Peoples Daily Newspaper, Thursday, August 23, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 9 No. 9

Thursday, August 23, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Subsidy fraud: 4 more coys indicted

Jonathan signs performance contract with ministers

>> PAGE 3

>> PAGE 3

Shawwal 5, 1433 AH

N150

Okupegate: I NSGF links crises in handed over to north to religious extremism Suswam — Akume >> PAGE 6

>> PAGE 2

FG pays Dokubo, Tompolo, others N5.6bn annually

By Lambert Tyem

T

he Federal Government has been paying some former Niger Delta warlords huge sums of money amounting to about N5.6 billion annually to keep them off the oil pipelines in the past twelve months, America’s Wall Street Journal newspaper reported yesterday.

The newspaper said it got its figures from senior officials of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), who it said

made the payments directly to the former warlords.

The report listed ‘General Government’ Tompolo Ekpumopolo as the most priced as he allegedly receives about N3.6 billion ($22.5 million) yearly. It said Asari Dokubo, another former warlord collects about N1.44 billion ($9 million) to keep his estimated 4,000 militants off the oil installations.

Others named by the Wall Street Journal include ‘General’ Ateke Toms and 'General' Ebikabowei Boyloaf Victor Ben

who are said to be collecting N560 million ($3.5million) apiece every year.

The newspaper reported that while Dokubo shrugged off the huge payment he receives, as nothing unusual, there is the belief that the selective payments have bred some jealousy among other militants, not so rewarded, who in reaction continue to pillage Nigeria's crude oil pipelines.

The Wall Street Journal said that the federal government plans to spend $450 million on the amnesty programme this year

alone, despite the increasing theft of crude in the region.

However, reports have it that the nation loses no less than 10 per cent of its crude production to oil thieves on prowl in the Niger Delta. By Shell's account, no less

than 150,000 barrels of Nigeria's production are stolen daily.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja Police Command yesterday confirmed that militants from Contd on Page 2

Tompolo Ekpumopolo: Asari Dokubo: Ateke Tom: Ebikaboweri Boyloaf :

N3.6bn N1.44bn N560m N560m

Boko Haram denies secret talks with FG, warns Datti Ahmed From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

L-R: GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, Minister of Finance, Republic of Uganda, Maria Nwanuka, and MD, UBA Africa, Mr. Edgal Gabriel; during the visit of UBA's GMD to Ministry of Finance, at the weekend in Kampala, Uganda.

The Jama'atu Ahlil Sunnah Lida'awati Wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, has debunked a statement credited to the purported deputy leader of the group, Mohammed Abubakar that it had entered into a secret dialogue with representatives of the Federal Government in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The sect also warned Chairman of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, (SCSN), Dr. Ibrahim Datti Ahmed to henceforth desist from parading himself as a mediator on its behalf negotiation with authorities, so as to safeguard his integrity.

Peoples Daily recalls that the Hausa service of the Voice of America, (VOA), had recently aired an interview with purported deputy of the Boko Haram leader, in which he claimed that secret negotiation was being held in Saudi Arabia between government representatives and that of the group.

However, spokesman for the

sect, Abul Qaqa, in a statement emailed to newsmen last night, alleged that the so called secret dialogue as pronounced by a section of media, was just a mere ploy by government agents to divert the attention of the public from the numerous successes, the group had gained against the security forces.

"We learnt that Dr. Ahmed has been going round telling people that he is initiating fresh dialogue with government on our behalf.

We totally disassociate ourselves Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

22nd Aug, 2012

CBN RATES $ £ EURO CFA RIYAL

BUYING 154.8 242.9586 191.0387 0.2704 41.2778

S ELLING 155.8 244.5281 192.2728 0.2904 41.5445

PARALLEL RATES EURO £ RIYAL $

BUYING 201 259 40 162

S ELLING 203 261 42 163

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

CONTENTS News Editorial

2-11 12

2015 Presidency: PDP will decide its candidate - OBJ A

By Lawrence Olaoye

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-20

Motoring

24

Property

25-28

Arts

29-30

s ambitious politicians within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plot for the Presidency ahead of the 2015 general election, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared that only the party has the power to determine its candidate for the race.

This is just as the former President has given former Governor of Oyo state, Chief Lam Adesina, a hard knock, describing him as a liar for daring to criticize his (Obasanjo's) effort towards fighting corruption during his tenure.

Obasanjo, who spoke through his Media Advisor, Garba Deen Mohammad, yesterday, was

reacting to a newspaper report that he has endorsed the Jigawa state governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido and his counterpart in Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi as candidates for the position of President and Vice President respectively in 2015.

The former President, in a statement signed by Mohammed said only the party will determine its candidate but noted that he recognised the rights and privileges of any Nigerian including Lamido and Amaechi to vie for the office.

“The former president does recognize the rights and privileges of any Nigerian to vie for any elective office of their choice. This applies as much to Governors Lamido and Amaechi as to any Nigerian citizen. But in the end it is usually the political party to

which aspirants belong that determines who bears its flag”, the statement said.

Stating that the President was more concerned with more pressing national issues, the statement described as untrue that he has started strategising for 2015.

It reads: “The attention of former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been drawn to recent media reports as they relate to the 2015 elections, specifically the presidential elections….

Specifically, the reports mentioned the Governor of Jigawa state Alhaji Sule Lamido, and the Governor of Rivers state, Chief Rotimi Amaechi as presidential and vice presidential candidates respectively. Former President Obasanjo wishes to state that these media reports are not true. Far from thinking or planning for the 2015 elections, the former

President is deeply concerned with more pressing national issues.”

The statement also said the former President was angry with Adesina for describing his campaign against corruption as ‘deceitful’, noting that such statement ridiculed and made nonsense of the former governor’s age and status.

The ex-President, who advised Adesina to stop peddling lies and put his age into better use, was reacting to statements credited to the former governor who was reported to have accused the Obasanjo administration of underhand dealings in the contract for the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and concluded that his fight against corruption was deceitful.

Describing Adesina as senile, the statement noted the contract was not awarded by the Obasanjo regime

NUPENG backs prosecution of oil thieves

By Abdulwahab Isa & Muhammad Nasir

T

he leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) said it would approve of any sanction against oil marketers found culpable in the oil subsidy scam.

NUPENG national president, Comrade Igwe Achese affirmed this position yesterday in an interview

No African must be treated as alien in Africa – Bethel Amadi, Page 37

International 32-34 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

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

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

with newsmen shortly after meeting with the Federal Government team for an amicable solution to the ongoing fuel crises.

He however declared that status quo remains while negotiation with government would continue this afternoon on the nationwide strike, adding that the Central Working Committee (CWC) which was scheduled to meet yesterday night would review deliberation.

The NUPENG leader dismissed insinuations that the union was being used to blackmail government.

“As a union, we do not condone fraudulent activities.

Any marketer that is found guilty should be prosecuted. Recall that on 2010, NUPENG raised this issue of subsidy scam in PPPRA. Today we are happy that issue is on ground, whether we like or not, at least we have been able to see one or two

evidence that something is wrong.

Our members who are working in these institutions must be paid their salaries. They worked four, five months and no salary. These are issues we are talking about", he said.

He said government has agreed to raise another committee to look at the issue of subsidy payment.

The meeting which held at office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) started at about 7pm.

NSGF links crises in north to religious extremism

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he 19 Northern states governors, under the umbrella of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), yesterday, listed religious extremism, intolerance and mutual disrespect as major factors contributing to the crises in the region.

Chairman of the Forum and governor of Niger state, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu stated this at the

inauguration of the 40 man NSGF’s Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security in the north in Abuja.

He said poverty, unemployment, youth restiveness and violence in the region are manifestations of the rejection of the core values of honesty, equity, fairness and justice in the Nigerian society.

According to him, until the issues of religious extremism, intolerance and mutual disrespect

are addressed, the North will continue to witness deeper separation amongst itself occasioned by ethnic and religious cleavages.

He charged members of the 40man committee headed by Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim to ensure that peace and development in the North is not compromised Aliyu charged members of the committee to synthesise every report, white papers, communiqué of conferences or commissions of

enquiry into the insecurity situation in the nation, particularly in the northern states, with a view to giving them actionable proposals for tackling the issues at the family, ward, local government, state and national levels.

It would be recalled that the north has been sharply divided over the settler/indigene controversy which has exacerbated the sectarian crises in some parts of the region.

Boko Haram denies secret talks with FG Contd from Page 1 from this and we appeal to him to stop doing so, to protect his reputation".

The spokesman also alleged that the purported secret negotiation was a handiwork of some individuals who are desperate to make huge money from it.

"We are aware that some people have been going round collecting money from government under the guise that they are in contact with us to work

out dialogue. Those engaged in such action should desist or face the consequences, a word is enough for the wise", the statement further warned.

According to Qaqa, the group was seriously shocked and disappointed when some media outfits carried the story and ignored series of warnings it issued them against publishing one sided issue relating to its activities.

The statement reads in parts: "We want make it clear that since

the collapse of our earlier negotiation with government, which was initiated by Dr. Datti Ahmed, the sect had never directed anybody to initiate any form of dialogue, be it secret or open. Similarly, we had released a number of audio and video clips, declaring that no more dialogue with Federal Government until it meets our major demand, which is the total implementation of Islamic system of governance to replace the existing constitution".

"However, to our dismay, the media had hurriedly published the story, without even consulting us for verification, despite our warnings to that effect. So let the media houses know that we regard them as collaborators of the government and its security agents in our struggle to establish Sharia law in Nigeria. And for siding with our enemies, media houses will face whatever treatment we are going to inflict on the security agents".

FG pays Dokubo, Tompolo, others N5.6bn annually Contd from Page 1 Bayelsa state have invaded the nation's capital, Abuja, to register their grievance over the Amnesty Programme with the Federal Government.

Spokesperson of the command, DSP Doris England explained that the aggrieved militants claimed that they were excluded from the

programme.

England said: “Some Niger Delta Militants came to Abuja during the early hours of today (yesterday) but they conducted themselves peacefully. They were not violent and were addressed by the Federal Government's Coordinator on Amnesty.

“They claimed exclusion from

the amnesty programme. The police were on ground to ensure that there was no breakdown of law. The militants who came from Bayelsa state have since returned after satisfactory explanation by the amnesty committee”, she stated.

The militants, according to sources, travelled overnight by

bus, and arrived Abuja in the early hours of yesterday and converged on the secretariat, which houses federal ministries, departments and agencies, chanting anti-government slogans, and insisting that they must be included in the third phase of the amnesty programme.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 3

Kogi Church attack suspects die in custody

By Richard Ihediwa

T

Long queue at NNPC filling station, yesterday in Central Area, Abuja.

Revocation of insurance licences: Court nullifies interim order

By Abdulwahab Isa

A

Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday nullified the Interim Order made in favour of A&G Insurance, A&G Life and Fidelity Bond which upheld an oral application made by the National Insurance Commission’s counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan.

In nullifying the order, Justice Patricia Ajoku, held that the injunction granted in favour of the companies on August 14, 2012, was without jurisdiction, and consequently stands nullified.

The court had last week, among others, granted an Interim Order restraining the Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her ministry, from either approving the removal of directors and management of Alliance & General Insurance or ratifying the appointment of new directors and management to assume control over the company.

The court also restrained the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) from proceeding with planned sack of the current management of the insurance company.

The companies had gone to court following the six months suspension slammed on them by NAICOM for various offences ranging from non-rendition of accounts; misrepresentation and non-disclosure of liabilities; nonremittance of premiums and commissions, and corporate governance abuses.

The suspension is to remain in force until such a period when the Commission is satisfied that the violation of the provisions of the National Insurance Commission Act 1997 and the Insurance Act 2003 has been addressed, and the method of transacting business is no longer hazardous to the policyholders and potential clients.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

NAF to take over air borders patrol

By Joy Baba

T

he Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said it has gotten the order from the Federal Government, to take over the nation's air borders patrol as an additional responsibility in order to save the country from its present security challenges arising from terrorists activities.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Mohammed Diko Umar, made the disclosure in Abuja yesterday in his opening address

at a two day retreat for Air Force Commanders and Directors across the country.

The CAS said air border patrol was not part of NAF's initial responsibilities but the need to cede it to NAF became obvious following the outright inability of the agency saddled with the duties to effectively execute it to the nation's security advantage.

He also expressed regrets that the internal security problems of the country had reached this

level where the military are fully involved, noting that the military is always prepared to take up any additional duties assigned to them by the government to save the situation from deteriorating.

Umar further disclosed that the Air Force had the competence and facilities to handle the additional assignment adequately, stressing that only additional support and instruction were needed to enhance the commencement of their operations.

wo of the suspects arrested over the August 6 killing of 21 worshippers at a Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene, Kogi state have died in custody, police said yesterday.

This is even as the police in the state said additional eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.

Also two bomb-manufacturing factories have been discovered by the police in Abu Limit Estate and Eyika Adagu in Okene and Okehi local government areas respectively.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Katsina, who disclosed this to newsmen in Lokoja on Tuesday, however, said two of the suspects had died in custody.

Katsina did not provide details of who the dead suspects are and under what circumstances they died.

The commissioner however said the police arrested two of the eight new suspects in a bus on Murtala Mohammad Bridge, Jamata, Lokoja, on their way to the state from one of the neighbouring states.

He said that the gang also confessed that they had planned to launch another attack on Aug. 19, to disrupt the services and the Eid-el-Fitri celebration before the arrest of its leader.

Conducting journalists round the bomb factories, Katsina said they were discovered following information provided by the arrested leader of the 21-man gang who masterminded the church attack.

Subsidy fraud: 4 more oil marketers indicted

By Abdulwahab Isa & Muhammad Nasir

T

he Presidential Committee on verification and reconciliation of fuel subsidy payment has indicted four additional oil marketers for criminal dealings.

The four indicted firms are: Heyden Petroleum Limited,

Downstream Energy Limited, Ceoti Limited and Nasa Man Oil Service Limited.

Their frauds range from collecting payment from government for petroleum they claimed to have imported by sea which later investigations revealed to be either non-existent or were diverted to some other countries.

The four indicted oil marketers,

according to an updated list released yesterday, brings to 25 the number of oil marketers recommended for prosecution for various infractions.

A statement issued yesterday by Paul Nwabuikwu, Senior Assistant (Media) to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister for Finance, confirmed the updated list of the indicted oil firms.

Meanwhile, the fuel scarcity which started a week ago has intensified with strangulating grip on Abuja residents. By yesterday, the impact on both government and private employees was hard as transport fares doubled across all routes, while the scarcity has spread to neighboring states of Kogi, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Niger states.

Jonathan signs performance contracts with ministers

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

…plans bi-annual ministerial assessment report

ollowing the signing of performance contract between President Goodluck Jonathan and members of his cabinet, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday announced government plans to produce a bi-annual evaluation report on the performance of ministers.

Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who alongside his National Planning counterpart, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, briefed State House correspondents after

the FEC meeting, said the ministers were fully committed to performance in line with the agreement.

Maku also stated that the policy has been formally approved by FEC and has therefore become compulsory for the ministers to implement.

“It is historic and will change the way things work in the country. It compels everyone in the public service to work for the good of the country,” he remarked.

F

Also speaking, Dr. Usman noted that the signing of the contract was a momentous day for government and Nigerians, saying that it would help government's focus on performance, transparency and accountability.

Explaining the need for the contract, he stated that "unless we find a credible way of measuring performance, we will not know we are making progress."

He revealed that government drew inspiration from other countries including

the United Kingdom and South Africa which have effectively applied similar performance contracts.

Meanwhile, FEC has approved, in principle, a new policy on communications technology following a memo presented by the Minister of Communication, Mrs. Omobola Johnson.

According to the Information Minister, President Jonathan asked for the approval in principle pending further discussion of the policy.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

THE PAGE 4 REPORT Boko Haram: Of peace initiative, Northern leaders and traducers Southern leaders, both spiritual and temporal, have been (unfairly) accusing their Northern counterparts of doing pretty little to call the Jamâ’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lâdda’awatih wal-Jihad (better known as Boko Haram) sect to order in its senseless murderous insurgency, which has made both Muslims and Christians legitimate target for murder. These critics almost always ignore other aspects of insecurity in the region like the deadly ethnic crises on the Plateau. Some of President Goodluck Jonathan’s kinsmen, notably Chief Edwin Clark, the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and reformed Niger Delta insurgent Asari Dokubo , have been in the forefront in this unfair campaign against Northern leaders, who are no less victims in what is clearly the sect’s misguided mission impossible.

The timely inauguration of a 41-member peace committee yesterday in Abuja by the Northern Governors Forum should therefore shut up these critics, whose motive would seem anything but altruistic.

By Abdu Labaran Malumfashi

R

egardless of the timing, the decision by the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) to constitute and inaugurate a 41-member peace committee, made up of distinguished personalities from the North, is no doubt a gladdening news to most Nigerians, notably the leadership in the region that has been bearing the brunt of the serious security challenges bedevilling the area in the last couple of years, with a particular vengeance in the last one. The murderous activities of Jamâ’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lâdda’awatih wal-Jihad (better known as Boko Haram) sect and the religious/cum ethnic clashes between Muslims and Christians on the one hand and Fulani and Berom on the other in Plateau state, have reduced the North to a battle field of sorts, with hardly a day passing without one fatal incident or the other occurring on account of either or all the crises situations.

The inconveniences and other collateral damages suffered by the region and its people as a result of the preponderant presence of the Army all over most cities and the highways in the North are more than can be endured in peace time.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Niger State and Chairman, Forum of Secretaries to the Government of Northern States, Mr. Daniel Shashere, the NGF said the mandate of the peace committee was to fashion out strategies to address the disturbing state of insecurity, and proffer practical and enduring solutions.

“The negative consequences of insecurity for freedom, liberties and the thriving economic activities within the

northern states are very serious.

It is in recognition and total concern for the hard-earned national peace and harmony of our great country, Nigeria that the Forum decided at its meeting held on Thursday July 26, 2012 to constitute a high-powered committee to handle issues bordering on reconciliation, healing, peace and security within the troubled areas across the northern states of the federation,” the statement said.

Members of the panel are Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, Prof. Tijani El-Miskin, Prof.

Shedrack Best, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, Prof. Habu Galadima, AIG Hamisu Ali Jos (rtd), Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Prof.

Muhammad Akaro Mainoma, Hajiya Dije Bala, Maj. Gen.Yakubu Usman (rtd), Prof.

Sani Abdulkadir, AVM Mukhtar Mohammed (rtd), Justice Umaru Abdullahi, Hajia Mariam Uwais, Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Group Capt. Bilal Bulama (rtd), Col Musa Shehu (rtd), Iliya Ithuve, Ali M. Dandiya, Gen. GP Zidon (rtd) and Justice Usman Baba Liman among others.

Given the calibre of the members of the peace committee, many of whom have peaked and or excelled in their various professions, there is little doubt that their effort will be rewarding. Still, it is hoped that the effort does not, at the end of the day, turn out to be another jamboree at the expense of tax payers.

Some of the members, such as former Lagos state Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, are optimistic that the move would bring about lasting peace in the region.

But the criticism by some leaders in the South, accusing Northern leaders of refusing to condemn the Boko Haram insurgents must be seen for what it is; a self-serving gesture that

Niger state Governor, Mua'zu Babangida Aliyu lacks sincerity. Chief Edwin Clark and the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor have, on several occasions, made inflammatory remarks against some Northern leaders vis-à-vis Boko Haram activities, even as no one could recall ever hearing their voices calling the Dokubos and Tompolos of the Niger Delta militancy to order in their heyday of bombings of pipelines and other oil installations in the region.

Same goes for such critics from the South East like Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who once urged the Federal Government to hold northern leaders responsible for the increasing spate of violence by the Boko Haram sect. Although the incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom have become daily affairs in Chief Iwuanyanwu’s South East backyard, his voice or any other leader’s from the region has not been heard calling those behind the robberies and kidnappings to order.

Northern leaders have never shied away from condemning the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents, for which records are available as evidence.

On several occasions, Niger state Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has criticised the group saying in unambiguous term that “Boko Haram does not represent Islam as Islam is a religion of peace that does not condone violence and crime in any form”.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’adu Abubakar, who is the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, has on many occasions referred to the sect as “anti-

Bishop Mattew Hassan Kukah

Islamic” and”an embarrassment to Islam.”

Similarly, leading individual clerics such as Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Gumi and the Coalition of Muslim Clerics in Nigeria (CMCN) have severally condemned the activities of Boko Haram, each time calling on the sect members to disarm and embrace peace.

During his daily Ramadan Tafsir (sermon) Dr. Gumi never stopped criticising the Boko Haram sect, condemning their activities as completely antithetic to Islam, for which a failed attempt on his life was made by the sect only two week ago.

Efforts to call the insurgents

to order by Northern leaders has not been limited to men alone, as in early July this year, wives of the 19 Northern Governors met in Makurdi, the Benue state capital under the aegis of Northern Governors’ Wives Forum, and pleaded with the Boko Haram sect to lay down its arms and present its grievances to the Federal Government for dialogue.

The governors’ wives, who lamented the spate of killings and level of insecurity in parts of the northern states, pleaded with the sect to give peace a chance, noting that dialogue remained the best option in the resolution of disputes.

The 41 wise men 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

Amb. Zakari Ibrahim Prof. Tijani El-Miskin Prof. Shedrack Best Alhaji Abubakar Tsav Prof. Habu Galadima AIG Hamisu Ali Jos Gen. Martin Luther Agwai Prof. Muhammad Mainoma Hajiya Dije Bala Gen. Yakubu Usman Prof. Sani Abdulkadir AVM Mukhtar Mohammed Justice Umaru Adbullahi Hajia Maryam Uwais Aminu Ibrahim Daurama Grp. Capt. Bilal Bulama Col. Musa Shehu Iliya Ithuve Ali M. Dandiya Gen. GP Zidon Justice Usman Baba Liman

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

Sheikh Isa Talata Mafara Bishop Hassab Kukah Karibullah Nasiru Kabara Sheikh Yusuf Rigachikun Sheikh Ahmed Lemu Bishop Micheal E. Apochi Imam Goni Gabcha Imam Salman Ankpa Bishop Buba Wasasa Rev. Kalla Abari HRH. Alhaji Sulu Gambari HRH. Alhaji Abdullahi HRH. Barkindo Musdafa HRH. Nde Dimlong Dr. Kole Shettima Dr. Shettima Ali Mrs. Aisha Oyeebode Dr. (Mrs.) Nguyan Fesse Hajiya Saudatu Madhi Sister Kathleen McGarvey

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

MAN begins strike in Nasarawa as JUSUN issues 7-day ultimatum From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

M

embers of the M a g i s t r a t e s Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nasarawa state chapter, have embarked on an indefinite strike action following the failure of the Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura administration to accede to their demands.

The association made this known in a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Lafia, signed by its public relations officer, Habila Abundaga, dated 20th August, 2012.

The statement also directed all magistrates in the state to down tools indefinitely, with effect from midnight of 21st August, 2012, while urging members to be law abiding while they awaited further instructions.

In the same vein, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), in a communiqué issued to newsmen yesterday, signed by Comrade Sunday Daniel and

Comrade Danjuma Yakubu, vice chairman and public relations officer respectively, issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Nasarawa state government, commencing from today, for government to resolved the issues raised by the association, or its members would proceed on strike as from the 3rd of next month.

Citing the failure of the state Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to engage the association constructively, JUSUN alleged that the JSC "does not appreciate the place of discussions, negotiation or bargaining process in resolving labour related issues in the judiciary."

Reacting on the strike embarked by MAN, AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi, told our reporter that government is yet to understand the grouse of association, even as he said, government is still amenable to exploring avenues for dialogue.

PAGE 5

Subsidy fraud: Tukur's son, others seek court’s permission to travel abroad From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

M

ahmud Tukur, son to national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside some of the directors of Oil Marketing and Trading Companies (OM&Ts) who just regained their freedom after meeting their bail terms due to their alleged involvement in the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) fraud, yesterday, sought court's permission to travel abroad.

Those who applied for the release of their international passports alongside Tukur

include Abdullahi Alao, son of prominent businessman, Alhaji Abdulazeez ArikesolaAlao, and Mr. Felix Ochonogor.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had in July arraigned Mahmud Tukur, Felix Ochonogor and Abdullahi Alao before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of an Ikeja High Court, Lagos on offences bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, forgery and use of false documents.

In their Motion on Notice dated August 14, 2012 before the vacation Judge, Justice Lateefat

Folami of an Ikeja High Court, the applicants through their counsel, Olaniran Obele said they need to travel to Paris and London for business.

Opposing the application, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo told the court that Justice Onigbanjo's order asking the applicants to drop their international passports has not been reviewed.

According to him, granting the applicants permission to travel could open escape route as was experienced in Ibori's case.

Justice Folami has adjourned ruling on the application till tomorrow.

Shiekh Jingir tasks journalist on sincerity

By Nuruddeen Hussain, Jos

T

he national chairman Council of Ulama, Jamatu Izalatil Bid'a Waikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Shiekh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has tasked journalist to pursue their profession with passion, sincerity and devoid of negative sentiments.

Shiekh Jingir, spoke at his residence yesterday in Jos, while receiving some journalist who paid him a Sallah homage, to congratulate him and the Muslims for having completed the Ramadan fast and on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr

celebrations peacefully.

He said: "Your duties as journalists is highly important, because it's you that educate and informs the people about those thinks that are happening in and around the world, just like we do preach and spread the message of Allah and Islam, informing the people of what they do not know, so your job is a good thing".

Jingir sued for unity, understanding, perseverance, amongst the journalist in their quest for efficient and effective discharge of their duties, stressing: "…you must be fair, just and objective in doing that".

Group wants FG to return 76 oil wells to Cross River

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Southern Peoples Youth Assembly (SPYA) and the International Network Against Corruption (INAC), have called on the Federal Government to reverse the decision of the National Boundary commission (NBC), and the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), to relocate 76 oil wells previously in Cross River, to Akwa Ibom state.

This followed the verdict of the Supreme Court which ceded 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom state, which was under Bakassi, an area previously under Cross River state territory.

In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator of SPYA and Country Director of INAC, Mike Newgent Ekarnon and James Okoronkwo respectively, the group called for immediate re-listing of Cross River state as oil producing state, as well as payment of all its fiscal allocation which was stopped by RMAFC. They warned that if the issue is not addressed properly, it might create conflict and enmity between Cross River

state and her sister state, Akwa Ibom, adding that it can equally jeopardise the peace in the South-south region, which the Federal Government is working hard to sustain.

The group called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly to investigate RMAFC and NBC, to know what informed their decision, and why they failed to involve Cross River state's members of their respective commissions and the government of Cross River state before taking the decision.

L-R: Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia, receiving her ministry's Contract Performance Evaluation from President Goodluck Jonathan, during the presentation ceremony, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Lagos tasks NRC on safety in train stations From Bimbo Ogunnaike, Lagos

T

he Lagos state government, yesterday, urged the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on the need to improve safety and other measures in their operation in

the state to avoid disaster.

The Director-General of the State Safety Commission, Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi, who gave the charge, said the recent attack on a photo journalist, Mr. Tunde Ogundeji, and other development shows that NRC has no safety measures in

Alleged kidney theft: 2 suspects in court From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

wo suspects, who allegedly removed the two kidneys of 25-yearold Abubakar Buba, were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 8, Bauchi, yesterday.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Amos Ukpe told Chief Magistrate Isah Mohammed that the suspects were charged with criminal conspiracy, attempt to commit culpable homicide, causing grievous

hurt and impersonation contrary to section 132 of the penal code.

Sergeant Ukpe alleged that the accused conducted an illegal surgery on the appendix of Abubakar which led to the removal of his kidneys.

"The victim is now critically ill at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, undergoing dialysis treatment contrary to section 96, 132, and 229 of the penal code".

When the case was

mentioned, counsel to the accused, Barrister Garba Hassan applied for bail for the accused.

The prosecutor objected to bail application on the grounds that the victim, Abubakar, is still in hospital undergoing treatment.

The presiding Magistrate, Isa Mohammed, granted bail to the accused on grounds of illness at the sum of N2 million with two sureties each in like sum. He adjourned the case to 13th September for further mention.

place in the state.

Odebunmi said the government will not fold its hand considering the huge impact an accident in the sector can cause, adding that the agency has held several meetings with NRC management but no significant improvement has taken place to address the government's concerns.

Her words: "We have seen recent happenings which point to the fact that safety measures are not in place but as a proactive government, we cannot remain silent knowing that necessary steps have not been taken to change the situation…"

"We will continue to mount pressure on the management until they can demonstrate that they are on top of the situation, but right now we are not pleased with what we have seen on ground", she said.

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

Bauchi NDLEA nabs 3, impounds 498kg of cannabis From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bauchi state command has arrested three suspected hemp dealers, seizing 498 kg of cannabis sativa with an estimated value of N7.4million.

The state commander of NDLEA , Julius Bawa who paraded the three suspects said that the seizure was one of the biggest in the history of the command. He said the exhibits were concealed inside a truck with registration number XP 67 MUS According to him, the truck carrying the consignment was intercepted in Azare, Katagum Local government area of the state, following a tip-off.

He said that the owner of the truck named Olisemeka Wilson Chinedu , 27 years old from Delta state but resides in Akure, Ondo state from where he moves the drugs and distributes them in the North East zone including Bauchi state.

"Involvement of people in drugs stands condemnable considering the fact that drug is a catalyst that fuels crime. If this quantum of drugs had penetrated the society, we can only imagine the multiplier effect of crime rate in this state", Parah said He also disclosed that a suspect, Benjamin Swande was arrested with 13kgs of cannabis sativa adding that" the suspect implicated his boss and drug baron, one Dogo Sammuel".

Yuguda harps on monthly sanitation From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

B

auchi state governor, Malam Isa Yuguda has reiterated that the monthly environmental sanitation in the state will hold on the last Saturday of every month from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.

The governor stated this during the inspection of some wards in Bauchi metropolis Tuesday while expressing his displeasure at the indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

He said that since residents would be totally restricted from movement for four hours, people should go a step further to clean up drainages in front of their houses.

Yuguda then charged agencies responsible for keeping the environment clean, to live up to their responsibilities.

Reacting to the governor's comments, the chairman of the ward-heads Garu Co leaders, Alhaji Yusuf Babaisa, assured the governor that "we going to mobilise people in all the wards towards total compliance with the exercise.

The chairman, stressed that the refuse generated from the exercise should be disposed off promptly.

"We are going to make good use of the three committees of health, education and community development to sensitize the general public in all the wards in Bauchi metropolis", Yusuf said.

L-R: Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum Niger state Governor, Dr. Mua'zu Babaginda Aliyu, Nasarawa state Governor, Alhaji Tanko Almakura, and Kaduna state Governor, Mr. Patrick Yakowa, during the inauguration of Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security in Northern Nigeria, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Okupegate: I handed over to Suswam, Akume insists From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

F

ormer governor of Benue state and Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume has reacted to the allegations of breach of contract

by Presidential "attack lion", Chief Doyin Okupe, saying that he made a formal handover of the case to his successor, Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Akume said this against the backdrop of denial by Suswam that his government ever received any handover note from his predecessor on the failed road project contracted to Okupe via his company.

The Special Assistant to Akume, Mrs. Becky Orpin who spoke with journalists in a telephone conversation on Tuesday, claimed that all the liabilities and assets of

the state government were duly handed over by his boss to the present governor.

"If there was no hand over notes how then did he start running the government at that time?", she asked.

Mrs. Orpin maintained that Governor Suswam knew about the contract and should explain his role in it.

She also dispelled rumours that

the EFCC is prosecuting Mr. Okupe, adding that in spite of numerous petitions to make him answer for his fraudulent acts, the Commission has remained adamant.

Mr. Okupe is alleged to owe the Benue state government the sum of N535, 782, 844, 97 for failure to execute a 230kilometre road project awarded to his company Value Trust in 2004.

will determine where and who becomes the President, if democracy is about number," Aruwa said on Tuesday in an interview in Kaduna.

Aruwa who has since dumped the ANPP was reacting to insinuations that the Boko Haram insurgency may deny the north the presidency in 2015.

According to him, the population of the north remains a veritable weapon for the area to win any elective position at the national level.

As Aruwa put it, "but where the north is not united, the results will be scattered. You do not wrestle with leadership; the number gives it to you.

"Anybody from any part of the country can be President as long as there is consensus and as long as Nigeria is concerned, the number is here in the north.

The leadership resides here and to take it anywhere else, there has to be consensus and agreement of people from the North.

2015: North can determine next president- Senator Aruwa From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

A

former All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) gubernatorial candidate in Kaduna state, Senator Mohammed Muktar Aruwa, says only the north can determine who becomes president in 2015.

"It is residents of the north who

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

NSCDC issues licenses to 45 private guard operators

he Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Tuesday, granted license to 45 operators of private security outfits.

The NSCDC CommandantGeneral, Dr. Ade Abolurin who made the presentation yesterday at the headquarters of the corps in Abuja, warned the beneficiaries

T

against unethical practice, saying anybody found wanting would face the wrath of the law.

Abolurin said the corps had taken time to scrutinise the

Police denies bomb explosion, as gunmen kill 2, raze buildings in Yobe

T

he Yobe State Police Command yesterday in Damaturu, confirmed that two persons were killed by unknown gunmen on Tuesday in Goniri Village, near Damaturu.

The command's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Toyin Gbadegeshin, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that "the deceased persons, Modu Bura, 30, and Ahmadu Ali, 39, were killed in their residences in

Goniri Village.

"A block of buildings at the Marori Primary School, a Lower Sharia Court and a collapsed police out-station, all in Goniri, were also burnt by the suspected assailants", he said.

Meanwhile, fresh gunshots were heard along Gashua and Gujba roads in Damaturu yesterday.

Gbadegeshin also confirmed

that gunshots were reported along Gashua road and Gujba roads, saying that police officers were on trail of the gunmen.

He debunked rumours of explosions in the state capital, saying "there was no explosion anywhere in Damaturu today except gunshots and we are in control of the situation as we are trailing the gunmen who are on the run". (NAN)

credibility of the operators and their genuine interest to run the service, adding that the days when favouritism gained premium over meritocracy were over.

He also described the guards as grassroot security in the best position to tackle insecurity.

He warned the critics of the private guard operators to drop the act, saying private security guard was necessary in assisting the security agencies to tackle the current insecurity in the country.

Responding on behalf of the Private Security Operators, Mr. Emmanuel Odiakaesieme, assured NSCDC that they would work in the interest of the country, through the provision of security and relevant information to nine other agencies of government.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 7

No Nigeria teaching hospital has line budget

Gemade castigates in-law over Suswam’s 2015 Senate ambition

From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

T

he 58 government and private teaching hospitals across the Country have no financial health-line budget.

The Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Tomitope Alonge, dropped the hint while delivering a lecture: “ I n f o r m a t i o n Communication Technology, Digital, Media and e-Medicine in Contemporary Medicare, at the 7th annual scientific conference and fellowship, yesterday in Benin City.

Alonge, who was represented by the lead consultant in UCH, Dr. Simpa Dania, identified corruption, non existence of hospital data, administrative bottlenecks, low literacy level, etc, as factors which have worsened the situation.

According to him, ‘Out of 58 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, none of them has health-line budget…You don’t have to report first to Account Officer before you can move information technology forward’.

T

he Senator representing Benue North-East and former national chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Barnabas Gemade, has lambasted Zone A elders clamouring for Governor Gabriel Suswam to contest the senatorial seat in 2015 as ‘mischievous’.

Last week the group led by one Mr. Atoza Hindan who also is an in-law to Chief Gemade convened a meeting during which they resolved that the governor should run for the senate seat in 2015.

But in an interview yesterday in his residence in Makurdi, Gemade vowed that he is not in a haste to let go of the senate seat which he is occupying on behalf of his constituents in 2015.

He described the call by the elders as a conspiracy against his constituents, adding that it should be disregarded as it is an orchestrated action by the

Traffic on Ahmadu Bello Way after Eid-el-Fitr holidays, yesterday in Kaduna. persons concerned.

Gemade opined that contesting an election should be an individual’s personal decision, maintaining that anyone who recruits people to clamour for him to stand election has always been a

total failure. ”Such a person never wins election. It is laughable to drag someone into an election he never thought or prepared for. It is a mischief perpetrated by someone who has always had the urge to do so. I even gathered that most of them who attended the meeting did not know that the issue was supposed to be on the agenda. They were ambushed”, Chief Gemade noted.

While stressing that the

issue of who occupies any position is the prerogative of the caucus, he lampooned his in-law as a man of strange behaviour and character with evil agenda, intimating that his grouse against him started in 1999. ”At that time I supported Governor Suswam for the House of Representatives seat for Katsina-Ala/Logo/Ukum federal constituency which Atoza also had his eyes set on. Suswam went

Photo: NAN ahead to win the seat. Now Atoza is benefactor of that gesture so I expected him to be at least grateful to me.

Atoza wants to cause rift between I and the Governor so that he would continue to reap from his evil acts. He should stop these evil actions against me or he would enlist my wrath and the consequences would be grave. He is persona non grata”, Gemade warned sternly.

Don’t politicise insecurity in Kogi Central - NGO From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

A

nongovernmental organisation, Kogi United Front (KUF), has called on politicians from central senatorial district not to narrow the present insecurity in the area to politics of vendetta.

A statement issued by the president of the group, Salami Musa, said the discovery made so far has shown that the issue was beyond politics and called for concerted efforts to overcome the trend.

According to the group, the people without any exception must unite with the security agents to ensure

that the wanton destruction of lives and property was halted.

While commending the security agents for the breakthrough recorded so far particularly, the arrest of the principal actors of the gruesome murder of worshipers at the Deeper Life Church as well as the two slain soldiers, they called for the proper scrutiny of some politicians arrested in the wake of the violence.

Meanwhile, counsel to the embattled former chairman of Okehi local government in Kogi state, Abubakar Adagu Suberu, has said the arrest of his client was not in connection with the church

killings or the murder of two soldiers in Okene as being speculated.

According to him “The arrest and detention of Suberu has got nothing to do with the Otite or Okene killings. It was as a result of a petition written against him by some politicians from Okehi LGA bordering on some criminal allegations which are unconnected with the said killings”.

It would be recalled that two prominent politicians from Kogi central were arrested two weeks ago following the attack on the Deeper Life Church and the killing of two soldiers in Okene.

Man dies in multiple auto crash

A

n unidentified man was killed in the early hours of yesterday in a multiple motor accident at Ifo, along the Abeokuta-Lagos highway.

The FRSC Unit Commander at Itori, near Lagos, Mr. Fatai Bakare, told newsmen that five vehicles were involved in the crash that occurred at about 5 am.

He said while one of the

crash victims died on the spot as a result of injuries he sustained, four other persons received serious injuries and were receiving treatment at a clinic.

“The vehicles include two tipper lorries with registration numbers Ogun AE 249 DED and Lagos XR 969 BDG as well as a Mazda bus with registration number Lagos XR 822 KSF.

“One of the tippers was stationary while the other rammed into it forcing it to collide with an upcoming Mazda bus. The cause can be attributed to dangerous driving and lack of respect for traffic rules.

“Motorists are advised to always obey traffic rules and regulations as there is certainly no duplicate to life”, he said. (NAN)

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

L-R: Director, Engineering Services, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Friday Ukwela, Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Mr. Chris Okoyomoh, Director, Management Services, Mr Areh Patrick, Director-General, Mr Yomi Bolarinwa, Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Mark Jiah, and Director, Broadcast Policy and Research, Malam Mujtiba Sada, during a news conference on the 20th anniversary of the commission, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

L-R: Gombe state Head of Civil Service (HOS), Mr. Eli Akeme, Director of Finance and Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Yason Yonge, and Director, Agriculture, Mr Benjamin Wabida, going through attendance register at the Ministry when the HOS monitored the resumption of work by civil servants, yesterday in Gombe. Photo: NAN

Bar operators at Kuramo Beach locked out from the area, yesterday in Lagos.

L-R: Director Human Resources, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mrs. Olayinka Olatunji, Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, during the 8th National Council on Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara state.

Photo: NAN

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

Security: Abatemi to meet Wada From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

T

he Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman has expressed plans to lead a high-powered delegation from his constituency to meet with the State governor, Idris Wada over the worsening security situation in his district.

This disclosure was contained in a statement signed by Michael

Jegede, Special Assistant to the Senator on Media and Publicity and made available to journalists in Lokoja.

The statement stressed that the senator has met with the leadership of some security bodies adding that the meeting with the governor has become imperative in relation to the recent massacre of innocent citizens in the central senatorial district of the state.

He was quoted as saying

that, “as part of our continued effort towards tackling the issue of insecurity in our District, in line with the recent terror unleashed by men of the underworld, where about 20 people including two soldiers were sent to their early graves, my office, which met with the heads of major security agencies in the country on Monday, is planning a visit to the Chief Security Officer of the state (Governor Idris Wada) with a

high-level delegation from Kogi Central. I am full of hope and optimism that the meeting will yield fruitful results as discussions will be centered on the current security situation in our beloved land.”

While expressing optimism that peace would eventually reign in the area, he thanked his constituents “ for your understanding and patience in all the means adopted to quell the tension “ and for “remaining calm and lawabiding despite reports of harassment by some security agents.”

Nyako launches campaign for girl child education From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

W

ife of the Adamawa state governor, Justice Binta Nyako yesterday flagged off a legal clinic to serve the interest of women who are victims of various form of injustices.

Lack of education for the girl child has been identified as the bane of injustice against women globally.

Justice Nyako said part of the activities lined up for the clinic tagged “Adilaku Legal Clinic” include offering pro bono services for cases of rape, teenage pregnancy and other cases of injustice.

She said the Adilaku project is waging a 5-points war to encourage girl-child education and to fight street hawking, rape, domestic violence as well as human trafficking.

“We have never said children shouldn’t assist their parents but we insist that street hawking is a fallout of children not being in school which makes them fall into habits of promiscuity.” She argued.

According to her, Adilaku which is Fulfulde parlance for justice, since inception had disposed at least 50 cases ranging from rape, teenage pregnancy as well as drawing the state governments attention to the plights of prison inmates in the state.

Guest speaker at the flag off, Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration Abuja, Muhammadu Babandede in a paper titled “Understanding Human Trafficking” listed poverty, parental neglect and conflicts among others as the root causes of trafficking.

Police vow to eradicate robbery, cultism at Nasarawa Poly L-R: Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Amma Pepple, and Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuleri, discussing during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Misau celebrates CJN Mukhtar From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

M

isau Emirate Council and Human D e v e l o p m e n t Association (MECAHDA) has bestowed a distinguished service award to the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Alooma Mukhtar at their annual meeting held at Misau Local government area of Bauchi state.

Justice Alooma Mukhtar who was said to be the first female judge in the Northern part of the country, as well as first in various other judiciary cadres, is believed to have her roots in Misau emirate.

The award was received on her behalf by the Bauchi state Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Zango which occasion attracted sons and daughters of Misau emirate from various walks of life across the country.

The meeting is held annually shortly after Eid-elFitr Sallah at the Emir’s place where the socio-economic, political and cultural development of the emirate are assessed, and solutions proffered.

A member of the association, Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jarmajo in

a paper presented at the occasion highlighted numerous problems militating against the educational development of the emirate and the state at large.

In the paper titled, “Education: problems, prospects and the way forward”, he said the deteriorating condition of education in Bauchi state and the North in general required the declaration of emergency on the sector.

Jarmajo, who is also the permanent secretary (general services) in the Office of the State Head of Service, dwelled on education in Islam, saying Nigeria should have long before,

integrated western knowledge with Islamic education to facilitate its educational and socio-cultural development.

Alhaji Ahmed Jarmajo who traced the evolution of education in Misau emirate to pre-colonial period, described the emirate as a centre of learning that produced great scholars in both Islamic and western education.

He enumerated some of the scholars such as the founder of Misau, late Emir Gwani Mukhtar, late emir Saleh, and Khadi Hamma Umar who was a consultant on legal matters during the reign of emir Saleh, among others.

T

he Nasarawa State Police Command has vowed to eradicate the activities of cultists and armed robbers operating at the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia.

The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Mr. Abayomi Akeremale, gave the assurance on yesterday in Lafia when he paid a visit to the Rector of the polytechnic, Mr. Emmanuel Jatau.

Akeremale said the police would work with the security arm of the polytechnic to ensure that the school and other institutions in the state were from criminal elements “which has left several people dead in recent times” .

He said that as part of measure to effectively tackle the menace, plain-cloth officers would be deployed to work in collaboration with the institution’s security unit.

On the growing problem of

cultism, the commissioner said it was not peculiar to the institution.

He, however, stated that the police would step up preventive surveillance around the polytechnic.

In his remarks, the rector said that most of the “bad eggs” involved in robbery and cultism were not students of the polytechnic but “those that claim to be students and stayed on campus without ever graduating”.

Jatau said, however, that the school community had become too vulnerable to societal vices and appealed to the police to step up surveillance around the polytechnic.

The rector recalled that some of the bandits had recently inflicted machete cuts on three students dispossessing them of their cell phones.

(NAN)

New social media network woos youths into business

T

he Mara Group, owners of mara.com— a new social media network— says it will invest up to ten thousand dollars to support any young person with viable business ideas that joins its platform .

Mr. Hetal Shah, a director in the company, made the disclosure in an interview in Lagos. “mara.com is not like other social network sites where young people spend many

hours each day wasting their time without getting anything out of it.

“By joining our platform, we are going to guide the young people in business, through international and local mentors to counsel them for six months in the area of their business interests,” he said.

Shah said that the organisation had initiated the Mara Venture Fund to directly support them with funds to the

tune of between $2,000 and $10,000 to do their business.

According to him, the platform would also provide young Nigerians space on its website to launch their businesses at a minimal cost.

He said that Mara intended to expend about 200 million dollars on the project with its focus on jobs, mentoring and dating.

Shah explained that the project, which was launched in

Nigeria on August 5, had already adopted some Nigerians, including Stephanie Okereke— a Nollywood actress— as mentors.

The director said that it would also recruit some notable corporate leaders in the country to its list.

Shah said that the organisation was presently using a one-on-one introduction method because the platform was young, but getting “fantastic response”. (NAN)

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

IFAD beneficiaries in A/Ibom appeal for assistance

S

ome beneficiaries of the IFAD-assisted Community Based Natural Resource Management Programme (CBNRMP) in Akwa Ibom state have called for inputs and financial assistance to enable them to sustain their businesses.

The CBNRMP is being sponsored by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with counterpart funds from the Federal Government, NDDC, state and local governments as well as benefitting communities.

The programme is being implemented in the nine Niger

Delta states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

Speaking at Ikot Obong Edienne in Ibesikpo/Asutan local government area, on Tuesday, the leader of MfonAbasi Goatry Group, Mr Macualay Essien, said that the group lost nine goats in one week this month.

Essien attributed the death of the goats to cold due to the fact that the goat house had not been completed.

“We don’t have enough money to run the business, it is labour intensive. The government should provide us with a generator set to

keep the place warm,” Essien appealed.

At Nung Ukana village also in Ibesikpo/Asutan, another goat farmer, Mr Imoh Umana, said that the programme assisted his group to purchase goats, feeds and medication in 2011.

Umana, who is the leader of Nka Ikemesit Goatry group, said that his goat house could accommodate 32 goats but currently, only six out of 10 goats the group started with remained as four had died.

“We need money for more feeds; we need to build concrete fence around the goat house to enable us release the goats to roam

within the fence on sunny days,” Umana said.

At Nung Ukana in Ikot Obio Akpan Integrated Mills, the Chairperson of NKa Ima Processing Group, Mrs. Mfon Sunday, complained that as women, they do not have the strength to handle manual pressing machine.

She, however, said that with the machine, they were producing much more than when they had no machine.

She, however, appealed to the programme to assist the group with a hydraulic pressing machine that would ease their work.

The state Programme Officer,

Mrs Essien Uwe-Bassey, attributed the challenges of the beneficiaries to the non-payment of counterpart fund by the state government and that the state had yet to draw down from IFAD grants NAN reports that Akwa Ibom Government and the three benefiting local government areas of Ibesikpo/Asutan, Okobo and OrukAnam are indebted to programme to the tune of N247 million.

The state and the benefitting local government areas, which have not contributed anything since 2008 are said to be owing the programme N175 million and N72 million respectively. (NAN)

VC pledges focus on research From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

T

Lagos state government demolished illegal structures at Kuramo beach, on Tuesday, in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Jonathan tasks govs on scholarship schemes

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has challenged state governments to initiate and sustain scholarship programmes that will produce academic giants for the future.

The President spoke yesterday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state during

an interactive session with the secondary school beneficiaries of the Bayelsa Merit Scholarship Scheme which he initiated in 2006 while serving as the governor of the state.

The beneficiaries who were selected from indigent families in the state, have just graduated from Bells College, Otta (30 students);

2 killed in Adamawa flood

T

wo people have been confirmed dead with properties worth millions of naira destroyed in floods that ravaged seven local government areas in Adamawa state.

The Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Shadrach Daniel, confirmed the development in an interview yesterday in Yola.

He identified the affected local government areas as Numan, Demsa, Madagali, Mayo-Belwa, Yola North, Yola South and Guyuk.

"Farm lands, houses and livestock were affected by the flood as a result of heavy downpour over the past two days", Daniel said.

"We are now going round the affected Local Government Areas for proper assessment of the flood which claimed two lives in Gbalang Village in Numan Local Government Area,” Daniel stated.

He said that SEMA had already reported the development to the National Emergency Management Agency for help.

(NAN)

Dowen Comprehensive Secondary School, Lagos (36); and NigeriaTurkish College, Abuja (8).

Jonathan thanked the state governor, Seriake Dickson for reviving the scheme.

The President implored Dickson to "warn members of your cabinet not to play any role in influencing those who will be selected. I did not

know any of them".

The President spoke of a similar programme just initiated by the Federal Government to offer scholarship to first class graduates of higher institutions in the country for further studies in and outside the country, as part of his administration's efforts to ensure all-round academic excellence.

he new Vice Chancellor of Kwararafa University Wukari, Taraba state, Prof.

Yakubu Aboki Ochefu has said that under his tenure, the institution will focus attention on research, science education and mathematics in the state “where the pass rate including other science subjects is very poor.”

Prof. Ochefu, an indigene of Benue state, who spoke with newsmen in Makurdi, the Benue state capital at the weekend, emphasized the importance of research to the development of education, promising that the research development proposal would be innovative and creative enough to attract funding.

“If you don’t drive science and technology, engineering and mathematics education, our efforts at playing at the global big league would be seriously limited because there are two (2) main things that are driving the world presently, science and technology, the other is creativity in terms of what you can think like music, films and soft ware,” Prof. Ochefu noted.

He also said that the institution, though relatively new, offers courses like physics and renewable energy, security and intelligence studies, geographic information system, GIS, taxation and tax management and aqua-culture that most conventional universities in the country do not offer.

Kogi partners CIPMN on service delivery From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

T

he Kogi state government is to collaborate with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPMN) to enhance the capacity of its workforce for effective and efficient service delivery.

Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Moses Atakpa, disclosed this yesterday when executive members of the state chapter of the institute paid him a courtesy visit to intimate him on the activities of

the institute.

Atakpa stated that the society was dynamic and changing stressing that in trying to understand the complexities of modern times, productive efforts needed to be developed and built to meet the challenges.

“The intellectual ability of the people should be improved so that they can appreciate the contemporary values in our society” he said, adding that the institute was “focal in the affairs of humanity.”

“Personnel is the most dynamic element of production.

It changes and because of the complexity of the element, it needs to be coordinated and harnessed in a very delicate and concerted effort.

“We will develop a synergy with you and collaborate with you to develop the management forum in Kogi state”, he assured and promised the state government’s participation in the next annual congress of the institute this year in Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 11

MONEY SENSE

you know what the CBN says How to make wise career Doabout your bank charges? decisions T he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is currently reviewing the extant guide to bank charges, which has been in use since January 2004.

CBN Guide to Bank Charges (Bankers Tarriff), effective

W

hen the subject of career decisions or choices comes to mind, one fundamental fact must be accepted - A choice is, most often, nothing more than a best guess-a hopeful step in a new direction. You can only be sure of the right path when you have enough information of both risk and benefits.

Masachussets Institute of Technology (MIT) Professor Emeritus Edgar H. Schein's original research from the mid1970's he identified that most people's self-concept revolved around five anchor categories reflecting basic values, motives and needs. A follow-up study in the 1980's identified three additional anchor categories making it eight anchor categories in all.

Find below a summarized explanation for each anchor categories for you to do a preliminary career anchors selfassessment.

Autonomy/independence they desire work situations that provide maximum freedom to independently pursue career interests; they need and want control over work; can't tolerate other people's rules or procedures; independent consulting and contract work would be a good fit for these people.

Security/stability - they are concerned with long-run stability and security of employment; motivated by calmness and

Section 1: Interest of Deposits Description 1 . Current Accounts in credit balance 2. Savings and Deposit Accounts

consistency of work; don't like to take chances, and are not risktakers; stable companies are best bets.

Technical-functional Competence - they are intrinsically motivated by the work itself, its technical aspects, and the desire for enhanced technical competence and credibility; in other words, it is the actual work they are concerned with not the organisation or the overall mission of their work. They are the specialists.

General Managerial Competence - they view specialization as limiting; primarily want to manage or supervise people; enjoy motivating, training and directing the work of others; enjoy authority and responsibility; motivated by the opportunity to develop and use interpersonal and problem-solving

Your Money Guide

How emotions can affect your money management

M

oney alone does not solve your money problems, hard work doesn't solve money problem, Education does not solve money problems, and Job does not solve money problems.

Am sure you are wondering what does? Financial intelligence solves your money problems. That is, total intelligence on all sphere of life helps solve money problem.

How well do you handle vital issues on all areas of life? One major challenge of the money problems we have today according to Robert kioyosaki is our emotional state.

Warren Buffett says, if you cannot control your emotions, you cannot control your money. This is the hard-core truth believe it or not.

You emotional life affects a larger part of your financial life until you are able to control your emotions; you cannot control your money.

Emotional intelligence is very important when it comes to making money. This is a very important issue for everybody young and old.

For instance, a young boy who has a girlfriend decides to save N500 a day, but he cannot control his emotions on how to communicate with his girlfriend.

He therefore, buys recharge

January 1, 2004.

The "Guide to Bank Charges" provides a standard for the application of charges on various types of services rendered to customers of banks.

card worth the same amount he has planned to save to call his girlfriend. It should be known that they were together all day but he just wants to keep hearing her voice like he claimed.

The proposed amount for savings has been utilised for something else. Now he could not save the money because he considered love (like it seems more important. Love is not stupid, and Warren says "we have to be wise".

If you cannot discipline yourself to acquire the wealth that will keep the lady after wedding, then you will be financially poor.

The same goes with the girl who cannot control her emotion. If this aspect of our life can be controlled, then we can be sure of breaking through financially.

skills to climb to general management levels. They are the generalists.

Entrepreneurial Creativity - they like the challenge of starting new projects or businesses, have lots of interests and energy, and often have multiple projects going at once; different from autonomy in that the emphasis is on creating new business.

Service or Dedication to a Cause - they are motivated by core values rather than the work itself; strong desire to make the world a better place; committed to the service of others. They find NGO jobs amusing.

Pure Challenge - they are motivated by the desire to overcome the odds, solve unsolved problems, and win out over competitors; conquering, problem solving; constant self-testing.

Life Style - wants to integrate personal, family and career needs; have a high need to balance work and the rest of life; enjoy work, but realizes that work is just one of many parts of life that are important.

What category do you fall under? The whole essence of this post is to awaken your awareness of this concept and for you to get better informed understanding of how it affects your career choices now and later in your career journey.

(Source:Ventures Africa)

Quote I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed; and the number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I can fail and keep on trying - Tom Hopkins: Author and Speaker

Rates Negotiable Negotiable

Section 2: Interest Rates/Lending Fees Description Rates Interest Rates 1 Additional Interests (on authorised excess) Negotiable 2 Unauthorised OD, Drawing against Uncleared Effects.

(Whether within authorised l imit or not) Negotiable 3 Warehousing facility Negotiable 4 Equipment Leasing Negotiable 5 Discountable instruments e.g.

Bankers Acceptances, Commercial Papers, Promissory Notes, etc.

Negotiable Lending Fees 6 Facility Restructuring Fee Negotiable, Subject to a maximum of 0.25% flat 7 Processing/Renewal fees a) Corporate Bodies Negotiable, subject to a maximum of 0.25% flat b) Individuals Negotiable, subject to a maximum of 0.25% flat NOTE: Chargeable for all requests granted whether fresh or renewed.

The charge applies each time an excess is granted but only for the excess figure or amount of the increase No charges for requests declined.

8 Processing fee for consent for share Negotiable subject to a of security maximum of 0.25% of amount of facility 9 Late Repayment of Loan Facility 1% flat per month on unpaid instalment in addition to charging current rate of interest on outstanding (without prejudice to the provisions of the prudential Guidelines on the Limitation of accruals) 1 0 Commitment Fees Negotiable, subjects to a maximum of 1% flat of the amount 1 1 Non-Drawing Fees (for consortium lending) Negotiable, subjects to a maximum of 10% flat of the amount 1 2 Management fees Negotiable 1 3 Advisory/Consultancy fees Negotiable Inter-bank Borrowing Rates 1 4 Overnight/Call Money Negotiable 1 5 Tenured Negotiable 1 7 Management Fee Negotiable 1 8 Commitment Fee Negotiable 1 9 Appraisal/Renewal Fee Negotiable, subject to a maximum of 0.25% flat 20 Commission Chargeable for Underwriting of Debentures Negotiable 2 1 Participation Fee to be shared by Banks Negotiable

14 questions to ask before starting up a business

S

ince you have been brooding over your idea, and you really want to start up your business, ask your self these questions to that will help you decide if you are ready to start your own small business and it will highlight the areas you need to work on. *Is entrepreneurship for me? *Will I be able to spend time and resources on the business? *What will I sell i.e. what

product and service will my business provide? *How will I market these products or services? *Who are my competitors? *Will my product and service be readily available i.e. how will I get supplies? *How do I name my business? *How many staff do I need to start up? *What is my target market? *What research or training do

I need to do to start my business? *Where will my business be located? *How will I run my business, i.e. online or office based or a combination of both? *How much funding will my business need? *Will the source of financing be internal i.e from equity or external, from? Loans or other funding. *Do I need insurance? *What about taxes?

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

T

State Police: The nays should have it

here is no doubt that the opposing sides in the raging debate for state police must be feeling pretty confident that they each have made a compelling case to, at the end, carry the day. Those in support, including former President General Ibrahim Babangida, argue that as units in a federation states should be allowed to control the police under their jurisdiction as is the case in other federations like the United States, while those against, including retired Inspectors-General of Police, point out the possibility, some even say probability, of an abuse of the system by governors as well as the incapacity of state governments to fund state police. They argue that state governors would, without doubt, easily convert police under their control to an instrument for pursuing and executing their political objectives: witchhunting, suppressing, oppressing, harassing and persecution of enemies, both real and imagined.

It is a measure of the sensitivity of the subject that the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) is divided along regional lines, with those in the North against and their Southern counterparts in support of state police.

In our view, the most compelling argument to date is advanced by the Forum of Retired Inspectors-General of Police and the Police Reform Committee, both of which are not in support of the establishment of state police. The former Police bosses, led by Alhaji Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta,

said during a visit to President Goodluck Jonathan last week that the Forum was disturbed by the clamour for state police by certain segments of the society, insisting that the demand is not in the interest of the nation’s nascent democracy.

The former IGs, including Muhammadu Dikko Yusuf, Sunday

“

Our position at Peoples Daily is that the majority of Nigerians are opposed to state police, not least because of the fear of its abuse by state governors.

Again, this position is in sync with our realities as a multireligious and multi-ethnic society where religion and language are two combustible fault lines, easily exploited by the ruling elite Adewusi, Aliyu Atta, Ibrahim Coomasie, Musiliu Smith, Tafa Balogun, Sunday Ehindero and Mike Okiro, argued that when the military attempted introducing the localisation of police officers in their states of origin, the exercise failed, asserting that “the establishment of state police will bring us back to the days of ethnic militias when the OPC, MASSOB, Egbesu,

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”

ECOMOG and Yankalare held sway”.

They further argued that even in developed democracies like the United Kingdom and the US that are operating state and local police, they were now tending towards a more centralised national police in dealing with challenges such as cybercrime and terrorism.

On its part, the Presidential Committee on the Re-organisation of the Nigeria Police strongly warned against the establishment of state police in the country. Chairman of the Committee, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Parry Osayande, told newsmen last week that a stronger and more efficient National Police Council, with the effective participation of state governors, financial autonomy and better professionalism for the police would cancel out the demand for state police.

He is also of the view that state governments will not be able to adequately fund state police, asserting that such a move will lead to eventual break up of Nigeria.

Our position at Peoples Daily is that the majority of Nigerians are opposed to state police, not least because of the fear of its abuse by state governors.

Again, this position is in sync with our realities as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society where religion and language are two combustible fault lines, easily exploited by the ruling elite; besides, only few of the 36 states in the federation can adequately fund an effective state police.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE DIRECTOR/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM EDITOR, DAILY ABDULAZEEZ ABDULLAHI

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND JAMILA NUHU MUSA

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 13

The good news coming out of Nigeria F

By Ose Oyamendan

inally, there is something exciting out of Nigeria. I am talking of front-page news all over the world. I am talking stuff that will shake the cobwebs off the Constitution.

No more boring trite about the oil subsidy scandal or oil marketers' funny dance with the financial health of the Nigerian nation. Not even that jealous rant about the billionaire-like benefits of federal legislators. And, thank God people have learnt to leave the first lady alone. The woman is God-sent. Accept it or consider yourself eternally jealous.

The coolest news about Nigeria is that the pristine clean, heavenly-adorned National Assembly is threatening to remove the biggest stain on Nigeria. And, after a lot of thought with their hovering magnifying glass, they have decided on the root of Nigeria's problem.

And, who else would it be but His Excellency, God's 'gift' to Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. And, I am loving it!

It is time we shook up the

system. Most countries at fifty would have, at least, thrown a president into the dustbin just to make a point.

But, all Nigeria has done is overthrow military leaders. I am not impressed by that, not one bit. If I had a gun, I would have overthrown my father from having the best meat in the pot of soup when I was a child. If I had a military tank, I would have forced my teachers to give me A+ grades without even showing up for school. It takes real men and women to sit in a legislative chamber and vote their leader out of power. In the ghetto, we actually call that "gangsta".

What an easy task that would be because let's face it, do we still have a president we can call a president in the mould of the OBJs and IBBs of the world? His acronym is GEJ, for heaven's sake! It reminds me of jedijedi. And, I don't want to remember my leader when my butt is running a commentary over the toilet.

You judge a leader by the number of times his face graces the news headlines and how much the gossip columns

fill up with his misdeeds.

Jonathan is losing the front page to his ministers and they're not even all that handsome or pretty or neck deep in salacious news. He's so dull we've stopped hearing tales about his baby mamas and midnight champagne parties in the villa.

All you hear these days are rumours of corruption.

For God's sake, can we be more exciting? Corruption in Nigeria is a joke. Everyone is corrupt. Those who are on trial for corruption laugh their way back to their sofas.

Even my son is corrupt. He bribes his brother with a candy so he can annex some of his toys. Corruption is old news. When the president and his gang deplete the nation's reserve then we can talk. Or, have they?

I am dancing at the prospect of an impeachment drama. According to the honorable and distinguished members of the National Assembly, the president has been very dishonorable in the management of the federal budget. The president has done the unthinkable in not disbursing the entire

budget and we're already in August. Forgot the fact that the budget itself was not passed until we were well settled into 2012.

You see in a country where the government is the biggest business, the budget is like the vein of the economy. And rightly, the honorable Assemblymen and women know that when you cut off the vein, the body dies.

Then, there is the little matter that if the budget is not fully implemented, the column of Nigerian big men and women who are well represented in the hallowed parliamentary chambers will not be able to swell their bank accounts. In Nigeria, that would be equal to an Armageddon.

And, there is the little matter that if this budget is not implemented at a hundred percent then there won't be a chance to pass a supplementary budget. And, everyone knows that the really cool dough can be worked into the supplementary budget. Now, this GEJ of a fella is denying them that and we're already in August. Does he think private jets, mistresses, toy boys and

foreign junkets pay for themselves? And, why does he think it's cool for only him and his gang to do the chopping?

I love this whole impeachment talk because I think it may put some excitement into Nigeria's drab politics. I look at list of contenders and pretenders to the throne in 2015, from Lagos to Daura and in between, and my heart dances at the possibility that we could start impeaching a president twice a year. Just think of it, it would be like creating new states. We'll have absolutely way more than we sensibly need. We won't be worried about what to do with the excess crude oil money anymore. They'll be used for pension for our esteemed expresident.

For his own sake, I hope the president has not forgotten how to teach animals to behave or teach students how to teach animals to behave. God knows, he'll really need those zoology degrees now. I just hope the National Assembly won't bungle the impeachment proceedings like they bungle everything else.

"restrict coastal states (9 littoral states) to onshore oil revenue and establish exclusive control over offshore income from oil and other natural resources." The court held that "the seaward boundary of a littoral state, for the purpose of calculating the amount of revenue accruing to the Federation Account directly from any natural resources derived from that state pursuant to section 162(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, is the low water mark of the land surface thereof or (if the case so requires as in the Cross River state with an archipelago of islands) the seaward limits of inland waters within the state."

The court's decision of April 5, 2002 which was decided in favour of the plaintiff (FGN) derived "from ancient common law, international law, landmark cases in the United States, and even indigenous claims in Canada."

The Supreme Court's decision which abrogated the claims of the littoral states to revenues generated from offshore petroleum operations flung open doors of serious political conflict and intense agitation from the states affected by the landmark ruling.

The law passed by the Senate went to the extreme and provided that "the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone contiguous to a state of the federation shall be deemed to be a part of that state for the purposes of computing the revenue."

In the light of the foregoing, it is therefore incorrect to assume, as Adamu Adamu did, that the "Federal Government, the littoral states and Northern representatives got enmeshed in a conspiracy against Northern interest, and by implication, the long-term interest, balance and survival of the country. (And) the Federal Government sent the

issue to the National Assembly ostensibly looking for a political solution, when there was in fact no major political problem to solve."

Unlike Malam Adamu, who insinuated that the Northern representatives took contracts, and Governor Kwankwaso that felt they sold out, I for one saw what they did in the passage of onshore-offshore dichotomy abrogation law as noble, selfless, pragmatic and in the spirit of national stability. They were being practical and sensible too because it will be easier for the flim-flam to sell snake oil than for one to make any sense to the people of Qua Iboe community in Akwa Ibom state as he tells them that their oil-producing state shall receive zero allocation from the enormous oil revenues generated from the visible platforms located some metres away from the shores upon which their properties were standing.

Let some of us from the North/South-west/East put

ourselves in the position of Niger Delta communities. And let's be honest to our conscience. Are we going to stomach it where oil is being exploited from the waters contagious to our backyards with nothing given to us as derivation revenues? Are we going to allow non-oil producing states like Kano and Lagos to get more from the mainly-oil-revenue based Federation Account over and above our small state on the subjective basis of population and number of local governments they have?

Let's be real please.

Meanwhile, it is open-secret that Nigeria's oil reserves of less than 40 billion bcpd will dry up in 35 years (according to President Jonathan) unless new oil wells are opened which would jack up the fast depleting reserves. The down side of this is the bitter truth that new discoveries are hardly to come by, while the insecurity and the endemic oil theft has forced the oil companies to explore in deep offshore. Shell is divesting its onshore assets as investor attention is gradually focused on Angola, Gabon and other countries of West African were new discoveries are made. So, it is high time we diversified state, regional and national economies.

Ose Oyamendan wrote is a Los Angeles-bases film maker

Onshore-offshore dichotomy debate O

By Ibrahim Sanyi-Sanyi

n August 6, 2012, Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in a newspaper interview, called for the amendment of the onshore-offshore dichotomy abrogation law passed by the National Assembly in 2004.

The governor did not stop at saying that the North would push for a return to status ante before 2004; he went further to lambast the House of Representatives members from Kano state who were led by the former Speaker Ghali Umar Na'abba and who seemed to have acted contrary to his orders, and gone the way of their colleagues from Southern Nigeria who pushed for abrogation.

Four days after, Malam Adamu Adamu joined the latent fray against the law that abrogated the dichotomy law and bought into (or so it seems) the subtle blame-them campaign hatched to hit hard at Ghali Na'abba and all those NASS members from the North who voted for the abrogation law. Now, with baton passed on to the second athlete in the quintessential sprint relay, I felt very constrained to issue a rejoinder before the last lap of the race. And here we go.

The onshore-offshore dichotomy row began when the Obasanjo-led Federal Government went to the Supreme Court, seeking to

“

The court's decision of April 5, 2002 which was decided in favour of the plaintiff (FGN) derived "from ancient common law, international law, landmark cases in the United States, and even indigenous claims in Canada."

Ibrahim Sanyi-Sanyi, Chairman of Arewa Renaissance Initiatives (an NGO), can be reached on aim_sanyi@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

State police: Fifth columnists are here again

By M.A. Akinola

T

he call for the creation of state police is not about North or South. It is in response to security challenges our country is facing. The report of the panel headed by Parry Osayande,the chairman of the police reform panel is suspicious and questionable because: For the first time in Nigeria's history, a man who (Mallam Nuhu Ribadu) refused to accept $15million U.S. dollars in raw cash in bribe was recommended for dismissal from EFCC on frivolous charges. This gentle, incorruptible police officer was humiliated, assaulted physically and force into exile for serving his fatherland diligently. The same $15million dollars bribe the fifth columnists claimed only existed in our imagination is now a subject of litigation between federal and Delta State Government. Either way the judgement goes, someone within the ranks will hold this cash in trust for the real looter- "James Omonafe Ibori."This is Nigeria!

Today, where is this

By Olumide Iluyomade

A

s a citizen of Nigeria - I am tired! I am honestly tired and fed up with Nigeria and its cycle of utterly depraved governments! I am also absolutely sure that I am not the only citizen that feels this way! We, the people of this nation, have to do something about this nonsense. This nonsense has to stop! Everywhere you look, all you see and hear is a relentless deluge of corrupt practices and depravity! When and where does it stop?

We have the unresolved Halliburton scandal in which the company and its subsidiaries paid out a whopping $579 million in fines to the US government and a further $250 million as settlement to Nigeria in exchange for Nigeria dropping the charges in a US court.

However, nobody has been punished in Nigeria's judicial system - if there was a bribery charge then there has to be at least one or more Nigerian recipients!

Why has no one been prosecuted and why is no one standing trial?

We have the hushed-up Siemens scandal in which huge amounts of bribe were paid to four former Nigerian Ministers of Communications. Siemens was charged and sanctioned in Germany with a fine of 201 million Euros leading to the cancellation of multi-billion dollar contracts by the Nigerian government. Nothing happened in Nigeria and the ministers are well known and enjoying their booty! Why is it so impossible to persecute and jail officials who have been exposed to be complicit in criminal and corrupt practices in Nigeria?

We have ongoing, the mighty and mind-boggling fuel subsidy can-of-worms! Never in the history of any nation has such a high degree and proportion of the commonwealth been criminally and fraudulently stolen by a group of individuals! This travesty, as represented in the fuel subsidy

honourable mallam? He has created conducive atmosphere for fear mongering tactics to keep us nothing to show for his loyalty to insecurity and violence to jerked in perpetual panic mode. If the his country except his name and up the security budget and army cannot break up Nigeria, integrity. No national honour or cornered juicy security is it the police with light weapons state apology for the injustice he contracts…A whooping N900 and basic training in security suffered. And almost 3decades of billion security budget is already that will do it? No! The fifth diligent service went down the in their kitty... Smart guys! columnist business only thrives drain just like in a state of that!

Why? confusion and Because filth anarchy.

The columnist like security budget P a r r y is clear evidence.

Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text Osayande & co, A mouth messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written who over the watering N900 contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 years, have bn. for some words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and perfected the p o w e r f u l a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed fine art of unpatriotic to: dividing the citizens.

THE country along F I F T H The Editor, ethno-religious COLUMNIST. a n d This is Nigeria!

Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, geopolitical line State police is 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. h a v e a global practice Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com dominated the like community SMS: 07037756364 socio-political policing where landscape, s t r a n g e masquerading as elder statesmen If centralized policing system movements, suspicious and patriot but in is not working, why can't we try characters, micro crimes are The higher the rate of violence state police with enhanced checks easily tracked and nip in the bud and insecurity in our land, the and balances that are anchored on before it blossom. By the way, more these leaders from the fringe corrective mechanism? The alarm what sense of commitment would smile to the bank. The rank and raised by the panel that state police a man in Abuja has in managing file of fifth columnists deliberately could break up Nigeria is purely a social facilities in places like Lagos,

Kano, Sokoto, Enugu, Imo, Kwara etc? Why can't we allow the man wearing the shoe to mend it himself while the federal government focused on foreign & fiscal policy, defense, federal police etc? Instead of placing the destiny of 180 million people in the hands of filth columnists in Abuja, why can't we encourage the modern practice of separation of power, strengthen our institutions with efficient and focused federal government performing oversight function as it is done in developing and developed countries?

Patriots from both side of the divide should close ranks, rise up in unison and save our Nigeria from imploding because men of low integrity and diminished sense of sound justice are now pontificating on vital National issues. Parry Osayande, chairing police reform panel is akin to appointing Tafa Balogun (EX-IGP) as Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Hell is no fury.

unprofitable and worthless wars and conflicts. At the end of 20 years of such worthless and senseless conflicts, with thousands or perhaps millions dead, the only beneficiary would have been the very same oligarchs and political ruling elites who orchestrated the conflict in the first place! We need to take a look at Somalia, Liberia and DRC, and in so doing learn lessons from such mindlessly induced civil conflicts!

Why do they do it?? - Because the scale, the degree and the insolence with which the ruling elites have plundered and looted the nation's wealth in years past and in recent years has become so great, so reckless that it would be impossible to cover up! The repercussions of these brazen and criminal acts will be too grave to bear! The solution for them is to perpetuate themselves in power and maintain a grip on the nation's reign of power - hence only admitting those aspiring elites and oligarchs who are of equal depravity and resolve! In the event that such control and grip could not be

maintained, the alternative becomes an agenda to create chaos, strife and conflict within the nation which will work to their political and personal advantage!

If ever Nigeria were to get its acts together, empowering and inaugurating a forthright, prudent and competent government, the first line of action of such a government in other to succeed would be to purge its rank and constituents of corrupt entities. In other to gain wide support and credibility, it would be mandatory for such a government to restore law and order and the rule of law, reforming the nation's devastated judiciary and pushing against corruption by putting in place strong institutions which will pursue, prosecute and punish past crimes! The third equally critical action would be to exert all the influences and powers granted the government to recover and restore all recoverable stolen loot back to the commonwealth which by some estimate is somewhere between $85 billion and $130 billion.

In conclusion, if there is any citizen who is of the opinion that Nigeria would be better served if fragmented into several ethnocentric conclaves, such a person is not thinking properly. How will an Oduduwa nation be better than the current states in the old western region? Are states not currently given semiautonomous powers?

I must ask the questions: in whose interest and of what advantage are the ruins and the devastation of the failed nation state of Somalia or DRC today? The war of survival for Nigeria should neither be a war against each other nor against ethnic diversity nor religious differences, much rather it should have been, and should always be a war against corruption.

WRITE TO US

M. A. Akinola wrote in from Verona, Italy.

Diary of a tired Nigerian scandal, is not only an outrageous and brazen act of unparalleled criminality against the Nigerian state and her citizens, it is also an affront and an insult on the sensibilities of all hard working Nigerian citizens! No one should be under the illusion that this scandalous debacle will be quickly forgotten or forgiven - there will be and should be hell to pay when the time comes!

Today, we have an unprecedented scale and frequency of gluttonous pillaging, looting, plundering and despoiling of the nation's commonwealth, in hideous and criminal acts which are continuously and endlessly orchestrated and executed by depraved, callous and reprobate public servants. It is a documented fact that these criminal public officers, who operate with absolute impunity, have no regard whatsoever for the well-being of the citizens, neither having respect for the rule of law nor regard for the survival and development of the nation!

It suffices to say that the entire spectrum of public service is depraved and acutely corrupt - from top to bottom! Starting from Local government Executives, Congress Reps, Governors, Ministers, Senators and the Presidency! All are criminals and major players in fraudulent grand schemes! All are complicit in the systematic raping and despoliation of Nigeria! As citizens, we have a responsibility not to condone these criminal acts. We must act with a firm resolve when the time is right! It will be a travesty of greater proportion if we Nigerians allow them to get away with these crimes!

As the Olympic games comes to an end - the deafening echoes of our dismal failures at the games are symptomatic and symbolic of the

horrible state of affairs even if such failure riles many Nigerians. It is hard to imagine that amidst all these depravity and corruption, which is at the very core of the nation's failure to experience any form of progress, Nigerian citizens are still hoping for the dividends and gains of good governance! It is even more mindboggling that Nigerians will give credence to the schemes of several unintelligent leades and groups who perhaps find it beneficial to create chaos and anarchy, thus insensibly directing their frustrations at fellow citizens and killing each other!

In weaving the morbid state of affairs in the nation into a religious or ethnic conflict rather than a straight-forward battle against an absolutely reprobate and depraved ruling class and oligarchy, Nigerians have unwittingly given the political ruling class an upper hand, placing and playing themselves into a treacherous path to failure! A path which is rife with examples of nations which have selfdestructed, imploded and fragmented in an endless vortex of

“

Today, we have an unprecedented scale and frequency of gluttonous pillaging, looting, plundering and despoiling of the nation's commonwealth, in hideous and criminal acts which are continuously and endlessly orchestrated and executed by depraved, callous and reprobate public servants.

Olumide Iluyomade wrote in from Maryland, USA.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

By Jaafar Jaafar

W

hen the former military governor of Borno State, Brigadier Lawan Maina, spent N3.5 million to give a "befitting reception" in honour of Prince Charles and his charming wife, late Princess Diana on March 17, 1990, the whole nation was agape in shock. Again, Maina took the nation's breath for allegedly spending N500, 000 to attend the burial ceremony of Brigadier Dan Archibong, the Principal Staff Officer of Chief of General Staff, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu. These, among others, put Maina in the cross wire of Dodan Barracks. He was relieved of his appointment posthaste.

Maina's case did not happen in the 21st century- it happened in the twilight of the last century. It did not happen under the eagle-eyed vigil of democracy- it happened during the military regime and detected through the very dark goggles of the ruling junta.

Although the amount could have made changes in people's lives in those days, it is relatively a pittance today. In those days, the amount was enough to change the lives of millions. But today a local government chairman can squander millions on far less important jamboree. A few years ago, the then chairman of Rimin Gado local government of Kano State emptied the council's coffers into his pocket and flew to Dubai with a local soccer team to play against an equally nondescript local team in the UAE. Tafa Balogun, DSP Alamiseigha or James Ibori would weep for Maina for getting the boots on account of what can pass as 'pick-pocketing' today. Apart from former Inspector General of Police Tafa Balogun, Nigeria's legal system failed to find the duo of Alam and Ibori guilty.

But for the long arm of British law, Ibori would now be walking free and

By Emmanuel Nweke Okafor

N

igerians in Thailand have unexpectedly embraced peace, unity and affability which had eluded them before now because of quarrels and the various fractions they broke into. Now these factions have been united by the present Nigerian ambassador to Thailand, Mr. Chukwudi Newington Okafor. Just within a month and this scholarly, seasoned career diplomat has enveloped all the various Nigerian groups with love and the spirit of good and a focused mission not only for the diplomatic relationship but also in the area of human relations. In all these, many Nigerians in Thailand have realized that nothing is as good as having a good leader.

It is one thing to talk about a vision but another thing is to have a clear vision, explain it, share it among the people and create an atmosphere so that people are enabled to act on it.

His Excellency, Ambassador Chukwudi N. Okafor has indeed demonstrated that the best way to connect Nigerians in Thailand is not only by talking to them individually but by creating a functional website where information can flow. It was as if Nigeria Embassy in Thailand was a blind alley in terms of getting befitting information but the coming of the new Nigerian Ambassador has given us another opportunity. Now both Nigerians and non-Nigerians

PAGE 15

Parody of Ci ka Kwanta’s debt

wrong with our law that a 'whitecollar' thief (who ordinarily should have been in jail) will have the temerity to dare the government?

How could the marketers that sabotaged the government be seen not in the dock but on negotiation table with top government officials?

Given the sleaze, fraud and heist that are daily happening, I couldn't but wonder which country will beat Nigeria in terms of corruption. What are the criteria of assessment by Transparency International that Nigeria is not given a permanent seat at the Security Council of the United [Corrupt] Nations? We deserve that if government will wine and dine with those who stole the billions of naira meant to cushion the effect of our hardship.

We deserve the seat if Tafa Balogun who stole over 10 billion naira will spend just a few months in prison, while a thief who stole wornout shoes in mosque will spend years awaiting trial. We deserve the seat if

the abductors of a sitting governor would walk tall, free -and even become governors and senators. We deserve the seat if a person on remand would become senator from jail. We deserve the seat if N2.5 billion cannot earn us an Olympics medal.

But prior to OkonjoIweala's pontification, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Mohammed Bello Adoke had ordered for the withdrawal of charges against some of the accused subsidy thieves. Why? I don't actually know but I can hazard a guess: the government wants to strike a 5050 deal with them.

Even on the first day of their appearance in court, some of the celebrated subsidy racketeers were wearing smiles - and shades. They looked every inch unfazed because they knew they will steal the more, negotiate their freedom, and then rest at home.

Every time I attempt to heap the blame on our weak legal system, I forgo the idea when I recall how the same "weak" laws are used to punish the less-privileged in the society. Only two weeks ago, a Senior Magistrates' Court in Osogbo sentenced a 19-year-old motorcyclist, Oyedele Tunde, to two years imprisonment with hard labour, "for riding without side mirror and valid rider's license."

Poor Tunde had no AttorneyGeneral of the Federation to

withdraw his case. Tunde's dad is not a ruling party leader to secure nolle prosequi from the Attorney General.

He will go to prison, definitely. This really makes me wonder why can't the real thieves go to jail if there is a law that can send Tundes of this world to prison?

One would think heaven would fall on an accused whenever EFCC reels out a long litany of charges against him/her. In an inexplicable twist of the law, the charges would either be slowly dropped or vitiated in the course of the trial. But Tunde was arraigned on just a four-count charge, to which he was found guilty. It is however ironical to see EFCC arraigning a suspect on about a hundred count charge, and then halfway into trial, he would be acquitted. He would go scot free, walk tall and rest in the comfort of his homes. Mtseew!

This infinitely episodic Nigerian drama brings to mind the scarily scarified face of a Yoruba woman I once knew. The woman, whose wares did not go beyond two large baby bath tubs she carried alongside her daughter, would traverse our neighbourhood in a house-to-house order in the 80s selling items. The local women, who preferred to 'buy' wares on credit from her, dubbed her 'Ci ka Kwanta,' roughly meaning "you can default in payment and rest without harassment". Ci ka Kwanta's repayment flexibility was superb and unique to her. She wouldn't mind if you would opt to stagger a payment for a pair of infant crochet socks by as many as possible instalments stretching up to a year.

But when the debt becomes bad, she would negotiate and propose, like the federal government, a 5050 settlement.

And then, like the subsidy thieves, you can go and rest.

own turn to be fair to one another.

The ambassador has demonstrated that he trusted the Nigerian Community in Thailand through his Town Hall Meeting in Sukunvit Soi 101/1. For me, the meeting was a display of a high level of integrity which a good leader must show to the followers. He provided the time for Nigerians in Thailand to ask questions and through such questions answers were provided which enabled the community to understand the situation of things better. The great moral lesson here is that the ambassador is approachable and lovely. It is a great challenge to all of us. Nigerian students in Thailand are hereby called to move towards integrity instead.

The ambassador has inspired dedication by example when he expressed forgiveness to the unacceptable incident that took place in Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok last year. He went further to outline the positive steps he has taken to properly settle the case in the court of law. He has continued the good steps of his predecessor, Ambassador Suleiman when he used the word forgiveness and called all the Nigerians to follow his step so that peace will reign.

In all the steps taken so far to reach out to Nigerians from all sectors, he has shown that he is not a leader who

knows it all. He consults all and sundry and calls for the best way to move Nigeria forward. Almost all Nigerians in Thailand right now feel good about one another and are now coming together to reason out how the apparently damaged image of Nigerians in Thailand can be corrected. Just like Mahatma Gandhi, the ambassador has chosen to pursue a "follower-centric" ambassadorial model. We must now avoid all sorts of illegalities.

Nothing motivates followers more than creating the atmosphere that suggests that you appreciate their ideas; that is what the new ambassador has done. He went as far as suspending all forms of judgment while paying greater attention to the needs of all Nigerians in Thailand. His approach builds communal admiration and confidence between the Nigerian Community in Thailand and the Nigerian Embassy in order to complement each other's vision.

There is a secret behind any successful leader. The new Nigerian ambassador to Thailand has worked successfully in various sectors and organizations. In order of education, he has a master's degree in conflict management from Kennesaw State University, Georgia, Atlanta, USA, and another master's in

international law and diplomacy from the University of Lagos.

It is clear that what Nigerians in Thailand needed was nothing but a career ambassador and an experienced leader who will not only look at the problems from the diplomatic point of view but from national point of view. Nigeria is a country full of human resources but these resources have not been fully harnessed because of leadership mess. If all Nigerians in Thailand should use the past to plan for a better tomorrow as requested by the new Ambassador, we shall be on our way to rebranding, repositioning and correcting all the negative images we have allowed ourselves and nonNigerians to place on us. We must embrace this marriage of reconciliation and unity or we will be ruined forever in Thailand. Let all those who thrive in illegal businesses like 419, drug related business and illegal visa issues stop! If we all cooperate with the new leader there is no doubt that Nigerians in Thailand will smile in the land of smiles.

resting in the comfort of his home.

When the federal government, through the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said government was negotiating with subsidy thieves who were initially dragged to court by the same government, I wondered what kind of banana republic we are living in. I think banana republic is even flattering for Nigeria. The way injustice and impunity are elevated to high heavens in Nigeria makes me avow that we are living in dialium guianense (tsamiyar biri) republic.

Perching precariously askance on her forehead, the minister's iconic headscarf (daurin ture ka ga tsiya) reminds you of the pop culture of Layin Pam Bakwai in Fagge in the 80s. It also reminds you of the wrath you will incur for attempt to poke the gear. So any attempt to dare the cocky minister will be met with tsiya (trouble).

"Those (subsidy racketeers) who we consider their infractions not too grievous," she fumed, "we are willing to talk to them and if they are willing to work with us, we would also be willing to settle their claims so that they can go and import.

"But to some of those who are bent on blackmailing the Federal Government even though they have committed very serious infractions in the subsidy, we are not willing to pay them when they have not cleared their case."

What does the minister mean by this statement? What brings

negotiation into the matter of theft not debt? Are their "infractions not too grievous" as the pickpockets languishing in our prisons? Why can't the government allow them go on trial? What is wrong with a law that can jail a pickpocket and fail to jail a thief who stole billions? What is

can have access to information about Nigeria and its people via the www.nigeriaembassythailand.com . To some it should not be a new thing given the global (internet) epoch but to some of us in Thailand it is indeed a dream come true. It is a trend The need to clearly state objectives and expectations is a great leadership ingredient to avoid unnecessary interpretations and misunderstandings.

The ambassador has shown his assertiveness in his inaugural speech to Nigerian community in Thailand.

I see the speech as a means to getting the desired result. To view the speech, please, go to this blog (http:// www.nigeriaembassythailand.com/ pe_08112012.php) The ambassador, among many other good qualities of a good leader he posses, entered Thailand at the point many Nigerians are fighting themselves via smear campaigns and poisonous gossip yet he has handled the situation with a great amount of honesty, fairness, consistency and justice. He checks all the facts, hears everyone out and listens to all before acting for the sake of harmony. Now most Nigerians in Thailand are in the process of regaining the lost trust on Nigerian Embassy Thailand because the ambassador has shown loyalty and dedication. It is now our

Why are Nigerians in Thailand?

Emmanuel Nweke Okafor, a Nigerian lecturer in Siam University, can be reached on okaforemma@yahoo.com

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

Eight days to go: Despair, uncertainty tightens grip on Mpape residents

This structure at the Berger Quarry Resettlement area of Mpape which cost the owner millions of Naira has been marked for demolition.

By Josephine Ella

A

gony and uncertainty best describe the present state of many residents of Mpape, a suburb of Maitama Extension in Abuja as the ‘dreadful day’ draws closer.

As the reality of the imminent demolition of houses they built from the sweat of their labour stir hard and even harder on the faces of the affected, three things are most likely to be the outcome, if the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) eventually actualize its plans to demolish the area.

Thousands of people no doubt, would be displaced, with no option but to either stay under the rain or under the scotching with their families.

Most likely, some of them would also lose their sources of income and many may resort to begging and fearfully, others may resort to crime.

The harsh reality that the houses the only home they can call their own would be

reduced to rubbles in the next one week, has repeatedly hunted them since the news of the impending exercise reached them.

Reportedly, this has already sent six residents, who were said to have committed suicide to their untimely grave while over thirty others, who supposedly fainted due to the shock that their houses have been penciled down to be swept away by the bulldozers.

Aside these, uncertainties still loom and tension remains high in the area ever since because it not known if government would rescind its decision as regards this or pay attention to the welling cries of the people to stay hold on the demolition exercise.

Many are already confused and living in total gloom because of what will befall them. None of the victims seem to have an idea of where to run to should this eventually come to past.

A visit by our correspondent

to the area afforded Peoples Daily the opportunity of speaking to many of the affected residents.

Investigations by Peoples Daily revealed that many of the affected residents purchased the land which they built the structures now to be pulled down from the local village chief, an action which they greatly regretted.

A house owner at the Berger Quarry Resettlement area of Mpape, who has lived in the area for the past 19 years, Emeka Dozie Ernest, moved to the area after falling victim of the Karmo demolition during the FCT administration of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai .

After the demolition in Karmo, ”I had no option than to come down here to Mpape and when I met the Chief here, I told him my problem; that I cannot continue to be a tenant.

And he told me that he has a reserved place. I remembered telling that I don’t want to buy a land that the government

will wake up tomorrow and say the land belongs to it. But, he reassured me that the land was allocated and reserved for their use, saying, I should just relax and pay for the land and he was going to give me papers. After buying the land, he even asked me to bring some money for him to use in opening file for at Bwari area council; which I did gave him for. So I paid extra for it. I was made to understand that the land were their farm lands, which can never be tampered with,” he told our correspondent during a visit to the area.

With the unfortunate turn of event, Ernest has appealed to the FCT administration to spare their houses and give them the opportunity to pay for the land, admitting that they have realized that they were deceived into acquiring the plots from the chiefs.

“What we are asking the government is that whatever the cost of acquiring the land is, they should let us know as we are ready to pay, not

minding that we paid to the wrong hands before. We were deceived by the people we met to believe that the place was theirs. So, let them tell us what it will cost us to retain our property here,” he said.

He further appealed to the administration to consider that they are citizens of the country and not foreigners, saying, ”If they demolish our houses; where are they expecting us to take our wives and children to.

As I’m talking to you, I’m confused about the whole thing, because I don’t know what to do and where to go if my house is demolished”.

He argued that his twin bed room flats with Alma co and other expensive fittings, fenced round with gate and security house attached to it; was not a shanty that should be pulled down because it cost him N9.2 million to build.

Confirming the rumours of people committing suicide after receiving the news of the Continued on page 18

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 18

Continued from page 16 imminent demolition he said: “When some people discovered that their houses were marked for demolition, they were shocked and started panicking.

The case of one Yoruba woman, who lost her husband last year, was very pathetic. She was away from her house only to return and discovered that her house had been marked, so she fell down and died on the spot”.

Continuing, the builder added that : “There were other sad stories of people taking their own lives. To me my knowledge, six are dead already and we have more than thirty people that fainted already as result of the impending demolition exercise”.

Another resident, Daniel Okoh condemned the move by the FCT administration hinging his argument on the fact that the administration has failed to take in consideration the harsh economic reality in the FCT and the country by relocating the affected residents to cushion the effect of the exercise on them.

“If you demolishing a place and you are not providing another place for the people there to move into, of course, you are causing more problems for the whole Society”, the Delta state indigene said.

He expressed fears of the possibility of victims taking to crime, following the loss of their means of livelihood and houses.

Mrs. Uchenna Kalu, who has resided in Mpape for seven years, confirmed to our correspondent that economic activities has been at a standstill in the area since the news was received. Her major worry was where to go with her children, should the exercise be carried out.

“How can we build a structure like this and the government would just wake up and say they wants to

Eight days to go: Despair, uncertainty tightens grip on Mpape residents demolish it over night; are we not Nigerians? Are we expected to go back to the village; to start from the scratch? It’s unfair. It’s is not good. They should try and themselves into our shoes; if they are the ones or their relatives that are residing in these places, what would they do. I believe they would develop a plan to relocate them before trying to demolish their homes,” he said.

In the same vein, a female resident, who preferred not to be identified, also condemned the move by the government , describing the action as discriminatory as she sees no reason why they would embark on the exercise without putting in place, relocation plans for the non-indigenes.

She pleaded with President Goodluck Jonathan to listen to the cries of the masses in the area, who voted him to power rather than those in top positions. ”If they must demolish there should a resettlement plan in place for would be displaced persons like what Elrufai did with Karmo when he demolished the area and relocated them to another place within the FCT”, the Ondo state indigene said.

Corroborating Oko’s remark earlier, she also pointed out the security implication of the planned demolition to the FCT and the country in general.

Her words: “We are talking about insecurity in Nigeria and now that they are going to make more Nigerians homeless, I wonder what the state of security would be. They said they want to eradicate Boko Haram and they are at the same time planning to demolish 19 villages in the FCT. The persons that would

This school is also going down be pushed out to the streets and under bridge, wouldn’t they become vulnerable tools in the hands of these people they are trying eradicate?,” she questioned.

It would be recalled that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) through the Development Control Department recently, marked 10,288 illegal structures in some villages within the Federal Capital City (FCC) for demolition.

Some affected residents, including Mpape residents have been protesting the action by resorting to litigation.

Only last Wednesday, 15th August, 2012, a motion for an order restraining the FCDA

The owner of this property will not only lose her five bedroom flat but also her water business

from demolishing illegal structures in Mpape, was rejected by an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf.

The motion for an interlocutory injunction restraining the minister of FCT and the FCDA from interfering with or demolishing their properties in Mpape was tabled by counsel to the NonIndigenous Landlords of Mpape village.

Justice Abubakar Kutigi at a coordinate FCT High Court sitting in Bwari had a week earlier declined to grant an injunction restraining the minister and the FCDA from removing the illegal structures in the suburb settlement of Mpape.

As it is it now, residents are overwhelmed with uncertainty as they await their fate, but two weeks ahead of the deadline given to residents to quit the area, the Development Control Department last week Thursday rolled out its bulldozers to the area, resulting in palpable tension among residents as they were taken aback by the invasion of the area ahead of the August 31 deadline for planned demolition of the said 19 settlements.

Our correspondent gathered that in the course of the invasion, the department demolished the new Mpape market opposite Eco bank, along Berger Quarry road junction, touching some residential structures adjacent the market before living the area.

However, the department said that it only cleared shanties in the make shift market, serving as hideout for hoodlums in the area contrary

to people’s fear that the planned demolition had commenced.

According to the Deputy Directorin -charge of Monitoring and Evaluation, TPL, Nathaniel Atebije, it was not yet the main demolition as no structure other than the said shanties was touched.

He, however, maintained that the planned demolition would still take place and advised owners and occupants of illegal structures in the area to vacate the place before the expiration of the deadline.

Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed said last Sunday that the Federal Government (FG) has directed that affordable houses be built for all those that have suffered unpleasant consequences of demolition.

Senator Mohammed, who played host to some residents of the FCT after the Eid prayers, in his official residence in Life Camp said this was a palliative measure to cushion the effect of the exercises on the victims as he solicited for their understanding in this matter.

According to him, demolition exercises were not a deliberate act to inflict harm and impoverish those affected but to rescue the Abuja Master Plan and for security reasons among others. ”We are not demolishing because we want to cause pain to anybody. It is because we want to serve them and everybody and it is because there must be a rescue operation for them and the rest of the people so that we will be secured. At times we take such a decision because of some heavy responsibility and information that we have,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 17

Civil Servants resume work after the Eid-el-fitr holidays, yesterday at the Federal Secretariat, in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Air Vice Marshal Hamza Abdullahi road Kubwa that needs the attention of authority Security men controlling people at the NNPC Mega Station as the fuel scarcity bite in Abuja. harder in Abuja on Tuesday.

A welder and his apprentice doing what they know best, recently in Gosa village, Abuja.

A brick layer putting finishing touches to a building, recently in Utako district of Abuja Photos: Joe Oroye

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 21

‘SMEs operators more at risk than others’

Mob: 08033644990

Exxon probing source of Nigerian oil spill

O

il samples from a spill off the coast of Nigeria are undergoing laboratory analysis to determine the source, said Exxon Mobil.

Exxon's production unit in Nigeria confirmed it was assisting in cleanup operations in the Niger Delta after local residents reported contamination along their shoreline.

"Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited confirms it is assisting with the cleanup in cooperation with local authorities," the company was quoted by the Platts news service as saying.

"The source of the hydrocarbon remains unknown as fingerprinting of collected samples is ongoing."

Bauchi state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Malami, sealing Aminchi medical clinic, yesterday in Bauchi.

Photo: NAN

NEPC to develop new exportable products From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said that to stimulate economic growth, it is increasing the export of existing products and developing new exportable products.

NEPC Executive Director, David Adulgba during the launch of the New Exporter Development Programme (UNEP) in Abuja, said “Export diversification must occur in tandem with export expansion and requires translating competitive advantages into gains in ways that will stimulate economic growth.

“We propose to do this by developing a portfolio of star export

products tailored to the country’s development of export niches in the global market. It is urgently necessary to create undisputed sectors in which Nigeria has clear advantages in creating differential export market opportunities for national firms”.

He said this is to identify activities and identify existing opportunities while encouraging new industries or production facilities to be set up, in order to meet newly identified demands in the international markets.

“The project is designed to facilitate an integrated exporter development process, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. It takes into account NEPC’s evolving priority needs as

well as donors’ interests and the need to produce tangible results.

“During the implementation of the products, an intensive consultation process will be maintained with the partners, in order to incorporate proven experience and lessons learned into the project’s activities,” he said.

Adulgba however assured of enhancing its export promotion strategy by making the non-oil sector a bulwark of economic development.

He said the programme will focus on building capacity through export awareness, readiness assessment, preparation and export market development.

CPC, MTN to meet over “recharge and win aircraft’’ promo

T

he Consumer Protection Council (CPC) is to meet with MTN over the latter’s recharge and win promotion.

The Deputy Director, Public Relations (CPC), Mr. Abiodun Obimuyiwa, who made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday, however did not disclose the date of the proposed meeting.

MTN had on Aug. 17, in Lagos, launched the Ultimate Wonder, a new customer-based ‘recharge and win’ promo.

Customers are expected to win weekly cash prizes while the ultimate winner would go home with a Cessna 182TAeroplane in a grand prize presentation in October.

Obimuyiwa said the issue had agitated a lot of minds, adding that the council was

concerned about it.

“We have sent a letter to them and they have agreed to come for a meeting.’’

The deputy director said, however, that “there is a pending court case on sales promotion between MTN and CPC as a result of which MTN

did subject its promotions to CPC.’’ He added that reports from the Advertising Practioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) showed that there was a 400,000 dollars invoice from MTN meant for the winner of the aircraft. (NAN)

Merkel tops Forbes list of powerful women; Clinton No. 2

F

orbes magazine has ranked German Chancellor Angela Merkel the most powerful woman in the world for the second year in a row in the annual list dominated by politicians, businesswomen and media figures.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton placed second, followed by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, making the top three spots unchanged from last year.

The list named women involved in policymaking, entertainment, technology and nonprofit organisations, among other fields.

They were ranked according to influence, the amount of money they control or earn, and media presence.

“These power women exert influence in very different ways and to very different ends, and all with very different impacts on the global community,”said Moira Forbes, president and publisher of ForbesWoman.

The magazine noted Merkel’s resolve in preserving the European Union and her influence over the euro zone’s ongoing debt crisis.

Clinton was applauded for

Management Tip of the Day

Win the pitch

W

hether you are vying for a highly-prized account, convincing a CFO to loosen the purse strings, or swaying a new team, you need a winning pitch. Here are three steps to compose and deliver it: • Know the hidden agenda.

Figure out your audience’s

unspoken emotional motivation. What do they want, need, or value above all else?

• Connect.

Demonstrate that you have the answer for them: something special that solves their needs.

• Form your argument.

Residents warned Exxon to be wary of moving in violation of the country's National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency.

The agency this month said it was seeking $3 billion from Chevron for a deadly rig explosion offshore in January.

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Co. in July confirmed that Nigerian authorities recommended "an administrative fine" said to total $5 billion for an incident at the Bonga field.

International oil companies working in Nigeria have blamed saboteurs for many of the incidents. The United Nations estimated that at least 6,800 oil spills occurred in the area from 1976-2001. (UPI)

Create an exciting narrative where your audience attains their desires. Don’t use business-speak, but good oldfashioned storytelling to convincingly convey your pitch.

Source: Harvard Business Review

her handling of crises such as the release of a trove of diplomatic cables by the antisecrecy group WikiLeaks.

Forbes cited Rousseff for her leadership of the world’s eighth-largest economy and approval ratings within her country.

The average age of the 100 power brokers from 28 countries was 55. They had a combined 90 million Twitter followers, Forbes said.

Also in the top five were Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and wife of Microsoft Corp co-founder Bill Gates, and Jill Abramson, executive editor of the New York Times.

Sonia Gandhi, president of the Indian National Congress, followed at No. 6. U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, who had topped the list in 2010, was No. 7.

The list featured newcomers such as actress and performer Jennifer Lopez and billionaire philanthropist and widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs, Laurene Powell Jobs.

Republican U.S. Representative of Minnesota and former White House hopeful, Michele Bachmann was among 21 women who fell off the list this year.

Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde was No. 8. The former French cabinet minister has been on the list since it began in 2004.

“So, many of these women are in policy or political roles, and their influence is only growing so it’s not surprising that someone like Merkel or Clinton would continue to be present on the list year to year,” Forbes said.(Reuters/NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 20

CPC unveils new method to ShopRite to spend tackle counterfeiting, quackery N32.8bn on new COMPANY NEWS

Nigerian outlets

S

outh Africa’s Shoprite plans to spend up to $205 million (N32.8 billion) on securing new locations in Nigeria, its chief executive said on Tuesday, as Africa’s top retailer ramps up sub-Saharan expansion.

With outlets in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu and Kwara states, the mega shopping mall intends to spread across Nigeria and the sub-Saharan region at large.

Sterling Bank

T

o aid entrepreneurial development in the country, Sterling Bank has reiterated its commitment to continue to invest in capacity building to empower Nigerian entrepreneurs for the growth of sectors.

Speaking at the end of the Fate Foundation Series sponsored by the bank recently, the Group Head, Corporate Development of the bank, Mr. Shina Atilola said that the bank would continue to empower Nigerian entrepreneurs to achieve their desired goals.

He maintained that the continuous demonstration of relentless patriotism of the bank had continued to stand it out among its peers as one that was genuinely committed to the overall development of the nation in general.

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has disclosed plans to introduce products and services monitoring and registration scheme to be known as ProServe.

CPC Director-General, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Umenyi disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday.

The DG, who spoke through CPC spokesman, Abiodun Obimuyiwa said the plan would entail creation of a data bank for genuine products and services in the country.

Umenyi said the programme

is aimed at enhancing traceability of products and services in order to checkmate sub-standard and poor services for the enhanced protection of consumers.

She said the agency, in addition to its existing efforts towards tackling consumer abuses in Nigeria, is taking a more aggressive and pro-active step to substantially minimise fake and sub-standard products and services.

“CPC is also set to facilitate fair trading and improve protection of Nigerian consumers who often pay for

goods and services that do not yield expected utility."

The DG said Proserve, which is expected to be launched today, will no doubt increase consumers' confidence in products and services that may be listed.

Umenyi believes that products and services registered under ProServe will form an easily retrievable database.

She said distinctive ProServe certificates and insignia would also be displayed by registered products and services indicating that the product or service is certified competent.

Association bans sale of sub-standard products at Alaba Int. market

T

he Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos, Branch of the Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria (EDAN) vowed on Tuesday that it would no longer allow the sale of sub-standard goods at the market.

The chairman of the association, Mr Chijioke Okenwa, said the association took the decision in line with the ban by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on the importation of sub-standard goods into Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of Okenwa, the Public Relations Officer of the association, Mr Felix Akpunonu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the ban was aimed at promoting sale

of quality cables and other related products at the market.

He said that the influx of sale sub-standard goods into the country was alarming and that a drastic action needed to be taken to tackle the problem.

“For instance some iron cables are sub-standard by the ratings of SON and so the union has placed a ban on their sale in the market,” he said.

He also said that any trader caught selling or off-loading substandard iron cables would be severely punished and the goods confiscated and burnt.

Akpunonu said that the union had put in place a machinery to enforce the ban, noting that an adulteration committee had been set up to

visit shops to confiscate substandard goods.

“The committee confiscates these fake goods and we gather them for burning,” Akpunonu added.

NAN reports that a large consignment of confiscated substandard coils of iron cables were seen heaped at an open space in the market.

A member of the association’s task force, Mr. Ifeanyi Otu told NAN that the activities of traders in the market were being monitored by the task force.

He said that the ban on sale of all sub-standard goods was not limited to cables, adding that the fight against sale of sub-standard goods must be won. (NAN)

Nigeria, South ‘SMEs operators more at risk than others’ as a major challenge to the women or individuals is a way From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos Africa growth of small businesses. of giving back to the country,”

W

ith focus on infrastructure upgrade, increase in foreign direct investments, improved banking supervision and more insurance policy uptakes, gross domestic products (GDP) in Nigeria, South Africa and other African countries are expected to reach $2.6 trillion (N416 trillion) by 2020.

According to experts at the sixth KPMG’s Africa Conversations Series on transacting in Africa, discussions around the realities of doing business on the continent are now at a critical point and needed support must be provided to boost this development.

Head of Transactions and Restructuring at KPMG, John Geel noted that historically multi-nationals and larger listed African companies, especially from the South have conducted investment into and across Africa.

A

business operator and founder of Ola-Ola Instant Foods, Mr. Fatai Yusuf have said that operators of SME’s in Nigeria were more at risk than those in other businesses.

Yusuf ,delivering a keynote address at a seminar for women on “Global Business: Improving Profits and Production’’ organised by Foundation for Skills Development (FSD), in Lagos, identified infrastructure

Yusuf, an award recipient for his contributions to the growth of SMEs, noted that countries had their peculiar challenges. ”There are business challenges in every country; it is only advisable to see these challenges as a means of getting a result,” he said.

He said “Women are an integral part of any economy, as such they must be empowered. Developing young

he said.

Founder of Foundation for Skills Development (FSD), Mrs. Omowale Ogunrinde added that women remain a potent force in growing Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

She said that providing sustainable and qualitative entrepreneurial skills for women was one of the avenues of economic development.

This, according to her, will enable consumers choose on an informed basis and eliminate dubious practitioners in the business environment.

Amobi, exPresidential Aide now AIAE Boss

A

former Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Development Matters, Dr. Ifediora Chimezie Amobi has been appointed the Executive Director of the African Institute for Applied Economics (AIAE).

Amobi, who is a fellow of the Institute, has a Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) in Economics from the Howard University, Washington DC, United States of America (USA), Masters Degree (M.Sc.) in Economics from Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA and also Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Economics from Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE, USA. According to a release issued by the AIAE’s Communications Manager, Mr. Sola Oluwadare stated that the new helmsman is taking over from Professor Eric Eboh, who has been the Executive Director of the Institute since 2003.

Amobi, whose appointment takes immediate effect, was until his appointment, the Investment Policy Adviser with UK Department for International Development (DFID), Growth and Employment in States (GEMS3) in Abuja, Nigeria.

AIAE is an independent international research institute devoted to promoting evidencebased decision making through research, sound economic analysis, policy dialogue and private sector development activities.

Economic diversification key to Nigeria's prosperity- UNIDO From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Director-General, United Nations Industrial D e v e l o p m e n t Organisation (UNIDO), Kandeh Yumkella has pointed out that the growing need for agro-industries and economic diversification are key factors that can lead Nigeria and other

African countries to economic prosperity.

Speaking at an Africa Caucus Meeting in Congo, recently, the Director-General noted that agriculture was the most important sector of the African economy, adding that it should be the continent's driving engine out of poverty.

He added that agriculture

accounted for 65 per cent of the continent's employment and 75 per cent of its domestic trade.

Yumkella urged African countries to strategically invest in transport, infrastructure, access to energy and water, ICTs and management efficiency in order for agribusiness to thrive.

Dr. Ifediora Chimezie Amobi

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 21

Sony launches new Xplod CD/DVD car audio receivers Stories from Seni Durojaiye, Lagos

S

ony, the leading consumer electronics brand, has announced the launch of five new Xplod A/V receivers (XAV-701BT, XAV-741, XAV601BT, XAV-64BT, XAV-63).

Offering enhanced iPod/ iPhone control, a wide range of smartphone and USB connectivity options, multichannel surround sound and more, Sony’s latest in-dash receivers provide rich, immersive music and video experiences while on the move.

A statement from the company says the new Passenger App Control allows users to connect an iPod or iPhone via USB to display their favourite TV shows, movies, and compatible applications onscreen1.

Bluetooth connectivity on the XAV-701BT, XAV-601BT and XAV-64BT with an external microphone completes the package, enabling true handsfree calling while driving.

The XAV-701BT/741/ 601BT A/V receivers feature high-quality WVGA panel displays with full touchscreen capability and a myriad of ways for passengers to share their favourite multimedia when on the road.

Meanwhile, dual USB connectivity allows for simultaneous connection to USB mass storage devices such as the

Walkman digital music player for music playback and control over the display of album artwork and playlists.

These receivers also offer universal smartphone connectivity to any MirrorLink certified smartphone. Once connected, drivers can play music, make and take phone

calls, as well as control smartphone-based navigation services and applications, all from the receiver’s 6.1-inch or 7-inch touchscreen.

The application achieves full smartphone integration while not compromising driving safety.

Sony is also redefining the in-

car audio-visual experience.

Each receiver uses Sony’s proprietary Advanced Sound Engine with full digital processing and Virtual 5.1ch to deliver powerful surround sound, truly bringing the theatre into the car.

Visuals are equally stunning, powered by an

extremely advanced GUI design that offers a super-fast response, a 6-Pre-set Visualizer, customizable wallpaper, and variable illumination to match any car’s interior. For added theft protection, the 601BT includes a fully detachable faceplate, rendering the receiver useless without it.

Coca-Cola kicks-off new campaign

I

NIMN inducts new Fellows

A

total number of 22 marketers have been inducted into the Fellows Hall of Fame of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).

The induction, which was held in Lagos saw the men dominating the chunk, with women taking a less sizable number.

Speaking at the induction, the Chairman, Governing Council of the institute, Chief Lugard Aimiuwu, while commending the inductees for being worthy of the honour, urged them to continue to give their best in their pursuit of raising the stake for marketing profession.

He however called on them to repose much trust and faith and collaborate in building the country in the face of the

daunting challenges confronting it.

In a special lecture delivered to mark the ceremony, titled: “Maximising the potential of integrating Marketing Communication in the 21st Century, the Executive Director, Marketing, Nigerian Television Authority(NTA), Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzodinma said it has become imperative for marketing communication practitioners particularly marketers to up their game by adapting new trends that best fit global practices.

She added that “today’s consumers are daily changing and so, market researchers should constantly be renewing their understanding of the market in a way that could help them meet the needs of the consumers”.

f all plans go accordingly the Coca-Cola Company, will any moment from now rollout its continental campaign dubbed the ‘Africa Happiness Manifesto’, which celebrates Africans.

Brand Manager (Colas), Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Femi Ashipa, who confirmed this at a news briefing in Lagos said the campaign is being launched to celebrate the importance of African market to the brand.

He said the Africa Happiness Manifesto is a collection of the positive and inspirational stories

that Africa has to tell the world about itself.

According to him, “There are over a billion people that live in Africa, he said, hence there must be a billion different reasons to believe in Africa and the company is providing an avenue through this campaign for the people of Africa to tell their unique stories of optimism and happiness.

Noting the vast improvement that Africa has made in the last decade in the areas of sports, music, business, arts, technology, politics and fashion,

the brand manager said The Coca-Cola Company is looking to promote unique individuals, creations and innovations that have excelled in their fields.

Explaining, he said, “CocaCola believes that anyone with the proper African attitude can overcome hurdles and achieve success. So, we are prepared to recognise excellence in the fields that directly impact the lives of the African man, woman, and youth. We want to see Nigerians collectively share their billion reasons to believe in Africa,” he said.

Red Star Express commences 20th anniversary celebration

R

ed Star Express, the franchisee of the global courier brand, Federal Express, known as FedEx, has announced the commencement of the celebration of its 20th anniversary with the unveiling of the anniversary logo in Lagos today.

The company, which opened office in Nigeria in 1992 with sixty operational outlets and barely 100 staff members has over the years grown to become a multibillion Naira business, serving the entire nation and beyond with over 1,500 direct employees and 158 offices.

Speaking at the unveiling of the company’s anniversary logo,

its Managing Director, Mr. Sule Bichi said Red Star was humbled by its growth as a company over the past twenty years. He said the growth could be attributed to the earlier resolve as a logistics company to remain customer focused at all times, offering not just logistics services but also peace of mind through quality and innovative services that deliver real solutions to our customers.

According to him, “With Red Star Express, we are not building just a business, we are building a legacy that will outlive us. Our vision is that the company will remain strong after we are gone.

So, at twenty, we are just

getting started; we are still young. In our tradition of constantly improving on our achievements, we have continued to upgrade our ISO certification which we first got in 2002 when we were first certified by Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

Today, we have the ISO 9001 : 2008 certification and we are still working hard to improve on it.

Red Star Express established three subsidiaries in 2007; Red Star Support Services Ltd, Red Star Freight and Red Star Logistics as part of their move to expand the scope of their services to Nigerian customers.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 22

North’s resources can compete with any country, says Vice-President NACCIMA Alhaji Sanusi Maijama’a is the National Vice-President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), 1st Deputy Chairman Conference of the Northern States Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CONSCCIMA), immediate past National President of Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), as well as the Chairman Bauchi state Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA).

In this interview with Ahmed Kaigama, he bares his mind on how insecurity devastated the Nigerian economy and calls for a Sovereign National Conference. Excerpts:

N

igeria’s overdependence on oil has led to people calling for a Sovereign National Conference; what is your view on this?

Actually, when you are talking of oil and the Nigerian economy, I am assuring you that we have just given priority to oil but there are other resources that need to be tapped and developed in such a way that oil will be a kind of asset supporting the non-oil sector; if non-oil sector, particularly mining and solid mineral resources, where almost nothing has been tapped ; therefore, the deposits of those resources, especially in northern Nigeria, is in large quantity more than the oil, and it can compensate northern Nigeria with more than anything that will come from oil.

And in the agricultural sector, if you consider the agricultural raw materials, that sector can replace oil; there many countries that don’t have oil but they depend on their agricultural, mines and solid mineral sectors; if northern Nigeria can depend on such sectors oil it can be said is not even needed, because we can survive without oil, provided northern Nigeria would be committed on these two sectors.

And if these sectors are developed, even the West African region can depend on northern Nigerians resources to compete with any country; it will take time but the challenge should be appreciated first and strategic planning should be put in place; we will definitely succeed. And if the two sectors can sustain the region that is one area where you will talk about our political capability; we have human resources, our major problem is how to manage these resources to develop the region because we lack nothing.

Well, necessity is the mother of invention, therefore, if northern Nigeria breaks out from Nigeria we will face the challenge and we will do it well. I believe the religious and ethnic are not our problem, it will never be our problem because if your talking of industry, market, politics, human resources and agriculture, it has nothing to do with any religion, it is about

market have their associations and wherever trading is taking place, there is supposed to be understanding between the traders; all the government need to do is to sit down with them and let them provide how they wants their goods and businesses to be secured, how they need to secure their business locations their properties and their movements; they will provide the solution and such a solution should be jointly followed, respected and implemented.

It is better than to send them bundles of police and the armoured vehicles and so on; it don’t solve the matter.

Many industries have been grounded in the northern part of the country for more than three decades now; What effort do you think northern governors should do to revive them?

We have the manpower the raw materials and everything; all we need is the enabling environment to be provided for by the government, in terms of infrastructure for example, all over the country there must be adequate electricity to service the industry, whether small medium or large.

If you don’t have electricity the larger industries suffer the most; the second issue is you don’t have good access roads; where you have they lack maintenance, and the locations where some raw materials are located are different from the location where the industries are and before the raw materials reach the destinations they pass through a lot of hardships due to poor roads; if the roads from the rural areas to the locations of

Alhaji Sanusi Maijama’a growth and economic development.

I support the clamour for the Sovereign National Conference because it will help us in the North to know that we have a potential to be a country on our own if the need arises, with the adequate investment.

The security challenges across the northern part of the country have affected the northern economy and your members were directly affected; how did it affect your members?

Seriously, it has affected our people because generally, movement of goods and people is what boosts commercial activities in every country, and if the movement of goods and people are restrained it means there would not be commercial activities; it even affects the manufacturing sector. It has really affected our members, particularly those in the

northern part of the country, especially traders who are trading in the markets and other areas such as the manufacturing industries which would not be open. Even if they’re open the workers would not be able to reach their places of work therefore, if these two are constraints then not only the northern economy but the entire Nigerian economy is in danger.

How do you think your associations and government can tackle the problem?

Well, first you have to understand the source of the insecurity and for us who are in the business community, particularly the traders, those who are moving goods around, you have to gather them together, partner with them in order to know how best to provide them with security in a new system called partnering, in order to provide a security to who needs it must.

For example, traders in every

“

Each state should have their own localized industrial policy on commerce, agriculture education, science based on their peculiarities

industries are not provided certainly it will affect the supply of the raw materials .

Government should ensure that there are good roads leading to all industrial layouts in northern cities. And these layouts were earmarked before Nigeria’s independence and many of them were located near railways stations but unfortunately today, some of these residential layouts were turned into residential areas, farmlands and abandoned projects and it resulted in unemployment. It does not happen in other countries, only in Nigeria, this is what the government can do.

When government provides infrastructure it can then tax the industrialists against their incomes and through these we will develop a sustainable economy.

In 1967, we had the northern policy on industry and we had the national industrial policy; many efforts were made but up till this moment we don’t have a new industrial policy, only the ones in the 1960s,70s is still in existence and it is only in Nigeria you will hear about this.

However, recently the current minister has pledged to revive a new industrial policy, I hope it will actualize it and I believe if in the North we bring out a new industrial policy it will address the peculiar areas in the North.

Each state should have their own localized industrial policy on commerce, agriculture education, science based on their peculiarities, then you can take an average between the regional and the national, but when you don’t have an industrial policy and data that would guide you what can you do?

In the private sector it is the organs that provide large number of employment; government cannot provide all the employment needs in the country; also, here the industries are not there and every year you are producing students from the tertiary institutions they don’t have anywhere to go.

To address that, government has to wake up to its responsibilities and provide infrastructure and when you do that you are creating employment; when you create employment you are creating wealth when you create wealth you creating economic growth; they go hand in hand.

We have everything in northern Nigeria. I can tell you that in every local government in northern Nigeria there are a minimum of four solid mineral deposits, but the issue is: Are they commercially valued? Nobody cares to ascertain their commercial value and you are talking of attracting investors; what are you going to attract them with?

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Good hair: What does it mean and what do inspirational women advice?

What do the staggering billions of dollars spent on hair by black women say about them? Perhaps they should listen to some inspirational women.

By Sokari Ekine

L

ast weekend I watched the documentary “Good Hair” by black American comedian Chris Rock. He decided to make the

film after his five-year-old daughter asked him: “Daddy, how come I don’t have good hair?” The film examines the staggering $9 billion black hair industry, including a frightening

expose of the chemicals used for hair relaxing. Watching a can of soda disappear after it is left to soak in sodium hydroxide, the main ingredient of relaxers, is a frightening experience but

clearly not enough to put millions of black women off straightening their hair or prevent them from doing the same to their daughters some as young as three years old. [http://bit.ly/

PhAqB ]. Rock asks one woman her definition of “good hair” to which she replies “relaxed and looks nice”!

In an article “African Women and Hair Care”, Ghanian Emprezz points out that mineral based products like petroleum and mineral oil which are used daily by a majority of women prevent hair from growth.

But far worse is the recycling of hair relaxers.

“With the economic status of most women on the continent, it seems prudent to be frugal with expenditure. This attitude is extended to caring for hair where most women will prefer to buy clothes rather than spend on hair products.

In the end, they tend to find avenues for recycling what they have and this includes reusing already used relaxers. The relaxer works is still effective with the second application.

Eventually, there is no need to buy new relaxers when one can easily use what has been used before. This economic wisdom may take a while to dispel.”

Inspirational women But is what we do with our hair a measure of our consciousness or courage how important is it really?

Kenyan singer Kaz Lucas’s new series on “Kenyan Woman” speaks to this. In the first episode, Lorna Irungu Macharia discusses the challenges of being ill with lupus as a teenager and a young woman. She speaks of her three support networks - her family, friends and doctors and the fact that there are thousands of others in need of a kidney transplant but whose families are maybe too afraid to donate a kidney. My sister-in-law had

What do the staggering billions of dollars spent on hair by black women say about them? Perhaps they should listen to some inspirational women.

kidney failure and two transplants so I do have an idea of the pain and tiredness, in and out of hospital, hours on dialysis, waiting and hoping for a transplant. For Lorna one of the biggest hurdles was to live in the context of a future. In an inspirational and courageous five minutes talk Lorna provides this advice to women and to everyone for that matter: “Whatever situation you are in right now, is the one you need to be in. It’s teaching you something.

There are no accidents, there are no coincidences. One of our biggest problems is that we have been told the way in which life needs to be. If you are not obtaining particular milestones at a particular time, you’re failing or you are not there. I honestly believe every single situation you are in… Every single thing you are going through now is a lesson. And so the mantra that I stand by is God asks one request of his children. Do the best with what you have Now!” There is a trend within African literary circles to marginalise those writers who live and work in the African disapora as if this is

not also an ‘African” experience. One that is not ‘authentic’ enough as if one’s birth or childhood can speak to something as abstract as ‘authentic’ let alone an identity such as “African” or “Nigerian”.

Olumide Popoola is a

Nigerian/German writer and performance poet who lives in the diasporic space; so it was with great pleasure that I read an interview with her on the Nigerian queer blog SOGI. Source: Pambezukanews

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 27

Teenage boy saves himself from forced marriage by texting Indian authorities

Extreme measures: The families even presented police with a fake groom, pictured left, hoping they would be able to continue with the arranged marriage once officers departed

Prakash Prajapat, 16, contacted authorities when his parents tried to force him to marry a 13-year-old girl

A

teenage boy escaped being forced into an arranged marriage in India by reporting his own family to the authorities.

Prakash Prajapat, 16, from Jodhpur, in western Indian, was due to marry a thirteen-year-old girl from a neighbouring town who had been chosen by his parents.

Prakash was only told of his impending marriage the week before the planned ceremony and contacted a charity asking for help.

The young couple had never met and Prakash begged his family not to force him into the marriage but they refused to relent.

He then contacted the Sarathi Trust for child marriages, which then sent a police team to put a stop to the illegal ceremony just moments before Prakash was due to say his vows.

Child weddings are still rife in rural India despite the marriage of a girl aged below 18 or a boy aged below 21 being illegal under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006.

Kriti Bharti, who heads Sarathi Trust, a campaign group against child marriages, said: 'When I first met Prakash, he cried and pleaded for my help. He was desperate not to marry.

'I met his father in a bid to stop the marriage but he lied and told me his son was an adult. He ordered me to stay out of the family matter.'

The families got apprehensive about Kriti's involvement and decided to move the ceremony to a different date in a secret location.

But as Prakash was led to marry the young girl he had never met just days later, he texted Kriti his

whereabouts from his mobile phone and she organised a team of police officers to stop the The family members then attempted to trick the police by presenting a fake groom but they were still arrested.

The parents were taken to court and banned from marrying the young bride and the groom for five years.

Despite this, the following day they attempted to marry the boy and girl again but Prakash again

Court order: The parents were banned from marrying the young boy and girl for five years but attempted another ceremony the following day contacted Kriti who arrived at the ceremony with a team of officers.

She added: 'The police took them to court again and again they were warned and banned from trying to marry the children. But I suspect nothing will stop them.

'These are very illiterate families who only know to follow tradition, no matter how illegal.

'I can only hope Prakash continues to message me if they try again. I keep in touch with him every day to be sure he's okay.'

According to UNICEF Child marriage negatively affects a child's development, education, health and future.

Children in India who marry young are more likely to drop out of school, have a low paid job, and limited decisionmaking power at home.

Child marriage is widespread all over India, affecting all social groups, but it's more common in rural areas and among excluded communities, castes and tribes.

Apprehended: Prakash's father pictured being confronted by police officers over the arranged marriage

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 28

'Goodbye world, the time has come': Locked-in syndrome sufferer, Tony Nicklinson, 58, dies at home

By Chris Parsons

L

ocked-in syndrome sufferer Tony Nicklinson died at home yesterday after contracting pneumonia and refusing food for a week, having lost his High Court bid to end his own life with a doctor's help.

Mr Nicklinson was found dead six days after being left 'heartbroken' at judges' refusal of his right-to-die case.

Just hours before the 58-yearold's death was announced by his legal team, a poignant final message had been posted on Mr Nicklinson's Twitter feed on his behalf by his family which read: 'Goodbye world the time has come, I had some fun'.'

The married father-of-two's family said he died 'peacefully at home' at around 10am this morning.

Speaking this lunchtime, family solicitor Saimo Chahal said Mr Nicklinson had been left 'crestfallen, devastated and very frightened' by the High Court decision on August 16.

Police said they are not investigating Mr Nicklinson's death.

Ms Chahal, of law firm Bindmans, added: 'Jane said that, after Tony received the draft judgment on August 12 refusing his claim, the fight seemed to go out of him.

'He said that he was heartbroken by the High Court decision that he could not end his life at a time of his choosing with the help of a new doctor.

'He could not understand how the legal argument on his behalf could not succeed.'

She said she visited Tony with his barrister Paul Bowen QC on Tuesday August 14.

She said Tony told her: 'So, we lost. In truth I am crestfallen, totally devastated and very frightened.'I fear for the future and the misery it is bound to bring.

A tweet posted on Mr Nicklinson's profile this morning, which is regularly updated by members of his family on his behalf, read: 'You may already know, my Dad died peacefully this morning of natural causes. he was 58.'

A second post added: 'Before

he died, he asked us to tweet: 'Goodbye world the time has come, I had some fun'.'

A third post, attributed to his wife, Jane, and grown-up children Lauren and Beth, said: 'Thank you for your support over the years.

We would appreciate some privacy at this difficult time.'

Beth Nicklinson, writing on

heartbroken.'

They said they intended to appeal against the decision.

Mr Nicklinson's daughter Lauren said last week that the family would keep fighting to allow her father to die 'a pain-free and peaceful death'.

'The alternative is starvation,' she said.

'Why should he have to starve himself to death when he could go (die) in a safe home with people that love him?

'To think that he might have to waste away and starve himself to death is horrific and it makes me feel quite ill, to be honest.'

She rejected the argument of pro-life campaigners, saying that

her father had a life only in the biological sense of the word.

'Life should not be measured on the quantity, it should be the quality of life,' she said.

'Dad would rather live 51 years really happy than 90 years completely miserable.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Mr Nicklinson, pictured last week after losing his High Court legal battle, was found dead yesterday her personal Twitter profile, paid tribute to her late father. She posted: "RIP @TonyNicklinson.

Couldn't have asked for a better dad, so strong. You are now at peace, we will be fine. I love you xxx" Mr Nicklinson last week said he had been condemned by the law to 'a life of increasing indignity and misery'.

High Court judges ruled that if no doctor was allowed to help Mr Nicklinson die, then his only option would be to die by starvation.

The landmark legal battle was the first time a right-to-die case had been granted a full hearing in a British court.

Last week following the legal ruling, Mr Nicklinson's wife, Jane - standing by her weeping husband's side - had described the decision as 'one-sided'.

She said: 'You can see from Tony's reaction he's absolutely

Heartache: Mr Nicklinson cries at the computer he used to speak through. He was once an active man but became incapable of even basic tasks after his stroke

Mr Nicklinson, with his wife Jane, at their adapted home. He had said he would appeal the ruling that doctors cannot help him to end his life

Family man: Mr Nicklinson with his wife and two daughters in the garden of his family home in the 1990s before the tragedy

Tony Nicklinson, 'locked-in syndrome' sufferer at home in Melksham, Wiltshire, and right, with daughter Beth in 1989

In a sign of how active he once was, Mr Nicklinson rides a quad bike on holiday in Thailand in 2004 the year before his stoke.

Right, with daughter Lauren on a holiday in France in 1991

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 29

Aerial view of some parts of Abeokuta, Ogun state Capital from Olumo Rock.

Photo: NAN

Osun sends 2 environmental Lawmaker seeks FG's intervention in Auchi bills to state Assembly erosion menace

T

he Osun Government on Tuesday in Osogbo forwarded two bills on environmental sanitation to the state's House of Assembly.

Mr Bola Ilori, Special Adviser on Environment to the Osun State Government, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview that the bill would spell out penalties for defaulters of environmental sanitation laws.

He listed the bill as the Osun State Waste Management Authority Bill and Osun State Environmental Sanitation Bill.

Ilori warned residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the streets, recalling that government had in 2011 embarked on a 90-day emergency exercise to clean the state.

The special adviser explained that the emergency period was to prepare people for the task ahead and stir up their consciousness for the environment.

Ilori said that after the emergency period, the government had continued to use

all machinery at its disposal, including the Osun State Youth Empowerment Scheme to realise its environmental sanitation objectives.

He warned residents against the habit of dumping refuse indiscriminately, especially in rivers to prevent blocking waterways and prevent flooding.

The special adviser said that government waited for long to sanction people on environmental violation in a bid to make them to imbibe hygiene culture.

Akwa Ibom oil spill: Esit Eket youths protest

R

esidents of Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom recently staged a protest following the oil spill reported at the Qua Iboe oil fields.

The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) confirmed the spill at the Mobil Producing Nigeri a-operated field in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom.

The protesters, comprising fishermen, youths, women and farmers affected by the spill, carried placards, demanding for local government officials.

The angry protesters, who were prevented from gaining access to the council premises, were later addressed by the Vice Chairman of the local government, Mr Enobong Asubob.

The spokesman of the protesters, Mr EdohoUqua Paul, said the youths would seek self help if the council failed to prevail on ExxonMobil, the parent company of Mobil, to take full

responsibility for the spill.

"It has come to our notice that the oil spill agency has ordered them to clean up the contaminated shoreline but for one week now nothing has happened.

"If Mobil dares the regulator, it means that they are up to something and we shall not allow them to get away with this. The pain that the spill has inflicted on the fishing population along the coastline is unimaginable.

"With the waters contaminated, you can no longer have any reasonable catch and even when you catch anything, the fish would be oil contaminated and poisonous for consumption.

"We appeal to you to use your office to get Mobil to retrace its steps by withdrawing the comments in the media that they do not know the source of the oil spill, we cannot be deceived," Paul said.

Responding, the vice

chairman said he would convey the message to the Chairman of the Council, Chief Ibanga Etang, who would take up the matter with the appropriate authorities.

He commended the peaceful disposition of the youths and advised them to abstain from lawlessness as dialogue remained the best option in conflict resolution.

(NAN)

A

member of the House of Representative, Dr Abubakar Momoh, has urged the Federal Government to address the gully erosion problem ravaging Auchi Community in the Etsako West, Local Government Area of Edo. Momoh who is representing Etsako Federal Constituency, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Auchi.

He expressed worry that ``the community may go into extinction if nothing urgent was done to address the menace,'' saying that erosion had continued to threaten the existence of the community for over a decade.

According to Momoh, previous efforts at arresting the menace failed because of fraudulent award of contracts to incompetent contractors.

While calling for the prosecution of the failed contractors, Momoh said that care must be taken to engage competent contractors in

NEMA seeks inclusion of emergency management in school curriculum

M

r Ibrahim Farinloye, the Information Officer, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), says the current national disaster challenges make it imperative for the inclusion of emergency management in school curriculum.

Farinloye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that early exposure of youths to emergency management would be part of

the programme.

He said the focus on schools stemmed from the fact that disaster risk reduction remained the basic foundation for emergency management.

"School children are usually the most affected because they are usually in the middle of crises and most times rather than remain calm, they are found running without destination.''

Farinloye said that the programme, which has taken off

proffering lasting solutions to the erosion problem.

"The erosion problem is pathetic and there is need for urgent solution to the devastating effects of the erosion because this current raining season has been nothing but frightening. ``We have had several houses caving in, many streets cut off as well as loss of lives," he said.

Momoh said that efforts had been made to draw government's attention to the problem to tackle the problem. ``As a member of the national legislature between 2003 and 2007, I did my best to ensure the problem received attention and I have not rested since coming back to the house in 2011.

"We are just hoping that the problem receives serious attention from the Federal Government and that the job will be contracted to a competent contractor for a final solution," he said. in 31 states, was waiting for approval in Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, and Lagos states.

He said the aim of focusing on school children was to use them as vehicles to reach their parents on disaster management.

"So many Nigerians are ignorant of what to do in an emergency. Take the Dana plane crash for instance. ``Everybody wanted to see what was happening and so getting to the people who needed to be rescued was impossible and about 70 per cent of the people at scene were school children."

(NAN)

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

Climate change and global warming controversy

ENVIR ONMENT ENVIRONMENT WATCH

By Ambrose Inusa Sule, mnes globenviron@yahoo.com 0703-441-4410 (sms only)

Binta Haruna rescuing her goat from flood that affected the residents of Hayin Gada, in Numan local government area of Adamawa state, yesterday.

Photo: NAN

I

magine how millions of people harm their minds and bodies by using recreational drugs, abusing alcohol, and smoking tobacco. To them, life is anything.

Regrettably, a similar unhealthy attitude towards the Earth has contributed to its woes.

Lekki Segun, an 80-year-old who lives in Lagos does not need scientific reports to tell him that the Atlantic Ocean is rising. The beaches of his childhood are vanishing. Where the beaches are on Victoria Island in Lagos

today tells the story.

For the people who live in Lagos and across the Niger Delta areas, Global Warming is not abstract science, but a daily reality. And also for the people who live in the northern part of the country that has been suffering from the worst flood disasters in decades. There are other areas that are even worst off from various ecological problems. These are evidence of global warming.

Many believe that human activities are a major cause of global warming which has had

catastrophic consequences for the climate and the environment.

For example, scientists claim that large-scale melting of landbased ice and the expansion of the oceans as water warms causes sea levels to rise drastically, the type that has consumed the areas that were known as Lagos and Victoria beaches in Lagos.

Scientists claim that lowing islands such as Lagos could disappear, as could large parts of the riverside areas in the Niger Delta. Millions of people could be displaced from such places.

Agency collaborating with NEMA to integrate radiological emergency response plan

T

NEWS

he Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) says it is collaborating with NEMA for the integration of its National Radiological Emergency Response Plan (NRERP) into the nation's emergency management plan.

Dr Martin Ogharadukum, the Acting Director-General of NNRA stated this while addressing newsmen recently in Abuja.

He said integration of the plan into NEMA's operational programme was important to manage possible disasters that might arise from the use of radiological applications in the country.

He said for the NRERP plan that was developed and finalised in 2010 to be effectively implemented, it has to be integrated into NEMA's programmes NEMA is the agency charged with responsibilities of managing all forms of emergencies in the country.

Ogharadukum said the two government agencies now had a working relationship on the plan. ``Our natural emergency response plan is also in anticipation of bigger applications of ionizing radiation in the future

of our country. ``So it is not only addressing the issues arising from possible incident or accident that can arise from today, but also in the future. ``Like you know, there is no scope that will limit your ability to increase your use of any technology. ``In fact I think some level of integration has gone on but of course, I cannot say conclusively when this will be finalised.''

Ogharadukum explained that the agency was making concerted efforts at the monitoring and regulation of the application of ionizing radiation or nuclear materials in the country. ``Before you give authorisation to any person or cooperate body involved in the use of ionizing radiation or nuclear material, that person must demonstrate that he has emergency response in the event of an accident,'' he added.

The acting director-general also said that the agency was ensuring safety in the medical applications of ionizing radiation in the functional radiotherapy facilities in the country.

In achieving this, Ogharadukum said NNRA in 2011 carried out audit inspection of all radiotherapy facilities in the country and developed a report that

was submitted to ``I am happy to tell you that based on the findings of our investigation, today Nigeria has proceeded to establish a formal programme of clinical training for medical physicists. ``This was totally absent in the past in Nigeria. ``Just last month it was just inaugurated and the first integration took place in the national Hospital, Abuja. ``It was the first time in almost last 10 years, because the last time we did that was in 2003. ``The purpose was to benchmark the safety issues related to radiotherapy practice and this we did and brought to the attention of the government in Nigeria and to the credit of the minister of health, immediately he responded. ``Under the auspices of the minister of health we have had a number of meetings of stakeholders on the issue of not only the radiotherapy medical physicists, but even the medical physicists bill and the issue of accreditation of that category of staff.''

Ogharadukum promised that the agency would work with the media to keep members of the public informed about the agency's activities towards ensuring safety in the use of radioactive applications. (NAN)

At the same time, rising temperatures could intensify storms, and droughts. Also at risk are thousands of species of animals. Indeed, reports already indicate that many are disappearing and some are even starving.

Researchers say that rising temperatures are fostering the spread of disease by enabling mosquitoes, ticks and other disease-carrying organisms, including fungi to spread further.

According to climatologists, "the dangers posed by climate change are nearly as dire as those posed nuclear weapons. The effects may be less dramatic in the short term‌.. .but over the next three to four decades climate change could cause irremediable harm to the habitats upon which human societies depend for survival."

Even more ominous note is that some scientists believe that changes attributed to global warming are occurring faster than they had expected.

Skeptics of global warming say that such dire prediction are groundless. Others are not sure.

So, what do we make out of this?

Skeptics of human-induced warming, point out that earth's temperature has undergone

substantial fluctuations in the past. They point to the so-called ice ages, when the earth was supposedly much cooler than it is now; and in support of natural warming, they cite evidence that cold regions, such as Greenland at one time supported vegetation that prefers warm areas.

Of course, scientists concede that the further back they go, the more their certainty about climate diminishes. True, many agree that the earth is warming, but they are uncertain of both causes and the consequences.

Human activities may be a factor they say, but not necessary the primary one.

According to a report of the United Nations sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global warming is "Unequivocal" or a fact; and "Very Likely" mankind is largely to blame.

Some who differ with this conclusion, especially in regard to human factor, concede that cities may be heating up because they are growing in size. Moreover, concrete and steel readily absorb the sun's heat and tend to cool down slowly at night. But urban readings, skeptics say, do not reflect the trend in rural areas and can distort global statistics.

LAWMA trains youth on ways to recycle wastes

M

r Ola Oresanya, the Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has said that wastes collected in the state would be recycled to create jobs.

Oresanya said this on Saturday at a one day sensitisation programme tagged: ``Waste for Food Campaign'', held at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 3,000 children were present at the programme. ``The objective of the Waste for Food Campaign is to integrate the children and corporate organisation into recycling process as part of their corporate social responsibility. ``The campaign will encourage children and members of the public to sort waste from source and it will also educate communities to actively involve in segregating their waste. ``The burden of managing waste cannot be left for government alone,'' he said.

Oresanya explained that each person generated an average of 0.5kilogram of waste daily, resulting to over 10,000 tonnes of waste the company collected per day.

He said that the stage had now come when wastes should be recycled, adding that the land-fills which they were dumped were fast

filling up.

The managing director assured that LAWMA would reduce the volume of waste dumped at the land-fill sites and make the city cleaner.

NAN reports that LAWMA collaborated with a private company, the Tasty Fried Chicken, to educate the children on how to recycle waste to generate wealth.

Kalu Uchenna, a 13-year-old student of Agindingbi Junior Grammar School, who also won a roller bin at the ceremony, commended government for organising the programme.

He said that the youths needed such education as it would help them in the future. ``I am excited with the programme because it will develop the children mentally on how to keep our society tidy and reduce disease,'' Uchenna said.

A 10 year-old LAWMA ambassador, Miss Angela Kosegbe, urged the youths to learn how to recycle waste to cut down on waste in the environment. ``I am happy with this progamme because it will make the youths to know that waste is very useful and it will also enable us know that waste is not waste until it is made a waste,'' Kosegbe said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 35

New York mother raises cash to travel to South Dakota to witness execution of man who raped and killed her 9-yearold daughter 22 years ago

A

mother is battling to raise enough money to travel from New York to South Dakota to watch the execution of the man who raped and killed her nine-year-old daughter 22 years ago.

Tina Curl, 50, said she will only find justice when she watches Donald Moeller, 59, take his last breath from a 'front row seat' at his execution, scheduled for between October 28 and November 3.

'I have waited 22 long years for this,' Curl told ABC News. 'He

watched her die and I am going to watch him die.'

Her daughter, Becky O'Connell, vanished on May 8, 1990 when she went to a convenience store a block from her home in Sioux Falls. Moeller grabbed her as she walked along the busy intersection.

The youngster's naked body was found in a ditch in Lincoln County, South Dakota the next morning; she had been raped and stabbed, and died after her throat was slit, according to court documents.

But the Curls still have a long way to go before they will witness the death of the man who snatched their daughter from them.

The couple will need to drive the 1,420 miles from their home to the execution as Tina is disabled; she said she has a bad heart and cannot fly.

And she said she will struggle to raise the money as receives just $721 a month for disability and can barely cover her bills, while her husband recently lost his job and is looking for more work.

They estimate the cost will

be between $3,000 and $4,000 to travel and stay in a motel for the week that the killer is set to be executed. The warden will give 48 hours notice before the death.

So far they have raised just $890 from donations to a bank account and at a local fundraiser.

'I don't know if it's because of the death penalty or what,' she said. 'I see on different [internet] sites that people are putting me down because I am asking for help. I guess they think that's wrong.'

She said she is losing hope but won't give up just yet.

'It means everything,' she said. 'I ain't only doing it for me.

I am doing it for Becky.'

Donald Moeller has repeatedly tried to overturn his death penalty after it was set in 1992. In 1996, the South Dakota State Supreme Court agreed he did not get a fair trial.

But when he was retried a year later, the verdict remained the same - death.

Before the murder, he had a criminal history including sex abuse and the use of a knife against women and a 13-yearold boy. On the day he killed Becky, he had a meeting with his parole officer.

Curl had met Moeller once before the murder, when she and her daughter went to a yard sale. When police arrested him nine months after the killing, they found clippings about the case at his home.

Donations can be sent to the Hudson River Credit Union in Corinth, New York; MailOnline has requested further donation details from the Curls.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

store in San Antonio, Texas.

Police reported that 24year-old Miss Woods accepted the proposal, despite the less than romantic setting.

The future husband and wife were taken into custody over the alleged robbery, which saw Miss Woods enter the convenience store on Monday morning with Mr Foxx waiting outside in the getaway car.

Staff at the Family Dollar store in San Antonio claim that the soon-to-be Mrs Foxx was caught shoplifting and tried to escape through a broken door.

As the shop workers attempted to stop her, Mr Foxx entered the store and helped his girlfriend escape whilst he threatened the staff with violence less they let them exit.

A police spokesman said Mr Foxx saw that his girlfriend was

in trouble from the car and ran to her aid.

Sgt. Daniel Alonzo of the San Antonio Police said: 'He goes in the store to try to help her escape, in through one of the open doors - next to the one that was locked - and tells her "come on out this way".'

Before the couple left, Mr Foxx allegedly threatened the managers of the Family Dollar shop saying he would 'be back to get them' because they tried to hurt his girlfriend, Sgt. Alonzo told KSAT-TV. The couple both refute the allegations.

The video of the couple being taken into a police van show Miss Woods denying the crime to the awaiting cameras.

As Mr Foxx is led outside he is heard saying 'I ain't robbed nobody, they were trying to hurt my girl.'

Waiting for death: The Curls are hoping to have a 'front row seat' for his death, but will need to drive to the prison as Tina is disabled.

The cost will be between $3,000 and $4,000

Victim: Nine-year-old Becky O'Connell, was raped and stabbed before her throat was slit and her body dumped in a ditch in 1990

Moeller was found guilty in 1992 and sentenced to 25 years in prison for the rape charge and death by lethal injection for the horrifying murder.

Curl and her husband Dave - Becky's stepfather - had only lived in the state for five months before the murder, and following the tragedy, moved to Lake Luzerne, New York.

'The sooner they get him strapped down, the better I'll feel,' Curl told the Argus Leader last month. 'I've been preparing for the day for 20 years. I'd been thinking he'd die from health problems.'

With these cuffs I thee wed: Man proposes to girlfriend minutes after pair are arrested for shoplifting

A

man

proposed to his

The Fantastic Mr Foxx: Sean Foxx asked his girlfriend Trelia Woods to marry him moments after they were arrested accused of aggravated robbery

girlfriend after the couple were arrested for aggravated robbery - and she said yes.

Sean Foxx, 27, asked for girlfriend Trelia Woods' hand in marriage just after the two had been detained by police accused of robbing a l o c a l convenience

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

Alcohol mixed with energy drinks can raise risk of heart problems Y

oungsters who mix alcohol with energy drinks risk heart palpitations and disturbed sleep, researchers warn.

A study found that the highlycaffeinated drinks used by millions to make them extra-alert on a night out raised the odds of a range of health problems.

Revellers who used energy drinks as a mixer were six times as likely to suffer heart palpitations as those who drank their alcohol straight or with a normal soft drink.

They also had four times the odds of sleep difficulties and were more prone to tremors, irritability and so-called jolt and crash episodes - sudden, short-lived bursts of energy followed by exhaustion.

The symptoms are similar to those produced by caffeine, one of the chief ingredients of energy drinks such as Red Bull.

One can of Red Bull contains 80mg of caffeine, around the same as two cans of cola and slightly less than a mug of instant coffee.

Andrea Carr, of the University of Tasmania, said that to avoid side-effects, 'consumers of energy drinks alone or combined with alcohol should be aware of the caffeine content of their drinks and any additional caffeine they may have consumed that will contribute to an exacerbation of

these effects'.

Contrary to previous belief, the study of 403 men and women aged between 18 and 35, reported in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, found energy drink fans were less likely to take risks when drinking.

A spokesman from the British Soft Drinks Association said: 'People who choose to drink alcoholic drinks should consume them in moderation, whether they are mixed with energy drinks or not.'

Subjects in the study were also surveyed about their physical and mental health and how often they took risks or lost control by, for example, drunk driving or getting into fights.

The results revealed that energy drinks may cancel out some of alcohol's sedating effects, leaving drinkers more awake and less likely to suffer signs of tipsiness such as slurred speech or clumsiness.

But this alertness came at a cost.

Researcher Amy Peacock said: 'They also had a greater chance of experiencing several side-effects linked to overstimulation, including heart palpitations, increased speech speed, sleeping difficulties, agitation and tremors, jolt and crash episodes, irritability and

Those mixing alcohol with high energy drinks also had four times the odds of sleep difficulties and were more prone to tremors and irritability tension.'

Some researchers have said that energy drinks' masking of drunkenness could badly impair judgement, leading people to do things they might not do otherwise - such as drinking and driving or getting into fights.

This study found the opposite to be true, with energy drink

fans being less likely to take a range of risks.

But the researchers, who report their findings in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research (MUST CREDIT), said the topic needs to be studied more deeply and said that energy drink lovers shouldn't assume that being

extra alert somehow protects them from danger.

Previous research has linked energy drinks with heart problems, with just one can raising blood pressure and making blood more 'sticky'- and so potentially raising the odds of heart attacks and strokes.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Couch potato children 'up to nine times more likely to be clumsy than other youngsters'

C

hildren who spend hours watching TV or playing on a computer are more clumsy than other youngsters, a study claims.

It found those who sat around for most of the day were up to nine times less likely to have normal levels of co-ordination.

Even simple tasks such as hopping and jumping were affected.

Importantly, brief bursts of strenuous exercise did not make up for the damage apparently done by spending the rest of the day sitting.

The Portuguese researchers said that while it is important to encourage children to take part in sport, limits should also be set on the amount of time spent sedentary.

They made their recommendation after tracking the movements of more than 200 nine and ten year olds.

The study tracked the movements of more than 200 children aged nine and ten using a pedometer-like gadget to measure activity levels over five days.

The children were also weighed and measured and put them through a battery of tests

The study of 200 children shows the link between lack of exercise and co-ordination specifically designed to test balance, speed, agility and coordination.

These included walking backwards on a low beam, jumping from side to side, hopping over a stack of blocks and stepping from one box onto another box without falling off.

Taken together, the results are seen as a measure of a child's co-ordination.

On average, the children spent three-quarters of their time sedentary - defined as sitting, lying down or watching a TV or computer screen - with the girls less active than the

boys.

However, the impact on coordination was greatest for the boys.

The girls who spent more than three-quarters of their time inactive four to five times less likely to normal coordination than those who sat

less.

However, the couch potato boys were five to nine times less likely to have normal coordination, the Journal of Human Biology reports.

The findings stood even when the children's height, weight and the amount of strenuous exercise done was taken into account.

While the link between lack of exercise and obesity has been extensively researched, the study is one of the first to look at the effects on something on as basic as co-ordination.

Researcher Dr Luis Lopes, of the University of Minho, said that good co-ordination has been linked to a healthy weight and heart, strong muscles and endurance but takes 'practice, encouragement, feedback and instruction'.

'Childhood is a critical time for the development of motor coordination skills which are essential for health and wellbeing.'

He added that Governments should consider issuing guidelines on sedentary behaviour alongside advice on exercise.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 37

No African must be treated as alien in Africa – Bethel Amadi Rt. Hon Bethel Amadi, President of Pan African Parliament and member of the House of Representatives, in this interview with newsmen stresses the need for legislative backing for Africa regional economic integration with a view to checkmating the challenges of unemployment among the youths and engender free movement of people and products in the continent. Lawrence Olaoye was there. Excerpts:

INTERVIEW

T

he continental body, African Union is considered a bulldog that barks without attempting to bite considering the recent happenings in Egypt where the body had deliberately refused to play any significant role.

No, that is not true. We made a categorical statement on that issue. What happened in Egypt which was the revolution was significant because the people chose their own path and I can assure you that there will soon be a full restoration of the constitution in the country.

Remember that for over 50 years there was no democratic structure in that country; so we must ensure due process is followed.

Do you not think that the colonial hangover that has affected the African continent will not impact negatively on your tenure and on what areas will you focus as the arrow head of the Parliament?

Well in the next three years we are going to focus on peace and security in the continent as well as look at youth employment/ food security. Gender issues will also mount the centre stage in the continent. The parliament will also look seriously into issues that concerns unity in Africa. As for the colonial hangover you mentioned earlier, yes, that has been there but the issue of ethnic cleavages has really died after we became independent nations.

In the primaries conducted in West Africa, I garnered 35 votes against my Francophone opponent who scored 10 votes confirming that the era of ethnic cleavages and scars of colonialism had drastically reduced. Do not forget that we are just five English speaking countries in West Africa. At the continental level also my support cuts across every region; my main opponent on the day of election stepped down and I scored 160 votes as against 20 votes considered invalid.

What does Nigeria as a country stand to benefit under your leadership at PanAfrican Parliament?

We are set to provide the necessary platform that would

Bethel Amadi, President Pan African Parliament launch Africa into the global market by coming out with a blueprint that the parliament would submit to the Assembly of Heads of state. We will gather all the vital information required from our people about the problems that are presently confronting them in Africa. As you are aware, Nigeria is the most populous nation in our continent, if the integration of the continent gains momentum, Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from an economically integrated Africa. We have the highest level of migration in the African continent and some of us are illegal immigrants within our continent. That should not be, with a good legal framework that must be domesticated by other all African nations. You cannot integrate when you are building walls and particularly when fellow African citizens need visa to visit fellow countries in same continent. No African should be treated as an alien in Africa.

It is only in Africa fellow citizens obtain visas to go to other parts and with that development you cannot integrate politically and economically. We have plans to build a trans-continental highway from Algiers to Lagos and from Cape Town to Egypt.

Whatever legal frame work put in place in this direction would be

subject to individual laws of countries involved. In this direction, the laws would be domesticated to reflect the laws of the nation Nigeria stands to benefit a lot from an integrated Africa. We can already see what we are enjoying in the West African subregion via the ECOWAS. The subregion has a substantial role to play in this whole arrangement.

Nigeria, being the most populous nation in the continent, equally has a vital role to play.

The case of Nigeria in terms of unemployment is alarming going by the survey that was conducted recently which states that of every 5 unemployed Nigeriansm, 3 are youths. It is a

dangerous situation that needs quick remedy. There are job opportunities in Africa but they are filled by foreigners from other continents.

An economically integrated Africa will enhance intracontinental employment because I have gone to Africa countries where labour is hired from Asia; I have gone to countries within the continent where there are no skilled teachers and we have more than enough skilled teachers here in Nigeria; yet we have abandoned them here whereas there are opportunities in fellow African countries. What is obtainable here is a situation where Nigerians cross the Mediterranean to Europe in search of greener pastures and once their travel documents expire, they go to prison. We have hundred of thousand Africans and Nigerians are languishing in jails in foreign countries but an economically integrated Africa will nullify all that for good.

There has been trade imbalance between Africa and the rest of the world, how would the parliament go about balancing it?

For now, African trade in the world market stands at 10 percent and an additional 2 percent trade among Africans will spiral into about $200billion annually; an amount far higher than donors and certain foreign trades. Which do you prefer, trading among ourselves or the other way round? For now, European trade stand at 20 percent at the same time their resources are retained.

What can the Parliament do to help to save the Nigeria Ghana trade relation that is fast wallowing into a face-off of high magnitude?

“

I strongly believe in ECOWAS and I believe they are doing something positive towards finally reaching an amicable solution for both countries. In trade, there are countries with more advantage but if there is a collective bargaining in the legal framework, it would alleviate most countries that are disadvantaged

I strongly believe in ECOWAS and I believe they are doing something positive towards finally reaching an amicable solution for both countries. In trade, there are countries with more advantage but if there is a collective bargaining in the legal framework, it would alleviate most countries that are disadvantaged. I believe the regional body is seriously looking into the matter but a strong legislative framework could also help to solve the problem permanently.

What is the focus of the Pan African Parliament during the forthcoming Speakers confab in South Africa?

The focus of the parliament is to find ways and means with which a legal framework that would embrace good governance for African nations and African people. Finding remedies to the problems of insecurity in the continent, food security and employment for the teeming youths in Africa that are jobless. The continental body also needs more constitutional powers to achieve its mandate as spelt out by the founding fathers of the body. You are quite aware that Nigeria is the most populous nation in the continent with a very mobile people. So our thrust is to ensure that our legislative agenda encompasses free movement of people and goods and services within the continent. As for political integration of our continent, that can take place after we have conveniently achieved an economic integration of the continent.

This will form the bulk of our deliberations at the confab and subsequent conferences of the parliament.

Recently the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur called for an integration of African political parties, do you think this is feasible?

The Chairman is doing a wonderful job and do not forget that he is the Chairman of the African Roundtable Business which he has managed very well all over the years. I think it would work out fine and I am always in league with him too to ensure we get most things done to promote Africa.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

NASS to engage Jonathan on outstanding bills

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he House of Representatives yesterday disclosed that the leadership of the National Assembly would engage President Goodluck Jonathan on the need to assent to outstanding bills it passed.

President Jonathan has withheld assent to several bills passed by the National Assembly in recent past and this has added to the frosty relationship between the Legislature and the Executive.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha, gave the assurance while addressing Executive of Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology led

by John Onuorah who solicited for the intervention of the House on the NCFST bill passed on 1st June 2011.

Ihedioha who allayed fears over the annulment of the bills passed by the National Assembly said “the National Assembly has done its responsibility. We are on recess, so when we reconvene we will find out the status of this bill and take it from there.

“Obviously the import of the Nigerian Council of Food and Technology bill cannot be over emphasized as our elders have enumerated the necessity for this bill to become law; it is obviously to address some of our challenges today in the country, particularly wealth creation and job creation which is very key and fundamental to our national stability.

“We will look at it and I’m sure when we look at it, we will get back to you and if there is any other lobby that we need, we would do it, we want to engage the Executive appropriately to ensure that if there are any misunderstanding in regards to the status of this bill,

President Goodluck Jonathan we will try and provide the necessary explanation by facilitating it,” Ihedioha assured.

Speaking earlier, NCFST President, Onurah, explained that the Executive Bill when signed into law, will regulate the training and practice of the profession of food science and technology.

He noted that the bill enjoyed overwhelming support during the debate on the floor of the House and Senates as well as various stakeholders from NAFDAC, SON, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Association of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), many universities and

Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal polytechnics, National Planning Commission during the public hearing.

He said “it is important for the President to give assent to this executive bill for the following reasons: the issues of food safety and food security have become too complex and complicated for the untrained and therefore require professional skills for proper management. Apart from classical issues of food hygiene and sanitation, there is the increasing global concern on the impact of additives, veterinary drug residues, pesticides and other agrochemicals, microbial mutations and radiation contamination on food safety.

There are frequent national and

global alerts on threats to the food supply chain to the extent that several deaths are recorded periodically on account of accidental and/or deliberate contamination of food. Therefore, we require well trained food professionals to mitigate these problems.

“There is need to properly regulate the practice of the profession that deals with the postharvest issues of food in the same manner as the practice of pharmacy is regulated for drugs.

In this way, an agency like NAFDAC that uses professional Pharmacists to regulate drug products will also use professional Food Scientists and Technologists to regulate food products.”

ANPP cautions FG over NUPENG, NLC strike threat

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

ll Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has cautioned the Federal Government over the recent threats by National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on a nationwide strike if government fails to meet demands of fuel importers and PHCN workers respectively.

In a statement issued yesterday through its Publicity Secretary, Emma Eneukwu, the party warned that if the two labour unions eventually down tools, it is the ordinary citizens that will bear the burden, adding that Nigerians have suffered enough over issues of fuel scarcity and labour strikes.

Peoples Daily reports that NUPENG on Monday served Federal government a four-day ultimatum, after which it will embark on a nationwide strike, if government fails to pay outstanding subsidy monies to fuel importers and depot owners.

Again, the NLC warned that it has concluded arrangements to embark on a solidarity industrial action on Wednesday to support workers of the PHCN who are demanding that government should pay them their due severance package before privatizing the power company.

Against this background, ANPP maintains that government should implement the privatization policy with human face, adding that it should also consider the plight Nigerians face over fuel scarcity and negotiate with the oil marketers.

“The ANPP therefore calls on all interests concerned in this sordid national drama to consider the suffering masses and actively seek for a middle ground in the spirit of consensus and patriotism,” the statement read in part.

Salami: National Assembly won’t support perjurer - PDP tells ACN From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

T

he South West Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the call by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the National Assembly’s intervention in the reinstatement of the suspended President Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Isa Ayo Salami, as not only preposterous but criminal.

According to the Zonal Publicity Secretay, Kayode Babade, “No responsible institution will risk its reputation for a judge, who committed perjury, an offence that attracts 14 years jail term.”

He added that the ACN was aware of the pendency of not less than five court cases on Salami’s suspension, including the one instituted by Justice Salami himself, but was only living up to its hypocritical self by asking the National Assembly to compel the president to over-reach the court.

The party said instead of prevailing on President Jonathan

to reinstate Justice Salami, the National Assembly should rather lend its voice to the call for the prosecution of Justice Salami for perjury because involvement of a liar in the administration of justice is a direct invitation to anarchy.

“This is one of the reasons we say these ACN people are incurable hypocrites. As at today, there are two recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC) on Justice Salami. One was for him to be retired and the other that he be

reinstated. The one asking Mr. President to retire him was made last year and the suspended PCA could not be retired because of the case he filed, challenging the recommendation. That case is still pending as at today.

“Again, the NJC report stating that Justice Salami lied on oath, thereby committing perjury is still a subject of various court actions, and no sane individual or organisation would take up the defence a man, who lied on oath

not to even talk of a whole Court of Appeal President.

“It is therefore our advise that the ACN and its town criers should come out clearly and tell Nigerians what their interest is in the Justice Salami issue? Why is it that they are the ones defending the suspended judge, organising protests and mobilising media support for him?

“Are they not indirectly confirming that Justice Salami actually sold Ekiti and Osun States

to the ACN and the party is now paying him back by standing by him during his travails? More so that the travails ware occasioned by the ignoble role he played on the two controversial judgments?

“Therefore, it is our call to the National Assembly that it should assist in the cleansing of our judiciary of liars like Justice Salami by making sure that he (Salami) is tried for perjury and sanctioned in accordance with the laws of the land,” PDP said.

Party Chairman says call for mayoral status for FCT pertinent

T

he FCT Labour Party Chairman, Mr Adejobi Peter, said in Abuja yesterday that the call for mayoral status for the FCT was more relevant now than it was some years ago.

Peter, who made the assertion while reacting to some critical areas requiring constitutional amendment, said that a mayoral

status for the FCT would make administration at the centre easy.

“We need someone that will be accountable, someone that will coordinate the activities of the entire FCT under one administrative umbrella,’’ Peter added.

He said the issue of mayoral status for the FCT was non negotiable even as there was a clamour for an open political space in the country.

Peter said the political landscape of the FCT should be democratised whereby people could vote candidates of their choice, adding that the centre would have to be coordinated by an elected representative other than the minister.

In a related development, the party chairman has said that the panacea for voters apathy is for

political office holders to deliver on their promises.

He said if politicians provided dividends of democracy to the people, the electorate would ensure they came out en masse to vote during elections.

“Let the people reap the benefits of democracy, allow their wishes to prevail then voter apathy would be a thing of the past,” Peter added.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 39

politicise We can’t incite people of Kwara Don’t state police issue, NBA warns for violence, ACN tells PDP T K

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

wara state Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described as false the allegation that it was inciting the people of the state against the government insisting that there was no time or period its member held any meeting with the people to perpetrate violence in the state.

The state Chairman of the party, Mr. Kayode Olawepo, in statement issued in Ilorin yesterday dismissed the allegation leveled against it by PDP when he stated that ”we did not in any way call for civil disobedience. We do not believe in violence and will never incite people to violence.

“The statement is explicit enough. We are unaware of any clandestine meeting between any member of our party and the unpaid workers.

The PDP should bring forward its proof of such, if it has any.

Musawa LG inaugurates 10 clinics, disburses free drugs

T

he Musawa Local Government Council in Katsina yesterday inaugurated 10 new clinics and distributed drugs worth two million naira for free treatment of people in the area.

Speaking while handing over the drugs and other consumables, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the council, Alhaji Tanimu Kira, called for transparency in the handling of the items.

Kira said the effort was aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery in the area, urging health workers as well as members of the community development committees to live up to the expectations of the people.

He explained that 240 casual workers were engaged by the council on a N10,000 monthly allowance to supplement the existing manpower needs in the education and health departments of the council.

He said that a committee was constituted to ensure a smooth running of the centres and to ensure that workers reported to work in accordance with the guidelines of their respective primary schools and hospitals.

The chairman said that facilities worth N1.5 million were provided at the new clinics, adding that the primary healthcare department had also planned to provide routine immunisation and antenatal services in the area.

Kira urged the people to patronise the clinics and cautioned them against self-medication, advising them to report any health abnormality for immediate medical attention.

He advised health workers in the area to report cases beyond their capability to the General Hospital, adding that the council would bear the medical expense of the patient.

We back the 14-day ultimatum given to the state government to resolve the issues of non payment of workers’ salaries. When did it become illegal for workers to demand for what is their right and when did it become illegal for us to express our support for workers’ demand for what affects them and their family?

“Rather than chase shadows and blame its woes on the opposition, the PDP should tell its government to come clean on how it is handling state finances. They should pay the workers their wages and stop pauperizing the people.”

It could be recalled that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara state on Tuesday alleged that it has uncovered plot by the state’s chapter of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to cause civil disobedience in the state.

The party, in a statement signed by its Publicity

Secretary, Alh. Mas’ud Adebimpe, alleged that “impeccable sources confirmed the clandestine mobilization by the ACN’s leadership holding secret meeting with some group

suspected to be outspoken against the government of the day under the pretense that it was sympathizing with the affected workers at local government who were yet to receive their salaries”.

Gov. Abdulfatai Ahmed

PDP to APGA: Tackle your internal crises

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday counseled the leadership of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to squarely face its internal crises and stop diverting attention from the alleged serial undemocratic activities being perpetrated in Imo state.

The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, described as diversionary allegation that it was plotting to cause mayhem in Imo state.

“The Peoples Democratic Party has noted a ridiculously

Chief Victor Umeh

diversionary statement by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Victor Umeh in an obvious attempt to cover up several acts of unlawfulness by the APGA led Imo State government.

Such baseless accusation, a deliberate ploy to mislead, is a window into the internal workings and mindset of the leadership of APGA and that of other opposition parties in Nigeria. In the states where they are in power, they yield no ground for the alternative views. They limit the democratic space and cry wolf when being hunted by the shadows of their infractions on democracy.

This is exactly what is happening in Imo State.”

It continued “Since May 2011 when APGA took over the leadership of Imo State, the members of the Imo State chapter of our great Party have been subjects of state sponsored intimidation and harassment .

They have been victims of the unfortunate desperation of the AGPA leadership to muzzle every opposition. This desperation has driven the Imo State Government into terrible acts of democratic subversion. First was the illegal dissolution of duly elected local council chairmen; the imposition of illegal caretaker committee which is anyway the trademark of APGA in the two states it controls, subtle and unbridled intimidation of the opposition, defiance of court orders and most recently, a hackneyed subversion of the will of the people as expressed in Oguta State Assembly Constituency. Ironically, the same APGA that is suffocating the opposition in the state, using the machinery of the state government to abridge the rights of the members of the PDP is the one raising alarm. “ According to the PDP, the action of APGA in Imo state and that of other opposition Parties in other states is a clear warning that Nigerians should not entrust any opposition party with power at the centre.

“It is by now clear that if APGA or other opposition political parties were to be in power at the centre, Nigeria would have been in for the worst form of civilian dictatorship.

With the enormous powers of the federal government which our great Party controls, we have never been tempted to the fascist style which the opposition political parties have engaged in the states under them.”

he Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned against politicising issue of state police in the interest of Nigerians and national security.

The Chairman, NBA Ilorin branch, Mr Rafiu Balogun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Tuesday that ‘selfish interest and politicking’ were taking centre stage instead of national interest on the matter. ”The issue of state police is such that concerns all Nigerians because of the insecurity ravaging the country. ”Political undertone has begun to creep in, but the best for this nation is to allow room for the creation of the state police. ”Our politicians should not politicise the issue; the creation is constitutional under a true federalism and it is obvious that we do not have enough police that can ensure the lives and properties of Nigerians”, he said.

Balogun urged the Federal Government to reconsider its stance on the matter in view of the security challenges facing the country.

He allayed the fears of abuse of the state police, saying that the bar and the judiciary would be on hand to handle any case of excesses and bring perpetrators to book.

“The issue of security of lives and property is crucial and germane to our existence as a nation and it must be of great concern to any responsible government.

“The NBA strongly urges the Federal Government to have a rethink about the creation because the situation at hand has made it inevitable in the interest of Nigerians”.

Osun sends 2 environmental bills to state Assembly

T

he Osun Government on Tuesday in Osogbo forwarded two bills on environmental sanitation to the state’s House of Assembly.

Mr Bola Ilori, Special Adviser on Environment to the Osun State Government, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview that the bill would spell out penalties for defaulters of environmental sanitation laws.

He listed the bill as the Osun State Waste Management Authority Bill and Osun State Environmental Sanitation Bill.

Ilori warned residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the streets, recalling that government had in 2011 embarked on a 90-day emergency exercise to clean the state.

The special adviser explained that the emergency period was to prepare people for the task ahead and stir up their consciousness for the environment.

Ilori said that after the emergency period, the government had continued to use all machinery at its disposal, including the Osun State Youth Empowerment Scheme to realise its environmental sanitation objectives.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

Boko Haram: Northern Youths welcome talks, blast Shehu Sani

By Tobias Lengnam

T

he Arewa Citizens Action for Change, a pro-active Northern Youth group, has welcomed the on-going talks between the Federal Government and Boko Haram sect, describing it as the only means to achieving lasting peace.

Making the remarks in Abuja, the group through its Coordinator, Nastura Ashir

Sheriff, however berated human rights activist, Shehu Sani for predicting failure for the talks.

Sheriff said that Sani’s predictions have shown him as a man who does not appreciate other people’s efforts but his.

“Why should Shehu Sani arrogate to himself the sole responsibility to think or speak for the Northern people on any issue that concerns them?”

Sheriff queried.

According to him, Shehu’s remarks that the dialogue is bound to fail is predicated on self interest as against the public interest.

“He feels that every dialogue with the Sect must be brokered by him, which is why he criticizes every other initiative,” Sheriff said.

He said that the government and the public should ignore criticisms from people like Shehu Sani who do

not wish the country well.

“People like Sani ought to be brought to book or placed under surveillance because his comments on anything that has to do with the Sect are suspect,” he said.

He also accused the human rights activist of meddling into government affairs, even where it concerns national security which he said was overstepping the limit of tolerance and activism.

“Activism should not be seen to undermine national security, which is what Shehu Sani is doing. He does not want the matter to be settled because he is using his presumed contact with the sect as an enterprise,” Sheriff alleged.

He called on peace-loving citizens to encourage the move so that the nation may see the end of the current security threat.

Lawmaker seeks FG’s intervention in Auchi erosion menace

A

Musawa Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairman, Alhaji Tanimu Kira (right), distributing drugs worth N2 million to representatives of 10 newly inaugurated clinics in the area, to be administered free, yesterday in Musawa, Katsina state.

Photo: NAN

Zamfara Senator kicks against state police From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

S

enator representing Zamfara Central in the Senate, Sen. Kabiru Garba Marata, has kicked against the proposal for the creation of State Police in the country arguing that doing such would only bring disunity in the country.

Marata said those agitating for State Police do not know its implication even as he stressed that what the nation desire is unity so as to collectively face its challenge of insecurity.

The Senator made the disclosure at his residence while speaking to our reporter few days after he celebration

of Eid-el-fitr.

The Vice Chairman of Senate committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental matters who okay the present Police structure in the country said “I am very much against the idea of state police. We have commissioners of police in all the states of the federation,

and these commissioners are answerable to the respective state governors, then what else do we need?”

According to him, as leaders and representatives of the people, what should be uppermost in their minds now is how to leave good legacies behind for in-coming generations of Nigerians.

Ogun election petition tribunal commences sitting on LG polls

T

he Ogun state Election Petition Tribunal yesterday commenced sitting in Ijebu-Ode on the petitions filed by the Labour Party against the July 21 local government elections in the state.

The three -man tribunal headed, by Mr Tunde Ologunde, is scheduled to hear petitions filed by LP candidate for RemoNorth Local Government Area, Mr Adebari Ajayi and seven

other councillorship candidates against the results of the election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the ACN won 19 chairmanship seats out of the 20 local governments.

The party also won 217 councillorship seats out of the 236 wards in the election.

Mr Olabisi Makanjuola, counsel to the petitioner while addressing the court, said that the respondents, (the ACN and

the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) have been duly served with the hearing notice.

Makanjuola, however, said the respondents had yet to respond to the petitions as none of them showed appearances in the court.

He urged the court to fix another day for the hearing, adding that it might be the Sallah holiday that prevented the respondents from

appearing in court.

The tribunal chairman, however, adjourned the hearing of the petition till Sept.

4, stressing that the respondents should be issued and served with the hearing notice.

Ologunde urged the counsel to the petitioners to work toward ensuring the speedy commencement of the hearing, adding that the tribunal has limited time to sit.

member of the House of Representative, Dr Abubakar Momoh, has urged the Federal Government to address the gully erosion problem ravaging Auchi Community in the Etsako West, Local Government Area of Edo. Momoh who is representing Etsako Federal Constituency, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Auchi.

He expressed worry that “the community may go into extinction if nothing urgent was done to address the menace,” saying that erosion had continued to threaten the existence of the community for over a decade.

According to Momoh, previous efforts at arresting the menace failed because of fraudulent award of contracts to incompetent contractors.

While calling for the prosecution of the failed contractors, Momoh said that care must be taken to engage competent contractors in proffering lasting solutions to the erosion problem.

“The erosion problem is pathetic and there is need for urgent solution to the devastating effects of the erosion because this current raining season has been nothing but frightening.

“We have had several houses caving in, many streets cut off as well as loss of lives,” he said.

Momoh said that efforts had been made to draw government’s attention to the problem to tackle the problem.

“As a member of the national legislature between 2003 and 2007, I did my best to ensure the problem received attention and I have not rested since coming back to the house in 2011.

“We are just hoping that the problem receives serious attention from the Federal Government and that the job will be contracted to a competent contractor for a final solution,” he said.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

Amputee Football Federation doubts World Cup participation

T

he Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF) has raised doubts over its participation in the 2012 Amputee World Cup scheduled for Kaliningrad, Russia from Oct. 6 to Oct. 15.

Victor Anusa, NAFF secretary, disclosed in Lagos that this was because the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) was yet to reply to its application for registration.

Anusa said that the federation had completed registration process as required by WAFF, but was still awaiting feedback.

“I have completed the registration process as required by the international body, while waiting for them to reply so that we can commence accreditation process in earnest,’’ he said.

According to Anusa, the continuous delay in feedback by the world body is affecting their preparation for the competition.

“Our players were no longer active in their training schedule due to the delay, they are all skeptical that WAFF might turn down Nigeria’s participation in the competition,” the secretary said.

Some players of the association expressed displeasure over the situation, saying it had affected their training programme and zeal for the football fiesta.

Bright Ali, a goalkeeper, said that although he still trains on his own to maintain his skill, it was not with his teammates whom he said had reduced their training routine.

“I need the training because as a goalkeeper, I must maintain my skill,’’ Ali said.

Another player, Ugochukwu Obieze, said the uncertainty of their participation had left them in a state of disorder because they ought to have been in closed camping now ahead of the biannual fiesta.

“We don’t even know now if we are going or not, but whatever happens, let the federation carry us along,’’ he added.

Lekan Oyeleke, another player said that delay in WAFF reply might affect their accreditation process for the championship.

The Russian City of Kaliningrad accepted the hosting right of the competition after Iran failed to meet hosting standard.

The Russian Organising Committee said it would provide free accommodation, meals and local transportation for all comers, at the competition.

Abraham challenges Stieglitz for WBO title Organisers drop National Stadium from hosting squash tourney

A

rthur Abraham will try to win another title when he takes on Robert Stieglitz in Berlin on Saturday night.

The former IBF middleweight champion is set to challenge Stieglitz for the WBO super-middleweight belt at the O2 World Arena.

Abraham, nicknamed King Arthur, is originally from Armenia but fights out of Germany. The champion is from Russia.

The 32-year-old Abraham has a professional record of 34-3, including 27 knockouts. But he has battled to return to his best since he relinquished the IBF title to fight as a super-middleweight.

He knocked out Jermain Taylor in October 2009 but then lost on a disqualification to Andre Dirrel and on points to Carl Froch in a fight for the vacant WBC super-middleweight belt.

Abraham stopped little-known Stjepan Bozic.in two rounds before losing to Andre Ward in a challenge for the WBA super-middleweight belt.

Earlier this year, he stopped Pablo Natalio Farias in the fifth round and won on points over 12 rounds against another unrated opponent, Piotr Wilczewski.

Stieglitz, 31, who is based in Magdeburg, has not fought at the same level as Abraham but he has a solid record of 42-2, with 23 knockouts.

His first defeat was in March 2007 when he was stopped in three rounds by Alejandro Berrio in a clash for the vacant IBF super-middleweight belt.

He had previously outpointed Berrio.

He then beat Marlon Hayes and South African William Gare before being stopped in the eighth

B

ritain’s double gold medallist Mo Farah will lead a glittering cast of 42 London Olympic medal winners, including 16 champions, when he races over two miles at a Diamond League meeting in Birmingham on Sunday.

Farah, who won the 5 000 and 10 000 metres at the 2012 Games, broke the British indoor record for two miles this year and could this time threaten Steve Ovett’s outdoor mark of 8:13.51 set in 1978.

Another British gold medallist, Greg Rutherford, faces Olympic triple jump

T

Arthur Abraham round by Librado Andrade.

Victories over Fawaz Nasir, Lukas Wilaschek, Dmitri Protkunas and Jindrich Velecky took him to a challenge for the WBO super-middleweight belt in August 2009. He won the title by knockout out Karoly Balzsay in the eleventh round.

Stieglitz has made successful defences against Ruben Eduardo Acosta, Eduard Gutknecht, Enrique Ornelas, Khoren Gevor and Henry Weber. In his most recent defence, in May this year, he won on points against Nader Hamdan.

Experts regard Stieglitz as the better boxer and Abraham will have to rely on his knockout power to be “King” again.

Farah leads stellar lineup in Birmingham champion Christian Taylor of the US in the long jump.

Australia’s Mitchell Watt and American Will Claye, who were second and third in the long jump, also compete.

All three medallists from the 110 metres hurdles champion Aries Merritt, runnerup Jason Richardson and Hansle Parchment - will be in action in Birmingham.

Perennial rivals and Olympic gold and silver medallists

Shelly-Ann FraserPryce of Jamaica and US sprinter Carmelita Jeter go head-to-head

again in what should be another keenly contested women’s 100 metres.

Mo Farah

Hamilton, Ugbade, others laud Falconts, Brazil draw Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic

US Open draw holds today as more withdraw

D

raws for this year’s US Open will be held today even two-time major champion Svetlana Kuznetsova and top-20 players Kaia Kanepi and Flavia Pennetta have pulled out of the tournament.

The US Tennis Association did not give reasons for the three withdrawals.

Kuznetsova won the 2004 title at Flushing Meadows, and added the 2009 French Open championship. She’s been ranked as high as No 2 but is only 48th this week.

The 15th-ranked Kanepi withdrew from Wimbledon and the London Olympics because of a heel injury.

Pennetta is ranked 18th. After the draws today, attention will turn to next Monday when play is expected to begin.

F

ormer Super Eagles Coach, Paul Hamilton, and some ex-internationals, have expressed satisfaction with the Super Falconets’ 1-1 draw against Brazil at the ongoing FIFA Women U-20 World Cup in Japan.

In the game played in the early hours of yesterday in Saitama, Japan, the Falconets took the lead in the 44 th minute through Francisca Ordega, but Brazil got the equaliser in the 87th minute through Giovanna Oliviera.

Speaking on telephone after the match, Hamilton expressed satisfaction with the result and went on to predict that the Falconets would go a step further than they did two years ago, when they lost in the final.

“The team is in top shape because the players have been exposed to a lot of international matches that have strengthened them. I am tipping them to do better than they did two years ago, where they lost to Germany in the final. I am hopeful they will win the tournament,” he said.

Also, former Eagles goalkeeper, Joseph Dosu, described their performance as brilliant,

adding that the result was not a surprise to him and hopes that they would get to the final for the second consecutive time.

“I am not surprised with the result; in fact they were unlucky to have conceded a late goal that denied them the maximum points. We have a good team and I believe they will win their next game, as well as get to the final of the competition,” he said.

Another former Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju, said that the draw was an impressive result and advised the team against complacency in their next match.

“It is an impressive result coming against one of the strongest teams in women football, but my advice to them is to avoid complacency in their next match,” Adepoju said.

Nduka Ugbade, another former Super Eagles player, also urged the team not to feel disappointed with the draw, but should be focused on winning their next match.

The Falconets currently top Group B with four points and will play their final group match against Italy on Sunday, where a win will guarantee them the group’s top spot.

he Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 4th Lagos Open Squash T o u r n a m e n t yesterday dropped the National Stadium as one of the venues hosting the ongoing squash tournament.

The stadium, along with three others Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club and Eagles Club were initially selected to host the event.

“The logistics problems we encountered along the line compelled them to drop the venue,’’ Adeleke Wellington, a member of LOC, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He, however, declined to give further details on the reason for dropping the National Stadium.

A NAN correspondent covering the competition observed that the poor state of facilities at the squash courts of the National Stadium might have been responsible for the sudden decision to drop it as one of the venues.

The courts are in decrepit state the seats have been uprooted, the floors peeled off and smell of feces, while the playing courts are poorly lit.

Meanwhile, the senior and U-16 categories have been featuring in the competition, which took off on Aug. 21.

The championship, which was earlier scheduled to begin on Aug. 19, was held up for two days following protest by players against the payment of N5,000 participations fees charged by the organisers.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

Transfer

The season is over. Clubs are counting their blessing as well as losses and would like to make amends and even beef up their squads where noticeable lapses exist. And the transfer market remains agog just as it was 24 hours after major European leagues dropped the curtain.

And so to keep abreast with latest rumours, we begin daily doses of movements within the market both for players and coaches like.

PAGE 43

Stoke accept Huddlestone on loan

T

ottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone is on the verge of completing a season-long loan move to Stoke City.

Huddlestone, 25, undergo a medical at the Britannia Stadium yesterday and the deal could be completed by the

end of the day.

Earlier yesterday, Stoke winger Jermaine Pennant used Twitter to reveal that Huddlestone was set to move to the Potteries from North London, writing that he had seen him when he arrived for training at City’s Clayton Wood

complex.

Huddlestone, who has struggled to establish himself in the first-team frame at White Hart Lane recently, had been linked with a loan switch to Aston Villa after Andre Villas-Boas told him he could go elsewhere to find playing time.

QPR ponder Carvalho, Dawson

squad. However, he is a solid centre back even if he lacks some pace.

Carvalho, who won 75 Portugal caps, knows London well having spent six seasons at Chelsea and being a mainstay in their title-winning teams of 2005 and 2006 before moving to Real Madrid in 2010.

Q Nuri Sahin

Sahin set for Arsenal loan

R

eal Madrid boss Jose Mourinho believes it would best for all parties if midfielder Nuri Sahin spends this season on loan at a Premier League club.

Mourinho is thought to be keen to be keen to retain Sahin long-term but, with Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira, Lass Diarra and Esteban Granero all ahead of him in the pecking order, is prepared to allow the Turkey international to spend the season away from the Bernabeu.

The Madrid coach suggested that Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham were all potential options and a year at any of these clubs would help him develop as a player.

Sahin, 23, was signed by Madrid for •10 million from Borussia Dortmund 12 months ago, but arrived injured and featured little last season.

ueens Park Rangers continued to be one of the most active English clubs in the transfer market with Tottenham Hotspur’s Michael Dawson and Real Madrid’s Ricardo Carvalho both linked with the club.

QPR and Spurs have agreed a fee for England international Dawson, whose move from north to west London would come as a surprise.

Dawson, 28, was injured for much of last season and was left out of England’s Euro 2012

Arsenal Launch Bid for Newcastle United Enforcer

A

rsenal are reportedly considering making a surprise bid for Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote as Arsene Wenger looks to add more steel to his squad.

The Gunners boss sees the St James’ Park enforcer as the ideal man to replace Alex Song, who has completed a £15m move to Barcelona.

Chieck Tiote has enjoyed two successful campaigns at St James’ Park since his £3.5m arrival from FC Twente but Alan Pardew has himself admitted that he is concerned that his side’s successes could lead to unwanted attention from prospective suitors.

Tiote has made 53 appearances for Newcastle United and his only goal coincidentally came in the form of a wonder-strike that capped a superb comeback by the Toon Army as Pardew’s men secured a 4-4 draw with Arsenal having been 4-0 down.

Cheick Tiote

Sunderland set to land Fletcher West Ham offer Wolves £10m for

S

underland has agreed a fee with Wolves for striker Steven Fletcher, according to reports. Sunderland has spent most of the summer chasing Fletcher, 25, and had seen a bid of £10 million rejected earlier in the window.

Fletcher was left out of Wolves squad for their openingday defeat to Leeds United at the weekend, and it is believed he is keen to move to Wearside, having submitted a transfer request earlier this month.

Newcastle battle Fulham for £4.5m FC Twente star

N

ewcastle and Fulham are battling it out for FC Twente defender Douglas. The Brazil-born star had been reluctant to leave Holland until he passed the five-year mark which is required for him to qualify for the Dutch national team.

Both Fulham and Newcastle have reportedly bid £4.5million for the star, with Twente Coach Steve McClaren resigned to seeing him leave.

The former England boss has lined up Manchester City’s Dedryck Boyata as a replacement.

Jarvis

W

est Ham has made a fourth bid, worth a potential £10m, for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis.

The Championship club have turned down three previous bids from the Hammers, but are considering the latest offer, which would give them £7m up front.

West Ham manager Sam

Chelsea table £35million for oberto Di Matteo Cavani will make a

R

Manchester United offered new deal to Welbeck

E

ngland int’l striker Danny Welbeck has committed his immediate future to Manchester United by signing a new four-year deal.

Welbeck’s contract will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2016, extending his stay at a club he joined five years ago.

The announcement follows on from the acquisition of Dutch striker Robin Van Persie, who completed his move from Arsenal last week.

The 21-year-old Welbeck has scored 17 times in 64 appearances for the club and enjoyed a breakout campaign last season after returning from a loan spell at Sunderland.

Edinson Cavani

Adriano rejoins Flamengo

B

razilian striker Adriano has accepted the offer of a short-term contract to rejoin former side Flamengo until December.

Adriano, 30, has enjoyed a tough couple of

Allardyce has been tracking Jarvis, 26, all summer and is now hopeful of completing a deal before Saturday’s trip to Swansea City.

Jarvis, who has made one international appearance for England, played for Wolves in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Barnsley, after which manager Stale Solbakken gave his thoughts on the player’s future.

seasons since returning to Brazilian football, struggling to battle his personal demons and suffering a succession of fitness setbacks.

A powerful forward, “The Emperor” was released by Corinthians

£35million swoop to bring Napoli ace Edinson Cavani to Chelsea.

The Blues boss is desperate to bring in another striker before the transfer deadline on August 31 and wants the Uruguay international.

But if the deal stalls Di Matteo could splash out £45m on his second choice Porto’s Brazilian striker Hulk.

It is understood Blues will hold talks with both clubs next week when Chelsea’s top brass are in Monaco for the Champions League draw.

in March after a year at the club which brought just four appearances and one solitary goal.

With Flamengo president Patricia Amorim facing upcoming elections, the outcome of Adriano’s loan move could decide her fate.

Antonio Cassano

AC Milan confirmed Cassano, Pazzini swap

A

C Milan has confirmed that they have completed a swap deal with Inter Milan involving Italy forwards Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini.

Cassano, 30, was at training with Inter and Pazzini, 28, with Milan yesterday morning and, following successful medicals.

AC Milan announces that it has acquired outright from FC Internazionale Giampaolo Pazzini and simultaneously has sold Antonio Cassano outright to FC Internazionale.”

Milan have paid Inter a fee in the region of •7 million as part of the deal, which came to pass after Cassano had grown disenchanted with the club after seeing the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva depart.

Adrian Mutu

Mutu join Ajaccio from cesena

F

ormer Fiorentina and Juventus forward Adrian Mutu is set to join AC Ajaccio after he broke his contract with Italy’s Cesena, the Ligue 1 club’s president Alain Orsoni said yesterday.

The 33-year-old Mutu spent most of his career in Italy, enjoying his most successful spells at Parma and Fiorentina.

The frontman is also known for having been banned for seven months in 2004 after failing a drug test for cocaine.

He was sacked by Chelsea and later condemned to pay them •17 million in damages.

He was then banned for six months in 2010 for failing a doping test when at Fiorentina.

Mutu, who once had a major spat with Fiorentina’s president after demanding a move, has also been in trouble for throwing punches on and off the field.

Spurs close in on £20m William

T

ottenham are close to capturing Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk for £20million as they reignited interest in Leandro Damiao in an attempt to add Brazilian flair to their strike force.

But he is close to adding Willian and Damiao to the squad after securing Emmanuel Adebayor on a permanent £5m deal on Tuesday.

He scored 19 goals in 129 games and won three league titles, four Ukrainian cups and one UEFA Cup at the club.

Villas-Boas also hopes to land Brazil striker Damiao from Internacional after interest was registered earlier in the month.

The 23-year-old striker won a silver medal at the Olympics and was tournament top scorer with six goals.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

True records were set at the London Olympic Games.

So were new champions, stars and budding prospects born. hough Olympics football is far less in prestige to the FIFA World Cup Finals, it nonetheless serves as an oasis for the fresh new breed of stars who are most likely to take the soccer world by storm in a few years time. That may be sooner than later for a good number of the fledglings who twinkled and shone like stars.

The Olympics’ U-23 status, and position between the end of one FIFA World Cup and the beginning of the next, guarantees this crucial developmental role, and every fan watching London 2012 will have been on the look-out for potential stars of Brazil 2014. Sure enough, several players staked a strong claim to be considered key men, and FIFA.com looks over some of those who made the biggest impression.

For Mexico, gold medals weren’t the only prize with which they returned from the UK. The blossoming of Oribe Peralta, 28, into a proven match-winner represented an unexpected boon, and the Santos Laguna star’s decisive double in the final has left him a sought-after figure in Europe. “England, Italy or Spain - there are plenty of choices,” he said recently.

“This experience can change your life.” Though Peralta grabbed the headlines, the performances of his 21year-old team-mate Jorge Enriquez were every bit as impressive, with this powerful, box-to-box midfielder as influential in Mexico’s Olympic campaign as he had been in their FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph a year earlier.

Crestfallen though they were, there were also crumbs of comfort for beaten finalists Brazil. Some scintillating performances from Oscar, for example, left the Chelsea youngster in pole position to assume playmaking responsibilities in 2014, while the likes of Neymar and Marcelo affirmed their status as key men.

Yet the most significant bonus for Mano Menezes was the form of Leandro Damiao.

The Internacional striker had failed to score in any of his eight international appearances prior to London 2012, but having arrived at the tournament with the tag of potential weak link, he left as its top scorer and with one hand on the No9 shirt for the FIFA World Cup. “It’s up to me to keep on playing well to have more chances with the national team,” he said after the tournament. “Hopefully I will. Despite not having won gold, Mano gave us this vow of confidence.”

Should Leandro Damiao line up for Brazil in 2014, chances are he will come up against some of the players

T

who pushed him all the way in the top-scorer race at London 2012. His principal challenger,Senegal’s Moussa Konate, averaged a goal every 76 minutes before bidding farewell to the tournament at the quarter-final stage, and is now being touted for a big move. The Lions of Teranga aren’t exactly short of striking talent, but they may well look to re-establish at senior level the potent partnership between Konate, 19, and Pape Souare, their overlapping full-back and set piece expert.

Another productive alliance that looks likely to be reprised during FIFA World Cup qualifying is in Korea Republic’s midfield. Crucial to the Taeguk Warriors’ historic third-place finish was the slick link-up play between Ki Sungyueng and Koo Jacheol, and both are sure to be influential figures in the Asian Zone preliminaries. The same seems certain to be true of Yuki Otsu, the lively attacking midfielder who shot down Spain and provided much of Japan’s attacking verve. At the other end, Maya Yoshida was the rock around which a defence that began the tournament with four straight clean sheets was built, and the centre-half departed the UK having made a compelling case for further senior involvement.

Elsewhere, Honduras had the attacking duo of Roger

Yuki Otsu of Japan

2014 World Cup beckons on budding London Olympic stars Espinoza and Jerry Bengston to thank for the colourful and energetic brand of football that endeared them to British fans, while Zakaria Labyadconfirmed his status as Morocco’s rising star with one of the tournament’s great goals. And fans in Oceania can surely look forward to seeing a great deal more of another of the tournament’s youngsters.

Though still just 18, Tim Payne patrolled the New Zealand midfield with a maturity and match intelligence that belied his tender years. Among those wowed by his performances was the Kiwis’ coach, Neil Emblem. “It’s unbelievable how comfortable Tim is for us in a position with such responsibility at such a major tournament,” he said. “I have no doubt that he’ll find his way.”

Tim Payne of Newzealand

Whether that way will lead to Brazil 2014, only time will tell. But Payne and his fellow Olympic standouts have undoubtedly given their FIFA World Cup hopes a significant boost.

Jorge Enriquez of Mexico

Koo Jacheol, South Korea

Moussa Konate, Senegal

Jerry Bengston, Honduras

Oscar of Brazil

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

PAGE 45

A// The LOC has started recruiting volunteers for the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 and 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

B// FIFA.com reviews the latest action from Japan 2012 with four tight matches leaving Groups A and B well poised as Japan and Nigeria missed an opportunity to advance, while Switzerland became the first team to exit the competition.

C// Arsenal are reportedly considering making a surprise bid for Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote as Arsene Wenger looks to add more steel to his squad.

D// Manchester City have been boosted by the news that Sergio Aguero is set to return to action after the international break following a scan on his knee injury.

E// Gaston Ramirez will not be joining Premier League newcomers Southampton despite publicly declaring that he was set to move to the club from Bologna.

F// Jose Mourinho believes it would best for all parties if Nuri Sahin spends this season on loan at a Premier League club.

G// Milan have confirmed that they have completed a swap deal with Inter involving Italy forwards Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini.

A

D

B

Pictorial

C

E

F

G

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

Coaches, others laud Jonathan’s order on sports overhaul

18th NSF will be used to showcase traditional sports, says Coach

I

banga Edet, the Head Coach of the Lagos State Traditional Sports Association, has said tha the 18thNational Sports Festival would be used as an avenue to showcase the growth in the Sports.

Ibanga said in Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre that the festival would be used to prove to Nigerians that the sports could also be elevated into the curricular of major international competitions. ‘’We are on top of our preparations and we intend to give it all it takes to make it worthwhile. Of a truth, one day the traditional sports will meet all international sports and will graduate into becoming one of the Olympic games, ‘’he said.

Ibanga added that the sports were gradually gaining grounds at the grassroots,and had been introduced in schools and had competitions staged.

He added that the major challenge the association faced was in the area of finance, which could only be solved by viable investors. ‘’We are appealing to private individuals , traditional rulers and all sport lovers to come and support the sports. Some traditional rulers are beginning to support the sports, but we need more, so as to reinforce and encourage the athletes, ‘’ the coach said.

Ibanga stressed that the only way the athletes could get better in the art of traditional sports was through regular competitions.

C

oaches and sports analysts have expressed delight with President Goodluck Jonathan’s order for the overhaul of the sports sector, in a bid to intensify preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games.

The Minister of Information and Communication, Mr Labaran Maku, had announced the president’s order after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja last week.

The coaches admitted that the time had come for the sports sector to be fully looked into, in order to avoid further embarrassments in international competitions.

Former Super Falcons Coach, Paul Hamilton, said that he supported the overhaul of the sports ministry, adding that the country’s inability to win a medal at the London Games was shameful.

He said that frequent changes in sports administration and late preparations were part of the problems facing sports, but he, however, called for caution in the reorganisation process.

“Overhauling should be handled with care and a good frame of mind, to ensure that the right people are made to run sports.

“People who have the knowledge of sports, with a keen interest for progress, should be given the opportunity to be on the saddle and not selfish individuals,” he said.

Also reacting, Lateef Erinfolami, Head coach of First Deep Water Basketball Club of Lagos, said the decision was a step in the right direction.

He added that the time had come for the right people and the right structures to be put in place, in order to be able to get it right in 2016.

“I am excited about this because some wrong some people have been there for the wrong reasons and the time has come for us to take a bold step forward.

“The right structures should equally be put in place and proper renovation work must be done to revive sports facilities,” Erinfolami said.

Chris Eseka, a sports analyst, said that the decision was long overdue, adding that a lot of administrators had overstayed their tenure.

Eseka advised that the selection should not be done with sentiments, but based on integrity and the desire to effect a change.

“We must not be biased in choosing who to run our sports because that will seem like we are taking a step forward and two steps backward,” Eseka said.

Ferguson Oluigbo, President, Taekwondo Referee’s Association, said that employing sport experts in various fields would give Nigerian sports a new face.

“What we need to do to is to engage notable sport experts that will give our sports the right impetus for growth.

“The person has to be a citizen of this country so that when things go wrong, there will be someone to be held responsible,” he said.

Femi Babafemi, former head coach of the Lagos State Amateur Boxing Association, noted that the decision would play a key role in reviving sports.

“This will go a long way in reviving our sports. If he is able to implement it, we will be on the right track,” he said.

Tunde Disu, a former Flying Eagles coach, said that re-organising the sports sector would lay a good foundation for sports.

“It is high time for things to be done correctly; it is a shame we had to lose woefully at the Olympics before this decision was taken.

“Going in the right direction requires that only qualified persons should be put in the right places in the sports federations,” Disu said.

The next Olympic Games will be hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016.

1

2

Participation fees stalls take off squash tourney

T

3

4 (1) Segun Toriola, (2) Edith Ogoke, (3) Ajoke Odumosu, (4) Felix Ekpo, all failed to win any medal at the London Olympics

he 4th Lagos Open Squash Rackets Championship has been abandoned for a second day running over disagreements by players on payment of the N5, 000 participations fees charged by the organisers. It was earlier scheduled to begin on Sunday.

The players were said to have criticised the accreditation procedures put in place by the tournaments organisers.

The players and officials failed to agree on N5, 000 participation fees demanded by the organisers from each of the players, which they claimed was too high.

It was gathered that the players were pressing for the fees to be reduced to N2, 000 per player.

According to them, since some of the players have come from outside Lagos, the high fees will affect the funds for their daily up keep for the period of the event.

As a result of the disagreements, the accreditation which was to have started on Aug. 19 was postponed to Monday.

It was gathered that the players and officials would hold another round of meetings to try to resolve the issues.

Yinka Ojerinde, a player from Rivers told NAN the N5, 000 fees levied was certainly high. “Some players have come from far places for this tournament. We have to fend for ourselves. They need to reduce the amount so that we can cope.

“Although the organisers have spoken to us and assured that all the issues will be resolved before the tournament will go on,’’ Ojerinde said.

Amara Onyekachi, another participant, also lamented the failure of the accreditation to hold.

“The officials came and told us not to panic that the competition will go on as planned; they are presently in a meeting to resolve issues.

“We want the fees be reduced to N2, 000. It has been tiring waiting under the sun for things to be put in order.,” Onyekachi said.

The competition scheduled for Aug. 19 to Aug 26 had been planned for four venues the National Stadium, Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos Lawn Tennis and Eagles Clubs.

About N10 million will be up for grabs in prizemoney by participants.

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Billionaire investor, Soros, buys 78.5% stake in Man United

B

illionaire investment king George Soros is backing Manchester United to score in the financial markets as well as on the pitch – after taking a multi-millionpound punt on the club.

The US hedge fund titan bought a 7.85 per cent stake in the club’s Class A shares after it was floated on the New York Stock Exchange earlier this month, The Sun of London reports.

It represents around 1.9 per cent of Man Utd’s total estimated market value. The Class B shares – which carry greater voting rights – were not included in the Initial Public Offering on August 9.

The flotation raised £148 million, which will be split equally between the club’s coffers and Manchester United’s controversial owners, the Florida-based Glazer family.

Soros, whose firm Soros Fund Management controls around £16bn in assets and is one of Wall Street’s most influential figures, announced his fund now owns 3,114,588 Class A shares in Manchester United Plc. His investment is a sign of faith in the club after a disappointing defeat in the team’s season opener against Everton, despite an appearance from star summer signing Robin Van Persie< the report said.

The club floated in New York at $14 a share, well below the expected range of $16 to $20, and the shares have slipped to just over $13 when markets closed on Monday – before Soros’s report to the SEC regulator disclosing his stake in the club.

The Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football team, bought Manchester United for £790million in 2005 in a controversial deal funded with huge loans.

Fans have criticised the Glazers for over-levering the once debt-free club. Manchester United’s debt load stood at over £437million at the end of June this year.

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0803 0805 0803 0805 0803

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE NUPENG is anti-Nigerians. (It) is siding with the wrong people. There is no reason for NUPENG to hold Nigerians to ransom on behalf of people who have been taking public money for fuel they ozi Ok onjo-Iw eala, did not supply — Dr Dr.. Ng Ngo Okonjo-Iw onjo-Iweala, Finance Minister

Sifting fact from fiction (I) A

colleague recently sent me a You-tube video link in which Hillary Clinton ((the United States' (US) secretary of state)) is seen explaining the history of how the (in)famous Taliban of Afghanistan were literally groomed and armed by the triad of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United States in the 1980's to deal with the then Soviet (Communist) Russia. It set me thinking. Few Nigerians ever seem to realise that conservative, theocratic, totalitarian Saudi Arabia is actually one of the United States' staunchest allies. (While theocratic, progressive and much more democratic Iran is enemy number one!) Right now.

In the video, Clinton paints a clear picture of how apparently contradictory strands teamed up to sow something that has come back to haunt them.

A conservative, minority strain of Islam found in Saudi Arabia (Wahabi Islam) teamed up with the democratic, secular, capitalist United States to work with the autocratic and secretive Pakistani intelligence services to drive out the Soviet Union from a fourth country, Afghanistan!

In the context of our current circumstances such historical journeys are more than ever essential. I made the mistake of recently browsing through one or two of the various 'Naija' internet fora to find a raging and frankly offending controversy over how the Qur'an instructs, sanctions and directs the indiscriminate killing of any non-Muslim.

I was astounded at the amount of time and effort devoted to the 'assignment' of the chopping up, selecting and listing of scores of Qur'anic verses that refer to armed warfare. Not only was this done in an obscene, illogical manner, taking whole verses out of their context, it was quickly obvious that some of the 'translations' seemed to even tamper with certain words! The fanaticism reminiscent of the dark days of the Middle Ages (in Europe) actually scared me.

As I thought about this recurring contradiction in perceptions, I recalled the natural revulsion that I felt for the early manifestations of this so-called Islamic 'terrorism' in Algeria of 1991. It was just after the cancellation of the first democratic elections in Algeria by the country's military. The election had been about to be won by a party with Islamic credentials.

The military cancelled the election and the Democratic West supported the cancellation.

Then a campaign of

311 689 606 327 454

7458 1765 3308 1969 0344

CAR TEL OPIA CARTEL TELOPIA

By Aisha Yolah ayolah06@yahoo.com 08086296783 (text only please)

Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State inexplicable violence and brutality began - families, whole villages would have their throats slit at night. In the morning the Algerian military establishment would tell the world that it was Islamic militants who had done it...! I remember agonising, listening to and reading every possible analysis of these hideous killings being done in the name of Islam, my religion, my Deen. It was terrible.

Today, if you Google 'Algeria terrorism' you will find references to this campaign of violence as having been one of those 'false flag operation' once discussed in this column. The suggestion is that many of these killings were actually the work of the Algerian secret police eg. 'British intelligence

believed the Algerian government was involved in atrocities'-The Guardian(UK)21/03/2000, 'Terrorist case collapses after three y e a r s ' . ( h t t p : / / www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2000/ mar/21/richardnortontaylor) The idea was to instil such horror in the people for Islamist 'anything' that come next elections they would not vote a particular way, if you know what I mean.

As I reflected over this recurring obsession by apparently educated Nigerians with mutilating Islam to fit the Youtube pronouncements of the leader of a secret, violent group of wellarmed gunmen/suicide bombers , I remembered that even the report on the World Trade Centre attacks of September 2001 known as the 9/11 Commission Report, made a clear demarcation between Islam and the ideology of jihadi terrorism. The document is in the public domain as a secure PDF document.

Its passages make very interesting reading as they not only describe minute by minute details of that September 2001 attack on the US but also the rationale of the alleged perpetrators, Al-Qaeda and Bin Laden. In section 2.1 entitled 'A Declaration of War' the report discusses the ideological motivation of Bin Laden. In February 1998 the report says, a

“

As I reflected over this recurring obsession by apparently educated Nigerians with mutilating Islam to fit the You-tube pronouncements of the leader of a secret, violent group of well-armed gunmen/suicide bombers , I remembered that even the report on the World Trade Centre attacks of September 2001 known as the 9/11 Commission Report, made a clear demarcation between Islam and the ideology of jihadi terrorism

40-year old Bin laden and his second in command Ayman alZawahiri, issued a 'fatwa' or Islamic ruling which they got published in an Arabic language paper based in London.

This fatwa issued in the name of 'the World Islamic Front' stated that America had declared war on God and His Messenger [SAWS], and that therefore the murder of any American was the duty of any Muslim, anywhere, anytime. The 9/11 report goes on to quote an interview given three months later by Bin Laden in which he supposedly expands on this fatwa by saying 'We believe the worst thieves in the world today and the worst terrorists in the world today are Americans...We do not have to differentiate between civilian and military targets. As far as we are concerned, they are all legitimate targets'.

The authors of the 9/11 report repeatedly state that this ideology was not only novel to Islam but also openly opposed by respected scholars of Islam, even in Bin Laden's native Saudi Arabia.

The report: 'Though novel for its open endorsement of indiscriminate killing, Bin Laden's 1998 declaration was only the latest in a long series of public and private calls since 1992 that singled out the United States for attack. ' p 48.

Crucially , a fatwa as the report defines, is 'normally an interpretation of Islamic law by a respected Islamic authority but neither Bin Laden, Zawahiri nor any of the three others who signed this [February] statement were scholars of Islamic law.'

Given the clear departure from established norms in this Al-Qaeda ideology the report embarks on extensive analysis of how despite its novelty it manages to acquire followers and appeal in parts of the Muslim world. Reasons listed include Bin Laden's appeal to the collective memory of a once great Islamic empire, attribution of the world's problems to the political and economic excesses (domination) of the US and the stagnant economies of much of the Muslim world with a 'large, steadily increasing population of young men without any reasonable expectation of suitable or steady employment'. p 54 Such large numbers of frustrated young men are the report asserts, 'easy targets for radicalisation.'

Bear in mind please that the 9/11 attack, the subject of this US government report, was the basis for which the US 'retaliated' by invading both Iraq and Afghanistan.

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