Peoples Daily Newspaper

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 10 No. 19

Thursday, January 24, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Senate clears Defence, Power ministers >> PAGE 3

Islamiyya school teacher defiles six-year-old >> PAGE 5

Rabiul Awwal 12, 1434 AH

N150

Crash site: Home owner wants N500m from Dana >> PAGE 3

12 killed as gunmen launch attacks in Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

N

o fewer than 12 persons were killed when unknown gunmen carried out multiple attacks and detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in different parts of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, between Tuesday and yesterday.

Two of the suspected assailants

were among the dead, after they were trailed and killed by operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF).

The latest spate of violence came 24 hours after another group of gunmen stormed a local market in Damboa town, the administrative headquarters of Damboa local government area and killed 18 hunters.

In yesterday's attacks, one person was gunned down by two

gunmen who invaded London Ciki Ward at about 10.30 am, firing several shots into the air before heading to the house of the victim and shot him at close range.

The identity of the deceased who reportedly died on the spot due to excessive bleeding could not be ascertained as at press time.

Later in the day, a heavy explosion was heard in several areas of Maiduguri metropolis, when an improvised explosive

device went off in Kalari Ward.

The blast was followed by a gun battle between some insurgents and JTF personnel which lasted for over an hour.

Although the number of casualties recorded on both sides was not clear, the incident led to the total disruption of business and social activities in the areas with major roads being deserted.

A stampede also broke out as vehicular and pedestrian

movements were also suspended as dozens of soldiers in patrol vehicles, backed by armuored tanks cordoned the entire neighborhood, forcing residents to stay indoors.

Also yesterday, another group of gunmen invaded Jiddari Polo Ward and slaughtered five persons. The incident occurred at about 3.am when the assailants allegedly Contd on Page 2

PDP wants Jonathan to contest in 2015

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday filled an application before a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to be joined in the suit filed by a Port Harcourt based legal practitioner and PDP card carrying member, Henry Amadi.

Amadi wants the court to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from putting himself forward or participating as a candidate for election to the office of the President at the end of his current term of office in 2015.

Amadi joined Jonathan and Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

23rd Jan., 2013

CBN RATES $ ÂŁ EURO CFA RIYAL

BUYING 154.72 24576 205.99 0.2953 41.25

SELLING 155.73 24735 207.32 0.3153 41.52

PARALLEL RATES EURO ÂŁ RIYAL $

BUYING 208 254.50 42 157

SELLING 210 257.50 43 158

Police Anti-Bomb Squad Unit with explosives recovered from Plateau, yesterday in Jos.

Photo: NAN

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

CONTENTS

Nigerians proffer solutions on nation building

News

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

S/Report

24-25

Earth

26-27

Update

28-29

P

rominent Nigerians converged on Abuja yesterday to deliberate on the myriad of problems plaguing the nation with corruption, nationbuilding and an x-ray of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration taking centre stage.

The ceremony was the 10th Daily Trust Dialogue with the theme, “Nation Building: Challenges and Reality,” at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel during which a former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, noted that Nigeria’s problems may not be unconnected with the neglect of agricultural potentials.

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese , Bishop Mathew Kukah, described the nation as lacking focus even as he dismissed insinuations that a revolution is imminent.

According to him, “if you have a broken car, what you are looking for is a mechanic and not a manufacturer.

“Right now, we are not even looking for leaders like Mandela.

We need mechanics. There are few Nigerians ready to separate being in office and being in power.

“Almost every Nigerian President has come to power purely by accident. Their good luck has been our bad luck.

“It will be an extra-ordinary life if we want to live in a country without problems. - I have listened to a lot of people talk on this matter but I can tell you this: No revolution is going to happen in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a country of paradox. It has crude oil but imports refined petrol.

“Nigerians should not be apologetic when we are talking about corruption. Nigerians should be more concerned about impunity, the fact that people can murder people and get away with it and today in Nigeria, you are either extremely and dangerously rich or extremely poor.”

For Dr. Sule Bello, Director of African Research and Development Agency, the ravaging poverty in the land is what he described as the fallout of economic and political corruption, “thus making institutions like the

EFCC to look like debt collectors at best and attack dogs at the worst.

“The government of today, whether we like it or not, is a government that the people at a point, put in place but the people are disappointed in the government that it has put in place.

“If therefore the government notes and feels that it can, within the next two half year can live up to the expectations of the people, then it stands a chance.

“As we look forward to watch the government celebrate what I call nothing, I think that the money can be better used to face the problems of the country.”

A prominent human rights activist, Ms Ann-kio Briggs, also faulted Federal Government’s resolve to mark the centenary celebration of Nigeria arguing that, “there is nothing that we can say that we have in Nigeria that we can be proud of.

“In building nationhood, democratic governance has remained elusive.

I want to put is to us that the challenges Nigeria faces in building a nation will remain elusive

because we are not prepared to tell us the truth. We do not have a common identity as Nigerians.

We must recognize and respect ourselves for who we are and what we can bring as Nigerians.

“I think the problem we have had all along is the pretense that everything is okay because we share one name called Nigeria, even though we are from different ethnic groups and our first loyalties are to that ethnic group.

“This nation faces a number of challenges, but we do not face a hopeless situation.”

Also speaking at the programme, Femi Falana (SAN), of the West African Bar Association, noted that, “in other places, the process of integration is the norm but here in Nigeria, the process of disintegration is the norm.

In his keynote address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, said that Nigerians should stand together and count the nation’s blessings as, according to him, “one of the benefits of democracy is the equal say in the manner in which we are governed.”

PDP wants Jonathan to contest in 2015 LG autonomy: Why are state governors afraid?

Page 4

Newsxtra Int’l

30 31-34

Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-46

Leisure

47

Columnist

48

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

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

Contd from Page 1 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the 1st and 2nd defendants respectively in the said suit.

The plaintiff contended that Jonathan is no longer viable to contest in 2015 on the grounds that by so doing he would be spending more than the maximum period of two terms of four years envisaged by the 1999 constitution.

In its application seeking to join as necessary party, the PDP asked the court to make an order joining it as a defendant in the suit.

The joinder application which was filed by the PDP National Legal Adviser, Mr Kwon Victor, also prayed the court to make consequential order directing the plaintiff to amend his originating processes to reflect PDP as a defendant and cause same to be served on the party.

The ruling party, in the affidavit in support of its application, argued that from the reliefs sought by the plaintiff in this suit, PDP’s right to sponsor Jonathan for the office of the President in the 2015 presidential elections is being challenged.

Kwon contended that PDP will be directly affected by the outcome of this suit, taking into account the reliefs sought by the plaintiff from the trial court.

“This action cannot be effectually and completely be determined without joining the applicant herein.

“By the very tenor of the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, this suit questions the right of the applicant to sponsor one of its members (Jonathan) for the 2015 presidential elections. The applicant herein seek to protect its interest in the present action by this application.

“Having been sponsored by

the applicant (PDP) for the 2011 election and Jonathan, been a member of the PDP who is capable of being sponsored for the 2015 presidential election, the PDP will directly be affected by the outcome of the decision of this court one way or the other”, the party stated in the affidavit.

The trial Judge, Justice Adamu Bello, has fixed February 26, 2013 to hear the PDP's application following the plaintiff's lawyer, C.N. Eke's argument in opposition to the application for joinder.

Eke told the court that he would likely file his preliminary objection to PDP's application for joinder before the next adjourned date.

The suit is similar to another one filed by a chieftain of the PDP, Mr Cyriacus Njoku on March 20, 2012 before an Abuja High Court asking it to stop President Jonathan from contesting presidential elections in 2015 on

the grounds that he is already in his second term in office.

Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi had earlier fixed November 13, 2012 to delivered judgement in Njoku’s suit but subsequently adjourned indefinitely.

Amadi also asked the court to direct INEC not to accept Jonathan’s nomination as candidate of the PDP by 2015 because by so doing, Jonathan will hoist illegality in the polity since the oath of allegiance and office he will take if he wins will violate the two oaths of allegiance and office stipulated by the 1999 constitution.

But in the counter-affidavit filed on his behalf by Mr Ade Okeaya-Inneh (SAN), Jonathan said that court should dismiss itself of jurisdiction to entertain Amadi’s suit saying the plaintiff is an ordinary individual who is not qualified to request court to stop him from contesting 2015 presidential election.

12 killed as gunmen launch attacks in Borno Contd from Page 1 broke into two different compounds and held the victims at gunpoint before using sharp objects to slit their throats. The deceased comprised of one Mr. Zakka, a director in the Borno state Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries Development, as well as a middle-aged man and his son.

Two other attacks were also witnessed on Tuesday evening and night, which claimed four persons. The first occurred at about 5.30pm along Baga road, when five men, armed with AK47 rifles, shot dead a middle-aged man and immediately fled the scene in a tricycle.

It was however gathered that

some soldiers attached to the JTF who were stationed few meters to the scene were alerted on the incident and hurriedly pursued the assailants. On sensing danger, the gunmen reportedly abandoned the tricycle and entered a nearby house.

The security forces were said to have cordoned the compound before, shelling it which led to the death of the occupants of the compound. It was not clear how many people where inside the house and those affected.

In the other incident, three people were shot in London Ciki Ward after five gunmen broke into their apartment with all the victims dying on the spot as the

assailants fired several shots at them.

Spokesman of the JTF, Lt-Col. Sagir Musa, confirmed the Jiddari Polo killings and the bomb blast in a statement issued to newsmen saying only three people were killed in Polo area, while the task force also succeeded in killing two of the attackers, but declined comment on the other attacks.

“Information available to the JTF indicated that some suspected gunmen killed three people at about 3.am today (yesterday), the JTF was alerted; it cordoned off the area, arrested three suspects and recovered one assault rifle with ten rounds of ammunition.

Two gunmen lost their lives

and a soldier was wounded during an exchange of fire. The suspects are in JTF custody and effort is on to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang”, Lt-Col. Musa said in the statement.

According to the statement, the explosion occurred at about 12.30pm, saying JTF operatives arrived in the area and commenced house-to house search, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with the incident.

Our correspondent reports that hundreds of heavily armed soldiers have taken over major streets in the metropolis, conducting thorough checks on motorists.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 3

Crash site: Home owner wants N500m from Dana From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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he owner of the building which the plane belonging to Dana air crashed into last June 2012 in Iju Isaga, Lagos, yesterday, staged a protest march to the company’s head office demanding the sum of N500 million as compensation.

Pastor Daniel Omowunmi, in company of more than 100 members of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Funmilayo Unit in Lagos, stormed

the Allen Avenue office of Dana demanding for the said sum. “They have not paid a dime and they are not even ready to pay. So I think I better come to their door step”, he said.

The protesters ensured the entrance to the premises was barred to customers while the staff on duty hurriedly locked themselves inside their offices from where they peeped through windows to watch the unfolding event.

The placards carried by the

protesters read: ‘Dana is death beware’, ‘Nigerians please stop flying Dana airlines’, ‘Dana mission is to kill and destroy’, ‘Dana is yet to pay a dime for property destroyed’, ‘Dana is back to business but we are still out of business’.

A detachment of policemen later arrived the scene when the exercise held up traffic plying Allen Avenue off the popular Obafemi Awolowo Way in Ikeja.

Asked why he refused to seek redress in court, Omowunmi said “I will not leave any stone

unturned before going to court. I will go all out after them with everything I have”.

“I lost roughly over N500 million among which are buildings, two warehouses, one bungalow and a two storey building; a duplex kind of building.

I had property warehoused for other customers…” he told reporters.

The airline management however promised to reply by 3.30 pm yesterday but failed to do so when our reporter put a call to the spokesperson, Mr. Tony Usidamen.

Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jong Hyun (back), with the six Nigerian students awarded scholarships by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), to study in leading Korean universities, during their orientation programme, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Illegal arrest: Court orders SSS to pay N100,000 damages

Kano emir attack: Daura Emirate cancels Maulud durbar ...as Shehu calls for prayers

From Nasiru Mu'azu Isa, Kaduna

ue to growing insecurity, Daura Emirate Council in Katsina state has announced the cancellation of Maulud Durbar, popularly known as Sallar Gani.

The Emir of Daura, Faruq Umar Faruq announced the cancellation while receiving the chairman of Baure local government Transition Committee and traditional rulers in the area who paid him a courtesy

J

ustice Muhammad Tukur Mu'azu Aliyu of the Kaduna State High Court, has ordered the State Security Service (SSS) to pay the sum of N100, 000 and tender a public apology to the Chief Nursing Officer and Head of Department, Main Theatre of Barau Dikko Hospital Kaduna, Malam Suleiman Ibrahim.

The judgement was passed yesterday at the State High Court in a case of illegal arrest and detention of the Ibrahim by the SSS. Ibrahim was arrested by the SSS on March 1, 2012 in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

Justice Aliyu in his ruling, said the forceful arrest in handcuffs constituted abuse of human dignity and personal liberty of the applicant.

From Lawal Funtua, Katsina & Mustapha Kwaru, Maiduguri

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call in his place.

The Emir noted that the cancellation has become necessary due to the recent attack on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, adding that considering the cordial relationship between Daura and Kano Emirates it has become imperative to cancel the celebration.

Faruq who is an in-law to the Kano Emir, described the attack on the emir as unfortunate, praying to Allah to intervene by bringing to an end these attacks while also praying for the repose

of those who died in the attack.

In a similar vein, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, has called on all Muslims in the state to use Eid-elMaulud period to pray for the restoration of peace in Borno state, the North and the country at large.

The Shehu in his Maulud message at his palace in Maiduguri yesterday, appealed to those who fled Maiduguri to come back as peace is gradually coming returning to the city.

Catholic Church suspends membership of CAN

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he Catholic Church in Nigeria has withdrawn its membership from Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

This was disclosed by the Diocesan Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Monsignor Christopher Ajala, at a news conference where he stated that the Catholic church suspended its activities in CAN because it was

too close to government.

However the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), yesterday, debunked speculations that the conference has pulled out of the CAN, over alleged undisclosed issues.

The Director Communication, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr Raulph Madu, told a reporter of one of the national dailies that the CBCN did not pull

out of CAN, and that, the body was only trying to sort out some issues.

He mentioned that the body only withdrew temporarily from CAN, which will only last for few weeks, adding that.

According to him, “how can we pull out of CAN, we are just trying to iron out some issues with them, which are not palatable to us and it’s only going to last for few weeks”.

Senate clears Defence, Power ministers

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate yesterday confirmed the nomination of Prof. Chinedu Nebo from Enugu state and Kabiru Turaki from Kebbi state as ministers for Power and Defence respectively by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking after they were unanimously confirmed by upper house, the Senate President, David Mark, expressed satisfaction over their responses to questions, saying that if they will deploy their wealth of experience and knowledge in their respective ministries, it would significantly transform the country.

He therefore charged them to work diligently in their respective ministries, congratulating them on the appointment.

Earlier in their questions, the lawmakers asked the nominees to explain how they intend to redeem the country from the insecurity bedeviling it, in addition to how the comatose Ajokuta steel plant in Kogi state could be revived.

Responding, Nebo explained that there is hope for the steel industry, arguing that the long neglect of the industry is part of the developmental problems currently facing Nigeria.

He expressed hope that if the leadership of the country could summon the political will to tackle the challenges in the steel sector, it would create more opportunities for the country.

NERC gives DISCOs 45-day ultimatum to install meters

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), yesterday, issued an order to electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) to within 45 days issue meters and install to their customers who have already made payment prior to the introduction of the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO2), which captured the meters cost.

The ultimatum is coming seven months after the commission announced the new tariff policy that provided sufficient funds to procure meters for customers, to the effect that customers were no longer required to purchase same.

Following the cancellation of payment for meters by customers in June 2012, an 18-month deadline was given to DISCOs to close the metering gap and ensure that customers are provided with meters.

Giving the ultimatum yesterday in Abuja, the chairman of the commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, said the order was part of the resolution taken by NERC, adding that NERC would ensure that necessary punitive action is taken against any erring company.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

LG autonomy: Why are state governors afraid?

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t is now very obvious that every voting adult in Nigeria but state governors is in support of granting autonomy to the local government councils in the country. This fact came to the fore when Nigerians gave a ringing endorsement to amending the Constitution to accommodate recognition of local government councils as the Third Tier, after states and the Federal Government, during the House of Representatives people's public sessions in the 360 federal constituencies and the Senate's public hearings in the six geopolitical zones of the country last year.

Determined to have their way, some state governors sponsored thugs to truncate the sessions, but equally determined to have their say, the people stood firm and rebuffed the sponsored spoilers, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Still the governors have refused to give up in the vain hope that they may eventually have their way.

According to Rivers state Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF), Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, his colleagues are against autonomy for local government councils because "there is no country in the world where there are three federating units; there are only two all over the world.

Why should you say that there must be three federating units in Nigeria?"

And only recently, Governor Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso of Kano state faulted the National Assembly for its support to freeing the local councils from the clutches of governors by making operation of the State/Local Government Joint Account illegal.

But the two chambers of the National Assembly have indicated their resolve to go along with the wish of the larger society, with the Senate and House of Representatives insisting that there will be no going back on granting autonomy to the local councils by entrenching them into the Constitution.

Reacting to Governor Ameachi's statement that the NGF would stop the local government councils from being entrenched in the constitution, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Kogi state's Senator Smart Adeyemi declared that the Senate would "do everything humanly

With every elected office holder professing to be rooting and working for the people, it boggles the mind why state governors are staunchly against autonomy for local government councils, the tier closest to the people, even when the rest of the country is in support.

By Abdu Labaran Malumfashi

Senate president David Mark possible to resist all attempts by the governors to stop the third tier of government from being entrenched in the constitution.

We'll do this in a way that it'll be inexplicable in years to come for anybody to scrap local governments in Nigeria."

And in his reaction, Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, also from Kogi state, assured that there was no cause for alarm, "the governors do not have the constitutional power to prevent the granting of autonomy to local government councils in the ongoing constitution review process.

The young Senator added that, "I have always been an advocate of autonomy for local governments.

This was what prompted me to put up a bill for their financial autonomy when I became a Senator in 2011 to free them from the stranglehold and claws of the state governors.

I am very much happy that the entire Nigerian people have seen the need for local governments to be granted autonomy, as reflected in the public people's sessions held by the House of Representatives in the 360 federal constituencies

Rivers state governor and chairman, NGF Mr. Rotimi Amaechi and the public hearing conducted by the Senate in the six geo-political zones.

Therefore, the people's desire will definitely prevail over that of the governors.

How can they (governors) stand against the wish of the generality of Nigerians, who elected them into office?"

In responding to Governor Kwankwaso, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media, Hon. Zakari Mohammed described as uncharitable the governor's condemnation for the demand for autonomy for the councils, asserting that "Nigerians in general have been expecting such for a long time".

He believes that people see freedom for the councils as the leeway for even development of the tier of government considered as the closest to them.

According to the House's spokesman, "The issue of local government autonomy as far as Nigerians are concerned is long overdue.

"Arising from our public sessions, our constituents do not agree with the current status where local government funds are being pilfered by Governors at the expense of the people and chairmen who are

seen as mere boys for the job.

"We would certainly not accept a situation where Governors turned themselves to demi-gods in the name of joint account.

"It is only in Nigeria that an elected Governor of a state would speak to the media frontally eroding democratic ideals of which he is a beneficiary.

"It is saddening to note that local government elections have not been held in some states since 1999".

But just as important, is the support of prominent stakeholders in the Nigerian project such as President Goodluck Jonathan, former President Obasanjo, his erstwhile Vice, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President Kenneth Nnamani, among others.

Speaking when he received ALGON at his Abeokuta residence in Abeokuta, President Obasanjo said "Since the National Assembly is considering constitution amendment, it is also important to amend the local government laws so that there would be no means the states will 'ambush' the local government money and there will also be ways we can call the

local governments to order or make them accountable."

The NGF's reasons for opposing local government autonomy is therefore only self-serving.

Claiming that "there is no country in the world where there are three federating units; there are only two all over the world" is only being anything but truthful.

Clearly, what the governors are loath of is losing the control on the state\local government joint account.

In many a state, if not all, Governors only give handouts to local government chairmen as and when they deem fit.

In one state in the north, any time chairmen have money released to them, they are made to return 70% of the amount to the Government House as donation to the Governor.

In another state, a rural one for that matter, the local government councils were each made to buy, at inflated cost, five waste disposal trucks, when two are one too many for even the capital.

The contractor is the first citizen himself, through a front, of course.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 5

L-R :Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, Chairman, Media Trust Limited, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Botswana President, Mr. Festus Mogae, during the 10th Daily Trust Dialogue yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin ImoOwo

SEC scandal: Rep returned his tickets, estacodes, says witness

Mother's friend kidnaps 9-month-old girl in Kwara

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

A

n Abuja High Court was yesterday told that the Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market, Hon. Chris Ifeanyi Azubuogu, returned his air tickets and estacodes to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) when he could not make the trip to the Dominican Republic for a scheduled conference.

The suspended Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Market Hon. Herman Hembe and his Deputy, Azubuogu are being prosecuted by EFCC for allegedly misappropriating $4, 095 (about N600,000) estacodes given to them by SEC to travel to Dominican Republic for a conference.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Peter Kekemeke yesterday, an operative of the EFCC, Udoh Anietan the second prosecution witness who was led in evidence by the prosecution Counsel, Chile Okoroma told the court that the travelling ticket and estacode meant for the second accused person (Azubuogu) to travel for the conference scheduled between October 16 and 19, 2011, was given to him on the 19th night through the clerk of the committee when the conference had ended.

On cross examination by counsel for the Second accused person, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) who asked Udoh to a look at exhibit J which is a letter from All States Travels and Tours, he admitted that Azubuogu did not have any contact whatsoever with SEC as it related to the said conference.

He also admitted that the complaint against the 1st accused arose from the public hearing of March 15, 2012 adding that "in the course of investigation, we retrieved documents from SEC which showed that the 2nd accused was also scheduled for the same conference they were supposed to embark on the journey from the 16-19th October 2011.

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nine-month-old baby girl, Funke Alaba, who was said to have been kidnapped by her mother's friend five days ago, was returned while her alleged abductor is still at large.

It was learnt that the baby's mother, whose identity was still shielded by police, is a resident of Oke-ola in Oro, Irepodun local government area of Kwara state.

Her friend visited her, pretended to be playing with the baby before she took her away.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Kwara State command, DSP Olufemi Fabode in an interview with journalists said "on January 18 this year, a case of kidnapping was reported at Oro Police Divisional Headquarters”.

"The case was later transferred to the state CID. It was a case of a

nine month of child that was missing. On receiving the information, the state CID moved to Ibadan. On getting to Ibadan, around Aramiyan area of Ibadan, the nine month old baby girl was discovered.

"Her name is Funke Alaba. The suspect was Miss Shade presently at large and the police is working on how to get her arrested. The recovered baby girl has been released to the parents today.

"She presented the girl to an old woman who is her relative that she had given birth a baby.

Everybody was happy. Maybe she was feeling suspicious, she later abandoned the girl with the old woman and ran away".

The Command PPRO added that the police had released the baby to her family who are living at Oke-ola in Oro on Wednesday stressing that they were very happy and appreciated the police.

Islamiyya school teacher defiles six-year-old From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

A

six-year-old Islamiyya school girl simply identified as Kalanatu, from Aujara Jahun in Jigawa state, has been sexually abused several times by her teacher.

According to Barrister Baffa Alhassan who mentioned the

incident in a radio programme monitored in Dutse, the girl was several times sexually abused by one Malam Gali who is also her teacher.

According to the lawyer who is also a counsel providing free services to people that cannot afford legal services, said the girl's father had out of compassion provided the accused accommodation in his

Corruption: PRONACO accuses FG of shielding Otedola From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Citizens Advocacy Group under the auspices of the ProNational Conference Organisation (PRONACO), has threatened to mobilise Nigerians against any attempt by government to neutralise the report of the Farouk Lawan led Committee on fuel subsidy scam on the account of the bribery plot masterminded by Mr. Femi Otedola against the committee.

Commenting on the bribery saga on Wednesday in Lagos, PRONACO spokesperson, Olawale Okunniyi asserted that as a matter of fact both the bribe giver – Otedola, and the alleged taker Lawan – are culpable under Nigerian law and international convention While decrying what he

perceived as a ploy to absolve Otedola of guilt, PRONACO said if government is sincere, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke should immediately commence prosecution of the Lagos based business mogul for admitting to have offered the said bribe to Farouk Lawan.

Okunniyi however described as unfortunate a situation where a bribery scam involving high profile legislator and a frontline business tycoon in the country could be known to government; and the principal characters in the act have openly admitted their involvement in the scandal but the Attorney-General and the Nigeria Police would fail to institute charges against them to serve as deterrent to other would-be bribe givers and takers.

house when he could not afford to pay rent to his initial landlord .

According to the lawyer, the mother of the girl who is also deaf had suspected foul play when she suddenly noticed her daughters absence from her room and decided to peep into the teachers room only to see him stark naked on top of her six year old daughter.

He said already the suspect has been charged to court at a Dutse Magistrate Court and if found guilty, could be sentenced to life in prison in accordance with the Jigawa state penal code.

When contacted, the state Commissioner of police Mr. Theophilus Kayode confirmed the incident and declared that it has already been charged to court.

Gaidam signs 2013 budget

G

overnor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe state has signed into law, the 2013 budget earlier passed by the state House of Assembly with a call to the ministries, boards and parastatals to adhere strictly to the budget estimate so as to achieve the main objectives of the budget.

The budget of N86.65 billion is made up of the sum of N54.1 billion or 62.5% for capital expenditure and the sum of N32.51 billion or 3.5% for recurrent expenditure is an increase of N8.1 billion or 9.4% compared to the 2012 budget of N78.550 billion.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the governor said the budget would lay emphasis on revitalization of economic activities, provision of education, healthcare delivery, and other social services to the people.

He declared that the state

government would strictly implement the provisions of the of the bill as passed by the state House of Assembly and so urged the ministries, departments and agencies to prepare a budget implementation work plan that would provide focus for budgetary expenditure on developmental programmes and projects.

He also directed the secretary to the state government to, in collaboration with the ministry of budget and planning, issue guidelines and work plan templates for compliance by all ministries, departments and agencies.

He urged the chairmen of the 17 local government management committees in the state to initiate and execute various developmental projects in their respective areas in collaboration with the state government.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Ilorin magistrates court remands two suspected ritual killers A From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

Magistrates Court sitting in Ilorin and presided over Ibrahim Mohammed has ordered that two suspects, Abdulrasheed Usman and Jamiu Aliu who were accused of killing a three-year-old, Aliya Usman, be remanded in Federal Medium Security Prisons, Mandala, Ilorin.

The accused persons were alleged to have killed the victim on January 7, 2013 with her body mutilated while her head

was cut off before the remains of her body was deposited in the soak-away pit.

The first accused person, Usman, 29, is the uncle of the victim who lives at Onigboro compound, Ita- Ogunbo, along with the victim’s father while the second accused, Aliu came from Aiyede Mejiro Otte to perpetrate the act.

The accused were arraigned on a two-count charge of

criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, contrary to Section 97 and 221 of Penal Code.

According to the Police Report, the victim father, Tajudeen Usman reported to Police ‘C’ Division that his daughter was missing while playing at the back of his house.

The Police First Information Report (FIR) revealed that investigation by state Criminal Investigation Department (CID)

found charms such as tortoise shell, white clothes, calabash containing black soap, some bones and suspected injections.

“On January 17, Jamiu, second accused person was found at the backyard of Ile Onigboro, Ita Ogunbo, Ilorin where the severed the head of the deceased was dumped, while he could not give satisfactory accounts of himself.

“Investigation further

Nigeria to get first solid minerals laboratory

Nigeria, Norway declare 2013 ‘tipping point’ for maternal, child health

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

A

s part of measures to boost the capacity of the solid minerals sector, the Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese government to facilitate the establishment of minerals laboratory in the country.

The laboratory which according to Minister of Mines and Steel, Musa Mohammed Sada would be private sector driven, will ensure that the country’s solid minerals are processed in the country rather than being taken abroad.

Sada had attended an exposition on solid minerals in China last year and briefed the Federal Executive Council on the progress recorded in the course of the journey.

“The MoU we signed with the Minister of Lands of China was meant for the development of our solid minerals sector.

“The sector in China is employing a lot of their population and we are trying to understudy it. The discussion started in 2011 and we want to know how they did it and replicate that in Nigeria since job creation is critical to Mr. President’s Transformation Agenda.

“One critical area of the agreement is transfer of technology between the two countries. Capacity building also featured prominently in the MoU since we need human skills to achieve the target”.

He added that large percentage of SMES in China are fuelled by natural solid minerals, saying “we want to do same with their support.”

Also speaking at the briefing, Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, disclosed that the council approved a training policy for the convoy drivers of ministers, heads of agencies and permanent secretaries as well as governors.

This he said, was to forestall the increasing rate of accidents involving VIPs in recent times.

revealed that the accused and others now at large were notorious criminal who specialise in killing young persons within Ilorin and its environments for ritual purposes”.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Nasiru Yusuf informed the court that investigation on the matter is still ongoing and urged the court to remand the accused in prison to prevent them from tampering with investigation.

But the defence Counsel, Barrister Ibrahim Shuaib in his argument urged the court to grant his clients bail based on the 1999 Constitution which presumes an accused to be innocent until proven guilty by the court.

In his ruling, Justice Mohammed said the gravity of the alleged offence was the highest known to law and as such, the court lacks the jurisdiction to try the case.

By A’isha Biola Raji

P

L-R: Minister of Youth Development, Barrister Inuwa Abdulkadir, Chief of Staff State House, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, Head of Service, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Al-makura solicits FG’s assistance on the provision of amenities

By Umar Muhammad Puma

N

asarawa state governor, Umar Tanko Al-makura has called on the Federal Government to assist in the provision of basic social amenities especially in the Greater Karu area.

Speaking through his senior special assistant on media and press affairs, Sani Musa Mairiga in Abuja, Al-makura said the

daily influx of people into the Federal Capital Territory coupled with the demolition of illegal structures and high rents in Abuja is making it difficult for the state government to provide water, roads, schools, healthcare centers and electricity to the people residing in the Greater Karu Area.

He claimed that 70 percent of people working in the federal capital are living in Nasarawa state.

He stresses that these factors, arguably, account for the population increase on this axis and ironically, this category of people don’t pay taxes to the state government and the population also causes traffic gridlocks on the Abuja Keffi dual carriage way.

“I want to assure residents of these areas that the administration of Umar Tanko Almakura is making all out efforts to decongest the road because the governor is worried by the pains and stress that people face daily on the road,and has taken a holistic approached to solve the problem”.

NPHDA boss, other get traditional titles

By Mohammed Kandi

T

wo eminent citizens of Lapai Emirate in Niger state have been conferred with traditional titles of Makama and Jarma of Lapai by the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Bahago III. The Makaman Lapai title was conferred on Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar, a former minister of finance and the current chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of Lapai Emirate Development Foundation (LEDEF) while Jarman Lapai

was conferred on Dr. Ado JG Mohammed, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

The Emir, in his remarks at the occasion, said the honour was as a result of their immense contribution to the development of the area, adding that the turbanning of the two will be done at a later date.

Responding on behalf of the other recipients, Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar, expressed gratitude and said he had

never worn a turban until the occasion adding that their door would always be open for advice.

Dr. Ado JG Mohammed, new Jarman Lapai

resident Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg have declared that the year 2013 will be “a tipping point for change” and a global awareness for saving more lives as it concerns women and children.

Jonathan and Stoltenberg, co-chair of the United Nations Saving Life Commodities for Women and Children, said this in a joint report presented in Oslo, Norway.

According to a statement signed by Mr. Tashikalma Hallah, Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate, the report tagged, “Accelerating Progress in saving the Lives of Women and Children”, offers an update on the significant developments and new commitments since 2010, when the United Nations Secretary-General launched the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health.

In the report, the Co-Chair commended development made while pursuing MDGs 4 and 5 (child health and maternal health) saying, “The number of child deaths is down from about 12 million in 1990 to 7 million in 2011 and maternal deaths are down from 500 000 in 1990 to under 300 000 in 2010.”

According to both leaders, the number of children’s lives saved yearly through joint efforts is now close to the number of children born yearly in Nigeria or equal to the whole population of Norway.

The report reads, “We are off track to reach our goals of reducing child deaths by 67% and maternal deaths by 75% by 2015.

However, recent initiatives promise to accelerate the progress made to date…”

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

714 communities get water in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he Sanitation, Hygiene and Water in Nigeria (SHAWN) project has provided 714 communities in Bauchi state with portable drinking water.

The UNICEF Chief of ‘D’ Field Office, Bauchi, Ms. Edele Thebaud, stated this during the commissioning of vehicles and equipment donated by UNICEF/ DFID and the Japanese Government for the implementation of SHAWN and JICA WASH interventions in the state yesterday.

According to her, since the inception of SHAWN in the state no fewer than 1010 communities in Gamawa, Warji and Dass local government areas have benefitted from the project through varied interventions.

“All the communities have been supported to have Water, Sanitation and Hygiene committees responsible for managing WASH matters. 714 communities have access to safe drinking water through provision of 714 hand pump boreholes while nine solarpowered boreholes have been

constructed to serve 12 communities”.

Thebaud who was represented by Bayo Ogujobi , WASH Officer with UNICEF D Filed Office, stated that in the area of sanitation, 441 communities have been supported to stop open defecation through Community-led Total

Sanitation (CLTS) such that households now have and use latrines.

According to the UNICEF chief, 78 schools and health centres have also been supported with ventilated improved latrines (VIP) in order to promote safe excreta disposal adding that two additional local

governments of Toro and Shira have been selected for expansion of SHAWN interventions in the state.

She then appealed to the state government to release the counterpart fund to the project in the state as “the state government is expected to contribute 50 percent of the total

Don’t listen to religious, ethnic bigots, cleric advises Jonathan From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

L

eader of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’a Wa Iqamatus Sunna (JIBWIS), Katsina state chapter, Sheikh Yakubu Musa Hassan, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan not to listen to religious and ethnic bigots trying to lead his government in the wrong direction.

Addressing a press conference in Katsina, Sheikh Hassan alleged that some of the utterances by religious leaders, such as the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Pastor Ayo

Oritsejafor would not augur well for the unity of the country.

He alleged “I recently heard that the CAN president was calling for the removal of the Central Bank Governor, Sunusi Lamido Sunusi. This call is clearly full of hatred and would not serve the interest of the President as a leader to all”.

Hassan noted that the President should understand that among his supporters there are those who do not share religious and ethnic affiliations with him, adding that to prevent tension and

promote unity in the country, he should be fair to all.

On the 2015 election, the cleric said: “ Our argument here is that the President should tell Nigerians what he did in improving their lives that would convince them to support him for 2015 election and return him as president”.

Hassan said a government which failed in protecting people’s lives and property, failed to provide them with quality health, education, water, electricity and other basic necessities of life doesn’t deserve to be re-elected.

Bill for executive accountability passes second reading

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to provide for the State of the Nation Address by the President, saying it will guarantee accountability in Nigeria’s democracy.

Leading debate on the bill, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwerenmadu, explained that the essence of the bill is to ensure transparency in governance.

Ekwerenmadu who sponsored the bill from the sixth Senate, pointed out that there is no provision in the 1999 Constitution which provides for the President to compulsorily address Nigerians on his or her policies and achievements as practiced in other advanced democracies.

On this basis, he expressed hope that if the bill was passed by the National Assembly, it would go a long way in creating a platform for Nigerians to demand an account of stewardship from sitting presidents.

He said this would equally create an avenue for Nigerians to scrutinise the merit or otherwise of such policies, emphasising that democracy is not only about elections but also involves accountability.

At this juncture, Senator Olusola Adeye moved the motion for the bill to be committed to the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs for further legislative work.

L-R: Minister of Steel Development, Alhaji Musa Sada, and Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, briefing journalists on the state of steel development sector in the country, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Nigerian Railways begins Offa–Kano intercity passenger train service From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

he Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), said it has begun transportation of passengers and cargo between Offa and Kano with the introduction of the intercity passenger train service.

It said the introduction of the intercity service is coming after the successful completion of the

1,126km Lagos-Kano track line, in line with the corporation’s resolve to achieve optimal utilisation of its carriage facilities.

NRC said “with a view to evolving reliable and affordable rail services that will meet the transportation need of the commuting public, the passenger train will depart Offa by 10.00 pm of Tuesday and will arrive Kano the following day, Wednesday”.

The Offa-Kano route which is an optional provision for the train commuters in the region will commence its return journey from Kano to Offaon Friday of the same week.

NRC began rail services on its Western line linking Lagos and Kano immediately after the completion of the line by flagging off the intercity passenger train service between the two cities last December.

cost of the projects while UNICEF/DFID contributes the remaining 50 percent”.

In his remark the state commissioner Ministry of Water Resources, Alhaji Sani Bura commended UNICEF/DFID and JICA for supporting the state government in its efforts to ensure the attainment of the water and sanitation goals of the MDGs. Burra said one of the key projects embarked upon by the administration of Isa Yuguda was the provision of safe water and sanitation facilities in schools, health centers, rural communities and some vulnerable towns across the state.

Senate tasks FG over wrongful deportation of 14 Nigerians from spain

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate has directed the Federal Government agencies to urgently demand for redress and restitution on the behalf of the 14 Nigerians who were wrongfully deported from Spain.

Ruling on the motion by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mathew Nwagwu, the Senate President, David Mark, emphasised that criminal cases involving Nigerians abroad should be treated on merit, without prejudice to the country involved.

Mark, who pointed out that every legal assistance should be provided for the Nigerian suspects to enable them defend themselves before they are imprisoned, however, charged Nigerian missions abroad to always open their doors for Nigerians in distress.

He further regretted that the Nigerian missions abroad are poorly funded, saying if they cannot afford basic necessities in running their offices such as telephone bills, Nigeria cannot boast of being the giant of Africa.

In their debates, most of the Senators condemned incessant harassment and imprisonment of Nigerians, saying that time has come for Nigeria to take a radical approach in relating with other countries, especially where there are evidences of hostility towards Nigerian citizens.

The lawmakers unanimously agreed that the motion will help in strengthening the integrity of Nigerians abroad, adding that it will further spur Nigerian missions to always rise in protection of Nigerian citizens.

Briefing journalists after the plenary, Nwagwu disclosed that about 395 Nigerians are being detained in various prisons across the world, adding that the list is not exhaustive.

YOBE STATE GOVERNMENT Our 62% capital expenditure budget one more step to transform Yobe – Gaidam Being aa speech speech delivered delivered by

by His His Excellency Excellency Alhaji Alhaji Ibrahim Ibrahim Gaidam Gaidam FNCA, FNCA, CPA CPA Being Executive Governor Governor Yobe Yobe State State on on the the occasion occasion of of signing signing into into law law the the 2013 2013 Executive Finance and and Appropriations Appropriations Bills Bills passed passed by by the the State State House House of of Assembly Assembly on on Finance Wednesday 23 23rdrd January, January, 2013 2013 at at the the WAWA WAWA Hall, Hall, Government Government House House Damaturu Damaturu Wednesday Protocols, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, It is with utmost gratitude to the Almighty Allah that I welcome all our distinguished guests to this important occasion marking the formal signing into law of the 2013 Appropriation and Finance Bills. This gathering may recall that on Wednesday 2 nd of January, 2013 I presented the 2013 Budget Estimates in conformity with section 121 (2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to the State House of Assembly for deliberation and consideration.

It could be recalled that the Budget was tagged “BUDGET OF CONSOLIDATING THE FOCUSED S O C I O - E C O N O M I C TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME”.

2. We decided to give the 2013 Budget that name because it is aimed at sustaining our development efforts by Gov Ibrahim Gaidam delivering his speech shortly before signing the 2013 budget consolidating the numerous into law developmental projects we have executed for the rapid socio-economic and infrastructural transformation of Yobe State. In keeping with this, I indicated in the presentation speech to the Honourable House that the budget will lay emphasis on revitalization of economic activities, provision of education, health care delivery, water supply, agriculture, poverty alleviation through youth empowerment programme and skills acquisition and ensure completion of all on-going projects in the State in line with the cardinal objectives of our administration.

3. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2013 Appropriation and Finance Bills presented for my assent provides for a total expenditure of N86, 658,299,000 out of which the total sum of N53, 798,161,400 which represents 62% of the total budget size will be earmarked for capital expenditure, while the sum of N32, 860,137,600 representing 38% of the budget is for recurrent expenditure.

We appreciate the smooth passage of the bills and the wisdom of the Honourable House in approving the budget size as proposed which is in line with the prevailing economic realities and the projected resource status of our State. I am, therefore, grateful to the Honourable Members for being realistic and making ample provision to accommodate the requests of our people which were incorporated through the bottom to top budgeting process.

In this regard, I am optimistic that, with our commitment to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of our resources and our drive for enhancing revenue generation through effective monitoring of revenue collection, we will be able to, Insha-Allah, finance the CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 execution of all the projects appropriated for in the bill. We shall also ensure that the

implementation of budgetary provisions by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies is pursued with renewed determination and commitment so as to ensure attainment of the objectives of the budget.

4.

Let it be known to all accounting officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies that the State Government will strictly implement the provisions of the bill and the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation will continue to deal with cases of budget infraction. In line with our agenda of instituting reforms in public finance management, each Ministry, Department or Agency is to prepare a budget implementation work plan that will provide focus for our budgetary expenditure on developmental Gov Ibrahim Gaidam (middle seated) signing into law the 2013 Finance and programmes and projects. In this regard, the Appropriations Bills. Looking on is the Speaker of the State Assembly, Adamu Dala Dogo (first right), the Secretary to the State Government Engr. Babagono Machina Secretary to the State Government in (second left) and commissioner of budget, Dodo Kakawo Karage (first left) collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Planning are directed to issue guide lines and work plan templates for compliance by all MDAs. 5. Your Excellency, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, we have recently performed the swearing-in ceremony of our newly appointed Chairmen of Local Government Management Committees for the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.

As usual, they are expected to initiate and execute various developmental projects in their respective areas in collaboration with the State Government. This is aimed at sustaining the remarkable improvement noticed in the quality of life of the people especially those in the rural communities through such projects. The objectives of these developmental projects cannot be realized without the support and cooperation of all and sundry. Let me therefore take this opportunity to call on the entire people of Yobe State to continue to rally round this administration to enable it implement policies and programmes that could impact positively on the lives of the entire citizens. I am convinced that with the support of all, we shall be able to achieve the desired objective of developing Yobe State to an enviable height which we shall all be proud of.

6. Before I conclude this address, I wish to thank the Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly for their continued support and cooperation to our administration which has made it possible for us to record the remarkable achievements so far in our socio-economic transformation programme.

I would like to thank you very much for the speedy manner in which you deliberated upon our proposals and for the smooth passage as promised by Mr. Speaker on the day the proposals were submitted to him. This singular action demonstrated by the Honourable members is a clear manifestation of the commitment of the Legislature to work with the Executive Arm of Government in the task of emancipating the electorate from the shackles of poverty, ignorance and diseases among others. I also thank the entire people of Yobe State for the understanding and support being accorded our administration which we shall continue to appreciate and cherish. I equally call on the people to continue to pray relentlessly for sustenance of peace and security in the State in particular and the nation at large.

7. It is now my singular honour, duty and privilege to assent to the 2013 Appropriation and Finance Bills, today being Wednesday 23rd January, 2013 Thank you for your attention.

May the Almighty Allah bless us

Gov Ibrahim Gaidam (right) and his deputy Engr. Abubakar D. Ali shortly before the governor signed into law the state’s 2013 budget

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Reps to begin probe of caffeinated energy drinks

By Umar Muhammad Puma

W

orried by the health risk caused by the consumption of energy drinks, most especially among young people, the House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Health and Commerce to conduct an investigation into the importation, distribution, sale and health implications of caffeinated energy drinks in Nigeria and report back to the house within four weeks.

The motion was raised by Rep.

Yacoob Bush-Alebiosu, who said the brand of energy drinks such as Red Bull, Power Horse, Vault, Red Alert and Burn; contain ingredients that pose health risks such as kidney damage, seizures and stroke, even life threatening effects on blood pressure, heart and brain function.

He stressed that heart disease caused by the consumption of these energy drinks, most especially among young people is alarming and threatening the health condition of the younger generation. "the fact that these drinks are

being mixed with alcohol such as Vodka, Hennessy, makes them more deadly as they tend to mask the level of intoxication already settled in the bodies of the consumer of this mixture, thereby allowing young adults to consume much more alcohol than normal, which oftentimes lead to young people passing out after such in-take and also an increase in road accident involving such people".

He reveals that, research conducted at the cardiovascular research centre, at the royal Adelaide University and the

hospital in southern Australia, revealed shocking similarities between the cardiovascular profiles of the heart patient and students who drink Red Bull.

He added that other studies have also revealed that the consumption of the energy drinks causes the heart to stop functioning at intervals and that the consumption of a 250ml can of energy drink can lead to blood clotting, which is highly fatal.

"If the government of Denmark, Germany, Norway and France amongst others have placed outright ban on the sale of

L-R: National Co-ordinator, Nigerian Royalty Awards, Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, presenting the award of 'NRA Nigerian Woman of Distinction, Administration' to Registrar/CEO of Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), Dr. Victoria Okojie, recently in Abuja.

N8bn Sokoto varsity contract tears company apart

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he N8.8 billion contract awarded to a construction firm, Mcnamara Nigeria Limited by the Sokoto state government for the construction of the proposed Sokoto State University has torn the directors of the construction firm apart.

The shareholders of the company are now at each other’s throat with allegation and counter allegation of impropriety in the conduct of the affairs of the company.

The company which is coowned by a Nigerian promoter, Mr. Uzoma Nwakuche and an Irishman, Jack Burtler, was awarded the contract for the construction of the Sokoto State University at the cost of N8.8 billion.

Nwakuche who dragged the company to court alleged in an originating summons filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja that following the decision of the Sokoto

State Government for the award of the contract to the company, persons closely connected to the state governor, Aliyu Wamako, approached the company with a proposal that he relinquish some percentage of his shares in the company to be re allocated to some persons whose contacts with the state government would guarantee the award of the construction contract.

He alleged that he was blackmailed to relinquish 3,100,000 units out of the four million shares he owned in the company, which were subsequently allocated to Mr. Yahaya Mahmood, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and lawyer to the Sokoto state governor.

According to the affidavit deposed to by the aggrieved director, his shares were allegedly wrongfully allotted to Mahmood, Nasiru Gawuna and Ahamdi Chikwe in the value of 2,000,000, 1,000,000 and 900,000 respectively.

He urged the court to declare as null and void the purported meeting of the company held on the 6th of June, 2010 wherein a resolution was passed to appoint Yahaya Mahmood and the other directors of the company on the ground that he, as a bonafide director, was not put on notice and was not in attendance.

He told the court that the other directors of the company successfully strangulated his stand for legality and accountability by removing him as a signatory to the accounts of the company and stripping him of his shareholding of the company despite his constant protests.

Nwakuche further asked the court to declare that Mahmood and others did not legally acquire the said shares of the company for lack of validity of the meeting where resolution to that effect was passed.

He further alleged that the Irishman brought in other

directors into the board of the company and colluded with Gawuna to incorporate another company which they made a subcontractor to McNamara Nigeria Limited, for the construction of the sokoto state University and to whose accounts monies paid to McNamara Nigeria Limited were paid without following due process.

However, in a counter affidavit filed by Mahmood, Nwakuche was said to have willingly relinquished 3,100,000 shares out of the four million shares he originally subscribed.

Mahmood said that Nwakuche was subsequently removed as a shareholder while Dramsay Ltd, Ahamdi Chikwe, Nasiru Gawuna were appointed shareholders.

The Senior Advocate said that the company recalled all the shares and re allotted them to shareholders wherein 900 shares were given to the plaintiff.

the these energy drinks in their jurisdiction as a result of health risks, why not Africa, particularly Nigeria with her large population of young adults and teenagers, who are unaware of the dangers of the effects of these drinks, considering the number of cans sold daily in Nigeria", he said.

‘2.5 million Nigerians newly infected with AIDS’ From Mike Etim, Uyo

2

.5 million Nigerians are reported to have been newly infected with HIV/AIDS virus while about 25 million people have died of the disease in the world so far with 14 million children orphaned due to death of parents with the disease.

This disclosure was made in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state by the immediate past chairman of the State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA) Akwa Ibom state, Dr. Martin Akpan.

The former SACA boss who was fielding question from newsmen after a sensitisation programme in Uyo, the state capital organised by the Girl Power Initiative (GPI) a nongovernmental organisation for students of outreach schools, attributed lack of information especially for those living in the rural areas as factors responsible for the number of deaths recorded.

He told facilitators which comprised of boys and girls from outreach schools, facilitators and teachers from the participating schools that the 2012 statistic prevalent rate of the disease in Akwa Ibom state was very high; noting that Oron, Ikono and Etim Ekpo local government areas had the highest number of HIV/AIDS victim in the state.

Adamawa lawmaker condoles constituency over gunmen attack From Umar Dankano, Yola

T

he senator representing Northern senatorial district of Adamawa state, Bindow Jibrilla, has commiserated with the people of Maiha local government area over recent attack by gunmen that led to loss of lives and property in the area.

It could be recalled that gunmen early this month attacked and burnt a police station, prisons, area court, customs outpost and local education authority offices in Maiha town.

Jibrilla who was shown round the affected areas by the chairman of Maiha local government council, Alhaji Mohammed Jibrilla, expressed concern over the incident and called for prayers for an end to such sad developments in the district.

Jibrilla urged the people not to despair as government was doing everything possible to ensure peace and security.

PAGE 11

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Your ability to read financial reports can boost earnings W

ithouta doubt, there are literally thousands of stocks availables for purchase in the stock market. But trend has shown that a lot of people who buy stocks at the stock exchange can explain a little on why they bought what share.

This ignorance, which some investment experts likened to one playing football withouta goalpost, has led to loss of most investors' wealth.

Having that in your mind, not withstanding, there is still correction point as you prepare to a make further investments in stocks.

Adherence to some criteria factors to consider while choosing stocks go a long way in minimising risk as well as making

more expendable money available for you.

The question now is: How do you go about finding the right stocks to buy? Often, it is helpful to use a stock screen- a set of criteria.

This is quickly comparing stock against another to see if they meet your requirements.

"You should first sit down and come up with a list of your investing objectives; once you have that you should be able to come up with a suitable screen.

Your selection criteria for the initial screening should be a few quantifiable measures that you think are the most important for your investing," said Investor guide analysts.

Here are a few criteria worth

considering and of cours, there are many others: earnings growth, recent earnings surprises, price/ earnings ratio, dividends, market cap or size, industry and relative strength.

"Once you have narrowed down the list of stocks that you are interested in, the next step is to research the stocks. There are a ton of great resources available out there for researching stocks, and fortunately most of them are free.

Online research is becoming more and more popular because of its convenience and ease of use," the analysts said.

Also, you should also take a look at the company's annual report and its financial statements for the following from the Income

Statement: Earnings growth (earnings acceleration is even better).

Does the company have a record of exceeding analysts' expectations? Earnings are considered by many investors to be the most important single number, the assumption being that earnings pave the way for future dividends; Revenue growth; Stable or increasing margins.

Again, you look at the number of common shares outstanding.

Increases in the number of shares negatively impact earnings per share (issuance of new shares isn't necessarily bad; the important consideration is why they're doing it).

Another is the Cash flow.

Ideally, cash flow should be positive, large, and increasing. In any case, understand why the company's cash flow is what it is.

From the Balance sheet, look for debt. The debt to equity ratio (long term debt divided by stockholder's equity) is the measure typically used.

Lower is better, and zero is ideal; Cash (relative to annual sales).

Cash is always a good thing, but it's especially important to companies that sometimes want or need to temporarily go cash flow negative.

Remember that when new shares are issued, proceeds from the sale also appear here; Return on equity. This is a measure of net income relative to stockholder's equity. Higher is better.

Receivables and inventory; they should not be rising much faster than sales are; Current ratio. This is the ratio of current assets (cash, receivables and inventory) to short-term liabilities.

a strong desire to express your feelings in art form, dedication, an eye for form, ability to utilise colours, creativity, originality and patience.

"Generally, you do not need much to start. Basically, what it

requires is the talent. If you are not gifted in art, you cannot go far. You need to be gifted that is the basic thing that worth more than money. What I do is sculpting and you may need little money to buy your tools. You can as well start big like owning your own private studio," Ofikwu said.

Ohuabunwa, who spoke on the topic, "Innovation for Empowerment" at the official launch of 'The Elevators: Africa's Mass Empowerment Network' by Strategic Business School (SBS), said there is so much room for growth, innovation and creativity.

According to him, one critical thing about empowerment is mindset, and mindset means that you must feel to need, the solve problem and create value. To him, it is innovation that can create dynamic solution to problems.

"Empowerment will require development of multiple incomes.

The thesis is everybody must be

employed. If you cannot get anybody to employ you, employ yourself," he said.

Sculpture according to experts is a part of Fine Arts. And those who are talented in sculpting Sculptors usually come up with three-dimensional art works which include moulding and joining materials such as clay, glass, wire, plastic, fabric, or metal or by cutting and carving forms from a block of plaster, wood, or stone. Some of them combine various materials to create mixedmedia works. In recent years, some sculptors have incorporated light, sound, and motion into their works.

A lot of people who are talented might be discouraged on how to sell their artwork if they finish their designs; experts say you can try to participate in shows in galleries. If you get into a show, your artwork will be on display for sale.

How to translate talent into money A

re you creative? Are you gifted? Never neglect what you are capable of doing because you can actually make money from your talent.

You may be talented in music, comedy, artwork, hair styling, and dancing among others. For instance, it is possibly to earn over 100 percent returns on your investment in artwork, especially in sculpture over a given period, say practitioners.

One thing important is for you to include passion in what you can do better so as to have fun along the way, People were born to be dynamic. You can be good at art while you're doing math at work.

You can design an artwork of about N50, 000 and sell it over N1 million depending on your finishing and bargaining power.

Artiste can use any kind of object which ordinary people throw away to design an artwork that will be widely appreciated and consequently yield huge income.

Sam Ohuabunwa, former chief executive officer of Neimeth Pharmaceutical Limited, recently urged the youth, the unemployed, students and small business entrepreneurs to take advantage of the empowerment opportunities to create multiple streams of income.

Emmanuel Ofikwu, an artiste and Chief Executive Officer of Generations Iron Studio, Lagos, says he expresses a specific and unique vision through his sculpture.

"You can start the business on a low key with N100, 000. You design three different artworks

Quote

I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well Alan Greenspan

from this initial capital and if you sell each of the three at N300, 000, you will be making a profit of about N800," he explains.

Basically, this business does not require much to start. The most essential requirements are talent,

Timely savings, proper investment will ease pressure on child's education

C

hildren, particularly those in the nursery, primary and secondary schools, have resumed for a new academic session or are set to go back to classroom this month.

What this means to their parents and guardians is another spending period ranging from their uniforms, study materials to school fees? Expectedly, those who hadn't planned well for these expenses may have started getting jittery over how to face this challenge, but for those who did plan, there is no cause for alarm.

Most experts believe that when starting to save for your child's education early, you need to pick a plan to determine what your path is going to be. This is simply because if you sit on the fence, you may not be able to save the necessary funds required for your child's education. The question

remains whether you are to put the money in traditional accounts or use high yield investments, or do both. No matter what you choose, planning is very essential step.

It is not always a function of your earning but your investment or savings strategies just like a personal finance expert, at investor guide, Chris Parry, said the best way to pay for a child's education is to start saving early in the child's life.

He believes that by saving money in advance, you can stretch out the savings over many years and not have to shell out the majority of the costs, which you may not be able to afford, when the child reaches the university stage in his/her life.

"Saving money early is the best way to financially prepare for paying for a child's college

education later in his life. But the question is, should you use traditional savings accounts that are safer or investment accounts which are not as safe but may generate higher yields?" Parry said.

"Should you choose a traditional savings account, be aware of what you are opening, especially if you have little or no financial experience. If you choose to go with a traditional savings account, set aside a certain amount of money each month specifically for the child's education. The earlier you start setting money aside, the less you will have to pay each month in order to afford to send your child to college. This is truly like saving with minimal risks," the expert said.

In addition, he noted that if you choose investments as your

strategy, there are several things to keep in mind.

"First, you must decide where you want to invest your money.

In some cases, especially if you are an inexperienced investor, it is best to let someone else handle your investment strategy. Find a good adviser or broker right away.

Whether you decide to go with stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or something else entirely, keep in mind that while the rates can be high, and the profit can sometimes be fast and easy, the risks are also quite high.

You have to be concerned about market fluctuations, and you will certainly need the help of an experienced professional. It is important to remember that you are dealing with your child's future, and for many, that is not something that you can put a price on," Parry stated.(Source: www.monyning.com)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

N

Stop doing ‘charity’ with public resources

igeria's system of administration is at best dysfunctional; a system which eludes understanding when measured against the concept of federalism and democracy as practised in other parts of the world.

Although federalism was adopted to serve Nigeria's multi-ethnic and multireligious nature, in practice, it neither fits into the prism of the agglomeration of semi-autonomous units united by one central government; nor can it be described as the social democracy that serves the interests of all and for the good of all.

Just as our peculiar brand of federalism is a grotesque distortion of the ideal federal system of government, so does the democracy we practice resemble a distorted monarchical system where the state is partially the property of the crown and its princes, princesses and overlords.

The president, governors, local government chairmen and their wives as well as cabinets, see governance as the dispensing of patronage to a favoured few, who in turn are expected to be grateful and subservient for being so favoured. Governance is personalised and 'domesticated,' such that one hears phrases like "my government", "my administration", "my pet projects", "kind gestures" and the like.

Against this backdrop, we at Peoples Daily are, like most compatriots, disturbed over the provocative personalisation of public property. For instance, vehicles belonging to the Niger State Transport Authority carry the inscriptions of "Chief Servant", the alias of the state's governor. Vehicles of the

Enugu state urban transport scheme also boldly proclaim "Up Chime"; reminiscent of the "Up Lawal" nonsense of the then Kwara state governor, Mohammed Lawal.

The urban shuttle train in Kaduna state used to carry the words: "Daram Dam Dam" which was the campaign slogan of the incumbent Vice President while he held sway as governor of Kaduna state.

Embattled former governor of Kogi state, Prince Abubakar Audu, went even

“

True democracy and federalism will only be served when every citizen is empowered to clothe, house and feed themselves, get fair access to healthcare and educational services, and have opportunities for self actualisation further as he named the state-owned university after himself while he was governor. In 2010, incumbent governor of Bauchi state, Malam Isa Yuguda, had his wedding invitation cards and other mementoes used for his wedding to the daughter of late President Umaru Yar'Adua, embossed with the "Seal of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," complete with the Coat of Arms.

All over the country, citizens are publicly insulted by billboards proclaiming the "good works" of the

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”

President and state governors in health, educational and other sectors. The great irony, however, is that these supposedly action leaders have little, if any, confidence in the health or educational institutions they advertise and claim credit for. This is even as they and their loved ones frequent hospitals and schools overseas.

A prominent feature of governance these days, which goes with the wellcouched phrase of "democracy dividends", is the distribution of "relief materials" either to pregnant women, unemployed youth, or various undefined groups in the society. For all these tokens, millions or billions are quoted to have been spent by the public officials concerned, whereas in fact it was public funds that were utilised.

We strongly condemn this sycophancy-breeding system of patronage. We consider as insulting, the distribution of items such as bags of rice, sugar or salt as charity by government officers and their spouses. Public funds and/or property should not be personalised nor used to feed the bloated egos of politicians who thus divert attention from serious issues of development.

True democracy and federalism will only be served when every citizen is empowered to clothe, house and feed themselves, get fair access to healthcare and educational services, and have opportunities for self actualisation. This will remove the need for doing so-called charity with public resources and cynically distributing handouts to Nigerians in order to mask executive inaction and profligacy.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

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

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HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 13

Between Justice Moses Bello and destiny

By Musa Owuda

H

e had an early training as a primary school class teacher and wanted to be a lawyer so as to join partisan politics. He ended up a consummate jurist. He was also born into a Muslim family but is now a devout Christian. Friday 4th January, 2013 was his 60th birthday. He celebrated in style, thanking God for his mercies and would want to be remembered for his uncommon sincerity.

I really admire the courage, vision,honesty, steadfastness as well as exemplary leadership qualities of this man who has come to be regarded by all and sundry as an epitome of what a role model should be. Moses Adavuruku Abubakar David Bello, Honourable Justice and President, Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja, is leader indeed.

Born to the family of Mallam Bello Eneji Salami Ogere of Uka Clan in Adavi L.G.A- Kogi State on the 4th day of January, 1953 at Mushin in Lagos State; he had his early Primary education at the Roman Catholic School (North) Okene (1960 -1966) and attended Okene Teachers' College(1969 1973) where he obtained his Teachers' Grade Two

Certificate.He read Law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1976 - 1980) and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar on the 11th day of July, 1981. In 1987, he obtained a certificate in Administration from the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, Badagry, Lagos State.

Justice Bello has worked as a Primary school teacher, Library Assistant, Counsel, Chief Magistrate, and acting Chief Registrar, a position he occupied till the 9th July, 1992 when by a dint of hard work, dedication to duty, and intelligence, he was elevated to the position of a Justice of a Superior Court of Records and was sworn in on 16th July, 1992. He thereby became the pioneer President of the FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja till date.

His active membership of National Judicial Institute and National Judicial Council made him presided over the affairs of the National Judicial Council on crucial national matters on two occasions. And in 2011, his Lordship was also elected the Chairman of the Forum of Grand Khadis and President of Sharia and Customary Courts of Appeal of Nigeria.

When a man celebrates the ripe

age of 60, it may be interesting to know what makes him tick.

Hardened by the rigours of life's struggles, Justice Moses Bello's adventurous disposition, which thrust him into the country's judicial arena, may not have come as a surprise. With his resilient nature, my Lord Justice Bello is never known to have succumbed to despair even when life becomes more difficult. His Will never crumbles no matter the challenges besetting him, thus his ability to move this far in life. In fact, his pursuit of hard work and excellence largely explain the enormous respect and confidence his colleagues in the nation's judiciary had in him.

As he turns 60, Nigerians are also reminded of his unstinting gesture of compassion, regardless of the religious and ethnic identity of those in need or the part of Nigeria they hail from. He provided water boreholes in his immediate community at Inoziomi in Adavi L.G.A of Kogi State to alleviate the sufferings of his people and engaged in full sponsorship of indigent students not only at secondary school level but also at tertiary level of education in Nigerian universities and Nigerian Law School. For continuity and effective execution,

he founded the Moses Abu Bello Scholarship Foundation which has so far produced lawyers, doctors, engineers and several other professionals.

He has also been contributing reasonably towards religious harmony by rendering assistance in the area of building and renovation of Mosques and Churches. And have been sponsoring faithful during the annual Muslim and Christian pilgrimages to Mecca and Jerusalem respectively. Justice Moses Bello is also a member of the Abuja Inter-Faith Peace Building Forum that meets regularly in Abuja on how to enhance religious harmony in Nigeria.

As John David Rockefeller, another epitome of compassion remarked, "it is better to err on the side of Philanthropy than to die as a selfish man". What matters in life is not the age we live to, but how far we touch lives of others.

And Peter Marshall also argued sharply, "the essence of life is not its duration, but its donation".

Therefore, my Lord Justice Moses Bello should feel legitimately proud that at 60, he lives not only for his children but also for others in need of his milk of human kindness. The Ebira people will forever remembered him for his role in

bringing reasonable measure of peace in Ebiraland today.

In accordance with what the French call "noblesse oblige", those in leadership position have responsibility for others. Leaders should not determine their success by how much money they have made for themselves but also by how far they touched the lives of others. When we die, we shall be remembered not for the length of our years on earth, but by the degree of our humanity and goodness. Therefore, as Justice Moses Bello gives thanks to God for turning 60, humanity will reckon with him not only as a successful Jurist, but also as a man imbued with compassion.

'Divine Grace', a compilation of the essential thoughts, practices and achievements of his Lordship, whom through the divine hands of the Almighty God rose to the pinnacle of his career, is a must read for all. We have a lot to learn from his experience as narrated in the book. The literary work and finishing of the 'Divine Grace: Living memoirs of Justice Bello, are fantastic. I wish you many happy returns of the day.

Owuda lives at Sundaba Quarters in Kuje-Abuja. owudamusa@gmail.com 08035918072

Security challenge in Nigeria: A sober reflection

By Godday Odidi

T

he suicide bomb attack recently at St. Ritarsquo's Catholic Church in Kaduna was an indication of security lapses across the country. Kaduna is one of the States that have severely suffered multiple bomb attacks since the emergence of Jonathan's administration in Nigeria. These so-called infamous and callous bombers have decided to take human lives as nothing to their wicked doctrines and never wish Nigeria well in all ramifications. For Boko Haram members to declare to the Federal Government to appoint Mohammed Buhari, the CPC presidential candidate for the 2011 election and Mohammed Sherif as a delegation to Saudi Arabia is an indication of failed leadership system which some political elements have decided to make Jonathan 's government ungovernable and intractable at all levels.

It is sad that government security agencies are overstretched and overlapped which makes suicide attackers to increase their callous arsenals on hapless and innocent Nigerians especially the Christian community in the northern region. Over 100 thousands of people have lost their precious lives to the insurgence of Boko Haram and property worth billions of Naira destroyed and while 75 percent of non northerners are displaced and

disorganized. It is dawn on Nigerians that many of these socalled fundamentalists are spirited and calculated in carrying out their dastardly acts on Christians and Muslims.

The worst is that economic security is no longer guaranteed in Northern region while foreign investors are sacred and NYSC members are not wishing themselves to be posted in that region. The fear of serving in the northern or attending universities or polytechnics is beginning of being lynched by the Boko Haram members. The Yuletide season is fast approaching which needed the attention of the government to beef up security operatives across the nation against any internal or external aggression. This disheartening system of security system despite several changes being made in top security heads, yet the insecurity system is still very poor when compared to international communities.

The problem with the security structure is that our security agencies are poorly outfitted and trained. Though most of our security agencies are well -trained to international standards and have recorded huge successes time without number. It is the right of every Nigerian to be vertically and horizontally protected. Boko Haram members are sponsored by highly influenced Nigerians while their arms and ammunition are imported on a daily basis without qualms. How do these weapons come into Nigeria without the

knowledge of our security agencies? One of the statements credited by President Jonathan sometimes ago that Boko Haram were members of his government and he was economically to the truth. Jonathan has failed to track down the perpetrators of this act while innocent Christians are dying in thousands without immediate solution. The unity of the country is presently threatened by unscrupulous and dodgy Nigerians who want to capture the leadership of the country by force not by the choice of the electorates.

Even our so-called Joint Military Task Force (JTF) being sent to the northern region to protect its citizens are now victims of Boko Haram bombers together with police officers and journalists. To the extent that these suicide bombers used

expensive automobiles to carry out their nefarious activities without considering the adverse effects on the nation. Most of these northern metropolitan cities are under the siege of Boko Haram planters who intend to plunge the country into another civil war of 1967 of Ojukwu and Gowon. The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorate in 1914 by the British government under Sir Lord Lugard equally created this fathom of distrust in the Nigeria's present democratic system and nothing more.

Protection of lives and property should be the priority of any formidable government that has the minds of the people knowing well that the population of Nigeria is over 160 million people and the security operatives are not enough to secure lives with the high level of corruption in the

“

Even our so-called Joint Military Task Force (JTF) being sent to the northern region to protect its citizens are now victims of Boko Haram bombers together with police officers and journalists

system. Even the stakeholders meeting being set up by the Jonathan-led government has not yielded any positive result.

Boko Haram members are highly intelligent people and the northerners are highly educated in terms of the legal profession and other reputable ones. 2015 is no longer far which the citizens must be adequately protected especially the Christians. The bodies of PFN and CAN must not keep mute as far as December is at the door step while prayers must be offered by highly anointed servants of God. Every church premise has grossly affected by the Boko Haram uprising. Even our so-called federal lawmakers are not serious about proffering solutions to security threats while the 2012 budget was anchored on security without any dividends of governance in the system.

It all started from OPC to Niger- Delta militants and to MASSOB which resulting into kidnappings and the Niger-Delta region was fighting for the emancipation of their people and nothing else. Boko Haram insurgence is a political one for greedy leaders of the soil.

Finally it is a wake up call for President Goodluck Jonathan to strengthen the security system in this period of the ember season to avoid killings of innocent worshippers and by passers in the northern region.

Odidi is a Public Affairs Analyst based in Lagos

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 14

Why Africa should wake up from slumber

By Olawale Oluwagbeminiy

H

ow can you discover a place where people already live? You need to know the past to have a better understanding of the future (medical law). How can Nigerians be reading a history book written by a Nigerian in which it is stated that Mungo Park discovered RIVER NIGER is that not pure stupidity? Most Africans don't know anything about their history because they think is it barbaric & irritable not knowing that Africans have the best history of the world but when they go to EUROPE to study they are obligated to study the History of those countries. Do you think the WHITE MAN is stupid by teaching his children their history?? They made you believe that our ancestors are evil and you curse them, oh c'mon human sacrifice, burning of witches, witchcraft, blood money, sorcery etc., do you think it was only done in Africa?

Hitler that today you call him an evil man but do you know that everything he did in Germany was Legal? And today there are lots of groups in Europe glorifying

inferiority in him, same as most Africans Stalin, but still simply because they made you they know we believe our Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text are not ancestors are messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written interested in our evil. contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 h i s t o r y , Who built words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and therefore we atomic bomb? a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed d o n ' t Who starved a to: understand country to their tricks... death? oh you Look at the didn't hear The Editor, NEW WORLD about the Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, order it's like a Holocaust and 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. theory now it's great Ukraine Email: opinion@peoplesdaily-online.com being put into famine?

SMS: 07037756364 action, THE In years to WEST is using come George Bush will be celebrated in the Have you as an African ever terrorism to invade countries and history book for keeping America asked yourself why most control them all in the name of in the pool of oil on the expense of AFRICAN leaders who wanted the democracy (the bait), they eat innocent bloods, unborn children, interest of Africans are KILLED by their cakes and have them, soon old and young in most horizons of AFRICANS supported by the they will crawl into Nigeria in the the middle east especially Iraq yet WEST? Take Thomas Sankara as name of "fighting terrorism" and I they made you believe GADAFI is a case study, read about that hero know our puppet leaders and evil, today he Mr. Bush is walking yet FRANCE turned his best friend puppet followers will welcome the as a freeman and lecturing against him to kill him and they idea but if only they knew history AFRICAN leaders about made him president and till today "they will know that AMERICA with their various Organizations democracy and rule of law though he is still the president. he didn't seek the permission of the The WHITE MAN successfully (UN) have never brought peace so-called UN to invade Iraq made AFRICANS to hate to any country of the world.

How can a population of over bragging and saying with or themselves and believe that without the UN he is going to war nothing good ever came from 160 million with military rather he said God spoke to him. them therefore instigating strength and intelligence be

WRITE TO US

scared of a very minute terrorist organization (USA POLICY OF INVASION) rather they are seeking the help of another country whom have 99 problems and helping AFRICANS (BLACKS) that they don't like ain't one, they only come because of their personal interests.

Why did we allow NATO an organization with no AFRICAN country as a member to invade an African country? Or did I hear you say AU (ARICAN UNION)!! is that not stupidity? Ok if it is otherwise do you think in the history of this world An African military organization will be allowed to drop a knockout or even fireworks killing their citizens any European country?.

They have given us unions to unite us, do united people actually need unions? As Fela said "who and who is united in the UN?" ISREAL VS LEBABON, US vs IRAQ, IRAQ vs IRAN etc. So, their aim is to give us human right? Oh my people, 'HUMAN' IS YOUR PROPERTY can someone gift you your property?

Africans wake up and install your "memory card" now...

Oluwagbeminiy is on Facebook

Challenges before Lagos State University

By O. Godday

T

he Lagos State University (LASU) was established in 1983 by the enabling law of Lagos State of Nigeria for advancement of learning and establishment of academic excellence and the External system was created and approved by the University senate through the edit establishment to promote manpower and its commenced registration in 2002. LASU was one of the State Universities that was sought after in terms of academic excellence and discipline but the reverse is now the case.

LASU was one of the state universities which tuition fees were subsidized on the indigenes while non-indigenes were paying stipulated amount of money which enrolment of students were at geometrical progression with highly intelligent lecturers to the core It was a pride to attend Lagos State University especially University from the South West with dignified and reputable name. Thereafter, LASU as an institution was now identified with high profile infamous cult groups that torn the institution into two through sponsored protests and strikes that almost disrupted the academic calendar many years ago by LASU cabals who never wish the institution well in all ramifications. No day passes by without LASU not be aired on our electronic or print media for callous activities of some students in the institution. It started diminishing its academic activities to nefarious activities which glory was lost accidentally by the powers that be.

Over the years, LASU had

strong altercation with the National Universities Commission (NUC) barely twice over some of the courses being run in the institution without approval or accreditation from the commission. NUC, many a time closed down LASU for not complying with the academic rules of setting of External system of the University. Though LASU problem is inimical to the so-called past and present Vice- Chancellors who abysmally failed to fix the academic system which veto power is being directed from the state government without considering the plight of the students in spite of Student Union Government (SUG).

Come to think of it, LASU as a State University has totally decreased in terms of population in the Conventional and External system which prompted many students to withdraw their academic pursuits in the long for the unnecessary increment of tuition fees. It is all the Lagos State higher institutions that increased their tuition fees through the State government, It is unfortunate that Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State could suddenly increased the tuition fees to N250,000 above the reach of the poor and depends on the course each student registers for. The government never considered the plight of the suffering students whose parents cannot afford three square meal per day but decide to send their wards and children to school due to the need of education for advancement of progress in life.

The governor wickedly responded to some of the students of the institution that challenged him for such exorbitant increment of

tuition fees, he replied them that "It is not compulsory that everybody must attend University". What a wicked servant leader? The governor never remembered that the same students he wickedly jettisoned where those that voted for him massively in 2007 and 2011 governorship elections respectively.

LASU as an institution has been tagged with one problem or the other. The operation of the External system of the institution is call for great apprehension that students that attend External campuses are living in the mercy of God. Since 2002 when the operation of LASU External system commenced full academic activities that only 2003/2004 and2007/2008 results and certificates were only released recently after much awaited convocation of the institution.

Issuing of results and identity cards to students in this External system is cumbersome to the core. LASU has 10 External campuses while 8 are at the Mainland and 2 in Island. It is sad that most of lecturers that lecture at these campuses are mere junks to the core. Only few of these lecturers are qualified because some are from Conventional Universities while any lecturer that takes one course is being paid N38,000 with reduction of N2,000 as a tax. A lecturer is entitled to take two courses in a campus and a total of four courses in two campuses. The money is being paid at the end of the semester.

The fact that these External campuses generate huge revenue to LASU main campus then, LASU authorities should have taken

these campuses seriously to monitor the academic activities and nothing else. Though the immediate past Vice- Chancellor.

Prof. Lateef Hussein was allegedly took N3 billion from the institution that almost disrupted the academic activities of the institution. The External system is known as School of Part Time Studies (PT) which courses are run for five years with high tuition fees.

The institution used to collect installment payment from students but that has become history in the campuses. The operation of the External campuses is nothing to write home about. Students that graduated from the institution in 2009/2010 are yet to get their results and certificates. Even students getting their real results are not guaranteed because of the ineptitude of the institution. Most of these campuses cannot issue students identity cards to be identified as LASU students.

Most of these LASU campuses are not properly managed in terms of academic development.

LASU is alleged by some to be only interested in tuition fees rather than the academic development of the students. For students to collect their results to be tendered in their place of work and exemption of NYSC certificate or to do their Masters degree to PhD level is at the mercy of God except few ones that decide to go to other higher institutions or professional institutions to acquire their certificates to argument the LASU stress. Studying in LASU is the beginning of absolute uncertainty of getting a certificate for the labor market if the need arises.

The newly appointed Vice-

Chancellor Prof John Obafunwa, who inherited multifaceted problems from the former VC of the institution, is yet to fix the problem of the institution, since academic directives are taken from the State government. All the various meetings held with the Conventional and External system of the institution is yet to bring positive result to the students that are the victims of this satanic polices of the state government.

The system of the academic operation of the External system needed to be changed to avoid producing graduates with no definition of purpose in their lives.

The unnecessary delay of results of out-gone students of the institution needed to expedite action to curtain the situation by the new VC.LASU is presently freezing the future of its graduates with infamous policies.

The normal Conventional or External system runs a course for four to five years but the reverse is the case where a student graduates on the verge of retiring from the academic pursuit of life.

Most of these staffers being employed by LASU authorities, apart from the lecturers, are mere market women and men who do not have the academic discipline to be in the institution. Even the process of being admitted into the External system is stressful and payment of tuition fees is not left out. The system needed to be fixed by the new VC to avoid the sledge hammer of NUC in the future. It is a clarion call for Prof. John Obafunwa to release the results of LASU students of the External system to avoid disruption of academic calendar for 2013 now.

Godday wrote in from Lagos

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

By Toyin Dawodu

F

ilmmakers in Nigeria are sitting on a goldmine.

Nollywood, as the Nigerian film industry is commonly called, is at a pivotal point in its growth. What steps can be taken to rebuild Nollywood as a global force in the film industry?

Hollywood versus Nollywood by the numbers The American film industry (Hollywood) is the leader in delivering cinematic experience to audiences in a way that produces big bucks at the box office. In 2012, the American Movie Industry produced 655 movies shown in more than 8,000 theatres, generating $10.7 billion in box office revenue. About 1.3 billion movie tickets were sold at an average price of $7.9 per ticket. This number does not include video distribution or other licensing income.

Nollywood ranks second in the total number of movies released (though I was unable to verify the exact number of films released with the censors board).

In 2012, the highest-grossing Nollywood movie, Ije, brought in $473,000. The highest grossing Hollywood movie in 2012 was Marvel’s The Avengers. With a budget of $222 million, it opened across 4,347 theatres and brought in $623 million in the U.S and another $888 million worldwide.

So-called “big budget” Nigerian movies incur less than $20,000 in costs per film. A recent report in one Nigerian

PAGE 15

Resuscitating Nollywood newspaper stated that only a few Nigerian lead actresses earn more than $3,000 per movie. To put this in perspective, Ije, which coincidentally is Nollywood’s highest-grossing movie of all time generated only 2.8% of what the average, humdrum Hollywood film makes and it earned only 0.03% of what Hollywood's highest-grossing movie generates."

Part of the problem is the disparity in the production quality between Nigerian-made movies and Hollywood movies.

Movie goers have come to expect a certain standard for feature films. This problem goes handin-hand with a larger issue that is prevalent in the Nigerian film

industry, namely the ability to implement the strategy used by Hollywood to generate revenue – pushing box office sales.

Nigeria has a shortage of profitable distribution channels.

There are fewer than 50 movie theaters in Nigeria serving a population of 160 million potential patrons. This coupled with the low production quality forces many investors and producers to bypass theatre releases altogether in an attempt to quickly recoup their investment from DVD or VCD sales. That doesn’t work. As an investor who has underwritten Hollywood and Nollywood projects, I know the ability to profit from your investment is

“

If the Nigerian movie industry is to attract serious investors and international movie producers, we need to build the infrastructure.

One of the goals of my organization is to invest in the future of Nollywood by building studios and theaters

what keeps you investing.

In the last 5 years I have invested over $500,000 in two Nigerian movies. "30 DAYS” was shot in Lagos and Abuja and stars Genevieve Nnaji, Segun Arinze and Joke Silva.

“CLOSE ENEMIES" was shot in Hollywood and starring Kate Henshaw and Zak Orji. I have not yet recouped my investment and I am willing to wait. I went into the film industry armed with a warning from a close friend who has worked as a Hollywood producer for more than 25 years. “You only get into the movie business for two reasons,” he said to me.

“Either you want to lose money, or you have a story to tell.”

So here is my question: How can we keep Nollywood profitable?

Understand that when Nollywood started, the majority of the original pioneers and financiers were traders-turnedinvestors. This distinction is significant because investors look at returns over a period of time while traders calculate the amount of profit to be immediately derived from their merchandise. The first Alaba traders that financed the advent of Nollywood were not concerned about the long-term residual income that could be generated by owning stake (copy rights) in the intellectual property of film.

Their goal was to quickly recoup their initial investment and they did that by selling DVDs and

VCDs of complete films. By foregoing the box office, Nollywood has eliminated a primary source of revenue for investors to recoup their money.

Today, Nigerian studios produce films that are treated as retail goods with a short shelf life instead of as portfolio items that require long-term investment.

We first need to recognize that in order for Nigeria’s film industry to compete globally, we have to do what is necessary to leverage the tried and true business model the Hollywood film industry has been using for years to dominate the market.

That means more theatres. Since the most recognized professionals in the industry are the actors, it is incumbent upon the Actors’ Guild to fight for the resources that will strengthen the industry and push the government into creating policies that can foster growth. If Nigeria has 1,000 theatres instead of 50 theatres, the next big box office smash can generate $40.7 million instead of $473,000.

If the Nigerian movie industry is to attract serious investors and international movie producers, we need to build the infrastructure. One of the goals of my organization is to invest in the future of Nollywood by building studios and theaters.

Toyin Dawodu is the Chairman of TLI-Media One, in California, USA. toyin@capvestgroup.com.

My Police College is better than yours (I)

By Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo

T

wo years ago, a friend of mine dropped out of circulation without the slightest warning. He was someone I spoke to, at least, once a month, though, most times, we spoke once a week. So his disappearance was traumatic to me.

My friend graduated from one of those elite schools in America and went on to work for the greatest corporations of the world. In a way that I could never fathom, he understood the world properly – its politics and economy. He was also a master of human behavior.

When the likes of Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and Sanusi Lamido make their fancy statements about macroeconomic indicators, default swabs, and adding value and capacity building to things that have no way of retaining either, he was the one who translated such jargons for me.

On a tangible level, when Nigeria’s foreign reserve went down, he would tell me even before the newspapers filed their reports.

He even knew what the money was used for. When it went up, he also knew why. When my postulations were off mark, he would educate me. When my conclusions were an overreach, he would pull me back.

He was well plugged in politically and otherwise. Invariably, he was doing something very important for me – crosschecking my reality.

So he disappeared. I tried to contact him by all the means I knew but he would not respond. In over ten years that I had known him no month had ever passed that we were not in touch. Even when he was traveling all over the world, as he often did, he found a way to keep in touch – even if it was just as simple as sending a note about something I wrote.

One day, I heard through a source that he had joined the government in some capacity.

Though surprised, I wasn’t alarmed. I had always felt that he knew more than those running the country so it would not be a bad thing for him to go inside and make the changes he had proposed in several of our conversations. I made further efforts to reach him but no luck. He would have been able to explain in a layman’s language why we are borrowing money from China, day in day out, when we have $46 billion in foreign reserve. Also, he would have been able to map out for me the political intrigues playing out within the PDP. Nine months after I first heard that he had joined the

government, he contacted me. He confirmed that he was working for the government but said he was not at liberty to keep the communication line open. Then, in a parting shot, he noted, “my friend, government is worse than you ever imagined.”

Coming from him, that statement meant a lot to me.

Though I may sound confident most times, in my quiet moments, I often question if I was not being dribbled by events. At night I’d wonder if I was not being beaten aerially. Every now and then, I needed to hear the state of things from trusted people who are in the know -people who have in their

palms the stories behind the stories.

Many months ago, I sincerely concluded that President Jonathan’s presidency, when it is all said and done, will be a wash.

But I did not know that he is worse than I can ever imagine.

President Jonathan made a surprise visit to the Lagos Police College to see for himself the despicable images of the institution that Channels TV had broadcast.

He came. He saw. And he shot himself in the foot.

Instead of picking a fight with the people in authority who allowed such an institution to degenerate to that level, he picked a fight with the TV station that

“

Instead of picking a fight with the people in authority who allowed such an institution to degenerate to that level, he picked a fight with the TV station that brought those images to the world

brought those images to the world.

He questioned how the TV station was able to get inside the institution and record such shameful living conditions. Like a sinking man who feels perpetually under attack, he conjured up the emotion that the goal of that exposé was to embarrass him and his government.

Why would anybody bother to embarrass a man who does a good job embarrassing himself each time he opens his mouth?

Like I said, at best, President Jonathan is a wash. The real surprise for me in the whole drama was the reaction of the Nigerian people. I have always known that the Nigerian people are smarter than their president. Now I fear that the dumb down is beginning to affect we, the people.

I was surprised that Nigerians seemed outraged by the state of the Police College. It made me question, for the very first time, where in the world my people have been. When you read that this Inspector General of police stole billions and another one stole a fraction of a trillion, what did you think the billions were meant for? These things are all connected. That we are not conscious of these connections really troubled me.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Wife drags husband to court for neglecting conjugal duties

A

38-year-old petty trader, Mrs. Hassana Sunday, has dragged her husband, Mr. Jiba Sunday, to court “for not performing his conjugal duties”.

Hassana told a Garki Customary Court in Abuja that her husband had failed to perform his duty as her lawfully wedded husband.

“My husband has abandoned me for over four years; he has not been touching me”, she told the

court.

Hassana said her husband had also neglected the welfare of their children and of the entire family.

“I have been the only one catering for the children. My husband does not care to know if the children are going to school or not. He does not even ask whether they feed or not. He has practically left me with the maintenance of the family”, she said.

She pleaded with the court to

dissolve the marriage and to issue a court order on her husband mandating him to take care of their four children.

Hassana prayed the court to also allow her the custody of the children, adding that, “the children are more used to me than their father’’.

In his deference, Sunday said that he did not want the marriage dissolved, adding that he had spoken to his pastor about the

matter.

He said that the pastor had accompanied him to court to see if he could be offered the opportunity to intervene in the matter.

The presiding Judge, Suleiman Ismaila, offered the pastor an opportunity to reconcile the parties out of court within two weeks, and adjourned the case to February 4, 2013.

(NAN)

Street hawkers take to their heels upon sighting members of Abuja Environmental Protection Agency, AEPB Task Force at Utako, recently Photo: Miriam Humbe

AMAC staff allegedly dupes woman of N6.9m T

he P olice have arraigned one Stanley Jonah, a staff of Abuja Municipal Area Council, before a Karu Upper Area Court for alleged criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and cheating.

The prosecutor, Sanni Yakubu, told the court that one Rahila Ahmadu of Block 4, OAU Quarters, Abuja, reported the case to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Abuja, on November 1, 2012.

Yakubu said on November 6, 2009, Jonah conspired with one Ishaq Baba, former Zonal Land Manager, AMAC, and one Andrew Gwani of FCDA, both at large, to commit the offence.

He said that they collected the sum of N6.9 million from Rahila with a promise to get her five hectares of land at New Lugbe and four plots of land at Apo Extension III, Abuja.

Yakubu also said that the accused forged the land documents and presented them as genuine.

The prosecutor said that when

the complainant found out that the papers were faked, she demanded for her money but the accused could not produce the money because he had converted it to his personal use.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

In an application, counsel to the accused, Mr Abel Mailafiya, prayed the court to admit him to bail on liberal terms.

TheJjudge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N7 million with two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

Kagarko also ordered that one of the sureties must be a senior civil servant and must provide his appointment and last promotion letters to the court’s registrar.

He also ordered that the second surety must provide recent passport photographs and the I.P.O. and prosecutor must know the residence of the sureties.

The case was adjourned to February 25, 2013 for hearing.

(NAN)

Two men accused of stealing security uniform

T

wo men, Isah Abdullahi and Rilwanu Abubakar, both of Mpape, Abuja, appeared before a Karu Upper Area Court charged with allegedly stealing uniform.

The Police Prosecutor, Sanni Yakubu, told the court that the matter was reported to the FCT Police Command, Abuja, by Asset Guard

Services, on December 11, 2013.

Yakubu said Abdullahi was seen in Maitama wearing uniform belonging to the security company.

“During investigations, Abdullahi confessed to the police that the uniform belonged to Abubakar, his roommate.

Abubakar was apprehended and

confessed he bought it from a trader, who is now at large,” Yakubu said.

Yakubu stressed that police investigation revealed that the accused persons conspired and stole the said uniform.

“The offence contravenes Sections 79 and 319 of the Penal Code,’’ the prosecutor said.

The accused, however, denied the charge.

The presiding Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted bail to them in the sum of N50,000 and a surety each who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

The case was adjourned to March 11, 2013 for hearing.

(NAN)

INSIDE FCT COURTS Murder: Court to rule on pastor’s bail application Feb. 28

J

ustice Husseini Baba of an Abuja High Court has reserved February 28, 2013 for ruling on a bail application by Rev. Terkura Enoch-Kaa standing trial for alleged homicide.

Enoch-Kaa, a pastor of Household of Grace Church, Kubwa, Abuja was arraigned on March 16, 2012, for allegedly killing his wife, Lorreta, a 44year-old teacher and an assistant pastor of the church.

The case was filed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police.

Counsel to the pastor, Mr Joseph Henkeyerr, had filed the motion for bail.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the prosecution counsel, ASP Priscilla Oguamalum was however absent in court.

NAN recalls that Enoch-Kaa had pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of homicide which the prosecution said contravenes Section 221 of the Penal Code. (NAN)

Man held for allegedly duping friend

T

he Police have a r r a i g n e d o n e Ifeanyi Nwankwo, of Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja, for allegedly duping his friend the sum of N55,000.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Abdullahi Adamu, told the court that the matter was reported by one Emmanuel Obioma to the Wuse Market police station, on January 21, 2013.

“Obioma entrusted the sum of N55,000 with the accused to buy him some goods from Kano.

The accused criminally converted the said money to his personal use and disappeared’’.

The prosecutor said the accused confessed that he collected the money from the complainant.

According to him, the accused, therefore, committed breach of trust which contravenes Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him in the court.

S e n i o r Magistrate Aliyu Shafa granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

He said the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the case to February 18, 2013 for hearing. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 17

Parents asked to curb indiscipline among children, youths

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A middle age man hawking local mart in kubwa, Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

FCTA to enforce use of pedestrian bridges

By Josephine Ella Ejeh

T

he Transportation Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has said it would commence enforcement of usage of pedestrian bridge within the FCT. Speaking at a press conference, the Secretary, FCT transportation secretariat, Engineer Jonathan Ivoke Achara, who lamented the aversion some residents have towards making use of the bridges at strategic location

noted that this has resulted to the death of many.

He appealed to residents to make use of pedestrian bridges, saying, “when The ongoing construction of the six bridges are completed, we are going to enforce usage of pedestrian bridges.

The secretary further disclosed that the secretariat plans to introduce barriers on the road-metres high to make sure people use the bridge.

It would be recalled that recently, the FCT minister worried about the increasing number of lives being lost while

crossing major roads in the Federal Capital City Abuja, announced that plan has been concluded plans to construct six pedestrian bridges at critical locations.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed made this disclosure in his office at Area 11, Garki I District, Abuja, while reviewing some of the challenges in the transportation sub-sector of the Federal Capital Territory.

The critical locations where the pedestrian bridges are presently being constructed include the Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway by Tafawa Balewa

(Old Secretariat); Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway by Olusegun Obasanjo (Wuye Junction); Shehu Yar’Adua Way by Okonja Iweala Way (V.I.O Mabushi); Shehu Yar’Adua Way by Ladi Kwali Street (Sheraton Junction); Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway by Ahmadu Bello Way (Banex Junction) and Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway by Shehu Shagari Way (Nicon Junction).

Achara said the World Bank is paying for the construction of the bridges while the FCT administration is paying for the design and supervision.

Commercial motorcyclists, NGO officials clash over levies

S

ome commercial motorcyclists protesting the imposition of levies on their members, on Tuesday in Karu, a suburb of Abuja, clashed with officials of a nongovernmental organisation (NGO).

The NGO, Centre for Empowerment and Development of Commercial Motorcyclists (CEDECOM), had attempted to collect levies from the motorcyclists when the clashes occurred.

An eyewitness, Amechi Paschal, who is a staff of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, said the riders complained that the levies

imposed by CEDECOM were on the high side.

“They have been telling them to register since last year, and to pay for identity cards and jackets.

They started arresting them two days ago when they failed to comply; this is what led to the protest today,’’ he narrated.

Pascal said that the initial security agents sent to arrest the situation could not curtail the violence until more men were sent.

Another eyewitness, Felix Edet, complained that the slow response of the security agents did not help matters.

“If the protesters had wanted

to cause serious damage, they would have done so before the security operatives arrived,” Edet said.

A motorcyclist, Samuel Bala, said that their grouse with CEDECOM was that the identity cards issued to them were not recognised by the authorities.

“Whenever we show our identity cards, policemen don’t recognise them and they arrest us,’’ he said.

A staff of CEDECOM, Ezika Ikechukwu, said that the NGO had a specific programme for motorcyclists in the FCT. “CEDECOM programme is meant to enhance security and to

prevent accidents and crime within the FCT. The idea is to have a data base of motorcyclists in order to be able to check some of their excesses,’’ he said.

Ikechukwu said that some bad elements among the riders, who did not want to be captured in the data base, were the ones causing the problem.

He also explained that money realised from the levies collected from them (motorcyclists) would be used for their welfare.

“We are already planning to purchase ambulances manned by medical doctors to give first aid services to motorcyclists involved in road accidents,” he disclosed. (NAN)

arents and guardians in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) have stressed the need for parents to ensure all round development of youths to curb deviant behaviour.

Some of the parents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN in Abuja, said it became necessary as some youths portrayed characters that showed they were not being guided properly in the right direction by parents and guardian.

They said that the rate of indiscipline exhibited by some youths in the society was on the rise and needed to be given due attention if the future of the country was to be safeguarded.

Mrs Ruth Atakem, a Civil Servant, said that from the moment a child understood his environment, it was the duty of the parent to instil discipline on the child.

Atakem said that a child’s behaviour and outlook was greatly dependent on the kind of environment and training given to him.

“Parents are fond of allowing their children watch cartoons and play various games. While this is good for their mental development, it is not every kind of cartoon or game that a child should be allowed to watch and play.

“If they are allowed to watch cartoons or programmes with `mature content’ this would start affecting their mentality and the way they view life,” she said.

Mr Ben Omati, a Legal Practitioner, said that controlling the content a child watched was difficult as parents were not always with them all day.

He said that peer group influence, also played a role in the kind of behaviour a child grows with.

He lamented the level of societal crime, as more youths were involved in rape cases, theft and other crimes.

According to him, such vices will continue to be on the rise, if parents and guardians refused to play their roles.

Miss Jacinta Okonkwo, a House Wife, said that children and youths were a product of society and the character they exhibited depended on the environment.

She said that the society was one that always publicly frowned at pornography and home video films that showed mature content, adding that “in some homes many adults perpetrated these ills.’’

“I was exposed to pornographic films at a tender age; this films are sold in the market and at very cheap rates,” she said.

According to Okonkwo, film makers and producers and monitoring agencies are supposed to ensure that these films are made and sold to only adults.

“Everyone has a responsibility in solving this problem; parents, film producers, marketers and government agencies,” she said.

Mr Obasi Akpan also a parent, called on parents to adopt more measures in ensuring that children were not exposed to programmes and activities that could have adverse effect on their future. (NAN)

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Why FCT waste recycling plant in Mpape is not functional

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Wheelbarrow pushers resting after their work, at area 1 Garki, Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

‘Forcing fruits to ripe with carbide can damage vital organs’

F

orcing fruits to ripe prematurely is dangerous to human health and can cause damage to the liver and other vital organs, Dr. Adamu Onu of Garki General Hospital, Abuja, has said.

Onu said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the application of chemicals on fruits caused such fruits to ripe prematurely.

He further said that the practice distorts the natural taste and flavor of such fruits.

He, therefore, advised all fruits dealers who usually applied carbide on fruits to desist from this act, stressing that it is dangerous to human health.

Also commenting, Miss Ebere Nwachukwu, an industrial chemist, condemned

the practice of hastening the natural ripening processes of fruits using chemicals.

Nwachukwu said that practice could cause fruits to lose their natural ingredients and the supplements they were meant to provide.

“Ripening is the final stage of the maturation process; any attempt to force a fruit to ripe prematurely can destroy the natural ingredients in it.

“Calcium carbide absorbs moisture and produces acetylene, which is a weak analog of ethylene, responsible for triggering ripening process,” Nwankwo explained.

She noted that fruit dealers often used calcium carbide to ripen fruits, adding that such practice should be discouraged due to the associated health hazards.

She further explained said

that calcium carbide contained phosphorous, which when dissolved in water, produced acetylene gas.

“Use of this chemical in fruit industry is being discouraged worldwide due to dangers of explosion and carryover of toxic materials like `arsenic’ and phosphorus to consumers.

“This chemical is commonly used by local farmers for ripening of fruits, due to its low price and availability in their local market.

“This practice influences the economic values of fruits, relatively shortens the ripening period and reduces post-harvest life of the fruits,” she said.

Nwankwo said consuming these fruits might affect the different body organs and could cause various health

problems such as headache, dizziness, mood disturbances, sleepiness, mental confusion, and memory loss.

Mrs Alice Akudo, a fruits seller in Wuse market, told NAN that though she was dealing with fruits, she could not deny the existence of the practice.

“I am only selling the fruits, and I used to purchase them from other people.

I find it difficult to differentiate the matured fruits and the ones people used carbide to force to ripe except when eating it,” Akudo said.

NAN reports that calcium carbide is a dangerous and corrosive chemical compound made up of carbon and iron that is very hard and durable, a material most commonly used for welding purposes.

(NAN)

Abuja driver’s association loses N320,000 to ban on mini-bus

T

he Self Employed Commercial Drivers Association (SECDA), Mararaba branch said it lost over N320, 000 as a result of the ban on the operations of mini buses within the city centre.

The Vice Chairman of the association, Mr Daniel Ochigbo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that loss was for the four days members did not operate.

Ochigbo said that the association had over 2000 registered commercial drivers who ply the Mararaba-Abuja city centre route.

He told NAN that the association realises at least N80, 000 daily from its operations for the welfare of registered drivers’ of the branch.

“In this branch, we make about N80, 000 a day for the drivers’ welfare. We have nothing less than 2,000 drivers in this branch,’’ he said.

Ochigbo, who pledged the association’s support to government policies, however, called on Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) to give them more time to enable them get something else to do.

“We are citizens of this

country and we support government policies. We should be considered when policies such as this are made. If the government does not want us to do this job anymore, we should be given enough time, at least ten years to get something else to do. We are family men with children and people depend on us.

“If we take to farming for instance, we will need land and other materials to begin to begin life afresh,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the FCTA had on January 12, 2013 through the Secretary FCT

Transportation, Mr Jonathan Ivoke banned the use of mini buses in the FCT. He explained that the FCTA was trying to implement the Abuja master plan on transportation.

NAN also recalls that the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, suspended the ban for three weeks.

Mohammed gave the directive in Abuja on Wednesday after a meeting with stakeholders, including officials of the Mini-Buses Union, FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress. (NAN)

he Head of Environmental Department, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Mr Haruna Labaran, has explained why the waste recycling plant established in Mpape many year ago is yet to function.

Labaran told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the plant would have become functional but for some logistic issues.

According to him, efforts are also being made to establish more of such plants in other parts of the area.

“FCT has provided a place for waste recycling plant in Mpape, the FCT minister was to commission it last year but for some logistic issues.

“Once the issues are sorted out, it will be commissioned and waste generated in the FCT will be turned into useful things.

“We have another place in Kaigini which is yet to be developed but we are finalising arrangements.

Another private firm has submitted application to establish a recycling plant in Dutse; once it is approved by the minister, work will commence,’’ Labaran said.

He said that the area council was working toward effective waste management in Kubwa.

Labaran said the council held a meeting with refuse collectors, known as ‘babanbola’, and informed them that a place had been provided for them to dump refuse.

“We took them to the place, one along the expressway and one along Lagos Street,’’ he said.

According to him, failure to comply with the directive will attract prosecution.

He said that the area council would engage contractors who would collect waste from house to house if the refuse collectors failed to cooperate.

He noted that the area council would be forced to ban the activities of the refuse collectors if they continued indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

“If they don’t comply, we will engage the police and get them out completely and use contractors who will go from house to house to collect refuse and dispose of them in an organised manner,’’ he said.

He said that the evacuation of refuse heaps at the PW and Phase III bridges in Kubwa had commenced.

On the issue of blocked drains, he promised that the council would continue to work on them on a regular basis.

He, however, cautioned residents and traders to desist from dumping waste into drains.

(NAN)

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

By Aminu Imam with agency report

T

he International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank’s investment banking arm, is getting ready to launch a five-year nairadenominated bond, aimed to develop the Nigerian capital market.

The auction will be “imminent” after the supranational wound up roadshows in Abuja and Lagos yesterday, Jingdong Hua, vice president and treasurer at IFC told beyondbrics.

At $50m this will be a small issue, designed to finance local private sector investments. But it is also the first by a non-resident issuer in Nigeria’s domestic market, and IFC is expecting some big results.

PAGE 19

INSIDE

LCCI laments lack of business and investment statistics

Mob: 08033644990

IFC bond to boost Nigeria’s markets Specifically, the note should help develop the local market through reduced transaction costs and a streamlined issuance process, encouraging domestic businesses to tap fixed income investors for much-needed finance, Hua said.

“We have worked with underlying regulators to start putting the pieces of the puzzle in place,” added Andrew Cross, IFC’s principal financial officer.

“Nigeria’s SEC has already made a number of amendments to its fee structure, which has certainly improved the process, because historically one of the impediments to issuances can simply be the cost of doing it.”

Nigeria boasts one of the region’s largest local currency debt markets, but most of the $35bn of listed nairadenominated bonds are issued by the government, with corporate

debt largely restricted to the country’s banks. In 2012 there was only one local bond from a private issuer: a $2.5m note from Citi. Overall, the Nigerian corporate bond market accounts for only around 1 per cent of GDP. Nigerian bonds are targeted at local banks as well as international investors. But the big interest is likely to come from Nigeria’s 21 growing pension funds, which are diversifying

their fixed income holdings under revised regulations.

And as far as local currency market developments go, there are tentative reasons to be positive. According to a new paper from the International Monetary Fund, corporate bond market capitalisation for subSaharanAfrica has grown as a share of GDP to 1.8 per cent in 2010, from 1 per cent in 2006.

Meanwhile, the share of corporate bonds in total bonds has doubled from just 5.1 per cent in 2006 to 10.8 per cent in 2010.

The increasing number of supranationals issuing debt in the region might just help that trend on its way.

Nigeria to host shea butter conference

FG to triple insurance market to N1tr by 2017

By Ibrahim Kabir Sule

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From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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he Federal Government of Nigeria plans to jerk up the value of its insurance market in four years by improving the reputation of the industry, Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel has said. ”Our people don’t trust insurance,” he said in an interview on Wednesday in Dubai.

“We’ve done a considerable amount of housekeeping to make sure the companies respect the rules.”

“The value of insurance contracts should rise to about N1 trillion in 2017, about 3 per cent of gross domestic product, from N300 billion now, or less than 1 per cent of GDP,” he said.

“Penetration should increase to 22.5 per cent of the insurable population in four years from 10 per cent currently,” Daniel said.

He stated that Compulsory motor-vehicle insurance, which makes up most contracts now, should remain at about 10 per cent by 2017, while life insurance should constitute seven per cent, general business insurance three per cent and petroleum companies’ insurance 2.5 per cent.

Oil and gas businesses will continue to contract international companies to insure operations within Nigeria as the capacity of local insurers is limited, the Commissioner of Insurance said. As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria produced about 1.9 million barrels of crude a day in December, according to Bloomberg data.

The Bloomberg Nigerian Stock Exchange insurance index, a measure of the 10 most liquid insurers on the Lagos-based Nigerian Stock Exchange, has gained 11 per cent so far this year, outpacing a 5.8 per cent rise in the All Share Index.

- Pg 20

Niger state delegation in group photograph with former President Olusegun Obasanjo (middle), and former Ghanaian President John Kofour (right), during the 2nd AGCO Africa Summit, on Monday in Berlin, Germany.

OPEC basket price crashes to $108.96

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he price of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC basket of 12 crude crashed from $109.15 per barrel to $108.96 over the weekend, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of

Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

However, there is no cause for worry as the current basket price is still in excess of the 2013 budget crude oil benchmark of $75 per barrel and reference price of OPEC member nations,

including Nigeria.

This means that the oil producers and exporters would be in a position to generate adequate funds for the implementation of their budgets.

The cartel, it was learnt, had, in its last meeting, reviewed the oil market outlook, as presented by the Secretary General, in particular the supply/demand projections for 2013.

(Bloomberg)

Management Tip of the Day Make emotional connections with your employees

T

he higher up you go in an organization, the more important is to connect with your employees on a personal level. Show people you work with that there is more to your relationship than the job. Here are three ways to forge these connections: · Give your undivided attention. This sounds simple, but it’s easy to overlook when

you are overloaded with ringing phones and packed inboxes. In conversations, put everything down and focus exclusively on what’s being said. · Remember emotions are contagious. If you’re feeling particularly anxious or negative, make an effort to quarantine yourself. When you’re feeling especially buoyant, go to more meetings

and spend more time with others. · Get out there. Even if you’re an introvert, reach out to people, engage them in discussion, and actively provide feedback. You can’t connect from behind a closed office door.

Source: Harvard Business Review

he sixth annual shea industry conference will be hosted by Nigeria from March 4 – 6 this year.

The conference is an annual gathering of producers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers and other stakeholders in the shea butter industry.

Nigeria is the leading producer of Shea butter in the world with a production capacity of about 600,000 metric tons.

Unlike other agricultural products like ginger, sesame seed, peanuts whose export potential are well known , the export potential of Shea butter is not well known hence the need to hold the conference in Nigeria.

The annual conference is described by industry watchers as the most important shea industry event of the year because it allows everybody in the industry to identify and discuss industry issues and present solutions on how to resolve them.

A statement issued from the coordinating body for the development of the shea butter industry world wide - Global Shea Alliance - in Accra Ghana quotes Dr Muazu Aliyu Babangida of Niger as saying that “we are excited to to host Shea 2013 in Abuja.

Nigeria welcomes stakeholders with open arms and assures you of our support and exceptional experience in an important part of shea world.”

More than 15 million women across West Africa participate directly in the shea industry millions collect shea nuts across savannah area strecthing from Senegal to Uganda and South Sudan, the three million square kilometer “shea zone”.

Experts believe that shea butter can boost Nigeria’s non oil export earnings by $2 billion and the decision to hold the conference in Abuja would open Nigeria’s eyes to a potential cash cow.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Sterling Bank

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terling Bank Plc has rewarded its customers under the bank’s “Savers’ Promo,” scheme. The winners were unveiled at the grand finale of the promo, which produced additional 23 winners to the 70 winners that have already emerged, also rewarded a customer from Trans-Amadi Branch, PortHarcourt- Amadi-Nna Homa, with a KIA Sports Utility Vehicle- Sportage, as the grand prize winner.

Also, the bank led the campaign in ensuring clean environment, by mobilising its workforce to join in the cleaning of Obalende Area of Lagos, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

It said the financial institution has concluded plans to raise the bar in CSR by extending the borders of its activities from sports to education, adding that such could also be part of its strategy in business development.

LCCI laments lack of business and investment statistics Stories by Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), has said if Nigeria must achieve the desired level of development, the place of data and statistics is crucial and that Nigeria currently suffers from dearth of business and investment statistics needed for strategic planning.

LCCI President, Mr. Goodie Ibru, while speaking at the presentation of the Nigerian Business Confidence Index in Lagos urged government to give more financial support to National Bureau of Statistics

•••seeks better funding of NBS (NBS), to strengthen its capacity to provide the needed data and statistics for information users in this country, tasking the statistical agencies on timely release of data as appropriate for decision making and planning. ”In fact, decision-makers lack regular access to useful leading economic indicators to aid them in making business decisions even in the midst of rising risk profiles in Nigeria. The Lagos Chamber has decided to mitigate this concern by producing a template for the Nigerian

Business Confidence Index (BCI)” He said the objective is to produce an initial BCI that will form the basis for a continuous quarterly BCI survey, analysis and report for the country.

It is a tailor-made estimate of the business environment from the perception of top private sector players in Nigeria. Among several benefits of the BCI, we expect to see an increase in the quality and flow of information through the business and regulatory landscape, decision makers can begin to make more

T

Fidelity Bank, KADCCIMA

A

s part of measures to stimulate the development of the real sector and aid the attainment of the five per cent target for agricultural financing by banks in 2013, Fidelity Bank Plc and the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) have concluded plans to foster a partnership to such end.

Specifically, the bank has expressed interest to enhance increased participation of entrepreneurs in agribusiness, as well as, create a synergy with various stakeholders in order to aid the growth of the real sector.

Economic Growth: NESG disagrees with World Bank, IMF

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FAAN he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has concluded plans to commence the evacuation of all abandoned aircraft at the country’s airports, beginning from this week.

Unlike the previous threats, the agency said this time around, it would match its words with action. The evacuation exercise would take- off in Lagos next week, while that of Abuja begins in a forthnight.

During inspection of the disused aircraft at the Lagos airport, where no fewer than 13 of the 65 aircraft are scattered, the Director of Operations, FAAN, Henry Omeogu, who also doubles as the chairman of the Committee, disclosed that the contractor would move to site next week.

timely and better informed decisions.

Ibru said the time has come when the Nigerian government would be aided with results of various surveys to be conducted by various interest groups like consultants, the media, research institutes, chambers of commerce and statistics bureaus in this country.

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; CEO Oxford Business Group, Mr. Andrew Jeffreys and the Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode at the inaugural meeting of Presidential Eminent Persons Group on Agriculture in Geneva on Tuesday

Aganga inaugurates Code of Corporate Governance committee

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he Federal Government has inaugurated the Steering Committee that will develop the country’s National Code of Corporate Governance.

The inauguration of the committee is in accordance with Section 119 (c) of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act No.6 of 2011, which empowers the Council as the only statutory body responsible for the development of code of corporate governance practices in both public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, said that the Committee would develop a unified Code of Corporate Governance that would enable the FRC to act “as the national coordinating body responsible for all matters

pertaining to corporate governance in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy; promote the highest standards of corporate governance principles and practices and encourage sound systems of internal control and information systems control to safeguard stakeholders’ investment and assets of public interest entities, among other things.”

He noted that the need for a comprehensive and mandatory National Corporate Governance Code had become imperative given the current multiplicity of corporate governance codes across the country, adding that the new initiative would instill the culture of transparency, accountability and improve the country’s Doing Business Ranking.

Aganga said, “I must say that this administration views the issuance of a National Code of Corporate Governance as a very important deliverable that can be used to enhance our national competitiveness and address some socio-economic issues, including corruption and lack of independence.

“It is also an opportunity to raise the bar in the public and private sectors and to ensure that there are stiff penalties and that directors are personally liable for their actions and inactions. All of these are efforts aimed at improving our investment climate and foreign direct investment flows and enhancement of our competitiveness and international perception.”

he Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), has predicted a seven per cent growth for the economy in the year. This is slightly above the six per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union.

While World Bank forecasts declining economic growth for Nigeria, predicting that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will increase to 6.6 per cent from its 6.5 per cent forecast for 2012, according to World Bank’s global prospects report for 2013, the GDP is expected to drop to 6.4 per cent in 2014 and 6.3 per cent in 2015.

Driven by non-oil sector growth, Nigeria’s economy grew 6.28 per cent in the second quarter of last year, up slightly from the 6.17 per cent attained in the first quarter. Historically, from 2005 until last year, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate averaged 6.8 per cent. It reached an all-time high of 8.6 per cent in December of 2010, and a record low of 4.5 per cent in March 2009.

The GDP growth rate provides an aggregated measure of changes in value of the goods and services produced by an economy.

Also, the NESG said inflation rate would hover around an average of 10 per cent in the year, with potential for single digit inflation by the second quarter. It said the IMF had predicted 9.5 per cent inflation rate for the country.

NESG in a report entitled: “Nigeria: Macroeconomic outlook and themes for 2013”, said the economy would continue with its steady growth this year, adding that the non-oil sector will grow by an average of 8.5 per cent per quarter and drive the economic growth.

The NESG said agriculture, trading, telecoms, power, transport and building are the sectors to watch. In 2012, these sectors collectively accounted for over 70.44 per cent of GDP, and also grew by 4.12 per cent, 31.85 per cent, 3.05 per cent, 6.49 per cent and 12.59 per cent in real terms.”

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

FG set to hand over ALSCON to BFI Group

By Abdulwahab Isa

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fter the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Nigerian-American consortium, the BFI Group, the Federal Government has started processing documents to handover the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) to the BFI Group.

The Supreme Court ruled on the July 6, 2012, that the disqualified NigerianAmerican consortium that emerged the preferred bidder for ALSCON in 2004 should be retained as the valid winner of the bid.

The court ordered BPE to work with the $410m, which was to be paid by the preferred

bidder instead of the $250m offer accepted from RUSAL, the Russian company.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Musa Sada, after the inaugural meeting of the National Council on Privatisation for the year, said they had discussed at length to ascertain that ALSCON works

ahead without undue pressure.

Sada said, “On the recent Supreme Court judgement on ALSCON, which asked us to do certain things; today, we were able to discuss the draft agreement with the new company that obtained the Supreme Court judgment on it, and what we are trying to do is to come up with an agreement putting into considerations what we learnt from the previous agreement that was signed with the other company.

“It was a very detailed agreement taking care and making sure that going forward; the company (ALSCON) will not suffer

undue issue that will make it have problems to be solved.”

NCP again communicated that January 31, 2013 was the deadline for the expression of interest in the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company and the Afam Generating Company.

This was communicated by the Chairman, Technical Committee, NCP, Mr. Atedo Peterside who spoke to journalists at the end of the meeting.

Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, Acting DirectorGeneral, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki and Sada also briefed Journalists at the end of the meeting.

Microsoft to invest in Dell buyout

By Chris Alu with agency report

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L-R: Company Secretary, Axion Global Engineering Limited, Barrister Uyai Abasi Ikoiwak, company Engineer, Mr. Ogwuegbu Herbert, and Managing Director of the company, Hon. Okey Eze, during the introduction of Axion product into Nigerian market, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

NSE seeks advisers to promote ASeM listings From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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he management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), in a bid to boost listings on the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM), has called upon the registered dealing member firms to advise companies on getting listed on the ASeM. The NSE issued a circular to dealing member firms yesterday, calling for applications from firms interested in providing the service.

“The NSE, through the Broker-Dealer Regulation Department, now invites eligible dealing member firms to indicate their interest in becoming designated advisers to companies listed on or/and seeking listing to the ASeM,” the notice read in part.

Applicants will be expected to show technical, and financial capacity, amongst other requirements set out by the NSE management.

Some of the other requirments include number, duration and approximate

value of capital market transactions or similar engagements in the last three years; proven track record in providing required services; availability of resources (financial and technical capability); and satisfactory compliance history.

The NSE is seeking to boost market capitalization to $1 trillion by 2016, and is embarking upon several strategies to attempt to reach that goal. The current market capitalization of the bourse is less than $70 billion.

Nigeria set for 45 crude cargo export from March

By Chris Alu with agency report

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ith a view to boosting and enhancing the export of its major Foreign Revenue earner ‘Crude Oil’, Nigeria is poised to step up the level of output by hitting the mark of 45 crude cargoes from the month of March.

From the analysis, Nigeria will sustain export flows from Forcados, Akpo, Bonga, Amenam , Usan, EA Blend and Yoho Oil fields. Also the Brass River, Escravos, Oso, Pennington, Antan, Abo, Okono and Agbami fields are also expected to shore up production, that will meet the

expected target for March.

Also the Qua Iboe terminal operations is to provide 12 ship consignments of the crude grade for the month of March, while the total estimates will also include three lots delayed being deferred from the month of February.

This Schedules for Loading are done on a monthly basis, designed by experts in field operations in the Oil and Gas sector, to ensure that there is an enabling environment and level playing ground for buyers and sellers to carry out their supply and trading activities.

Nigeria is in desperate need of boosting its crude export and

also gaining new trade deals, as the government is ruthlessly seeking massive revenue to finance key Infrastructure projects and programmes in the country, even as the Nation is on the aggressive drive to get more markets.

As part of its efforts in ensuring that there is no disruption in the export and shipment plan, the Federal Government has empowered the Joint Task Force Military operations in the Niger-Delta region to maintain order and stability in the area, cracking down on illegal bunkering and attempts to attack any of the oil installations in the country.

orld’s leading hardware computer and software makers, Microsoft Group is considering a move to invest about $3 billion in an attempt to buy into shares and stock of the innovative and dynamic Dell technology company.

Microsoft is currently holding business talks with CEO of Dell, Mr Michael Dell and Private equity group, Silver Lake partners on a possible deal of investing in the company. The deal will not necessarily give the Windows explorer makers a major share value in Dell, but will aid the buyout process.

Michael Dell, Silver Lake Partners and most likely Microsoft should complete a deal of about $25 billion to leverage and shore up funds that will meet up with the stock demand of $13 to $14 per share, with about $2billion needed to finance the equity deal.

This is not the first time that Microsoft Corporation will venture into investment in the technology sector. In the past, it had dolled out cash to Comcast, Barnes and Nobles, Facebook and even Apple group.

Dell Corporation is seeking to reorganize its operations in the market, hence its plan and drive to go private. The Firm believes that this will help it refocus and strategize on new ventures and markets.

As one of the World’s leading PC makers, Dell has been in partnership with Microsoft especially its ‘Windows’ programme , that will enable it venture into new business directions like system storage and networking.

The recent launch of the Windows 8 explorer by Microsoft, brought a new dimension of system operations and partnership with Dell Computers. It is expected that this partnership will influence the prospects of mega deals between the two PC giants.

Google to improve online presence for small businesses in Nigeria From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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oogle Inc the biggest global search engine Company has restated its commitment to aiding small medium enterprises even as it is worried about the low level utilization of online services.

Across the globe, especially in developed and strategic emerging economies, small businesses or SMEs have in order to advance their network reach and service delivery potentials, have explored and engaged the Internet services.

In a recent Interview, the Country Manager of GoogleNigeria, Ms Juliet Ehimuan stated that despite the landmark established by the company in promoting the presence of small businesses online, there is still much work to be done.

She said “We realised that there are over two million small and medium business outfits and most of them are offline, and in less than a year, a lot of that traffic came through in 2011. In less than a year, we were able to get 40,000 Small Medium-scale Enterprises online with professional websites. That is one example, and there have been some great stories from that as well, such as business growth and increased customer acquisition and customer awareness”.

This year, Google is determined to boost online presence of small businesses in the country, and with the dynamic leadership quality of 2013 Information Technology personality award winner, Ms Juliet Ehimuan , this year promises to be a remarkable one.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013

PAGE 22

Distributors canvass total ban on imported cement

By Abdulwahab Isa

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ajor cement distributors at the weekend in Lagos urged the Federal Government to encourage indigenous entrepreneurs by banning import of items like cement which are now produced in sufficient quantities in the country.

The distributors, rising from a day retreat with the management of Dangote Cement commended the cement company for creating massive employment in the economy.

Chairman, Giwa Dynamic Ventures Ltd, Alhaji Bala

‌commends Dangote on job creation

M u h a m m a d Getso, while speaking at the retreat said that entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote are needed to drive the economy as they create massive employment opportunities.

Alhaji Getso, who described Dangote Industries Ltd as the biggest employer of labour after the Federal Government, urged government to ban importing of cement in any form so as to encourage domestic manufacturing.

He said, “Dangote is the

biggest employer of labour after the government. We need such people who establish industries that build the economy. I commend him for venturing into manufacturing and keeping people gainfully employed. The distributors are gainfully employed, builders are gainfully employed. People in the construction industry are gainfully employed.�

Getso who is also the biggest distributor of Dangote Cement nationwide urged government to ban out rightly the importation

of cement in any form describing continuous cement import as policy inconsistent.

Mrs. Chinwe Nwosu, an Awka, Anambra state-based distributor, in her contribution commended Dangote Cement in creating employment opportunities through employing people in the factories and indirect employment through people who earn a living in cement industry related activities.

According to her, the distributors employ people who

work for them while block makers, brick layers, masons and others in the building industry also earn a living within the industry. Dangote she said, should be encouraged to invest more in other sectors of the economy.

Sango Ota-based distributor, Aremu Kazeem Babatunde noted that Dangote Cement has the capacity to meet local demand for cement and wondered why Government should still import of cement in any form. He opined that local investors should be encouraged and protected so that their investments will thrive and create the necessary linkages lacking in the domestic economy.

President Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote addressing the distributors thanked them for their massive support for Dangote Cement. He said that management of Dangote Cement is more determined to drive the company to higher levels for the benefit of all stakeholders. He urged the distributors to see the business as a partnership with Dangote Cement and pledged to support them in their dreams of building their businesses.

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Al-Makura and the insecurity hurdles in Nasarawa State

By Danjuma Joseph

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ince assumption of office on 29th May, 2011 Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State, has come interfaced with security challenges bedevilling the state, once adjudged by analyst as one of the most peaceful in the country.

Unlike its neighbouring states such as Plateau, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, where the dreaded Boko Haram unleashed terror on innocent citizens, Nasarawa State still enjoys relative peace, until recently, when the various ethnic groups began to be at dagger drown.

Regrettably, the present administration in Nsarawa state inherited some of the crises from the previous administrations between Egbura and Bassa, in Toto, Tiv and Alago, in Keana, Awe And Obi LGAs and Fulani herdsmen cum Tiv, in the border towns of Nasarawa and Benue states. The crisis between Tiv and Fulani, led to the setting up of a joint commission of inquiry and peace committee by the two states in June, 2011. And, it would be recalled that the first official assignment of Governor Almakura and his Benue state counterpart Gabriel Suswan, was the meeting to reconcile the two warring factions at Yelwata, a border town between the two states.

However, it is also regrettable that the crises which has generated anxious moments in the once peaceful state, is grave and it has reached alarming rates, thereby causing suspicion, disaffection, security threats and animosity among the citizens who have stayed together for years in memorial.

While the dust of the Tiv/Fulani clash was settling down, then resurfaced another worst hit by the Alago/ Eggon clash in Assakio in June 2012 and the Migilli/Eggon crisis in Agyaragu in November 2012, both over land disputes; these crises has left thousands homeless, properties worth millions of naira destroyed, while precious lives were lost in the fight.

As the government was still awaiting the result of the commission of inquiry into the Agyaragu crisis and equally preparing grounds to make public the white paper on Assakio crisis, another spate of violence erupted in Agbashi, involving Agatu and Fulani. In the same week as if it was a planned thing, Burum-Burum, Ruwan Doma and other surrounding villages was attacked by Fulani mercenaries who brazenly unleashed terror on innocent citizens, mostly Alago, Eggons and others. At the same time crisis erupted between Fulani and Eggon of Bassa, Kokona Local Government over who becomes the next village head after the death of the occupant the stool, an Eggon person.

The crises left in its wake the most wanton inhuman destruction of properties and lives, some of these towns and villages has ever known since they were founded centuries ago. Although, accusing fingers are pointing at all directions but the first casualty in moments like this is the truth.

Whatever one takes for the truth or otherwise, some fundamental issues and the depth of the implications of this fratricide cannot be glossed over. Many reasons can be adduced to this because the demography of Nasarawa state is such that it is difficult to separate one tribe from another.

For instance, there is no settlement in the whole of Nasarawa state that has a seamless blend of Alago/ Eggon/Migili people like Assakio. Similarly, there is no seamless blend of Migili/Eggon people like Agyaragu, so they are reference points in the historic mutual co-existence and co-operation that exists between the Alago/Eggon/Migili nations and Migili/ Eggon nations.

Nasarawa State Governor

UMARU TANKO AL-MAKURE Again there is no place in the whole of Nasarawa state where there is high propensity of ethnic marriages between Alago/Eggon, like Assakio. The same thing applicable to Agyaragu community, where you have propensity of inter marriages between Migili and Eggon. By implications, Assakio and Agyaragu, occupies a pride of place as shining example of promoting harmonious living beyond ethnic leanings. Together as one they have been able to make Assakio and Agyaragu the most economically prosperous markets in the whole of Nasarawa State.

One is left at loss at what would have informed the levels of destruction of lives and property that was visited on Assakio, Agyaragu and most recently, Agbashi, Burum-Burum, Ruwan Doma, Bassa and others, which left these towns deserted of human inhabitants and only few houses untouched.

One good aspect of the quality leadership of Governor Almakura is that, he takes proactive measures, by personal visits when the crisis is going on to see things for his self and to calm down fray nerves of the warring factions. The governor was

“

One is left at loss at what would have informed the levels of destruction of lives and property that was visited on Assakio, Agyaragu and most recently, Agbashi, Burum-Burum, Ruwan Doma, Bassa and others, which left these towns deserted of human inhabitants and only few houses untouched.

One good aspect of the quality leadership of Governor Almakura is that, he takes proactive measures, by personal visits when the crisis is going on to see things for his self and to calm down fray nerves of the warring factions

there the very day crisis erupted in Assakio and he repeated the visits severally.

He replicated same to Agyaragu, when he sent the Deputy, Dameshi Barau Luka, on errand before he cut short his trip from Abuja and drove straight to Agyaragu, two days later.

There is no doubt that the ruling Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) led administration in Nasarawa, under Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura, has come under series of criticisms, especially from the state chapter of the defeated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over the spate of communal crisis in the state.

An analyst on the crisis in his submission, was of the opinion that "this no doubt must have been a culmination of long term plans well-orchestrated by self-seeking individuals who either on political selfinterest and, or personal motives, found some unsuspecting characters, particularly our youths as easy tools in the hands of the wicked".

It must be pointed out that a crisis of this magnitude has a deep and lasting political and social implication for the for the state and in particular, Alago/Eggon, Migili/Eggon and Agatu/Fulani and Eggon/Fulani in the state. Unfortunately, mutual suspicion this feud has created would linger on for some times except the leaders of the warring communities stand in unison to condemn it and device concrete pragmatic steps at restoring the lost confidence and suspicion.

Governor Almakura, must be commended for his avowed commitments at ensuring peace, unity and security of lives and properties when and where the need arises in the state. For instance, the governor recently strengthened the security apparatus in the state when he donated new 42 Hilux Pick Ups to them for their smooth operations.

The governor is also working round the clock aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the state. Apart from several peace and security meetings held with individuals and groups at the instance of the governor, he recently convened a special peace and security meeting for traditional rulers, district/ village heads and all stakeholders of all ethnic groups engulfed in the crisis, where he warned that they will be held responsible in future occurrences.

To politicians in the state, the governor gave this sound warning saying, ' I wish to seize this opportunity to warn against politicising the crisis in the state. Any person who bring politics and religion into the this crisis, no matter how highly placed, will face the full wrath of the law' Danjuma Joseph, is the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa state.

PEOSPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Report as at Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

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PAGE 25

Strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Czech Republic

By Obike Ukoh

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zech Republic was one of the countries Nigeria established diplomatic relations with almost immediately after Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

Diplomatic relations were established with

Czech Republic in 1961, while Nigeria maintained an embassy in Prague, the country’s capital until 2003 when it was closed for unavoidable reasons.

The reopening of the embassy in 2012, shows the determination of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration

President of Czech Republic, Václav Klaus

to widen the frontiers of investments and international cooperation.

The reopening was justified based on the volume of trade between the two countries.

Statistics by the Nigerian-Czech Business Council in 2009 before the reopening, put the value of

trade at more than $80 million.

The products involved in the trade were pharmaceutical products, hospital equipment, industrial materials as well as building and civil construction equipment.

Mrs Catherine Okon, the Nigerian Ambassador to

Czech Republic, restated Nigeria’s desire to deepen economic relations with Czech Republic in her maiden meeting with the country’s foreign minister, after her appointment by President Jonathan.

Okon told the Foreign Minister/Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Karel Schwarzenbery that Nigeria wanted Czech businessmen to come to Nigeria and invest. “ The foreign minister asked me what Nigeria wanted in the Czech Republic and in what areas both countries could work together.

“I want you, the government and business community to come to Nigeria and invest, not just to take away the abundant raw materials available, but to add to the value chain.

“We are also desirous to sustain an interface between Czech’s institutions of higher learning and Nigerian universities and use the students’ exchange programme to popularise the Czech’s education system in Nigeria.’’

The ambassador also told the foreign minister that the security challenge in the country is a localised issue, which is also being vigorously addressed by the Federal Government.

Okon also restated Nigeria’s interest in the Czech Republic when she presented her Letter of Credence to Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus in Prague.

She said that the two countries could collaborate in areas of technology, security and economic development.

“With a population of over 140 million people, Nigeria has the largest market in West Africa.’’

The envoy also told the prime minister, the achievements the

President Jonathan’s administration had recorded in the electricity sector, provision of infrastructure and entrenchment of democracy in the country.

She solicited assistance in capacity-building and the tackling of the present security challenge in the country.

The prime minister said that Czech, being an exportoriented country, cherished closer ties with Nigeria to enhance its strategic interest in Africa.

He commended the ongoing reforms in Nigeria, and urged the Czech business community to take advantage of the opportunity to boost trade and investment between the countries.

Mr Jaroslav Siro, Czech ambassador to Nigeria, also reiterated Nigeria’s importance to the Czech Republic and commended the government for reopening its embassy in Prague.

He said that the volume of trade between Nigeria and the Czech Republic grew in excess of $100 million by the end of 2012.

The ambassador, who spoke in Abuja, during the 94th National Day Celebration of Czech Republic, said the figure represented 50 per cent increase over that of 2011.

“The main exports from the Czech Republic, which are worth $80 million, are cars, machinery, chemicals, while Nigeria’s export of liquefied gas amounts to $20 million annually,’’ he said.

The envoy who described the bilateral relations between both countries “as very cordial “ said the reopening of Nigeria’s embassy would further boost diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Okon, in her maiden meeting with the Nigerian community in the Czech Republic, advised them not to engage in any activities that would tarnish the image of the country.

“For almost 10 years since the closure of the mission in Prague, Nigerians resident in the Czech Republic had the harrowing experience of virtually drifting all over the countries of Central and Eastern Europe to solve their consular problems.

“With the reopening of the chancery, all that is now history as the embassy has come to stay.

“The job of protecting Nigerian citizens could be made simpler if you comport yourself

“

We are also desirous to sustain an interface between Czech’s institutions of higher learning and Nigerian universities and use the students’ exchange programme to popularise the Czech’s education system in Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan

properly and obey the laws of the country.

“Having as many as 45 Nigerian nationals in prison all over the Czech Republic does not reflect positively on the country’s image,’’ Okon remarked.

However, during the period of closure, Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Czech Republic on the revitalisation of some agreements.

Mr Martin Uhomoibhi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the agreement was aimed at revitalising some moribund agreements that were signed between the two countries in respect of some critical economic sectors.

He said the agreements were reviewed because in these past few years, relations between the two countries had not yielded concrete results in terms of economic cooperation.

The challenge, therefore, before the Nigerian ambassador to the Czech Republic, including all ambassadors, is to ensure that Nigeria gets concrete results from endorsed agreements.

(NANFeatures)

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

EMERGENCY UPDATE

D-G NEMA, Mohammed Sani- Sidi with Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga unveiling the Training Manual during the kick-off of the North-West zone training session on community resilience and peace building network in Kaduna recently.

A cross section of participants at a training session on community resilience and peace building network in Kaduna State recently.

Experts taskstakeholders on disaster mitigation

E

nvironment experts yesterday called for strengthening capacity in effective disaster preparedness and mitigation in the country.

The South West Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Iyiola Akande, and Dr Olutoyin Fashae of the Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, made the call in Ibadan while speaking at a disaster mitigation workshop organised for stakeholders by NEMA. Akande, who was represented

by NEMA's Head of Training, South-West Zone, Mr Olarewaju Kadiri, said all stakeholders should work together to forestall future disasters.

"This is imperative because disaster can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone. When there are plans and strategies in place to deal with these disasters before they occur, it will help to mitigate the effects on lives and properties of those affected.

"I must remind everyone that to effectively combat disaster at

every level, we must combine our strengths so that disasters will have no place in our society," Akande said.

In her presentation, Fashae pointed out that prevention, based on awareness, was the best way of managing disaster risks.

She said since disasters affect economic and social processes, preparedness and mitigation plans must emphasise the socioeconomic rather than just the physical.

"Government must put in

place reliable and effective warning communication systems against disaster occurrences to mitigate preparedness.

Vulnerable groups such as women and children need to be attended to.

"Public awareness campaigns must be adapted to existing local and cultural media dissemination practices to ensure effectiveness,'' Fashae said.

She suggested that government and stakeholders

must establish Emergency Operation Centres similar to emergency clinics to aid intervention in times of disasters.

Fashae also advised that buildings be erected and strengthened to make them disaster-resistant.

"It is imperative to have builtin institutional arrangements and legislative backing to oversee the mitigation strategy over time," she said. (NAN)

NEMA records 283, 208 flood victims in North East zone

N

o fewer than 283, 208 persons were affected by flood disasters in the North-East zone last year, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement, signed by Malam Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the North-East Information Officer of NEMA, said 105, 811 victims were camped and catered for in 81 Internally Displaced People's camps (IDPS).

He said the camps were managed by the agency in collaboration with state emergency management agency (SEMAs).

Accordingly, other stakeholders, such as Red Cross

A cross section of participants at a training session on community resilience and peace building network in Kaduna State recently.

Society, in the six states in the zone were involved in the exercise, the statement said.

It said that the zonal office of NEMA also delivered relief materials to victims of communal crisis in Ibbi, Taraba.

The statement said the agency in conjunction with Zaramat Global Consultancy organised workshops on disaster management for the people as part of protective measures. (NAN)

D-G NEMA Muhammed Sani -Sidi at Kaduna state deputy governor, Amb Nuhu Bajoga

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

EMERGENCY UPDATE

Disaster Management: NEMA to train 154, 800 community volunteers

By Mohammed Kandi

I

n a bid to encourage strong participation in disaster management in the country, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has expressed its readiness to train about 154, 800 community volunteers nationwide before the first quota the year.

Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammed Sani-Sidi, stated this during a recent workshop in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The workshop was organised by the agency in conjunction with Zaramat Global Company Limited with a theme: "Setting Community Resilience Network and Peace Brigade among NEMA stakeholders and volunteers in the North-Central zone".

Represented by the NorthCentral Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Alhaji Abdulsalam, Sani-Sidi said that NEMA would

train at least 200 volunteers in each of the 774 local government areas in the country.

"This will enable every community to understand their core values; how well they protect it and how well they live and support one another," he stressed.

Sani-Sidi noted that most Nigerian communities were experiencing more natural and human disasters now than ever before, with Internally Displaced Persons' camps becoming permanent features.

"The effects of such disaster on victims often times tell on their entire well-being. It has, therefore, become imperative to support such persons in a holistic way and even engage in physical and trauma awareness support to reduce the possibility of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,'' he said.

He said the plan to train volunteers was aimed at establishing NEMA's presence not

just to in the states in each zone, but also to local government areas and all communities.

In his remarks, one of the organizers of the workshop, Mr. Maaji Peter, said the training programme was flagged-off on January 8, in Kaduna for the North-East zone.

Peter explained that a town hall meeting was also incorporated to ensure that the people in the community made inputs to the entire training process for effective disaster prevention and or management.

He said the responses from the volunteers in the North-East and North-Central zones had been encouraging, noting that people had been looking for a platform for networking in disaster management.

He recalled that the training attracted participants from the Nigerian Fire Service, FRSC, Red Cross, NGOs and religious organisations, among others.

Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammed SaniSidi, fielding questions from jounalists during a training session on community resilience peace building network, recently in Kaduna.

NEMA trains 40 stakeholders on disaster management in North-East

T

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has trained 40 critical stakeholders in the North- East on disaster management, an official has said.

The North-East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Tuesday.

He said the training was to sensitise the stakeholders toward networking on disaster and emergencies.

According to him,

stakeholders, comprising officials of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police, Fire Service, from the zone, participated in the capacity building workshop.

He described the programme as a train-thetrainers workshop, where the beneficiaries were expected to communicate the messages to their colleagues and the public in general on disaster management.

Kanar said the zone recorded a lot of disasters last year,

especially flood, but noted that governments and wellmeaning individuals assisted the victims in different forms of intervention.

"The intervention was impressive, especially from private organisations; up to now they are still assisting," he said.

He called on the stakeholders to continue to provide the neede support and cooperation.

The coordinator called on the public to be on alert and report early warning signals on disasters to the agency. (NAN)

YOUTHS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

By Abubakar Jimoh abujimoh01@yahoo.com

Empowering women in Disaster Risk Reduction

W

omen are hitherto maginalised from community discussion and development plans in many Nigerian communities.

A recent survey conducted by the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) revealed that to attain a fullfledged sustainable communitybased development, there is the need to involve the knowledge and energies of women.

Similarly, Founding Director of the Brazil Network for Human Development, Thais Corral said: "Without women fully taking part in decision making, leadership and implementation, real community resilient to climate change and disasters simply cannot be achieved".

On a whole, more women died in Nigeria than children or men as a result of gender inequalities.

Their roles as mothers compel them to consider the safety of their children and the assets before their own survival.

It was reported by the Disaster Emergency Committee in 2009, that women spent their lives within their households and had very limited experience interacting with others outside this private space. Consequently, during the initial response to disaster, women find it difficult to access relief and rehabilitation support, as they are not involved in the distribution process.

Apparently, building women's resilient to disasters becomes imperative towards empowering them as participants in community decision-making.

Women empowerment could be achieved in the country by adopting what Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi termed as "Participatory Vulnerability Analysis (PVA)".PVA gives women space for raising awareness, sharing experiences, skills-training, and forming participatory women group and community groups.

Besides, hazards can be effectively identified, accessed, prepared for and respond to through non-discriminatory collaboration between men and women for safer communities. In view of the accelerated cases of disaster situations in Nigeria, it is essential to use the women not as person to be helped but as participants in building a community resilient towards disaster risk reduction. This is because women are not only the victims but agent of change.

It is worthy of note that real community development change and effective development must include women. They must be engaged as planners, source of knowledge, and decision-maker and implementers. Women involvement could be ensured through the creation of

Participatory Rural Approach Projects that would take into consideration, other social factors of the community such as age.

One vital area in which community women could contribute towards disaster preparedness, prevention and sustainable development is the Sustainable Agricultural Projects (SAP), which is presently booming across the pacific. There must be concerted effort by the State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Government Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to closely work with vulnerable rural communities so as to identify the real problems and constraints.

The SEMAs and LEMA can establish SAP among community women using their local methods and technology. They should take cognizance of this coordination to accomplish disaster-resilient related benefits like improvement in quality of soil, more use of drought resistant crops, improved irrigation systems, better management of pests and diseases, evaluation of tissue plant cultures, terraced and planted hillsides to prevent landslides and runoff, and support for widespread home gardens for better access to nutrition food.

Globally, women are endowed with traditional knowledge and best practices proper land-use and natural resource management. It was in view of this that ISDR in 2009 noted that as the essential managers of natural and environmental resources, and key frontline implementers of development, women have the experience and knowledge to build the resilience of their communities to the intensifying anticipated natural hazards.

Also, a survey conducted by Association des Jeunes de Zammour (AJZ), Tunisia in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2004 confirmed that the participation of women was particularly important for identifying local knowledge for reducing desertification. Using the women participatory approach, sophisticated awareness can be initiated among Nigerian women in the desertification prone communities like Borno, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto/Zamfara and Kebbi.

While on its own part, Youths Against Disaster Initiative (YADI) encourages the SEMAs and LEMCs to initiate in the communities such techniques as rainwater harvesting, innovative irrigation, and increase the areas' biodiversity and plant cover to reduce risks of hazards likely to be exacerbated by climate change like crop losses from drought, desertification and landslides triggered by extreme weather.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Eco-Terrorism in our rainforests

By Ambrose Inusa Sule

A

new type of terrorism has taken the form of arson, sabotage in a way of illegal logging, trappers of endangered species for pet trade and illegal hunters.

Their destructive acts have been called "Eco-terrorism". At least hundreds major acts of this type occurred almost on daily basis unnoticed in this country.

Such acts are

and leaving little evidence, but charred ruins.

Until recently, crimes in the name of ecology has limited, local impact and drew little attention. But targets have grown larger in recent years.

To worsen the situation, official corruption has written death warrants for many ecoproblems across the country.

For a bribe, some dishonest officials have known to give short term concessions to

parks. Sometimes they saw logs in planks right there in the forest - a wasteful and illegal practice. Local people are paid to carry them on bicycles or even on their heads.

Then to avoid checkpoints, trucks take them away on quiet roads after dark. Deforestation and loss of wildlife are not the inevitable result of increasing population. They are often the result of mismanagement, greedy commerce, crime, and

Electronic waste dump sile considered terrorist acts because they involve violence and illegality.

Eco-terrorists often frustrate forest guards if they still exist at all, by hitting remote targets, often at night

companies that plunder the timber with no regard for conservation.

While criminals damage forests, illegal loggers clandestinely cut valuable trees even those in national

corrupt government officials.

That being so, what hope is there for conserving the immense diversity of life that is found in tropical rain forests like ours.

The diversity of life in

ENVIR ONMENT ENVIRONMENT WATCH

By Ambrose Inusa Sule, mnes globenviron@yahoo.com 0703-441-4410 (sms only) tropical forests is often likened to a living library, but it is one in which most of the "books" have yet to be opened. What makes this environmental loss especially sad is that tropical rain forests are often destroyed for little permanent benefit.

What hope is there for the rain forests and their teeming wildlife considering the forces of international commerce, overpopulation, trappers for the pet trade, and illegal hunters and loggers?

Researchers are constantly deriving useful products from tropical forests. A large proportion of the medicines now in use, for example, were developed from tropical plants.

Experts claim that "forests provided almost a third of the world's population with food, fuel or medicine, as well as acting as a "safety net in natural disasters".

It is amazing that we have never heard of anybody that has been convicted on environmental crime in this country, except when street hawkers' wares are confiscated or fined.

It is no gainsaying the fact that collusive corruption and fraud in the forestry sector undermines the rule of law and significantly hampers efforts to tackle poverty in this country.

It's sufficed to say that capacity building, good governance and increased international co-operation are necessary in order to secure sustainable forest management. Forests that are sustainably managed are

becoming an important part of the solution for global climate change and poverty alleviation.

In view of the ever increasing eco-terrorism, Interpol and the United Nations have recently joined forces to launch an initiative to tackle global forest crime.

Project Leaf, as it is called by the UN, will target criminals involved in illegal logging and timber trafficking and the scheme will also provide support to enforcement agencies in countries with the biggest problems.

The project is said to ensure these global laws are supported by global enforcement and that the criminals responsible are brought to justice - no matter their location, movements or resources.

Project leaf (Law Enforcement Assistance for Forests) is a partnership between the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Interpol, with funding provided by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.

It added that, in order to be an effective force against criminal activity, it would be necessary for any action to be "coordinated, collaborative and transnational".

This should be a wake-up call for the federal government to join in the effort to tackle this global forest crime, as illegal logging was no longer an issue that is restricted by national boundaries.

Dam, saying that other dams in the state would also be made to function at full capacity.

These, he said, were part of the overall plans of government to address the problem of acute water shortage being experienced in some parts of the state.

Anise said government had already commenced the process of replacing rusty and burst pipes.

He commended the Federal Government and the foundation for repairing hand pumps and training the local populace on maintenance of the equipment.

The Director of Water of the Tulsi - Chanrai Foundation in Nigeria, Mr Naser Ahmed, said the programme started in July, 2011.

Ahmed said the initiative was aimed at repairing 1,000 hand pumps in 18 states of the federation, out of which Ekiti got 58.

He said maintenance kits as well as completes set of hand pump installation tools were also provided to the benefiting communities. (NAN)

Ekiti Govt. pledges improved water supply

T

he General Manager, Ekiti State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, Mr. Toba Anise has said that the state government is committed to improved access to potable water across the state.

Anise gave the assurance in Ado-Ekiti during the handover

of 58 newly-rehabilitated hand pumps to communities in six local government areas of the state.

The hand pumps, he said, were rehabilitated by Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Tulsi-Chanrai Foundation.

He added that the hand

pumps were expected to ensure sustained supply of potable water to the benefiting communities.

Anise also disclosed that a substantial amount of money had already been voted in the 2013 budget for the turnaround maintenance of the Ero

Afforestation: Forestry Dept. to raise 5m tree seedlings in Katsina

T

he Katsina State Forestry Department is to raise five million tree seedlings for distribution to farmers this year.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on forestry, Alhaji Abdulwahab Sani-Store, said this while inspecting Kabukawa Central Nursery in

Batagarawa Local Government Area of the state.

He said the project was part of the government's effort toward ensuring successful afforestation programme in the state.

According to him, adequate arrangement has been made for raising the seedlings at the

state's nurseries.

The Special Adviser also said that a Toyota Hilux, motorcycles and barbed wires were provided to the department to facilitate the project.

He also inspected private woodlots at Dababayawa and Aka villages in Batagarawa and

Rimi Local Government Areas respectively, where he expressed delight over the large number of trees planted by their owners.

He further pledged the state government's assistance to private woodlots owners across the state. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 27

Is NESREA shouting hoax?

By Adeola Tukuru

I

t has been a common practice for some business men to import Used Electrical/ Electronic Equipment (UEEE) into the country for sales to customers that may not have the purchasing power for the equivalent new products.

These UEEE are either referred to as "tested goods" or"nontested goods". The implication is that the functionality of the tested products has been ascertained while that of the non-tested products has not. Often times, these non-tested products are electric/electronic products whose life spans have been nearly or completely exhausted. These UEEE which no longer have useful life are called e-waste.

"E-waste" or Electronic waste is a popular, informal name for electronic product that has reached or is near the end of its "useful life" and "end-of-life". It comprises of waste electronic/ electrical goods which are no longer fit for their originally intended use. These include items such as computers, cellular phones, stereos, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.

Discarded computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, fax machines, electric lamps, cell phones, audio equipment and batteries are generated at an alarming rate. Each year 20-50 million tonnes of e-waste are generated worldwide (UNEP, 2009). In developing nations, most of these would eventually be disposed in dumpsites when no further use of such products can be established.

E-wastes are considered dangerous, because certain components of some electronic/

electrical products contain materials that are hazardous, depending on their condition and handling at disposal sites. Some can leach lead compounds and other substances into soils and ground-water. The hazardous or toxic content of these materials pose a threat to human health and the environment.

The Printed Circuit Boards component of electronic products is made up of lead, chromium, plastic & Brominated Flame Retardants, Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) may contain Lead oxide & Cadmium, Switches & flat screen monitors contains mercury, Computer batteries may consist of cadmium & lead, Capacitors and transformers may contain Poly Chlorinated Bi-phenyls (PCB) and Cable insulation/coating consist of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC).

When electronics are not properly recycled, their plastic casings are often burned, releasing Persistent Bio-accumulate and Toxic (PBT) pollutants and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). PBTs and POPs are toxic, persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in food chains and pose risks to human health and ecosystems. The biggest concerns about PBTs are that they are easily transferred in air, water, and land, and accumulate in our bodies and the environment. Just one computer or television can contain hundreds of chemicals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Many of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, respiratory illness, and reproductive problems.

Many of these Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment can be, refurbished, or recycled in an environmentally sound manner

so that they are less harmful to the ecosystem. However, because of the capital intensive nature of ensuring sound management of WEEE and applicable stringent environmental regulations, some of the developed countries rather than ensuring sound management of their e-waste, resort to shifting the burden of its management to other developing nations by exporting the items under the guise that they are still useable. This is a case of inflicting environmental injustice on the populace of the recipient countries which are most often African

countries.

The global response to combat this trend was an international treaty, Basel Convention on the Control of Trans boundary Movements of Hazardous waste and their disposal.

The convention is aimed at reducing Trans boundary movements of hazardous waste, ensuring that hazardous wastes should be treated and disposed of as close as possible to the source of generation and minimizing hazardous waste generation at source. Nigeria is a signatory to this Convention.

Recently, a ship M.V. Marevia

from the United Kingdom, loaded with two containers of e-waste was intercepted at the Tin-Can Island Port, Lagos State and directed by the Federal Government to be repatriated back to the country of origin. This tempo of response, orchestrated by NESREA is laudable and should be applauded.

It is worthy to state that the officers of the Security Agencies manning the Ports should be alive unto their responsibilities and ensure complete loyalty to the service of their fatherland through vigilance to prevent such items from coming into the country. From all indication, it is clear that NESREA is not shouting hoax!

Challewa Dam, kano state

Al-makura returns 2,000 refugees to ancestral homes

F

ollowing the recent Eggon-Fulani communal clash that engulfed part of the Nasarawa state leading to loss of lives and destruction

of property worth millions of naira, Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, has returned more than 2,000 displaced persons to Bassa

District, their ancestral home.

Al-Makura assured the refugees of adequate security already put in place at their ancestral homes as more than

100 soldiers were deployed to condone off their settlements.

Al-Makura's attempt to convince the refugees to return back to their ancestral homes

Climate change: FG developing policies to protect farmers --- Minister

T

he Federal Government is developing policies that would protect farmers from the impact of climate change with particular focus on drought and flood.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, gave this indication while

inaugurating the distribution of relief materials to flood- affected farmers in Gusau.

Tijani, was represented by Dr. Leo Nyam, the North/West Regional Director of the ministry.

He said with the changing weather patterns, the there was the need to scale up weather index crop insurance schemes for

farmers so as to guarantee a fallback plan for them in case of disasters.

He urged farming communities across the country to alert the ministry's officials of any threat for be prompt action.

On the perennial invasion of quella birds and grasshoppers in the northern part of the country,

the minister said that the ministry had positioned competent staff to handle any outbreak.

The staff, he said, would monitor early warning signs of the arrival of quella birds or grasshoppers in strategic states for effective control through aerial spraying. (NAN)

Fire Service records 188 fire incidents, 18 other emergencies in 2012

T

he Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Command, has said it recorded 188 fire incidents and 18 other emergencies, including collapsed buildings in 2012.

The command's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Chike Njoku, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Njoku said that 168 deaths, including the victims of June 3 Dana plane crash, were recorded, while 48 lives were rescued. ``In December alone, we recorded 27 incidents of fire outbreak, the highest in one month during the year within the Lagos metropolis. Many people were so carefree about their safety during the yuletide,'' Njoku said.

The spokesman said that within the same period, 16 false alarms were recorded, adding that the false alarms were made both with good and bad intentions.

According to him, the causes of the fire, included fireworks, candle light, storage of petroleum product wrongly, and other human carelessness.

He also blamed fuel scarcity

experienced during the year, which made people to store fuel in their homes and wrong places, for the fire incidents. ``We attended to more fire incidents in 2012 than the previous years, particularly toward the end of the year. The fire incidents happened in private homes, public buildings, warehouses, sawmills and fuel tankers,'' he said.

was met with resistance as the refugees were scared of a possible attack on them by the militias who they envisaged might be waiting for their returns.

But Al-Makura explained to them that their continuous stay in refugee camp would rather convert them to beggars which would not augur well for their children's future. ``Soldiers are detailed to condone off your areas for a period of not less than one month depending on the security outcome of the areas."

He advised the returnees to be security conscious by reporting to the soldiers any strange movement of persons within their vicinity as they go back to their ancestral home.

In his remarks, member representing Kokona constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Danladi Jatau, lauded the governor's proactive moves at mitigating the crisis, while appealing to the warring communities to embrace peace.

(NAN)

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

End Near? Doomsday Clock Holds at 5 'Til Midnight

T

he hands of the infamous "Doomsday Clock" will remain firmly in their place at five minutes to midnight symbolizing humans' destruction - for the year 2013, scientists announced today (Jan. 14).

Keeping their outlook for the future of humanity quite dim, the group of scientists also wrote an open letter to President Barack Obama, urging him to partner with other global leaders to act on climate change.

The clock is a symbol of the threat of humanity's imminent destruction from nuclear or biological weapons, climate change and other humancaused disasters. In making their deliberations about how to update the clock's time this year, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists considered the current state of nuclear arsenals around the globe, the slow and costly recovery from events like Fukushima nuclear meltdown, and extreme weather events that fit in with a pattern of global warming.

"2012 was the hottest year on record in the contiguous United States, marked by devastating drought and brutal storms," the letter says. "These extreme events are exactly what

Doomsday Clock at 5 'Til Midnight climate models predict for an atmosphere laden with greenhouse gases." [Doom and Gloom: 10 Post-Apocalyptic Worlds] At the same time, the letter did give a nod to some progress, applauding the president for taking steps to "nudge the

country along a more rational energy path," with his support for wind and other renewable energy sources.

"We have as much hope for Obama's second term in office as we did in 2010, when we moved back the hand of the Clock after his first year in office," Robert

told the Telegraph in London.

'Money has no utility to me beyond a certain point. Its utility is entirely in building an organization and getting the resources out to the poorest in the world.'

Gates will deliver the BBC's Dimbleby Lecture later this month, using the value of young human beings as his central theme.

In that speech he will talk about every child having the right to a healthy and productive life.

He will also explain how technology and innovation can help the world reach that goal.

So far Gates and his wife

Melinda, 48, have given away $28?billion of their fortune through their charitable foundation, with more than $8?billion of it to improving global health.

'My wife and I had a long dialogue about how we were going to take the wealth that we're lucky enough to have and give it back in a way that's most impactful to the world,' Gates told the Telegraph's Neil Tweedie.

'We're focused on the help of the poorest in the world, which really drives you into vaccination. You can actually take a disease and get rid of it altogether, like we are doing with polio.'

Some 12?million children under the age of five died ten years ago in 1992, while in 2011 the number of child deaths was just under seven million, or 19,000 per day, according to statistics from the United Nations.

The leading causes of death are pneumonia at 18 per cent, prebirth complications at 14 per cent, diarrhoea at 11 per cent, complications during birth at nine per cent and malaria at seven per cent.

A September report from the United Nations Children's Fund stated that four-fifths of 'underfive deaths' in 2011 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

'Given the prospect that these regions, especially sub-Saharan Africa, will account for the bulk of the world's births in the next

Socolow, chair of the board that determines the clock's position, said in a statement. "This is the year for U.S. leadership in slowing climate change and setting a path toward a world without nuclear weapons."

The Doomsday Clock came into being in 1947 as a way for

atomic scientists to warn the world of the dangers of nuclear weapons. That year, the Bulletin set the time at seven minutes to midnight, with midnight symbolizing humanity's destruction. By 1949, it was at three minutes to midnight as the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union deteriorated. In 1953, after the first test of the hydrogen bomb, the doomsday clock ticked to two minutes until midnight.

The Bulletin was at its most optimistic in 1991, when the Cold War thawed and the United States and Russia began cutting their arsenals. That year, the clock was set at 17 minutes to midnight.

From then until 2010, however, it was a gradual creep back toward destruction, as hopes of total nuclear disarmament vanished and threats of nuclear terrorism and climate change reared their heads. In 2010, the Bulletin found some hope in arms reduction treaties and international climate talks and bumped the minute hand of the Doomsday Clock back to six minutes from midnight from its previous post at five to midnight.

But by 2012, the clock was pushed forward another minute.

Source: Yahoo! News

I have no use for money but plans to use it to eradicate polio- Bill Gates

By Damian Ghigliotty

B

illionaire Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, worth an estimated $65 billion, is in the process of using all of that money in hopes of extending the lives of others.

His next plan of action: eradicating poliomyelitis, a viral disease that has taken a countless number of lives.

At 57, Gates, a college dropout, says he wants to do more for others and sees this as one way of giving back to the world that made him so successful.

'I'm certainly well taken care of in terms of food and clothes,' he

Ambitious man: Billionaire Bill Gates plans to will spend $1.8多billion in the next six years in an attempt to eradicate polio, a viral disease that has taken a countless number of lives

Polio victim: Bismillah Gul, 12, suffering from polio is carried by his father Masta Gul at the International Committee of the Red Cross orthopedic center on November 19, 2012 in Kabul, Afghanistan years, we must give new impetus to the global momentum to reduce under-five deaths,' UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in the report.

For Gates, getting rid of polio is emblematic in that effort.

The eradication of the disease that affects the nerves and can lead to partial or full paralysis will inspire countries to take greater efforts to lower child death rates, he believes.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will spend another $1.8?billion in the next six years

to accomplish the couple's goal.

'All you need is over 90 per cent of children to have the vaccine drop three times and the disease stops spreading,' said Gates. 'The number of cases eventually goes to zero.

'When we started, we had over 400,000 children a year being paralyzed and we are now down to under 1,000 cases a year. The great thing about finishing polio is that we'll have resources to get going on malaria and measles.'

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 31

Africa: The need for a sea change in Africa's coastal laws ANALYSIS

By Chika Ezeanya

A

frican Union plans to introduce cabotage laws restricting foreign vessels in African coastal waters could be a major step towards economic independence.

The African Union (AU) is in the concluding stages of fashioning an African 'cabotage' regime to ensure that only African-owned vessels can trade within the continent's coastal waters.

Many countries have cabotage regulations that restrict which carriers can conduct trade or navigate within their coastal borders.

But Africa is only now taking action to legislate in a daring, though necessary, move to liberate African coastal waters from age-old foreign dominance, and take a significant step towards a more unified continent.

The history of maritime trading within Africa's coastal waters, particularly subSahara, is one of foreign domination and exploitation.

From four centuries ago, European vessels traversed African coastal waters, hauling human cargo from Africa to Europe and the Americas.

From the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company set several trading vessels to sail along the rocky shoreline of the Cape. The huge profits from the trade, coupled with the region's good weather, however, turned what began as a trading mission into a permanent settlement. In the following centuries native Africans suffered oppression, segregation and eventually apartheid.

In West Africa, following the abolition of the slave trade in the 19th century, British imperial vessels dominated the upper and lower Niger River, mostly trading palm oil, rubber, cotton and other commodities.

And from the late 19th century, the Congo River played host to numerous vessels of the International African Society, a private holding company of King Leopold of Belgium. The company enslaved the Congolese population to access ivory and rubber for European markets.

Despite the political changes in African countries since the granting of independence in the mid-20th century, however, little has changed in terms of cabotage

An oil tanker, MV Sirius Star at anchor off the coast of Somalia. laws.

Non-African companies continue to dominate African coastal waters; African commodities and raw materials are still freighted aboard foreign vessels and exchanged for often substandard, over-priced, manufactured foreign goods; African coastal waters remain largely unregulated and any shipping vessel is, for the most part, free to sail from one coast

the US, possessed by US citizens, and crewed by US citizens (75% at least)". India's cabotage regulations ensure that coastal trade is strictly restricted to Indian flagbearing vessels, as this "contributes significantly to India's economic growth".

Africa's maritime economy has been estimated at around $1 trillion a year, accounting for over 90% of the region's entire commerce, and 38 out

“

The African situation contrasts sharply with other parts of the world where regulations govern the domestic transport of cargo by foreign-registered vessels. of the continent to another; and African countries remain disadvantaged, economically and otherwise, under this enduring imperial arrangement.

The African situation contrasts sharply with other parts of the world where regulations govern the domestic transport of cargo by foreign-registered vessels. In China, for example, the Maritime Code states that "shipping and towage services between the ports of the People's Republic of China shall be undertaken by ships flying the national flag of the People's Republic of China".

While in the US, federal law demands that all "goods transported by water between US ports should be carried in US-flag ships, constructed in

of Africa's 54 countries have coastlines.

But since Independence, African countries have mostly foregone economic advantages by allowing foreign vessels unfettered access to the continent's coastal waters.

Although a few individual African countries such as Nigeria have cabotage laws, these are difficult to implement due to inadequate infrastructure, a lack of skilled manpower, and high operating costs.

The potential advantages of a unified African cabotage law, championed by the AU, are numerous. Africa could see considerable native capital enter the ship-building and maritime sector, creating employment for maritime practitioners.

African countries could see greater cooperation through the pooling of human and material resources to implement the laws and protect against piracy, bunkering, illegal fishing and other problems. The often undocumented human rights abuses encountered by African nationals working on foreign vessels could also be reduced.

But beyond the euphoria of the AU's declaration of independence for African coastal waters, there are sobering points that must be immediately addressed for an African cabotage regime to be successful.

Issues of operating costs,

President BoniYayi

adequate infrastructure and capacity come to the fore; of the world's cargo-carrying fleet of 55,138 as of 2011, for example, African countries combined own less than 5%. Any implementation strategies must be critically considered and strong enforcement mechanisms instituted well before take-off.

The AU should study others' cabotage laws, but be wary of imitating them. Africa has been in the habit of copying other nations to its detriment. The temptation could be to copy the Indian model, for instance, where foreign shipping companies can buy 100% into Indian subsidiaries, and be allowed to fly Indian flags to operate in the country's coastal waters. There are several disadvantages and loopholes in this approach, and it could prove practically unmanageable in Africa.

Essentially, the upcoming African cabotage law is a significant leap towards realising Africa's economic independence. The law, when it comes into force, should prove to be a major unifying factor in the continent's drive towards a more united economic and geopolitical bloc.

Viewed as the next economic frontier for the world to conquer, Africa can no longer afford to accept the colonial divisions that have chiefly served to empower other continents to Africa's detriment.

Source: allAfrica.com

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Zimbabwe: Rencomine workers told to return to work R ENCO Mine management and workers in Masvingo have been asked to return to

work.

In an interview yesterday, Masvingo South legislator Cde Walter Mzembi said the workers should focus on production.

Close to 800 disgruntled wives of RioZim'sRenco Mine workers in Masvingo last week took to the streets demanding their husbands' annual bonuses.

The women were also demanding better working conditions for their spouses.

CdeMzembi said production should be allowed to resume while issues to do with salary increase and takeover are left for boardroom discussions.

Villagers from Chief Nyajena's area are demanding a 100 percent stake in the RioZim-owned mine.

CdeMzembi addressed the villagers and workers on Saturday.

"We agreed that production had to continue while some boardroom issues are resolved. We don't want to lose an ounce of production at the mine because of boardroom issues.

"The issues of workers' salaries and takeover are boardroom matters which must not disturb production at the mine," he said.

He said the community should

South Sudan may resort to trucking oil if talks fail

L

MP Walter Mzembi appreciate that the mine belonged to them.

"The mine belongs to the community and the shareholding matrix would be addressed in due course."

The Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister said the villagers should not worry about owning a stake in the mine.

(we cannot stop production yet we depend on it). The shareholding issue will be resolved in the best way possible," he said.

Minister Mzembi said he would seek Government intervention.

"We want to revisit the transformation from RioTinto to RioZim. There is a need to investigate the 'bleeding' of the

group leading to entry of present shareholder and transactions that have been taking place over the last eight months since their takeover," he said.

Minister Mzembi said Government would also investigate if the company is in compliance with Zimbabwe's indigenisation laws.

French and Malian troops push northward

F

A Malian commando, left, discusses a battle plan with a member of the Special Forces Group.

rench and Malian troops continued to advance northeast on Tuesday, hours after seizing several central towns from rebels.

A Malian official said that the troops intended to push towards the city of Hombori, in the Mopti region. The joint mission, involving French and African troops, aims to wrest back control of northern Mali from al-Qaedalinked forces who have held control since early last year.

On Monday, troops seized control of Diabaly, Konna and Doutenza, three strategic towns in central Mali.

Diabaly, 350km north of the capital Bamako, had harboured the main cluster of rebels south of the front line, until French air

attacks forced them to flee or attempt to blend in with locals, residents said.

French television footage from Diabaly showed charred pick-up trucks abandoned by rebels amid mud brick homes.

One resident said the rebels had fled the town which was abandoned by many of its residents, and those remaining lacked food and other essentials.

There was little fighting in either town when ground troops arrived.

"Regular life has resumed in Konna," resident AguibouToure told the DPA news agency by telephone. "French and Malian troops secured the city. Some people who previously fled have started to come back to the city."

andlocked South Sudan may rely on trucks to export its crude oil if talks with Sudan aimed at re-starting exports through a pipeline fail, a South Sudanese deputy minister said on Wednesday.

The African neighbours came close to war last April in the worst border clashes since South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 under a 2005 deal which ended decades of civil war.

Talks failed to agree on how to withdraw troops from their disputed border after a round of talks in Ethiopia last week, delaying again the resumption of the crucial oil exports.

Mary Jervase Yak, South Sudan's deputy minister of finance and economic planning, told reporters in the Ugandan capital Kampala they were exploring the possibility of exporting crude using other means.

"If the talks fail completely then we will think of alternatives such as moving of crude by trucks. It's being considered but we're still working on infrastructure," she said on the sidelines of an oil conference.

She did not offer further details about the plan. South Sudan's economyhas suffered, mainly though a shortage of dollars to finance imports, ever since exports were stopped.

South Sudan mainly imports goods through neighbouring Uganda but an underdeveloped road network connecting the two countries is a major obstacle to the trade between the two nations.

South Sudan has just 300 kilometres of paved roads. It plans to spend $4 billion over the next decade to improve its road network, the government said last August.

Kenya commence construction of 'silicon' city

K

enya's president has launched a $14.5bn (ÂŁ9.1bn) project to build a new city intended to be an IT business hub and dubbed "Africa's Silicon Savannah".

It will take 20 years to build Konza Technology City about 60km (37 miles) from the capital, Nairobi.

It is hoped that more than 20,000 IT jobs will be created in Konza by 2015, and more than 200,000 jobs by 2030.

Despite Kenya's usually divisive politics, the project has the backing of all political parties.

Konza is part of the government's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative to improve much-neglected infrastructure over the next 18 years.

Correspondents say the government also wants to take advantage of the growing number of software developers in the East African nation.

"It is expected to spur massive trade and investment as well as create thousands of employment opportunities for young Kenyans in the ICT [information communications technology] sector," President MwaiKibaki said at the ceremony to launch the construction, adding it would be a "game-changer" for the country's development.

He called on domestic and foreign investors to take advantage of Konza's "tremendous opportunities".

The 5,000-acre (2,011-hectare)

site was a ranch to the south-east of Nairobi on the way to the port city of Mombasa.

When the plan was announced after the last elections property prices in the area soared, reporters say.

According to the Konza information website, the city wants to attract business process outsourcing, software development, data centres, disaster recovery centres, call centres and light assembly manufacturing industries.

A university campus focused on research and technology as well as hotels, residential areas, schools and hospitals will also be built.

The government has appointed the KonzaTechnopolis Development

Authority to oversee the building of the IT hub, which will be built in four

phases - starting with the technology centres first.

3D image of the proposed Konza city.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 34

Israel Cameron promises UK: losing support over Britons straight US Afghan settlements commander choice on EU exit B cleared of

Europe and Americas

misconduct

T

he commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan has been cleared of misconduct by Pentagon investigators over emails he sent to a Florida socialite, US officials have said.

On Tuesday, the defence department's inspector general completely exonerated General John Allen, the outgoing chief of USled forces in Afghanistan, paving the way for his pending nomination to take up command of NATO forces in Europe, the official said.

"Allen has been cleared by the [inspector general] IG," the official told AFP news agency on condition of anonymity.

The FBI came upon the emails from Allen in its probe of David Petraeus - former CIA director - and defence officials had said the tone of the messages had been potentially "inappropriate" and possibly violated rules applying to military officers.

Allen had exchanged messages with Jill Kelley, a Florida socialite who had thrown parties for senior officers at US Central Command, which has its headquarters in Tampa.

Kelley had alerted the FBI to anonymous emails she received and claimed were threatening.

The emails were traced to David Petraeus's biographer, Paula Broadwell, and authorities then uncovered evidence that Broadwell was having an affair with the CIA director.

The scandal prompted Petraeus to resign abruptly in November last year, ending a storied career marked by his tenure as military commander in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The FBI found numerous emails between Allen and Kelley, after which defence secretary Leon Panetta had ordered an independent inquiry by the Pentagon inspector general.

Panetta "was pleased to learn that allegations of professional misconduct were not substantiated by the investigation", and has "complete confidence" in Allen's leadership, his spokesman George Little said in a statement.

General John Allen

David Cameron

P

rime Minister David Cameron promised on Wednesday to give Britons a referendum choice on whether to stay in the European Union or leave if he wins an election in 2015, placing a question mark over Britain's membership for years.

Cameron ended months of speculation by announcing in a speech the plan for a vote sometime between 2015 and the end of 2017, shrugging off warnings that this could imperil Britain's economic prospects and alienate its biggest trading partner.

He said Britain, a member of the European Economic Community for 40 years, did not want to retreat from the world but that the island nation's public disillusionment with the EU was at "an all-time high".

"It is time for the British people to have their say. It is time for us to settle this question about Britain and Europe," Cameron said. His Conservative party will campaign for the 2015 election promising to renegotiate Britain's EU membership.

"When we have negotiated that

new settlement, we will give the British people a referendum with a very simple in or out choice to stay in the European Union on these new terms; or come out altogether. It will be an in-out referendum."

The speech firmly ties Cameron to an issue that was the bane of a generation of Conservative leaders.

In the past, he has tried to avoid partisan fights over Europe, the undoing of the last two Conservative prime ministers, John Major and Margaret Thatcher.

Britain would seek to claw back powers from Brussels, he said, a proposal that will be difficult to sell to other European countries. London will do an "audit" to determine which powers Brussels has that should be delegated to member states.

Sterling fell to its lowest in nearly five months against the dollar on Wednesday as Cameron was speaking.

The response from EU partners was predictably frosty. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius quipped: "If Britain wants to leave Europe we will roll out the red carpet for you," echoing Cameron himself,

who once used the same words to invite rich Frenchmen alienated by high taxes to move to Britain.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said his country wanted Britain to remain a full EU member, but London could not expect to pick and choose the aspects of membership it liked.

Business leaders have warned that the prospect of years of doubt over Britain's EU membership would damage the investment climate.

"Having a referendum creates more uncertainty and we don't need that," Martin Sorrell, chief executive of advertising giant WPP, told the World Economic Forum in Davos.

"This is a political decision. This is not an economic decision. This isn't good news. You added another reason why people will postpone investment decisions."

The speech also opens a rift with Cameron's junior coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats. Their leader, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, said the plan would undermine a fragile economic recovery.

Russia’s Lavrov says Beirut flights not Syria evacuation

R

ussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow is not beginning a mass evacuation of its citizens from Syria.

Mr Lavrov was speaking the day after scores of Russians were flown home from the war-torn country via the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

Russia has been one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's closest allies.

Speaking in Moscow, Mr Lavrov also criticised opponents of President Assad for their "obsession" with trying to topple him.

More than 60,000 people are

believed to have died in the 22-monthold uprising against President Assad.

"We have plans (for an evacuation), as we have plans for any country, in case of an escalation of the internal situation... but there is no talk of implementing them," Mr Lavrov told reporters in Moscow.

He said that about 1,000 Russian citizens living in Syria wanted to leave the country.

Mr Lavrov said Russia had pulled out the families of diplomats but there were no immediate plan to reduce embassy staff.

He said Russia's embassy in Damascus was functioning normally.

Mr Lavrov also warned that opposition calls to remove President Assad prior to any negotiations were hindering efforts to end the violence.

"Everything runs up against the opposition members' obsession with the idea of the overthrow of the Assad regime. As long as this irreconcilable position remains in force, nothing good will happen, armed action will continue, people will die," he said.

Two planes carrying about 80 Russians, mainly women and children, arrived in Moscow early on Wednesday. They had travelled from Syria to Beirut by bus.

ritain has said that continued Israeli settlement expansion into the occupied Palestinian territories has driven hopes for a two-state solution to near death.

British foreign secretary William Hague, speaking as Israelis took to the polls on Tuesday, warned the Israeli government that their actions were costing international support.

"I hope that whatever Israeli government emerges... that it will recognise that we are approaching the last chance to bring about such a solution," Hague told parliament.

"I condemn recent Israeli decisions to expand settlements. I speak regularly to Israeli leaders stressing our profound concern that Israel's settlement policy is losing it the support of the international community and will make a twostate solution impossible," he said.

Asked whether the European Union should tie trade with Israel to progress on peace talks, Hague said the bloc still had work to do, in conjunction with the United States, to establish "incentives and disincentives" regarding further negotiations.

"There is a clock ticking with potentially disastrous consequences for the peace process," he added.

Opinion polls predict that Binyamin Netanyahu, the current prime minister, will return to power at the head of a coalition dominated by religious and nationalist pro-settler parties.

US-backed negotiations have been frozen since 2010 over Palestinian objections to continued settlement construction.

Netanyahu has demanded that the Palestinians return to talks without preconditions.

Hague called 2013 a crucial year for the peace process given the Israeli elections and the start of the second term of US president Barack Obama. "If we do not make progress in the coming year, people will increasingly conclude that a twostate solution has become impossible," said Hague.

Both Israelis and Palestinians should return to talks without preconditions, he said.

Hague said he would make peace talks and efforts towards a two-state solution - the basis of a US-backed peace process for almost 20 years "top of the agenda" during a planned visit to Washington next week.

British foreign secretary William Hague

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 35

Woman splits from husband after he said 'it's me or the cats' R

etired Marlene Howes, 67, has spent nearly 50 years breeding and showing cats and has become world famous for her prizewinning felines.

But producing prizewinning cats comes at a price: She spends over ÂŁ700 every month on her 40 Persian pets.

Marlene, from Whitecroft, Gloucestershire, said: 'Everything I do is for the cats.

They get fed the best food and sleep in the best beds. They get free rein of the house and garden and the fields at the back.

'I'll admit I'm a slave to my cats - I would do anything for them and they're very pampered.

'They have the lifestyle that most cats wish they had.'

Cat breeding runs in the family for Marlene as her mother Barbara Patch was also one of the leading breeders of Persian cats.

When Barbara passed away in 2004, Marlene took on her cats as well, taking her total to a whopping 40 felines.

Marlene said: 'My mother and I went all over the world showing our cats.

'When she died I took on all hers as well. Forty cats is a lot but it's worth it.

Marlene Howes in her cat-bank.

'We had a verbal agreement that I would use the money she left me to look after the cats. I use it to pay for the

Hen lays egg within an egg

R

osie the hen surprised her owner by laying a huge egg weighing almost half a pound, but what he found inside the shell was even more amazing.

Sean Wilson, from Waterlooville in Hampshire, decided to film himself weighing and cooking the giant egg that his hen 'Rosie' had laid on January 14.

Weighing in at six-and-aquarter ounces (181g), the egg was double the size of those laid previously by the hen.

Putting the size down to the possibility of more than one yolk inside the shell, Sean Wilson recorded himself cracking it into a frying pan.

"You are having a laugh," Mr

Wilson exclaimed in surprise as another egg shell emerged.

"There's an egg inside the egg!"

The video has become an online sensation with over 500,000 views in a week.

Double eggs are "extremely rare", according to Douglas Russell from the Natural History Museum, and almost never occur in supermarket-bought eggs.

Writing in The New Scientist, he suggested that the most likely reason for the double eggs were "that the normal rhythmic muscular action, or peristalsis, that moves a developing egg down the oviduct malfunctions in some way."

cats' living costs - vets bills, food, litter, that kind of thing.

'I also had a small conservatory built at the back of my house for the cats to use.

It's got a couple of sofas and some other bits in there for them to climb on and play with.

'My mother would have wanted her cats to continue living a life of luxury.'

Marlene received her first cat as a gift from her mother when she was seven and her obsession with her feline friends has stemmed from there.

She said: 'I've had them all my life so to me they're not difficult to look after.

'I know them all by name, and they all have their own personality.

'There's nothing better than it.'

Marlene has dedicated her whole life to breeding Persian cats and prides herself on the high standards she maintains.

She said: 'A lot of breeders let standards slip. Their Persians developed a flat face, whereas I keep mine with a small snout.

'It's paid off as my cats have won more prizes than any other breeder.

Marlene has won a total of hundreds prizes all across Europe and the UK. But her obsession with her cats eventually led to the breakdown of her marriage.

Marlene said: 'It got to the point where my husband more or less said 'It's me or the cats' and I chose the cats.

'He felt I was spending too much time and money on them.

Some of the cats in their living room.

'He didn't like me going to shows or meeting other cat people.

'So when the time came to choose between them it wasn't a hard choice - cats are my whole life.'

Marlene has become so attached to her cats that in recent years she has refused to part company with them, worrying that people won't treat her cats in the way they deserve.

She said: 'A decade ago owning a Persian was something to be proud of and people loved to care for them.

'Persians are so understanding and loving. They are a different animal altogether, but people don't see that now.

'Some of the ones I have sold weren't kept as they should. They just weren't loved.

'I went to a rescue one of my Persians from a centre in Birmingham. I was so sad that someone had given her up.

'But while I was there a lady walked in with a little box. The RSPCA could not take them because they were full. They would have had to put them down.

'When I looked in the box I saw the most delightful little animals.

'I took them home and one of those kittens is now a recordbreaking winner.

'Sugar and Spice is now Supreme UK Olympian Gold Imperial Grand Mastercat - the only cat to ever win so many titles. She is absolutely amazing.'

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Self-help books 'treat depression'

P

rescribing self-help books on the NHS is an effective treatment for depression, a study suggests.

Patients offered books, plus sessions guiding them in how to use them, had lower levels of depression a year later than those offered usual GP care.

The effect was seen in addition to the benefits of other treatments such as antidepressants, Scottish researchers report in the journal

Plos One. Such an approach may help the NHS tackle demand for therapy, they said.

More than 200 patients who had been diagnosed with depression by their GP took part in the study, half of whom were also on antidepressant drugs.

Some were provided with a self-help guide dealing with different aspects of depression, such as being assertive or

overcoming sleep problems.

Patients also had three sessions with an adviser who helped them get the most out of the books and plan what changes to make.

After four months those who had been prescribed the self-help books had significantly lower levels of depression than those who received usual GP care.

A year later, those in the selfhelp group were more likely to be

Can a self-help book aid depression?

keeping on top of their depression.

Study leader Prof Christopher Williams, from the University of Glasgow, who also wrote the books called Overcoming Depression and Low Mood, said the guided sessions were the key to getting people engaged.

The sessions can be delivered in general practice without referral to a specialist, taking pressure off waiting lists.

In Scotland, a telephone support service has now been set up to help support those using the books, which can be freely copied and disseminated, he added.

"We found this had a really significant clinical impact and the findings are very encouraging," he said.

"Depression saps people's motivation and makes it hard to believe change is possible."

The challenge for the NHS, where self-help books are already used in many places, is how to implement this model so people have easy supported access in primary care, he said.

'Worth investing in' There has been huge investment in better treatment for depression in the UK in recent years with the Improving Access to

Psychological Therapies programme in England set up to widen access.

It has been estimated this approach could save the NHS up to £272m and the wider public sector £700m.

But, says Prof Williams, despite the huge levels of investment, it is just not possible to refer everyone with depression to mental health services.

Dr Paul Blenkiron, consultant in adult psychiatry at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said the results showed that guided selfhelp is effective and is "something the NHS should be investing in".

He is currently advising on behalf of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, on a National Books On Prescription Scheme, to be rolled out across UK public libraries this year.

Thirty books, including the one used in the study, have been selected.

But Dr Blenkiron said selfhelp would not be suitable for everyone: "The key thing is that the person is committed to doing some work."

Source: BBCNews.com

How hugging can lower your blood pressure and boost your memory

By Claire Bates

H

ugging a loved one isn't just a great way to bond - it has several physical benefits as well.

Scientists found that the hormone oxytocin was released into the blood stream when you hold a friend close. This lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and anxiety and can even improve your memory.

However, you have to be selective over who you hug.

Giving a polite embrace to someone you don't know well can have the opposite effect, according to research from the University of Vienna.

Oxytocin, a hormone produced by the pituitary

gland, is primarily known for increasing bonding, social behaviour and closeness between parents, children and couples.

Increased oxytocin levels have been found, for example, in partners in functional relationships. In women, it is also produced during the childbirth process and during breastfeeding in order to increase the mother's bond with the baby.

Hugging can also soften your personality.

The researchers said someone who hugs loved ones often become more empathetic over time.

Neurophysiologist Jürgen Sandkühler, said: 'The positive effect only occurs, however, if

Friends forever: Hugging is beneficial as long as you trust the person you embrace

the people trust each other, if the associated feelings are present mutually and if the corresponding signals are sent out.

'If people do not know each other, or if the hug is not desired by both parties, its effects are lost.'

When we receive unwanted hugs from strangers or even people we know, the hormone is not released and anxiety levels rise.

'This can lead to pure stress because our normal distancekeeping behaviour is disregarded. In these situations, we secrete the stress hormone cortisol,' Sandkühler said.

He added that: 'Hugging is good, but no matter how long or how often someone hugs, it is trust that's more important.'

Sandkühler therefore cautioned against the worldwide 'free hugs' campaign - a social movement involving individuals who offer hugs to strangers in public places.

He said people would only have a beneficial effect 'if everyone involved is clear that it is just a harmless bit of fun.'

Otherwise, it could be perceived as an emotional burden and stress.

'Everyone is familiar with such feelings from our everyday lives, for example, if someone we don't know comes too close to us for no apparent reason.

'This violation of our normal distance-keeping behaviour is then generally perceived as disconcerting or even as threatening,' he said Source: Dailymail.co.uk

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge embrace after an Olympic cycling win: Hugging a loved-one reduces stress

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 37

PDP promises food security

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday assured that it would ensure food security in the country even as it promised flood the nation n with rice coming from Ebonyi state sooner.

PDP National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, while receiving the Ebonyi state governor, Chief Martin Elechi who paid the National Working Committee a courtesy visit described food security as a fundamental factor to peace and unity in the country just as he paid glowing tributes to the commitment of the Ebonyi state governor to the development of agriculture.

“Food security is fundamental to a peaceful and united Nigeria. It is for this reason that the founding fathers of our great Party anchored the prosperity of our dear nation on the full exploitation of our vast agricultural potentials so that we can sufficiently feed our people as well have enough for export,” he stressed.

He continued, “Your vote for massive agricultural development in Ebonyi state is an issue at the heart of the manifesto of our great Party while the gains you have so far recorded are proof to the efficacy of our party’s objectives in agriculture. It is also a clear evidence that our party and its manifesto are alive in your state; Because agriculture holds the key to food and job security, the PDP led Federal Government has keyed in job opportunities in the agricultural sector as a veritable weapon in tackling the current security challenges in the country.”

Earlier in his speech, the Ebonyi governor commended Tukur and other members of the National Working Committee for holding high the core vision of the party despite minor disagreements on issues.

He said “We are here to pay our solidarity to you and the NWC for the commendable leadership you give to the party and through that to the nation. We came to say a happy new year and keep you abreast of our efforts in service to the people of Ebonyi State.”

He further informed the party of the three new high capacity rice mills his administration established in the three senatorial zones of the state and restated his determination to fully tap the agricultural endowments that abound in Ebonyi.

L-R: Senator Wilson Ake, Chairman Senate Committee on Federal Character, Senator Dahiru Kuta, Senator Adamu Gumber, and Senator Gbenga Ashafa, during the committee's investigation on irregularity of employment in public service and its agencies, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Reps reject motion seeking ban on importation of cement

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives on yesterday kicked against a motion seeking a ban on importation of cement into the country.

Rep. Hassan Saleh (PDP Benue state) had through a motion entitled: "urgent need to investigate the nonimplementation of the backward integration policy on Local production of cement" asked the House to support local production of cement.

In his lead debate, he noted that "the management of

Dangote cement Plc has concluded arrangements to temporarily close down its four million metric per annum cement factory in Gboko, Benue state".

According to him, "this action is informed by the current glut of cement in the country, which is a direct fallout from increase in local production and which has been further compounded by the continued importation of subsidized cement into the country and resulting in the commodity flooding the market".

To this end, he noted that, "the Federal Government is yet

to vigorously pursue and implement the provision of the cement backward integration policy, which was initiated to encourage and protect local manufacturers from the dumping of cement products into the country through importation".

Saleh added "the management of Dangote Cement has as a result of this problem temporarily shut down the Gboko Cement plant and has asked its workers to proceed on forced leave pending when the situation improves".

According to him "This

action is capable of leading to loss of jobs in the country particularly in Benue state and if urgent steps are not taken to address the problems that this company is facing, as the spread to other sister companies is imminent, while inadvertently creating jobs for citizens in other countries from where these commodities are being imported", However, Reps Peter Edeh and Mustapha Habib opposed the motion saying that the House had no business to interfere in private businesses.

The motion was unanimously rejected when put to vote.

…to investigate N275 scanning contract

T

he House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Customs and Excise to investigate an alleged pilfering of N275 billion meant for Destination Inspection Scheme (DIS) contracts awarded to four foreign firms to provide scanning services, risk management techniques, electronic platform at various ports and borders in Nigeria.

In a motion raised under matter of urgent national importance by Rep. Abimbola Daramola, (ACN-Ekiti state) on the floor yesterday was

adopted by the House.

Specifically, the firms, namely: Cotecna Destination Inspection ltd; SGS Scanning Nigeria ltd; Global Scan Systems ltd and Webb Fountain (Nigeria) Ltd, handling ICT Services in the last 7 years were supposed to build, equip, train, and transfer the technology and expertise to the Nigerian Customs Service and hand over their functions seamlessly to them fully at the end of December, 2012.

But, Daramola had in the motion on the urgent need to

prevent continued loss of revenue through ports inspection contracts yesterday submitted that in December last year, the Minister of Finance and the management of the Nigerian Customs Service in conjunction with the service providers curiously announced an extension of the contract for a period of 6 months without due process and against the overall interest of the country.

The lawmaker noted that as a result of the extension, the sum of N21 billion would be paid to the service providers

irrespective of the quality of work and without handing over to the NCS or making Nigerians the dominant players after so many years.

Daramola also expressed worry that the revenue potentials of the country are not being realised as adequate taxes are not being paid by the Destination Inspection Service Providers.

According to him, the collection of government revenue is also not being maximised as over $1 billion USD of government revenue have been lost.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Traditional ruler counsels Kaduna people on peace From Mohammad Adamu, Kaduna

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istrict Head of Jere, Alhaji Is’haq Usman has counselled Kaduna state citizens to support the state governor, Alhaji Ramalan Yero, even as he called on them to imbibe the culture of peace and harmony to enable him move the state forward.

Usman in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna stated that without peace, there will be no development. He also called on the state governor to govern the state with the fear of God. “It’s important for people to live in peace and harmony with each other irrespective of their tribe or religion. This is because peace brings development. This is why I am

calling on the state governor, Ramalan Yero to see the people of the state as one and to govern them with the fear of God. This will enable him to be fair and just in his administration,” he said.

The District head who is also the Sarkin Shanu of Jere advised the governor to see his present position as a call by Allah to serve the state and people.

“Your upliftment to the present position as governor is the will of God, therefore it is important for you to lead the people of the state justly and with good faith, doing so will make God that gives you the position to see you through,” he said.

He also called on the people to continue praying for peace to rein in Nigeria, Kaduna state in particular.

L-R: Director, Operations Department, FCT Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Umar Amodu, Administrative Secretary, FCT INEC, Aminu Adamu Bello, and Resident Electoral Commissioner, FCT INEC, Godwin Kwanga, during stakeholders meeting with INEC officials, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

PDP, Tambuwal preach peace, tolerance at Maulud

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday admonished the people to imbibe the attributes of peace, oneness and love as they celebrate the Eid el Maulud today.

This is coming as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, also counseled the people on tolerance.

The PDP, in a goodwill message to Muslims and all Nigerians to mark the Eid’l-Maulud, reiterated that it is only when Nigerians set aside religious, ethnic and political differences and unite that the nation will become a place all

will be proud of.

The party in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, urged the people to use the occasion to reflect on the message of Eid’l-Maulud and imbibe the attributes of peace, oneness and love which the Holy Prophet Mohammed epitomized.

The party called for end to sectarian strives in the country saying Nigerians must learn to be their brothers’ keepers irrespective of religious, political and tribal leanings.

“We are one people united by a common destiny; therefore we must set aside all our differences

and work together as one people.

We must use this occasion to reflect and imbibe the attributes of peace, unity and love towards one another”, Metuh said. He also called on religious leaders not to relent in spreading the message of love and tolerance among Nigerians.

Similarly, Tambuwal in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mallam Imama Imam, urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of tolerance as the country celebrates the Maulud (birth) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The Speaker also appealed to

all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and primordial sentiments in their dealings with one another.

He said Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s life is an example in forthrightness, diligence, hardwork, and commitment to set objectives, adding that when imbibed, these virtues can help propel any nation towards rapid growth and development.

Tambuwal noted that on this occasion of the celebration of Maulud Nabiyyi, Nigerians should collectively reflect on how the Prophet’s life and ideals can help the country overcome its present challenges.

Expert urges FG to make National Addressing Policy top priority

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consultant on environmental and spatial development, Dr Oluwole Alade-Ojomo, yesterday lauded the Federal Government on its initiative to establish a National Addressing Policy.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos that a National Address System would facilitate identification of citizens, revenue collection, better management of cities and provision

of efficient rescue services.

“Once the system has been implemented, it can be a strategic infrastructure that would boost national development and security,” he said.

Alade-Ojomo said having a national addressing system was important globally “as it controls the social and economic processes of a country.

“Lack of a functional addressing system will hamper social,

economic and political processes and a good taxation system.’’

“Having a national addressing system is critical to the success of postal/courier services through facilitation of efficient and fast delivery of items.

“The postal service should reorient itself to serve as the link between people and businesses, as its traditional role of linking people through the mail has diminished,” he said.

Alade-Ojomo urged the Federal Government to make the passing and implementation of the national addressing policy a top priority because of the monumental benefits the country would derive from it.

NAN recalls that the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, was present at a stakeholders’ forum on the draft of the policy in Lagos on on Jan. 17. (NAN)

Anambra swears-in 6 new judges

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he Anambra Government yesterday in Awka sworn-in six new Judges bringing to 20, the number of judges in the state.

Those sworn-in by the state Solicitor-General, Mr Ada Unobuagha, included five High Court Judges and one Judge for the Customary Court of Appeal.

The new Judges are: Justices Nkechi Nwenyi, Charles Okaa, Peace Oti, George Nwankwo, Bennedict Ogbuli and Cordelia Chukwura.

Gov. Peter Obi in his speech said that the state judiciary was setting pace in promoting the judicial process and dispensation of justice in the country.

Obi also expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship between the executive and the judiciary.

The governor urged the new judges to key into the collective efforts to rebuild and uplift the state, and promised that his administration would sustain funding of the judiciary.

He said that new vehicles for the new judges had already been delivered, while arrangement for their accommodation was being concluded.

In his remark, the state Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, charged the new judges to work hard to ensure that the common man had access to justice.

Umeadi thanked the governor for remaining responsive to the needs of the judiciary without interfering with the judicial process.

Responding on behalf of the new judges, Nwenyi said they would discharge their duties effectively and abide by their oath of office.

(NAN)

Ahmed promises to protect rights of mothers, children

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he wife of Kwara governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, has reiterated her commitment to safeguarding the rights of mothers and children in the state.

Ahmed told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that protecting their rights would remain the priority of the state government and her pet project, LEAH Charity Foundation.

“The relevant laws put in place in the state will take adequate care of mothers and children while the LEAH Charity Foundation will not relent in making life more bearable for them.

“It is in line with that resolve that we embarked on series of programmes like `` Adopt a Child to School’’ where we offer assistance to indigent primary school pupils.

Ahmed, however, appealed to wealthy Nigerians to partner with her foundation in assisting the poor, adding that this was a task involving all stakeholders. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 39

Tribunal upholds Oshiomhole’s election, awards cost against Airhiavbere From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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he Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal yesterday affirmed the election of Governor, Adams Oshiomhole in the July 14, 2012 gubernatorial election in the state.

In an unanimous judgment read by the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Muazu Pindiga, the Tribunal dismissed Charles Airhiavbere’s petition challenging the declaration of the Respondent and awarded

N150.000 as costs against the petitioner.

Delivering the ruling that lasted for one hour 35 minutes, the court affirmed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s declaration of Governor Oshiomhole as winner of the election.

“We hold that the 1st respondent won the majority votes of 447,478 as against petitioner’s 144,235 votes.

There was no infraction of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended to warrant the voiding of the election of Adams Oshiomhole”, the tribunal further held.

It also observed that the

petitioner did not win any local government, even his unit in the election, the tribunal stated that if there was any election petition starved of evidence it was the instant petition.

“If there is any petition that is starved of evidence, it is this one. This petition is bereft of evidence and goes to no substance”, the tribunal said just as it held that the petitioner failed to prove the allegations of corrupt practices, noncompliance with the Electoral Act, illegal amendment and manipulation of voters register, intimidation and harassment of voters and multiple voting and

thumbing printing.

Following the Supreme Court ruling of January 7, 2013 which held that the tribunal has no jurisdiction to entertain the issue of Governor Oshiomhole’s qualification to contest the election, the tribunal expunged some exhibits earlier admitted as inadmissible.

Reacting to the ruling, Oshiomhole said he won 18/18 and that the court in his judgment declared the petition as an exercise in futility.

He said the petitioner who knew that he lost the election which was adjudged the freest

in the country approached the tribunal with the belief that he could manipulate the court.

Oshiomhole who added that with the judgment, the petitioner has been made to swallow a bitter pill, noting that when the people and the law have spoken, there is nothing anyone can do.

While positing that Nigerians are unanimous that the July 14, 2012 governorship election in the state was the best and freest in the country, he however noted that no matter the perception of any individual against the collective decision of the people, there is no way black can be turned to white.

Reps. urge FERMA to rehabilitate DikenafaiUmudiNkwerre road

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he House of Representatives yesterday in Abuja urged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to rehabilitate the DikenafaiUmudi-Nkwerre road in Imo. The resolution followed a motion moved by Rep. Jones Onyereri (PDP-Imo), which was adopted without debate when the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, put it to vote.

The motion, entitled: “Need to Rehabilitate the DikenafaiUmudi-Nkwerre Road,” is aimed at ensuring safety of commuters on the road.

Onyereri said that the road had been neglected for many years.

He said that “with hiccups on most highways, the Dikenafai–Umudi–Nkwerre road remains a gateway out of Imo to other parts of the South East and beyond.”

He said that the dilapidated state of the road had been responsible, directly, for the loss of many lives and property.

“The peculiarity of this road (Dikenafai-Umudi-Nkwerre) is such that when it rains, it becomes flooded, risky and impassable,” he said.

According to him, it is a fact that the Federal Ministry of Works promised to repair the Dikenafai-Umudi-Nkwerre road for many years.

He said that in spite of the promise, “no significant action has taken place toward fulfilling the promise’’.

The motion was not opposed and the Deputy Speaker, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, referred it to the house committee on Federal Maintenance Road Agency (FERMA), for more legislative inputs.(NAN)

Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, acknowledges cheers from Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN) faithful after his election petitions tribunal victory, yesterday in Benin City.

Group calls Faruk Lawan’s trial ethnic agenda From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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group called United Nigeria Group has described the trial of embattled House of Representative member, Rep Faruk Lawan as an ethnic agenda.

The group reached the conclusion yesterday while addressing reporters after a meeting held in Kano yesterday.

The National Secretary of the association, Comrade Isa Tijjani, said the entire Farouk saga was stage-managed, premeditated to rubbish the entire House of

Representatives’ report because of an ethnic agenda.

The new group particularly frowned at a statement credited to Barrister Festus Keyamo on the personality of Rep Lawan noting that the statement contained some threat and decided to set the record straight.

Plateau Assembly Speaker blames abandoned projects on poor oversight

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he Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly, John Dabwan, has blamed poor implementation of projects in the state on the poor attitude to oversight functions by the law makers.

“I am surprised that many projects have been abandoned in spite of provisions for them in the budget, but I blame that on the shortcomings of members who have not been serious with their oversight functions,’’ Dabwan said in Jos. Dabwan, who addressed his colleagues during the plenary yesterday, said that such abandoned projects would not have existed if

members had monitored the contractors.

He stressed the need for “due diligence’’ to oversight functions of monitoring projects and financial reports, and urged the members to also monitor the quality of work at the various sites.

The speaker urged members to take details of capital spread in the budget, especially as it affected their constituencies, and strive to quicken the release of funds to actualise them.

“I agree that there are loopholes in budget implementation and also agree

with my colleagues that abandoned projects, like the fivekilometer roads in every constituency should be given priority attention,” he said.

The speaker also mandated the financial appropriation committee to avail it with its financial report at the next sitting.

Timothy Golu (Kanke), in his contribution, said that there was the need to know the actual budget performance of 2012 to enable the Assembly to debate on the 2013 budget effectively.

(NAN)

“As a learned lawyer who he claims to be, we want to believe that he knows where and who possess the locus standi to prosecute a high profile case. It is an irony that he turned a blind eye to the chief actor in the whole debacles as if he does have a stake in the whole issue?”

According to the group “Does it not occur to him that the clandestine manner in which the footage in question was recorded premeditated to help secure the much desired dirty work to rubbish the House report?”.

“We are sure he is aware of the fact that our security agencies have stepped into the matter and nothing has been released indicting anybody. Can Keyamo as a lawyer assume the responsibility of a complainant, investigator, prosecutor and judge?

“The House of Representatives have also set up a powerful committee of its own to look into the matter, we do not think Keyamo can do a better job. As Nigerians, we are tired of calculated hatred tainted with ethnic and religious bias”.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Ngige wants health bill passed into law

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en.

Chris Ngige, representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, has pledged to do anything within his reach to ensure that the health bill is passed into law.

He spoke at the ongoing 1st Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) National Health Summit in Asaba, Delta.

Ngige’s paper is entitled: “Political Education and

Participation of Doctors in Politics and Governance: unlocking the Strategies for NMA’s Engagement.’’

Ngige, the former governor of Anambra, said that with the president’s accent to the health bill, the health sector would be transformed.

He said that as a medical doctor, that he understands the implication of getting the bill signed.

He said that he would lobby where necessary to ensure that the bill is signed.

Ngige noted that the bill had been passed by the past senate but was delayed at the presidency until the time lapsed.

“Now it has returned to the senate again.

“The health bill was not accented to because other professionals have exerted some

weight on it.

“We will hold a public session on the bill and urged all to support the bill,’’ he said.

Ngige, however, lamented the position of the medical profession in the country today.

He said that doctors, who were once revered like the Reverend Fathers, have lost their respect due to incessant strike action by the doctors.

He advised medical practitioners to participate in politics in order to effect changes in the health sector.

He said that only doctors understood the major challenges in the health sector.

“When we have doctors as ministers and governors as well as other political positions, it makes them to be closer to the source of power, negotiation become easier.

“Medical doctors are visionary

people and have 90 per cent qualities of good leaders. So, we need to restrategise, retool as strike is now old fashioned. ‘’We must go back to the laboratory and we must address our activities and ensure quality academics,’’ Ngige said.

Also in the panel was the immediate past President of NMA, Dr Dominic Osaghare, who presented a paper on “IntraProfessional Relationship, NMA and her Affiliates’’.

He urged the members to embrace both dialogue and sanction, where necessary, to regulate activities of affiliate bodies.

Osaghare blamed most of the industrial crises on the activities of affiliate bodies to the NMA. He advised that with the soaring membership of the union, there was need to critically examine the affairs for minimum of six years before admitting them. (NAN)

PDP Secretaries laud choice of Kaduna State Chairman

T L-R: National President, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Micheal Ologba Olukoya, National Treasurer of NUT, Dr. Nasir Idris, and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during the NUT delegation visit to the Speaker, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Appeal against Saraki’s election begins

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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he Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal yesterday commenced the hearing of the appeal brought before it by Alhaji Ayinla Kolawole Jimoh challenging the ruling of a Federal High Court in Abuja which upheld the election of the immediate past governor of Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki as the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

When the matter came up yesterday, the former governor asked the court to decline jurisdiction in the appeal on the ground that the appellant lacks the locus standi to institute the appeal case against him.

Saraki, among other things told the court that the appellant did not participate in the last National

Assembly election in Kwara state and therefore cannot challenge the outcome of the election. He also argued that the primary election that produced him was a domestic affair of the PDP which in law, cannot be inquired into by any court.

The former governor, who faulted the suit, claimed that the suit was instituted at the trial court six days to the constitution of the Kwara State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal.

The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the Senate insisted that since Jimoh instituted his case after the election, he ought to have gone to the election petition tribunal and not any regular court to ventilate his anger and grievances.

He pleaded the court to hold that it had no jurisdiction in the appeal because it was a post-

election matter that must first pass through an election petition tribunal before the appellate court just as he asked the Judge to dismiss the appeal.

Saraki and Jimoh who are both members of the ruling PDP are embroiled in fierce legal battle on who was their party’s candidate in the last national assembly election. Jimoh had sued Saraki at a Federal High Court in Abuja where he challenged the nomination of Saraki as the PDP flag bearer on the ground that a bye election that produced him was not conducted in accordance with the law.

The Court presided over by the Federal High Court Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta, however upheld the nomination of Saraki

by PDP and dismissed the suit by Jimoh for being baseless frivolous and disclosed no cause of action.

Oshiomhole appoints four new Judges

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overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has appointed four new Judges in the state.

Those appointed are Mrs. Rita Irele-Ifijeh who has been appointed Judge of the High Court of Edo State; Mrs. Osaretin Stella Uwuigbe appointed Judge of the

Customary Court of Appeal, Edo State; Mr. Victor Oziegbe Aghabue Oviawe, appointed Judge of the High Court, Edo State and Mrs. Nogi Aifuwa Imoukhuede, appointed Judge of the High Court, Edo State.

In their appointment letters signed by Governor Oshiomhole,

he said the appointment of the new judges is in exercise of his powers under Section 271 sub-section 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.

Swearing –in of the new judges will hold at a later date.

he Secretaries Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, has expressed support to the new chairman of the party in the state, Mr Abubakar Haruna.

Its Chairman, Alhaji Hamisu Tijjani, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Zaria, that Haruna’s choice would enhance the existing unity in the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the position had become vacant after the appointment of the party’s substantive chairman, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga as Deputy Governor in December 2012.

Tijjani believed that the

new chairman would work with other members to further boost memberhip and the party’s acceptability among the people of the state.

He commended Gov. Mukhtar Yero for working to restore stability in the party since the demise of former governor Patrick Yakowa.

He noted that the positive steps taken by the governor had helped to foster unity among the diverse people of the state.

The chairman pledged the forum’s support to the government, and urged residents to cooperate with the administration for the overall growth and development of the state. (NAN)

Nwodo urges support for State Independent Electoral Commissions

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hief Charles Nwodo, the former National Chairman of deregistered Progressive Action Congress (PAC), has called on Nigerians to support State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) rather than call for their abolition.

Nwodo made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday.

He said: “I am opposed to the abolition of SIEC because of the pressure on INEC.” “The concentration of power at the centre runs contrary to the spirit and tenets of true federalism.

“The major problem the country is facing today is over concentration of powers at the centre, rendering the component states useless.

“Since we subscribe to the principle of non- interference, we believe that governors should not unnecessarily interfere in the activities of SIEC, especially in the conduct

of local government elections.”

Nwodo suggested that elections should be conducted through independent body of judiciary personnel in each state of the federation to ensure transparency. “ The Judicial Council of each state should ensure that the conduct of state elections are entrusted in the state judiciary.

“The state judiciary should maintain the dignity, anonymity and nonpartisanship in the constitution of the state electoral body,” he said.

Nwodo also suggested that NBA and corps members should serve as electoral officers for the conduct of local government elections to ensure transparency.

“We must ensure that powers are not concentrated in the hands of the Federal Government if we are to practice federalism in totality.’’ (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 41

El-Arabi saves Morocco blushes

S Maigari charges Eagles

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igeria officials led by FA boss A m i n u Maigari have charged the Super Eagles to beat Zambia tomorrow and do the country proud.

“We have confidence in this team to do Nigeria proud at the AFCON, so we must go ahead to win our next game against Zambia in grand style,” urged Nigeria Football Federation president Aminu Maigari when he visited the team in Nelspruit along with several top officials.

Nigerian sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi also called in and addressed the team, asking them to forget the draw against the Burkinabes and focus on their remaining group games as the tournament has proved to be one full of surprises.

“The entire country from President Goodluck Jonathan down to the pepper seller in the remotest part of Nigeria is solidly behind you,” he said.

Keshi, who marked his 51st birthday, thanked the minister and the NFF president for their faith in the team and assured that they will not disappoint.

Skipper Joseph Yobo spoke in the same vein, assuring that as professionals he and his teammates have forgotten the result of the first game and are looking for a better outing in their subsequent matches.

econd half substitute Youssef El-Arabi saved Morocco their blushes as a goal from him 12 minutes from time salvaged a point for the Atlas Lions in their 2013 African Cup of Nations Group A match against Cape Verde.

The Blue Sharks took the lead in the first half through Luis Platini before a 78th minute goal from El-Arabi saw the match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium finished 1-1 last night. The first 45 was half for the underdogs as Cape Verde dictated terms from the outset.

Morocco, on the other hand, while looking technically superior and able to pass the ball about smoothly, they were unable to really create any clear-cut chances in front of goal in the opening stanza.

Instead, it was the high work-rate of the smaller nation that shone through as they were quicker to the ball and just looked hungrier to make something happen in front of goal, and that they did as early as the first minute. And it was what sustained through the final 10 minutes.

Abdelaziz Barrada celebrates his side’s goal against Cape Verde Islands yesterday

CAF raises concern over security at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

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he African F o o t b a l l Confederation (CAF) has expressed concern over the state of security at Port Elizabeth, venue for Group B matches at the ongoing 2013 Africa Cup of Nations

(AFCON).

Following this development, CAF has urged the South African authorities to beef up security at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The CAF disciplinary board

had to file a note of warning to DR Congo, after two of their fans encroached during their opening match against Ghana on Jan. 20 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

“The board decided to address a warning letter to the local o r g a n i s i n g committee, advising them that they needed to reinforce the security in Port Elizabeth,” CAF said in a statement.

Ethiopia punished for crowd disorder

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thiopia goalkeeper Jemal Tassew was given a red card after a high challange against Chisamba Lungu in Group C of the Africa Cup of Nations.http://espn.go.com/ video/clip?id=intl:1307901 The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined Ethiopia $10,000 and banned goalkeeper Jemal Tassew for two games following incidents during the 1-1 draw with Zambia on Monday.

Tassew was red-carded in the 35th minute of the teams’ African Nations Cup opener in Nelspruit after a collision in which his raised

foot connected with Zambia’s Chisamba Lungu.

The referee, deeming the kick to be deliberate, sent the goalkeeper off as he was carried from the field on a stretcher.

The dismissal prompted angry scenes among the Ethiopia supporters, with items including vuvuzelas being thrown onto the field. The Ethiopian Football Association will have to pay $5,000 as a result of the disorder in the stands, CAF said, with the other $5,000 suspended for the remainder of the tournament.

Tassew will also miss the final two games in Group C, against Burkina Faso and Nigeria.

Future Africa Academy, Abuja Football College end it even

F

uture Africa Football Academy continued their impressive build up to their Abu Dhabi International Tournament next month with 1-1 against hosts Abuja Football College yesterday.

The game, which was played at the Practice Pitch of the Abuja National Stadium, saw both exchanged fierce tackles as it settled into a ding dong affair even as the players raise the bar in search of the opener.

It did come but not with ease. The hosts put their noses in front through a penalty kick but had that cancelled out by the visitors who through their usual well-co-ordinated display secured the leveller and pressed for more.

It did not come, instead the hosts had a second penalty but failed to convert. Future Africa Academy then rekindled their search for leadership prodding their opponents’ vital

area to no avail.

However, their form delighted their hosts who confessed that they were given a good fight and would crave another opportunity.

It would be recalled that Future Africa Academy had before now defeated Kaduna Selected 2-1, held Sportlite of Katsina, a national professional league team to 1-1 draw same as they did against Adeyemo FC. The academy team are building up for a tournament in Dubai, where they are expected to play other youth teams.

In a swift reaction, the proprietor of the team, Alhaji Aminu Balele Kurfi, rewarded both with $1000 for their entertaining display and charge them to remain focus and disciplined adding that they are prospective replacements for the present national teams.

Mikel boasts says Eagles will crush Chipolopolo

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igeria’s qualification for the quarterfinals is as good as sealed, according to Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi, who believes is confident Nigeria will beat Zambia to claim the maximum points tomorrow when the two teams clash in their match of the Group C. Mikel, who was delectable in the opening game against Burkina Faso, does not exercise any fears that the defending champions will cause Nigeria headaches in the game that could see Nigeria put a step into the last eight finals with victory.

At present the group is open as each team has a goal apiece and point. However, the Chelsea midfielder, said the Eagles have put the draw with the Stallions behind them and are looking forward to a better performance against the Chipolopolo of Zambia.

“We are disappointed with the draw no doubt especially the way it happened, but we have put that behind us now and will strive harder to beat Zambia. “I am sure we won’t disappoint ourselves and Nigerians, who should continue to support us.”

Mikel said.

Mikel, who is featuring in his fourth AFCON, said the Eagles were a bit naïve in the manner they approached the closing stages of the encounter, stressing he would have preferred they got the three points to justify his beingnamed the man- ofthe- match.

The star midfielder was injured and not available for selection when Nigeria beat Chipolopolo 2-0 in Kaduna in November 2011 in a friendly with goals from the Uche brothers, Kalu and Ikechukwu.

Mikel Obi

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Aussie Open: Na clashes with Sharapova in semifinals today

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hinese sensational Li Na will exchange fierce serves and strokes as she engages Maria Sharapova in what should be lively contest for a place in the Australian Open final.

The sixth seed, who combined her superior strength and fitness to overwhelm Agnieszka Radwanska, the world No 4 who had been unbeaten this year with a a 7-

Li Na

5, 6-3 result.

It will be her first Grand Slam semifinal since winning the 2011 French Open. Li formerly coached by her husband, Jiang Shan, attributed her found form to Carlos Rodriguez, Justine Henin’s former handler, who took the reins last year.

Against Sharapova, it would be a different ball game.

Sharapova leads the head-to-head 8-4 against Li. The record-setting world No 2 reached the Australian Open semifinals for the loss of just nine games as she blitzed fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova on Tuesday.

Sharapova, seeking her fifth Grand Slam title and her second in Melbourne, smashed Makarova 6-2, 6-2 in 1hour 6minutes to set up a semifinal with Na. Sharapova, who ‘double-bagelled’ her first two matches 6-0, 6-0, and then beat Venus Williams 6-1, 63 and Kirsten Flipkens 6-1, 6-0, betters Monica Seles’ Australian Open record of losing only 12 games before the semis.

Meanwhile, Roger Federer survived intensive probing

by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win a gripping five-setter yesterday and set up an Australian Open semifinal against Andy Murray.

The Swiss world No 2 was pushed all the way and needed five match points before dousing seventh-seeded Tsonga to win 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3 in 3hour 34minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

His victory has set up a rematch of last year’s Wimbledon final with third seed Murray, who beat Jeremy Chardy earlier without dropping a set, and then shrugged off concerns he will be undercooked for the battles ahead. It comes up on Friday.

The British third seed was too strong and accomplished for the unseeded Frenchman, winning 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 in 1hr 51min on Rod Laver Arena.

Murray rated the win, which put him into his fourth consecutive Australian Open semifinal, as his best performance yet and said he had no fears about a lack of a

Erico confident interim NPL board will succeed

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oe Erico, a former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Trainer, yesterday said he was confident the interim board of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) would turn around the fortunes of the league.

Already, the board has fixed February 16 for the kickoff of the 2012/2013 premier league season, shortly after the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa wounds up on Feb. 10. ERico was delighted that the former sponsors Globacom has rekindled its

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lhassan Yakmut, the Director, Grassroots S p o r t s Development, National Sports Commission (NSC), has reiterated the essence of school sports to development stressing that it emplaces sustainable process for the

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Maria Sharapova Erico recalled that the chairman of the interim board, Nduka Irabor, was instrumental to the successful tenure of Clemence Westerhof as technical adviser to the Super Eagles, when he was the Chief Press Secretary to the then military Vice-President, late Augustus Aikhomu.

“He and his members are held in high esteem when it comes to integrity and technical capabilities; therefore, the league will get to the highest level,” Erico said.

He urged stakeholders to support the board and avoid interfering in its affairs, in order to enable it to develop the standards of the league.

Yakmut says school sports basic for development

emergence of grassroots talents.

Bolaji Abdullahi, Sports Minister oveth Ekufu, an Inspector with the Nigeria Police Force, said yesterday that financial constraints had prevented her from taking part in the World Female International Kickboxing Championships.

Ekufu, the first female to have won and defended the world kickboxing title twice for Nigeria in the -50Kg

partnership with the NPL for sponsorship of the league title.

“I strongly believe that the present interim board has the capacity to turn around the fortunes of our league for good, because the signs are starting to show.

“The title sponsorship deal is absolutely remarkable and I’m excited that we are starting to see such positive developments,’’ Erico said adding that he was optimistic the board would take the league to its pinnacle.

tough work-out heading into the tournament’s late stages.

World No 1 Novak Djokovic will play Spanish fourth seed David Ferrer in the other semifinal today.

It was Federer’s composure under pressure that won the day in the fifth set against the explosive Frenchman, who frequently gave the Swiss great problems with his all-court game.

These talents, Yakmut said, form a pool from which cradle technical experts would draw from to nurture and groom them to stardom.

The director said his department intends to identify fledgling talents through school sports and then nurture them for the forthcoming National School Sports Festival and subsequently to elite sports festival.

Accordingly, the commission would be keen

to note the fifth edition of the National School Sports Festival to be held in Rivers State beginning from today through Feb. 3.

The director added that the Monitoring Committee and the National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) were already engrossed in the task of actualising the body’s objectives.

He added that the two committees would be fully involved at the upcoming National Schools Sports

Festival.

“We are sending the monitoring team to observe the event and select athletes that fall under our purview.

“Our grassroots monitoring teams will be on ground to discover new talents and groom them to international standard, for us to have a new generation of elite athletes,’’ he said.

When asked about the talents that were discovered at the 18th National Sports Festival, Yakmut told NAN that a camping programme

would soon be arranged for the athletes.

“There is going to be what we call an Observatory Selection Camp.

Immediately we finish this festival, this will kick off sometime in February.

“We have our programme and we are in line with it. At the camp, we will select athletes whose ages are in line for each competition.

“We are looking forward to the Commonwealth Games, the All Africa Games and the Rio de Janeiro Olympics,” Yakmut added.

Female kickboxer cries out for international tourneys category, believes were there funds she would have participated in many international tournaments and be exposed.

The Delta State-born fighter won her first world title in 2009 in Germany and retained the title in 2010 in Berlin, Germany and in New York, U.S. in

2011, but regretted that lack of funds had prevented her from attending most international competitions.

“Actually, it has not been so easy. One of the challenges I have is sponsorship, though the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been trying but I need more encouragement. I could not

attend most fights due to financial constraints.

“But I believe that with God and additional support from the NPF, I will participate in more championships because I have not got to the apex of what I want to be,” Ekufu said.

The athlete also said that

she desired to be an Olympian, in spite of her world titles, adding that she could take to professional boxing if her Olympics dream was not forthcoming.

“I was supposed to be the one to represent Nigeria in the -51kg but I had an injury and was dropped. I have the intention of going

into professional female boxing from 2014, after setting a record in the amateur.

“After all, Mohammed Ali never went to the Olympics but he still made the name. So, I believe I can still make a name without going to the Olympics,” she added.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 43

Milan keen on Drogba move

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C Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has opened the door for Didier Drogba to make a move to the Rossoneri.

Reports in Italy have suggested that Drogba, 34, who has attracted interest from Juventus, is ready to terminate his contract with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua after just seven months, in order to make a return to

Europe.

Milan have recently been linked with moves for Real Madrid’s Kaka and Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli, but both seem to have stalled so a deal for the former Chelsea man could be next on their wishlist. ”A player like Drogba would certainly improve both the technical level and self-esteem of the team. We’ll see what the club is able to do, otherwise

we’ll carry on as we are, looking to have a good second half of the season because that is our objective.

Milan may face a challenge in being able to afford the player, with Drogba reportedly asking for •10million in wages for an 18-month contract in Italy - four million for the rest of the current season and another six million before June 2014.

Pjanic denies Barcelona talk

R Didier Drogba

Rose to remain with Sunderland

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underland manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Danny Rose will remain with the club for the rest of the season following Tottenham Hotspur’s decision not to recall the defender.

Rose, 22, joined the Black Cats on loan from Spurs in the summer and has excelled while on Wearside.

His fine form had seen O’Neill explore the possibility of a permanent deal, something the player had also shown an interest in but that was quickly ruled out

by Andre Villas-Boas last month.

“The loan deal contained an option for Spurs to recall Danny this month, but they had to exercise that option

by January 17. I’m pleased to say that they haven’t done so, so he will be with us for the rest of the season and that is really good news.

With O’Neill still keen to try and secure Rose longterm, Sunderland may look to test Spurs’ resolve in the summer following the north London clubs decision to sign full-back Zeki Fryers in January.

Buffon set for new Juve deal

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David de Gea

Manchester United open to De Gea offers

uventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is to ink a new three-year contract with the club at a high-profile public signing in Turin on Wednesday.

Buffon, 34, will appear at the media centre of the club’s training complex at Vinovo alongside club president Andrea Agnelli.

The Italy international is believed to have already agreed a deal which will see him earn less than his current •6 million per-season salary, but he will extend his stay beyond his current contract which was set to expire this summer.

Both club and player have constantly played down the need to sign a new deal as speculation mounted that Buffon could leave the club he joined in 2001.

However, it now seems he has followed in the footsteps of Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio, agreeing terms on a bonus-laden extension.

Juve manager Antonio Conte expressed his delight that Buffon will now seemingly remain in Turin until the end of his career.

Demel signs new West Ham deal

Michu signs four-year W extension deal

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anchester United is willing to let goalkeeper David de Gea leave the club this summer following his erratic form, ESPN understands.

De Gea, 22, came in for criticism at the weekend after his weak punch allowed Tottenham Hotspur to grab a late leveller at White Hart Lane.

The mistake was not the Spaniard’s first since his £18.5 million move from Atletico Madrid in 2011, and it has led to fresh conjecture over his future.

United are now open to offers for the shot-stopper, although nothing will happen until the summer.

Despite a respect for the goalkeeper’s basic talent at the club, there is an increasing feeling that his failure to adjust to life in England has contributed to, and exacerbated some, remaining flaws in his game not least his physical presence at crosses.

In the meantime, the Red Devils have been looking at options, but it is understood that there has been no contact with Barcelona’s Victor Valdes.

Gianluigi Buffon

oma midfielder Miralem Pjanic has calmed talk of a move to Barcelona, following reports claiming the Spanish club had spoken to the Giallorossi about his availability.

Pjanic, 22, was reported to have been linked with the Catalan giants, while admitting he was aware they had sent scouts to assess his performances in recent weeks.

However, the Bosnia international has now denied speaking to journalists, instead committing his future to Roma, for whom he has been a first-team regular since leaving Lyon in 2011.

“I respect Barcelona, but my team is Roma and I’m happy where I am,” he told ANSA. “I’ve not spoken with any journalists. I have two and a half years on my contract and I’ve never thought about leaving.

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triker Michu has signed a new fouryear deal to extend his stay with Swansea City.

The Spaniard has taken the Premier League by storm since his £2.2m summer switch from Rayo Vallecano.

The 26-year-old has

Striker, Michu

Bayern Munich swoops for Liverpool striker

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iverpool striker Luis Suarez is being lined up for a shock bid from German giants Bayern Munich.

The runaway Bundesliga leaders have already confirmed the summer arrival of Pep Guardiola and are now looking to add another feather to their cap with a £40m swoop for hitman Suarez, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

The controversial Uruguayan is enjoying a fantastic season for Liverpool, attracting the attention of top European

suitors, with the likes of Juventus and Manchester City also expressing an interest.

The 25-year-old has netted 20 goals in 30 appearances for the Reds this term and has been one of the key figures in their rise up the table to seventh, following their poor start to the campaign.

Luis Suarez has been in fine form in front of goal this campaign.

Former Barcelona boss Guardiola is due to take charge of Bayern at the end of the season, but is

already drawing up his transfer wish-list, with Suarez allegedly his main target.

Luis Suarez

committed himself for an extra season to the Swans and will now stay at the Liberty Stadium until 2016.

Michu, who can play as an attacking midfielder or centre-forward, has scored 16 goals in 28 appearances for the Swans.

He has already been described as the signing of the season by some pundits and has emerged as a cult hero in Swansea.

Michu became Laudrup’s third signing when he joined from Rayo Vallecano in July.

He began his career with his local club Real Oviedo in the lower leagues, before moving to Celta de Vigo B in Segunda Division B in 2007.

His contract with Celta expired in June 2011 and he signed a two-year deal with Rayo Vallecano, who were newly promoted to the top division of La Liga, where he scored 15 league goals and two in the cup last season.

est Ham United has announced that defender Guy Demel has signed a contract extension until 2015.

Demel, 31, signed for the Hammers on a free transfer in 2011 and his deal had been due to expire in the summer.

After an injury-hit debut season, Demel has made 16 appearances in the Premier League in the current campaign and he added. ”I’m happy to be at West Ham and in the team. The lads are really good with me as are the people working for the club. I hope I will stay that long to play in the new stadium as well.

“Last year was kind of difficult because, when I signed, I had pre-season and then unfortunately I got injured really quickly and it was hard to come back afterwards, but right now I feel good. I had a preseason, we worked hard and I have to thank the medical staff for the job they have done with me. I feel good and I’m quite happy with what I’m doing right now, but I know that I can do even more.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Ghana steeled for Mali examination

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Bafana record first win since 2004

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goal in each half from Siyabonga Sangweni and Lehlohonolo Majoro saw South Africa claim their first win in the 2013 African Cup of Nations as they beat Angola 2-0 in a Group A match at the Moses Mabhida stadium yesterday afternoon.

The first 45 minutes was a half dominated by the home nation as they played some free-flowing football, especially in the middle of the park where the Dean Furman and May Mahlangu made all the difference.

Both players came into the Bafana starting XI after missing the opening match and they made their impact felt as both players looked hungry to get their foot on the ball and when they did they passed it about accurately as they set-up goal scoring chances.

Nonetheless, despite South Africa seeing the majority of the possession, it was Angola who had the first real effort on goal in the third minute.

Mateus was allowed too much space on the ball as he drove towards the Bafana goal before unleashing a thunderous 30yard shot which was well tipped around the post by Itumeleng Khune, diving full stretch to his left to make the fingertip save.

It was a superb left-footed volley from Sangweni who latched onto a Bernard Parker cross from the right flank.

Angola failed to clear their lines and the central defender showed all the class of a striker with a clinical finish from six-yards out at an acute angle, 1-0.

The start of the second 45 saw Angola throwing players forward in search of that equaliser and they came bitterly close in the 52nd minute.

A quick-counter attack saw Majoro using his pace to beat the last defender on the by-line before passing the ball through the legs of Lama from a tight angle at six-yards out, 2-0.

After going a second goal down, Angola threw even more men forward, but despite the pressure on the Bafana defence, they held firm as Gordon Igesund’s men picked up their first win in the African Cup of Nations since 2004.

hana’s future at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations will be clearer after playing Mali today in Port Elizabeth. The Black Stars failure to protect a two-goal lead against DR Congo has thrown them up for early eviction if they fail to beat the Eagles at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

This will be the third meeting between the two sides in a year after clashing twice at the 2012 finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Ghana won their Group stage encounter 2-0 before losing by the same scoreline in the third place play-off match.

Head coach Kwesi Appiah is prepared to ring changes after his side were pinned down by the Leopards of DR Congo in their opener.

The ex-Black Stars captain will defend on Isaac Vorsah, who has shaken off a thigh injury, to shore up his backline to replace the inexperienced Jerry Akaminko.

Appiah has got injury concerns with teenage striker Richmond Boakye-Yiadom and midfielder Anthony Annan set to sit out the match.

Mali coach Patrice Carteron is also sweating on the fitness of duo Samba Diakite and Modibo Maiga. The two players from English Premier League sides QPR and West Ham United had brief training with the team on Monday.

The Eagles go into the match with less pressure after managing a 1-0 win over Niger in their opener courtesy inspirational captain Seydou Keita. Carteron said that win was the elixir his side needed ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

Mali are the only side with a win in Group B.

Asamoah Gyan

DRC’s Leopards in do-or-die battle

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ell-travelled DR Congo coach Claude Le Roy might have publicly picked Ghana’s Black Stars and the ‘Elephants’ of Ivory Coast to go on and win the 29th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations 2013, but it is his never-say-die ‘Leopards’ who got a lot of plaudits for their credible 2-2 draw with the ‘Black Stars’ on Sunday.

Having fallen behind 2-0 to goals by Ghana’s Emmanuel Agyemang and the talented midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah, DR Congo never dropped their heads, but got a lifeline when troublesome TP Mazembe marksman Tresor Mputu scored, before Belgium-based s t r i k e r Dieumerci Mbokani converted

from a spot-kick.

It is the fighting spirit which won the ‘Leopards’ many admirers back at home, especially coming against the backdrop of problems in their camp over bonuses and coach Le Roy threatening to resign.

Coming up against the ‘Mena’ of Niger, who have qualified for the African showpiece for a second successive time, and still nursing a 1-0 loss to Mali in the opening match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday, Le Roy put succinctly what the clash against plucky Niger means.

Le Roy, one of the most respected African coaches, will be hoping his charges can take the game to the opposition from the onset, as the combination of Mputu and the free-scoring Anderlecht striker Mbokani gave the Ghanaian defence, led by John Pantsil, a torrid time.

The long-serving striker Lomana LuaLua might not have had the best of games, but his experience is rubbing off on the rest of the team. All eyes will be on the dreadlocked Mbokani, who has been prolific for his Belgian side, to find the goals for the‘Leopards’.

With goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba having displayed a heart-warming performance against Ghana, denying Gyan Asamoah a late goal with an acrobatic save, the TP Mazembe star will surely have more of his ‘donkey riding’ celebrations if the likes of Mputu, Mbokani and LuaLua get the goals on the other end.

Niger’s coach Gernot Rohr, a former coach for Gabon, has admitted the clash against the‘Leopards’ will be a tough encounter.

Rohr will hope his goalkeeper, South African-based Chippa United man Daouda Kassaly would have recovered from his goalkeeping howler on Sunday which gifted Mali’s Seydou Keita with probably the easiest goal of his illustrious career.

Rohr might have been pleased with his team’s resistance, but still the Malians created a plethora of chances, and against the fast attacking Congolese they might not be so lucky.

Niger’s over-reliance on strikers Issoufou Alhassane and Moussa Maazou, who failed to impress in the opening match against Mali, limits their options.

Another loss today and the ‘Mena’ of Niger will be on their way home, but the ‘Leopards’will enter the game knowing a win by a huge margin will boost their chances, as nearest challengers Ghana will be taking on Group B log leaders Mali.

FIXTURES TODAY Ghana vs Mali DR Congo vs Niger Rep.

Lehlohonolo Majoro of Bafana celebrates goal yesterday against Angola at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Low goal count after first round

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very one of the sixteen teams has now played a part in the 2013 African Cup of Nations, but not every team has scored a goal. The goal drought continues despite the generally cool weather and fine playing surfaces.

After the opening eight game in all four groups, just 13 goals have been recorded in 720 minutes of regulation time. This Afcon thus records the lowest goals per average ration since 2002, when 0.63 per game were scored in the opening round of eight games.

This time, we’ve seen a paltry 1.63 per game average - not good enough for a tournament looking to attract the tag of “exciting”.

The highest recent figure was the 26 goals scored in the opening eight games of the 2008 competition in Ghana, where 99 goals were scored at the end of the competition.

No AFCON before, or after, has been able to break that record from Ghana 2008.

PICTORIAL

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

PAGE 45

1] AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has opened the door for striker Didier Drogba to make a move to the Rossoneri.

2] India lose their fifth wicket but look on course as they chase 258 to win the fourth one-dayer against England in Mohali and clinch the series.

3] England flanker Tom Johnson suffers a knee ligament injury that rules him out of the Six Nations.

4] Glasgow light-welterweight Willie Limond defeats Eddie Doyle in under two minutes to win the Commonwealth title.

5] Andy Murray beats Jeremy Chardy to set up a meeting with Roger Federer in the Australian Open semi-finals.

6] Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has been admitted to hospital to undergo medical examinations following his liver transplant. The club confirmed the Frenchman would spend three to four days undergoing tests.

3 1

4 2

5

6

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

WBC flyweight title at stake on Tokyo bill

Basketball Federation moves to develop game, says its President

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resident of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Tijani Umar says the federation is making progress in the growth and development of the game.

Umar said yesterday in Abuja that the federation would record more progress than it did in 2012.

“We are gradually but surely making a lot of progress in basketball, Rome was not built in a day; you people know Nigeria more than I do.

“It is a lot of talk, a lot of criticism, but the real truth is that hard work is not the best friend of lazy people and you have seen that, how many federations have done AGM today apart from football?

“From January until December, we were having activities and it was not because we had money, we are very prudent, that is the key, if you come and give me 10,000 Naira, I don’t put it in my pocket, I invest it. ‘’

The federation president said that in years to come, positive changes would be noticed in the sport.

“You have not seen anything yet; I am telling you that whether I am in basketball or not, in the next two to three years from this year, you will begin to see things coming and you will be surprised, we are not sleeping.”

Umar, however, announced Feb. 23 and March 21 as the tentative date for the DSTV league and Zenith League, respectively.

The Basketball federation’s pre-season seminar, which commenced on Jan. 22, would end on Jan. 25 at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) auditorium, National Stadium, Abuja.

The seminar was preceded by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and stakeholders’ consultative forum held at the same venue.

Chess players remain busy, in spite of low federation activities

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harles Campbell, Secretary, Chess Players Association of Nigeria (CPAN), says the lack of activities at the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) has not prevented many players from training.

Campbell said yesterday in Lagos that he and his colleagues decided to keep themselves busy to sustain their competitive edge.

The NCF has no programme lined up for January and February, which has resulted in a lull in the federation’s activities.The FIDE Master said that since chess had become part and parcel of his daily chores, he usually engages himself on a regular basis with other players in the game.

“I play chess always, even at my leisure with my children, because it is already a part of me. Sometimes when I see a fellow chess player, whether a master or not, I still play the game because I learn more on the game, and this helps me to improve myself.

“The fact that the federation has no activities lined up in January and February is not enough reason for chess players to stay idle,” Campbell said.

Bunmi Olape, another FIDE Master, said that he had been fine-tuning his techniques for a chess championship billed for Calabar in February.

Further, he disclosed that the event would help to keep him mentally alert to the intricate moves in the highly intellectual game.

“I try to play chess at all times, knowing that the federation has no programme lined up for now, but I don’t need to have a competition in view, to train. I try as much as possible, to improve my game, as I play the game frequently,’’ Olape said.

Nsiong Bassey, a medical doctor and Vice President of CPAN, urged chess players to always keep themselves busy, saying that chess was useful in making critical decisions.

Bassey recalled that she developed herself through the chess monthly heights tournament and other chess-related activities.

“I try as much as possible to participate in the monthly chess games which have helped me to develop my game and keep me fit. I advise all chess players to follow a similar regimen,’’ Bassey added.

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Toshiyuki Igarashi

UEFA seeks harsher sanctions against Serbia

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urope’s governing body Uefa has lodged an appeal against sanctions for Serbia over incidents in an under-21 match against England, seeking harsher punishment, the Serbian football organisation FSS said on Wednesday.

The under-21 Euro

qualifier played in October 2012 game in Krusevac was marred by a brawl of players and staff. England also alleged that its players were racially abused by the crowd.

Serbia was in December sanctioned by Uefa to play one game behind closed doors and fined •80,000.

The FSS said that Uefa’S

disciplinary inspector Jean-Samuel Leuba has asked for an expulsion of Serbia’s young squad from the next competition cycle and a larger fine of •200,000.

He also proposed a worldwide five-year suspension of coaching staff member Andreja Milutinovic, instead of

two years plus two years probation, FSS said on its website.

Finally, Serbia’s player Nikola Ninkovic should be suspended from the next three matches.

Ninkovic was not punished in the initial ruling, delivered on December 13.Author: Boris Babic.

Bolt eyes three golds at world championships T

riple London Olympic champion Usain Bolt is injury free and eyeing three gold medals at this year’s world championships in Moscow in August.

As part of his preparations, the Jamaican 100 and 200 metres world record holder will run the longer sprint at the Bislett Games Diamond League meeting in Oslo on June 13.

“The aim for 2013 is the IAAF World Championships in Moscow in August. My goal is to win three gold medals and repeat my Olympic Games success,” Bolt said in a news release on Wednesday.

“My preparations have been good this fall. I am injury free, working hard and everything is going according to plan. I

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS HAFSATU AMEERA DASUKI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS HAFSATU DASUKI ABDULLAHI, ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. APTI, NYSC AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

BC flyweight champion Toshiyuki Igarashi will defend his title against Akira Yaegashi in Tokyo in April.

The two Japanese fighters are scheduled to meet in one of three “world” title fights in a tournament at the Ryogoku sumo arena on April 8.

WBC bantamweight champion Shinsuke Yamanaka, also of Japan, will fight top-ranked Malcolm Tunacao of the Philippines.

Gamaliel Diaz, a Mexican who holds the WBC superfeatherweight title, will defend his belt against Japan’s Takashi Miura.

It will be Igarashi’s second defence of the title he took from Sonny Boy Jaro of the Philippines in July last year.

Igarashi’s record stands at 17 wins, including 10 knockouts, against one defeat and one draw.

“My goal is to keep winning. I’m going to prepare for the bout by doing what I must do to win. I’ll be ready, 100 per cent, when I get into the ring,” the 29-year-old champion said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile heavyweight Denis Boytsov is likely to fight in Germany in February. The undefeated, 26-year-old Russian, who refuses to sign with the Klitschko brothers, is looking for an American promoter and trainer.

Boytsov was scheduled to fight Britain’s Tyson Fury last December but plans for the bout fell through. His last fight was in April last year when he beat Dominic Guinn in points.

His professional record is 31-0, with 25 knockouts and he is at No 5 on the WBA and WBO rankings lists.

Usain Bolt

hope to come to Bislett prepared and ready to run a great race.”

Bolt won gold in the 200 metres and 4x100 relay at the 2011 worlds in Daegu but was disqualified from the 100 final for a false start.

His training partner and compatriot Yohan Blake went on to take the title.

Bolt gained a measure of revenge when he beat Blake to retain his Olympic 100 and 200 metres titles at the London Olympics. He also anchored the Jamaicans to a world record of 36.84 in the 4x100 relay.

The Diamond League series of 14 meetings starts in Doha on May 10.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Say what?

PAGE 47

SUDOKU

Yesterday’s solution

Some Interesting Facts UNBELIEVABLE BUT TRUE FACTS

PHOTO OF THE DAY

•Leonardo da Vinci was dyslexic, and he often wrote backwards.

• Nazi leader Adolf Hitler had only one testicle.

• Queen Lydia Liliuokalani was the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Islands. She was also the only Queen the United States ever had.

• Rolling Stones band member Bill Wyman married a 19 year-old model Mandy Smith in 1988. At the same time Wyman's son was engaged to Mandy Smith's mother. If his son had married Smith's mother, Wyman would have been the step grandfather to his own wife.

• There are 158 verses in the Greek National Anthem.

• There are about 6,800 languages in the world.

• There was no punctuation until the 15th century.

• Children laugh about 400 times a day, while adults laugh on average only 15 times a day.

• The coconut is the largest seed in the world.

• There is cyanide in apple pips.

• If you were to take 1 lb. of spiders web and stretch it out it would circle the whole way around the world!

• If every person in China stood on a chair and jumped off at the same time...it would knock the earth off its axis!

• A mole can dig a tunnel 300 feet long in just one night!

• The shortest war on record, between Britain and Zanzibar in 1896, lasted just 38 minutes.

• The Shell Oil Company originally began as a novelty shop in London that sold seashells.

Panda Sweetie gets up close and personal with a snowman yesterday then munches off his carrot nose, in Edinburgh Zoo. Source: TheSun.co.uk

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Pele statue to be unveiled at Maracana

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life-size, bronze statue honoring Brazilian football legend Pele is to be unveiled in June for the reopening of Rio's renovated, iconic Maracana stadium.

Renowned Brazilian sculptor Ique is currently putting the finishing touches to the 300-kilogram (660 pound) statue, based on photographs of a goal Pele scored in Brazil's 4-1 win against Czechoslovakia during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

"It is a difficult work as it is the moment when Pele jumps and pumps his fist into the air to celebrate his goal," the sculptor, who worked for 30 years as caricaturist for the Rio-based Jornal do Brasil, told AFP. The statue was modeled in several parts in plastiline "which does not dry like clay and can be handled more easily although it costs 10 times more in Brazil," Ique, whose real name is Victor Henrique Woitschach, explained.

It will be erected inside the renovated, 79 000-seat Maracana arena and will be inaugurated on June 2 during a Brazil-England friendly game a few days before the opening of the Confederations Cup, a dress reheasal for the 2014 World Cup. The 72-ear-old Pele has not yet seen the statue.

"It is not quite Pele. It is my interpretation of Pele when he scored the goal. I do what I call 'carisculpture" because I specialize in caricatures, anatomy, the movement...The expression which accentates his smile come from caricature," Ique said.

"My dream was to make a sculpture of a celebrity. To make Pele at the Maracana, a year before the World Cup in Brazil is a dream come true," he added.

The modeling took two days and the the process of making the statue 45 days.

Ique also designed the statue of the late Michael Jackson which stands in a favela of Rio's Botafogo district and was inaugurated in June 2010.

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE In 2014, we’ll celebrate our centenary, our 100 years in existence. It will take two mad people to stay in marriage for 100 years and say it’s time to divorce; but we are not mad.

— President Jonathan on Nigeria’s unity

Who really, are enemies of the state?

D

espite the fact that this column has not been especially regular (for which I apologise, again) it seems after all, that it is occasionally read by those to whom it is 'addressed': my Anti-heroes. I have been told from an 'impeccable' source that I am 'too critical'. That I should tone it down a little bit.

I hope I am not like Okey Ndibe, to be honoured with the title 'enemy of the state'. How strange it was to read of the possibility that a columnist who simply writes his opinion can be considered an 'enemy' of his own homeland because he is 'too critical' or 'too activist' and possibly lives outside the country. This is a democracy, is it not?

It is of course possible that some other deep and dark activity unknown to us was responsible for such a title being given to a college professor, respected novelist and columnist with NEXT newspapers as well as other publications. But from the narrative of his first ordeal as an 'enemy' on January 8th 2011 (http://www.okeyndibe.com/ downloadables-recent-online2011-01-17.htm), even the state had not found anything remotely dark.

On the following Monday, the Lagos State Security Services (SSS) director told him apologetically, to forget his treatment at the airport. He assured him that it would never happen again i.e. that his name would be removed from an enemy list that had supposedly been compiled in 2008! Ndibe soon found out however, that the practice is for you to petition to have your name removed from the list.

So this is a list that never gets shorter - even if the reasons that put your name there in the first place are no longer or were never, valid in the first place. How can that possibly be an efficient use of scarce human and material resources?

Ndibe on this 2013 year trip, back from his United States base, was detained for a whole 10 ten hours at the airport. Imagine how many real criminals - drug dealers and money launderers, terrorists and yes, perhaps real enemies of the state could have

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CAR TEL OPIA CARTEL TELOPIA With Aisha Yolah ayolah06@yahoo.com 08086296783 (text only please)

Okey Ndibe been spotted in that time? A total of 5 officers 'attended' to him.

Another 'genial' SSS director finally arrived in the morning and yet again 'apologised profusely' and promised to see to it that his name was finally removed from the agency's watch list.

In Cartelopia his name on that list would actually be the main purpose - punishment for daring to write anything but nauseating praise of the Prime Minister (PM) Good Fortune and his Transmogrifying government.

All he would have to do to get

off that list would be to take out a couple of paid adverts of the PM and his ministers on their birthdays. He could then make sure that he attributes everything good (true or not) to the PM. In fact he could even find himself on different, privileged list of Good Neighbours, especially reserved for the inner circle, if he could abuse and insult a certain General, well enough. Heck, he could even become a special adviser for that.

He would then have access to any number of private jets and VIP treatment. Never again would he have to queue up in front of portly immigration officers or follow male and female SSS officers into dingy airport offices. But it is not Cartelopia.

Ndibe was talking about today's (2013) Nigeria where writing like this would certainly not be the reason for his still being on Nigeria's international watch list: '....The airport struck me as a metaphor for Nigeria... The airport was as broken, as misshapen, as scarred by neglect and as visually unattractive as much of Nigeria. My eyes wandered to the ceilings, the floors, the walls and saw

“

So this is a list that never gets shorter - even if the reasons that put your name there in the first place are no longer or were never, valid in the first place. How can that possibly be an efficient use of scarce human and material resources?

everywhere evidence of shameless, criminal neglect. ...'

Criminal neglect indeed.

Which reminds me: Cartelopia's Channel Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) will tell you it is criminal to criticise. So criminal that even when your intention is to not even dwell on the criticism but to help government out, it is STILL a crime. Or how else do you explain your having to postpone a fund raising event for one of the country's many rundown National Police Colleges or having your CEO snubbed by your own head of state? In Cartelopia criminal neglect is a long, wellestablished tradition.

Policemen were among my 2012 heroes in the last edition of this column. I eulogised the ordinary man who after all the year's trials and terrors, humiliating roadblocks and merry-go-rounds of futile probes still managed to keep something of body and all of soul, together.

No mean feat that - to be brutalised every day by a system and still stay compassionate towards family, friends, and neighbours and self. Today, policemen are prime targets of always unknown gunmen. I felt this rank and file deserved especial commendation for sheer courage.

Everyone knows that police facilities are probably the worst there are and yet there is suddenly a lot of outrage. If it is genuine outrage then I suggest every public boarding institution should be filmed for National Television so that finally something can be done about them - schools, colleges, hospitals, and universities. Emphasis should be on toilets, kitchen, dining facilities and sleeping quarters.

This is the same country where every year, legislators spend public money to tour institutions like police colleges. In this age of trillions budgeted for 'security' such training facilities would have been of primary focus. Then what about the Inspectors General and their Deputies who not only passed through these institutions but also visited during various 'familiarisation' tours? The national government has apparently set up yet another probe panel. It is difficult to understand who is now going to probe what: Who is the criminal?

Who really is the enemy? Do we know?

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