Add salt and water. Bring the rice and water up to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cover for 30-45 minutes. Fluff rice after it’s finished cooking.

Rice with carrots and peas Ingredients: • 1-cup white or brown rice • 1/4 –cup diced carrots • ¼- cup frozen peas (thawed) • ¼ of yellow or white onion, minced • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2-cups water • ½ tablespoon to 1-tablespoon salt How to cook

In a large saucepot stir fry the carrots, then add onions and peas in the olive oil until they are aromatic and glossy. Add the rice and toast for a few minutes on medium heat. Next, add salt and water. Bring the rice and water up to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cover for 30-45 minutes.

Ginger and lemon grass juice Ingredients 2-1/2 cups superfine sugar, to taste 5 cups water 1/4 cup palm sugar 1 quart ice cubes 4 stalks lemongrass, + extra for garnish 2 chunks ginger, about 3 inches 1/4 cup crystallized candied ginger, cut in half Directions For the lemongrass: Wash the lemongrass. Remove all the white powder from the leaves and also a few outer leaves. Cut the stalks in half and crush with the back of a chef’s knife. Cut the remaining stalk into extremely thin slices using a chef’s knife. In a mortar and pestle, grind the thin slices of lemongrass, then transfer and mix everything using a mini food processor. It should turn into a fine moist powder. Set aside. For the ginger: Clean the ginger, carefully removing any dirt. You don’t have to peel it. Thinly slice both chunks. Set aside. For the lemongrass water: Combine the water and lemongrass powder. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Filter through a fine sieve. For the caramel syrup: In a sauce pan, melt the sugar without any water over high heat. It’s important to carefully watch the sugar; as soon as the edges of the pan start caramelizing, immediately lower the heat to medium-low. Gently jiggle the saucepan in circles. Do not use a spoon! Set the heat to the lowest when there are only a few remaining noncaramelized pieces. Don’t let the sugar get dark brown or you’ll get a burnt taste. Assembly time: When all the sugar is an amber color, remove from the heat, pause for about a minute (be careful of splattering when the water is added), then slowly add the boiling lemongrass water, palm sugar, fresh ginger and candied ginger. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon. Bring back to a full boil then let simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool. Serve in tall glasses with ice; stir well and garnish with a stalk of lemongrass.

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Relationship

How to identify toxic friends

ave you ever heard of the saying “Less is more”? Not only does it apply to your makeup and accessories, but also to your group of friends. We all have friends we love and those we love to hate. Whether it’s because of selfishness or negativity, they never really act like friends yet for some reason, we keep them around. Like the popular adage says ‘Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are’, sometimes we need to take inventory of our closest friends and ask ourselves: “What do my friends reflect in me? What am I getting out of these relationships? And what do I really want?” Here are types of friends you should watch out for. The vampire This friend always needs you, no matter the cause. They are energy suckers and are constantly asking you to do things and take up large chunks of your time. Being around that person is an energy drain. You feel the life sucked out of you after being with the person for any length of time. While it is important to be a supportive friend, there should be give and take in any healthy relationship. The vampire consumes more than they give. The gossip queen You know that friend who is always spreading rumours and finding happiness in other people’s misfortunes? She isn’t as confident as she may seem. A gossip queen is someone who has low self-esteem and focuses more on the negative in oth-

er people. They want to make themselves look better by talking about other people’s problems or issues. Any friend who tells tales on a friend should be avoided. Being with you simply offers this person an opportunity to glean details for spreading around to others. The gossip queen becomes a dangerous friend when you join in with her. You are perpetuating the same type of behaviour. Little miss know-it-all This type of friend otherwise known as ‘the control freak’ is always telling you what to do and what you are doing wrong and she thinks she has all of the right answers. Although it is easier to find fault with others than it is to see your own faults, you need to look inwards to find out why you have this type of friend. If you are attracting someone who comes across as a know-it-all and you are allowing that type of behaviour into your life, it is an indication that your strength, self-esteem and trust in what you know to be true isn’t deeply developed. Mockery Mockery can commence in a friendship as mere, gentle ribbing of one’s faults by way of endearment or genuine affection. If it becomes the normal way of relating, especially in front of other people, then you have a recipe for a toxic friendship. After a time, it can be too easy for such a friend to use this as a defense mechanism to ward off criticism of themselves and to offload that onto you. In this case, you become

Toxic friendship

the target that your friend uses to outplay the potential for attack from others against them. Debbie downer The Debbie Downer is somebody who puts herself or himself down so you can uplift him or her. No matter what you say to a Debbie downer, he or she is always negative. This is a dangerous friendship because it is so exhausting. It takes a lot of your energy to assuage this person’s self-esteem. The drama queen Sometimes all you want to do is jump for joy when something good happens and bawl your eyes out when something bad happens, however, you have learned to control your emotions. We can’t say the

same for the drama queen. She is way over the top on both extremes and it is addictive. This friend influences your emotional state. It is a real roller-coaster ride being around a person who is a drama queen. The cheat Many friendships have been crumpled and crushed because a best friend hit on a friend’s romantic partner. To avoid making best friends with this type, avoid the sneaky flirts, the sweet talkers and generally, people who try flattering you and talking like you mean the world to them. You are better off with someone who is more true and down to earth with their claims. The competitor These friends always compare their lives to yours. These ‘frenemies’ are jealous of what you have and possess. They are not happy with your success and tend to create hurdles in your path to success. Your accomplishments are shot down with their ‘no big deal’ attitude. Such friends try to keep you down in every aspect of life whether it is about friendship

“

Happy friends

or career. The leech A friend who constantly borrows your stuff or money or depends too much on you definitely needs to be avoided. No one wants a one sided relationship. If all your friend does is take from you without giving anything back, there is no point in being friends. If they are looking for one, tell them to take a one way trip out of your life. The backstabber Backstabbers are nice to your face. They can make you enjoy their company and have fun with them. You like spending time with them and it becomes confusing to recognize the backstabbing. Give these friends a chance to explain themselves but be bold enough to distance yourself from them. Life can be a bed of roses when you have the perfect friends to share it with, but if you have to put up with these aforementioned types of friends, all you will find is frustration. Spot the toxic friends in your life and stay away from them, for your own good.

Backstabbers are nice to your face. They can make you enjoy their company and have fun with them. You like spending time with them and it becomes confusing to recognize the backstabbing. Give these friends a chance to explain themselves but be bold enough to distance yourself from them.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Fiction

The halloween house Sheldon Woodbury -- Writing from the Shadows I’m a writer and screenwriting professor at NYU who usually works in the horror and dark fantasy field. They’ll be posts, a listing of my writing, and suggestions for other reading and viewing. This site will be about what you can see when you’re hidden in the shadows. . .

heir house was always draped in shadows from the bushy black trees huddled around it, and when a blustery wind or breeze swirled past, it sounded like the wails of howling ghosts. They’d always shunned visitors of any kind, but this night was different, the sacred ritual called Hallows Eve, when they’d finally unlock their bolted front door. They’d been dreaming about it all year, a nocturnal reverie that was finally here. A blood red sun had just died outside, and a shimmering full moon was carving its way into the sky. Their front yard was mostly craggy black dirt, but tonight that was the look people preferred. Pumpkins glowed with fiery eyes and skeletons dangled from all the trees. Gravestones were scattered about, crooked and crumbling, smelling of death. Every year, for far longer than it was safe to admit, they’d made their home a Halloween house. They’d moved around a lot, but it was the one constant they’d clung to wherever they’d lived, a creepy calling card to summon visitors on this sacred night. Outside, giggling voices could already be heard, tiny ghouls and goblins clutching bags that would soon be filled with sugary treats. This was always a part of their dreams too, the excited flurry of padding feet, the chorus of high pitched laughter and squeals, all of it coming their way. They hobbled down the stairs in their candle-lit house, holding wrinkled old hands, their ancient hearts thumping. They hadn’t talked about it, but they both knew this might be their last Halloween, and their shared sadness was darker than anything else. Their memories were all they had left of the way it used to be, way back in the forgotten past when fear and horror were real. There had always been monsters, but they’d had the good sense to stay where they belonged, hiding in the darkness and shadows until it was time to strike. But when you spend so much time hiding, you eventually lose your claim to be real, and that’s when all the myths and legends about their existence came into being. Make-believe stories replaced the terrifying reality of what was really there. And now this was all they had left, just a single October eve when giggling children mimicked them for sugary treats. They’d spent the last hour putting on their costumes too, the bland and boring human disguises

they wore only when absolutely necessary. Covering up their true form was a shameful process, but the world had become a very different place, and that’s what

hurt most of all. The world had forgotten what a glorious creation a real monster was, a crusty and wicked apparition with misbegotten

parts. A real monster had blood red eyes and spewed hot billows of ashen black smoke. But at least for tonight, they could imagine a different world

that existed only in the howling nightscape of their dreams. They could pretend they didn’t have to hide anymore and were free to roam the human world as they pleased. And that’s what they did, as the giggling make-believe monsters banged their fists on their grimy front door. When they peered outside into the night, there were more scary creatures than horrible humans, and that warmed their black hearts. They looked like a tired old couple who should have stayed in bed on this Halloween night. Their hair was grey and stringy, their clothes dirty and drab, smelling faintly like smoke. But they handed out candy with their wrinkled old hands, because they didn’t want to miss the best part of the night. If this was going to be their last Halloween, they wanted it to be extra special. They waited until the very end, when there were just a few children left padding up to their door without any parents. Because the best part of Halloween was always when they squeaked the door open and showed one of the giggling makebelieve monsters what a real monster was.

strip away all the clutter and only focus on the hardcore essentials, because action fans don’t like anything slowing things down. This is a road trip movie where the only law is to keep going faster and faster, because a fiery death is charging through the gloom right behind you. Every element is riveting and raw, stripped down to its most essential core. There’s the brooding anti-hero with a haunted past, a beautiful but disfigured heroine with her own anger issues, and a messianic

bad guy with a rictus grin that’s even worse than the Joker’s, all of it taking place in a post-apocalyptic landscape that’s a ravaged warning about what will happen if we don’t take care of our planet in the proper way. This warning is posed in the same brutal terms. If we screw things up, then the search for the staples needed to survive – food, water, gas – will be all that’s left of life itself. The color palette is stripped away too, everything is parched and grimy, dirty and decayed, except for the pristine whiteness of the young women who represent hope for a different kind of future. This is the plot, stripped down too, to transport this fertile cargo away from the hell of the monstrous Citadel to a remembered oasis. It’s a chase movie, but one that’s a visual onslaught in the best possible way of over-the-top action and roaring high speed warfare, a kind of Cirque du Soleil demolition derby. It’s a delirious

mash-up of extreme sports and road kill horror, all of it pumped up by a wild banshee rock star strapped to the front of a barreling big rig slashing at his flame throwing guitar. The dialogue has been whittled down to the bone, because there’s nothing to say that a howling shotgun can’t say a whole lot better. But there’s also a message that action fans are always wary of, but this is a good one we haven’t seen as vividly before. The real kickass heroes in the movie aren’t the usual suspects, but some new recruits. The gruff muscled guy does his part, and the tough chick too, but it’s the seemingly fragile young waifs, a bad boy kid, and a gang of old women on motorcycles who step up and deliver the firepower and courage needed at the end. And I think this is the message of the movie, to blow up the way action movies have always been done, and show there’s a little bit of madness in all of us.

Mad max: Fury road

his is without a doubt the greatest drive-in movie of all time, even though drive-ins are pretty much gone. But someone should find an abandoned drive-in somewhere and restore it, just so people can watch this movie. I’d love to be in a car on a hot summer night, the smell of exhaust swirling through the air, and watch this movie glowing on one of those giant screens. I’d crank up the volume and strap myself in for two hours of amazing movie mayhem. What this movie does so well is

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 33

Romance

How Do You Know When It’s Okay To Sleep With A Guy A

mong life’s greatest mysteries, we have a few recurring themes. What is the meaning of life? Why can’t I apply mascara with my mouth closed? And most importantly, how long should I wait before sleeping with a guy? Even in this modern day and age where everyone with a uterus and a Wifi connection is piping in that “women can do whatever the fuck they want. It’s no one’s place to tell another woman how to live her life,” the ideology remains: but he’s still not going to take you home to mom and dad if you sleep with him right away. And so we’re left with an unanswerable question: how quick is too quick, and how long is too long? You certainly don’t want him to decide you’re “not wife material,” but you don’t want to hold off so long that it might feel weird to actually get physical. After all, you might not want to buy the cow if you’re getting the milk for free…but you also don’t want to buy a cow that doesn’t produce milk, ya know? But what if…maybe, just maybe, there’s no magical number of dates that will “make” a guy fall for you. What if we’re treating this as a major piece in the game of life, and it actually holds no significance? What if when you have sex doesn’t fucking matter? Four years ago, my friend went out to a bar in her new city. She drank, and she drank, and she drank. Then she met a boy, and she drank some more. They talked, and flirted, and she made him her bar boyfriend. Things, seemed to be going swimmingly. Eventually, late into the wee hours of the night, she made out with him. Making out turned into a shared cab ride home from the bar, which — you guessed it — turned into full blown penetration. Four months later, her bar boyfriend was her real boyfriend. Ten months later, he told her he loved her, and just this July, I gave a bomb ass

“women can do whatever the fuck they want. It’s no one’s place to tell another woman how to live her life,” the ideology remains: but he’s still not going to take you home to mom and dad if you sleep with him right away. MOH speech at their wedding. Conversely, another friend of mine had a crush on a boy when they were in school.

She analyzed every text message and played everything exactly right. They progressively hung out more and more, until she was a

Finally, Your Sorority Can Win Money For Being Hot

t’s just a typical day being glued to your phone. You check Instagram, Twitter, TSM, clear the message your mom sent you on Facebook, Yik Yak, Instagram again, and then border on needing to enter a psychiatric ward because of how boring everyone is in this world. You know what’s really played out? Reading endless discussion board after discussion

board about which sorority is REALLY the hottest, especially when it’s very clearly just a bunch of new members in those sororities pumping up their own chapters. NO, BOTTOM TIER BETSEY. YOUR SORORITY IS NOT “Really hot with the new pledge class.” You know what isn’t entirely played out, though? Knowing for a fact which

sorority is the hottest. And which fraternity for that matter. Caliber is a new app that lets you see the hottest fraternities and sororities around the country, and vote to decide which are the absolute top-tier. So instead of just talking about which frats/sororities are most attractive, now we can actually decide.

shoe-in for every date party. After more than a semester of their pseudo relationship went by, she finally decided to sleep with him after formal. The weekend passed, and she never heard from him again. You might say both of my friends are just exceptions to the rule. But I’d argue your rule is irrelevant. The simple fact of the matter is that the guy who went on to marry my friend who should have been a one-night stand, simply put, just liked her. She made enough of an impression on her, and they vibed well enough that he wanted to see her again. And the guy who ghosted after finally getting what he wanted? He didn’t like her. At least not enough. That’s the only thing that will determine whether a guy is going to stick around after sex — his feelings for you. He’s not going to think you’re the love of his life, then change his mind once he gets his D wet, unless you have some serious stankpuss. If he likes you enough, he’ll want to keep seeing you. And on the flip side, a guy isn’t going to magically fall in love, just because you “played your cards right” and held out as long as you could. The sex doesn’t matter. If sex is his end game, it’s always going to be his end game, no matter how long you wait. And if he likes you, he’s going to keep liking you, no matter how quickly you hop to the deed. You can wait as long as you want. It’s a good test to figure out if he likes you, because guys won’t stick around forever if they’re not into you. But at the end of the day, when you decide to do it is not going to influence how a guy feels about you. The only thing that can influence that is…well, you.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

No N o lly l l y wo wood Why we do low quality films in Nollywood —Filmmaker

There have always been complains about the quality of movies produced in Nigeria and this is because of the short time frame these films are put together. In Hollywood, a film could take up to five years to conclude, but such can rarely happen in Nollywood, as the Nigerian movie industry is fondly called. But one of the stakeholders in the industry, Ideh Chukwuma, fondly called One Soul, who is a movie producer and a director, disclosed that funding is what is affecting the Nigerian movie industry. He stated because of short

of funds to produce a movie, filmmakers do rush jobs. He told The Sun that, “As a filmmaker, a major challenge is getting proper funding to execute world class films. With little production time on our side, we need to get the job done and get off set as quickly as possible because the longer you stay on set, the more money you spend. “And the sad thing is that you are not guaranteed returns on investment. And then when you do post production, the poor distribution channel in the country does not give you the room to make your money back.”

Nothing will make me join five star music---Presh

I don’t want liar as husband ---Rose Odika

Former member of the defunct KC Presh music group, Presh, has lately been trying hard to bounce back into the music industry after a long hiatus. He released few singles, which got many people dancing in clubs. But he has not been able to pull much weights like his former group member, KCee, who is now a lead act of Five Star Music, owned by his elder brother, Emeka Okonkwo, fondly called E-Money. In a recent interview with Ebony Life TV, the singer disclosed that he

Some months back, it was reported that star actress, Rose Odika, was planning to consider marriage again after 10 years. But Rose has disclosed the kind of man she hopes to have as husband, expressing hopes to find the man anytime soon. According to her, the Mr Right must be able to tolerate her because she of her high temper. He should also not be a liar amongst other qualities.

is in good terms with Kcee but will never accept the offer of joining Five Star Music. Presh expressed that when he plans to leave Eric Manny’s label, he would like to float his own label. “Actually no, I won’t. Not because I have anything against them, no. Because if I leave Eric Manny, it’s Presh, I’m going to float mine, so I won’t,” he said when asked if he can be tempted to join KCee at Five Star.

“Number one, a man that can attract me must be calm in nature, the man must be very patient because I am hot- tempered and the man must be more mature than me. “He must overlook things and the man must fear God and be at least 90% truthful. I want a man that will not lie, but tell me the way it is. So those are the qualities I look for in a man,” the actress told Tribune.

I can’t leave my man ‘cos of infidelity—Huddah Monroe Former Big Brother Africa (BBA) star, Huddah Monroe, has aired her views on divorce, which is on the rise lately in the society. Huddah informed her fans about a friend of hers, who recently dissolved her marriage because her man was cheating on her. The ex-BBA star said she cannot leave her husband because of infidelity, but can take such decision if she finds out that her man has a child outside wedlock. According to her, “If you

don’t want to be cheated on, buy some dildos like Waiguru and f*ck yourself because the next man these days is like the first. Or stay with him and use protection or leave and stay single, that’s up to you. “The ratio of Woman to man is 3-1 and there’s too many hot girls out here, he won’t cry a river for you my dear! You are allowed to call me all sorts of names. I know reality is too harsh for most of you! laughs! It’s 2015 going on to 2016, someone needs to remind you of these things!”

PAGE 35

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Ho H o lly l l y wo wood Jennifer Lawrence: Guys are ‘so mean’ to me

ennifer Lawrence thinks “guys are so mean” to her. The ‘Hunger Games’ star, who recently split from Chris Martin following almost a year of on/off dating, has admitted she struggles to find someone to romance because men usually pick on her and reject her offers to go on dates. She said: “No one ever asks me out. I am lonely every Saturday night. Guys are so mean to me. “I know where it’s coming from, I know they’re trying to establish dominance, but it hurts my feelings. I’m just a girl who wants you to be nice to me. I am straight as an arrow.” However, the 25-year-old actress believes she may be looking for love in all the wrong places due to her career and she thinks she may have a better chance of finding romantic happiness with someone who doesn’t know she’s famous. She explained: “I feel like I need to meet a guy, with all due respect, who has been living in Baghdad for five years who has no idea who I am.” And, although she’s yet to find her companion, Jennifer has admitted she’s already thinking about tying the knot.

Harry Styles reveals One Direction’s Perfect not about Taylor Swift

arry Styles has addressed speculation if One Direction’s latest song was influenced by his past relationship with Taylor Swift. The British boy band recently released their fifth album, Made In The AM, and it is their first without former member Zayn Malik, who left the band in March this year. The single Perfect was penned by Styles and Louis Tomlinson. The lyrics read: “If you’re looking for someone to write your breakup songs about, baby, I’m perfect.” Entertainment Tonight’s Samantha Harris asked the 21-year-old singer whether he was referring to the Bad Blood hitmaker. Styles replied: “Obviously, you write a lot of stuff from personal experience, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be so literal. People can interpret a lot of different things in different ways. And I’m not going to tell someone it’s not about what they think it’s about, because I think the whole point is - it’s about whatever it means to you.” It was previously revealed that the Red singer was single

Mel B: We’re still ‘figuring out’ a Spice Girls reunion

el B says the Spice Girls are still “figuring out” a reunion tour. The 40-year-old singer has insisted the group - which includes Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Mel C and Geri Horner - are keen to “make sure something happens” for their 20th anniversary next year but nothing is set in stone yet. Asked about the chance of a reunion, she said: “Potentially, yeah. Once we sort everything out we make an announcement, but right now we’re just figuring it all out. Next year is your 20 anniversary so we’re really just trying to make sure something happens. “We’re figuring stuff out. As soon as we figure it out we’ll tell every detail, but until then there’s not much to say. It’s like when you’re dating somebody and everyone is forcing you to get married. It’s like, ‘We’re getting married! Just give us a second to figure it out!’” And the ‘Wannabe’ hitmaker promises it’ll be great fun if the group do reunite. She added to Billboard magazine: “I remember things like it was yesterday and we’re still really good friends, but it definitely still feels like we’ve done stuff a long time ago because music has changed so much. “But we had so much fun and we did the Olympics a few years ago. We’re going to have fun if everything works out - which hopefully it will - for next year.”

for a long time since splitting up with Styles. Swift, who has a history of dating high-profile celebrities including Jake Gyllenhaal, Joe Jonas, Taylor Lautner, John Mayer, Zac Efron and Conor Kennedy, split with Styles in January 2014, after dating for two months. During an interview with Glamour UK magazine, the Shake It Off singer, who is dating Scottish singer/DJ Calvin Harris admitted that she does not find it easy having a boyfriend. She said: “There is no easy way for me to engage with romance. I’m really busy, so I can’t. And it’s a good thing that I feel really independent and I feel that my friends are all I need.” “It’s kind of a sad way I got there, though, being shamed into it. What else is it when you have two boyfriends in one year and everyone’s calling you boy crazy, making jokes about you at awards shows? That’s public humiliation. And I don’t think its fair,” she added.

Star Wars: Harrison Ford on returning to play Han Solo

arrison Ford has no aspirations to be Alec Guinness, as he talks about the return of Han Solo. There are many things about Star Wars: The Force Awakens that we’re looking forward to. But one of them is surely the return of Harrison Ford to the role of Han Solo. Not for nothing did apparent grown-ups whoop with delight (and other assorted legal noises) when Han Solo and Chewbacca popped up together at the end of the first trailer. We might have done too. Chatting to Entertainment Weekly, Ford has said of his return to Han Solo that “there’s not an abandoning of the character”. “He does not aspire to the position of Obi-Ben Kenobi nor do I aspire to be spoke new age Alec Guinness”, he said, quashing fears in a second that Han Solo would have ascended to some kind of Star Wars royalty (on screen, at least). “His development is consistent with the character, and there are emotional elements which have occasioned his growth”. It’s basically going to be a very similar Han Solo, with 30 years extra experience for good measure. “We spend a lot more time [in the movie] on his failure to master basic skills, like accounting, and accounting for his own behaviour.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Celebrity Gists

Waje launches Olamide to drop Shakira, Pique deny blackmail #A icanWoman 5th studio album P Campaig in December S

inger Waje said she has launched a worldwide campaign for gender equality and opportunity. The United Nations/ONE AND Purple ambassador launched #AfricanWoman which is aimed at empowering and enabling African women and girls to have qualitative education through her foundation. She made the announcement via social media “The most important and often misunderstood concept in the narratives for gender equality is opportunity. One of our key goals for this project is to create awareness about the need to guarantee the same opportunities for education and life choices for the African girl or woman. To make gender equality a reality in Africa, we must educate and empower women. ‘‘I believe that the only way to do this is by being an example and a voice for our women who do not have the opportunity to speak for themselves. We must enlighten them. We must let them know that they can be the driving force of African growth. Through www. waje.safehouse.org, we will be touring the continent and kicking off a scholarship fund for 5 bright young women who are unable to fund their tertiary education. ” Cities for this campaign include Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania and Liberia. To participate, people would be required to sign on banners in designated locations and post selfies on social media to spread the message. Waje will also launch a scholarship fund for five young women who are unable to complete their education. While the scholarship fund will commence first in Nigeria, it will be extended throughout Africa in the future.

lamide is one hard-working musician. The YBNL boss is ready to drop his fifth studio album this December after dropping a collaborative album with Phyno earlier in the year. The 26-year-old siinger is one of the few artists who have dropped an album every year while staying on top of the charts. His new album is called “Eyan Mayweather”.

Actress Iyabo Ojo goes to Hollywood

ollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, is currently shooting a short film called ‘The Mask’ with Hollywood star, Dorien Wilson. Wilson is known for his roles in hit series like “Sister Sister” and The Parkers”. The movie is being directed by Pascal Atuma, written and produced by Promise Adeyemi. It is being shot in California. In the movie Iyabo Ojo (Amanda) plays the bothersome wife of a Bishop (Rudy). The mask is a faith based film depicting the private life of pastors, what they face when the lights go off and some of the domestic challenges they go through.

op star, Shakira and Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique, have denied claims that they paid huge sums of money to an ex-employee to prevent a sex tape involving the two of them from coming out to the public. The famous couple have been together for five years and have two sons. According to a Spanish website, Diario vasco, Pique and his pop star partner have been threatened by a former employee to publish a video containing ‘erotic content’ if they do not part with a ‘big sum of money’. But Pique’s spokesperson has denied such reports. Pique reportedly earns around £130,000 a week playing for Barcelona, while Shakira is a world renowned pop star with so many hit singles and regularly performs tours round the globe.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 37

Entertainment Don Jazzy, Diamond Platinumz are The Future Awards ambassadors

Charlie Sheen confirms he is HIV positive

9-year-old Oscar-winning actress, Halle Berry Ber is getting her third divorce from French beau, Olivier Martinez. Her two ex-husbands, singer Eric Benét and sports star, David Justice blamed Halle for her relationship woes, saying she paints them as “knights in shining armor” at the beginning, only to pose as the victim after the relationship ends badly. Now, according to insider reports, the star doesn’t believe in love any more. National Enquirer reports, “Halle has had it with love life drama,” revealed an insider. “She has giving up on men. Halle and Olivier fought like cats and dogs until the bitter end. She has spent months kicking herself for making the same mistake not once, not twice, but three times. “She even jokes with friends that if they gave out an award for worst taste in men, she’d clean up because she is a winner when it comes to picking losers. Halle used to be a dyed-in-the-wool romantic and she believed the love of a good man could save her. Hurtful and heartbreaking as it is, she is finally accepting that she is cursed when it comes to romance.” The actress famously said she didn’t want to get married after she divorced Benét in 2005, so who knows, she just might find love again.

he Future Awards Africa (TFAA) has announced ambassadors for its 10th anniversary. Those selected are– international recording artiste, Bukola ‘Asa’ Elemide (Nigeria), music producer, Michel ‘Don Jazzy’ Ajere (Nigeria), beauty entrepreneur, Tara Fela Durotoye (Nigeria), founder of LEAP Africa, Ndidi Nwuneli (Nigeria), agriculture entrepreneur, Nnaemeka Ikeguonu (Nigeria), activist Sangu Delle (Ghana), power entrepreneur, Patrick Ngowi (Tanzania), singer Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania), change-maker Fogblanbenchi Lily Harity (Cameroon), and lawmaker, Oramait Alengoil (Uganda).

ollywood actor, Charlie Sheen, has confirmed reports that he is HIV positive. This followed many months of rumors that the 50-year old actor had the viral disease. “I am here to admit that I am in fact HIV positive and I have to put a stop to this onslaught, this barrage of attacks, of sub-truths, stories that are threatening the health of so many others,” he told the Today show on NBC. Sheen said he learned about the diagnosis roughly four years ago. “It is a hard three letters to absorb.” Asked whether he had transmitted HIV to anyone since his diagnosis, Sheen said: “Impossible.” and also said he was ‘not entirely’ aware of how he contracted the virus. Sheen claimed that people who knew his status had extorted money from him to keep it secret. He revealed he had paid people millions to keep quiet about his illness, saying he would stop paying now that his HIV status is public. “I release myself from this prison today. What people forget is that is money they are taking from my children. I have got five kids and a granddaughter,” he said. The actor’s health status has been an open secret in Hollywood in recent weeks, since the show business website, Radar Online published a report that said a Hollywood ‘megastar’ was HIV positive. The report did not name Sheen, but contained enough clues to ensure he was quickly identified as the most likely subject of the story.

Simi R releases ‘Open and close’

After 3 divorces, Halle Berry gives up on men

ising musician, Simi has released a brand new single to close what has been a fantastic year for her and Nigerian music. ‘Open and Close is for all party lovers this season, we have got a lot to be thankful for this year’, the X3M Music act said. The video for the song which was shot by MEX is a comical story which sees Simi and her ‘gang’ end up schooling a bunch of ‘prim and proper’ party guests on how to properly turn up, Naija style.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

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

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM EDITOR, DAILY HAMEED M. BELLO

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND LAWAL SABO IBRAHIM

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

ACTING DEPUTY MANAGER, PRODUCTION AMINU JIBRIL MOHAMMED HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

ISSUES As PDP continues to mock reality Amir Abdulazeez

ny proponent of competitive democracy and any advocate against one-party state would like to see the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) remain strong and vibrant enough to keep the ruling All Progressives’ Congress (APC) on its toes. Probably, only a fanatical APC sympathizer would like to see PDP become extinct in the current situation. The role of a strong opposition in a democracy cannot be overemphasized and without opposition, democracy becomes autocracy. Many neutrals have recently began to have sympathy for the PDP neither because the party deserves such nor because it is showing signs of deserving such any soon, but because it is the only party that is in a strong position to keep APC on its toes-something the governing party itself needs to checkmate complacency. However, the question is: does the PDP have as much sympathy for itself? Apparently it doesn’t, because many of the party’s actions tend to de-market the party rather than promoting it. No matter how well outsiders wish to see things go for PDP, it won’t be possible if the major stakeholders within the party are not willing to put their acts together. If there were other viable opposition options apart from PDP, majority of Nigerians would most likely go for them and back any among them to become the major opposition party in the country. Alas! There is none and considering what it takes to build a formidable national political party or to transform a dormant one in Nigeria, we can say, there would be none at least for the time being, except if an unforeseen miracle-like situation happens. After the 2015 general elections, the question on the lips of Nigerians was: how would PDP manage defeat? Others asked whether PDP would bounce back and if yes, how and when? The problem we are facing in Nigerian politics is that political parties are almost solely judged based on electoral performance. Therefore, in the eyes of many, PDP would only be considered to have bounced back if it takes over from APC at the next polls. From the look of things, PDP itself also narrowly look at things that way. Is PDP ready to bounce back? It depends on what we take ‘bounce back’ to mean. However, we take it, the answer is, the party has the potential to bounce back, but it is not yet ready. Virtually, all of the actions and

WRITE TO US

Peoples Daily Weekend welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed to: The Editor, Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. Email: opinion@peoplesdailyng.com adverts@peoplesdailyng.com pictures@peoplesdailyng.com contact@peoplesdailyng.com inactions of the PDP stakeholders since after April 2015 suggests that they are not ready to bounce back even in the next 16 years. When you find yourself in the midst of a self-inflicted mess, the least that is required of you to get out of that mess is to even believe that you are in a mess, sincerely acknowledge the role you played in putting yourself in that mess followed by genuine repentance. Time and again, the PDP through many of its notable chieftains still boasts that it is the largest party in Nigeria and it is still the only party that has presence everywhere including the remotest parts of the country. Even a small kid knows this is not true, but such is PDP’s arrogance even as an opposition party. When they were in power, they declared themselves the largest party in Africa without depending on any scientific yardstick. The PDP is presently a regional party confined mainly to the South-South and the South-East and the truth is that if free and fair elections had held in those regions, APGA, LP and to some extent APC would have occupied most of the seats, ‘elected’ PDP members are now occupying. One needs not to wonder why 70% of total annulled 2015 elections by the tribunals across the country so far are coming from the SouthSouth and South-East. The PDP has been the biggest loser in all the decided cases by the election petition tribunals so far. Instead of the party to tell itself some home truths, galvanize and see how they can salvage the situation to enhance their chances of winning the re-run elections, they are busy accusing the APC and the presidency

of influencing tribunal judgements. Would PDP ever accept half of what transpired in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom States as elections if they were not the beneficiaries? PDP is accusing the presidency of judicial interference probably because that’s what they use to do when they were in power and hence they expect others to be doing the same. It looks like PDP’s game plan is to continue with this propaganda to blackmail the tribunals into succumbing to their pressure and prevent them from doing their jobs adequately. If the party is not careful, some of the victories it recorded in some tribunals might be upturned after the cases might have been carefully reviewed in the appeal and supreme courts. The way PDP has been lamenting its defeat in the 2015 elections is very funny. How many times have they actually won elections? If free and fair elections had been taking place, the party would have since become history, probably since 2003 or 2007. PDP should cherish the fact they still exist with some relevance. They have spent the last 6 months lamenting and advancing reasons why they lost, whereas they knew deep in their hearts that the party seldom wins any election post 1999. Almost two years after, the PDP has continued to call the people that left the party as betrayers, traitors and ingrates. Uptill today, they have failed to move forward on this. The party has refused to accept responsibility, not to talk of addressing the issues that led to the exit of such people. The PDP has forgotten that it has been the biggest beneficiary of defections

since 1999. Arguably more than 90% of all defections from 2001 to 2010 have been in favour of the party and none of the then opposition parties refused to move forward and plan ahead because of this. Another disgusting habit of the PDP is boasting and crediting itself with Nigeria’s 16 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. This is childish and akin to a scenario where the military begins to boast and ask Nigerians to thank it for not carrying out a single coup since 1999. PDP are fond of making vague statements; nothing could have happened to Nigeria’s democracy with or without PDP. In fact the PDP-led federal government should be blamed of threatening democracy by supervising some of the worst elections in Nigeria’s history. If we may ask, how willing was the PDP government to allow the 2015 elections hold? How can a party known for one of the worst records on internal democracy entrench any democracy elsewhere? It is a welcome development that the PDP organized a National Reform Conference that is aimed at rebranding and reshaping the party for future challenges. The problem however is that the aim of the conference seems to have been defeated already. Instead of it to concentrate on using the conference for self-assessment and rebranding strategies, speakers took turns and wasted useful time and energy in using it as an opportunity for bashing the APC and the president. There would be many upcoming tangible things to criticize Buhari’s government on and there would be ample time to do so, but it seems to be in a desperate hurry as if that is what will help it reclaim past glory. The APC is the least of PDP’s worries currently. APC has many shortcomings and it will gather many more baggage as the journey continues, but no matter how bad the APC becomes, Nigerians may likely stick with it in 2019 if PDP refuses to truly reform itself and move away from its past. PDP should deal with itself and Nigerians would do the rest by dealing with APC. The PDP must be ready to present itself as an alternative which Nigerians can trust in the event of an APC failure. The PDP should look inwards and try to reform, re-shape and rebrand itself from a party with the image of impunity and cheating to that of justice and fairness and thereafter re-present itself to Nigerians. This would be better than mocking reality and the continuation to live in denial. Culled from Omojuwa.com

PAGE 39

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Opinion

Biafra and a nation without aspirations By Bemdoo Hulugh

first listened to Radio Biafra when I boarded a car from Enugu to Aba. It was a small car, I was in the front seat beside the driver with four other passengers behind. The car was quiet till the driver tuned to Radio Biafra and I noticed how everybody in the car became lively. I was confused at first as the only non-Igbo in this small car but I wanted to hear what this much talked about station had to say. The pirate radio station was dishing one lie after another to the amusement of the passengers. One of the passengers had the courage to tell the driver to tune to something else that the guy is deceiving them (Igbos) but the driver replied that “are you not a biafran?” and other passengers descended on the chap verbally. One passenger said why he loves the radio biafra guy is that he exposes the secrets of northerners a lot and so many other rubbish. It was strange that they saw nothing wrong in his call for genocide. I have heard well educated people support this biafra nonsense. They make it look like the problem of the Igbos is other Nigerians. They make it look like if they secede all their problems will be solved. They must think again. Because when Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, it was Orji Uzor Kalu who led the Igbo delegates that voted against

Alex Ekwueme. Was Kalu a Hausa man? No! Between 1999 and 2007, the Igbos produced more than four Senate presidents was it the fault of other Nigerians that they could not influence development projects to the southeast? No! Is it the fault of other Nigerians that their governors who are their kinsmen loot all the money allocated to the states by the federal government? No! Is it the fault of other Nigerians that Igbo representatives go to Abuja and represent only their personal interest? No! Ignorance is obviously a disease that only knowledge can heal. Some again say if we don’t discuss and address the biafra civil war, its ghost will never be buried. Yes, I agree we need

“

to talk about biafra and address issues that may have been over looked but do the Igbos feel they are the only ethnic group in Nigeria that have issues that need to be addressed? My own people, the Tiv people in north-central Nigeria have been a target of ethnic cleansing in Nassarawa and Taraba States by people who believe all Tiv people must come from Benue. In 2001, in the heat of the Tiv and Jukum crises, the military came in and took side. They went on a killing spree in a particular axis of Tiv land in what was regarded by the media as the “Zaki Biam massacre”. The Igbos may know only their story because they are Igbos and I too can say a little about my own ethnic group,

The problem of the Igbos is not other Nigerians but their elites. In their bargain for political power which is the only thing that matters to them, they have set one ethnic group against others.

but what about the people of the southsouth, the people in the northeast, those in Plateau State, the people in Southern Kaduna, those in Nassarawa North and South senatorial zones and the people of Agatu among others. Don’t they have issues that need to be addressed? Should they all threaten to secede? I am not convinced we are better of separated. The Igbo question is also the Nigerian question. The problem of the Igbos is not other Nigerians but their elites. In their bargain for political power which is the only thing that matters to them, they have set one ethnic group against others. We must first of all address this injustice before anything else. We will one day need to sit to agree on the kind of nation we want to be and redress some wrongs that happened in the past but before that we need a sincere and honest leadership we can trust to speak on our behalf and honour whatever is agreed upon. What is wrong in building a more just society that anybody no matter his/her ethnic group or where he chooses to live can have a decent shot at life? Is it too much for us to aspire to build an almost perfect society that will be the pride of the black racethat will prove to the world Africa is not all about mediocre, war and diseases? Hulugh posted this piece on Omojuwa.com

The president and his dream team By Segun Tomori

hose that had written off President Muhammadu Buhari’s political sagacity must have swallowed the humble pie when he unfolded the portfolios of his star-studded cabinet. Nigerians, who had been wearied by the endless wait for #TheList as it was fondly referred to on new media instantly jumped up in virtual jubilation and adulation. The new ministers portfolios were widely adjudged as a deft move by a president desirous of giving bite to his change agenda. It was one singular act that killed two birds with one stone – rekindled public confidence in Buhari’s administration and effectively stymied the allegation of sectional agenda against the new government. The man that emerged the first amongst equals is none other than the indefatigable Ex-Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola. He had since become a household name in Nigeria on account of his yeoman’s job as Lagos governor and his fantastic presentation at the Senate ministerial screening. Not a few commentators believed Fashola’s suave presentation at the screening was more presidential than ministerial. Such is the extent to which Fashola’s stock has risen among Nigerians. It was therefore an enthralled citizenry that enthusiastically applauded President Buhari for literally appointing him the ‘defacto’ prime minister that will

superintend Power, Works and Housing. This is the first time in our history that one man will be at the helm of three powerful ministries whose performance can make or mar any administration. Such is the extent of the president’s trust in the capability of Fashola and Nigerians seem to believe his midas touch will transform the ministries and deliver unprecedented performance. Other portfolios didn’t disappoint with the brilliant London trained investment banker and former Ogun State Commissioner of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, bagging the Ministry of Finance. She is complemented in the economic team by Udo Udoma as Minister of Budget and National Planning, while ex-Goldman Sachs

“

banker and CEO of African Capital Alliance, Okechuchukwu Enelamah, calls the shot at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. I don’t envy this trio; the economy is in such a bad shape and they have their work cut out for them. While they must work on long-term strategies to diversify the economy and deliver the country from the stranglehold of over-dependence on oil, they must employ quick fixes to stabilize the exchange rate and develop the economic blueprint needed to implement the administration’s change agenda. Addressing the infrastructure deficit is crucial to jumpstarting the economy. That is where synergy with Fashola is expected to come to play. Ex- Rivers

For any reform to endure, restructuring of our flawed federation is crucial. We must return to the era of true federalism where we have a weak centre and strong regions. There must be devolution of powers from the centre to states and Local governments.

Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who faced a raging tempest at the Senate before he was finally screened and cleared is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the transport ministry. Efficient movement of goods and services is key to the revamping of the economy therefore development inter-modal system of transportation should be a priority. This should include the revitalization of the rail sector; upgrading of aviation facilities; and the improvement of water and road transport. Now that the cabinet has been inaugurated, the time to hit the ground running is now. Buhari has to decide if he will want to be remembered as a president that tackled the fundamental structural challenges of the Nigerian state or one who glossed over it but just improved the well-being of Nigerians. If he has to be our own Mahatma Gandhi, he’ll choose the former. For any reform to endure, restructuring of our flawed federation is crucial. We must return to the era of true federalism where we have a weak centre and strong regions. There must be devolution of powers from the centre to states and Local governments. States/regions should be able to develop at their own pace; explore their mineral deposits and pay taxes to the federal government; have their own policing system to complement the obviously over-stretched Federal Police. Tomori, a public affairs analyst, posted this piece on Abusidiqu.com

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Comment

Biafra: The way forward By Usama Dandare

ith the current hullabaloo and tintinnabulation by some gullible pro-PDP ignoramus disguising as Biafran freedom fighters, it is irrevocable to draw their assiduity and that of their devotees to a non-violent and peaceful modus to realize their aims of an independent state of ‘Biafra’. If actually the true motive of majority of Ndigbo is to breakaway from Nigeria; then a non-violent secession is the best approach to achieving it. Since history is the best teacher, then taking a trip down memory lane will go a long way in navigating the ship of the Biafran state to berth the littoral of victory without a single gunshot. Considering the fact that the so-called Biafrans have nicknamed themselves “The Jews Of Nigeria,” then learning from “Hebrew secession” will add more friction to their watery and slippery brain: To our so-called Biafrans, you need not protest against anybody or seek anybody’s approval before your goals of a brand new Igbonation can be born, just do exactly what your Jewish brothers did; The top most important step you need to take is to map out all the states in your support, so as to have a defined territory. When your territory has been defined, the next line of action is to adequately identify where to call your home, home in the sense of your final destination where you know will be a safe haven for all not

By Inibehe Effiong

n November 3, 2015, Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted leave to former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), to travel to London for three weeks for medical treatment. The immediate past NSA is standing trial at the Federal High Court on charges of illegal possession of firearms and money laundering. The Department of State Services (DSS) in response to the permission granted the accused person by the trial court invaded his home and prevented him from travelling out of the country as ordered by the court on the excuse that there are fresh allegations of crime against him. On Friday, November 13, the learned trial judge insisted that Dasuki be allowed to seek medical treatment in London and also summoned the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to appear before it on Monday, November 16 to explain why the order of the court granting leave to Dasuki has been violated by the federal government. According to a report, Justice Ademola in summoning the AGF declared: “Court orders must be obeyed. What is wrong in the defendant travelling and coming back to face trial?” Only a fit person can stand for trial and investigation. My own orders will not be flouted,” he added. While it is true that the DSS has the statutory vires (power) to investigate and prosecute crimes, such power must be exercised

the calamitous Jewish’s promised land, yours should be entirely different as there might be several Hitlers ready to repeat the Jewish holocaust. Now that you know where you are going, the next step is to summon all Ndigbo outside your territory to immediately close down all their businesses, pack their belongings and embark on a mass exodus back home, the journey of no return to the promised land and make sure no one is left behind. I am optimistic that nobody no matter how influential or authoritative can stop you from moving to wherever your heart desires as granted by the constitution which gives every citizen the fundamental right to free movement.

“

Then the next step is to withdraw all your kinsmen in the civil/public service and reject all ministerial and political appointments given to the Southeast by the Nigerian government. After you have rejected all these appointments from Nigeria, it is time to recall all your governors, senators, House of Representatives members, state assembly members, local government chairmen and councillors since they were all elected and given oaths of office using the Nigerian constitution. Until when the Biafran constitution officially takes effect, then fresh elections can hold and make sure only die-hard Biafran activists will get elected into public offices. If you are finding it difficult or don’t know

how to recall your lawmakers, we at CUPS are ever ready to help you achieve that mission. Most importantly, proving to be financially buoyant and capable of running all the affairs of your nation without any fiscal challenge is another credit to gain international support and recognition. So it is necessary for the Biafrans to prove that they are financially strong, you must show your ability and capability to sustain yourselves financially as a nation by rejecting the federal allocation coming from the Nigerian government. I am optimistic that Ndigbo can run a country free from financial difficulties being the most industrious and business oriented people on earth,

Whoever wants to leave for the so-called land of Biafra should do the needful, regroup yourselves and embark on a mass exodus to your promised land without disturbing anybody’s peace. Go in peace and make sure you do not return.

Do you know that the tax paid by Ndigbo alone is higher than what Nigeria generates from NNPC, Customs and FIRS combined? If Nigeria with a population of over 180 million can solely rely on taxes it generats from the Igbos for survival, imagine how a tiny nation like Biafra with a population of about 10 million will look like if these taxes are paid to Biafra alone. Now that all Ndigbo are back home with their businesses and all public officers have successfully been replaced with staunch agitators of Biafra, then you are completely equipped to self-determination. You now have a defined territory, government, population and the ability to financially interact with other states. I think this peaceful approach to self-determination will be in the best interest of all whether Biafran or Nigerian, but the way some of these agitators are beating war drums against the Nigerian state is absolutely disgusting and calamitous to our collective peace and unity. it is a clear act of treason. Whoever wants to leave for the so-called land of Biafra should do the needful, regroup yourselves and embark on a mass exodus to your promised land without disturbing anybody’s peace. Go in peace and make sure you do not return. Culled com

from

Abusidiqu.

DSS, Dasuki and the rule of law conscientiously within the enabling legal framework. The DSS should not carryout its function in a manner that smacks of sheer impunity or derogates from the dictates of the Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law. Irrespective of the gravity of the charges preferred against Dasuki, no matter the nature of the fresh allegations levelled against him by the DSS, he is presumed innocent by Section 36 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) until he is proven guilty. The Supreme Court in the landmark case of Director of SSS v. Olisa Abgakoba (1999) 3 NWLR (Pt.595) 340 deprecated the DSS for violating the right of a citizen to freedom of movement. Granted that Section 41 (2) (a) of the Constitution gives allowance

“

to the security agencies to restrict the movement of any person on grounds of reasonable suspicion of commission of crime, it is my humble view that that allowance cannot avail the DSS in this instance since there is a positive and subsisting order of a court of competent jurisdiction granting leave to Dasuki to travel out of the country for medical treatment. The essence of bail is for the accused person to be available to stand his trial and defend himself as only the living can stand trial. By law, bail is entirely a matter of discretion of the court. It was the court that granted Dasuki bail on the condition that he should deposit his international passport with the court and should not travel out of the country without the permission of the court. If the same court that granted him

bail on that condition decides, as it did, to allow him travel abroad for medical treatment the DSS ought not to be discomfited in the circumstance. The Supreme Court in the celebrated case of Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) All N.L.R 233 emphasised the need for the government to abide by court orders and respect the dictates of the Rule of Law as against the rule of force. The DSS by its action is trying to frustrate the order of the court granting leave to Dasuki to travel out of the country for medical treatment. The DSS and the country does not stand to lose anything if Dasuki travels abroad. The worst that can happen is for him to jump bail and refuse to return to Nigeria upon the expiration of the three weeks period granted him by the

Irrespective of the gravity of the charges preferred against Dasuki, no matter the nature of the fresh allegations levelled against him by the DSS, he is presumed innocent by Section 36 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) until he is proven guilty.

court. In such eventuality, there are ample provisions under the international legal system that could be employed to force him back to Nigeria. Under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty entered into between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, any suspect can be extradited to either country upon request. Even if Dasuki were to escape from London to any other part of the globe, the International Police (Interpol) can track and bring him back to Nigeria to face and stand trial. The point here is that the DSS has absolutely nothing to fear. The federal government should not by its action give room to avoidable insinuations that Dasuki is being persecuted or “witchhunted” because of certain political considerations. Politics should never regulate the government’s attitude towards court orders. Admittedly, Dasuki may have played a significant but distasteful role in the destruction of the country by the former administration of Goodluck Jonathan. However, it is important for the government to follow the due process of law in its quest to hold him accountable for his actions and inactions during his tenure as the NSA in the last administration. Effiong, a legal practitioner, posted this article on Abusidiqu.com

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 41

Online Comments Labour Party calls for probe of OBJ, Atiku, Saraki, Tinubu, others Says: Sir Oscie. Who is Abdulkadir Abdusalam to name names or advice PMB on how to carry out his anti corruption war? Only the guilty fears the name BUHARI. Abdulkadir naming names will not help you just return your loot and pray BABA forgives you. CHANGE is here to stay.

Tackling Nigeria incessant floods Says: REV’D G. E. EMAKARA I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THE GOD IS CONTROL OF THE UNIVERSE. THANKS BE TO GOD ALMITHY WHO GIVES THE FORECASTERS THIS IDEAS(NEMA)

Waiting for President Muhammadu Buhari Tinubu Says: Abdullah Musa Politics is not a charitable affair. In a setting such as Nigeria,the stock of patience allotted to us by nature seems to be exhausted. Yet, let us be reminded that the government of Buhari came to office in the most hostile environment possible. Those handing over ensured that in – coming government had no iota of understanding of the mess they left behind. However, may I suggest that the Femi Adèsinas invite us to a tea room while we await the arrival of policy from policy kitchen.

Killing DISCOs? rethink

Obasanjo

Says: Abdullah Musa With respect to the intellectual of Malam Ibrahim, I venture to say that Marx’s socialism is not African. The African was not subjected to the expropriation that gave rise to Western industrialisation, and vanquished the traditional craftsmen. May I say that the fact Wuri existed in Hausaland as money, shows that trade, (the harbinger of Capitalism) was natural to people. A caring State, a responsible and law – abiding Capitalist are desired. That does not equate with Socialism. You may call it Africapitalism.

for Why I dumped national teams for Arsenal, Chelsea match, Pinnick

Time

Says: Abdullah Musa Discos ought to succeed. If FG did not takeover Yola Disco what would have happened? If one were to advise Discos it should be that they became proactive. Government has so much on its plate, that the most well intentioned becomes victim of status quo.

Says: Dotun I. He should be impeached. After all, he knows nothing about soccer. No wonder things are not moving well in the Glass House and indirectly affecting the National Teams performance in global competitions.

How Russia Let Discos give us a blueprint enemies for the power sector. Abdullah Musa Kigon Gabas Investment Limited, Kano.

outfoxes

its

Says: Marketing Ema Ahaa, its pleasant conversation concerning this paragraph at this place at this weblog, I have read all that, so now I am also commenting it in this place.

Says: Abubakar May GOD make you a true follower emmanuel adibayo

Drama in Senate over controversial media report Says: Dabo What brought in the name Ahmed Bola Tinubu again into the senate leadership saga. Ndume must face the reality. This is someone who claimed the PDP was after his life, please wake up. President Buhari stated that the party is supreme. Every APC party member agreed and there was peace in the house of reps. But, why is Bukola and his supporters against the supremacy of the party? They are indeed against the party, against the president and ultimately working with the PDP to rubbish the APC Government of president Buhari. We the electorate are watching them carefully. We will not accept any member of the senate rubbish the sacrifices made by Nigerian men, women and youth who defy all odds to elect this Government. The media should publish the names of those senators in support of the senate president and those opposing. Those senators who supported Senate president Bukola should come to their constituencies and explain why they had to support him despite President Buhari’s call for them to respect the party (APC) decision which is supreme. Anything short of that, the electorate will consider them enemies of the president.

Probing Jonathan alone’ll bring chaos, Prof Nwala Why I converted to Islam – 2015: Who takes over from Emmanuel Adebayor Says: Larry Jay says: Suswam in Benue?

1. Says: Fred K Mike Okibe Onoja is the man Reply 2. Says: Malu Mike okibe onoja is the right man for the mantle Reply 3. Says: Milwa Ajoh mike okibe onoja…hmmm, should he be given any chance Reply

3. Says: Paul Rufus Mike Okibe Onoja of benue state should be given a chance

Recruitment tragedy: Who owns Drexel? Says: Philip Mahmood Ahmadu resides with his wife Maryam in London at 16 Westchester Drive, London, NW4 1RD. I suggest your journalist continue to make his inquiries there.

NYSC introduces deployment scheme

kings

and for

Atiku

Ndume

self-

Says: Onu E.M This is a good development in NYSC.I hope that those who have been eating from ‘deployment racketeering’ will allow the policy to thrive.

We know all the people that betrayed the Jonathan adm. are either Igbo or his own people. We learn for the first time the nation has borrow money to pay the salaries of workers. Finance, NNPC , military leaders etc. Millions of barrels of oil been stolen everyday. Former Enugu governor converted all states money so is other governors. Buhari has approve the cleaning of oil spill in Ogoniland. In Jonathan adm. stealing was taken to highest level.

Entrepreneurs philosopher Africapitalism

why

Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Biographies

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 43

Léopold Sédar Senghor (1906 – 2001)

éopold Sédar Senghor was a Senegalese poet, politician, and cultural theorist who for two decades served as the firstpresident of Senegal (1960–80). Senghor was the first African elected as a member of the Académie française. Before independence, he founded the political party called the Senegalese Democratic Bloc. He is regarded by many as one of the most important African intellectuals of the 20th century. Biography Senghor’s first marriage was to Ginette Eboue. His second wife, Colette Hubert, who was from France, became Senegal’s first First Lady upon independence in 1960. Senghor had three sons between his two marriages. Early years: 1906–28 Léopold Sédar Senghor was born on 9 October 1906 in the city of Joal, some one hundred ten kilometres south of Dakar. Basile Diogoye Senghor (pronounced: Basile Jogoy Senghor), Sedar Senghor’s father, was a businessman belonging to the bourgeois Serer people. Gnilane Ndiémé Bakhou (?–1948), Léopold Sédar Senghor’s mother, and the third wife of his father, was a Muslim of Fula origin, belonging to the Tabor tribe. She gave birth to six children, including two sons.[2] His Serer middle name Sédar comes from the Serer language, meaning “one that shall not be humiliated” or “the one you cannot humiliate”. His surname Senghor is a combination of the Serer words Sène (a Serer surname and the name of the Supreme Deity in Serer religion called Rog Sene) and gor or ghor, the etymology of which is kor in Serer language meaning male or man. Tukura Badiar Senghor, the prince of Sineand a figure from whom Léopold Sédar Senghor has been reported to trace descent, was a c. 13th-century Serer noble. At the age of eight Senghor began his studies in Senegal in the Ngasobil boarding school of the Fathers of the Holy Spirit. In 1922 he entered a seminary in Dakar. After being told the religious life was not for him, he attended a secular institution. By then, he was already passionate about French literature. He won distinctions in French, Latin, Greek and Algebra. With his Baccalaureate completed, he was awarded a scholarship to continue his studies in France. “Sixteen years of wandering”: 1928–1944 In 1928 Senghor sailed from Senegal for France, beginning in his words, “sixteen years of wandering.” [11] Starting his post-secondary studies at the Sorbonne, he quit and went on to Louis-Le-Grand to finish his prep course for entrance to the École Normale Supérieure, a grande école. Paul Cary, Henri Queffélec, Robert Verdier and Georges Pompidou were also studying at this elite institution. After failing the entrance exam, Senghor prepared for his grammar Agrégation. He was granted his agrégation in 1935 after a failed first attempt. Academic career He graduated from the University of Paris, where he received the Agrégation in French Grammar. Subsequently, he was designated professor at the universities of Tours and Paris, where he taught during the period 1935–45. Senghor start his teaching years at the lycée René-Descartes in Tours; he also taught at the lycée MarcelinBerthelot in Saint-Maur-des-Fosses near Paris. He also studied linguistics taught by Lilias Homburger at the École pratique des hautes études. He studied with prominent social scientists such as Marcel Cohen, Marcel Mauss and Paul Rivet (director of the Institut d’ethnologie de Paris). Senghor, along with other intellectuals of the African diaspora who had come to study in the colonial capital, coined the term and conceived the notion of “négritude”,

which was a response to the racism still prevalent in France. It turned the racial slur nègre into a positively connoted celebration of African culture and character. The idea of négritude informed not only Senghor’s cultural criticism and literary work, but also became a guiding principle for his political thought in his career as a statesman. Military service In 1939, Senghor was enrolled as a French army enlisted man (2ème Classe) with the rank of private within the 59th Colonial Infantry division in spite of his higher education and his later acquisition of the French Citizenship in 1932. A year later in 1940, during the German invasion of France, he was taken prisoner by the Germans in la Charité-sur-Loire. He was interned in different camps, and finally at Front Stalag 230, inPoitiers. Front Stalag 230 was reserved for colonial troops captured during the war. German soldiers wanted to execute him and the others the same day they were captured, but they escaped this fate by yellingVive la France, vive l’Afrique noire! (“Long live France, long live Black Africa!”) A French officer told the soldiers that executing the African prisoners would dishonour the Aryan race and the German Army. In total, Senghor spent two years in different prison camps, where he spent most of his time writing poems. In 1942 he was released for medical reasons. He resumed his teaching career while remaining involved in the resistance during the Nazi occupation. Political career: 1945–82 In 1947, Senghor left the African Division of the French Section of the Workers International (SFIO), which had given enormous financial support to the social movement. With Mamadou Dia, he founded the Bloc démocratique sénégalais (1948). They won the legislative elections of 1951, and Guèye lost his seat. Re-elected deputy in 1951 as an independent overseas member, Senghor was appointed state secretary to the Council’s president in Edgar Faure’s government from 1 March 1955 to 1 February 1956. He became mayor of the city of Thiès, Senegal in November 1956 and then advisory minister in the Michel Debre’s government from 23 July 1959 to 19 May 1961. He was also a member of the commission responsible for drafting the Fifth Republic’s constitution, general councillor for Senegal, member of the Grand Conseil de l’Afrique Occidentale Francaise and member for the parliamentary assembly of the European Council. In 1964 Senghor published the first volume of a series of five, titled Liberté. The book contains a variety of speeches, essays and prefaces.[20] Senegal Senghor supported federalism for newly independent African states, a type of “French Commonwealth”, while retaining a degree of French involvement: In Africa, when children have grown up, they leave their parents’ hut, and build a hut of their own by its side. Believe me, we don’t want to leave the French compound. We have grown up in it, and it is good to be alive in it. We simply want to build our own huts. — Speech by Senghor, 1957 Since federalism was not favoured by the African countries, he decided to form, along with Modibo Keita, the Mali Federation with former French Sudan (present-day Mali). Senghor was president of the Federal Assembly until its failure in 1960. Afterwards, Senghor became the first President of the Republic of Senegal, elected on 5 September 1960. He is the author of the Senegalese national anthem. The prime minister, Mamadou Dia, was in charge of executing Senegal’s long-term development plan, while Senghor was in charge of foreign relations. The two men quickly

Senghor disagreed. In December 1962, Mamadou Dia was arrested under suspicion of fomenting acoup d’état. He was held in prison for 12 years. Following this, Senghor created a presidential regime. On 22 March 1967, Senghor survived an assassination attempt. The suspect, Moustapha Lô, pointed his pistol towards the President after he had participated in the sermon of Tabaski, but the gun did not fire. Lô was sentenced to death for treason and executed on 15 June 1967, even though it remained unclear if he had actually wanted to kill Senghor. Following an announcement at the beginning of December 1980,[26] Senghor resigned his position at the end of the year, before the end of his fifth term. Abdou Diouf replaced him as the head of the country. Under his presidency, Senegal adopted a multiparty system (limited to three: socialist, communist and liberal).[27] He created a performing education system. Despite the end of official colonialism, the value of Senegalese currency continued to be fixed by France, the language of learning remained French, and Senghor ruled the country with French political advisors. Francophonie He supported the creation of la Francophonie and was elected vicepresident of the High Council of the Francophonie. In 1982, he was one of the founders of the Association France and developing countries whose objectives were to bring attention to the problems of developing countries, in the wake of the changes affecting the latter. Académie française: 19832001 He was elected a member of the Académie française on 2 June 1983, at the 16th seat where he succeeded Antoine de Lévis Mirepoix. He was the first African to sit at the Académie. [16] The entrance ceremony in his honor took place on 29 March 1984, in presence of French President François Mitterrand. This was considered a further step towards greater openness in the Académie, after the previous election of a woman,Marguerite Yourcenar. In 1993, the last and fifth book of the Liberté series was published: Liberté 5: le dialogue des cultures. Death He spent the last years of his life with his wife in Verson, near the city of Caen in Normandy, where he died on 20 December 2001. His funeral was held on 29 December 2001 inDakar. Officials attending the ceremony included Raymond Forni, president of the Assemblée nationale and Charles Josselin, state secretary for the minister of foreign affairs, in charge of the Francophonie. Jacques Chirac (who said, upon hearing of Senghor’s death: “Poetry has lost one of its masters, Senegal a statesman, Africa a visionary and France a friend” ) and Lionel Jospin, respectively president of the French

Republic and the prime minister, did not attend. Their failure to attend Senghor’s funeral made waves as it was deemed a lack of acknowledgement for what the politician had been in his life. The analogy was made with the Senegalese Tirailleurs who, after having contributed to the liberation of France, had to wait more than forty years to receive an equal pension (in terms of buying power) to their French counterparts. The scholar Érik Orsenna wrote in the newspaperLe Monde an editorial entitled “J’ai honte” (I am ashamed). Legacy Although a socialist, Senghor avoided the Marxist and anti-Western ideology that had become popular in post-colonial Africa, favouring the maintenance of close ties with France and the western world. This is seen by many as a contributing factor to Senegal’s political stability: it remains one of the few African nations never to have had a coup, and always to have had a peaceful transfer of power. Senghor’s tenure as president was characterized by the development of African socialism, which was created as an indigenous alternative to Marxism, drawing heavily from thenégritude philosophy. In developing this, he was assisted by Ousmane Tanor Dieng. On 31 December 1980, he retired in favour of his prime minister, Abdou Diouf. Seat number 16 of the Académie was vacant after the Senegalese poet’s death. He was ultimately replaced by another former president, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. Honours Senghor received several honours in the course of his life. He was made Grand-Croix of the Légion d’honneur, Grand-Croix of the l’Ordre national du Mérite, commander of arts and letters. He also received academic palms and the Grand-Croix of the l’Ordre du lion du Sénégal. His war exploits earned him the medal of Reconnaissance Franco-alliée 1939–1945 and the combattant cross 1939–1945. He was named honorary doctor of thirty-seven universities. Senghor received the Commemorative Medal of the 2500th Anniversary of the founding of the Persian Empire on 14 October 1971. On 13 November 1978, he received the Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic of Spain. The same year, Senghor received a honoris causa from the University of Salamanca. In 1983 he was awarded the Dr. Leopold Lucas Prize by the University of Tübingen.” The French Language International University in Alexandria was officially open in 1990 and was named after him. In 1994 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the African Studies Association; however, there was controversy about whether he met the standard of contributing “a lifetime record of outstanding scholarship in African studies and service to the Africanist community.” Michael Mbabuike, president of the New York African Studies Association (NYASA), said that the award also honors those who have worked “to make the world a better place for mankind.” The airport of Dakar was renamed Aéroport International Léopold Sédar Senghor in 1996, on his 90th birthday. The Passerelle Solférino in Paris was renamed after him in 2006, on the centenary of his birth. Poetry His poetry was widely acclaimed, and in 1978 he was awarded the Prix mondial Cino Del Duca. His poem “A l’appel de la race de Saba”, published in 1936, was inspired by the entry of Italian troops in Addis Ababa. In 1948, Senghor compiled and edited a volume of Francophone poetry called Anthologie de la nouvelle poésie nègre et malgache for which Jean-Paul Sartre wrote an introduction, entitled “Orphée Noir” (Black Orpheus).

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Archives

‘Superduck’ reveals how dinosaurs got their crests: 80-millionyear-old creature is ‘missing link’ in the evolutionary tree

The nasal crest of Probrachylophosaurus is believed to represent a transitional nasal shape between the non-crested ancestor, such as Acristavus - a genus of saurolophine dinosaur

‘superduck’ fossil discovered in Montana could help scientists discover how the dinosaur got its crest. The remains belong to a previously unknown ‘short-crested’ lizard that has been dubbed Probrachylophosaurus bergei and which lived around 80 million years ago. Its short protrusion suggests it is an ancestor of a previously noncrested dinosaur, and the discovery could provide the missing link between the two groups. The newly discovered Probrachylophosaurus bergei was found in the Judith River Formation in north central Montana. The fossils reveal it would have had a small flat triangular bony crest extending over the skull and have compared its body shape to a related dinosaur called Brachylophosaurini. Probrachylophosaurus bergei

“

was about 30 feet (9 meters) long, weighed more than 5 tons and donned a small, triangular bony crest atop its skull. It was a member of a plant-eating group called duck-billed dinosaurs, known for beaks resembling a duck’s bill, common during the latter part of the Cretaceous Period. Many duck-billed dinosaurs boasted head crests of various shapes and sizes. Probrachylophosaurus, one of the earliest with a prominent crest, offers insight into the evolution of these features, the researchers said. Its skull bones are very similar to those of Acristavus, a duck-billed dinosaur from about 81 million years ago thought to be its ancestor, and Brachylophosaurus, which lived about 78 million years ago and is thought to be its descendant. ‘Acristavus does not have a crest. ‘The top of its skull is flat. Brachylophosaurus has a large,

Probrachylophosaurus’ head shape, most notably the bony triangular nasal crest, falls between two types of dinosaur - Acristavus and Brachylophosaurus.

flat, paddle-shaped crest that completely covers the back of the top of its skull,’ said Elizabeth Freedman Fowler, curator of paleontology at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum in Malta, Montana. ‘It is a perfect example of evolution within a single lineage of dinosaurs over millions of years.’ Paleontologist Jack Horner of Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies added, ‘Because the fossil record is very spotty and we only get glimpses of evolutionary trends, it is always exciting to find evidence of transitional species.’ Freedman Fowler said she gave Probrachylophosaurus (pronounced pro-BRAH-KEE-loh-fohsaw-rus) the nickname ‘Superduck’ because it was pretty big for a duckbilled dinosaur, although not the largest. Growth rings in its leg bones, akin to annual growth rings in trees, showed it was 14 years old, still not fully grown. ‘We think that the crests of dinosaurs were visual signals so that they could recognize members of their own species, and also tell whether the animal was mature or not,’ Freedman Fowler said. The scientists unearthed most of its skull, its pelvis, hind legs, vertebrae and ribs near the northcentral Montana town of Rudyard. They unearthed less-complete remains of a second Probrachylophosaurus, more of an adolescent in age. The study was published in the

open-access journal Plos One by Elizabeth Freedman Fowler and John Horner from Montana State University. ‘This part of the Judith River Formation represents a slice of time intermediate between areas where lots of dinosaur fossils have been collected in the past. ‘The new species that we find here is a ‘missing link’ between known dinosaur species, so it’s a really exciting field area. Probrachylophosaurus’ head shape, most notably the bony triangular nasal crest, falls between two types of dinosaur - Acristavus and Brachylophosaurus. The nasal crest of Probrachy-

lophosaurus is believed to represent a transitional nasal shape between the non-crested ancestor, such as Acristavus, and the large flat posteriorly oriented nasal crest of adult Brachylophosaurus. Probrachylophosaurus is estimated to have lived between the time of the Acristavus and Brachylophosaurus. Because its nose shape is a mix of the two species, experts believe it could be an intermediate member of the Acristavus-Brachylophosaurus evolutionary lineage.

Mailonline

The newly discovered ‘superduck’ Probrachylophosaurus bergei has been found in the Judith River Formation in north central Montana, and dated to around 80 million years ago.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 45

Digest Age discrimination starts at 40: Bosses won’t hire older workers because they ‘won’t learn new things’

hey say age is just a number, but an increase in age discrimination complaints reveals that for many Australian employers age is an important factor when hiring staff. A national inquiry by the Australian Human Rights Commission into workplace discrimination has found a third of people who had been discriminated against gave up looking for work as a result of experiencing age discrimination - with complaints of age discrimination being received from those who are just 40 years old. According to the commission, ‘workplace frustration’ was one of the main challenges for those in their 40s. ‘Discrimination of those in their 40s does occur. Although the bulk of discrimination happens in an older age bracket with those who are 50 and over, there are widely held prejudices toward older workers and that’s why it takes place,’ Age and Disability Commissioner Susan Ryan told Daily Mail Australia. According to Ms Ryan, there is a widely held view that people won’t learn new things af-

“

ter a certain age or fit in with a younger team, which she believes is not the case. ‘I think these decisions [not to hire older workers] reflect the employer’s that make decisions and their poor understanding of human capacity and human potential,’ said Ms Ryan. Ms Ryan noted that many recruiters have misconceptions about older employees. ‘Recruiters are often in their 30s or younger and perceive those who are a few years older than them as too old. ‘They see themselves as an ideal age and even human resources in big companies are inclined to look for younger people because of these widely held prejudices,’ she said. A number of case studies particularly in Queensland reveal that many employees are being fired or considered unfit for work duties from their 40th birthday, reported the Courier Mail. In one complaint made to the Anti Discrimination Commission, Queensland, one woman alleged that she was dismissed from employment because of her age and appearance. According to the woman,

In another complaint, a gentleman told the commission he was asked unlawful requests for information at an interview and believes he was not offered a job because of his age.

A national inquiry by the Australian Human Rights Commission into workplace discrimination has revealed that age discrimination can start from just 40 years old

the manager advised the woman that the business wanted to portray a certain image, and the woman didn’t fit that image. The woman asked whether it was because of her age, and referred to the business recently employing young staff. After a lengthy discussion, the manager allegedly agreed that it was about the woman’s age. Once the matter was settled,

Research found that ‘workplace frustration’ was one of the main challenges for those in their 40s

the employer apologised to the woman and paid her financial compensation. In another complaint, a gentleman told the commission he was asked unlawful requests for information at an interview and believes he was not offered a job because of his age. Queensland’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Kevin Cocks, told the Courier Mail

that the problem is of state-wide prevalence and across all job sectors. Mr Cocks added that some industries like media, flight attendants and academia had more memorable complaints. He also added that age discrimination occurred regardless of gender. Mailonline

In one complaint made to the Anti Discrimination Commission, Queensland, one woman alleged that she was dismissed from employment because of her age

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

International

From Somali refugee to Canadian MP Ahmed Hussen madeelected history in election when he became the first Somali-born Canadian tothe parliament. Ahmed Hussen, who came to Canada as a teenage refugee, was last month elected as the country’s first Somali-born member of parliament. Since he arrived in Canada, fleeing as civil war ravaged the Horn of Africa nation in 1993, he has had to juggle odd jobs to realise his dream: a university education. His ambition to complete his studies and a love of social work led him to a career in politics. Hussen says he is eager to work with the newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other MPs to support a government plan to host 25,000 Syrian refugees before the end of this year, giving them full settlement and healthcare benefits. Hussen spoke to Al Jazeera about his roots, his ambitions and what his party’s electoral victory will mean for Syrian refugees.

l Jazeera: Why did you decide to move to Canada and when? Ahmed Hussen: I landed in Canada on February 27, 1993. The reason I came to Canada was to join my two older brothers who were already here. I felt that joining them was the safest thing to do. It’s extremely hard to move to another country and to start over again, but it’s harder when you don’t have anybody there. It was a bit easier for me to join family members. I left Somalia as it was torn by a civil war, but my immigration to Canada was not my own decision, as I was 16 years old at that time. Al Jazeera: What was the situation in Somalia like before you left? Hussen: The situation was unbearable. Every time we expected a ceasefire, we realised that the fighting would continue. After I landed here in Canada, I kept following the news of the conflict and I realised there was no sign of an end or resolution. Somalia is still going through problems. The situation may change as to who is fighting who, but the violence has been continuous until now. Al Jazeera: What were your ambitions when you came to Canada? Hussen: I wanted to complete

“

my studies in school. My biggest fear was not to finish my high school and missing admission to a university. My mother was very focused on education and passed that value on to me. As soon as I settled here in Canada, I started to go to the public library to borrow books, to do some mathematical exercises and continue to improve my English. One of my brothers in Toronto, at that time, was single so I moved to his home where he had two roommates; a friend and a cousin of mine. My brother was a truck driver and the other roommates were cab drivers, so it was not conducive for me as a student to live with them. They suggested I move to Hamilton, Ontario, to live with my other cousin who was a student at Mohawk College there. As a high school student living with a college student was better than living with a truck driver and cab drivers. I graduated from high school and I stayed in Hamilton until 1997, before I returned to Toronto to live again with my single brother Mohammed Hussein in Regent Park. I worked at a gas station for almost a year between 1997 to 1998 to save money in order to pay off my university tuition fees. I couldn’t get a student loan from the government of Ontario be-

Hussen moved to Canada in 1993 following a civil war in his country of birth, Somalia [Fadi Alharbi/Al Jazeera] cause my immigration case was not completed. I was still a refugee without a permanent resident status in Canada. So I worked very hard at the gas station with a minimum wage payment of $6.85 an hour, with overtime hours sometimes. I applied to join York University here in Toronto and I got admission. Thereafter, I quit my job as I had saved enough money to pay my university tuition fees in full for the first year. In my second year of university I had become a permanent

The previous government had cut settlement funds for refugees, they also cut refugee healthcare. On our side as a new government, we will restore healthcare for refugees, because that’s inhuman to cut that. Even the federal court of Canada has called it inhuman and cruel punishment. We can’t cut healthcare for refugees or to cut healthcare for expectant women and children. That’s not acceptable.

resident of Canada, and I applied for a student loan through Ontario Student Assistance program “OSAP”. Al Jazeera: The Syrian refugee issue was a big part of your campaign for the federal elections in Canada. What are your plans to host Syrian refugees in Canada? Hussen: Our commitment is to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of this year. We will bring refugees from countries like Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon. I want to make it clear, Prime Minister Trudeau is committed to bringing 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada before 2016 because it’s an urgent situation. Other countries have done more than us with fewer resources, because it’s a human issue. As a government, we want to help Syrian refugees to settle before we encourage them to integrate. Settlements services have to be funded adequately. The previous government had cut settlement funds for refugees, they also cut refugee healthcare.

On our side as a new government, we will restore healthcare for refugees, because that’s inhuman to cut that. Even the federal court of Canada has called it inhuman and cruel punishment. We can’t cut healthcare for refugees or to cut healthcare for expectant women and children. That’s not acceptable. I feel proud to stand for a party that will do that in government. Not only Syrian refugees would benefit from that, but also all refugees regardless of the country they come from. It has been more difficult for immigrants and refugees to become Canadian citizens under the 10-year rule of the Conservative party, but Canada and Canadians in general have been very open in welcoming people, and eventually leading them to the path of citizenship. I am proud of my heritage, but I am also proud to be a Canadian citizen. Source: Al Jazeera

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 47

Business

Averting economic recession in Nigeria via agriculture By Dada Ahmed

igeria’s economy has been forecast to be amongst the top 20 largest in the world by 2030, according to a recent report of Bloomberg -- one of the world’s leading financial services firms -- on the new world economic order. Nigeria is ranked 19th, just above Netherlands, which is graded 20th in the recent forecast report. Recent global economy reports have placed Nigeria as one of the fastest growing economies in the world; reports which tallied with 2014 re-based Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures that placed Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, pushing South Africa to the second position. Cheering as the Bloomberg’s survey may look; leading economic indicators suggest that the Nigerian economy may be heading for an economic recession, unless urgent steps are taken to avert a repeat of the1980 recession. Economic experts say that an economic recession implies a fall in real GDP, adding that it also connotes a period of negative economic growth for two consecutive quarters in an economy. They say that economic recession is primarily caused by a fall in aggregate demand -- total spending on goods and services -- due to several factors such as financial crisis, rise in interest rates or fall in asset prices, among others. The experts maintain that the main features of a recessive economy include higher interest rates, which reduce borrowing and investment; falling real wages and falling consumer confidence. In an economic recession, they add, credit crunch provokes a decline in bank lending and, therefore, lowers investment. It is also a period of deflation with falling prices, which often encourages people to delay spending, while causing deflation to increase the real value of debt; thus, making debtors to be worse off. Although this development causes appreciation in currency exchange rates, it often makes imports expensive, while reducing demand for exports. Mr Suleiman Muhammed, a Lokojabased economic analyst, said that although the Nigerian economy could not be said to have gone into recession per se, it was very necessary to introduce some proactive measures to forestall the development. This is not to suggest that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is not mindful of the repercussions of the imminent economic recession, as it is taking the necessary steps to avert it. For instance, the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said that plans were underway to create a 25-billion-dollar fund with public and private financing to modernise the country’s infrastructure and avoid an economic recession. The situation has provoked the government and enlightened observers to ponder on practical ways of saving the nation from the looming economic recession. For instance, President Buhari, in his address at the conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), called for more private investments in the agricultural sector of the economy. He said that increased investments in the agricultural sector remained the best way to unlock the country’s economic potential and curb its excessive dependence on oil rev-

A typical fruits market enues. ``Growing our own food, processing what we produce, becoming competitive in export markets and creating jobs all across the economy are crucial for our national security,” he said. Buhari, who noted that the agricultural sector was the largest contributor to the country’s GDP, pledged that his administration planned to make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production within the next two years. The president said that since Nigeria was one of the world’s largest producers of agricultural products like cassava, improved investments in agriculture would boost the country’s exports and lessen its dependence on proceeds from petroleum. Buhari said that enhanced private-sector investments in agriculture would also facilitate the fulfilment of government’s efforts to diversify the economy, adding that Nigeria had immense agricultural potential. His words: ``Nigeria has huge agricultural potential with over 84 million hectares of arable land, of which only 40 per cent is currently cultivated. The country also has some of the richest natural resources for agricultural production in the world. ``The urgency of unlocking our agri-

“

cultural potential is even more pertinent because Africa spends about 35billion U.S. dollars annually on food imports. Agriculture should no longer be treated as a development programme; agriculture must henceforth be treated as a business.’’ However, Dr Tunde Arosanyin, the National Technical Adviser, All Farmers Association (AFAN), underscored the need for increased investments in the agricultural sector, saying that Nigeria was facing several economic challenges which included decline in oil prices and over-dependence on imports. He said that the other challenges were poor infrastructural facilities such as electricity, roads and water, which inhibited secondary production and industrial growth, as well as corruption and insecurity. He stressed the wisdom in addressing the challenges pragmatically, insisting that at the moment; Nigeria ought not to be importing products like textiles, biscuits, fruit juice, rice and sugar. Arosanyin added that considering the vast agricultural potential of the country, it should be able to produce these products, among others, locally. ``It is unfortunate that the Nigerian economy is driven by proceeds from crude oil

The situation has provoked the government and enlightened observers to ponder on practical ways of saving the nation from the looming economic recession.

in the last 40 years. ``The way forward is for the present administration in the country to tackle the problems head-on by focusing its attention on the structured development of agriculture, solid minerals and tourism sectors. ``In driving this policy, the Federal Government should invite technocrats and tested professionals with proven track record to generate a blueprint on how to develop and diversify the economy,’’ he said. Arosanyin, however, emphasised that the government’s agricultural policy include immediate, medium-term and long-term actions and programmes. He said that if agriculture sector was wellfunded and properly developed, the government’s efforts to avert any economic recession would be fruitful. He argued that agriculture, apart from solving hunger and food security problems, was also capable of generating over millions of job opportunities; thus reducing the menace of unemployment. Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Devakumar Edwin, the Group Executive Director of Dangote Group of Companies, said that tangible efforts should be made to reduce the effects of the collapse of crude oil prices in the international market on the nation’s economy. He stressed the salvation of the Nigerian economy would largely depend on increased agricultural production and local manufacturing. Edwin underscored the need to fully exploit the vast agricultural potential of Nigeria in efforts to restructure the national economy. He called on entrepreneurs to invest in agricultural and manufacturing projects to speed up the country’s economic growth. All in all, analysts believe that increased investments in Nigeria’s agricultural sector will spur the country’s development, while ensuring its economic revival and guarding against any economic recession. (NANFeatures)

PAGE 48

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

B u sin e s s Interbank rate rises on drop in liquidity By Mohammed Usman with agency report

nterbank lending rate rose to 1 percent on secured lending on Friday from 0.5 percent previously, amid drop in banking system liquidity on the back of foreign exchange and treasury bills purchases, traders said. Reuters continued that traders said the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has also failed to update data on commercial lenders cash balance since Monday, putting most dealers in the dark about the volume of liquidity available in the market to trade with. “We have cash outflows to forex purchases at the CBN intervention on Thursday and treasury bills purchased at the primary market, but lack of data on our cash balance has put some dealers in the dark on the level of liquidity in the market,” one dealer said. Traders said most of them traded based on the last update on cash balance, which was put at around 600 billion naira last Friday. Nigeria sold 119.92 billion naira ($600 million) in Treasury bills with maturities from three months to a year at an auction this week, but traders said there was equivalent amount of in retired matured bills which upset the amount sold. The secured open buyback (OBB) - the rate at which lenders can borrow from the interbank market using treasury bills as collateral - rose to one percent from 0.5 percent last week, still far below the CBN’s 13 percent benchmark interest rate. Unsecured overnight placement traded at 1.5 percent against 1 percent last week. “The market would take its cue from the outcome of MPC- Monetary policy Committee - meeting on Tuesday,” another dealer said. Traders said the ratefixing MPC meeting, the last in the year may not effect any significant change in the present condition in respect of interest rate.

CBN tells 3 banks to recapitalise by June By Mohammed Usman with agency report

entral Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has given three commercial banks to recapitalise by June 2016 after they failed to hit a minimum capital adequacy rate of 10 percent. Reuters reported CBN to have reported on its website. The CBN did not name the banks but said they were from the group of 14 in Nigeria that have licenses to operate as regional and national lenders, with respective capital bases of 10 billion naira ($50 million) and 25 billion naira. With a number of Nigerian banks having postponed moves to raise fresh funds, the CBN said it was monitor-

ing the three lenders’ recapitalisation plans, and that 10 others with international status met the 15 percent minimum capital rate for that category of bank at the end of June. The recapitalisation schedule, contained in a report dated Oct. 30, only came to light on Friday. Nigerian lenders have been shoring up their balance sheets in preparation for adopting stricter international requirements that analysts say could erode capital ratios by between 100 and 400 basis points to near the regulatory minimum of 15 percent. Meanwhile, poor capital conditions at home due to slowing economic growth have weakened domestic markets, analysts say. Last week, the CBN told commer-

cial lenders to double provisions on performing loans to 2 percent to build adequate buffers against unexpected losses, as liquidity ratios fall. It said lower revenues for government and oil companies due to plunging crude prices have led to unsecured exposures for banks that are likely to increase credit risk and loan losses. Ratings agency Moody’s said this week it expected non-performing loans (NPLs) to rise above 5 percent but remain below 10 percent over the next two years as the weaker naira increases the risk of dollar loans and suppresses bank capital. NPLs in Nigeria’s banking sector rose to 4.65 percent at the end of June due to a fall in asset quality following a devaluation of the naira and amid

rising inflation, the CBN said in the report. Stanbic IBTC last week said it had doubled its non-performing loan ratio to 8.8 percent. The Nigerian unit of South Africa’s Standard Bank, was also planning to raise fresh funds. Pan-African bank Ecobank and Nigeria’s Skye Bank have both suspended plans to raise fresh equity owing to weak market conditions and slower loan growth. Wema Bank, which suspended plans partly because of the naira weakness, said on Thursday it would resume a share sale next year and has started a process to raise $100 million worth of naira bonds after getting approval to switch from a regional to a national bank.

R-L: President,Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari,GCFR, Governor,Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefile and Group Head, Commercial Services, Notore Industries,Mr Innocent Okuku, during the flag off of the Central Bank of Nigeria funded Anchor Borrowers program in Kebbi State:

PenCom reaffirms mandate to issue guidelines on withdrawal from voluntary contribution

he National Pension Commission (PenCom) says it has the statutory mandate of issuing guidelines on withdrawals from voluntary contributions from Retirement Saving Accounts (RSA) and the general administration of pension funds. This position is contained in a statement issued by PenCom’s Head of Communication, Mr Emeka Onuora, in Abuja, on Friday. The statement is sequel to the threat by the Rivers State Council of Trade Union Congress (TUC) on disruption of work based on PenCom’s draft guidelines on withdrawal from voluntary contribution.

The statement said that Section 23 (b) of the Pension Reform Act, 2014 (PRA) and Section 115 clearly empowered the commission to make regulations. The statement said that the draft guidelines on voluntary contribution was exposed to all pension operators for review and comments in line with the consultative approach of the commission over matters it had right. It noted that the response would not stop the duration for the expected comments and review intended as canvassed by the commission. The statement stated that the threat of disruption of work was unwarranted and contrary to extant la-

bour laws. According to it, the TUC and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) are represented at the highest level of the board of PenCom. The statement said that it was a contradiction to imply that no consultation was made, noting that the threat by the union should not be a basis for friction. The statement noted that appropriate enlightenment on the provisions of the draft was paramount for an understanding of the issues canvassed in the draft guidelines and observations forwarded to the commission. It also noted that the provisions of the draft guidelines on voluntary

contributions had not negated Section 4(3), Section 10(4) or any other sections in the PRA 2014. The statement stated that RSAs were not the same as bank accounts, noting that voluntary contributions into RSAs were meant to boost contributors’ final pension. It explained that the guidelines were consistent and they aligned with government’s fight against financial malpractices and money laundering. According to it, the guidelines are still a draft and advised the union to harmonise its position on the issue and make input to the draft guidelines. (NAN)

Customs PAAR wins best 2015 e-Governance project

he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has emerged winner of the best e-governance project for 2015 for its Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), a clearance tool it introduced in 2013. A statement by Mr Wale Adeniyi, the NCS Public Relations Officer on Friday in Abuja, said the award was given at the e-Governance and long service Awards 2015. The statement in Abuja said the event was organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency in collaboration

with NIHILENT Technologies, an IT services and solution company. It disclosed that the NCS also emerged first runner-up in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) category for the year. The statement quoted the Customs Comptroller-General, retired Col. Hameed Ali as saying that `` the yearly award is the second in the series organised by NITDA. ``In 2014, the Nigeria Customs Service emerged winner in two categories - best Web Presence and best MDA of the year.

``We are delighted to have won this award and we want to assure Nigerians that we will continue to fine tune the PAAR system and improve on it to meet global standards’’. The statement said the PAAR officially commenced in February 2009 and was launched in December 2013. It said that the system had continued to be a robust and dynamic platform for facilitating pre-arrival processing in line with Nigeria’s import process and global best practices. ``The PAAR system, which has generated

426,636,000 risk assessment documents since it was launched, recorded tremendous success in enhancing the NCS revenue profile and improved Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking. ``The award is in recognition of the project’s overall capacity to address the needs of stakeholders, demonstrate efficiency, and benefit the masses over a long period of time,’’ the statement explained. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 49

Oddities Models pose for calendar, draped over caskets A

saucy calendar with a difference has been unveiled for 2016, featuring models draped over coffins. The promotional wall planner was designed by a coffin manufacturer to promote their services and took its cue from the notoriously racy Pirelli Calendar. The outrageous images, shot by studio ReRetro, featured beauties ‘modelling’ afterlife wear. One beautiful brunette is draped in furs in front of an intricately carved coffin showing an outdoor scene. Zbigniew Lindner, founder of the Polish company, said: “We enjoy showing our beautiful coffins and what better way than including beautiful girls. “So much work goes into our coffins that are only seen for a few moments at the funeral. We wanted to show that a coffin shouldn’t be a sacred object, it is furniture, it is the last bed you will ever sleep in.” The Pirelli Calendar is the world’s most famous topless calendar and features artistic shots of famous models and actresses such as Kate Moss and Penelope Cruz. Lindner Sales Manager, Tomek

Kilarski, said they are planning to sell around 15,000 calendars, which is now in its eighth edition. “It helps us sell more coffins. The subject this year is ‘Retro.’ We took this subject seriously and we took the pictures like in the past. The pictures were black and white, but we found ReRetro who does not use photoshop. “He painted the pictures with his own hands and makes it look absolutely beautiful. We thought if we want to do retro calendar we must do it like people did in the past, no photoshop, black and white pictures and we needed someone who is the best. “Some people think a coffin and religion are in the same bag. These people say we have attacked religion. The truth is religion is much older than coffins, coffins became popular in Europe in the 13th century, as a weapon against disease and decay, not as a religious rite. “The people who think a coffin is a symbol of religion have no knowledge. Coffins are goods, you can’t find them growing in fields. Someone must manufacture them and someone sells them, someone buys it.’’

Man with terminal cancer marries sex doll

man with terminal cancer was desperate to get married, but didn’t want to leave a heartbroken widow. His solution? Get married to a sex doll. Now his surprisingly tasteful wedding pictures have become a viral sensation in his native China. The Beijing man reportedly wanted to experience a fancy wedding shoot before he died, so he brought the lifelike inflatable doll and got the full works including a makeup artist and a beautiful wedding dress. In the pictures he is seen tenderly holding his plastic ‘bride’, enjoying a first

dance in a ballroom and even taking part in candid shots in front of the make-up mirror. The 28-year-old man’s name is still unknown, but Chinese netizens offered a series of bizarre explanations for the pictures, with many dismissing it as a bizarre viral marketing stunt. CCTV reported: “Some netizens recently revealed that the man is actually suffering from a deadly cancer. In order not to hurt other people’s feelings, he chose to marry an artificial doll instead of a real person.”

Woman raises plastic doll as her real child

woman who had a tragic stillbirth aged 16 has been bringing up a doll as a real child. Jeremy Kyle was introduced to the doll, known as a ‘Reborn’ and admitted he found the experience ‘strange’. The host found it difficult to understand why guest Natalie used the doll as a replacement instead of dealing with her own grief. She explained: “Lexi is a reborn baby, she was made specially for myself. We got a good deal on her as she was only £300 and usually they are £1,000. “Reborn is... ‘re’ means reborn. They are made as reborn. So if you have lost a baby, I can have a photo and have a reborn made to look exactly like that baby.” Natalie broke down in tears as J e r e m y asked if she treated the baby like a real ‘being’.

“it is hard for people to understand. I get up in the morning and sort myself out first. I have my breakfast, then I see that Lexi gets out of bed and then see what we are going to do for the day.” Natalie’s partner, KJ, was very supportive of the Reborn baby being part of their life and said that it helped her girlfriend deal with her severe anxiety and depression. They both expressed a wish to adopt a child together or use a sperm donor to have their own child. Not only are they bringing up the Reborn together, but KJ also revealed she was going through a transition to become a man. Natalie had told Jeremy she was more than happy to support KJ’s decision, saying: “It has been difficult, it is hard for me knowing that the person I have fallen in love with is different. It is going to be strange being with a boy when she was a girl.”

PAGE 50

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

Healthy Living

Health benefits of cucumber C

ucumber has an impressive amount of water (about 96%) that is naturally distilled, which makes it superior to ordinary water. Its skin contains a high percentage of vitamin A, so should not be peeled off. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and A (anti-oxidants), folate, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulfur, and lesser amounts of vitamin B complex, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus. Beauty practitioners use slices of cucumber on their eyes. It is found that the caffeic acid in this vegetable helps to prevent water retention and when applied topically, helps reduce puffy and swollen eyes. Most people are unaware of the immense health benefits of cucumber. Fresh cucumber may taste “bland” to some but its thirst-quenching and cooling properties are refreshing. It acts as an anti-oxidant when taken together with fried and barbequed foods. The alkalinity of minerals in cucumber juice effectively helps in regulating the body’s blood pH, neutralizing acidity. The juice is also soothing for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Like celery, this colourless drink can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium. The excellent source of silica contributes to the proper construction of connective tissues in our body as in bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. During dry and hot weather,

drink a glass of cucumber and celery juice. It helps to normalize body temperature. Cucumber juice is diuretic, encouraging waste removal through urination. This also helps in the dissolution of kidney stones. The silicon and sulfur content makes it helpful in promoting hair growth. Drink it mixed with carrot, lettuce or spinach juice. Some people wake up in the morning with puffy eyes, probably due to too much water retention in the body (or having cried to sleep). To reduce the puffiness, lie down and put two slices of cucumber on the eyes for ten minutes. The high amount of vitamin C and antioxidants in cucumber makes it an important ingredient in many beauty creams for treating eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc. When there is a sunburn, make cucumber juice and rub it on the affected area for a cooling and healing effect. It supplies the necessary electrolytes and restores hydration of the body cells, thus reducing water retention. Choose cucumbers that are dark green in colour and firm to the touch. Avoid those that are yellowish or are wrinkled at either ends. Thinner cucumbers have fewer seeds than those that are thicker. Store cucumbers in the refrigerator to retain its freshness, cut cucumbers should be kept wrapped up or in an air-tight container. Consume within a day or two. Cucumber

Homemade cure for hangover H

Mangoes

angover describes the unpleasant physiological condition, following a heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages. It can last up to two or three days. The best hangover cures are to rid your body system of the toxicity from high alcohol consumption and then remain hydrated with plenty fluids and juices. The more alcohol consumed, the higher the chances of a hangover. However, how much one can safely drink differs from person to person. Some people may have a higher tolerance level for alcohol than others. Signs and symptoms of a hangover include fatigue, head and muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, elevated body temperature, sensitivity to light and noise, bloodshot eyes, etc. The amount of congeners in alcohol is said to be one of the main contributors of hangover. Congener refers to the impurities (zinc and other metals) that are produced during fermentation and which are added to enhance the taste, aroma and color of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks with higher amounts of congeners are red wine, champagne and bourbon. White wine has a lesser amount than red wine, and vodka has the lowest concen-

tration. Hangover is not pleasant, its remedy is not pleasant, but juices help. The most effective are bitter juices, for example bitter gourd, watercress or grapefruit. Carrot, green apples and green vegetables help to cleanse the digestive system, thus removing toxins as much as possible. Spinach is highly cleansing and building and is essential for the body’s circulatory system, especially to the brain. Beetroot juice not only cleanses the liver but also detoxifies alcoholic toxicity. Celery is a great source of calcium and magnesium has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Calcium and magne-

sium are an essential combination that can help prevent and relieve headaches. Make a glass of carrot, apples, cauliflower and broccoli juice to relieve the hangover headache. The bitterness in bitter gourds and grapefruits make them beneficial in the treatment of hangover. They are excellent in the cleansing, repairing and nourishing of the liver. The high content of vitamin C in grapefruit and lemon continues the necessary detoxifying work. Cantaloupe and watermelon juices are diuretic. They are also helpful in flushing out toxicity from your system through the kidneys.

and symptoms “ Signs of a hangover include

fatigue, head and muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, elevated body temperature, sensitivity to light and noise, bloodshot eyes, etc.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 51

FROM THE PULPIT Jesus’ mentoring model (I) “

he members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men who had had no special training. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13-14 NLT) The disciples of Jesus were ordinary people comprising fishermen, tax collectors, etc. yet they did extraordinary things after the ascension of Jesus. The religious leaders who were in the council were surprised by the boldness of Peter and John despite their not having any “special training” other than that they were with Jesus – but that was their training. What they lacked in any special education, they made up for in the mentoring process they went through under Jesus. The New King James renders Acts 4:13 thus: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” That comment by the members of council is a proof of the effective mentoring the disciples went through under Jesus. Mentoring comes from the Greek mythology. Mentor was Odysseus’ trusted counselor. Odysseus made Mentor guardian to his son, Telemachus, a major character in Homer’s odyssey. Mentoring has been variously defined but it is not counseling, giving advice, correcting or sharing advice experience or knowledge. It includes these but not any of them. Basically mentoring is a voluntary endeavor of an experienced person showing other persons how to do something by benefiting from his or her knowledge, skills and experience in order to help them progress in life or

in their career or to fulfill their dreams or destinies. Mentoring is a deliberate, purposeful relationship to invest in the future of others known as mentees, mentorees or protégés. Coaching is not the same as mentoring – it is different. Whereas coaching is task-oriented, short-term, etc. mentoring is relationship-oriented, long-term, development-driven, performance-driven, etc. Today, many people try to choose their mentors or actually choose their mentors but if we follow the example of Jesus, he chose his mentees. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” (John 15:16 NKJV) The disciples of Jesus didn’t choose him but they responded to his invitation – he chose them. Matt 4:18-22 tells us how Jesus called Peter and his brother, Andrew and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John. He was the one who called them to be his followers, and through, that he mentored them. They didn’t approach him to mentor them. We see another invitation in Matt 9:9: “As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.” (NKJV) The Scripture tells us how the twelve disciples came into relationship with Jesus: “And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles. Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon

Acts 2:22,43; 7:36; 4:29,30; 5:12; 14:3; Romans 15:18,19; John 4:48; Isaiah 8:18

The sure signpost to signs and wonders

iracles, signs and wonders characterise as well as summarize the ministry of Christ on earth. Prior to His ascension, Christ commissioned His apostles to continue with the work of soul-winning. His ministry of miracles, signs and wonders was also replicated in theirs. During the time of the children of Israel, God wrought miracles, signs and wonders through Moses, their leader. He was indeed a great Old Testament prophet and a law-giver. But the New Testament started with Christ’s miraculous conception, life, ministry, manifestation and operation of the Spirit. After His ascension, the apostles realized that the miracle ministry of Christ must continue and therefore prayed to God to “grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus”. God answered their prayers: “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people”. Aside Christ, Moses and the apostles, Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles also had a record of signs and wonders in his ministry. Thus, whenever God raises His servants to minister to Jews or Gentiles, He also grants them manifestation of signs and wonders. And what God did in the past, He is still doing today. He has opened the gate of miracles, signs and wonders to bless us in fulfilment of His promise in Scripture. The days of weeping, sorrow, joblessness, delay in marriage, barrenness, etc. are over as we bring our problems and people with various forms of infirmities before Him. As others see God’s miraculous intervention in our lives, they will also believe and His church will grow. The

sure signpost to signs and wonders is that God is unchanging in His resolve to fulfil His promise in our lives. 1. CHRIST’S SEVEN-FOLD “I WILL” Matthew 8:7,8; 11:28; 16:18,19; Luke 21:15; John 14:12-14; 15:26;17:24. “I will come and heal him” is Christ’s promise to the sick. There is provision of healing for every member of our families. The Lord has also promised to give us rest from anxiety, panic, fear, worry and perplexity. He says, “I will give you rest”. We also have the promise of the keys of the kingdom to unlock every closed door. “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven”. Because we have the keys of the kingdom, we can surmount every challenge in our lives, families, business, neighbourhood, church, etc. Whatever we say or decree will come to pass because we have the key to our desired destiny, prosperity, the joy of the Lord and His power. It is also part of God’s provision to give His children wisdom that their adversaries will not be able to withstand. “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” To receive from God, we must believe that Jesus is our Saviour, Sanctifier and Baptizer in the Holy Ghost; that He is our Redeemer, Deliverer and the One who gives us dominion; that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords; that He is our Supporter, Supplier, Rock of ages and Refuge which the righteous runs into and is safe. Therefore, healing, prosperity, better future, total deliverance, dominion, success are part of Christ’s seven-fold “I will” for His children. “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it”. The Lord does not want His children to remain comfortless in a troubled world. Thus, He promised

called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.” (Luke 6:13-16 NKJV) From the foregoing, one can say that mentoring is a voluntary relationship both on the part of the mentor and on the part of the mentee, and it is usually for a definite period and on agreed terms. Jesus’ mentoring of the twelve disciples lasted three years. Both parties benefitted from the relationship. From the relationship between Jesus and his disciples, one can garner from the Scriptures vital lessons on how Jesus mentored hi disciples which will be helpful to the church today. How Jesus Mentored His Disciples •By a personal life of unbroken intimate fellowship with God in prayer alone from the start of his ministry to the end – before and after choosing his disciples. He didn’t allow any distraction or over-crowded schedule to disturb his fellowship. Before he chose his twelve disciples, he prayed all night. (Luke 6:12-17) Jesus, throughout his ministry, maintained a habit of praying alone. (Matt 14:23, Mark 6:46, Luke 6:12, Luke 9:18, Mark 1:35) Even at Gethsemane, before he was arrested, he kept his personal fellowship with God. (Matt 26:36, Mark 14:32) Jesus gave his relationship and fellowship with God number one priority. • By a personal invitation to a relationship sustained by accessibility, availability and simplicity. Jesus was relational in mentoring the disciples. They were always together. He interacted with them everyday, rubbed shoulders with them. No barrier between them, no communication gap, and no protocols thus Jesus was

GREEN PASTURES BY PASTOR T. O. BANSO cedarministryintl@yahoo.com GSM: 08033113523 able to talk with them. He taught them from ordinary events that happened as they were together either by initiating discussions with them or by the disciples asking him questions or teaching them from the answers they gave to his questions. From Mark 3:14, we see that the first reason Jesus called the disciples was that they should be with him. The disciples were very close to Jesus and the relationship was so intimate that Judas could even kiss him in the oriental way of greeting to reveal his identity to those that arrested Him, because it was night. “Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.’ Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.” (Matt 26:48-49 NKJV) Mark 14:44 and Luke 22:47-48 also talk about this incident. This is the much I can talk about today. I believe you’ve learn something. I’ll continue this three-part message next week. You’re blessed in Jesus’ name. TAKE ACTION! If you’re not born again, I urge you to take the following steps:*Admit you’re a sinner and you can’t save yourself and repent of your sins. *Confess Jesus as your Lord and

BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI us the Holy Spirit who will guide us in all things. “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you”. Besides, the ultimate goal of Christ is that we finally make it to heaven. “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory”. 2. HIS COVENANT SEVENFOLD “I WILL” Hebrews 8:6,8,10; 6:14; 1:4,5; 2:1215; 10:30; 13:5,6; 10:16-23. The Lord has promised to make a better covenant with us than the one He had with Abraham. “I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel.” God never reversed or reneged on His promises to His people. His covenants with Abraham, Israel, David etc., were all fulfilled to the letter. And if the Lord was faithful in keeping His covenant to Old Testament believers, He will also be faithful in keeping the better and greater covenant He has made with us. His promise in this covenant is, “I will bless thee”. Through this better covenant, the Lord will perfect everything concerning us. As a believer, you are no longer a beggar but a son or daughter of the Most High God as He has promised that, “I will be to him a Father”. The covenant

Christ has made with us is very sure because He has an intimate relationship with the Father and whatever He requests from the Father, that will He do. Christ promises to reveal God to us. He says, “I will declare thy name unto my brethren”. The Lord also promises to preserve and keep us from the power of darkness under the better covenant. It is time for us to forget the past and forge ahead with the Saviour under the new and better covenant. Enemies cannot stop the progress of God’s people. We should therefore not worry about what they are doing to hinder us. With the better covenant, the Lord has promised to fight our battles: “I will recompense, saith the Lord”. In moments of trials and afflictions, God, the Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent, the Creator of the universe, our Supplier, Healer, Deliverer and Helper will not forsake us. His promise is, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”. What a joy it is also for us to know that our guilt and condemnation are all taken away under the better covenant when we believe! “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. The Lord who has promised us this seven-fold covenant will not deny us

Saviour. *Renounce your past way of life – your relationship with the devil and his works. *Invite Jesus into your life. *As a mark of seriousness to mature in the faith, start to attend a Bible-believing, Bible -teaching church. There you will be taught how to grow in the Kingdom of God. Kindly say this prayer now: “0 Lord God, I come unto you today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and resurrected the third day. I repent and confess my sins. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and surrender my life to him today. I invite Jesus into my heart today. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank you Jesus for saving me and making me a child of God” I believe you have said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You will need to join a Bible believing, Bible teaching church in your area where you will be taught how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things becoming all God wants you to be. I’ll be glad to hear from you. May the Lord be with you.

His blessings. 3. THE CONCLUSIVE SEVEN-FOLD “I WILL” Luke 5:4-6; 9:57; 15:18-24; Psalms 18:1-3; 77:11,12; 101:1-3; 55:16-19; 71:7. Though God is determined to bless us, our faith must agree with His pronouncement before we can have the promised explosion of miracles, signs and wonders. When we forget our past experiences of failure and obey the Master’s instruction like Peter did, we shall enjoy manifold blessings. He said, “At thy word I will let down the net”. We experience success, progress, courage, healing, deliverance, dominion and multiple blessings when we follow the Lord’s instruction. The Lord has promised to give people who believe His promise a net-breaking miracle. Every believer needs to make commitment to the Lord by declaring that, “I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest”. Commitment to follow Christ through is the secret of blessing because He leads to the land of victory, promise and everlasting joy. This requires that the prodigal return to Him in penitence. The prodigal son or daughter needs to say, “I will arise and go to my father”. Our God is a compassionate Father who will not forsake or reject anyone who comes to Him with a sincere heart. When sinners and backsliders return to the Lord, He restores all that they had lost. We continue to enjoy explosions of miracles, signs and wonders with the following scriptural attitudes and affirmations: “I will love thee… I will trust… I will call upon the LORD”. “I will remember the works of the LORD… I will meditate also of all thy work”. “I will behave myself wisely… I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes”. “I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me”.

SP OR T S PAGE 52

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22 22, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER, 2015

Pg 53

Westerhof doubts Oliseh ability to lead Eagles Pg 53

Clasico result depends on Messi fitness - Xavi Pg 54

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 21 - SUNDAY 22, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 53

Sports

Aluko, Yakubu eye Federation Cup glory for Sunshine Queens Stories by Albert Akota

unshine Queens’ Aminat Yakubu and Yetude Aluko have expressed their readiness to emerge as champions of the 2015 Women’s Federation Cup. Kayode Olujohungbe ladies will battle Bayelsa Queens for the top prize at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Sunday, and would be hoping to amend for their uninspiring outing during the Super Six tournament. “We still have a Cup final to play, so winning the Federation Cup final which is one of the two trophies will not be bad. The spirit is high in camp and we are ready,” said Yakubu. “I was not available for the team at the Super Six due to national assignment but I’m back, determined and confident that we will win on Sunday.” For Aluko, the final against the Restoration Ladies is a must win having lost to Rivers Angels in the final of the 2014 edition. “We cannot afford to lose the match. Though Bayelsa Queens are a good side, it’s going to be a very tough game, so we won’t underrate them, but we have to go all out their win the Cup,” said Aluko. Sunshine Queens reached the final after edging out Nasarawa Amazons 3-2 in the semifinal.

Sunshine Queens

Lobi Stars, Akwa United confident ahead of Fed Cup final

kwa United football club have been given an executive order by the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom, to do everything possible, to bring the Federation Cup trophy home, when they face Lobi Stars on Sunday in the final of the event at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. The Governor did not mince words, when he expressly ordered the players of the club to go to Lagos and beat Lobi Stars in the finals of the 2015 tournament, as he hosted the players to a breakfast meeting on Wednesday at the Government house, in Uyo. “I am coming for the game against Lobi Stars in Lagos. I want you to go and bring back the trophy. The state is waiting patiently for the trophy.I know you have a good

Westerhof doubts Oliseh ability to lead Eagles

team that can make all of us in Akwa Ibom smile. This is the first time, a club from the state will qualify for the final of the Federation Cup and I want you to make it count this time” Udom said. Meanwhile, Lobi Stars Captain, Terna Ikpeen has also assured their fans that the team will beat Akwa United when they clash. Ikpeen insists that they have a better team and will emerge Champions of the competition this year. “We have a good team. We are ready for this match. We have prepared for the game, and we are going to triumph on Sunday. The motivation is there for us and everything is set for us to become champions

ormer Nigeria head coach Clemens Westerhof isn’t convinced Sunday Oliseh is the right man to lead the national team to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia. Westerhof, who won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title with the Super Eagles in Tunisia, launched an extraordinary tirade against Oliseh after they beat Swaziland 2-0 on Friday. Following the victory, Oliseh told the press he was proud of his team, and Westerhof took exception to the idea, saying it was nothing to celebrate. “Congratulations, you beat Swaziland 2-0 in the return leg match of the preliminary round of the qualifiers,” Westerhof said. “But does that really call for celebration? Yes, there are no minnows in football but who are Swaziland to hold the Super Eagles to a goalless draw? “The Super Eagles won 2-0 in Nigeria but is it not a game the Super Eagles should be winning 6-0, 7-0 under normal w circumstances? What type of c football do they play in Swaziland? f “Swaziland is not the first match Super Eagles have played m under Oliseh. There has not been u any difference between their first a game under him and the game g with Swaziland. w “I’m sorry, with Oliseh, the Super Eagles may not go to the S World Cup in Russia,” Westerhof W declared. d

Lobi Stars

NNL shifts Super Four play offs

he Nigeria National League Super Four play offs has been shifted by a week to enable participating team have enough time to prepare. The competition initially billed to take place between November 18-20 will now take place from November 27-29 with

Ikorodu United, MFM FC, Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United expected to battle for supremacy. According to a statement released by the secretary of the second tier league Lawrence Kathen, the shift in the commencement of decisive season ending event as against

the initial plan, is to give participating clubs enough time to practice. “We received complaints from the clubs involved asking for extension of time to enable them get ready and we saw the need to oblige them,” the statement read.

“We planned to round off the season before the Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Nigeria Football Federation, which will now hold in the month of December. It is okay by the NNL; we are still committed to organizing a befitting Super Four for our League.”

Clemens Westerhof

MUSA

MRS. FUTURE

MRS. CHIGOZIE-EZETE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUSA MAHMUD, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSES MUSA MOHAMMED. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, THE GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS FUTURE BILLY NWEKE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSES MRS. FUTURE BILLY ONYECHE JONATHAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, THE GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS. CHUKWUAGOZIE GLADYS UDOKA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSES MRS. CHIGOZIE-EZETE GLADYS UDOKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, THE GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE NOTE.

PAGE 54

Stones is going nowhere, Martinez tells Barcelona Everton manager Roberto Martinez has told Barcelona they would not succeed with any potential offer for John Stones in the January transfer window. The England defender was courted by Chelsea in the close-season and recent reports have suggested the European champions are also monitoring him with a view to making a transfer bid. Martinez was directly asked about the Barca speculation and he made it clear to any potential suitors of Stones, 21, that Goodison Park was not open for business during the midseason window.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 7 - SUNDAY 8, NOVEMBER, 2015

Sports

Clasico result depends on Messi fitness —Xavi

avi believes the outcome of today’s Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid hinges upon the fitness of Lionel Messi. L Messi has not featured for Barca since iinjuring his knee in the 2-1 win over Las Palmas in September and remains a doubt, P despite his return to training on Monday. d Real trail Barca at the top of La Liga by tthree points and Xavi, who now plays “I think the teams are of a similar level iif Messi doesn’t play,” Xavi said. “Madrid has injuries, but their injuries are not as h

important as the one to Messi. “Madrid is very strong this season. They are much organized with two lines of four. “Physically, they’re strong. People say that [Madrid coach Rafael] Benitez is defensive and yes, they’ve conceded fewer goals [seven] than any other team. “But Madrid have also scored more [26] than any other team. “It’s difficult to win in the [Santiago] Bernabeu; very, very difficult without [Messi]. But I think Barca is in a good moment to do good things.”

Awoniyi, Success lead foreign pros for Rio Olympics qualifiers

aiwo Awoniyi to join Nigeria for Rio qualifiers in Senegal Nigeria have named Germany-based striker Taiwo Awoniyi and Isaac Success from La Liga side Granada in a final squad for the 2015 African U23 Nations Cup in Senegal, which will serve as qualifiers for next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Awoniyi is one of several foreignbased professionals picked for the tournament, which kicks off on November 28 in Dakar. The 18-year-old striker is on loan to FSV Frankfurt in the German second division from EPL club Liverpool. The other overseas-based strikers are Isaac Success of La Liga side Granada and Junior Ajayi, who has been flying high at new Tunisian side CS Sfaxien. Nigeria begins their campaign on November 29 against Mali in Mbour. Egypt and Algeria are the other teams in their first round group. The top three teams in this tournament will qualify automatically

Lionel Mess and Xavi

Arsenal won’t rush to tie down Ozil, Sanchez A

John Stones, Everton

rsene Wenger has stressed Arsenal are in no rush to open contract talks with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. A number of recent reports suggested tthe Chile international is on the verge of ssigning a new five-year deal with Arsenal, w while the former Real Madrid midfielder h has also been linked with a fresh contract. Nevertheless, even though Wenger is k keen to keep the duo at Emirates Stadium,

he feels there is still plenty of time to discuss a contract renewal with both. Sanchez joined Arsenal from Barcelona in July 2014 and has since developed into a key player, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances in all competitions so far this term. The 26-year-old’s existing deal is due to expire in June 2018. Ozil, too, has a contract with Arsenal until the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

Aguero eyes return for Liverpool showdown today

Aguero

anchester City striker Sergio Aguero hopes to end a frustrating spell on the sidelines by bolstering the Premier League leaders’ attack against Liverpool today. Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge has declared himself “fit and ready” for the Etihad Stadium clash after time out with a knee problem and Aguero hopes to offer a similar boost to his manager, Manuel Pellegrini. The Argentina star has missed City’s past seven games in all competitions after suffering a hamstring injury on international duty at the start of October. On his previous club outing, Aguero sensationally fired five goals in a 6-1 thrashing of Newcastle United. Aguero’s return would be timely for Pellegrini and City in light of fellow striker Wilfried Bony suffering a hamstring strain of his own last time out in the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa. Another hamstrung player facing a fitness battle to play in the fixture is James Milner, who will aim to make a first return to Eastlands with Liverpool after five successful seasons in Manchester.

Awoniyi

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 7 - SUNDAY 8, NOVEMBER, 2015

PAGE 55

Sports

Giwa FC, Gyang, Raji to appeal LMC bans

Giwa FC

iwa FC defender Nojeem Raji has revealed that he will appeal the fines and suspension meted out to him by the League Management Company (LMC) in the aftermath of the botched Glo Premier League Match Day 38 clash with Nasarawa United which was abandoned. The Solid Miners were leading the game 2-0 courtesy of Leonard Ugochukwu and Philip Auta’s goal when the Jos-based side decided to jump ship nine minutes before the break. Amos Gyang and Raji were sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct which reduced Giwa FC to nine men before the first half ended which led the team to walk out of the game unceremoniously. The LMC wielded its hammer and slammed the team and the erring players with fines and suspensions. “For assaulting a ball boy, Gyang was charged for breach of article C1 for violent conduct amounting to misconduct, contrary to the principles of sportsmanship and capable of bringing the league to disrepute. “On the second charge of breach of article C8, he was charged for refusal to retire to the dressing room after being sent off the match by the Referee. He was fined N50 000 on the first count and suspended for two matches on the second count. “Raji was banned for six matches for breach of article C1 of the Framework and Rules of the

Nigeria Professional Football League which cited him for failing to show respect for the decision of the Referee, when he punched the Referee in the face amid protests by his team mates. He was thus cited for conduct contrary to the principle of sportsmanship and capable of bringing the League to disrepute. “On the second charge, Raji was cited for breach of article C8 of the Framework and Rules of the Nigeria Professional Football League, for refusing to leave the field of play after he was issued with a red card and sent off by the Referee. He was therefore suspended for two matches,” the LMC said in a statement. Giwa FC were also fined N3 million for their misdemeanour. They were also charged for abandoning the game at Nasarawa United by “deduction of three points and forfeiture of three points and three goals.” “I’m going to appeal the ban, I want the LMC to hear my side of the story,” Raji told supersport.com “I didn’t strike the referee as alleged. In fact I was the one using my big body frame to shield the referee when my team mates were remonstrating to him about some decisions he made. “I don’t begrudge the red card but I’m surprised it was reported that I slapped him. I have never done such in my career and won’t do it. “I know the LMC to be a credible

organisation and they will give me a listening ear to say my own side of the story. I will definitely appeal the ban.” Amos Gyang, who was also banned and fined also, said he will appeal the decision by the LMC. “I will definitely appeal my case and prove my innocence. The game in Lafia was a tough one. When I was sent off I couldn’t go to the dressing room,” he told supersport.com. “The truth is the path to the dressing room was even blocked so there was no way I could have gone there. I was also afraid of going into the dressing room because of the tension in the stadium. “Anything can happen from there. I just felt safe to stay within where my team mates and the security can see me. “Can I also add I didn’t slap the ball boy? It was a funny scene really. We got a free-kick but a Nasarawa United player booted the ball out. I ran to him to get the ball but he held it firmly. “I had to option but to hit the ball out of his hand so we can get on with the game but to my surprise he fell and acted like I shot him. “I’m sorry for the sending off and all but the circumstances around that time made me decide to play safe and stay where I can be seen. I hope the LMC will listen to my side of the story.”

Nojeem Raji

BIG PUNCH I want to assure the distinguished Senators and Nigerians that under my watch no election will be won and lost at the INEC headquarters or at the commission’s offices in states. PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY — SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2015

SATURDAY COLUMN By

MURTADA GUSAU

n the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, and the Most Merciful Alhamdulillah. Indeed, all praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil within ourselves and from our wrongdoings. He whom Allah guides, no one can misguide; and he whom He misguides, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no (true) god except Allah – alone without a partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad (SAW) is His ‘abd (servant) and Messenger. “O you who have believe! Revere Allah the right reverence, and do not die except as Muslims.” (Ali-Imraan, 3:102) “O people! Revere your Lord who has created you from a single soul, created from it its mate, and dispersed from both of them many men and women. Revere Allah through whom you demand things from one another; and (cherish the ties of) the wombs, indeed, Allah is ever-Watchful over you.” (AnNisaa’, 4:1) “O you who have believe! Revere Allah and say fair words. He will then rectify your deeds and forgive your sins. He who obeys Allah and His Messenger have certainly achieved a great victory.” (Al-Ahzaab, 33:70 -71) Indeed, the best speech is Allah’s (SWT) Book and the best guidance is Muhammad’s (SAW) guidance. The worst affairs (of religion) are those innovated (by people), for every such innovation is an act of misguidance leading to the Fire. Brothers and Sisters, After the declaration of Senator Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan as a winner of Taraba state 2015 governorship election by the tribunal, one of the regular, ardent, keen and fervent readers of my weekly Friday Sermon from the state called and asked the following question seeking clarification on Islam’s position about the Governorship of a Woman. He said: Can Women hold public positions of authority in Islam? Then I answered him seeking help from Allah: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Yes, my brother, it is ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0806 0704 0814 0805 0803

564 385 292 327 454

permissible for a woman to be an authority and leader in a position for which she is qualified, although some positions are specific only to men such as the position of prayer leader (Imam in the Mosque) and supreme commander of the armed forces. My brother, I cannot deny that some classical scholars prohibited women from taking positions of authority and leadership based upon the statement of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: Abi Bakrah (RA), a reliable and a trustworthy Companion of the Prophet (SAW) in an authentic hadith, reported: “Allah benefitted me with a word I heard from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. During the days of the battle of the camel, I was about to join the companions of the camel and fight alongside them. When the Messenger of Allah was informed that the Persians had crowned the daughter of Khosrau as their ruler, he said, “A people will not succeed who are commanded by a woman.” (See Sahih Bukhari 4, 425 and 7, 099. Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, AnNasaa’i, also reported the hadith. Imam As-Sakhaawiy in Maqaasidil hasana, Imam Ash-Shawkaaniy in Nailur Autaar, As-Sam’aaniy in Subulus-Salaam and Ibn Hajr in Talkhisul Habeer all reported it) Ibn Hajar reported: Ibn AtTeen said: “The narration of Abi Bakrah is used as a proof by those who say it is not permissible for a woman to be appointed as guardian or judge, and this is the saying of the majority.” However, Ibn Jareer AtTabari disagreed with them and he

“

8620 9705 9046 1969 0344

—INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu

Islamic on women taking positions of authority

Nigerian women at an event said it was permissible for women to be appointed as a Judge in matters in which their testimony is acceptable, and some of the Maliki scholars gave them unrestricted permission”. (See Fathul Bari of Imam Ibn Hajar) These scholars understood this statement to be general in meaning and therefore they did not allow women to take any public position of authority. However, other scholars understood this statement to be specific to commanding the armed forces and therefore allowed women to hold the position of judge. My respected people, Women in early Islamic history were active not just as “Mothers and Wives” but contributed as

individual Muslim Women in all aspects of the community. Women are generally unqualified to perform the duties involved with commanding the armed forces or leading the ritual prayer, but they are qualified and allowed to perform other duties. In fact, women played a very important role in the development of the early Muslim community. Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, May Allah be pleased with him, appointed Samrah bint Nuhaik as overseer of the market. Abu Balj Yahya reported: “I saw Samrah bint Nuhaik and she had known the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. She had on a thick corset and veil. In her hand was a whip which she

Women are generally unqualified to perform the duties involved with commanding the armed forces or leading the ritual prayer, but they are qualified and allowed to perform other duties. In fact, women played a very important role in the development of the early Muslim community.

used to discipline people, and she would enjoin good and forbid evil.” (See Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabeer of AtTabarani 785, Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Al-Haythami) Ibn Abd al-Barr said: “She knew the Messenger of Allah during her lifetime. She would patrol the market while Contd on Page 23

DAN GAYE

Kaduna community notorious for raping minors –News

And el-Rufai hasn’t demolished it?

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +2348142929046. Cell: +234 8024432099; 803 7007759 e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail. com ISSN: 2141– 6141