Peoples Daily Newspaper, Wedneday 24, April, 2013

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 10 No. 83

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Jimadal Akhir 14, 1434 AH

N150

Ex-militants threaten to blow up oil installations >> 6

PIB will impoverish the North, says Kwankwaso

Aliyu wants derivation formula reviewed From Mohammed Ibrahim, Kaduna

K

A young man attempting to scoop fuel as a building burns after a fuel-laden tanker caught fire Monday night on Atowoda street, at Inalende in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

Outrage trails Baga killings

Northern elders demand judicial inquisition NASS summons military high command From Mustapha Isa Kwaru, Maiduguri, Ikechukwu Okaforadi, Sunday Ejike Benjamin, Umar Mohammed Puma, Abuja, Mohammed Ibrahim, Kaduna & Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

R

eactions have continued to trail last weekend’s shootout between the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and members of the Boko Haram insurgent group in Baga, Borno state which

led to the death of scores of residents.

The Multi National Joint Task Force, (MJTF) said yesterday that 30 suspected insurgents were killed in the weekend bloody clash between its troops and

Jonathan appoints Wakil, another woman on amnesty c’ttee >> 3

members of the Boko Haram sect in the Baga town of Kikawa local government area of Borno state.

Following disputes over the actual Contd on Page 2

ano state Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso has rejected the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), arguing that it was another plot to further impoverish the north and aggravate the insecurity in the region.

The Governor made this assertion yesterday in Kaduna while speaking at the north west zonal public hearing on the proposed Bill.

According to him, the PIB “is equal to the onshore-offshore dichotomy Bill that was rejected by the people of the north in general and Kano state in particular.

“Let me draw the attention of this team back to the year 2000 when Kano state was called to express its opinion on the proposed Bill.

“The government of Kano state then set up an elders forum under the leadership of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, and the general view was that the Bill should be rejected as it tended to increase the level of poverty in the north but some people stood up for the Bill and it was passed.

“Today, we in the north have lost 30 per cent of our accrued revenue due to passage of the onshore and offshore Bill into law.”

Kwankwaso stated that the people and government of Kano state oppose the proposed PIB on the grounds that it gives uncontrollable powers to the Minster which is not in line with the general international practice.

“This Bill also calls for community rehabilitation fund for oil producing communities which, for me, amounts to cheating on our people because these communities already have the Ministry of the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission and the amnesty programme.

“Therefore creating the fund shows that Contd on Page 2

Contempt: FCT Minister opts for out-of-court settlement >> 5

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

CONTENTS

PIB will impoverish the North, says Kwankwaso

News

Contd from Page 1 the revenue from the petroleum industry is targeted to one particular area and this cannot be tolerated by our people.”

However, the House of Representatives Deputy Chief Whip, Garba Datti, warned that total rejection of the PIB by the north would not augur well for the area.

According to him, “as a legislator from this region, my advice is for the north to take time off and study the PIB and enlighten the people with sincerity.

“The adhoc committee is today in Kaduna but only the Governor of Kano state is around to express the stand of the people and government of the state.

“But this is a region with seven states. Where are the rest governors?

“The north should always rise up to make its firm stand in any matter that concerns their people

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

Stockwatch

23

Property

24-27

Motoring

28

Earth

29-30

Contd from Page 1

From AFCON glory to gloom?Page 4

Int’l

31-34

Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-45

Leisure

47

Columnist

48

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

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

casualty figures, the Borno state Governor, Kashim Shettima, while approving the deployment of relief materials to the area, said in a statement yesterday that “over 100 residents” were slaughtered by the MNJTF operatives while the Red Cross gave a figure of 187.

But the MJTF Commander, Brig-Gen. Austin Edokpayi, insisted yesterday that only six civilians were killed in the “cross fire,” along with 30 suspected insurgents and a soldier and that five of the insurgents were arrested.

However, the Senate yesterday set up its independent committee to probe the killings while the Northern Elders Forum asked the Federal Government to constitute a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the Baga incident.

Members of the Senate committee on the killings are drawn from its committees on Police Affairs, Defence, National Security and Intelligence.

The committee has the mandate, according to the Senate, to engage the nation’s security chiefs with a view to finding out if internationally acceptable rules of engagement were followed in the duel and also ascertain the actual of persons who were killed in the attack.

Senator Maina Ma'Aji Lawan (ANPP Borno North Senatorial Zone) had moved the motion on the incident lamenting that the zone has become a no-go-area for normal operations of government and for any business or social activities.

Lawan who described his hometown of Baga as a ruin, arising from the attack, said the main concern should not be on whom to blame but how to ensure that the concerned agencies of government take aid to the survivors.

According to him, “we are faced with humanitarian crisis and there is an urgent need for assistance.”

and not folding their hands and be onlookers and later claiming to have been wrongly treated.”

Meanwhile, the Niger State governor, Muazu Bababgida Aliyu has expressed reservations on the bill, picking several holes with its provisions.

A position paper addressed to the House of Representatives committee on PIB signed by the chief servant called for the review of the present derivation formula in the constitution while other organs considered as duplication should be scrapped.

“Any other addition should be sought with a broad view of carrying all other parts of the country along through constitutional amendment and not through the back door of using PIB,” Governor Aliyu said.

Part of the demands of the State, according to Aliyu, include among others that: “Niger State stands against the removal of the need for legislation

on oil royalty regime. National Assembly must determine fees, royalties and rentals through an established regulation and NOT the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

“We strongly recommend abrogation of multiple derivations in the names of NDDC, oil-producing communities, Ministry of Niger Delta. Rather we recommend upward review of consolidated derivation a consolidated derivation that will capture all the development aspirations of the States. While the organs of implementation should be subsumed under the State’s development and implementation master plan to avoid current duplication.

“The present NNPC must not be dismembered into different entities. All over the world, the strength of a national oil company is to operate single vertical integrated companies.

“There is an existing revenue sharing formula in the Constitution that allots higher percentages to the petroleum producing communities of the country. Therefore the issue of additional Hosting Community Fund in the draft bill will amount to duplication.

“The Minister of Petroleum Resources should be made to oversee the affairs of the Sector and not to have enormous powers to control policy, regulatory and operational issues at the same time.

“The draft Bill lacks the legality to deal with the distribution of petroleum income of the country. The distribution must be allowed to stay within the purview of revenue allocation legislation “The regulatory discretion of the Minister of Petroleum to handle the said Hosting Community Fund is inappropriate and unconstitutional.”

Outrage trails Baga killings On its part, the House of Representatives during its sitting yesterday also urged the Federal Government to to set up a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances leading to the killings in Baga.

In a motion by Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno (ANPP Borno) under matters of urgent public importance, he noted that the confrontation between insurgents of the Boko Haram and soldiers of the multinational joint task force was of “frightening and depressing magnitude.”

According to Monguno, “there is a need for the soldiers to exhibit professionalism and understand the rules of engagement as this is a conflict that cannot be won through force only but through the winning of hearts and minds.

“Borno and Yobe states have been the epicenter of the BokoHaram insurgency, the Federal Government deployed security personnel with a view of maintaining peace and as a result, there have been constant confrontations and civilians are always the highest casualties.

“To stem this we urge restraint and that the sect should accept the olive branch extended to them by the Federal Government in the interest of the whole region.”

The House unanimously adopted the motion and also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the victims of the carnage.

Frowning at the Baga killings, the Northern Elders Forum demanded the setting up a judicial commission of inquiry to “unravel what really happened in the area” and not a probe as ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The elders speaking with reporters in Kaduna yesterday after the group paid a visit to the leadership of the Arewa

Consultative Forum (ACF).

Leader of the group, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, argued that, “a judicial commission of inquiry will come out to give the actual account of things happening in Yobe and Borno states.

According to him, the “flimsy excuse” given by the JMTF Commander that led to the fight did not justify the action of the soldiers.

Abdullahi said, “the Commander himself said they lost a soldier in the area.

“Is it because one soldier was killed and that is why 200 people should be killed.

“Shooting people as they move in the bush and virtually razing their houses to the extent that you drive them out of their houses into bush and you shot them like animals.

“This is certainly a failure on the part of the so called security apparatus that is supposed to keep peace in Borno and Yobe states.

“The commission on inquiry should have expanded terms of reference for people to come before it to raise issues on what have been happening in Borno and Yobe states.”

Also reacting to the killings yesterday, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, urged the Boko Haram insurgents to cease their attacks, saying that he was “shocked” and saddened at the reports of high numbers of civilians killed, and homes destroyed at Baga.

Moon in a statement by Olajumoke Araba of the UN Information Centre, Lagos, reiterated his conviction that no objective sought can justify “this resort to violence.”

The statement said that Moon underscores the need for all concerned to fully respect human rights and safeguard the lives of civilians.”

This is just as the the National

Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also yesterday called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps that would ensure security of lives and property in the country.

A statement by NHRC Director, Public Affairs and Communications, Muhammad Nasir Ladan, said news reports from various sources indicated intense gun battle between an armed group and the Joint Military Task Force leading to the death of unspecified number of persons in Baga.

According to the statement, “the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, called for a quick and diligent investigation that will lead to an open and transparent trial of persons behind this avoidable loss of lives and property.

“Angwe described the killings an unfortunate development which must not be allowed to draw back the efforts being made towards restoring peace in the region.

“He appealed to all aggrieved persons to eschew violence and embrace dialogue which he said was globally recognised as an avenue for addressing all grievances.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), on its part, described the Baga massacre as “extra-judicial killings” noting that, “the military, in fighting an asymmetric war against insurgents, must ensure a strict observance of its rules of engagement to avoid the kind of deaths that were recorded in the border town.”

In a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said that the attack portrayed the Nigerian military personnel as having little or no respect for human rights and the sanctity of lives.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 3

Amnesty c’ttee gets another female member

P

L-R: Former Minister of Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina, wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Amina Sambo, and President of National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Mrs. Nkechi Mba, during the fund-raising for NCWS Motherhood Centre, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Baga massacre: NEMA deploys relief materials as CPC flays FG over attack

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

C

ongress for Progressive Change (CPC) has urged the Federal Government to urgently put measures in place to rebuild the over 2000 houses allegedly destroyed by the soldiers during a duel with Boko Haram insurgents in Baga community of Borno north senatorial district.

In a statement issued yesterday by the National Publicity secretary of the party, Rotimi Fashakin, CPC also said that government should rehabilitate the displaced victims.

According to the statement, “though the President has called for the probe of the incident, there is a stalemate on the efforts to stop the insurgency.

“The CPC, as a party, is outraged by the unfortunate

incident of the wanton destruction of lives and property that attended the face-off between Insurgents believed to be Boko Haram and soldiers of the Joint Task Force in Baga, Borno state.”

The statement said that the attendant ecological disruption and huge humanitarian calamity caused by the incident in community had attracted so much attention (international and local) which has clearly cancelled the need for the continuous passing blames.

It recalled that it was a PDP-led Federal Government that authorised the invasion of Odi on 20th November, 1999 on the pretense of redressing the killing of some Policemen in the Community.

The statement noted that the use of excessive force that falls far

short from internationally accepted rules of engagement for internal peace enforcement which successive PDP-led administrations have stridently followed, is no longer fashionable in civilised order of Human governments.

According to CPC, "we remind the Federal Government to ensure that Peace is the Pre-eminent watch-word for military engagement within the Nationspace. We commiserate with the families of the deceased of the unfortunate incident, while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded.”

Meanwhile, the National Emergency management Agency (NEMA) has deployed emergency assistance to Baga.

A NEMA press statement yesterday explained that the move was in response to the armed

attack in which many lives and property were lost that also led to displacement of members of the community.

According to the statement, “the National Emergency Management Agency has deployed a team of its officers and stakeholders to provide medical and relief assistance to the affected people in the area.

“Director General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani Sidi, said the President Goodluck Jonathan directed the Agency to urgently provide immediate succor to the people.

“He said the NEMA team led by its Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Charles Otegbade, has been dispatched to Baga with necessary medical assistance as well as food items to cater for the displaced persons that are now taking refuge in various camps.

“The team has already arrived Borno and is working together with the Borno state government.”

resident Goodluck Jonathan has approved the inclusion of Aisha Wakil, into the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North.

Hajiya Naja’atu Bala Mohammed is the other female member of the original the 26man committee.

Wakil’s appointment may not be unconnected to the rejection of membership of the committee by Dr. Datti Ahmad, President of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) and Comrade Shehu Sani, President of Kaduna-based Civil Rights Congress (CRC).

Wakil, a human rights activist, had in March last year during a protest by women on Maiduguri streets urged the adherents of Boko Haram, whom she referred to as her sons, to accept the offer of dialogue from the Federal Government.

A press statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said the inauguration of the presidential committee would take place this morning.

The committee has the task of identifying and engaging key leaders of Boko Haram and developing a workable framework for amnesty and disarmament of members of the group.

My Pikin baby syrup contains deadly contaminant, NAFDAC Director tells court From Matthew Irinoye, Lagos

A

prosecution witness, Mr. Momodu Segiru-Momodu, yesterday told a Federal High Court, Lagos, that laboratory analysis showed that "My Pikin" teething mixture contained a deadly contaminant.

The witness made the statement at the resumed hearing of a suit against Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, charged with the production of alleged killer teething syrup, "My Pikin."

Segiru-Momodu who is the Director of Chemical and Evaluation Research, National

Agency for Food and Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC), spoke while being led in evidence by the prosecutor, Mr. Aminu Alilu.

The witness informed the court that on January 2009, at the Yaba office of NAFDAC, he received a sealed package containing samples of ‘My Pikin’ teething mixture with batch number 02008.

He further told the court that samples were analysed in line with slated procedures involving microbiological and physio-chemical assays.

According to him, after the analysis, the product was found to

contain a contaminant called diaethylene glycol.

The witness maintained that the samples were again taken to the NAFDAC central laboratory at Oshodi for confirmation by a qualitative and quantitative estimation of the products.

He said that at Oshodi, an advanced analytical technique was employed using an instrument called gas liquid chromatograph.

According to him, “the result of the analysis at the Oshodi central laboratory proved to be the same with that conducted in the sister laboratory at Yaba.

“As a result, we came to a

conclusion that "My Pikin" baby teething mixture was contaminated with diaethylene glycol.”

The witness described iaethylene glycol as a toxic substance which is unacceptable in food or drug preparation.

“Diaethylene glycol belongs to a group of substance called glycol and there are four closely related glycol with common characteristics.

“They include diaethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and glycerol.

“The first two are sweet and deadly while the last two are sweet and harmless.

“Some dubious elements engaged in drug counterfeiting now sell the harmful substance, diaethylene glycol as glycerol and propylene glycol.”

He said that due to the mishap caused by drug counterfeiting, drug agencies all over the world have provided for screening and fingerprinting of drug preparations.

Justice Okechukwu Okeke adjourned the case to April 24 for continuation of hearing.

The company was charged alongside two of its employees, Ebele Eromosele and Adeyemo Abiodun, on a six-count charge.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

From AFCON glory to gloom?

H

ere is a not-so-cheerful news: The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) seems hell bent on pulling out the home-based version of the senior national squad, Super Eagles, from the forthcoming African Nations Championships (CHAN) tournament. Reason? NFF are citing so-called financial constraints as the root of this unprecedented move.

Not a few football fans are startled that barely six months after winning the prestigious 2013 African Nations Cup in South Africa, the continent's reigning soccer lords are on the verge of missing out on the version of the tournament which is reserved exclusively for players based on the continent. All because of apparent paucity of funds.

It would be recalled that at a presidential reception held at the State House in Abuja following the Nations Cup triumph, President Jonathan showered monetary gifts and and National Awards on players and officials of the team.

NFF President, AlhajiAminuMaigari said in reaction to that gesture: "We are full of praise for His Excellency, President GoodluckEbele Jonathan (GCFR) for his gestures of monetary and National Award gifts to the players, the Coaches and the backroom staff.

"These gestures further confirm the fact that our dear President is a true lover of sports and a firm lover of excellence, on our part at the football house; we will continue to do our best to bring glory to our nation through adequate preparation of the National Teams to achieve victory at international level".

Maigari added: "When our team failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations held in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, NFF decided to restrategize and re-focus, which included looking inwards and giving players in the domestic League equal opportunities in the national teams.

"That includes providing enabling environment, incentives and exposure for the new team, which included actualizing several international friendly matches, and developing their selfesteem and self-belief.

"Which has paid off handsomely, Your Excellency, in South Africa, and one of the home-based actually scored the winner against tournament favourites Cote d'Ivoire and the goal that gave us the trophy."

We learnt that the huge debt profile of the NFF has largely contributed to the issues of financial constraints and the huge salaries and match-win bonuses owed the Super Eagles.

The failure of the

Still basking in the euphoria of Nigeria's success at the recent African Nations' Cup, Nigerians are shocked to hear that their beloved national team will not feature in the forthcoming Nations Cup for local players due to monetary issues. Albert Akota mirrors the disturbing development .

government to grant the NFF a special grant for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament has reortedly largely contributed to the state of affairs in the Football federation.

Contrary to widely-held assumption that the N750m the NFF used to execute the competition which Nigeria won in South Africa was a special budget for the event, it has been explained that the said amount was actually 50 per cent of their total budget for 2013.

"Nigerians may be hoping that the victory in South Africa could help change the tide for them by way of donations and sponsorships, but the greatest surprise is that NFF has been

abandoned to suffer while people are expecting the Aminu Maigari- led board to put our teams in every competition and win all matches", a reliable source complained.

According to Emeka Inyama, the spokesman of the NFF executive board member who revealed some of the hitches that had been affecting the football house, "NFF is in a sorry state financially and has been forced to trim the competitions in which the national teams take part in order of priority thus occasioning the pullout.

"We have opted to pull out of the tournament.

Several factors have forced us to withdraw from the

tournament. Our budget is very tight and the best option that can keep us moving is to pull out of the tournament. We were drained by the Africa Cup of Nations tournament held in South Africa and I hope our players and partners will bear with us,' he said.

"It's unfortunate", added Inyama, "that we shall be unable to give our home based players a chance. We have a lot of financial commitments and we have to look at the competitions in order of importance".

Peoples Daily recalls that the Flying Eagles left the country for a playing tour in Egypt before the just

Nigeria may walk away from the homebased Eagles' Nations' Cup with little or no fuss. But can we also afford to toy with the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil or the forthcoming FIFA confederation Cup? Time shall tell.

concluded Africa Youth Championship (AYC) in Algeria without their Chief coach John Obuh. The coach was left behind following a mild drama at the NnamdiAzikiwe Airport in Abuja as he protested the nonpayment of his salary allegedly of some months.

"NFF are broke which led to the downsized of the technical

crew and backroom staff of the Super Eagles and may extend to other various national teams as well as slash the Eagles' winning bonus of $10,000"' the source added.

Stephen Keshi's assistant coach, SylvanusOkpara, has been sacked and, to add salt to the wound, Keshi's salary was allegedly slashed. So instead of being "upgraded" after winning the AFCON, theb team seems to be headed for gloom. This is even as our participation in CHAN seems foreclosed. How are the mighty fallen!

Another source lamented that: "The players' match bonuses have been cut in half to save more funds for the federation. The NFF cites lack of funds and a dire need to reduce costs as the sole reason for this maneuver. Is this situation acceptable so soon after our Nations Cup feat?" Certainly not, more so as it has complicated our chances of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup 2014.

Nigeria may walk away from the home-based Eagles' Nations' Cup with little or no fuss. But can we also afford to toy with the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil or the forthcoming FIFA confederation Cup? Time shall tell.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 5

Abuja-Abaji road contract awarded without bidding – Reps

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives committee on anticorruption yesterday said contract for the Abaji-Abuja road carriage way which was awarded to Dantata and Sawoe contruction Company, did not follow bidding process. Chairman of Committee, Rep. James Aboidun Faleke (ACN Lagos state) has revealed.

Speaking after an interactive session with the Managing Director of the company, Udo Heidschuster, Rep Aboidun said members of the committee were shocked by the revelation made by the MD that his company got an additional contract for the Abaji-Abuja road without following the normal procedure of bidding.

He said the contract which was initially awarded in 2006 at the sum of over N11 billion for dualisation of the road, was later varied in 2012 to N28 billion, adding that the MD of the company confessed to the committee that the increase was due to an additional contract of carriage way, which was awarded without any formal procedure.

“During the process of this clarification, at least we were able to pick out, that especially for Abaji-Abuja road, the MD of the company actually confirmed that though the initial contract they

Shettima sacks LG chairmen From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

G

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno state yesterday approved the dissolution of the caretaker chairmen of the state’s 27 local government areas with effect from last Monday.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Cheiftancy Affairs Alhaji Kaka Bashir Garba,in a statement, said the dissolved caretaker chairmen were directed to handover the affairs of their councils to their respective secretaries.

“By this dissolution, all local government chairmen are hereby directed to handover the affairs of their respective areas to thr secretaries on or before Wednesday(today) the 24th of April, 2013”, the statement further added.

“Governor Shettima wishes to thank the carekaker chairmen for the services rendered during the tenure and also wish them God guidance in their future endeavour”, it said.

According to the statement, G o v e r n o r Shettima admistration was determined to provide dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots by opening up the rural areas.

The governor said that the government is currently working on Miringa-GarubulaGunda road, Damboa-ChibokMballa road and the Marghi highway

got was a little bit over N11 billion for dualization of the road, that was in 2006, and that in 2012, the project was varied to N28 billion. That gives an increase of over N17 billion.

“We were worried as to why should the variation be higher than the contract sum from 2006 to 2012. Secondly, why did the company wait till 2012 before asking for variation? The company actually told us that what led to the variation was the

additional contract of the carriageway, which was given to them, which of course they didn’t apply for.

“That is the main issue. They never applied for the carriageway, but it was awarded to them, just like that. Whether we have value for money is another thing to talk about, because the contractor actually did not bid for it neither did they give opportunity for other contractors to bid for it. But

because they said they would construct link bridges here and there, they thought that the same contractor should do it,” he disclosed.

He disclosed further that the Kano-Maiduguri road was also increased from about N51.12 billion to almost N55 billion, adding that funds are being wasted in the country unnecessarily.

He maintained that his committee observed that it was

when the subsidy funds were available that the contracts variations started coming in everywhere in the country, adding that findings of the committee would be forwarded to the House for further action.

According to him, they were out for a fact finding mission after they received deluge of petitions from concerned individuals about payments of contracts sums to companies such as Dantata & Sawoe, Setraco among others.

L-R: Chairman, Board of Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, Alhaji Ramalan Yero, in a handshake with Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Health, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, during the inauguration of Boards of National Orthopedic Hospitals, National Hospital Abuja and All Psychiatric Hospitals, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

ASUP, KadPoly members disagree over conversion to varsity From Mohammed Ibrahim, Kaduna

I

n what seems to be a disagreement within the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) over the Federal Government’s plan to convert Yaba Tech and Kaduna Polytechnic to universities, Kadpoly chapter of the union has disassociated its self from a statement credited to the National President, Comrade Chibuzor Benjamin Asomugha asking government to rethink the move to convert the duo into

universities.

Addressing newsmen at a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, chairman of Kadpoly ASUP, Comrade Mustapha Yahaya Bida, said Kaduna Polytechnic in particular has all its takes to be converted to a university.

“We, the local chapter of ASUP disagree with the position of our National President who said the two institutions should not be converted to university.

We wish to make it abundantly clear that the position of the

National president on the conversion is not only unreasonable but must be seen as his personal opinion and has no bearing with the position of ASUP Kaduna Polytechnic chapter,” he said.

He therefore urged President Goodluck Jonathan to fast-track the conversion of the institution as he raised alarm that there is brain drain in the Polytechnic as many lecturers now move to universities either as permanent staff or on secondment.

On the importance of the conversion, Bida said the conversion would no doubt help in solving the HND/ BSC disparity currently being witnessed in the country, adding that the change would also enhance the technological development of the country.

The chairman added that the institution presently have over 200 PhD holders, saying Kadpoly has over 25,000 students with over 3,000 staff and run over 60 programmes in various disciplines.

Contempt: FCT Minister opts for out- of -court settlement

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

M

inister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, yesterday opted for an out of Court settlement to resolve the contempt of court proceedings preferred against him.

The Minister asked the court sitting before Justice Danlami Senchi to hold on with the ruling on whether or not to dismiss the contempt charge brought against him for one week to allow him settle with those who filed the charge.

Lead counsel to the Minister, Mr. Cyprian Agashieze, informed the court that he had discussed with the aggrieved property owners whose land was illegally revoked, to allow out of court resolution.

Specifically, the Minister told the court that the land in dispute would be released to the owner in compliance with the High Court judgment while all equipment carted away or destroyed during demolition would be returned.

Counsel to Asher Hospital and Maternity Ltd, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN) admitted that agreements

for out of Court settlement had been reached by both parties.

They pleaded with the judge to hold on to the ruling for one week to enable them report back to the court.

Justice Senchi in his brief decision agreed to allow the out of court settlement and adjourned the matter till May 2, 2013.

He however ordered Alhaji Yahaya Musa and Mrs. Ene Dakoru who are official of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) who lead the demolition team to appear before

the Court on May 2 with the equipment carted away from the hospital.

The Minister had been charged with contempt by an Abuja-based property owner to get him committed to prison for allegedly disobeying and disregarding the judgment of an Abuja High Court.

Justice Danlami Senchi of the FCT High Court was to rule yesterday on whether the Minister and four others have a case to answer in the committal to prison charges brought against them.

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Ex-militants staging a peaceful protest, yesterday in Benin City, Edo state capital.

Ex-militants protest, threaten to blow-up oil installations in Edo From Osaigboro Iguobara, Benin

A

bout 4, 817 ex-militants took to the streets in Benin yesterday protesting their alleged non-inclusion in Federal Government's amnesty programme for the Niger Delta ex-militants.

Threatening to blow-up oil facilities in the state if the Federal

Government refuses to include them in the amnesty programme, leader of the Niger Delta Freedom Group, Richard Obe, who led the protest told reporters that, " after this protest, we might shut the oil producing company that is in our area, Dubril Oil Company in Gelele.

"Amnesty in those days when we knew in those days was not

FCDA Board applauds Minister over land swap policy

M

embers of the Board of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have endorsed the newly introduced Land Swap initiative as an innovative response to the challenges confronting infrastructure and housing delivery in the FCT. They spoke during their inaugural meeting yesterday at the FCT Minister’s Conference Hall, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, according to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister, Nosike Ogbuenyi.

The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the Board who is also the Hon. Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed. Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary, FCT, Engr. John Obinna Chukwu, the Executive Secretary of FCDA, Engr.

Ismaila Adamu who also doubles as the Secretary of the Board and all the board members In their separate comments, the Board Members commended the Minister for his dynamic and transparent approach to governance in the FCT. They also commended him for his patriotism and humility in

continuing with major projects initiated by past administrations with a view to completing them for the greater benefit of the people. The members noted that that this kind of disposition was very necessary, adding that if other public officers would adopt the same disposition, the problem of abandoned projects in the country would be curbed.

Some of them stated that no other Minister in the FCT has done what Senator Bala Mohammed is currently doing in the area of infrastructure provision and management.

According to them, his policies which have set in motion the provision of infrastructure in over 15 districts simultaneously, which covers a space of land more than the total space developed since Abuja was founded 37 years ago represents a true revolution which would definitely take FCT to the desired place.

The Board members noted some of the challenges facing infrastructure development in Abuja including inadequate funding, resettlement of natives and increasing population of residents.

politics but we have come to understand that amnesty today is for politics and we do not want amnesty to be politics."

He alleged that 6642 slots meant to be shared among Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, Rivers and Edo states but regretted that what he referred to as 11 camps were excluded.

Also speaking, ex-leader of Olodiama Camp in Ovia North East local government area of the state, Gen. Abiodun Peter Eda, aka Kabiru, in charge of the third phase amnesty programme, alleged that "close to three years now, we have dropped our guns with Federal Government because we were tired of crime.

When contacted however, Head of Media and

Communication, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Daniel Alaboah, described the protesters as, impostors seeking attention.

According to him, "we just finished our arms verification exercise. Where did they surrender theirs? I think they are making claims they cannot justify. ''Some people who do not have jobs submitted catapults, axes and they are now claiming to be ex-militants.

"Where have they been since October 2009 when the amnesty programme started?

"Our verification committee has gone round and finished with the genuine militants who submitted and have been identified.''

LEADERSHIP editors’ Arraignment suffers setback as FG reduces charges

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he Federal Government yesterday reduced the 10count charge against two journalists with Leadership Newspapers, Abuja to six.

Tony Amokeodo and Chibuzor Ukaibe are standing trial before a Federal High Court, Abuja on felony related- charges.

But the failure of government to make available to the accused persons, statements of witnesses that will testify in the case as required by law, stalled yesterday's proceedings Chief Solomon Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) who was billed to put the newsmen on trial on behalf of government, told the

court that the criminal charges had been slashed.

Again, the plea of the accused persons could not be taken for the second time following failure of the prosecution to make the statements of the witnesses available.

Human rights activists Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) leading the defence for the journalists had objected to taking their plea until the statements of the witnesses are released to the accused as required by law.

Justice Ademola Adeniyi agreed with the position while the prosecution insisted that the demand was not necessary at the stage of the case.

The court adjourned the matter to April 30, 2013.

Boko Haram: Northern govs to receive reconciliation report

T

he Northern States Governors’ Forum said yesterday that it would receive a report on the security challenges facing the region.

The forum said that the report would be presented at a meeting scheduled for April 25 at the Niger Governor's Lodge, Abuja.

The report is expected to recommend measures to end the security challenges in the region, among other issues.

This is contained in a statement issued in Minna by Mr Saidu Idris, the Secretary to the Niger Government and Coordinating Chairman, Forum of Secretaries to the Governments of Northern States.

The statement said during the meeting, the forum would receive the report of the committee on reconciliation, healing and security.

It stated that the NSGF was committed to ending the ``unacceptable wanton carnage and security challenges threatening the region'' by collaborating with all relevant stakeholders.

The forum commended members of the committee, set up by the forum, for their sacrifice and commitment toward concretising and expanding peace-building process across the region.

The statement recalled that the committee was inaugurated in August 2012 by Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger, who is Chairman of the forum.

It was tasked to examine issues relating to genuine reconciliation and lasting peace in the region. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 7

Al-Makura says Nasarawa varsity remains shut From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

N

asarawa state government has ordered that the Nasarawa state University remains shut until the issues that led to the closure of the institution are sufficiently addressed.

The school was shut about two months ago as students protested lack of portable water on campus, a development that led to the death

of about four students.

Reacting to reports that the school was set to resume academic activities next week, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, ordered that the school should not resume until further notice.

Al-Makura spoke yesterday at the Government House, on the occasion of the submission of reports by visitation panels on four state-owned tertiary institutions

and the committee to investigate the crisis at the state university.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dameshi Barau Luka, the governor expressed concern over what he described as a unilateral decision taken by the management of the university to re-open the institution.

The Governor said that that recurrent crisis at university was

a source of worry to government adding that the decision of the management of the university to re-open the institution is “preemptive.”

Al-Makura expressed gratitude to the visitation panels, comprising that of the state university Keffi, the state polytechnic Lafia, the College of Education, Akwanga and the College of Agriculture, Lafia, for the successful completion of their various assignments.

2013 Hajj: Katsina releases N234m subsidy, gets 5, 520 seats From Lawal Sa’idu, Katsina

T

he Executive-Director of Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Aminu Danbaba, has disclosed that the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM) allocated 5, 520 seats to the state Danbaba who spoke with reporters in an interview yesterday noted government had earlier inaugurated a Hajj seats allocation committee for each of the 34 local governments of the state.

According to him, government also approved the deposit of N500,000 in bank draft by each intending pilgrim within two weeks while votes for the seats would be conducted on May 9.

Danbaba said that each female pilgrim was required to present her guardian before being allowed to travel, in accordance with NAHCON guidelines.

The board also warned intending pilgrims to deal only with the Hajj committees so as to guard against falling into the hands of fraudsters.

Danbaba said that government released the sum of N234.4 million as subsidy for securing a befitting accommodation for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Minister inaugurates boards for Fed. health institutions

By A’isha Biola Raji L-R: Chairman, Fortune Games Limited, Senator Ayo Arise, Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, and Managing Director, Compumetrics Solution Limited, Dr. Evans Woherem, during the opening of a three-day Communications Technology Conference tagged "Digital Africa", yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Nebo says technology ‘ll boost power supply

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has said modern technological demands would drive the ministry’s move to boost electricity power supply.

The Minister stated this at the commissioning of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company’s (PHEDC) corporate headquarters and Silver bird 1 X 15MVA, 33/

11KV injection substation.

Already, according to him, the introduction of technology-driven initiatives such as Geographic Information System (GIS), Automated Meter Ready system (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure has radically changed the way things are done in the sector.

Nebo admired GIS technology which he said would boost load management study and balancing of distribution network.

He called on other distribution companies to emulate the PHEDC in this regard.

According to Nebo, the technological equipment in use in the power sector by the distribution company will enhance revenue collection, energy management as well as promote accountability.

Earlier in his speech, the Chief Executive Officer of the PHEDC, Rotimi Onanuga, commended the Minister for the formal

commissioning of the corporate headquarters of the company which he said would provide working environment that will spur the staff to perform better.

He stated that Silver Bird 1x15 MVA, 33kv Injection Substation which was commissioned would relieve the overloaded on the Ojoto 11kv feeder emanating from UST 2 x15mMVA, 33/11kV injection substation and overloaded Abonnena 11kV from UTC injection substation.

NEMA commences sensitisation campaign against flood in north-west From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

I

n its effort to avert possible flooding in 2013 as predicted by the National Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday commenced a sensitisation campaign in the seven states in the north-west.

Speaking at the programme, NEMA zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Musa Ilallah, said the campaign was a collaborative effort with the ministries of environment in the states, traditional rulers, emergency

management agencies in the states, NYSC, Red Cross, local government staff as well as faith based organisations.

He explained the level of destruction caused by last year’s flood disaster in the country, comparing it with the flood experienced in 1967 and 1968.

According to him, the flood wrecked havoc on several states in the zone and affected human lives, property, settlements, fresh water, fisheries, biodiversity, agriculture, health and sanitation.

According to Ilallah, ”the level of

destruction and fatality from the 2012 flood would have been worse if the yearly awareness creation and sensitisation efforts had not been carried out at the beginning of the year.

“We have also embarked on advocacy visits to all our critical stakeholders in the zone with a view to discussing with them to see the need to be proactive in view of the 2013 NIMET’s seasonal rainfall prediction.

“Our early warning efforts against the 2013 rain is geared towards building a culture of prevention rather than a culture of short term response.”

He stated that last month, NEMA

met with all the SEMAs in the zone along with authorities of dam managers, to review their actions and responses against the 2012 flood and to strategise against the 2013 rainfall season.

On areas to focus so as to address the issue of flooding, the Coordinator pointed out that Hyogo Framework for action; HFA identified the enhancement of Early Warning Systems (EWS) as a one of the key five priorities areas to focus on.

“EWS are critical life-saving tools for flood, drought, storms, bush burning and other hazards.

M

inister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, has inaugurated boards to overseer the affairs of federal tertiary hospitals and health related agencies.

Performing the inauguration ceremony yesterday, Chukwu explained that it was based on a directive from the Federal Government.

He said that the boards would be saddled with oversight functions as concerns the affairs of the tertiary institutions and relevant agencies.

According to him, the move was part of efforts aimed at realising President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda in the health sector.

According to the Minister, “the task ahead of the board is enormous when considered against the backdrop of the quantum of work required for the comprehensive transformation of health institutions.

He urged members and chairmen of the boards not to let down the President with the level of confidence and trust he has in them.

The Minister said, “it is the expectation of government that each board will strengthen resource of its institution, increase revenue and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their use.

“During your tenure, you should build capacities in terms of service delivery, training and research.

“You should be inheriting institutions where there may be inter professional rivalry.”

PAGE 8

L-R: Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engineer Wopa Malik, Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Maitama, Engineer Nwachukwu Innocent, and Chairman, COREN Maitama Monitoring Inspectorate, Engineer Terry Mene, during the inauguration of COREN Monitoring Inspectorate, yesterday in Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

L-R: Legal practitioner, Mr. Dotun Sowemimo, Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, member, Board of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mrs. Boki Doherty, and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Hafusat Barewa, during the inauguration of board members of FRCN, yesterday in Abuja.

L-R: Abia state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Eze Chikamnanyo, National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Malam Mohammed Garba, Abia state Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, his Deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba, and NUJ Deputy National President, Rotimi Obamuwagun, during the opening ceremony of the National Executive Council meeting of the NUJ, yesterday in Umuahia.

L-R: Senator Joel Ikenya, and Deputy Director, Finance and Administration, National Assembly, Chief David Sabo Kente, during the conferment of traditional title on General Theophilus Danjuma as “JiJi of Karu” by the Emir Esu Karu, recently in Karu, Nasarawa state.

Participants at the opening session of the three-day Communications Technology Conference tagged “Digital Africa”, yesterday in Abuja.

Photos: Joe Oroye, Mahmud Isa & Justin Imo-Owo

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Maku scores Dakingari high on rural development From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

M

inister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has said that the Kebbi state Governor, Alhaji Saidu Usman Dakingari, has delivered his campaign promises to the people.

Addressing a cross section of the people at the conclusion of his five-day Good Governance Media Tour of the state, Maku explained that out of the 17 states visited so far, Kebbi state's performance remains the most impressive on developments at

the rural areas.

According to Maku, "I am impressed on the giants stride I saw in Kebbi state, most especially on the road infrastructure, construction of schools and upgrading of health centres.

"Kebbi state Governor has has demonstrated what democracy is all about, by giving his people a sense of belonging and made a meaningful development that has an impact on the people.

"We are not here to discuss partisan politics rather we are here to discuss progress which

Dakingari has done to the people of Kebbi state."

Maku described the Good Governance Media Tour as a challenge to some governors who he noted, are not willing to deliver the dividends of democracy to their people.

In his remarks, Dakingari said that, "I was able to achieve this meaningful development because of the prudency in my administration and following due process.

"I also eliminate corruption by demonstrating transparency and discipline in my government.''

10 suspected cultists remanded in Benue prison From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

T

he police in Makurdi yesterday arraigned 10 suspected cultists before a Makurdi Chief Magistrate Court on an allegation of culpable homicide.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Hyacinth Ggbakon, told the court that on the 13th of April, 2013, one Alexander Ahon of North-Bank area reported to the police that his 26 year old son, Tersoo Ahon, was shot and killed by persons suspected to be cultists at Kiva village, along University of Agriculture road, Makurdi.

According to Gbakon, the suspects were arrested at various hideouts in the area while others were still are said to at large.

R-L: Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, being assisted

by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, to decorate Assistant Commissioner of Police, Aishatu Abubakar with her new rank, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Government converts Plateau Hotel to residential quarters

T

he Plateau state government has turned the hitherto popular Plateau Hotel, Jos, into residential quarters, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) investigation has revealed.

A NAN correspondent who visited the hotel found that rooms meant for daily lodgings had been turned into rented apartments with one of them going for N40,000 per annum while few of the rooms still available for the usual daily lodging cost between N2, 400 and N3, 400 per night.

It was also discovered that the hotel's halls usually hired for conferences, wedding receptions and other ceremonies had been equally hired out to some religious groups.

Further findings revealed that facilities at the hotel which were the attraction to many tourists to the state in the 1980s and the 1990s have become deplorable.

"The situation has consistently gone from bad to worse simply because of the

paucity of funds by the state government,'' a worker who craved anonymity, told NAN in Jos. "We are forced to rent out some of the rooms so as to generate funds to maintain the structures,'' the source further explained.

NAN reports that most of the rooms are unkempt with many of the conveniences such as bathrooms and toilets either in bad shape or hardly washed.

Some of the tenants who spoke to NAN, complained of bedbugs and other dangerous insects, and expressed fears that they could be infected by all manners of diseases.

Responding, Mr. Sylvanus Dangtoe, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, admitted that the situation of many of the state-owned hospitality outfits are very sad.

According to him, "but the current administration has put in place a lot of measures to revamp such outfits and there should be a difference very soon. ``Even though most

governments do not have much business in running hotels but the Plateau government has mapped out some modalities to revamp the hospitality sectors by inviting and involving private hands.

"I think the story at the hotels is quite bad but there is tremendous improvement because when we came on board, it was worse than what it is today.

"We all know that government does not have much business in running hotels because these places are better managed by private organizations.

"So, we are already discussing with a whole a lot of private outfits. We shall soon arrive at a good deal.

"As a government, we acknowledge the fact that the state does not have many hotels, so we have taken some measures to make some of the rooms at the state-owned hotels functional.

Dangtoe said that government had also taken an even more serious step towards

reviving the tourism sector with the Jos ultra-modern stadium and the Luka Bentu indoor theatre coming on board.

"With these two outfits coming into full function, we expect an influx of people into Plateau and therefore need to put the hospitality homes in proper shape.''

The Commissioner said that the decision to rent out some of the rooms at the hotels was taken by those managing them.

But I have asked them to tell the occupants of the rented rooms to leave" because very soon, private organisations will be taking over the management of the hotels,'' the commissioner said.

Dangtoe reaffirmed government's determination to revamp the tourism and hospitality sector, adding that part of such effort involved the construction of road networks to ease access to tourist sites and ease movements to other parts of the state. (NAN)

He said the police recovered five cutlasses, two knives, one hammer and a sharp object from the suspects.

No pleas were taken the Chief Magistrate, Dan Ogoh, ordered the accused persons to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till May 9, 2013for further hearing.

NIN will address insecurity, says NOA boss

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

D

irector-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri, has described the National Identification Number (NIN) project embarked upon by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as part of measures being taken to address the challenges of insecurity in the country.

Omeri disclosed this during a working visit to the NIMC where he performed the civic duty of national registration and also received his NIN. A statement by the NOA Chief Press Secretary, Paul Odenyi, said the effort of the NIMC at unifying other existing forms of identification such as driver's license, voter's card, national identification card and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards would eliminate contingencies hitherto experienced in data collection in the country and streamline the activities of all agencies involved in identification data collection thereby minimizing waste and maximizing convenience for Nigerians.

The statement further that the NIN would, "reconnect Nigerians and uphold citizens' rights to identification and assist relevant agencies to tackle vices by people who do the wrong things such as terrorism."

"The NOA boss pledged the agency's commitment to availing the NIMC with its numerous platforms for mass sensitisation and mobilisation towards participation in the national identification project.

Windstorm kills one, destroys houses in Zamfara

T

he Zamfara Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA), on Tuesday said one person was killed and over 200 houses destroyed during last Thursday's windstorm in Gummi local government area of the state.

The Executive secretary of the agency, Alhaji Atiku Maradun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau that eight villages were affected.

The affected villages are: Gabtu, Masama, Dangui Babba, Dangui Karama, Dan'awo, Gambandar Godabe, Gidan Zakka and Kurfa.

"A nine years old boy was also killed and the storm also destroyed foodstuff, valuables and animals.

"The agency has relocated those whose houses were destroyed to some primary schools where they are being catered for,'' he.

Maradun said that the agency would soon submit the total cost of damages to the state government for appropriate assistance to the victims.

PAGE 11

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Guard yourself from the latest identity theft scam

I

dentity Theft is increasingly becoming a common crime because of unassuming people who take little care of their personal information.

It is easier for Identity thieves to assume one's life, especially now with all the new technologies readily available to them to commit the crime.

ID theft, as it is sometimes called, is a crime of fraud which involves unauthorized use of one's personal information for another person's gain.

Once an ID thief possesses your personal and financial information, even from a simple source like a bill or a driver's license, your identity can successfully be stolen.

For people victimized by the crime, it will be extremely difficult to recover because of the repercussions that it causes to other aspects of their lives. Stolen money can be earned back in time.

Reputation is harder to restore.

The ID thief can commit other criminal acts while pretending to be you; it can cause problems with your personal relationships, financial institutions, or worse, the government.

Online identity theft Identity theft has been occurring long before the advent of cyberspace. The online version

Money Tip: Know where your money goes Once you've gone through a few personal finance books, you'll realize how important it is to make sure your expenses aren't exceeding your income.

The best way to do this is by budgeting. Once you see how your morning java adds up over the course of a month, you'll realize that making small, manageable changes in your everyday expenses can have just as big of an impact on your financial situation as getting a raise.

In addition, keeping your recurring monthly expenses as low as possible will also save you big bucks over time. If you don't waste your money on a posh apartment now, you might be able to afford a nice condo or a house before you know it.

Quote "Nobody talks about entrepreneurship as survival, but that's exactly what it is and what nurtures creative thinking.

Running that first shop taught me business is not financial science; it's about trading: buying and selling."

- Anita Roddick

of this crime is quite similar to the offline version, but always more convenient and a great deal faster.

When before, a thief can only focus on one victim at a time; today, a single click of the mouse can affect millions of lives. The phishing scheme, for example, requires an ID thief to pose as a representative of a trusted company or organization already affiliated with the victim.

The victim usually receives an email, which deceivingly looks similar to the real thing, and will ask for highly sensitive information about an account with them, such as passwords and account numbers, for a supposed verification process.

If the victim makes the fatal mistake of divulging the information, the thief can begin to wreck havoc by accessing those accounts and even open new ones under the victim's name for whatever purpose they desire.

While the authorities are

already aggressive with cracking down the crime violators for persecution, especially with Internet fraud, it is still up to the public to protect themselves first and foremost. Taking extra precautions and advancing your knowledge about Identity Theft is still your best bet in preventing potentially damaging loss. Below are some great tips to protect you from identity theft and being scammed: Identity theft prevention tips Keep a hard copy of all important personal information in a secure location. It can help you track or cancel your accounts should your documents get lost or stolen.

Never let your credit card out of your sight or leave your personal documents in accessible places. Be wary of people who have access to your personal information, even in retail shops and restaurants. If you need to leave documents inside

your car, it should be kept in a lockable glove compartment or in the trunk.

"Do not store personal information on notebooks, laptops, mobile phone or other gadgets that can be used by somebody else, easily misplaced, lost or stolen. If you cannot avoid it, secure all your personal information with a password.

Never disclose your credit card PIN to anyone. Choose PIN numbers difficult to guess- those that don't include birth dates, maiden names, pet's name, usual number combinations, and so on.

"When entering your PIN at ATMs and in stores, cover with your hand and be observant of your surroundings. Make sure that there is surveillance around and that nobody is watching you do your transactions on the ATM. Make sure that there are no unusual devices, such as a card skimmer, illegally attached to the ATM.

"Always sign the back of your new credit card as soon you receive. This will make it difficult for an ID thief to impersonate you in an immediate verification of any transactions.

"Reduce the number of credit cards you have been issued and only carry those that you intend to use. Shred the credit cards you don't need after you call customer service to cancel them.

Check bills every month and make sure that all the charges are legitimate. Immediately report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or Credit Card Company and ask for an investigation.

"Destroy any old and expired credit cards. Shred or incinerate everything that bears your personal information before disposal; these include bills, statement letters, and even receipts. This would prevent thieves from knowing your habits, you normal whereabouts at a specific time, or other information, which can help them steal your identity.

"Immediately report credit cards that are missing. If you have applied for a credit card that did not arrive on time, contact your credit card company and relay the problem as soon as possible. The reason for this is ID thieves can intercept them; the sooner you act, the lesser your risk.

"Never respond through postal mail or over the phone when dealing with sensitive information. Scammers will do anything they can to get something from you even if it means eavesdropping on all your phone conversations or transactions. Your credit card company will never call you and ask you to verify your information.

If you receive a call from the credit card company, hang up and call the number on the back of the card so you know you're talking to the company and not a scammer.

your identity by providing passport or driving license, national identity card, bank statements, etc.

If you apply via a branch, you will be able to supply this information there and then which should speed things up. If you apply online, you may need to post the documents to the bank which would impact how quickly the loan funds can be released to you. Bringing the right documents to the account opening interview will help greatly. It should be possible to get a loan pretty quickly, and hopefully the process will be fairly painless.

However, for some online applications, some banks are now promising to have the money in your account almost instantaneously, where existing customers apply for the loan via their online banking service. By logging into online banking (going through the security logon credentials), that

constitutes as having verified your identity and they will then get you to tick a box to confirm that you have read and accept the loan agreement. Not all banks currently offer this but it is becoming more common (in other countries).

It's also important to stress the urgency of getting the loan funds, and ask how quickly the bank can deliver the funds. (This depends not only on how quickly they can verify that you are who you say you are but also on their underwriting process).

Right steps to secure a personal financial loan

A

personal loan is 'a way of borrowing money from a bank, building society or other financial service providers, and you normally have a set period of time (called the loan term) in which to pay the loan off. So, these are steps you should follow if you want to secure a personal loan fast The first step is to do some research on which bank and which loan product you want to apply for. You can either visit or phone a few banks to get quotes or you can check out their websites. Alternatively, you could visit a money comparison site. Having decided upon which bank to approach, your next step is to make a loan application.

Most banks will offer an instant decision on whether they are prepared to lend you money.

This is called an Agreement in Principle. However, typically, before the money can be released (the bank term is 'drawn down').

They will require you to confirm

Share your Money Tip: do you have a business/money idea, and you want to share it with our dear readers? Then, send it to: ikabirsule@gmail.com or (text it to 08091904890)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

S

Overcome this military hangover (I)

o far, two people out of the twenty-six named by the Presidency as members of the Amnesty Committee have declined their nomination.

These are: Dr. Datti Ahmed, a Kano-based medical practitioner and prominent Islamic scholar, and Mr. Shehu Sani, a well-known rights activist. Both men are believed to have established useful contacts with especially the leadership of the Boko Haram insurgents and have been in the forefront of the campaign for dialogue as the best way to bring the three-year old insurgency to an end.

From what both Dr. Ahmed and Shehu Sani have said, it is clear that they believe that the Presidency, which they both accuse of ignoring their advice, is going about the proposed amnesty matter in a way that, to them, is not only wrong but casts doubt on the sincerity of the authorities. But Shehu Sani is also particularly piqued by the fact that he was not consulted by the Presidency before his nomination was made public -which seems to us to suggest that he would most likely have been favourably

disposed to accept the offer had he been consulted before the announcement.

A lot has been said, and a lot is being said, about this development. There are many across the country who feel that,

“

Our chief concern here today is not all of these fine arguments, but rather, one important aspect of it, namely, the habitual refusal by our governments to consult people before giving them appointments, or even awards given that these two gentlemen are among very few Nigerians who have, at great risk to their own lives, reached out to the insurgents and have been among the most vocal advocates of what the Presidency now seems

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”

inclined to do, the issue of lack of prior consultation by the presidency, should not be a valid enough reason for declining to serve on the committee. And there are some who see a whiff of arrogance in their refusal to serve on a committee because things have not been or are not being done in exactly the way one wants them to be done, in a country of 160 million people. But there are equally many who see their refusal as being very much in order, and an action that is by many measures, principled. For such people, the dictum is simply: when in doubt, leave out, and if you don't believe in it, don't be in it.

The debate will continue.

And it is in order that it does, especially given that principles and mindful commitments are very rare possessions among public officials in this country.

But our chief concern here today is not all of these fine arguments, but rather, one important aspect of it, namely, the habitual refusal by our governments to consult people before giving them appointments, or even awards.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

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

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND JAMILA NUHU MUSA

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 13

How Jonathan goofed on Boko Haram amnesty

By Abubakar Usman

O

n Wednesday, 17 April 2013, the Presidency announced two presidential committees to engage members of the Boko Haram sect in dialogue and define a comprehensive and workable framework for resolving insecurity in the country as a whole. The committees, which have as members prominent Nigerians drawn different spheres of life, are to "develop a framework for granting amnesty to the Boko Haram sect; setting up of a framework through which disarmament could take place within a 60-day time frame as well as developing a comprehensive victims' support programme, and mechanisms to address the underlying causes of insurgencies that will help to prevent future occurrences."

While the decision of the federal government to set up the two committees is commendable, especially as it might bring about peace in the country, revelations coming from some persons as well as their rejection to serve in the committee give cause for concern. Two members of the Boko Haram committee who are expected to play a prominent role in the success of the committee have rejected the appointments, citing various reasons for doing so. First was a human rights activist, Shehu Sani, who in the recent past had repeatedly criticised the government over

By S. M. Lukman

T

he life and times of Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka (1960 - 2013) will no doubt bear the imprint of her enduring skills as a successful career banker rising to senior management positions in UBA and Ecobank and high courage as a victorious politician who won her election as Deputy Governor of Ekiti state against all odds. Both as a banker and politician, she would have competed with men for the positions she held. Her ability to land those positions must have been a product of first and foremost her credentials.

Our women in career, business and politics are combatants that are daily redefining human societies and moving us closer to a space guaranteeing equal opportunities for both men and women.This necessarily require re-interpretation of religious and customary beliefs that favours men. In many respects, it means also that men accept or respect new realities that permits women to aspire beyond the menial responsibilities. In fact, it is the acceptance or respect by men to new realities that is the foundation for success of most women in career, business and politics. Many women's career ambition get terminated on account of the inability to win this primary recognition and/or respect.

Why is it difficult for men to accept or respect new realities that permit women to aspire beyond menial responsibilities? It

its handling of the Boko Haram insurgency. According to Sani, he was not consulted before being appointed into the committee.

Apart from that, he believed that the best way to reach out to the leadership of the violent sect is to engage a journalist, Ahmad Salkida, who had reported extensively on the insurgency.

He also thinks he had said enough on what the government should do to end the insurgency, but that it seemed the government was not ready to heed his advice.

While the dust over Shehu Sani's rejection of the appointment was yet to settle, another prominent figure, the head of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Dr. Datti Ahmad, turned down his own appointment. Ahmed said his decision was based on his

experience dealing with the government on the Boko Haram issue. He cited two reasons.

Firstly, he said government reneged on its agreement to grant the two conditions the Boko Haram sect demanded upon which successful dialogue would take place, thus displaying its insincerity. Secondly, that the report of the committee which he was expected to serve in might be filled with lies considering the fact that the chairman and secretary of the committee are serving minister and civil servant respectively, who according to him might feel obligated to tell the government what it wants to hear.

From the foregoing, one may conclude that the government is still far from convincing Nigerians that it has the capacity to deal with the Boko

Haram insurgency. The fact that the situation has got to a stage where amnesty is being considered tells how much the government has failed in doing the needful. Except for the fact that we are now looking the way of amnesty to restore peace to the northern part of the country, the ideal thing would ordinarily be that the insurgents be crushed and those who need to face justice for the senseless killing of Nigerians and destruction of properties be made to face the full wrath of the law, but here we are considering amnesty because incompetence has brought us to this stage.

The questions are why on earth should you nominate people into committees that are expected to deal with issues as sensitive as Boko Haram without consulting them? Why do we

“

...one may conclude that the government is still far from convincing Nigerians that it has the capacity to deal with the Boko Haram insurgency. The fact that the situation has got to a stage where amnesty is being considered tells how much the government has failed in doing the needful. Except for the fact that we are now looking the way of amnesty to restore peace to the northern part of the country, the ideal thing would ordinarily be that the insurgents be crushed and those who need to face justice for the senseless killing of Nigerians and destruction of properties be made to face the full wrath of the law

need to have politicians that are most likely going to hide the truth from government if we are really interested in dealing with the insurgency? What is the big deal in having someone who has interfaced with the insurgent group a member of the committee if the government is really sincere in pursuing peace?

The government needs to understand that the issue at hand is beyond politics and must therefore not use it as an avenue to reward political loyalists. The entire situation may not have gotten this bad if government had not played politics with it when it first surfaced. Now that there is a window of opportunity to resolve the menace, the government must do all that is necessary to bring the sect's members to the roundtable and not renage on any agreement reached with the sect. The government must be open in its dealing, engage the right people who can muster the courage to mediate between it and the sect and stay away from playing politics with the issue. Although, President Jonathan told us the Boko Haram members are ghosts, but Datti Ahmed's account indicates that the government had dialogued with the group more than once in the past. My take is that if this had been possible in the past, it can still happen again. All that is required is sincerity on the part of all.

Abubakar Sidiq Usman is on twitter @Abusidiqu

Imprints of Funmilayo Olayinka is often a reflection of crudity with hardly any rational basis beyond the need to represent women as private properties of the men. It is simply about the power of men to control women.

In the expression of that power, it is mainly about ensuring that the status of women does not over shadow that of the men. In other words, women must not enjoy higher rewards and privileges than men.

Mrs. Olayinka was a successful career woman and politician. One doesn't need to know her closely to discern her accomplishments. Although, in the contemporary Nigerian situation, high placed government officials always enjoy glowing tributes, this tribute to Mrs. Olayinka is more on account of recognition of her contributions in terms of redefining our societies as spaces guaranteeing increasing measure of opportunities for both men and women.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of Mrs. Olayinka, we must not forget that the so-called God-ordained challenges facing women are still very pronounced, notwithstanding the achievements of many illustrious Nigerian women. A good pointer is the revelation in the British Council Gender in Nigeria Report 2012 that women occupy fewer than 30% of all posts in Nigerian public sector and only 17% of senior positions.

The report further shows that women run only 20% of enterprises in the formal sector in Nigeria.

With an estimated 80.2 million, representing 49% of the population of Nigeria, and against the background of appalling welfare conditions in the country, women are made to shoulder more responsibilities than any group. This begs the question about the extent to which individual successes of women should be celebrated.

Perhaps, herein lies the big political question - is there a correlation between the fact of low participation of Nigerian women and the poor welfare of citizens in the country?

Attempts to answer this question could only underline the primacy of politics and why participation is critical to improvement in citizens' welfare.

This is one area that Mrs. Olayinka demonstrated good understanding when she argued that "everywhere you go, you play politics. If you are married and if you have more than a child, you must be a good politician to survive. We play politics everywhere - at home, even at workplace." The logic is that politics is mainly about influencing actions.

Certainly, there will be strong counter arguments against deliberate policies promoting women participation. Such counter arguments could hardly dispute

women bias for redistributive agenda in favour of education, social services and health. Given a political context therefore, disposition to issues of women participation are defining progressive credentials of a political party. This is particularly important for us in Nigeria today given that our leading opposition parties represented by Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and Okorocha-led All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have decided to merge into a progressive party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

For the APC to qualify as a progressive party, it has to come with a strong commitment to promoting the participation of women in politics and the economy. The degree to which the party expresses commitment to women participation as provided in the provisions of its constitution and manifesto may confirm or question the party's claim to promoting free education and improved healthcare delivery services.

This is because limited participation of women in the structures of the party and government could be interpreted as weak commitment to increased or efficient and effective management of resources allocated to education and health.

Given that Mrs. Olayinka

was a leading member of the ACN, one of the parties merging to form the APC, should Nigerians expect that at the minimum ACN leadership would commit themselves to issues of women participation and based on that therefore ensure that APC offers higher opportunities for women in the party structures and in an APC government? In any event, was the success of Mrs. Olayinka's political accomplishment a reflection of ACN commitment to providing opportunities for women participation in politics.

With women emerging as Deputy Governors in five out of six states controlled by the ACN, the political success of Mrs. Olayinka leading to her emergence as a Deputy Governor may no doubt be a reflection of ACN's liberal disposition to women participation in politics.

Whether this liberal disposition translates into a strong commitment to take on board issues of women participation as priorities in the merger negotiations is a different matter entirely, which may not be taken as given. In some ways, given entrenched male dominated prejudices, prioritising issues of women participation in the structures of APC may have to depend on the degree to which women structures both with the merging parties and outside engage the merger process. smlukman@gmail.com

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 14

Between Okonjo-Iweala and me

By Yushau A. Shuaib

W

hen I wrote an open letter to the Coordinating Minister in Charge of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over appointments to some top positions, it was, to me, simply the continuation of an age-old hobby that I developed since my student days in the university. I write with the purest of intentions, not to malign anyone.

I respect characters in my writings and readers' views.

It was through my opinion and feature writings that I won some awards in the university and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at state and national levels. Though I deferred an admission offered to me by the University of Nigeria Nsukka to pursue Masters Programme in PR after I was honored with Automatic Scholarship for being the best writer during the NYSC, I accepted automatic employments by both the Delta State Government and the Federal Government in 1993 and 1994 respectively.

My writings can be divided into two major categories: official and unofficial. A careful perusal of my writings in the media will show that I sign the first category in my capacity as information/ PR officer of the different places that I have been posted to. In the second category, I have been careful to make it clear that I write in my personal capacity as a private citizen. To make that point even clearer I affix my personal home address or email to personal opinions.

Since my employment in the

Madam federal civil Minister, is one service, I have of the bosses published that have books, issued tolerated my Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text over 2000 critical opinions news releases, messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written on various wrote news contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 issues. We features and words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and disagree and personal a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed later agree on opinion, all in issues like to: my bid to normal human promote the beings do. activities of The Editor, As it is, government Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, encouraging and contribute 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. responses that I to the peaceful received in the Email: opinion@peoplesdaily-online.com coexistence of past have SMS: 08134607052 the diverse served as the groups in the impetus for me country. Most Ekwesili, and Nigerian National of my writings are accessible on to continue with my cherished Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), my blog: www.yashuaib.com. hobby. To me, I am simply among others. During the shortThe recent article, which contributing to the betterment of lived administration of President our country. It was in view of the generated a lot of reactions and Umaru Yar'Adua, I x-rayed comments, was not done to above, therefore, that I was some of the president's policies malign anyone. Incidentally, encouraged to pen the open letter and those of Segun Adeniyi, his Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a to the Finance Minister on some spokesman. I even wrote critical personality I have a lot of developments, which I strongly commentaries on my admiration and respect for. I believe she has the capacity to supervising Minister then, Mr. believe that she is aware of this. address.

John Odey, who on some And so, when I put pen to paper I was initially elated when I occasions, publicly responded to in what has become routine to received a telephone call from and addressed some of the my me to express my viewpoints on the Minister on Wednesday issues raised in my write-ups. As some recent appointments into March 20, 2013 at 6.15pm. late as 2012, I wrote an article top positions in her ministry, I Naturally, I was happy that, on President Goodluck Jonathan never expected that it would be once again, my effort has yielded with the title "Flood in the Eyes perceived negatively. It was to fruit. Receiving a call from of the President" and it was draw her attention to the strong someone that a reputable published in most national speculations making the rounds international news organization dailies. Following this, I received which, in my view, she is not described as one of the most words of encouragement even only capable of addressing but influential women on earth is from some of his aides and was would do well to be aware of. humbling. I felt jubilant when I Maybe I should add here that consequently requested to heard "Shuaibu, this is Okonjosupport my postulations with during the President Olusegun Iweala!" However, when she photographs.

Obasanjo administration in added "Why should you do this to The Director General of the which Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was me? You can't praise me and National Emergency also influential, I wrote some condemn me and call it Management Agency (NEMA), critical opinion articles on the constructive criticism. Haba Muhammad Sani-Sidi, who had activities of the president, Vice Shuaibu!" I knew that my intervened several times to President Atiku Abubakar, opinion had not been viewed resolve the current issue with Nasir el-Rufai, Mrs. Oby positively.

WRITE TO US

Despite the huge difference in age and status, the minister took her time to explain to me why so much of what I concluded was not the case. During the conversation, she even read portions of my write-up. While feeling flattered and honoured that a world-class technocrat like the minister was humble enough to personally call me and explain her position to me, I couldn't help wondering why this particular piece attract such concerns and why so much more meaning than I intended has been read to it.

To me, the article was as harmless as every other that I had written in the past. I was still contemplating how to tackle the seeming complications when just a few days afterwards, hate comments and rejoinders pointing out that my article had been inspired by ethnic and religious considerations began to appear in newspapers and Nigerian online forums.

I want to emphasise, once again, that my article was written with the purest of intentions, and even a cursory internet search will reveal that I have done this religiously in the last 20 years. Contrary to insinuations of ethnocentrism, sectionalism and sponsorship in many of the reactions and rejoinders to the opinion, I take full responsibility for the views that were expressed. I have never written with, or caused articles to be published with malice. I am a strong believer in the oneness and potentials of this country, and most of my opinions have been centred on great Nigerians that I admire and will not want to see fall into disrepute.

Yushau A. Shuaib is reachable on www.yashuaib.com and yashuaib@yahoo.com

The patience of a peace ambassador

By Kennenth Aigbegbele and Rhoda Sika

A

ccording to Dame Patience Jonathan, if there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nation, if there is to be peace in nations, there must be peace in cities, if there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbours and if there is peace in our home, there must be peace in our hearts. The First Lady of Nigeria has a passion for doing what is right for the common good.

Closest to her chest also is her undying love for nature. This she displayed on several occasions even while still at Bayelsa state as most of the trees planted there are testimonies of what she now represents. Few weeks ago, she was deeply involved in a ceremony to drum support for tree planting in the FCT. "We have to reduce the effect of climate change by ensuring that we adhere strictly to planning regulations and be environment friendly," she said on that occasion.

The peace ambassador, as she is fondly called, believes that it is only peace that can bring succour to the less privileged in

the society. This is demonstrated in her hard work and insistence in seeing to it that the vulnerable ones in the society, especially women and children, are not left out in the scheme of things.

However, in her normal disposition, she rolled out the peace advocacy train a few months back and the train has covered some states of the federation and she did not mince words when at each occasion, she pleaded with the women to preach peace, believe in it, and work for it, until it is achieved.

She said as mothers, wives and sisters, we can no longer afford to lose our husbands, children, wards to avoidable strives and

violence reiterating that Nigerians in all walks of life, should lend their voice in support of peace, saying "no meaningful development can take place without peace" and that she is ever ready to carry the olive branch to all the states of the federation so that we can have and enjoy peaceful co-existence.

As the mother of the nation, she is on a daily basis preaching peace in all the nooks and crannies of the country and she has decided in spite of the threats to life in some parts of the country, to visit victims of bomb blasts including other attacks that took place in the north to sympathize with the victims and

“

offer relief materials in form of cash and grants to the affected people to ameliorate their suffering and have faith in the country of their dream. She has at various fora, emphasized the need for communal living that is Loving your neighbour as yourself, in other to enhance our collective goal of being our brothers keeper at all times.

As the chairperson of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM), she has emphasized that we need to remind ourselves that conflicts have neither boundaries nor friends, appealing to her fellow First Ladies to support their spouses in their efforts to check the wind of

As the mother of the nation, she is on a daily basis preaching peace in all the nooks and crannies of the country and she has decided in spite of the threats to life in some parts of the country, to visit victims of bomb blasts including other attacks that took place in the north to sympathize with the victims and offer relief materials in form of cash and grants to the affected people to ameliorate their suffering and have faith in the country of their dream

violence blowing across Africa by advocating strongly for peaceful means of resolving differences in our various societies and work more to prevent violence and war and these are some of the efforts she is tirelessly pursuing at home to see that women and children do not suffer the greatest burden due to unrest. She has also severally campaigned that the areas where women can assist are in advocacy, capacity building, negotiation, reconciliation, provision of relief materials and the involvement in the rehabilitation of victims of conflict.

Back home, her many groups are in partnership with NEMA to see how the areas affected by unrest can be regenerated: relief materials, drugs and provisions are distributed in partnership with NGOs to the affected areas.

She is daily working hard to see how best to tackle the present security challenges, not only in Nigeria, but in sub-Sahara Africa. As at the time of going to press, she was on her trip to Mali to give relief materials to flood victims.

Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele and Mrs Rhoda Sika are both of Citizens Watch Nigeria (CWN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 15

Police: Bullets, blogs and blood By 'Sola Fagorusi

O

nce again, the world felt cold. The United States of America had been hit. A twin bomb had been let off in Boston, capital of Massachusetts. Back home, the Boko Haram sect continues to wage war against the Federal Government and the citizenry and the debate of granting amnesty continues raucously.

We are also not likely to forget in a tick, Mr. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab who tried to detonate plastic explosives airborne Detroit, Michigan on December 25th 2009. If the planet had a human face, it would be with tears streaming on it!

Apologies to the late wizard of Ososa and travelling theatre veteran - Hubert Ogunde; it is not just an age of bread and bullet, it is that of bullets and blood and blogs today.

Coincidentally Ogunde's 1950 play was about the police and protesters. In the performance, the protesters were shot and eighteen miners died. It is on record that the play was refused performance in Kano. According to Ogunde, 'they asked for bread and they were given bullet'. It is the quest for bread that sets humans out on a daily basis. It is the same quest for bread that sets the lazy ones out with the inglorious task of snatching breads from the lawful owners and when they do most times, blood splatters on the land. And it is to stop the activities of the latter category that an organisation like the Police Force was established.

From time immemorial, the enemy does not fight the war that one prepares for but one that they think and know that they will win. The lessons from the Boston Bombing case that left

By Joe Igbokwe

D

espite the initial setbacks suffered recently by the promoters of All Progressives Congress (APC) when some few rogues tried to reap where they did not sow, a major breakthrough was recorded at Onikan Stadium Lagos yesterday. The Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN held its last National Convention thereby sending signals to INEC that APC has taken the centre stage in Nigeria and things may never be the same again. In the next couple of days CPC, ANPP, and others will do the same thing and what follows will be national convention of all the merging parties and consequently the recognition by INEC of the great family called APC. For records purposes it is pertinent to remind Nigerians at home and in diaspora that the journey to where we are today started before 2011 general elections. But due to limited time available then we were unable to make reasonable progress and the merger suffered a setback.

Determined to make it happen again, the founders picked up the courage and returned to the drawing board. Today the process of making APC a reality is almost complete and we appreciate our great leaders who

three dead and about 170 people injured is too enormous to be ignored. My interest albeit lies in the new media angle that was used to tackle the crime in a way that led to the death of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26 and the eventual arrest of his brother, Dzhokhar.

In an age like ours, crime is cheap. It is readily accessible.

Information on how to perpetrate same seems discounted and would be handed over on asking.

It is thus not surprising that the duo could pull off such deadly actions. In 0.21 seconds, google.com has the ability to throw up 542,000,000 results on a simple query of 'how to make a bomb'. I am not sure of what the brothers have been reading, watching or listening to before now. What is however certain is that they had information and they definitely used it to cause the pandemonium that followed its use. The new media lessons are huge for our own Nigeria Police Force which is yet to meet the security expectations of the Nigerian people in line with

global best practices.

Enter Boston Police Department; the first check was done on the CCTV camera, a new media tool, and grainy images of the brothers were found. The first clear image was however captured by a marathon runner who had finished the race and took pictures of the pandemonium with his i-Phone.

Following the release of the grainy images by the Police Department, everyone checked pictures they had taken and one of the brothers was spotted bingo! The manner in which the surviving brother's social media account was also scrutinised is a hint to how important our social media life has become. It gave a clue to his interests and helped to profile if he was the one they were looking for. His VKontakte (a Russian social networking site) and twitter account were of particular interest. Maybe the American society also failed him.

His Facebook post of not having friends may be his way of seeking for help that never came.

The Nigeria police's twitter account, with a paltry 197 tweets and 27,576 followers is not a good social media story for policing, ditto its Facebook page which is mainly an extension for newspapers reportage of the Police. It is also striking that the Inspector General of Police, M.D Abubakar does not have a Wikipedia page and yet Abubakar Shekau has one (I hope I am wrong). The videos of the sect are also circulated through social media means - either in YouTube videos or mp4 files. I am yet to see information sharing by the Nigeria Police through such means. Information on safety tips can be couched and shared with the public. Criminals are known to change their methods regularly; the police should inform us of new findings on real time basis and in graphically simulated manner. I have heard instances of how some brilliant police officers tracked down petty criminals through Facebook conversations. While commendable, the Police as an

“

The Nigeria police's twitter account, with a paltry 197 tweets and 27,576 followers is not a good social media story for policing, ditto its Facebook page which is mainly an extension for newspapers reportage of the Police. It is also striking that the Inspector General of Police, M.D Abubakar does not have a Wikipedia page and yet Abubakar Shekau has one (I hope I am wrong). The videos of the sect are also circulated through social media means - either in YouTube videos or mp4 files. I am yet to see information sharing by the Nigeria Police through such means. Information on safety tips can be couched and shared with the public

organisation needs to do more.

The thermal images that were taken by the helicopter, the robot that was used to yank the covering off the hunted Dzhokhar in the boat, the flir Forward Looking Infrared technology that was used to confirm the boy was alive are also lessons in new media technology for our police department. The crime of the coming days would be sophisticated ones. The police needs to prepare for that age.

Last week, a leading online entertainment site in Nigeria was hacked and the hacker(s) demanded ransom. I am not certain the police has the tool and capacity to arrange a release of this kind especially when we still battle with human kidnaps without clear success stories of how the release was gotten without paying ransom.

I am at a loss as to why the Facebook page of the Nigeria Police cannot have mug shots of wanted criminals on it. And where is our own 911? With the high telephone penetration in the country today, a new media tool like that should help solve crimes. Is it that hard to have mobile service provider in the country support the Nigeria Police Force with a toll free line that would always be reachable?

The two lines (08077446699 and 08102555581) provided by the incumbent Inspector General of Police are usually either switched off or forwarding your calls only to disconnect. The recent activities of the Police on traditional media, especially its interactive radio programme, though commendable needs to be complemented with the new media so the information can trickle down.

'Sola Fagorusi@SolaFagro on Twitter

APC on 'rescue Nigeria' mission toiled, sweated, had sleepless nights, traveled extensively, engaged hours on end, disagreed on several occasions just to agree, went through excruciating endless meetings, set aside personal differences, and made Project Nigeria their primary focus. May we never lose sight of the fact that the promoters of APC went through difficult times and painful experiences to arrive at where we are today especially in a country where the ruling party brooks no opposition and makes no pretences about it.

They went through roads less traveled to get to where we are today and they deserve our applause for this feat.

They deserve our applause because the ruling party will never in their slighted imagination tell Nigerians that they will rule Nigeria for another sixty years. Never again will these confused and totally debased people mock the opposition that the PDP is the biggest party in subSaharanAfrica. Never again will the ruling party boast that they know how to win elections in Nigeria even without campaigns and history of performance to show. Never again in the history

of this country will a ruling political party encourage politics without principles, wealth without work and still remain in power.

APC is set to prove that leadership goes with responsibility in Nigeria. APC is set to prove that there is nothing wrong with our weather, soil, air, water etc. APC is prepared to prove that there are great leaders with great vision to make things happen here. The

promoters of APC want to prove to the world that nearly 170 million people, with different cultures, tribes, religions should be a plus and not minus for us.

The promoters want to prove that our biggest problem is lack of quality and committed leaders to drive Nigeria to progress. Given out huge human and material resources APC leaders want to prove that there is no reason why Nigeria must join the emerging

“

The change Nigeria desires will never come on a platter of gold. The real change Nigeria desires is not as easy as milking a cow to come by. It is not a tea party. It is not as easy as running down a hill with gentle breeze on your body. It is not a kindergarten show or business. The change will come because Nigerians desire it and will stop at nothing to get it

economies of the world. They are here to prove, if given the chance that Nigeria can rise again to take her rightful place in the comity of nations.

The change Nigeria desires will never come on a platter of gold. The real change Nigeria desires is not as easy as milking a cow to come by. It is not a tea party. It is not as easy as running down a hill with gentle breeze on your body. It is not a kindergarten show or business.

The change will come because Nigerians desire it and will stop at nothing to get it. The real change will come because serious-minded Nigerians reckon that sixteen years is such a long time for a big country like Nigeria to fritter away.

By 2015 it would have been sixteen years PDP government has been in the saddle. Therefore 2015 is time for stocktaking, it is time for honest assessment of how far we have gone, and it is the time for honest self reexamination. By 2015 it will be sixteen years of working from the answer to the problem and no professor of mathematics will ever take us seriously.

Joe Igbokwe wrote in from Lagos.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Charlyboy urges FCTA to lift ban on Okada operators in FCT A

popular musician, Mr Charles Oputa, (popularly called Charlyboy), has called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to lift the ban on commercial motorcyclists (Okada) in the Federal Capital Territory .

Oputa said that the significance of Okada riders in the society could not be over emphasised, stressing that they provided social services to the people.

“We are calling on the FCTA to

lift ban on Okada and Keke Napep operators in the Federal Capital City to ease transportation difficulties within the metropolis,” he said.

He expressed concern over the rising unemployment in the country and advised government to evolve new strategies to rehabilitate Okada and Keke Napep operators, rather than banning them from our roads.

“The rate of unemployment in the country is alarming, which had led to tension and violence in

the society, therefore, government must find lasting solutions to youth unemployment,” he said.

Oputa said that the campaign against Okada and Keke Napep operators had been exaggerated overtime time, adding, “if the government keeps to its own part of responsibilities, the environment would be calm.”

Oputa said that Okada business was the brainchild of transport hike in the country, recalling that Okada appeared in the late 1980s,

during an economic downturn in Nigeria.

“In the late 80s, jobless youths began to use motorcycles to earn money by transporting passengers within the suburb and the remote areas,” Oputa said.

Also speaking, Mr Emma Ezeazu, General-Secretary, Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE), an NGO, said Okada and Keke Napep had become one of the primary modes of transportation in the country.

Ezeazu added that the business

had also become a means of transportation regularly used by the young and older people.

“In some villages, for instance, Okada and Keke Napep riders help to convey pregnant women and other vulnerable people to the hospital in times of emergency,” he said.

He expressed the readiness of the NGO to collaborate with government and well meaning Nigerians to make Okada and Keke Napep business decent and attractive. (NAN)

Art is a therapy for healing, says Artist

A

A woman DJ entertaining guests at a public function, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

FCT health board vows to provide adequate measles vaccines

By Adeola Tukuru with agency reports

T

he FCT Primary Health Care Development Board said on Monday that it had adequate measles vaccines to scale up immunisation in the territory.

The Executive Secretary, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed of the board, gave the assurance after monitoring the polio and measles immunisation campaign in Gwagwalada and Kwali area councils of the FCT. He said the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency had supplied the board with 482,000 dosages of the measles vaccines and 250,000 cartons of syringes “Today we are starting a campaign against measles; we have about 2,482 cases of measles reported to us; so we really need to scale up the campaign.

“The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has come to our aid, has given us

dosages of the measles vaccines and cartons of syringes and has given us a large consignment of drugs for case management of measles and we have given it out to primary health care centres and to general hospitals.

“That is why we want to monitor and see if the children of six months to five years, are coming out to be immunised against measles.’’

Mohammed advised parents to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the availability of the vaccines and allow their children to

be immunised, saying measles was one of the six child-killer diseases.

He identified some complications that could arise from measles as blindness, pneumonia, diarrhea, and death.

Also speaking with NAN, the Chairman of Kwali Area Concil, Mr Joseph Shazin, also urged parents to ensure that their children received the immunisation as a preventive measure.

Shazin commended government for providing the vaccines and for safeguarding the

health of children in the country.

On his part, Dr Musa Otaru, Head of Department of Health, Kwali Area Council, advised parents to always take their children to health facilities for immunisation as it would not be done from one household to the other.

Mrs Happiness Wdazi, a nurse at the Gwagwalada township clinic, who also spoke with NAN, said there had been a large turnout of parents and children for the immunisation. (NAN)

n Abuja-based artist, Mr Steven Eruada, has said art had been discovered to be a therapy for healing.

Eruada told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that colour, a vital ingredient used by artists in fashioning out creative works, had been discovered to be an important medicine for curing all kinds of ailment.

He said that there was, therefore the need for psychopathic patients to be exposed to different kinds of colours as these would improve the consciousness of such patients.

Eruada said: “For those, who have psycho problems, all you need to do is to expose them to where they can see colours.

“These colours will, therefore, generate theirenergy and bring their thinking faculty back to normalcy.

“The research is, therefore, a welcome issue, as this will further restore peace to the country. For where there are diseases, there cannot be peace.”

According to Eruada, who is the Public Relations Officer of the Abuja Arts and Craft Village, art is the basis for regenerating any economy, which is still developing.

Eruada, however, called on Nigerians to understand the essence of art, adding that religion should be set aside in order to focus on the need to appreciate art among Nigerians.

He said most Nigerians had detached themselves from art on the ground that most artworks were sacred images made from deities.

The artist noted that the materials used for the production of artworks should not be seen to be materials for fetish works. (NAN)

Bwari Vice- chair calls residents for support

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he vice chairman of Bwari Area council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Abubakar Bala Matawalen, has appealed to the people of Bwari and its environs to support the second term Chairman-

elect of the area council, Hon. Peter Yohanna Ushafa for more development.

Matawalen, who made the appeal in an interview with Peoples Daily stated that there was no doubt that the Bwari second term chairman-elect would contiue with his good work.

He further said that the administration of the chairman would continue to provide the gains of democracy for the electorate that voted him into power in the area.

He called on the inhabitants of Bwari to embrace peace all the time, noting that meaningful development would take place without peace.

Bala also assured the residents that the chairman-elect has a lot of goodies for the people in the area and urged the traditional rulers to continue to co-operate with the chairman.

He said that he would continue to parley with the chairman to achieve their goals.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

2 in court for alleged joint act, defamation of character

T

wo persons, Emmanuel Onyems and Queen Obi, were yesterday arraigned in an Abuja Magistrates Court for alleged joint act, criminal intimidation and defamation of character.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Paul Anigbo, told the court that Mrs Stella Alumbueze, of One Man Village, Nasarawa State, reported the duo to the Lugbe police station on April 18.

Anigbo said that on April 8, Oyems, 34, of Kuje, Abuja, allegedly went to the complainant’s shop and without any provocation, rained insults on her.

According to him, Oyems also claimed that Alumbueze’s four month-old-baby was his and not her husband’s.

He also said that on April 9, Oyems used the phone of the second accused, Obi, of Lugbe Zone 5, Abuja, to send several text messages to the complainant threatening to deal with her.

The prosecutor alleged that during police investigation, the accused persons could not give satisfactory account of themselves.

The Magistrate, Mrs Nafisa Buba, admitted the accused persons to bail in the sum of N150,000.

She also ordered that the accused produce two sureties each in like sum.

Buba said the sureties must have fixed and reliable addresses, and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

The magistrate, subsequently adjourned the case to May 9,2013 for hearing. (NAN)

Expert cautions against pneumonia and exposure to cold

A

n Abuja based family consultant, Dr Adamu Onu, yesterday cautioned against too much exposure to cold, saying it could predispose one to pneumonia.

Onu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that cold could affect the movement of cilia, which prevents bacteria from entering into the lungs and it would not function effectively. ``Cilia acts as brush, collecting all the large foreign particles that are inhaled,'' he said.

According to him, pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, especially the lower part of the respiratory track that is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. ``It is characterised primarily by inflammation of the lung tissues.'' ``Bacteria can cause pneumonia, viruses can cause it, (and) fungi can cause it. So basically anything that can cause an infection can predispose to pneumonia. ``During cold periods there is an increased predisposition; basically what happens is that the respiratory track has normal defense mechanism against infection.

(NAN)

PAGE 17

Polio: AMAC flags off programme to curb diseases

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he Abuja Municipal Area Council recently flagged off the sub immunisation programmme in Lugbe by administering potent oral polio vaccine to children under the age of 0 to 49 months in its renewed efforts to eradicate polio virus,.

The council chairman, Hon Micah Jiba said the essence of the sub immunization programme was to save lives as well as enlighten the communities on the need to

embrace the immunization activities embarked upon by the government.

He regretted that FCT and AMAC was declared polio- free until recently when three fresh cases of polio manifested saying that two was discovered at Jahi and one at Lugbe communities.

According to him, “The negative effect of polio on our children and society cannot be overemphasized and this trend has become a major source of worry to government as it constantly

expend money on polio at the expense of other critical infrastructural needs of the society due to refusal by some people to allow pregnant women and children to go for immunization.

On her part, the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr Dorothy Nwodo said that Nigeria is one of the three countries in the world still transmitting polio virus saying that it has become imperative for all stakeholders to join hands and kick out polio in Nigeria.

An itinerant tailor mending his customer's clothes in Nyanya.

She expressed the readiness of the agency to work with all the development partners and nongovernmental organizations involved in the eradication of polio to ensure that polio transmission was terminated before 2015.

Also speaking, the Head of Department of Health in AMAC, Dr Mrs Modupe Adeyinka said that apart from the polio vaccine, there are also measles vaccines that are available in the council and other health care centres across the area council.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

FCT residents decry non-reflection of payments of water bills

W

ater consumers in the FCT yesterday decried the non-reflection of payments in their bills and illegal disconnections after payment.

Some of the residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja said that such irregularities made them feel shortchanged by the FCT Water Board.

Mrs Kelechi Nwora, a resident of Kubwa said that after paying her bills, the money never reflected on the next bill the water board sent to her.

She alleged that some staff of the board came around neighbourhoods after the occupants had gone to work to disconnect water.

“What they do is that, once we go to work they will come and disconnect us even when we have finished paying our bills.

“They always demand for money if they happen to see anybody at home or they will disconnect that particular building,” she said.

Mr Ahmed Shuiabu, a resident

of Area 1, Garki said that his water was disconnected even after he had paid the bill for the month of March.

“I got a phone call from my house help that some staff of the water board were about to disconnected me for nonpayment of bills.

“They asked my house help to give them money or they will disconnect my house,’’ he said.

Shuiabu said that the idea of visiting people’s house during office hours was not acceptable, adding that they pose security treat to residents.

Another resident of Garki 2, Ms Salamat Hassan said that she her water was disconnected in March even after she paid her bill.

“I came back home from work and discovered that my water had stopped running.

“After a while I saw the staff of the water board going from house to house. I got out and showed them my bill that I was not owing. But they insisted that I must pay connection fee again,’’ she said.

Hassan said that after much

argument they reconnected her.

She frowned against some of the sharp practices by some staff of the water board.

In a swift reaction, the Director of the FCT Water Board, Mr Anto Jiniya, attributed “illegal disconnections” to non-reflection of payment.

He said that non-reflection of payment had encouraged fraud and deprived the board of its revenue.

“Non-reflection of bill has troubled the board for the past years.

It also encourages fraud where unsuspected customers are given fake tally and the money being collected,” he said.

He said that as part of effort to solve the problem, the board had reduced the number of banks used for payment of water bills from 15 to nine.

They include Diamond Bank, First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Aso Savings and Loans, Zenith Bank Plc. He said that in the new system, customers would from May receive alert after paying to ensure that

their bills reflected the correct payments.

“When you pay, you will receive alert to actually indicate that you have paid and the next bill you will get you will see the previous payment reflected there.

“The alert will confirm to you that you paid your money rightly, but if you pay your money wrongly you will not get any alert,” he said.

Jiniya urged residents to pay their bills directly to the banks and not to any official of the board to avoid complications.

The director warned that any staff caught engaged in any sharp practices, would have him or herself to blame.

“At the board, we have declared zero tolerance for indiscipline and when we get any staff, we will sanction and use that person as an example for other staff to learn their lessons,’’ he said.

He pleaded with customers to get information from the customer care unit in their various area offices or from the headquarters. (NAN)

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Court grants bail to man who allegedly inflicted injury on another man’s penis

A

Karu Senior Magistrates Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to one David Ifedibe, who was alleged to have caused grievous hurt to another man’s sex organ.

During the hearing of the bail application, Counsel to the accused, Mr Anthony Obodoeze, told the court that the victim, one Chukwuma Ohinemelu, had since been discharged from hospital.

He said there was, therefore, no need to continue to deny bail to the 24-year-old accused.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the mentioning of the case on April 15, the Prosecutor, Cpl. Glory Iheanacho, had opposed bail for the accused.

Following Obodoeze’s bail

application then, the prosecutor had said the victim was in critical condition at the National Hospital undergoing medical surgery.

“If the victim dies, the accused may abscond. We urge the court not to grant counsel’s application for bail to the accused person,’’ she had said.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Hadiza Shagari, had thus denied the accused bail.

But at the renewed hearing, Obodoeze had told the court that the victim had an appointment with a medical doctor that morning to see how he was recuperating.

“I therefore urge the court to grant bail to the accused,” he said.

Iheanacho did not opposing the application.

Shagari, therefore, granted bail

to the accused in the sum of N50,000 and a surety in like sum, before adjourning the case to May 6 for hearing.

“The surety must be a reasonable Nigerian with a reasonable means of livelihood and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court,” she said.

Earlier, the prosecutor told the court that Ohinemelu had on April 7, lodged a report at the Jikwoyi Police Station against Ifedibe, residing at Jikwoyi Phase One. She said that Ifedibe and his accomplices had attacked Ohinemelu when he was returning from church at about 8 p.m.

“On reaching the boundary between Jikwoyi and Karu by the riverside, Ifedibe and his accomplices

A local trumpeter entertaining guests in a function in Abuja.

had assaulted him to the extent that they used an unknown object to cut sex organ,’’ Iheanacho said.

She said the offence contravened sections 96 and 248 of the Penal Code.

Section 248(1) states that “whoever, except in a case provided for in Section 244, voluntarily causes hurt shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with a fine, or with both’’.

It stated further that this would be if the hurt was caused “by means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting or any instrument, which used as a weapon of offence is likely to cause death’’.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge. (NAN)

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Man remanded in prison custody over alleged possession of stolen vehicle

A

n Upper Area Court sitting in Gwagwalada in the FCT on Monday remanded a middle-aged man, Ibeh Ogbonna, in prison for allegedly being in possession of a vehicle belonging to another man.

Ogbonna, of New Kutunku Community in Gwagwalada, was arraigned on a one-count charge of being in possession of something

reasonably suspected to be stolen.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp.

Modupe Musa, told the court that the accused was found in possession of a vehicle with registration number XP 814 ABJ that did not belong to him.

She said that the vehicle with chassis number WFOVXGBVVK 13E8115, belonged to one Mr Kingsley of Obafemi Awolowo

Way, Jabi in Abuja.

Musa said that when the accused person was apprehended by Kingsley, he claimed ownership of the vehicle.

The prosecutor said that the accused was later arrested by the police and taken to the Police Area Command Office in Gwagwalada.

She said that the offence committed was contrary to the provision of Section 319 of the Penal

Code.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogbonna could be convicted for a jail term which may be extending to two years or with fine or both, if found guilty.

The Jjudge, Mr Babanginda Hassan, ordered that the accused should be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to June 12 for hearing. (NAN)

INSIDE FCT COURTS Court orders 2 butchers to refund N150, 000 to cattle dealer

A

n Abuja Area Court yesterday ordered two butchers, Malam Yau and Magaji Mahauchi, to refund N150, 000 to a businessman, Alhaji Sani Mohammed of DeiDei village in the FCT. The money they are ordered to pay is the cost of cows, sheep and goats, which the butchers collected from Mohammed on credit, with the promise that they would pay him his money after selling the animals.

In breach of the agreement, however, Yau and Mahauchi sold the animals but squandered the money and kept promising Mohammed that they would pay him his money.

Delivering judgment in the matter, the presiding judge, Alhaji Haruna Masanawa, ordered the defendants to refund the plaintiff’s money within 30 days from the date of the judgment.

“Based on the evidence before the court and the oral admission of the defendants, it is very clear that the defendants deliberately breached the trust reposed in them by the plaintiff.

“The court, therefore, orders the defendants to refund the sum of N150,000 to the plaintiff, who they clearly conspired to cheat, within 30 days from the date of this judgment,’’ Masanawa said.

NAN recalls that in the suit he filed, Mohammed said that all efforts to recover his money from the duo, proved abortive.

He, then, filed a civil suit against the defendants, urging the court to compel them to refund his money forthwith, with interest.

The defendants had, during the hearing of the matter, admitted collecting the animals from the plaintiff and owing him the said money.

They claimed to have sold some of the animals on credit to some of their customers, who had also defaulted in paying them back.

Yau told the court that he spent part of the money he made from the sale on some “pressing family problems’’, including marrying a new wife. (NAN)

Court grants bail to businessman charged with alleged criminal breach of trust, cheating

A

n Abuja Grade 2 Area Court in Kado on Monday granted bail to one Chiagoziem Oguagbaka of Suit B6, Shakir Plaza, Area 2, Garki, who was charged with alleged criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The Presiding Judge, Mr Ahmed Ado, granted the accused bail in the sum of N80,000 with

one reliable surety in like sum, after he pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Ado ordered that the surety must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned the case to May 31 for further hearing.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Simon Ibrahim, told the court that

Mr Umeh Charles, of Fortis Micro Finance Bank, Abuja, reported the case to the Utako Divisional police station on July 9, 2012.

Ibrahim said that on March 28, 2011, the accused applied and took a loan facility of N1 million for a period of 90 days.

He also said that Oguagbaka allegedly diverted the money to his

own personal use and could not pay at the exact date of agreement.

The prosecutor said the accused issued a dud cheque which bounced back, and during police investigations, he confessed and admitted to the crime.

He said that the offences contravened the provisions of sections 312 and 322 of the Penal

Code.

If convicted under Section 312, the convict will be punished with imprisonment that may extend to five years or be fined or both.

Also, If convicted under Section 322, the convict shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years or be fined or both. (NAN)

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

Mob: 08033644990

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

FAAN staff wants seized property converted to offices

MTN Nigeria to sign N470bn loan deal

T

he Nigerian Unit of South Africa’s MTN said on Monday it will sign a $3 billion (N470 bn naira) loan with a consortium of banks.

The telecom operator said in an invitation to the signing that the medium-term facility is scheduled to be signed on Tuesday.

MTN officials declined to give details of which banks are involved or what the money is to be used for.

MTN has been borrowing to upgrade its network in Nigeria, as competition hots up in its most lucrative African market.

(Source: Reuters)

Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo (right), presenting a certificate of transaction to Chairman, Sahel Group of Companies, Alhaji Umaru Murtalab (left), during the signing ceremony of the Presidential Power Reform Transactions, on Monday at the State House, in Abuja.

With them is Acting Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Benjamin Dikki (middle).

Photo: Joe Oroye

Digital Africa confab & exhibition kicksoff in Abuja

Consortium of foreign investors plan N16tr investment in oil & gas, telecoms T

By Chris Alu

By Abdulwahab Isa

W

ith a view to deepening the FG’s transformation agenda of the economy, a consortium of foreign investors, led by Chief Tony Osagie Hicks of Anita Energy Limited has wrapped up plans for huge investments totalling $100 billion (N 16 trillion) spreading across various sectors of the economy.

Identifiable sectors targeted for investment include telecoms,

oil and gas, power generation, speed train and the establishment of a merchant bank.

As a prelude to the massive investment, the group held a discussion on Monday in Abuja with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability (FSS), Dr. Kingsley Moghalu.

Chief Tony Osagie Hicks, who led the team on a visit to the CBN said the investment would be done in partnership with APEC

Logic Investment Limited, an Australian funding investment partner and SINOPEC, one of the largest oil and gas corporations in China.

The Deputy Governor, FSS, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, who received the team said foreign investment in Nigeria can only be useful if it addresses skills and infrastructural development.

Moghalu informed the delegation that the CBN had undertaken far reaching reforms of the banking sector to

make it strong, resilient and able to serve the needs of the real economy which was a total departure from the past where some individuals enriched themselves to the detriment of the economy.

The Deputy Governor promised the delegation that the bank would provide the needed support to ensure that the investment plans bear fruits and process the banking license application, provided the requirements are met.

Power: Ministry to use technology to boost supply

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Minister of Power, Prof.

Chenedu Nebo has disclosed that the Ministry’s efforts in power supply boost would be technologically driven to ensure that the Ministry moves in line with the modern demands and advancement in technology.

The Minister made the disclosure while commissioning the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company’s (PHEDC) Corporate Headquarters and Silver bird 1 X 15MVA, 33/ 11KV injection substation, also noted that the introduction of Geographic Information System (GIS), Automated Meter Ready system (AMR), Advanced Metering Infrastructure are technologydriven initiatives that have radically changed the way things are done in the sector.

Nebo admired the Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, which he said would boost load management study and balancing of distribution

network, calling on other distribution companies to emulate Port-Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company in this regard.

According to him, the technological equipment in use in the power sector by PortHarcourt Distribution Company would enhance revenue collection, energy management as well as promote accountability and therefore would enjoy Federal Government’s support.

Earlier in his speech, the Chief Executive Officer of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), Engr.

Rotimi Onanuga commended the Minister for finding time out of his tight schedule, to come to Port-Harcourt for the formal commissioning of the Corporate Headquarters, which he said, would provide a good working environment that will spur the staff to perform better.

He further stated that Silver Bird 1x15 MVA, 33kv Injection Substation which was being commissioned would relieve the grossly overloaded on the Ojoto 11kv feeder emanating from UST 2 x15mMVA, 33/ 11kV injection sub-station and overloaded Abonnena 11kV from UTC injection substation respectively, stressing that the affected customers have been long subjected to a strict load shedding prior to this time.

Management Tip of the Day

Keep innovation jams small and focused

B

ringing together people from different backgrounds to creatively brainstorm a problem — otherwise known as “jamming” – has become a popular way to unearth new ideas. Although the process is widely hyped, many companies struggle to make it work. Here are three rules of thumb to help:

• Let participants choose. It’s a mistake to assign people to a challenge. You’ll see much more creative energy if you let participants decide which problems to work on.

• Keep the team small. Don’t let everyone get involved. Instead, create teams of no more than four.

This size affords diversity but also

allows the team to engage quickly.

• Clearly define the problem.

Make sure everyone understands the business, technological, and other challenges involved so each team member isn’t trying to solve a different problem.

Source: Harvard Business Review

he maiden edition of the Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition yesterday kicked-off in Abuja, whereby various ICT communities from Africa and the rest of the world converged to discuss ICT in the continent, do business and network among themselves.

The event, which will be held for three days at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja attracted guests both from Nigeria and abroad, as well as all participants and exhibitors from the business community, academia, government and civil society.

In his welcome address by the Executive Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Digital Conference, Dr. Evans E. Woherem said the maiden conference and exhibition is designed to become the flagship annual assembly of the leading companies and government agencies involved in the promotion and development of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector throughout Africa.

The theme of the conference is: “Networking Africa Through Information Technology for Accelerated Growth and Development”.

According to Dr. Woherem, “The aim is to open up the African ICT market to investors from the rest of the world and make her competitive in the 21st century”.

“This theme has been chosen after careful deliberations by the organizing committee, to reflect the fact that there has been a tremendous change in the world brought about by ICT. The growth of the technology has been remarkable and greater growth and changes are on the way.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Airtel Nigeria

L

eading Telecommunications Services provider, Airtel Nigeria has declared its readiness to absorb the influx of requests from consumers who wish to port to its network as the long anticipated Mobile Number Portability (MNP) for GSM operators in Nigeria finally takesoff.

Speaking with journalists at the weekend in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company, Segun Ogunsanya assured that with Airtel’s robust and expanded 3.75G network coverage, many Nigerian subscribers who had waited so long to join the “best friends network” could finally exploit the window offered by the MNP to realise their wishes.

Ogunsanya stated that Airtel is excited with the kick-off of MNP, saying it was the first telecoms operator in the country to move for the adoption of MNP during its historic brand launch event, which held on the 19th November, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Standard Chartered

S

tandard Chartered has announced that it will acquire the South African custody and trustee business of Absa Bank.

This acquisition builds on the significant investment Standard Chartered has already made in its African franchise. In addition to substantial organic investment, the Group acquired First Africa (a leading African M&A advisory business) in 2009 and Barclays’ Africa custody business in 2010.

Last week, the bank announced the opening of two new wholesale banking corporate offices in Cape Town and Durban, in South Africa.

Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos taff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have mounted pressure on the management of the authority to convert the hotel being built by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) to the office headquarters of the agency.

A solidarity message to the management by the workers said now that the edifice has reverted to the agency, its operations at the headquarters should be relocated to the facility, explaining that it is the best way to effectively utilise the structure located few meters to FAAN office complex that serve as its headquarters.

Only few weeks ago, the agency said it has taken over the hotel being built on lease concession opposite the domestic terminal, MMA2, owned and managed by BASL. Bi-Courtney secured the concession agreement to build these facilities, including a conference centre from the agency, but FAAN argued that the time given the company to complete the hotel had since elapsed since 2008 and therefore, according to the content of the agreement it reached with Bi-Courtney Limited, the later had breached the terms of the contract by not completing the projects as scheduled, so the facility

S

FAAN staff want seized property converted to offices reverts to FAAN. But Bi-Courtney had earlier secured a court injunction to stop FAAN from taking over the facility and unless the court rules otherwise the company still lays claim to its ownership, although FAAN insists that it did not receive any court injunction.

One of the workers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that they

opposed the deal from the beginning because the Federal Government then arm twisted FAAN to reach concession agreement with Bi-Courtney Limited, an agreement he said was against the interest of the agency.

“He (Dr. Wale Babalakin, the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited) arm-twisted FAAN to secure those concessions. He said that he would use our

Kalawe takes over at SAA, as company wins honours

J

ust when it is still basking in the euphoria of receiving two major endorsements from aviation industry experts, South Africa Airways (SAA) has announced the appointment of Mr. Monwabisi Kalawe as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) designate.

The company’s Board of Directors were said to have been challenged to continue to focus on improving SAA’s governance.

“The Board worked tirelessly to find a suitable leader who will lead by example and stabilise the internal environment whilst working towards ensuring good

corporate governance within the airline,” said Ms. Dudu Myeni, acting Chairperson of the SAA Board of Directors.

According to her, “Mr. Kalawe will also lead SAA, as a strategic national asset, towards contributing to the socio-economic development of the country and the continent” Only recently, South African Airways topped the list of the most on-time airlines in the world in a report produced by an independent entity, FlightStats, Inc., the leading provider of global flight and airport information services.

D

Arik Air wins ‘Leadership Company of the year’ award

A

Startimes igital terrestrial television network provider, Startimes, has created a new customer care unit to cater for its numerous customers and create a platform for new customers to embrace digital television prior to the impending digital switch over by 2015.

Briefing newsmen on the activities of the company in Aba, Abia state in the last six months, Ameh Dele, Zonal Director, South-East, NTA-STAR Television Network Limited, explained that the service agents are fully equipped to carry out a door-to-door service.

The new channels includeAfrican Movie channel, B4U, Eurosports News, TVC News channel, NTA Igbo, New lifestyle channel, NTA Parliamentary channel and UEFA Championship League and Europe Cup.

living quarter as guest house, together with the airport school. He said that he was going to use the headquarters of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as the kitchen for his hotel. But when he took lease of that land where he built the hotel, it was agreed he would complete it in 18 months. It is now more than eight years”.

Another FAAN official lamented thus: “He has deprived us revenue from that land. We have lost over N5 billion from that land, which was rented to food vendors and part of it used as car park. He was annexing all the land at the airport. We have to use the hotel as our headquarters. It is well located as head office,” the official said.

The workers said that they would take their case to the Presidency and the National Assembly if FAAN management does not acquiesce to their request.

Efforts to get the response of the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited, Dr. Wale Babalakin proved abortive as he did not respond to calls and text messages sent to him,

Engr. Mazi Nnamdi Udoh ,MD/CE Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA) and wife, Nnenna displaying the plaque for the “Individual Safety Award(Air) by Transport Day newspaper at the “Nigerian Transport Award 2013 “, held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos recently.

Etihad announces strongest ever 1Q results

E

tihad Airways, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary of operations, has recorded its strongest ever passenger for a first quarter.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline posted Q1 2013 passenger revenues of US$900 million (2012: US$758 million), an increase of 19 per cent.

Passenger numbers in Q1 2013 grew by 18 per cent, rising from 2.3 million to a record 2.8 million.

The average seat factor was 80.5 per cent, four percentage points higher than the previous year (2012: 76.5 per cent),

despite a 12 per cent increase in capacity. The seat factor is above IATA’s current global average of 77.1 per cent.

Etihad Cargo also had its strongest first quarter, with tonnage up 20 per cent from 85,152 to 101,776 tonnes.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, James Hogan said: “Our Q1 2013 results have again outstripped global trends, with our strongest ever first quarter results for passenger revenue.

“This performance demonstrates that Etihad

Airways’ strategy of organic growth, wide-ranging partnerships, and strategic equity investments is delivering for us and our partners,” he said.

The new twice-weekly freighter operation from Houston to Abu Dhabi enhanced the results.

Etihad Cargo also took delivery of a new Boeing 777 Freighter, which was deployed on European and African routes during the quarter. A second Boeing 747 freighter entered the fleet at the end of March, taking the total cargo fleet to eight aircraft.

rik Air emerged as the ‘’Company of The Year 2012'’ at the Leadership Annual Conference and Awards ceremony held at the International Conference Center Abuja recently.

The Board of Editors of Leadership Newspaper Group affirmed that the airline has redefined the scope, operational philosophy and depth of the aviation sector in Nigeria.

“Arik Air remains the unmatched local and regional carrier on the continent. At the heart of the airline’s operation is a management footing that places travelling guests first, even in an extremely challenging business environment,” the organizers observed in the award citation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the company, Managing Director and Executive vice-president, Mr. Chris Ndulue said “By adding the ‘Leadership Company of the Year 2012’ award to our array of laurels, we have shown clearly that we are not relenting in our efforts at making Arik Air the airline of choice in this part of the world” Ndulue said “We make no pretenses when we say we are bringing world class standards in aviation to the region and will continue to improve on our services to the delight of our valued guests”.

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Reuters launches next-gen. Eikon stock-market data desktop in Nigeria From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

homson Reuters, the world’s leading supplier of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, on Monday rolled out the latest version of its nextgeneration desktop product, Thomson Reuters Eikon, to financial professionals in Nigeria at a launch event held at The Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Thomson Reuters’ Eikon, which has already been wellreceived in a number of other African markets such as Kenya

Nokia introduces 105 handset in Nigeria

and Botswana, makes it easier and quicker for financial professionals in Nigeria to access historical and real-time market data on locally-listed companies.

Nigeria has the secondlargest stock exchange in SubSaharan Africa after South Africa and has more than 300 licensed stockbroking firms.

Thomson Reuters Eikon is designed to provide an intuitive, next-generation solution for consuming real-time and historical data and executing financial markets transactions across asset classes such as foreign exchange (FX), fixed

income, commodities, equities and derivatives.

Thomson Reuters Eikon combines real-time and historical data with news, charts, insightful commentary, analytics, trade execution tools and access to the global financial community, through views that can be customized to individual user preferences and workflow.

“The difficulty for our customers in African markets in general is getting relevant historical and real-time data relating to stocks. Research analysts and equities traders need vast amounts of

information at their finger tips to be able to generate their reports and to make decisions on different stocks,” said Keith Nichols, Managing Director, Africa, Thomson Reuters. ”The ease with which financial professionals can now find information using the new advanced search techniques in Eikon will expose our stock market to a wider pool of investors, which in turn will make the Nigerian market more transparent, liquid and central,” said Ade Bajomo, ED, Business Development, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

By Chris Alu

N

okia has made another debut in the Nigerian market, with the launch of a new product, Nokia 105 which is available for purchase in the country.

Nokia 105 has a quality handset design, a durable, onepiece keymat and a long-lasting battery, making it ideal for firsttime buyers, or for people in search of a reliable back-up phone.

The new handset is available in black and features color screen, which makes it unique when compared to other phones at its price point.

Featuring 1.45-inch true color screen with a user-friendly interface, the single SIM Nokia 105 comes with productivity and leisure tools like: FM radio, up to five pre-loaded games, multiple alarm clock capabilities, a speaking clock and flashlight, the Nokia Life service for tips on education and health, as well as entertainment topics.

More so, its standby time is up to 35 days and talk time, up to 12.5 hours.

Speaking on the development, Managing Director, Nokia West and Central Africa, Nick Imudia said the launch of the Nokia 105 is in line with Nokia’s mission of connecting the next billion mobile phone users, many of whom live in Africa. “The Nokia 105 highlights Nokia’s on-going commitment to bring relevant and reliable products to our valued consumers.”

L-R: Business Manager, Diamond Bank New Karu branch, Mr. Anthony Igba, Director, Oasis Feeds and Farms, Mr. James Igbokwe, and Regional Manager, North Central Diamond Bank, Mr. Bamidele Balogun, during the bank’s forum with their customers, on Monday in Jos. Photo: NAN

World Bank issues N22.8bn guarantee to support Nigeria’s gas, power supply

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

A

n agreement in support of Nigeria’s gas supply was signed on Monday between the World Bank and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

The World Bank on Monday issued its first partial risk guarantee, PRG, of $145 million (about N22.77billion) to support Nigeria’s efforts to uplift its gas and power sector to enhance her capacity to generate more electricity.

The PRG agreements in

support of a gas supply and aggregation agreement, GSAA, were signed on Monday between the World Bank and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, Egbin Power PLC, Chevron Nigeria Limited and Deutsche Bank of Germany.

Under the 10-year GSAA, which is based on the industry template developed by Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Chevron Nigeria Limited would provide gas to Egbin power plant, to guarantee availability and

76 ships to arrive Lagos ports from April 23 to May 19

T

he Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) yesterday said that 76 ships, carrying different commodities, would arrive at Lagos ports between April 23 and May 19.

NPA disclosed this in its daily publication, “Shipping Position“, made available to

newsmen in Lagos.

According to the publication, the ships are laden with frozen fish, new and used vehicles, bulk wheat, salt, fertiliser, cement, general cargo, containers, steel and petroleum products.

The document said that a ship, MV Safmarine Shaba, was

waiting to berth and discharge bulk malt at the Apapa Bulk Terminal Ltd. It also said that 14 fuel-laden ships would berth at various oil terminals in the ports.

According to the publication, the ships are laden with petrol, diesel, bulk gas and kerosene.

(NAN)

reliability gas supply for power generation to assist the country’s economic growth.

This is the first time that Egbin power plant, Nigeria’s largest hydro-power facility, would be able to procure gas under long-term arrangements.

“With over 75 per cent of Nigeria’s power generation depending on natural gas, assuring the availability and reliability of gas supply is a critical step in realizing the goal of un-interrupted electricity supply to Nigerian consumers,” World Bank Country Director for Nigeria,.Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, said.

The World Bank PRG, provided under the International Development agency, IDA-financed Nigeria Electricity and Gas Improvement Project (NEGIP), was key to enabling long-term gas supply arrangements. (Bloomberg)

Farmers registration: Edo targets 150,000 farmers

T

he Edo state government, yesterday said it would register 150,000 farmers under the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

The Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Mr. Abdul Oroh, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Auchi.

He said that 75,000 farmers had been registered under the first and the second phase of the programme.

He said that only about 35,000 farmers were registered in the first phase of the exercise, attributing such to lack of awareness on the programme.

“Farmers are not aware of the essence of the registration, they thought it is for the purpose of taxation and they ran from it.

“Now that they know the importance, my office has been inundated with request for more forms. We have exhausted all the forms earlier brought to the state and we are waiting for more.

“What we did upon receipt of these forms was to distribute them to the 192 wards of the state to ensure success of the registration.

“We are now taking the issue of agriculture as business.

Aside providing food, we want to use agriculture to expand the state tax net, provide more income for farmers and jobs for the unemployed, ” he said.

(NAN)

…as Jigawa farmers wait for rain to start farming

F

armers in Jigawa are set for this year’s farming season, an investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has revealed.

Our correspondent in Dutse, who visited many farming communities, found that farmers were busy clearing their lands in preparation for the season.

In Siltilmawa village, a farmer, who gave his name as Ibrahim Abdullahi, told NAN that he was ready to start farming as soon as the rains start falling.

Abdullahi said that he had cleared his land and applied local manure on it, and that all he was waiting for was for rain to fall so that he could start planting.

“I am ready with the seeds to plant and all the necessary farm inputs to apply on my farm”, he added.

Malam Tanko Shehu, a rice farmer from Hadejia, said he was ready along with many of his colleagues to start planting, adding “all we are waiting for is the rain to fall.” (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 22

V

ideo chat with a live teller, get exact change or pay your credit card bills. The United States's biggest banks are giving Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) a facelift.

By investing in "new-fangled ATMs," the nation's banks are hoping to keep customers coming back and cut costs at the same time, said Mark Schwanhausser, a senior financial services analyst at Javelin Strategy.

It costs banks an average of $1.25 (N200) to conduct an ATM transaction, compared to $4.25 (N680) each time a customer makes a transaction with a teller at a branch, Javelin found. And while costs may rise for more advanced ATMs, it's still likely to be cheaper than inperson banking, said Schwanhausser.

Plus, ATMs that perform many of the functions that tellers do could allow banks to reduce staffing. "But they're not looking at it as a way to replace tellers completely -- it's a way to give the customer the choice," he said.

At Bank of America, new Teller Assist machines, for example, you can swipe your debit card, credit card, driver's license or photo ID for authentication and then a live teller -- physically based in Delaware or Florida -- pops up on the screen to assist its customers.

Customers can then cash checks and receive exact change down to the cent. Customers can also withdraw cash in $1, $5, $20 and $100 bills. And soon, customers 'll be able to split deposits between accounts and

Next-generation ATMs boast video chat, exact change

Bank of America is rolling out Teller Assist machines that allow customers to video chat with bank tellers and receive exact change down to the penny. make loan and credit card payments. To perform most of the more advanced functions, you need to be video chatting with a teller. But you can always perform standard transactions - like getting $40 -- without connecting to an agent.

The bank says the machines

will be able to perform about 80% of the services a traditional teller can, and they will be open longer than traditional bank branches -- from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Currently in 12 locations in Boston, the bank plans to place the ATMs in

branch lobbies, 24-hour areas and drive-through locations across the country this year.

Earlier this year, Citi unveiled new Citibank Express machines in Asia that allow customers to log in using their fingerprints and open accounts and apply for loans and credit

Doing business in Nigeria: An expatriate’s view

S

outh African Pieter de Wet has been living in Lagos, Nigeria for the past nine months. He works for First Guarantee Pension Limited as research analyst focussing on Africa.

To learn about Africa, and in his case Nigeria, you have to be on the ground, says De Wet. "You can't sit in Cape Town in your ivory tower and try and understand Africa. The first world is easy to analyse from there, but not Africa."

"You have to get to know the culture," he says. "For instance, most African companies pay their dividends out all the time.

This is a very short term view and results in a vicious cycle.

People don't want to invest anymore if they don't receive dividends, but this means there is nothing left to invest back into the company."

"In 2004 the Nigerian pension industry was basically resurrected from the dead and a few licences were granted to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). The new legislation has done a lot for the industry, but they are still far behind South Africa with regards to the sophistication of the market," he says.

Despite the opportunities in Africa, major obstacles remain to doing business on the

continent. De Wet says that he will schedule meetings for the day, lasting only one or two hours, but then end up spending three hours in the traffic just getting there and back. "I have never seen anything like it in my life," he says.

"Between entering the airport and getting on a plane I get bribed an average of three times.

Everyone wants something, it has become ingrained. It is a big system and change is not going to happen overnight," he says.

Another issue is power supply. "We get about 10 hours' of power from the grid, the rest of the time we use generators.

The pollution and noise are sometimes unbearable. About 45% of a company's revenue is spent on power," he says.

However, he remains positive about Africa. "Politically it is beginning to stabilise, which means it will draw more investors. For instance Shoprite can now build a shopping centre, without fear that it will be taken away," he explains.

Generalising about Africa remains a big mistake. "People blindly think that Africa is the new China, but this is naĂŻve.

Africa is a continent, some parts are awesome and others are not."

"We are now setting up a private equity fund, which will

invest in shopping malls in Nigeria, worth around $75 million to $100 million. This is a revolutionary concept in Nigeria," he says.

While De Wet says he misses fresh fruit and vegetables and dining out at a reasonable price, one thing he does not miss is South Africa's pessimism.

"People do not realise how advanced South Africa's infrastructure and systems are in comparison to the rest of Africa. Our media has made us a negative bunch that keeps thinking it is the end times and that South Africa will become Zimbabwe or Nigeria," he says.

"The media in Nigeria is a lot more positive, maybe because the country has come from a more desperate place," he says.

"In South Africa the media is extremely negative, we hardly see any news about projects that are successful, somewhere something must be going right?

I can almost understand the South African government's animosity towards the media."

"All the feel good stories are about nature or some silly funny story. The South African media is terrible in that regard. The afro-pessimism is apparent in almost everything they write.

Everything is not as black and white as they make it out to be," he explains. (Bloomberg)

cards using videoconferencing.

They may also eventually be able to print new credit and debit cards. The bank plans to expand the machines globally later this year, though it won't reveal specific countries yet.

Meanwhile, Wells Fargo is introducing ATMs with 19-inch screens that will be open 24 hours and dispense $1, $5, $20 and $100 bills, instead of only $20 bills like traditional ATMs. The first new ATM was opened in Washington, D.C., on April 15, and the bank plans to expand to other U.S. locations.

It is also updating the interface on existing ATMs so that screens are personalized for each customer -- for example, it will give you the option to withdraw $80 right away if that's the amount you typically request and it will show you how much cash you've taken out over the past month.

Chase also has a new model of ATM that allows customers to receive exact change and to pay credit card bills. It has opened about 650 of these "self-service kiosks" so far and plans to have around 900 by the end of the year.

It is currently piloting the option of dispensing coins in addition to bills and is "evaluating options" regarding videoconferencing services.

PNC (PNC, Fortune 500), meanwhile, has upgraded more than half of its 7,200 ATMs over the past year to dole out change down to the dollar.

Schwanhausser said he wouldn't be surprised to see a growing number of banks investing in more advanced ATMs. "If people gravitate toward that and there's enough volume there, I would expect ATMs to take on a greater roll in banking," he said. (Source: CNNMoney)

PEOSPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Report as at Tuesday, April 23, 2013

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

07055652553 udennaorji@yahoo.com

Mass housing to drive Nigeria’s economic development Pg 26

FG should encourage banks to grant mortgage loans to Nigerians– Ozoani Pg 27

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 25

Need inspiration? Redecorate your home Part of making life more exciting and inspiring is to redecorate our homes; the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, patios; indeed to have the entire home oozing out a new look that enables our minds to function afresh and open to us new thoughts and fresh ideas that will have us approaching challenges with well-thought out winning strategies. Want to make 2013 really different? Then try out these design tips in your home.

Think Upward The designer of this small kitchen extends the kitchen upwards to ensure accommodation of stuff and to avoid clutter. Home Depot designer Emily O'Keefe added cabinetry with period charm to this small kitchen. "Since space was tight, I went up, stacking the cabinets," she says. "The ceilings are 11 feet high, but not every cabinet touches the ceiling that way they look more like furniture."

Its a smart idea worth trying in your own kitchen.

Mirrors Work Magic A kitchen with a mirrored backsplash as in this picture gives the illusion of more space. The kitchen opens up to the living room on one side and the family room, where we eat and watch TV, on the other. The idea is that it should be an extension of both of these spaces.

Leave Cabinets Open An open cabinet is more interesting than a closed one. Let people into your secret world.

Go Dark Dark walls do the opposite of what you'd expect: They make a small room feel bigger.

Wallpaper Is Easy The fastest way to make over sliding closet doors is to wallpaper them, like Melissa Warner did to turn a bedroom into her office.

It was a roll call of some of the most important personalities in Abuja's property and construction market when Mr. Oscar Ehirim, Marketing Manager of renowned property developer, El-Salem Nigeria Limited, dedicated his first child, a baby girl, Sharon, at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro Cathedral Catholic Church, Area 3, Garki, Abuja, recently.

In this picture taken at the event, the baby's mother, Favour Ehirim, holds little Sharon while proud father, Oscar, (second right) and some guests look to a bright future for baby Sharon.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Mass housing to drive Nigeria’s economic development

By Udenna Orji

N

igeria's deficit of 16 million housing units may soon be erased if ongoing meetings and collaborative efforts between the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development yield fruits.

Government is said to have finally accepted the counsel from experts that a vigorous and robust housing development programme aimed at reducing the nation's ballooning housing deficit would have a positive effect in not only providing houses for Nigerians but in reviving the comatose industrial sector. A revival of the nations ailing manufacturing sector would help mop up the swelling army of unemployed graduates now roaming the streets in search of elusive jobs.

It was to use the housing sector as one of the launching pads for reviving the Nigerian economy that led to the approval of the new National Policy on Housing and National Policy on Urban Development by the Federal Executive Council last year. Speaking on the approval of the new policies recently, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple said "the approved policies are veritable instruments for empowering the ministry to reposition and revitalize the sector to optimize its contributions to the development of our national economy, especially in the area of job and wealth creation as well as enhanced contribution to the GDP". The two new policies are expected to deliver about one million housing units annually to Nigerians.

Confirming these feelers from government, Muhammed Jibrin, Chief Executive Officer of Abuja-based Sun Trust Savings & Loans Ltd, a mortgage bank, said "I am aware that the Minister of Finance and the Coordinator of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is committed to and looking at the housing sector as a catalyst for growth and employment generation.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple has been holding stakeholder meetings with the sector. She has set up committees, she is doing a great job honestly and the Federal Mortgage Bank has been providing the necessary support to this effect. I know that the housing and finance ministers have been working together to ensure that the housing sector is jump-started

President Goodluck Jonathan seriously this year. It is on top of their radar. The idea is to create jobs in the economy. The Central Bank needs to get involved too by providing the necessary funds and credit guarantees to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria in particular and to the sector in general. The Nigerian housing sector is one of the most diagnosed sectors of the economy. The issues that are militating against its development are very clear."

Jibrin said.

A recent World Bank report says Nigeria has the potential to become Africa's foremost economic power, with an average GDP of six per cent per annum, buoyed by a young and growing population of 160 million. Morgan Stanley, an investment banking institution, also predicted that Nigeria's economy would outperform South Africa's by 2025 to become the biggest in Africa. The macroeconomic outlook is favourable. With an expected stable inflation rate, five per cent rural to urban immigration, and three per cent population growth, experts say Nigeria is a huge real estate market by all

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala standards.

Concurring with the statistics, the Jibrin noted that "in the highly developed economies, the average contribution of the real estate and housing sectors to the GDP is 40 per cent. In every economy, there is an engine room for that economy. The Nigerian housing sector can serve as that engine room as we seek to diversify our economic base. The sector has the potential to generate and create huge economic activities.

The housing sector needs to consume other building materials and products such as electrical equipment, furniture, paints, roofing, cement, etc.

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

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

Jibrin highlighted poor mortgage development as one of the problems hindering the

development of the housing sector and called for the use of pension funds to boost mortgage development in Nigeria. His words: "the Pension Reform Act, 2004, has made it possible for people to have a contributory pension scheme in place. The pension industry has over N3 trillion of pension funds under management. These are mostly long-term funds and are the most qualified to support the mortgage industry in attaining its millennium development goals.

But these funds, understandably, are mostly locked up in government treasury bills and bonds. These (pension) funds have to be unlocked and made available for the real estate sector. This is because the funds are basically long-term and you may not have the problem we (mortgage banks) experience today in terms of mismatch in the maturity profile of the loans we grant, because mortgage loans are long term as against the deposits we take that are mostly short-tenured.

If you do an actuarial valuation of the pension funds managed by the PFAs (Pension Fund Administrators), the minimum average number of

years the money will remain with the PFAs is about 20 years. This is what we call long term money. This is the type of money you expect should go into the housing and mortgage sector" Managing Director, Union Assurance Company Limited, Mr. Godwin Odah while blaming poor development of Nigeria's mortgage industry on the low level of insurance penetration and awareness in the country described insurance as a mechanism for mobilizing funds, adding that mortgage and housing remained scarce because there were no funds.

"We need long term funds, which is what life insurance provides. Life insurance comes in the category of 5, 10 and 15year plans and so on. Funds at the disposal of banks are shortterm in nature and most times, have a maximum tenor of 90 days before the owners come calling and with this condition, banks can only lend short-term at high interest rates that are largely a disincentive to the entrepreneur in the real estate business. But the situation will be better if banks had insurance life funds", Odah said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 27

FG should encourage banks to grant mortgage loans to Nigerians– Ozoani T

he Federal Government has been called upon to develop mortgage policies that will encourage Nigerian banks to grant mortgage loans to Nigerians at a maximum of 9% per annum.

Government has also been urged to check the rising inflationary trend in Nigeria as the trend is causing a steady rise in the cost of building inputs in Nigeria, leading to high costs in property development and sales.

Speaking with Peoples Daily on how to boost homeownership

in Nigeria and reduce the nation’s estimated 17 million units housing deficit, the Group General Manager of mass housing developer, El-Salem Nigeria Limited, Mr. Geoffrey Ozoani appealed to government to “come up with very definite policies on mortgage. Definite implementable policies on mortgage that make it attractive for commercial banks to offer mortgage loans to Nigerians because most commercial banks are not providing mortgage facilities”.

He noted that “the fear of our commercial banks is how they can recover their money but a mortgage loan is the easiest loan to recover because the house serves as collateral and usually also rises in value over time. The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) loan is at 6% but if all our commercial banks are encouraged through attractive policies to offer mortgage loans at say 8% or 9%, Nigeria’s housing deficit will drastically reduce.

Even in Namibia where I recently returned from, the

commercial banks pursue people to come and collect mortgage loans because their mortgage system works perfectly.

He noted that “there is also the burning need to create awareness to Nigerians about mortgages and Nigerian mortgage institutions. Even contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) do not know what they are contributing for. States and local governments should make land available to developers and encourage their workers to get loans from mortgage institutions

to buy their own houses”.

Commenting on the problems hindering the development of the housing sub-sector, he regretted that “prices of cement and other building materials keep rising even after you have agreed on a house price with a client. By the time the client pays 10% of say N5 million, the cost of building the house has risen to N7 million.

Besides all these is the difficulty in getting land. A plot of land jumps in prices virtually monthly. These are some of the challenges”.

Foreign investors eye real estate opportunities in Nigeria

I

nterestingly, despite the recent global meltdown and turmoil in Dubai where property prices are coming down, discerning investors, with eyes on the future are building more portfolios in real estate.

And following the approval of a new National Housing Policy and a new Urban Development Policy by the Federal Executive Council last June, foreign capital has been flooding into the country for housing development under the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) through which the federal government intends to build one million housing units annually under the new housing policy.

The reason for the blossoming real estate sector in Nigeria, according to Seyi Oyetunde, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Continental Estates, is because “real estate cannot crash, it stabilizes.

Demand is higher than supply in real estate. I tell you there is nowhere else like real estate. The richest men in the world, if you look at their wealth, the bulk of it comes from real estate. I can’t remember exactly now but I know about 90 per cent of the world’s richest men thrive in real estate. Even when they do other things, it is based on their stock of

Building materials production can drive industrial development, says Popoola

A

s a means of diversifying the economy and creating jobs, the General Manager of Vidson Ventures, Northern Region, Pastor Wale Popoola has called on the Federal Government to harness the abundant potentials of the aluminum industry in order to lay a solid foundation for the industrial and economic development of Nigeria”.

Pastor Popoola, an aluminum expert said, “the aluminium industry is a vast industry because people make massive use of aluminium worldwide. Much of what we see in automobiles and aircraft is aluminium. This is because the components are durable. Although it is used in

large quantities abroad, in Nigeria, it is scantily used. Even in the building industry, we are yet to use up to 10% of the potential of aluminium. We have about 4 notable aluminium extrusion plants in Nigeria and this is grossly inadequate.

Billets are the primary products you work upon to get aluminium products. They are extruded to get aluminium.

Nothing less than 65% of the aluminium used in Nigeria is imported from Europe. Nigeria can accommodate 60 – 70 aluminium extrusion plants.

They say aluminium plants are capital intensive but Nigerians are wasting foreign exchange importing aluminium. This nation should invest in extrusion

plants. However, the erratic electric power supply in Nigeria will be a problem because aluminium is power-based. If you run the extrusion plant with a generator, you may go under.

Government should fix the power sector.

According to the aluminium expert, “All we are doing in Nigeria is trade in imported aluminium. But we should produce it here. Many industries need it. It is important in our industrial development and in employment creation. It will conserve foreign exchange.

Government should do the right thing. They should back up policies with concrete action.

There are always good policies but

poor implementation. When we talk about the Asian tigers, it is because these people discovered the needs of their nations. In the 80’s in Nigeria, people worked in shifts in factories but those industries are moribund today.

We should focus on manufacturing to jump-start the economy and aluminium development will help industrialize Nigeria because diverse manufactured products are made with aluminium. A fraction of the money we realize from oil if judiciously spent can industrialize Nigeria. Nigerians are industrious people. If an enabling environment is created, this country will be greater than the big European countries”

real estate. They own corner shops everywhere, corner shops that enjoy appreciation. Because they own their own shops, they don’t rent and if at all they’ve got to rent, maybe it’s out of compulsion. But 90% or 95% of their locations are out rightly owned. People whose wealth is phenomenal and will last about four generations without effort are in real estate. I tell you it is exodus syndrome that happens in Nigeria. With the direct foreign investment into the Nigerian market too, many shops are opened, so many people globally are beginning to realize that the local market in Nigeria is attractive for their various businesses. One of the first things they will need is commercial real estate and then maybe back it up with one serious luxury apartment for the CEO and then the other managers can be given housing allowances and the rest of them.”

U D Bond extends sales discount on properties

P

roperty company, U D Bond Shelter Services Limited has extended its sales discount on properties. The company has announced that it is extending the discount sales to enable more Nigerians become homeowners.

Executive Director of the company, Mrs. Nkechi Ugochukwu called on intending homeowners to seize the opportunity of the ongoing sales discount on properties to own their own homes, adding that U D Bond is committed to ensuring that majority of Nigerians become homeowners.

U D Bond has on offer various house types including flats, bungalows, terrace houses, duplexes and others in different districts of Abuja. There are various payment options including mortgage assistance from reputable mortgage institutions. Also available for sale by the company are undeveloped and serviced plots of land for homes, plazas, factories and hotels.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Chevrolet Impala sheds its old personality

A

lthough the Chevrolet Impala is well known because of its iconic name and significant presence in rental fleets, the previous-generation car wasn't exactly a hit with everyday consumers.

It was an anonymously styled sedan with little to offer beyond its spacious interior, and we took issue with its cut-rate cabin materials and soggy handling. The fully redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala is a vastly better car, however, and worthy of consideration if you're shopping for a large sedan.

The 10th generation of Chevy's big sedan is built on a new platform shared with the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac XTS. Not only is the 2014 Chevy Impala roomy, it finally has the composed ride and precise steering you expect in a modern sedan. Perhaps more importantly, the new Impala sheds its old personality -- which was about as dynamic as a sweater vest -- for bigger curves, bolder lines and a bit more length. Inside, designers have brought the Chevrolet Impala into the 21st century with a new dash and center stack design, quality materials and a touchscreen infotainment interface now expected of cars in this class.

Remember, the previous Impala didn't even come with a navigation system.

Initially, all new Impalas will come with a V6 engine, and that 305-horsepower six-cylinder provides competitive acceleration and fuel economy for this class.

Later on, Chevrolet will also offer two four-cylinder engines on the Impala: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 2.4-liter eAssist mild hybrid option. The Chevy Impala eAssist, which uses a small electric motor in some conditions to save fuel, is expected to achieve 35 mpg on the highway. But we also expect it to be rather slow; this same engine drags the similarly sized Buick LaCrosse from zero to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds.

Overall, though, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala's transformation puts it right back in the competition with the rest of the full-size sedan class. A Toyota Avalon will cost you a bit more but has arguably become the standard-bearer in this segment.

On the home front, the Ford Taurus is a key domestic rival, as is the stylish rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300, which represents one of the best values in the group.

But with its striking new looks, contemporary cabin and stout road feel, the Impala is finally a legitimate contender among fullsize sedans.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan offered in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. When you're shopping, you might notice the LT and LTZ are further subdivided into 1LT and 2LT, and 1LZ and 2LZ packages. It sounds confusing but the packages merely identify which engine the car has: The 1LT and 1LZ have a four-cylinder

engine; the 2LT and 2LZ come with a V6.

Standard features on the entry-level LS (which is fourcylinder only) include 18-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, full power accessories, a tiltand-telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer, OnStar e m e r g e n c y communications, Bluetooth and a

sixspeaker sound system with a CD player, satellite and HD radio, USB/iPod connectivity, an auxiliary input and a 4.2-inch color display. A convenience package with rear parking sensors, foldable rear headrests and a cargo net is the only option on the LS.

Moving up to the LT gets you 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leatherwrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and the MyLink infotainment interface with an 8inch touchscreen display,

Bluetooth streaming audio and an SD card slot. A four-cylinder engine is standard on 1LT models, while the 2LT has the V6. Options on the LT are grouped in packages (and often have to be purchased in combination with one another) and include an upgraded

Convenience package with parking sensors, a rearview camera and remote start, and a Safety package with a collision warning system, a lane departure warning system, rear cross-traffic alerts and blind spot monitoring.

There's also a Premium Seating package with simulated suede upholstery and seat heaters; a Navigation package that also includes keyless ignition/ entry; and a Bose Audio package and Wheel package that fits the car with 19-inch wheels. A sunroof is a stand-alone option.

The top-of-the-line LTZ has all of the above items as standard, save for the Bose audio system and navigation system, which remain optional. The sunroof, meanwhile, is optional on 1LZ models but standard on 2LZ models. All LTZ

models come with leather upholstery and are eligible for exclusive options like 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control and the Comfort & Convenience package with ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, driver memory settings and autodimming rearview and driver-side mirrors.

A 2.5-liter four-

cylinder engine is standard on all three t r i m levels of the Chevrolet 2 0 1 4 Impala. It's rated at 195 hp and 187 pound-feet of torque.

A 3.6-liter V6 rated at 305 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque is optional on the LT and LTZ models.

Late in 2013, the mild hybrid Impala eAssist will debut with a 182-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a small 15-hp electric motor that operates in certain conditions to save fuel.

A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is front-wheel drive.

Source: Edmunds.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 29

Abuja forum provides recipe for Literary laurels

FR OM THE FROM LIVE ST AGE STA with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

These headache times

T

Workshop Participants at the workshop

D

o not be in a rush to be published. Quality is always better than quantity. Editing is critically important. If your story is set in the 80s make sure your character is not answering GSM phones".

These words represent part of the lecture, Chinelo Onwualu, a Professional Editor and Guest Lecturer gave in the general class on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the on-going April Writing Workshops organized by the Abuja Writers Forum (AWF) Onwualu, a former US based Writer did not mince words when she urged Writers to pay great attention to editing as against rushing to get published in her paper titled: The Importance of Editing.

It was the general opening lecture of the day. "New writers tend to think that editing merely means a brief read through for typos and spelling errors. That is the very last thing to do. The best writers re-write and re-write. Too many Nigerian Authors are going into the world of letters with dreams of instant stardom. For them, it was more important to see their book published than to make sure it is a quality product. They are approaching writing the same way one would approach the selling of second hand shoes with an eye to quick profit and a big launch with a lot of deep pocket donors. They have no desire to go through the pains and hassles of a thorough editorial process. Make sure you are not one of those writers", Onwualu instructed.

The Editing lecture won the hearts of the local and foreign participants many of whom were professionals in the arts, behavioural science as well as exact science. They all agree that the topic was all relevant. As many of them would later also admit to this Reporter, "getting quality editing for our works has been as problematic as getting funding for publishing.

Hamdala plaza, on Jimmy carter Street, Asokoro, Abuja has been a be-hive of activities since April 6, when the workshop started. Not that the plaza is ever quiet. No. Apart from the fact that it habours the International Institute of Journalism, (IIJ), a training wing of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), It also houses other businesses.

But investigations reveal that the plaza has become much busier since the workshop commenced.

Midway through Onwualu's lecture, the Director of IIJ and Coordinator of AWF, Dr Emman Usman Shehu, announced that the workshop treats the three genres of

By Balarabe Oshiafi literature-Fiction, poetry and drama. And that when the Editing class was over participants will spilt into syndicates accordingly "So the drama class is to my right, while the poetry class is just behind us. The fiction class will remain here, he said, gesticulating to indicate the directions he meant.

Upon the commencement of the syndicate sessions, organized noise became palpable with each of the classes engaging in incisive intellectual exercises.

This Reporter had an entertaining time in the Drama class for instance, as he watched Anthony Abu, the lecturer paint a scenario and asked the participants to give it shape and rhythm.

Indeed the responses were not haphazard. They bore the essential ingredients of a good plot-Events will build upon a conflict situation, get to crescendo and make resolution expedient. The Drama syndicate also witnessed several comedy tests, some verbal, some written.

Abu identified that the comedy variant of Drama could no longer be relegated in literary discourses in Nigeria as a result of the enviable echelon it now occupies. What with the material success contemporary Comedians like Ali Baba, AY, Princess, Julius Agwu, Okey Bakassi, Gbenga Adeyinka, Victor Osuagwu, I Go Die, to mention a few have achieved for themselves!

Almost all the participants in the Drama syndicate affirmed that they may develop movie scripts soon with the knowledge they have acquired at the workshop.

In the informed opinion of this Reporter, this is instructive. Nigeria terribly needs to diversify her economy as a strategy for solving crude oil-induced multifarious sociocultural problems, reduce unemployment, and boost foreign exchange earnings. In America, entertainment grosses over Six hundred million dollars annually for her economy. The emerging entertainment industry in Nigeria is a waiting goldmine!

At the poetry class, Dr Shehu demonstrated his known brilliance as he took participants through the whys and wherefores of the genre.

Not one to waste words, he took listeners through a crash programme which many admited could last them a life time.

"A poet", he said "must be extra sensitive. For an ordinary passer by, the usual chaotic situation in Oshodi, Lagos is all noise. But for the poet, the seeming endless chaos, the blaring

of horns, music from loud speakers, the haggling over prices, the diatribes over ownership of hawking spots may well be sweet music".

It was in this poetry class that this Reporter got a deeper insight into the mode of the workshop. Participant are brought fully in and their works (assignments, tests and published works) used to teach.

The Oshodi example was based on a poem by Olumide Olaniyan, a participant which he had earlier on read.

Apart from the sharpening of the intellect, another high point of this workshop was the announcement, just before lunch, to the effect that an Arts enthusiast is sponsoring an anthology of short stories for participants and members of AWF. Speaking on phone with this Reporter, the sponsor, Mr. Ogbonwan Nosakhare, a Banker said, "Im doing it in my personal capacity. I am just moved by my interest to contribute to filling the void".

This announcement drew wide commendation from participants.

Lindsey Tulloch, a Canadian says, "One couldn't be luckier. I will present my short story when screening for the anthology commences. This is an opportunity. I would like to be published in Nigeria".

The fiction Writer who expressed gratitude to AWF urged the Nigerian government to take advantage of this opportunity( the workshop and the sponsorship) to rally support for writers adding that, "Developing Nations need inputs of their creative minds".

She also said, "I love Nigerian Writers. I have read Things Fall Apart

by Chinua Achebe, Purple Hibiscus

by Chimmamanda Ngozi Adiche and Helon Habila's book", adding that the applause which greeted the announcement of the sponsorship underscores the pains which Writers in the developing world go through to get their works published.

What does Julie Ebikwo, a Civil Servant and Novelist think? " Creative minds should get more organized so they could make inputs to policies affecting their industry. "No doubt, what I have gained here will enhance my writing.

I find the sponsorship highly inspiring. It is an impetus not just for us but also for the government", she enthused.

One of the Instructors at the Workshop, Mr Bob Majiri Oghene is to join Chinelo Onwualu in editing the Anthology.

The workshop which spices its lunch breaks with musical entertainment is ending on April 27, 2013.

hese are certainly not the best of times for creativity. These are headache times. These are the times when the chemist or if we are lucky the Doctor tells us that the consumption of pain killer is getting to abnormal levels. But the use of pain killers is one of the few options left to know that one is still sane and still alive.

These times fortunately are also providing us with a lot of materials for both tragedy and comedy. These are times that bring out the worst and the lowest in us. I am not here referring to a certain class of people that are in the minority that seem to be making mincemeat out of the majority.

I get amused these days just watching people go by. The other day, I was in my usual perch and within the space of one hour I counted eight different cases of physical fights. I mean full grown men throwing blows with reckless abandon.

Now our Sociologists have a divine call here to tell us why people are on edge these days and why they very easily resort to the rule of the cavemen to sort out challenges and issues that might arise from a car merely overtaking another car!

The other day security agents went ahead to destroy and demolish some shops that are regarded as shanties and were labelled as such. These shops were broken and dismantled before the break of dawn and stern looking agents in full uniform with all the medals took over these spaces daring anyone to come closer. The traders took their dare - they are back in their shops with umbrellas covering their heads from the sun. The agents are looking at the traders and vice versa. So in the mornings, the people come with their umbrellas, the agents come with their guns with vehicles parked not too far away - they all perch and admire themselves and the beauty of it is that in the course of two - three weeks they now address themselves with their names. Close of day, everyone goes home and the same scenario repeats itself the very next day. So why demolish their shops in the first place? Do you remember Nietzche's The Myth of Sisyphus?

Remember the rebellion of the lepers colony in Uzuakoli led by the formidable leper called Ikoli Harcourt Whyte?

This was the story of Ola Rotimi's Hopes of the Living Dead. The lepers simply wanted to be looked upon as human beings. The authorities chose to see them as lepers, the reject of the society.

Remember also in that monumental epic of a movie, Ben Hur, when the lepers are approaching they tied a bell around their necks shouting 'unclean, unclean', and everyone ran the other way.

But for the society to move forward, both the lepers and the 'normal' human beings must learn to accommodate themselves under this vast space called the earth. But we have created an abnormal situation. I have not had the benefit of travelling round the third world nations. But I am beginning to understand that when our rulers want to inflict pain and injury on the people, they refer us to how it is done abroad but when we ask them to give us the facilities that they have abroad they give us Keke Napep. In the town where I live and work, a Keke pointing right is actually not going right, it is in most cases going left! We have been counting the casualties from those contraptions since they were introduced.

We should no longer find meaning in these aberrations.

Instead, we should just live one day at a time. Most times we find that we just blow smoke and spittle from our mouths making all the wrong noises. The other day, I was on my way to Abuja very early in the morning. We got to one of those outskirts towns and there was this huge traffic snarl worse than what we were used to. We got to the market under the bridge and saw that the market there was being demolished. There was an on-going row between the security agents, the bulldozer drivers and the traders. Almost two months later, the traders are back with umbrellas in a market bigger than what used to exist there. What comedy can be better than this?

These are indeed times for the best creative minds - the materials are so rich and abundant and we just watch and watch to see where all this is leading us. Remember The Lion King's Circle of Life? We should simply title our story The Unending Circle of the Life! Oh what a life?

Does anyone remember Andrew Lloyd Webber's / Tim Rice's Oh What A Circus, Oh What A Show........

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Book R evie w Re view

Measuring Time‌Slowly

By Ikhide R. Ikheloa Nnamdi

Helon Habila is one formidable writer - of short stories. With the short story as a canvas, he takes his work ethic, mixes it up with his excellent powers of observation of the human condition and finishes up his patented recipe with a delicious dollop of prose poetry. With the short story Habila struts his stuff, gently telling complex truths with the aid of simple enchanting prose. The reader comes away comforted by this gentle storyteller who weaves evocative tales of mean giants who trample upon the innocent as they build monstrous edifices to tyranny. Habila's short stories leave you pining for more.

Unfortunately, more is not necessarily a novel. The novel as a medium of expression undermines Habila's strengths and exaggerates his weaknesses. Too bad, because on reading his latest offering Measuring Time, it is easy to forget that Habila is a celebrated writer with formidable literary skills.

After all Habila has won both the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the Caine Prize for African Writing. You don't get those accolades from tepid writing. I personally regard Helon Habila as one of Nigeria's important writers.

Clearly making the transition from the short story to the novel, in my view, has been problematic for Habila.

I have bought both books that he has written - Waiting for an Angel, and Measuring Time. I am yet to finish reading Waiting for an Angel; instead of chapters, it is organized in chunky sections and each section reads like a good short story that yearns to be completed. The book in sum reads like a short story stretched too far. In Habila's novels, truths that seemed profound in his short stories morph into overwrought banalities buried in way too many words. The analogy that comes to mind when thinking of Habila's two books is that of an ungainly stretch limousine populated with soulless characters. Some vehicles should not be stretch limousines.

In Measuring Time, we follow the fortunes and misfortunes of a set of twins the scholarly but sickly Mamo and the soldier of fortune LaMamo and in so doing we peek through the window of Nigeria's dwindling lights.

Their mother dies during their

birth and their father Lamang turns out to be one emotionally absent father. The twins are left to fend for themselves with the aid of extended family members.

LaMamo and Mamo are separated early in the book as LaMamo sets forth to join a mercenary group. Mamo stays behind in the village to ruminate on the meaning of history and to write autobiographies, most notably of the Mai or chief of the village of Keti (the Mai is expecting a hagiography but the idealist in Mamo would not oblige). LaMamo and Mamo connect through the distance with long letters from LaMamo. The writing in the letters reminds the reader of the contrived English that seems to be the rage these days thanks to Uzodinma Iweala's relentless (exasperating, I might add) use of that technique in his books. My humble opinion is that the technique fails to deliver in Habila's book.

So why read the book? I must say in Habila's defense that Measuring Time does grow on the reader, slowly but surely. Reading the book was a worthwhile, albeit frustrating exercise. The book does dip its many toes into too

many issues and flees without any serious attempt at indepth analysis. Habila's technique seems to be to slyly force the reader to think about these things, and in the process, force the reader to do the research. If that succeeds in awakening a consciousness in the reader, then Habila's experiment has been successful. This reader will never know. For me, it is hard to focus on the myriad issues in the book, thanks to an avalanche of clichĂŠd, uneven prose and dialogue that zigzags between American conversational English and English as is spoken in Nigeria.

Surprisingly, I found the book's editing to be mediocre, with the occasional word used inappropriately. The wooden prose may have been as a result of over-editing, I'll never know.

My first experience with chapters that are not numbered was with Wole Soyinka's You Must Set Forth at Dawn. I did not like it then and I don't like it that Habila adopts the same technique in his books.

Annoying, especially since each chapter reminds me of an unfinished short story.

The reader plodding

through Measuring Time feels like a ravished diner picking through a crab for crabmeat.

Hard work, but there is at least the promise of meat. Every now and then, the crab offers some meat but one wonders if it was worth the effort. My verdict is that the reading was well worth my time. There were gems. My favorite chapter (or section?) is the one named after the book, Measuring Time (p 138) the one that houses my favorite lines: "‌ and as he waited he measured time in the shadows cast by trees and walls, in the silence between one breath and the next, in the seconds and minutes and hours and days and weeks and months that add up to form the seasons " (p 139) Scrumptious. My favorite sentence: "Lamang died in degrees." (p 215) Neat.

There are more gems like that but you really have to plod through the book page by page to enjoy them.

All in all, reading Measuring Time was comforting for this reader who escaped Nigeria many, many moons ago. Where the book was good, one could almost taste Nigeria. My pre-teen daughter Ominira asked me if I liked the book and I said yes.

She has the book now and she seems engaged in it; she comes out of nowhere every so often and asks me questions about meanings buried inside the book. She seemed traumatized by a section in the book where the twins kill a dog and rub the dog's rheum in their eyes.

American kids don't like dog murderers; I'll have to find Habila and make him pay for my daughter's psychological counseling. Ominira has been dragging the book all over the place along with her ipod and other accoutrements of American youth. It is a good thing. Our children should read these books. Would I read Habila's books again?

Absolutely, once I find my copy of Waiting for an Angel.

Source: Africanwriter.com

POEM OF THE WEEK

AT HIS HOUSE

By Anele Mkhwananzi I visited the Poet's house.

At the living room they had a picture of him wearing glasses hanging on the wall, wide eyed lurking from behind the transparent lenses.

A man whom so ever he is; is strong in his own house but here was no man only a picture locked inside a frame hanging on the wall.

His lovely wife greeted me warmly with a sturdy arm.

As if wanting to tell me some secret, she leaned forward and then back perhaps whatever she wanted to say ought not to be said to a child.

Her son followed behind her closely confirming his mother's gratitude he gave me a similar hand shake nothing like his mother's but firm enough that I got the message; that here was a strong family.

I waited to see the Poet.

To feel the firmness of his hand shake but there was no Poet to be had.

Only this picture of him hanging on the wall accentuated by his watchful eyes.

Eyes that see nothing today but everything that was there before. I wondered in my mind where the Poet was.

Where the man responsible for this lovely family could have gone?

He was not such a man to forget his family and leave it at the mercy of a picture's protection.

So many questions flooded my mind. Was he busy writing or editing something in the study. Had he gone to work for the day perhaps to a recital some function he was asked to come to.

I searched for an answer on their faces but none was revealed nothing for his and their sake was mentioned, nothing was said not even in passing.

So we ran outside the two of us to play to be kids again.

I was later to find out that the Poet like his picture had been imprisoned for writing insightful poetry

QUO TE UOTE Humorists can never start to take themselves seriously. It's literary suicide.

- Erma Bombeck

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 31

Paraguay's rightward spiral ANALYSIS

By William G Moseley

T

en months after the 2012 parliamentary coup that overthrew Paraguayan president Fernando Lugo, the South American nation has elected a new leader: Horacio Cartes of the Colorado Party.

Prior to the election of Lugo in 2008, the party ruled the country for 61 consecutive years. At its helm for 35 of these was dictator Alfredo Stroessner.

Cartes' claims to fame includes an appearance in a 2010 WikiLeaks cable from the United States embassy in Buenos Aires concerning "Operation Heart of Stone", a project targeting drug trafficking and money laundering outfits in locations such as the Tri Border Area (TBA) between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

According to the cable, Cartes was the director of "an organization believed to launder large quantities of United States currency generated through illegal means, including through the sale of narcotics, from the TBA to the United States".

The presidency of Cartes' predecessor Lugo consisted of one opposition attempt after another to dislodge the man.

The desired pretext for a coup finally arrived on June 15, 2012, when a confrontation between Paraguayan police and landless campesinos resulted in the deaths of six members of the former group and 11 members of the latter.

The confrontation occurred as police attempted to remove the campesinos from a sliver of territory in Curuguaty, where businessman and one-time Colorado Party politician Blas Riquelme deemed them to be in violation of his personal lebensraum.

To be sure, land rights are a touchy subject in a country in which eighty percent of arable land belongs to two percent of the population.

According to human rights reports, the police operation in Curuguaty involved extrajudicial assassinations, torture, and arbitrary detentions. The post-massacre judicial process has, however, been decidedly selective.

Mariana Ladaga, a journalist at Paraguay's La Nación newspaper, recounted to me a phone conversation with Paraguayan prosecutor JalilRachid concerning detained campesinos.

The word "campesino" was a misnomer, Rachid told her; the proper term was "invader".

An intriguing glimpse into Rachid's modus operandi appeared earlier this year on the Yahoo! Newswebsite: The prosecutor says he has no physical evidence showing who killed [the] six police

Horacio Cartes, the newly elected president of Paraguay, was allegedly involved in money laundering according to a WikiLeaks cable from the United States embassy in Buenos Aires [AP]

officers... He says he didn't even try to determine who killed 11 farm workers who also died when the bullets started flying. Even so, Rachid has said he'll ask a judge... to formally charge 10 peasants who survived the fusillade with attempted homicide, and punish them with up to 25 years in prison.

The first beneficiary of the Curuguaty massacre was Federico Franco, who ascended to the presidency as Lugo's replacement.

In tragicomically blatant confirmation of some of the real motives behind the coup, the Franco regime promptly presided over the domestic institutionalisation of Monsanto's Bt cotton and signed aMemorandum of Understanding with transnational mining corporation Rio Tinto Alcan.

During my recent interview with Franco at the presidential residence in Asunción, he declared the country "ideal for investors" and spoke gleefully of genetically modified organisms and the opportunities for financial betterment these afford to farmers.

Of course, given Bt cotton's track record and the fact that it has contributed to a situation in

India in which nearly 300,000 farmers have committed suicide - many as a result of being driven into debt by the crop - it's not difficult to see that the corporate elite have superior chances of undergoing GMOinduced financial betterment.

Franco's neoliberal ecstasy turned to momentary ire when I asked if he detected any similarities between the 2009 coup d'état against Manuel Zelaya in Honduras and last year's events in Paraguay.

In both cases, right-wing putschists claimed that their respective coups were not in fact coups but rather manifestations of democracy.

As for yesterday's ostensible manifestation of democracy in the Paraguayan elections, the triumph of the ultra-right in what was merely a contest between two ultra-right candidates alludes to another common denominator between Paraguay and Honduras.

Both heads of state were

“

The ultimate effect of the 2012 coup - the very occurrence of which has been effectively purged from history - is a constriction of the political spectrum that impedes an amelioration of the circumstances of the non-elite majority

disposed of for allegedly being overly leftist when, in reality, the policies of Zelaya and Lugo constituted relatively minor challenges to entrenched power.

It appears that, in the lexicon of the Latin American elite, "leftism" has come to signify anything less than rabidly right-wing.

As José Tomás Sánchez, a former minister under Lugo, put it to me: "The real threat that Lugo posed to the Paraguayan oligarchy was not socialism but simply better democracy".

Anti-democratic regression has now been validated via the ever-handy staging of elections - "staging" being the operative word in light of rampant reports of vote-buying.

The ultimate effect of the 2012 coup - the very occurrence of which has been effectively purged from history - is a constriction of the political spectrum that impedes an amelioration of the circumstances of the non-elite majority.

In other words, the "new direction" Cartes has promised for Paraguay is hardly new at all.

Source: AlJazeera

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

French Embassy in Libya hit by car bomb A

car bomb has exploded outside the French embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli, wounding two French guards and causing major damage.

The blast completely destroyed the embassy's reception area and parts of neighbouring homes, the BBC's RanaJawad reports from the scene.

French President Francois Hollande called on Libya to act swiftly over this "unacceptable" attack.

It is the first major attack on a foreign embassy in the Libyan capital.

Tuesday's explosion happened shortly after 07:00 (05:00 GMT) in a smart, residential area of Tripoli.

One of the embassy's guards was severely wounded while the other suffered lighter injuries.

Several residents were also slightly hurt.

The blast took place in a small side street and left a scene of devastation, our correspondent says.

As well as extensive damage to the embassy's building and perimeter wall, two nearby homes were badly damaged and others affected, the windows of a shop were blown out and two parked cars were burnt out.

Many neighbours who gathered in the street to survey the damage were shaken and upset by what had happened, our

Mandela honoured by film installation

A Emergency workers at the scene where two guards were wounded in the attack, according to French officials

correspondent reports.

They told her that there was a lack of proper policing for such a potentially high-profile target.

"It was a big mistake to site the French embassy in our neighbourhood," a local resident said.

President Hollande said the attack had targeted "all

countries in the international community engaged in the fight against terrorism".

"France expects the Libyan authorities to shed the fullest light on this unacceptable act, so that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice," he said.

France's foreign minister Laurent Fabius - who is on his

way to Libya - said French officials would work closely with the Libyan authorities to find out who was responsible for what he called an "odious act".

Libyan Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdel Aziz condemned the bombing as a "terrorist act", but did not speculate on who might be behind it.

Zambia court dismisses Rupiah Banda's application

A

Lusaka magistrate's court has dismissed an application by former Republican President Rupiah Banda to refer his matter to the High Court for constitutional issues because it lacks merit.

Chief Resident Magistrate Joshua Banda in his ruling yesterday described Banda's application as frivolous, vexatious and meritless.

The magistrate said it was in the public domain that the accused person had commenced judicial proceedings relating to the case and allowing the criminal matter to be referred to the High Court would be abuse of the judiciary.

"In relation to this application, there are no constitutional issues to warrant referring the case to the High Court.

"From the foregoing, the indictment is not defective as suggested by the defence and I order that trial proceeds," Mr Banda said.

Banda later applied to be given ample time to organise himself on whether he would appeal against the ruling or not but the magistrate refused, and asked both parties to wait for his ruling in the afternoon.

But when the matter came up for ruling in the afternoon, Banda abandoned his earlier application

and asked the court to proceed with trial as indicated by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mutembo Nchito.

This is in a case in which Banda is facing one count of abuse of authority of office regarding the procurement of oil from a Nigerian company involving US$2.5 million.

Meanwhile, the first witness testified that during his course of investigations he discovered a request letter with former minister of Energy, Kenneth Konga, in

which Banda was requesting for 45,000 barrels of crude oil per day from a Nigerian company.

Derrick Kasonka, 44, of Lusaka's Emmasdale Police Camp told the magistrate that he was currently attached to the Government Joint Investigations Team and was assigned to search Mr Konga'sKabulonga residence on December 23, 2011.

In the process, he found several documents and recorded them on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) form 12.

He said on one document it was written 'Request for a 45,000 barrels per day term crude oil purchase contract and proposed solid mineral trade'.

It was authored by Banda and addressed to then Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar'adua.

Banda is represented by his lawyers, Sakwiba Sikota of Central Chambers, Patrick Mvunga of Mvunga and Company, Eric Silwamba of Silwamba and Company and Irene Kunda of George Kunda and Company.

Malian army ‘managing misery’, not received funds - French colonel

T

he Malian army remains poor, corrupt and barely functional months after the launch of a European training mission to rebuild its strength, a French colonel said on Monday, urging a rapid payout of pledged donor funds.

The European Union approved in January a 15-month training mission to rebuild a badly paid and poorly equipped Malian army, with the aim of making it strong enough to fend off potential attacks by Islamist militants.

But nearly three months

later, corruption remains the rule in its ranks, soldiers are unable to train and some 8 million euros ($10 million) pledged by international donors at a conference in Addis Ababa have not reached the army.

“They’re managing misery.”

Bruno Heluin, who runs training for Malian troops in the EU mission, told Le Monde daily.

“The international community says, ‘We absolutely need to rebuild the Malian army’.

But not a euro cent has been given to the Malian army ... even though 8 million euros were

promised on January 29 at the Addis Ababa donor conference,” he added.

France has begun to withdraw its 4,000-strong force from Mali after it intervened to help Malian forces drive back an offensive by Islamist militants who had seized two-thirds of the country in the desert north.

The U.N. Security Council is considering a draft resolution to approve the creation of a 12,600strong U.N. peacekeeping force named MINUSMA, which would take over from a U.N.-backed African force currently in place.

film installation celebrating Nelson Mandela is taking over the electronic billboards in New York’s Times Square.

The short presentation was commissioned by the Tribeca Film Institute, the arts organisation cofounded by Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro.

Inspirational quotes will played across many of Times Square’s screens this month to celebrate the anti-apartheid leader’s 95th birthday in July.

Mandela’s grandson Ndaba said it would “remind us of our humanity”.

He added that his grandfather approved of The Power of Words installation. “If he doesn’t support something, he’ll let you know,” he toldReuters at the launch.

The 30-year-old worked with his cousin Kweku and filmmakers Nabil Elderkin, Andrew van der Westhuyzen and Gregory Stern to choose quotes from Mr Mandela’s speeches.

The three-minute presentation will be shown every night just before midnight as part of a series of installations which have already featured Icelandic singer Bjork and British conceptual artist Tracy Emin.

Emin, who was featured in February giving a Valentine’s Day message, said the project was “really brilliant”.

Mr Mandela, who spent 27 years in jail for fighting white minority rule, was freed in 1990 and became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994.

He stepped down after one term in 1999.

He recently suffered from health problems and spent more than a week in hospital for a recurring lung infection earlier this year.

Nelson Mandela

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 33

Israel and Turkey begin reconciliation talks I

sraeli and Turkish officials have made progress on compensation over a deadly 2010 Israeli raid on a Gazabound aid ship, and officials said they hoped a crucial step would be taken towards restoring oncesolid ties between the two

countries.

“This problem will be solved at a second meeting, and if not enough, at a third one,” Deputy Prime Minister BulentArinc, who leads the Turkish team, told reporters after meeting the Israeli officials in Ankara on

Monday.

“We both agree that this is a problem that needs to be swiftly resolved,” he added.

If resolved, a major stumbling block to upgrading bilateral diplomatic ties would be overcome, Arinc said.

He however acknowledged that neither the timetable nor the venue for a second gettogether were yet clear.

HashemAhelbarra, reporting from Ankara, said the purpose of the Israeli visit was to improve relations between the

Asia & Middle East two countries and move forward.

“These are countries that have many things in common,” Ahelbarra said. “They are pretty much concerned about the spillover in Syria, they have loads of regional issues. But to do that they have to convince the families of victims over the issue of compensation.”

N Deadly clashes break out in northern Iraq

C

lashes between security forces and antigovernment protesters in northern Iraq have left at least 20 people dead and dozens injured, officials said.

The clashes broke out early on Tuesday morning when security forces entered an open area in Hawijah, west of Kirkuk, where demonstrations have been held since January.

Iraq's ministry of defence said, in a statement, that 20 armed men were killed along with three army personnel one officer and two soldiers - in the blasts.

The statement also said that the armed men used protesters as cover, and that the army has arrested 75 "fighters" and seized 40 rifles, plus grenades.

Sheikh Abdullah Sami alAsi, a Sunni provincial official, said the fighting began when

security forces entered the protest area in the town and tried to make arrests.

The operation was reportedly aimed at Sunni rebels from a group known as the Naqshbandiya Army, and officials said that security forces only opened fire gunmen fired at them.

Al Jazeera's Jane Arraf, reporting from Baghdad, said the protests "started in December sparked by the arrest of a major Sunni politician."

The demonstrations are because "a lot of people are being arrested under a very vague and sweeping anti-terrorist law; a lot of these sweeps are happening in Sunni areas," she added. "They are also upset they have no jobs; a lot of Iraqis here were stripped of their jobs because they were affiliated with the former Ba'ath Party."

Protesters took to the streets over four months ago calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Maliki [EPA]

Palestinian prisoner agrees to end fast

A

Palestinian prisoner held

by Israel has agreed to end an on-off hunger strike that lasted for more than eight months in exchange for an early release, Palestinian officials say.

The fast by Samer al-Issawi, from a suburb of Jerusalem, had stoked weeks of street protests and concerns by Israel that his death might lead to mass unrest.

Issawi on Monday agreed to a deal brokered by Israeli and Palestinian officials to serve eight months for allegedly violating bail conditions for an earlier release, after which he will be freed to his Jerusalem home, Qadura Fares, head of the Palestinian prisoner organisation, told Reuters news agency.

Issawi's lawyer and sister

conveyed the offer just before midnight to his bedside in Israel's Kaplan hospital, where he had been under Israeli guard and receiving intravenous vitamins but was refusing food.

Israel convicted Issawi of opening fire on an Israeli bus in 2002, but released him in 2011 along with more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli soldier GiladShalit held hostage by the Hamas movement in Gaza.

Issawi was re-arrested last July after Israel said he violated the terms of his release by crossing from his native East Jerusalem to the occupied West Bank, and ordered the 32-year-old to stay in jail until 2029 - his original sentence.

Issawi's fast has triggered street protests in the Palestinian territories [Reuters]

Japan summons China envoy over disputed isles

J

apan has summoned the Chinese ambassador in protest over a flotilla of Chinese government ships that entered territorial waters near a disputed island chain.

Japan's foreign ministry said on Tuesday it had called in the envoy after eight Chinese vessels entered waters near the Senkaku islands, which China calls Diaoyu, the most in a single day since Tokyo nationalised part of

the archipelago in September.

The Chinese boats drove out a flotilla of 10 boats carrying about 80 Japanese activists from the nationalist Ganbare Nippon ("Stand Firm, Japan") group, which sailed into waters around the islets early on Tuesday.

They then began to withdraw from the area on the orders of Japanese Coast Guard patrol ships, when Chinese government surveillance ships came nearby.

The eight Chinese vessels drove out a convoy of Japanese activists which had sailed to the islands [Reuters]

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 34

Nicaragua arrests US most wanted list suspect Europe and

N

icaraguan police said they had arrested an American teacher on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list suspected of child pornography offences, and handed him over to US officials for extradition.

The suspect, former Washington teacher Eric Justin Toth, was arrested on Saturday in Esteli, 150 km north of Managua, said police chief AmintaGranera.

Granera said Toth had been living under an assumed identity and had been caught with a fake US passport,a fake driving license, and fake bank and credit cards.

"In other words, he was an expert," Granera told a news conference in Managua.

The police chief said that the suspect would be deported immediately, noting that he was in Nicaragua illegally.

He arrived in Nicaragua for the first time on October 24, 2012, left the country January 27 of this year and then reentered the country February 12 with false identification belonging to another US national, Granera said.

The 31-year-old Toth taught at a private school in the US capital and had also worked as a camp counselor.

He has been on the run since the District of Columbia and Maryland issued arrest warrants in 2008.

Toth is alleged to have had a school camera in his possession

in June 2008 that had pornographic images on it, the FBI said on its website.

He is also alleged to have produced child pornography in Maryland.

"Toth has often been described as a computer 'expert' and has demonstrated above-average knowledge regarding computers,

the use of the Internet, and security awareness," the FBI said.

It described Toth, who was added to the Most Wanted list in April 2012, as able to "integrate easily into socio-economic groups."

A US federal law enforcement source said Toth had last been

seen in 2009 at an Arizona homeless shelter where he had briefly lived and worked as a volunteer.

The shelter alerted authorities and Toth vanished, the source said.

A $100,000 FBI reward had been posted for information leading to his arrest.

M

Spain holds two North African ‘al-Qaeda suspects’

S

Eric Justin Toth flanked by Police officers

Cuban opposition group Ladies in White to collect prize

embers of the Cuban opposition group Ladies in White are due to collect the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in Brussels.

They were awarded the prize by the European Parliament in 2005, but Cuba barred them from leaving the communistrun island to collect it.

The abolition of exit permits by the Cuban government in January has made it possible for the women to travel.

They were given the prize for their campaign to free 75 jailed

Americas

dissidents.

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded annually by the European Parliament to individuals or organisations who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights and freedom. It is named after the late Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov.

In 2012, it went to Iranian activists JafarPanahi and NasrinSotoudeh.

The Ladies in White was founded by the wives, sisters and

friends of the 75 jailed Cuban activists, who were rounded up and sentenced to long prison terms in 2003 as part of a crackdown on the opposition movement.

Dressed in white, the women march in silence in the Cuban capital, Havana, every Sunday, defying Cuba's ban on organised opposition and street demonstrations.

They are routinely detained and their protests broken up, but they say their protests have yielded results. All 75 prisoners they

The Ladies in White march every Sunday to demand the release of jailed opposition activists in Cuba

campaigned for have been released.

The Ladies continue their protest, now demanding that the convictions of the 75 be officially overturned.

They say that until that happens, the dissidents could be arrested if the government deems they have reoffended.

Fifteen of the 75 remain in Cuba, the rest took up an offer by the Spanish government to move there.

The women also want to draw attention to other dissidents who they say are still jailed for their political views.

Lady in White Laura Labrada told the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Havana that they still suffered harassment at the hands of the Cuban police.

"The arrests continue. It's true the time in detention is less, but we're still repressed, still detained and in big numbers. Just for thinking differently... This has not changed," she said.

The Cuban authorities say that the group is in the pay of the United States and forms part of Washington's "decades-old effort to undermine Cuba's socialist revolution".

Ms Labrada will be collecting the prize on behalf of her mother, co-founder of the Ladies in White Laura Pollan, who died in 2011.

She will be joined by three other Ladies in White at the ceremony in the European Parliament in Brussels.

panish police have arrested two North African suspects thought to be linked to alQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

An Algerian identified as NouMediouni was arrested in Zaragoza, northern Spain, the interior ministry said.

The other suspect, a Moroccan named Hassan El Jaaouani, was arrested in Murcia in the south.

They have “a similar profile to the two suspects who carried out the Boston attacks”, the ministry said. French police had helped to track them down.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is among several Islamist groups fighting French and West African troops in Mali.

It has its roots in the bitter Algerian civil war of the early 1990s, but in 2007 it emerged as an international jihadist group linked to Osama Bin Laden’s network. AQIM says its aim is to spread Islamic law and it is known for kidnapping Westerners and extracting ransoms.

It is not clear whether the pair arrested in Spain are suspected of planning any attacks. Their similarity to the Boston marathon bombers was not explained in the ministry statement.

Moroccan Islamists linked to alQaeda were found guilty of the 2004 Madrid train bombings which killed nearly 200 people and injured more than 1,800.

US: proposal to allow knives on planes delayed

T

he US transport safety authority has delayed a proposal to allow some small pocket knives aboard US flights for the first time since the 9/11 attacks.

The policy shift, which encountered fierce resistance from the public and the flight attendants’ union, was to take effect on 25 April.

The delay was announced by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) chief John Pistole on Monday.

He had said the change would free screeners to focus on other threats.

Last month, Mr Pistole proposed allowing passengers to bring blades shorter than 2.36in (6cm) and narrower than 0.5in in plane cabins.

Also under the new policy, billiard cues, ski poles, and lacrosse and hockey sticks would be allowed in aeroplane cabins in carry-on luggage.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 31

Indian believers roll in food scraps of higher caste to cure their illnesses A

century old ritual in India dictates that those considered low-caste Hindus must roll in the remains of food eaten by members of a higher caste. But it's not the ritual itself that's strange. The strange part is that while social activists are actually seeking to outlaw the practice, the 'lowcaste' Hindus don't want to stop rolling in the leftovers.

The ritual, called Madey Snana (Spit Bath) is specific to the state of Karnataka, during an annual event at the famous 4000-year-old Kukke Subramanya temple in the coastal district of Mangalore. It is also followed at the Sri Krishna temple in Udupi town. As a part of the century-old Snana, Dalits (members of a lower caste) roll over leftover food eaten by Brahmins (the upper caste) every year, in the belief that all their troubles will disappear and ailments will be cured. It is practiced every year on the festival of Champa Shasti or Subramanya Shasti. Last year alone, 25,000 people rolled over the 'spit' of the Brahmins. This happened even as the district administration watched helplessly after their attempts to ban the practice failed.

According to lower-caste Dalit welfare organizations, the Snana ritual is 'inhuman' and 'unacceptable'. "If it can cure diseases effectively, the state government should close down all the medical colleges and hospitals," Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swami remarked sarcastically.

He drew tremendous applause from a meeting of holy men in the state's capital city, Bangalore. "This evil is not less than the tradition of Sati (the banned practice of burning widows on the funeral pyres of their husbands) and child marriage and the government must act tough," he said. Social Welfare Minister A. Narayanaswamy, also a Dalit, is furious about the practice. "It promotes untouchability," he said. "I don't care which caste

rolls over the leftover spit of the Brahmins. Irrespective of whether Brahmins themselves do the rolling or it is the lower castes, the practice is disgusting and unscientific. I have sought a report on the matter, but I am clear on the issue. The social welfare department will formally write to the muzrai (temples and endowments) department, demanding a ban," he had said last year.

For all the efforts made, the practice was actually banned last year, as announced by the district Deputy Commissioner (DC) N.S. Chennappa Gowda. He had taken the decision after several protests made by activists. But the day before the Madey Snana, things took a turn

for the worse. The DC was forced to lift the ban after coming under pressure from the Dalits and the government. A particular section of the Dalits, called the Malekudiyas, insisted that they be allowed to practice their ancestral tradition.

They threatened that if they weren't, they wouldn't take part in any of the events scheduled at the temple during the festival. After a social activist, K.H. Shivaram was beaten up for protesting against the practice, the ban had to be lifted and devotees allowed to pursue their ritual.An explanation for the otherwise bizarre-sounding Snana is given by one of its staunch believers, astrologer Kabyadi Jayarama Acharya.

According to him, the Snana has nothing to do with caste distinctions. "The Brahmins who eat there are considered the representatives of Lord Subramanya himself, and their spit is that of the Lord. When I was 16, I myself rolled on the food and got my skin ailment cured. (According to legend) Lord Krishna's son Samba was cured of leprosy after rolling on the leftovers, as stated in the Skanda Purana (an ancient text). All castes roll on food and believe their problems will get solved. It is a psycho-therapeutic solution that also has its roots in Ayurveda. It should not be banned without some scientific basis," he said. Activists, however, are quick to dismiss

Acharya's theory. They say that the 'scientific basis' may have been true many years ago when the shrine used to be a snake pit.

"The mud from the snake pit was said to have healing capabilities, so perhaps that is how the practice began. But later it took the shape of a Vedic ritual and came to be dominated by upper caste people. It is nothing but an affront to the dignity of human life," insisted activist K.Y. Narayanaswamy.While the debate over the need for the ritual continues, the only way it can be banned is if the people practicing it are convinced. And that, for now, might just take a very long time.

Sources: India Today, BBC

Man cooks and eats his own finger after losing it in an accident

D

avid Playpenz lost a finger and part of his hand after a motorcycle accident, but instead of simply throwing away the amputated digit, he took it home, cooked and ate it, and even kept the bones as a souvenir.

Surgeons told Playpenz they had to amputate one of his fingers after it turned black following a motorcycle accident.

The man from Colchester, Essex asked doctors if he could take it home with him after the procedure and they had no objections. David says that he had always been curious about cannibalism and what human flesh would taste like, but the

fact that going around eating another person's meat is illegal, he had never actually satisfied his curiosity. Only now he had his own finger to munch on, and when it finally occurred to him that no one would be able to drag him to court for consuming his own flesh, he decided to eat it and keep the bones as a souvenir. But curiosity wasn't the only reason that convinced Playpenz to go through with his bizarre plan. "I know it sounds mad, but it wasn't just the curiosity. That finger was a big bit of me, too big a bit to lose," he told love it!magazine.

"I decided that, if I ate the flesh and kept the bones, then I wouldn't be losing part of me."

After two days of recovery, David went into the kitchen and cooked his finger. To make sure he didn't damage the bones, he opted to boil the digit instead of frying or roasting it, and didn't season it with salt or sauce because he wanted to taste the meat's real flavor. After telling his friends about his unusual meal, Dave admits he got mixed reactions. A couple said they thought it was disgusting, while a vegan friend approved of the experiment because he had his own permission to do it, whereas animals never give they're consent to be eaten. Playpenz assured everyone that eating his own finger hasn't turned him

into a serial cannibal the likes of Hannibal Lecter. It was a once-ina-lifetime experience that he never plans on repeating.

He is keeping the bones in a box, as a souvenir.

Dave even posted a photo of the cooked finger on his Facebook profile, but I didn't want to ruin your appetite even more by posting it here. If you're tat curious you can check it out for yourself.

Source: love it! via The Sun

David Playpenz

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Smoking just a few cigarettes a day can double a woman's risk of arthritis

By Emma Innes

S

moking just a few cigarettes a day more than doubles a woman's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new research.

The study found that women who smoked between one and seven cigarettes daily were more than twice as likely to develop the disease as those who had never smoked.

It also found that women remained twice as likely to develop the disease even 15 years after giving up smoking.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes the joints to become painful and swollen.

Symptoms may subside for many months or even years before a flare-up which can make movement difficult and very painful.

It affects around 600,000 Britons and is most commons in women aged between 40 and 70.

It can, however, begin at any age.

There is no known cure for the condition and treatment usually involves taking antiinflammatory painkillers or steroids during a flare-up The study, carried out by Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, analysed 34,101 women aged between 54 and 89.

Of those, 219 suffered with the condition.

Data showed that the risk of RA increased with the length of time the woman had been smoking.

Women who smoke between one and seven cigarettes daily are more than twice as likely to develop the disease as those who have never smoked

Smoking more than doubles a woman's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis

Smoking for 25 years raised the risk 1.6 times compared with smoking for just one year.

Previous research has suggested that drinking alcohol can reduce a person's chance of developing arthritis.

Researchers, also from the Karolinska Institute, discovered that drinking five or more glasses of wine or beer a week can halve a person's chance of developing RA. They found that people who consumed more than five units a week were up to 50 per cent less likely to develop the disease.

The biggest benefit was seen among some smokers who had a genetic risk of developing the arthritis.

Although more work is needed to explain the link, it is thought alcohol suppresses the immune system and reduces the inflammatory process behind the condition.

Another recent study suggested that women who are regularly exposed to sunlight are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

The research, which was published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy, suggested that women can reduce their risk of developing the disease by a fifth by regularly exposing themselves to direct sun.

and investigated their social, lifestyle and reproductive history.

They found that welleducated women were less likely to suffer with either night sweats or hot flushes.

However those who had gained weight, drank and smoked heavily or suffered with long-term reproductive problems did tend to suffer with the menopausal symptoms.

Dr Gerrie-Cor Herber-Gast, who led the study said: 'One of the study's most interesting findings is women who were smokers or had diabetes were more likely to have night sweats, but were not at increased risk of hot flushes.'

Dr Herber-Gast added that while it is not fully understood why certain factors may influence specific symptoms, the study paved the way for more research into how smoking and being overweight made women more vulnerable to night sweats.

'Further study is needed, but [increased incidence of night sweats] may be explained by a number of reasons, including differing perceptions of the intensity of night sweating by smokers and women with diabetes.

'Women with diabetes may experience increased night sweats because of the low glucose levels during the night.'

Previous studies have shown that certain lifestyle factors that put women at a higher risk of menopausal symptoms in general, but very little research has been carried out on how specific lifestyle choices affect the likelihood of each symptom separately.

'Determining the risk factors for these symptoms separately may help clarify their causes, help us identify who is at high risk of developing them and allow for early intervention to avoid or treat them.'

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Menopausal night sweats are more common in women who smoke and are overweight

By Rachel Reilly

W

omen who are overweight and smoke are more likely to suffer menopausal night sweats, according to Australian research.

The study found that women who are overweight, smoke and consume high levels of alcohol are at an increased risk of unpleasant menopause symptoms, but for the first time they were able to link specific lifestyle factors to different menopausal symptoms.

In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 52, although women can experience the menopause in their 30s or 40s.

Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, loss of libido, mood changes and insomnia.

A hot flush is a sudden feeling of heat in the upper body, which can start in the face, or chest before spreading. The face, neck and chest may start

Feeling flushed: The menopause cause make day-to-day life very difficult to sweat and become red and patchy.

There can also be a change in heart rate. It may become very rapid, irregular or stronger than usual.

Night sweats are hot flushes that occur at night and only last

a few minutes. They are most common in the first year after your final period.

The University of Queensland's School of Population Health analysed more than 10,000 Australian women aged between 45 and 50,

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Examine candidates based on contributionsKogi LG aspirant From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

P

eoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for the Olamaboro local government chairmanship election, Farouk Adejoh, has urged voters to examine those aspiring for public offices on the basis of their contributions in their communities before giving them mandate.

Adejoh, who made the call yesterday at Okpo, headquarters of Olamaboro local government, during the official flag-off of his campaign, said the only way to elect a credible leader for public office is to carefully look at their past antecedents in their immediate communities and their record of achievement in their entire life.

“Anybody can aspire to any office. Anybody can say he wants to be anything. But the issue of choosing who should be in public office must be considered on the basis of past antecedents of such aspirant”, he said.

He added that people must ask those they want to entrust their destiny with, what contributions they have made in the past to touch the lives in their communities. People should not act on the spur of the moment and give mandate in default to selfish characters”, he added.

“Many of them have opportunity through higher elective position, but their impact were never felt. They only come around when they need your votes, is that the type of person you want this time”, Adejoh asked.

Adejoh, who is a professional journalist and a grassroots politician, averred that skill acquisition and continuous skill development would be given priority in his administration if given the mandate to become the next chairman of the local government.

He gave kudos to Governor Idris Wada for his determination to tackle the problem of miscreants, popularly known as thugs, stating that the issue is a task that must be addressed for the sake of socio-economic development of the state.

Farouk noted that those boys could become integral part of development in the state through rehabilitation and vocational skill training, pointing out that the local government has a vital role to play.

“It is heartwarming that our governor has already identified the problem and tackling it frontally, promising to key into the transformation agenda of the governor for Olamaboro to braze the trail for others to follow at the local government level”.

PAGE 37

Edo polls: CRPP tells PDP, ANPP to await own turn From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he Chairman of Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Edo State chapter, Samson Isibor, yesterday urged losers in the Edo local government elections to tow the part of honour and concede defeat, stating that the People Democratic Party (PDP) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) should wait for next election.

Isibor, who doubles as the National Chairman of Accord Party, said the election was free fair and credible, despite the alleged protest over electoral irregularities that characterised the local government polls.

Meanwhile, the results of fourteen local government so far released by Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), showed that the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) swept

all.

Isibor who disclosed this at a press briefing said, “though you cannot rule out human infallibility; the little hitches experience was due to logistic problems. It was devoid of electoral malpractices, such as ballot snatching, stuffing and thuggery”, advising aggrieved parties to seek redress at the newly inaugurated local government Election Petition Tribunal rather than unleashing

mayhem.

According to him, “There is no need making the State ungovernable or cause political tension, when the local government tenure is just 3-years, adding that the State government under the leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, should be commended instead of vilified by the opposition parties for conducting a free and credible election”.

L-R: Chairman, House Ad-hoc Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Hon Ishaka Mohammed Bawa, receiving a report from National Organising Secretary of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil, Engineer Ajobo Edward, during the public hearing on PIB for South-South Zone, on Monday in Port Harcourt.

NSA blames Boko Haram, Kidnappings, on climate change

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he National Security Adviser to the President, Sambo Dasuki (rtd), yesterday blamed kidnapping activities of Boko Haram and other criminal acts in the country on climate change .

This is even as he recommended the establishment of National Grazing Routes by Nigeria to end the recurring clashes between herdsmen and farmers which often result to heavy casualties.

Dasuki spoke yesterday when he appeared before the House Committee on Climate Change, headed by Hon Eziuche Ubani.

The NSA who was represented by senior officials from his office, led by the Special Adviser on Economic Intelligence, Prof.Soji Adelaja, said that there is a nexus between climate change and criminality in Nigeria.

Other members of the team are Gen. T.T Waya , Director of Internal Security, Mr A.Nyam, Amb.L.Laseinde and Amb. Wando.

Responding to a question from

a member of the committee, Kingsley Chinda on whether Boko Haram, restiveness in the Niger Delta , kidnappings in the South East and myriads of cases of violence and killings across the country had anything to do with the climate change, Nyam stated emphatically that there was a connection between the current state of insecurity to climate change.

He explained that the rising sea level in the Niger Delta and the problem with Lake Chad have forced young people out of job in the Niger Delta and Borno axis resulting in their involvement in crimes. He said " in the state of joblessness the youth can easily be forced into crime".

On the recurring clashes between herdsmen and farmers in several states , Adelaja described the situation as disturbing. He disclosed that President Goodluck Jonathan in an attempt to find a lasting solution to the problem recent held a meeting with governors.

In the meeting , Adelaja

revealed that President Jonathan canvassed for a grazing route to be approved by governors but the latter turned down the proposal .

He solicited the cooperation of the National Assembly to help in the formulation of a legislation for the establishment of National Grazing Route , describing the measure as the most effective way of addressing the problem.

Speaking generally flooding and what must be done to avoid a repeat of 2012 traumatic experience, Adelaja called for a cooperation among all tiers of government in raising resources needed to check the menace.

He said " state governments in disaster prone areas should be tasked to support the proactive activities of disaster mitigation and relief in dissemination of information , adaptation and relocation of citizens from vulnerable areas.

"Following the early predictions which have been produced by NIMET fr the year 2013 ,active participation of all stakeholders including ONSA is required to

ensure that Information is circulated nationwide ,with concentration on disaster prone areas".

He also called for the taxing of luxury car owners as well as those who run Diseal generators to help raise fund needed for tackling floodings.

Chairman of the Committee, Eziuche Ubani accused the Federal Government of not attaching the desired seriousness to the challenge posed by climate change. He rechoed the stand of Nyam that there is a nexus between the changing weather situation to the current insecurity in the country, urging President Jonathan to give more ear to issues concerning climate change.

He also tasked the Federal Government to quickly come up with workable ways of addressing the recurring loss of lives as a result of clashes between herdsmen and farmers. He assured that the House of Representatives will be ready to work with the executive and other stakeholders to come up with legislations , if need be, to address the problem.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Key issues in campaign for local governments’ autonomy FEATURE

By Obike Ukoh

E

xperts have identified two key issues that should be addressed in efforts to ensure the autonomy of the country’s 774 local government councils.

The issues, which could only be addressed via the amendment of the constitution, are the State Joint Local Government Account and the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).

The 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides for the joint account and empowers SIECs to organise elections into local government councils in their respective states.

For the joint account, Section 162, Subsection (6) and (7) of the constitution, states inter alia: “Each state shall maintain a special account to be called ‘State Joint Local Government Account,’ into which shall be paid all allocations to the local government councils of the state from the Federation Account and from the government of the state.

“Each state shall pay to local government councils in its jurisdiction such proportion of its total revenue on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.’’

However, the renewed agitation for the autonomy of local government councils stemmed from the perceived wrong implementation of these two constitutional provisions.

Concerned stakeholders bemoan the arbitrary manner in which elected local government councils are dissolved and party loyalists appointed as caretaker chairmen.

They also note that SIECs have no standardised calendar for the conduct of local council elections, while already fixed election dates are arbitrarily changed.

Alhaji Umaru Shuaibu, Niger State Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), has consistently called for the dissolution of SIECs, insisting that they had “proved to be stooges to their respective state governors’’.

He said that SIECs lacked transparency and acceptability, reiterating that the abolition of the states’ electoral bodies would promote peace and growth of

Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum, Rotimi Amaechi democracy.

“By all standards, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is better than SIEC. “Tell me how SIECs are going to be fair when their chairmen and staff are appointed by the government in power.

“No doubt, there is rigging at the national level but it is not as glaring as it is at the state level; so INEC should be made to conduct local government elections,’’ he said.

Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Mark Amaza, a public affairs analyst, said that SIECs lacked the competence to conduct local government elections.

“SIECs, unlike INEC which has gone through varying stages of incompetence and inefficiency before undergoing a reformation process, still remain mired in incompetence.

“SIECs have become appendages of the government in power at the states and the ruling parties,’’ he said.

Amaza noted that the dominant pattern reflected a situation where almost all local government elections were won by the ruling parties and in some cases where there were election petitions, the contentious results were rarely overturned.

He, nonetheless, argued that SIECs should be strengthened and not scrapped.

“There are so much that goes on at the state level because there is no form of oversight there.

“If we need our institutions of democracy to be strong, we need to exert the necessary pressure on them to reform.

“Let us, as citizens, rise to the task of becoming watchdogs over SIECs to enable them to sit up and start performing well. “ Any law or policy that weakens the federal nature, rather than strengthening it, should not be supported,’’ Amaza said.

Chief Charles Nwodo, former National Chairman of the de-registered Progressive

Action Party, also urged the citizens not to support calls for the abolition of SIECs. “I am opposed to the abolition of SIECs because of pressures.

“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 power at the centre, rendering the component states useless,’’ he noted.

On joint account, some stakeholders call for the amendment of the constitution so as to enable the local government councils to receive their allocations direct from the Federation Account.

They accuse state governments of mismanaging the local government funds, stressing that the aberration was largely responsible for non-performance of many local government councils across the country.

Mr Elias Mbam, the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), called for the abolition of the joint account because some people had decided to be smarter than the constitution.

“Since some people have decided to be smarter than the constitution, it is better to revisit the constitution and change the clause about the state-local government joint account,’’ he said.

Mbam noted that the rationale behind the State Joint Local Government Account was to facilitate the pooling of funds from the other two tiers of government for the local councils.

“The issue of joint account has continued mainly because it was stated in the constitution.

The joint account was set up with good intentions because it was supposed to be one of the tools of development but now, it is greatly abused,’’ he added.

“

The discontinuation of the statelocal government joint account will help to eradicate or substantially check the delay in the release of funds by states to local government councils

Mr Aliyu Ammani, a public affairs analyst, said that although the constitution guaranteed the third tier of government, its autonomy was tacitly taken away by tying it to state government’s apron strings.

“The local governments should receive allocations from the Federation Account directly just like the other two tiers of government.

“The so-called state-local government joint account, supposedly set up to fund grassroots projects, constitutes an avenue through which local government councils’ funds are diverted and misapplied with impunity,’’ he noted.

All the same, Sen. Nurudeen Abatemi (PDP KogiCentral) said that granting financial autonomy to the local government councils would give room for the rapid development of the rural areas.

“The discontinuation of the state-local government joint account will help to eradicate or substantially check the delay in the release of funds by states to local government councils,(and abuse of the same).

“It will also check anomalies such as wanton and arbitrary deductions by states, as well as the utilisation of the provision as a suppressive tool by governors,’’ he added.

Two public affairs analysts, Messrs Olumide Taiwo and Nelipher Moyo, said that granting financial autonomy to the local government councils would boost efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy at the grassroots level.

“Local government councils represent the third layer of government; unfortunately, the existing joint account has been particularly vulnerable to abuse.

“Nigeria is ranked among the top 10 countries with the highest infant mortality rate in the world and it has an adult literacy rate of only 61 per cent; these outcomes are likely to improve if local governments are given greater financial autonomy,’’ they noted.

The debate on these two key issues is still on and the issues featured prominently during the recent public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution, which was organised by the National Assembly.

The general prayer, however, is that outcome of the constitution’s amendment would reflect the true views of Nigerians.

Source: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 39

House asks Katsina to evacuate water-ways, drainage

T

he Katsina State House of Assembly yesterday passed a resolution urging the state government to hasten the evacuation of water-ways and drainages to avert flooding.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Dr Lawal Aliyu, (PDP-Muswa), which was seconded by Alhaji Babangida Nasamu (PDP-Katsina).

Aliyu recalled the forecast by the Nigeria Metrological Agency indicating heavy rainfall with flood in the state this year and said there was need to act promptly to avert disaster.

The lawmakers unanimously called on the Ministry for Environment, the state Environmental Sanitation Agency and local government councils to enforce environmental laws so as to maintain clean environment.

They also called on the Department of Water and Sanitation in the 34 local governments to intensify efforts toward the evacuation of refuse and opening up of water ways.

The members urged the people to desist from disposing refuse indiscriminately to avoid blockage of water-ways and drainage.

After the deliberation, the Speaker, Alhaji Yau Gwajo-gwajo directed the house clerk to forward the resolution to the executive arm for implementation.(NAN)

Lagos Speaker unhappy with council chairmen

M

r Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), yesterday described council chairmen and their councillors as ``uneducated politicians``.

Ikuforiji, who said this during the plenary session of the House, also accused the chairmen of ``highhandedness`` on the way they deal with their councillors. ``Our operators at the local government level do not have the prerequisite knowledge and education and we are guilty; people who are not educated, you cannot fault their conducts. ``When I say education, you should understand that I am not talking about their secondary or tertiary education; I mean education on democracy and the type of government we have in place. ``If the council chairman has knowledge of the constitution that he operates or the law that sets up the council, the chairman will not wake up and issue a query to the councillors, `` he said.

Ikuforiji added that if the councillors were also educated, they would laugh when their chairmen act arbitrarily like issuing them queries. (NAN)

L-R: General Secretary of Afenifere, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa; Chairman of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin; and Senator Iyiola Omishore, during a press conference by the leaders of Afenifere on the state of the nation, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: Olawale Rotimi

LG polls: Edo Deputy gov denies using convoy for electoral materials From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he Deputy Governor of Edo State, Pius Odubu has denied media reports linking his convoy to the distribution of election materials during last Saturday's Local Government election in the state.

In a statement issued by his press secretary, Kelly Odaro, said, "the attention of Edo State Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu, has been drawn to an erroneous report used by a section of the media after last Saturday's council election in the

State.

"The Deputy Governor was reported to have said that his vehicle conveying electoral materials was waylaid and vandalized by hoodlums suspected to be opposition party members in the ward headquarters.

"To set the records straight, the State Deputy governor, Odubu, merely mentioned in the course of the interview, that the bus assigned to escort the vehicle conveying electoral materials to Urhonigbe North in Orhionwon Local Government Area to avert diversion

was attacked and vandalized by miscreants whose intent was to cart away the materials for rigging purpose. And indeed, electoral materials meant for two booths were destroyed by hoodlums despite the security measures taken.

"It is pertinent to stress that the Deputy Governor is not the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) Chairman whose duty it is to provide the necessary logistics for movement of electoral materials.

"For emphasis, what the Deputy Governor did was to assign some party agents to escort the vehicle

bearing the electoral materials to the polling units. And the said vehicle was attacked on the way to the units ostensibly to cart away the materials for rigging.

"The Deputy Governor, therefore, considers it absurd and mischievous for anyone to suggest or conclude that his personal vehicle was used for conveying election materials.

"Security agencies are already on the trail of the hoodlums who vandalized the vehicle and destroyed the election materials", the statement read.

Okupe on APC: The dog can't bark anymore, says ANPP

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has said that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Doyin Okupe, insulting words to APC have been noted by Nigerians as his signature work-tool which would not in any way affect the emerging All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement made available to newsmen by the national publicity secretary of the party, Emma Eneakwu said, "It is unfortunate that Dr Okupe, who was hurriedly hired

by The Presidency as a decoy strategy to whitewash this lacklustre Government, does not have any constructive job to do but to pollute the remaining breathable air in the nation space at any given opportunity.

"The facts are sacrosanct: PDP has failed Nigerians. Although the CV of Dr Okupe is apt for the job he applied for to reinvent his moribund career as a public space banter artist, we must point out that no matter

the amount of noise made to obfuscate the citizens, and in fact the world, the truth cannot be hidden".

"First of all, the United States of America released the findings of a diligent investigation concerning the abysmal level of corruption in Nigeria; the APC did not carry out the investigation. It will also be recalled that when this same PDP Government tried juggling figures with the name of Transparency International in a bid to confuse Nigerians over its nonexistent waron-corruption, the TI dutifully denied them, to the shame of The Presidency and its spin doctors".

According to him, Nigerians are everyday pummeled with policy somersaults and blatant evidence of a clueless regime. Evidence is the recent decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to approve the concessioning of the nation's two mega stadia - the Abuja Stadium and the National Stadium, Lagos, with the lame reason that ''it has become evident that the Federal Government could no longer maintain the six stadia across the

six geo-political zones''.

"It beats the imagination why the same government that saw the concession policy it initiated crumble before it because of its entrenched government by cronyism, embark on another wasteful jamboree in a fake attempt to salvage the nation's sports infrastructure".

Adding that the failed concession of Nigerian airports; then the scandalous Ibadan-Lagos expressway concession, the propagandized Power Road Map which promised to give Nigerians 13,000 Mega Watts at the end of this year is still a contrived mirage.

When the citizens cried out, the PDP Government hastily engineered a sleight of hand - they shifted the goal post to 2016, a convenient date to come up with another subterfuge campaign slogan during the 2015 elections. Shows incompetence and lack of ideas by the PDP led government.

"If the truth must be told, the PDP today is peopled by many of ANPP renegades, who could not sustain the timeless values for

which we resolutely stand, and are known for. In fact, PDP, a wellknown gang of unprincipled ''share and destroy'' pseudo-politicians, is irked at the realization that despite their orchestrated onslaught on the fabrics of our great party, we are still standing, girded by the singular thread of democratic best practice".

The statement further reveals that Dr Okupe's apprehension in fellow progressives in the nation's political space are set to lead the country away from PDP's cloak-anddagger politics of personality to ideasbased and issues-driven politics.

"To be candid, the legend which says that dogs start to bark a few minutes before earthquakes is certainly manifesting in Nigeria. As a party, we believe that Dr Okupe, PDP's faithful attack dog, has an inkling of the coming electoral natural disaster about to swallow his pay masters. Nevertheless, the universal truth is that though the dog can bark so loud, it can never stop the disaster coming their way", he said.

PAGE 40

Kwankwaso urges FG to complete abandoned projects in Kano

G

overnor Rabi'u Kwankwaso of Kano State has called on the Federal Government to complete abandoned federal projects in the state in order to accelerate socio-economic development.

Kwankwaso made the call when participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 35 of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, paid him a courtesy call in Kano on Monday.

He cited the uncompleted water and irrigation projects at Bagwai and Kunchi, which he said had potentials to create thousands of jobs and boost food production in the state.

He also said that some of the federal road projects, if completed, would ease traffic congestion and facilitate trade and investment in the area.

The governor said the state government had invested billions of naira in the provision of infrastructure across the state, as part of its efforts to improve the living standard of the people.

He said the government would partner with the institute in its efforts to produce good leaders for the country.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Director of Research in the institute, Prof. Olu Obafemi, said they were in the state as part of their course work and expressed satisfaction with the leadership qualities of Gov. Kwankwaso. (NAN)

Former aspirant drags Rep. Offor Chukwuegbo to court for certificate forgery

M

r Osita Nnamani, who lost the 2011 PDP primaries for the Enugu North/ Enugu South federal constituency, has dragged Rep. Offor Chukwuegbo to the Federal High Court in Enugu over alleged certificate forgery.

The counsel to the plaintiff, Prof.

Amarachi Achara, said the accused forged the entire certificates he presented to the INEC from the birth certificate to Bachelor of Science degree.

Achara said Rev. Fr. Amechi Okoro, who the accused claimed to have signed his birth certificate, was transferred out of the parish in 1970, two years before the accused was born.

He also said that the accused claimed that he schooled at ESUT while his name was not found in the department of political science where he claimed to have graduated.

Achara said the 1999 Constitution made it clear that any member of the National Assembly caught with forged certificates should be dismissed from the house.

Justice D.V. Agishi adjourned the case till May 30 for further hearing. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Court strikes out ACN suit against Kogi polls From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

T

he application filed by Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), to stop local government elections scheduled for May 4th, has been struck out by a Kogi High court sitting in KotonKarfe.

The court said the application of the opposition political parties seeking an interlocutory injunction to restrain Kogi Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) from conducting the May 4th council elections was out of time.

Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye in his ruling on the application yesterday in Koton-Karfe, refused and dismissed the application, saying that the applicants delayed and destroyed their equity in the

application.

The parties, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples' Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), had in the Motion on Notice challenged the competence of the electoral body to conduct a free and fair election.

They alleged that the chairman and board members of the commission were were card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is the ruling party in the state and would be partial in the conduct of the election.

The suit had the Kogi State Government; the Attorney-General; KOSIEC; Commission chairman, Abraham Olaniran; members, David Apeh; Haruna Ibrahim; Ahmad Samari; Amoka Suberu and PDP as defendants.

The claimants in the Motion on Notice based their application on 11 grounds supported by a four paragraph affidavit deposed to by George Ibrahim Esq. Of James Ocholi SAN and Associates, Abuja.

The parties insisted that that the impartiality of the said officers could not be guaranteed, emphasising the need to disband the membership of the commission as presently constituted.

In his ruling, Omolaye-Ajileye said pre-determination of substantive actions at an interlocutory stage was inappropriate.

"I see this application as a subtle invitation to this court to determine the substantive action or part of it at this substantive stage.", he said.

The Jurist had earlier refused application to transfer the case to

High Court 1, Lokoja and merge it with two others pending before the state Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah, as he held that the cases were different.

Omolaye-Ajileye said he took judicial notice of the action, which was instituted on 20th March 2013, against composition of commission's board members appointed in 2008.

"I have found that the equitable maxims that equity aids the vigilant and that the delay defeats equity are applicable here. It is therefore inequitable to grant this application.

It is a case which I cannot properly exercise my discretion in favour of the applicants", he said.

"The application is refused and accordingly dismissed", he ruled and adjourned to May 15th for hearing in the substantive suit.

L- R: Members House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Hon. Ibrahim Adeyemi, and Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Eziuche Ubani, during the committee interactive session with National Security Adviser on insecurity in the country, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Reps intervene in Anambra-Kogi oil dispute

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives yesterday directed its committees on Special Duties and Disaster and Emergency Management to liaise with the National Boundary Commission on the lingering clash between the Enugu-Otu,Nkpunado and Eziagulu-Otu communities of Aguleri in Anambra in Anambra East Local Government of Anambra State and Olu communities of Ibaji Local government of Kogi State over the ownership of a piece of land hosting crude oil.

The motion was sponsored by Hon. Chriscato Amaeke(PDPAnambra), which seeks the intervention of the House.

Hon. Amaeke who represents Anambra East and West in the House, brought the motion entitled: "Urgent Need to Stop the Boundary Conflict between Aguleri Communities of Anambra East LGA of Anambra State and Olu Communities of Ibaji LGA of Kogi State", under Matters of Urgent National Importance.

He said the "lingering boundary conflict between Enugu-Otu, Mkpunado and Eziagulu-Otu communities (Odeke, Asonwa and Ayeke) of Ibaji LGA of Kogi State", emanated from "the claim of ownership of oil well" in the area.

He regretted however that "a recent resurface of the boundary conflicts resulted to

killing and abducting of innocent people,burning of houses, farmlands livestock and properties worth millions of Naira in these areas", adding that "At the last count, twelve people have been confirmed dead in my community, Aguleri-Otu".

The lawmaker indicted the National Boundary Commission in the raging communal violence.

He regretted the inability of the National Boundary Commission to determine the boundary demarcation of Anambra and Kogi borders to confirm the ownership of this oil well.

He however informed the House that the governments of Anambra State and Kogi State

respectively signed a truce (MOU) to maintain peace on both sides until the National Boundary Commission completes its job on the disputed area.

Seconding the motion, Hon. Ismail Hussein(PDP-Kogi), blamed the recurring conflict among the communities of Anambra and Kogi on the Presidency.

He said comments from President Goodluck Jonathan on the situation during one of his visits to Anambra escalated the matter.

After a very short debate of the Motion, it was referred to House Committees on Special Duties and Emergency and Disaster Management for them to liaise with the NBC and resolve the matter.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

PAGE 41

Morocco to host qualifier for 2013 FIFA Beach World Cup T he African qualifying competition for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 will hold in the Moroccan seaside city of El Jadida between May 22 and May 26.

According to a statement by Inaki Uribarri, Head of Media, Beach Soccer World Wide , the competition is one of the last stages in the race to the global

competition.

The African event is tagged “FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 Africa Qualifier’’ and the competition is the qualifying contest for the African countries hoping to be at the global event scheduled for Tahiti from Sept.

18 to Sept. 28.

Defending champions Nigeria, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire are

once again the favourites to clinch the available two tickets to the world competition.

Host Morocco, as well as Egypt, is also among the favourites from the list of expected participants.

Spain, Russia, Ukraine, Netherlands, Iran, Japan, UAE, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil have all earned their berths from the qualifying

competitions in Europe, Asia and South America.

Teams from the North and Central America will hold their qualifiers in Bahamas from May 8 to May 12 with two tickets to the World Cup up for grabs.

The Oceania representative, which will accompany hosts Tahiti at the World Cup would also be picked at a later date.

Stephen Keshi, Super Eagles Head Coach

Super Eagles to train in Germany

T

Members of the Golden Eaglets bow in prayer for Divine favour after their last training session yesterday

CAF U-17 s/final: Golden, Garthage Eaglets go to war

By Patrick Andrew

S

amba displaying Golden Eaglets, who are renowned for their free-scoring knack, have a crucial semi-final date today against hard-tackling Junior Carthage Eaglets of Tunisia in a game that would bring two contrasting teams together.

Whereas the Golden Eaglets play delectable fluid and highly mobile pattern, their North Africa counterparts dwell more on compact and sometimes combative tactical approach and often leaves teams reeling in pains with well-tailored passes.

The Carthage Eaglets love to establish dominance using technical mastery while the Golden Eaglets enjoy the Barcelona proficiency: ball possession, retention and shame

of losing same and do punish teams that take them for granted.

The Nigerian team were unassailable until lackadaisical display against the Baby Elephants of Ivory Coast dented their 28 matches without defeat.

A last minute comical error led to a narrow but vital win for the Elephants.

That error was corrected against the Congolese whom the Golden Eaglets mauled 7-0 and become the team with two hattrick scorers in Isaac Success and Ifeanyi Matthew.

However, against Congo a different tactical approach was expected, but it was not to be as the Nigerians stuck to their dominant ball possession strategy and were richly rewarded.

Caution needs be adopted against their North Africans whose hard-tackling approach and speed could easily deal in a

fanciful and unnecessarily ballpassing side.

Again, the Nigerians seem suspect from the wings and could be exploited as did the Baby Elephants whose counter attacks often caused near-havoc in the vital area and the Carthagians could profit from Golden Eaglets somewhat loss marking.

With the likes of Belarbi, Haj Hassen and Abboud always lurking round, the Musa Mohammed-led Golden Eaglets defence must be at red alert to ward off any such danger.

True, the Carthage Eaglets are a high scoring side with eight goals, but they have equally conceded 4 unlike the Golden Eaglets that have amassed 13 and let in just one.

Tunisia finished second in Group A after spanking Botswana 3-1 in their opening game, beating Gabon 4-2 and drawing

1-1 with hosts Morocco in their group finale. Hosts Morocco will tackle Cote d’Ivoire in the other semi-final match.

And the Nigerians made mince-meat of the Black Satellites 6-0, lost 0-1 to Baby Elephants and trounced Congo 70 though played with two players’ advantage.

Abdelay Ben Soltane, the coach of the Carthage Eaglets expects the Golden Eaglets to adopt. “A physical game with their direct play, their fighting spirit, their physical condition,” the coach said.

His opposite number Manu Garba hopes to see, “we are in this competition because we are good and have all it takes to win it; we have two crucial matches left and we will play them with all caution. We know the North Africans are sleekly, hard-mark and use counter attack a lot. We are ready for them.”

he Super Eagles will spend two weeks at a training camp in Nuremberg, Germany in May before flying to Texas, USA for the prestige friendly match with Mexico on May 31.

Further, the team will fly back to Frankfurt, before returning to Nairobi on June 4 for a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars.

This was contained in a release made available by the NFF which also indicated that the contingent would proceed to Windhoek on June 7 for another 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Namibia, scheduled for June 12, before fly to Johannesburg on the morning of June 13.

In Johannesburg, the Super Eagles will fly same day to Sao Paulo (Brazil), and spend the night there, before flying to Belo Horizonte on June 14 for their first match at the FIFA Confederations Cup, against Tahiti.

Nigeria will also play Uruguay in Salvador on June 17 before taking on Spain in Fortaleza on June 20.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Ambassador to Brazil, Mr. Vincent Okoedion has paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation to brief them of preparations made ahead of the Super Eagles participation at the FIFA Confederations Cup. The Ambassador said both Nigerians living in Brazil and the Brazilians were eagerly looking forward to the presence of the Eagles and assured the team of support.

The Eagles will participate in the FIFA Confederations Cup, which features the champions of the six continents of the world alongside the host nation. It is often used as dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup finals.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Robin Van Persie’s fulfilled dream

Robin with banner announcing United as champions

A

fter many years of salivating in vain as others wrap their hands round the covetous English Premier League shield, he finally lived his dream.

Yes, the Dutchman has been trophy-hungry all the seasons he played for Arsenal, one team that’s enamoured of nearmisses.

Last season, Robin van Persie took his fate in his hands and decided to relocate to where he had high hopes of securing an English premier League title. He opted for Man United though Man City with bigger and more attractive financial offer came calling.

On Monday night, his desire was fulfilled and indeed he was glad he had made the right choice: United instead of their noisy neigbhours, City.

Van Persie was understandably delighted after propelling Man United to their record-breaking 20th Premier League title. And diadem he has won and in grand style.

Unarguably, the lethal finisher and former Arsenal skipper would remain clearly a key factor in United’s success this season and fierce rivals Manchester City falling well short of regaining the crown they won last year.

The bow-legged striker underlined his class with a fabulous first-half hat-trick in the Red Devils’ 3-0 win over Aston Villa which wrapped up their 20th domestic league

crown.

Van Persie’s goals after two, 13 and 33 minutes - the second among the best ever scored at Old Trafford - propelled Alex Ferguson’s side to a recordextending 20th league title in front of a jubilant home crowd.

Asked if Van Persie’s second was a contender for goal of the season honours, Ferguson replied, “Of the century for me.

It was a marvellous hit, head down, over the ball, perfect timing - a magnificent strike.

“He’s been unbelievable; his early form in the first six months was fantastic. He had the spell where he didn’t score but he was unbelievable tonight.”

But to the Dutchman, who evidently enjoys being celebrated though he tried in vain to hide his delight, the

victory underscores United’s character and the much-talked about second goal, he believes shouldn’t overshadow their 20th EPL title triumph.

“It didn’t really matter who scored as long as we won this game and we did win this game,” said the former Arsenal forward.

From the first minute everyone played well and everyone wanted it. It was a great to score so early and it was a fantastic game of football. I’m very happy but it’s weird. I had to wait for so long for my first title and it’s a great feeling,” Van Persie said.

After putting United ahead as early as the second minute, Van Persie then scored a wonderful second after 13 minutes volleying in from just outside the area following Wayne Rooney’s ball over the top - before sealing

his hat-trick just after the half-hour mark. Speaking of his second goal, Van Persie modestly added: “It was a great ball from Wayne, so the only thing I had to do was guide it right and hit it properly and it went in great but more important was the result.”

The Manager Sir Alex was to react differently also.

“I’m delighted for all the players, for myself, the staff and the supporters.

“You can go on and on about losing a title (last season) but at the end of the day, our consistency for the last 20 years is Robin-van-Persie unbelievable. The focus of the team was good, they “We’ve won most of our games, focused on the challenge of City drawn three, lost four, and the and came up trumps.”

He dismissed the all-season goal tonight all the great goals complaint against the team that we’ve scored over the years, from the players lacked the character David Beckham through Ole and depth but have merely been Gunnar Solskjaer, Eric Cantona, fortunate to collect points week- that goal has joined that. These have joined the in-week out just because big players pedestal.” teams like Man City, Chelsea, With the championship Arsenal, Liverpool and guaranteed, United still have Tottenham seem to have demuch to play for as they aim for accelerate.

Though he acknowledged that 96 points to beat the record the team may not have had the points total of 95 set by Chelsea quality of United teams of the in 2004-05.

With United’s tally currently recent past, he underscores the on 84 points, Ferguson’s side strength of the team and argues that what’s important is to clinch remains on target to overhaul the trophy, which the team have Chelsea’s record provided they achieved in grand style because its win their four remaining games.

Monday’s win earned the club rivals are 16 points behind them.

“It’s dead easy to say that, and Ferguson, who has now won nostalgia plays tricks on people’s 49 club trophies in his minds. Put it in context, we’ve managerial career, a 13th now got 84 points with four Premier League title. ”I’m so games left we’ve never done that. proud of everything I’ve achieved. I don’t get carried away, I don’t look back, only look forward,” he told MUTV. Already, Sir Alex is looking forward to an improved 2013/ 14 season as he hopes to replicate the performance. ”There is no reason why we can’t go on and improve for next year.”

“

“ I’m very happy but it’s weird. I had to wait for so long for my first title and it’s a great feeling.

Robin-van-Persie celebrates after scoring the superb second goal in his hat-trick against Aston Villa

We’ve won most of our games, drawn three, lost four, and the goal tonight - all the great goals we’ve scored over the years, from David Beckham through Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Eric Cantona, that goal has joined that. These players have joined the pedestal

PAGE 45

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Philadelphia considering 2024 Olympics bid, says Mayor

Fortuna KOs Zamudo but loses WBA title

J

avier Fortuna’s failure to weigh in under the limit has cost him the WBA interim

featherweight title.

Fortuna stopped Miguel Zamudio with a devastating left hand in

P

hiladelphia is exploring a bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games, Mayor Michael Nutter said on Monday.

Nutter was responding to a letter from the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) sent to 35 cities across the country seeking potential host cities for the international sporting event.

“The Philadelphia region has enthusiastically embraced the prospect of bidding on and hosting a future Olympic Games.

“We look forward with great anticipation to the opportunity to work with the USOC on this project,” Nutter said in a statement.

USOC will decide over the next two years whether to submit a bid to host the 2024 games in the United States.

If it goes ahead, it will submit the candidate city for consideration by the International Olympic Committee, the organiser of the games, in Lausanne, Switzerland.

2014 qualifiers: Black Stars to camp in Kenya for double qualifiers

B

lack Stars will camp in Kenya to prepare for d o u b l e qualifiersGhana will camp in Kenya for two crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Sudan and Lesotho in June.

The Black Stars will move to camp in the Eastern African country in the last week of May before leaving to Khartoum for their 7 June date.

The team will then return to Kenya to continue preparations before travelling to Maseru to face Lesotho on 16 June.

The Ghana FA has clinched a deal with their Kenyan counterparts for an international friendly on 1 June.

“The team has decided to prepare in Kenya before our match in Sudan and after that they will return and work towards the Lesotho,” Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi said.

Ghana coach is expected to release a huge squad list for the double-header when the European leagues have all ended.

The 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists are second in Group D with six points; one point adrift leaders Zambia.

Javier Fortuna, loses WBA title

the first round of their bout in Atlantic City on Friday night but WBA supervisor George Martinez had stripped him of the belt after he weighed in at 57.6 kg.

He initially weighed 57.7 kg and was weighed again after a 30-minute workout. He even peeled off all his clothes and stood on one leg on the scale.

“I was surprised when I didn’t make the weight,” Fortuna said. “Once that happened, I wanted to get a knockout to impress everyone.”

Fortuna, from the Dominican Republic, improved his record to 22-

0 with his 15th knockout.

He went after his Mexican opponent from the opening bell and dropped him with an overhand left.

Zamudio scrambled to his feet, but wasn’t upright for long. Fortuna capped another flurry with a left that left Zamudio unconscious on the canvas, prompting referee Eddie Cotton to stop the fight at 68 seconds into the round.

Zamudio’s record dropped to 25-2-1.

“I was surprised he got up from the first knockdown because I hit him so hard,” Fortuna

said. “I knew he wasn’t getting up the second time because he fell pretty awkwardly.”

Ringside physicians quickly entered the ring and began to administer oxygen. After Zamudio regained consciousness, they applied a neck brace.

He was carried out of the ring on a stretcher and taken to hospital for scans and tests.

“I’d say he was unconscious for two or three minutes, but we gave him some oxygen and that seemed to help,” an official said. “That was a pretty incredible knockout.”

Niger coach wants handball league revived

T

he Niger Handball Association Coach, Fidelis Obi, has called for the revival of the national handball league as a way of promoting the sport in the country.

Obi confirmed yesterday that the league was a major platform to

engage players continuously and develop their skills.

He said that it would also motivate state associations and clubs to be committed to preparing adequately to participate in the competition.

“The handball league

should be revived for the sport to have its rightful place in the continent because that was what helped us to have strong teams in the past.

“It will be an opportunity for players to display their skills and also enable us to identify and groom them

for the national teams.

“We cannot make a headway by grumbling; it is time we stopped paying lip service to the development of handball and face reality,’’ he said.

According to him, the revival of the league would also attract sponsorships

Wimbledon to roof court No. 1, increases prize money

T

he All England Club has announced plans to build a retractable roof above court one in time for the 2019 W i m b l e d o n Championships.

Also, in what it terms the largest single increase and biggest total prize fund in the history of professional tennis, Wimbledon is increasing

prize money by 40 per cent this year.

Total prize money for the Grand Slam event will be £22.6 million, an increase of £6.5 million from last year, the All England Club said yesterday.

Once work on the second retractable roof is complete, Wimbledon will have the ability to maintain covered play on

both principal show courts in front of over 26,500 spectators when rain stops play on the outside courts.

The Centre Court roof was installed in 2009, three years after work began following the 2006 Championships. The near15,000 capacity arena was closed for part of the 2012 men’s final b e t w e e n R o g e r

Roger Federer, Serena Williams, were both paid £1.15m for last year’s titles

Federer and Andy Murray.

Of the other grand slam venues, Melbourne Park, home to the Australian Open, already has two show courts with retractable roofs on Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena. Neither the French Open nor the US Open has a roof.

In respect of the

which have always been a major problem and the reason for the dearth of competitions.

The coach, therefore, urged the National Sports Commission to give priority attention to the proposal by the HFN on repositioning the sport. increased prize money, the men’s and women’s singles champions will reach receive £1.6 million. Roger Federer and Serena Williams each received £1.15 million for last year’s titles.

The focus of the prize money increase will be for players who lose in the early rounds or in qualifying of the grasscourt championships, which will be played from June 24 to July 7.

Prize money will go up 60 per cent for singles players who lose in the first three rounds. The purse for qualifying is going up by 41 per cent.

Doubles players will receive a 22 per cent increase in prize money.

Players knocked out in the first three rounds of the singles draws will see a steep increase of 60% in 2013, while qualifying prize money has been boosted by 41% and doubles cheques by 22%.

“I would like to thank all those whose contribution to Wimbledon’s success both on and off court has today enabled us to announce these significant levels of investment in the Championships,” said All England Club chairman Philip Brook.

“For the players, it is a deep appreciation of the demanding nature of professional tennis and the top-quality entertainment they bring, while for the Championships it is about giving all our visitors the finest stage on which to enjoy Wimbledon.”

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Liverpool confirm Gerrard testimonial match

L

iverpool captain Steven Gerrard will have a testimonial against Olympiakos in August, his club has announced.

All proceeds from the match, arranged to celebrate the career of a player who has been associated with the club since he was nine, will go to charity.

Brendan Rodgers' side will face the Greek champions at Anfield on Saturday, August 3, in a fixture which has special significance to Gerrard.

The 32-year-old scored a vital late goal against Olympiakos in a Champions League group stage game in December 2004.

It secured a 3-1 win over the Greek side - giving Liverpool the two-goal margin of victory they needed to reach the knockout stages.

Under Rafael Benitez, they went on to lift the trophy in Istanbul the following May, coming back from three goals down to beat AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul.

Money raised from all events during the England captain's testimonial year will go to the Steven Gerrard Foundation, a registered charity which helps disadvantaged children.

Olympiakos will be donating their appearance fee to local charities in Greece.

Gerrand said I am delighted to be honoured by Liverpool with a testimonial match and particularly thrilled that Olympiakos have accepted my invitation to play the fixture.

Gerrard signed his first professional contract with Liverpool in 1997, making his first-team debut against Blackburn in November 1998.

He has scored 159 goals in 628 games for Liverpool, putting him joint-eighth on the club's all-time appearance list.

Steven Gerrard ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0803 0805 0803 0805 0803

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE I want to send a warning to Chief Gabriel Igbinedion that he should take it easy... He walks as if he is above the law.

— Edo governor, Comrade Adams Oshimhole, on father of former state governor Lucky Igbinedion

Why Boston isn't Kano T

wo movie-like incidents occurred in two cities - Kano in Northern Nigeria and Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. The two incidents marked the difference between policing in Nigeria and the policing in the U.S.A. This discussion is not about the social media landscape and the role twitter played, turning millions of Americans into police reporters.

For the first time since terrorism reared its ugly head in the mega commercial city that is Kano, the members of the public confronted two bombers who detonated their device in front of the Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero's palace. One of the bombers died on the spot due to severe beating he got. His body and the try-cycle on which they rode were burnt to ashes by the mob. The other bomber captured alive was moved into the palace before the arrival of the security officials. It was a herculean task for palace officials to stop the mob from finishing off the second bomber. This public anger was itself justifiable. The detonation of the explosive indicated that the intention of the perpetrators was not only to create panic but to cause casualties. When the security men came, the first thing they did, an eye-witness told the Hausa Service of the Voice of America, was to shoot the suspect on his thigh. They carried him off, presumably to their detention centre. A few hours later, the JTF announced that this second bomber, taken alive, had also died.

Knowing how these things are done in the country today, they may actually have executed him the moment they took the suspect away from public view.

Lamentably, this has cost the country an opportunity to determine whether the blast was carried out by angry individuals with grievances against the Emir; against the state or federal government or by an ideologically motivated group or organization of which the Jama’atul-Alil Sunna Wal-Iqamatu Wal-Jihad, better known as Boko Haram, says it is one.

By the suspect's execution, the Joint Task Force has, by design or by default, conveyed the message that they cannot afford the boy alive, or that they cannot afford a trial. On this, the public is entitled to its opinion. This could be interpreted to mean the interruption or silencing of the suspect's narrative. Was anyone afraid that they would be in danger of being implicated by the suspect's interrogation? Let us not forget that the President, Dr.

311 689 606 327 454

7458 1765 3308 1969 0344

MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

Shehu Sani, a rights activist Goodluck Jonathan, told the nation that in his own government, the judiciary, the parliament and the security services, there are Boko Haram elements.

The huge difference between the Nigerian and American police showed in the incident involving the two Chechnya brothers, Termelan Tsarnaev (26) and Dzhorkhar Tsarnaev (19). The police in Boston showed the world that they are accurate, focused, well-coordinated, surgical and tactical. Termelan was killed, may be by explosives he carried on himself; may be police gun shots and/or possibly by his brother overrunning him with a car in a desperate attempt to escape. The accounts vary. The important lesson is in the fact that the younger Tsarnaev is undergoing treatment in an intensive care and that no effort is being spared to

bring him back to life. As Barack Obama, the US President said, questions remained from the bombing, including whether the suspects received any help. If their policing, by its orientation, was geared towards elimination, the police in Boston would simply have allowed the second marathon bomber to bleed to death. In their search for this suspect, police deployed imagery from surveillance cameras, they used the internet, the intelligence agencies, the FBI, armoured cars and helicopters. To adapt the words of a blogger, Nigeria is still looking for criminals with club sticks, torchlights, Mark IV rifles, crash helmets, worn out walkietalkie and pick-up vans. When they catch terrorism suspects, the first thing they do is to shoot his legs. The assumption is that they will escape. When they detain him, politicians intercede for the criminal to take them home on bail. When charged to court, the case fails to move because police investigation is almost always inconclusive. From here, much delay is caused by the lawyer who seeks to scuttle trial. If the incident leading to this arrest is one that warrants a government commission to investigate, you can be sure that the report of the inquiry will be kept at a large warehouse where hundreds of other reports are kept to gather dust. No action will follow.

From experience over these few years we have dealt with terrorism, as well as lessons from

“

Nigeria is still looking for criminals with club sticks, torchlights, Mark IV rifles, crash helmets, worn out walkie-talkie and pick-up vans. When they catch terrorism suspects, the first thing they do is to shoot his legs.

The assumption is that they will escape.

When they detain him, politicians intercede for the criminal to take them home on bail

other lands, it is better to kill the motivation for terrorism than kill the terrorist. Extra-judicial killings only lead to more terrorist breeding. When unskilled, jobless young men have nothing to look forward, turning them into scammers, rioters, criminals and terrorists becomes easy. The police don't help this situation by the way they are dealing with terror suspects. Police must imbibe care in their work so as not to alienate the people. They must avoid actions that create grievances that add to the pool of the recruits.

When two very influential members of the governmentappointed amnesty committee, Dr. Datti Ahmed and Shehu Sani announced their withdrawal, many people including this reporter criticized their decision, not their patriotism. These two are recognizable voices on radio advocating a peaceful resolution.

From their antecedents, both Datti and Shehu Sani showed a preference for dialogue in dealing with Boko Haram and led the way by getting involved at their individual levels. Are they saying, by this rejection that they cannot work with others and share glory in case of successful resolution of the crisis? At a time when businesses are crippling, industries are shutting down, unemployment at record levels, corruption still rising, infrastructure decaying, the addition of terrorism to this mix is like adding salt to injury. The work of the Amnesty Committee is a patriotic chore. You don't have to feel comfortable doing it. If they had invited Sani to join the government as Attorney-General via radio as they do, would he not have rushed to the Senate for screening?

Of course, Datti Ahmed is right on one point. It is not enough for the government to ask Boko Haram to come out of hiding to present themselves for dialogue.

Such a call bears little credibility at a time government is keeping in detention without trial, hundreds or even thousands of Boko Haram wives and children.

This is a human rights issue. The rights of women, children and indeed of all non-combatants are protected by the Geneva Declaration to which the Nigerian state is signatory. This is something the government needs to look into.

In as much as the people are entitled to exercise discretion when you are dealing with a government that will take political mileage out of any situation, situations such as we are dealing with require all persons to put the nation first.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 805 727 9862. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141