Peoples Daily, Tuesday, May 24, 2016. Edition. by Peoples Media Limited

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Tuesday, May 24, 2016 / Sha’aban 15, 1437 AH

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Vol. 22 No. 90 N150

Anxiety as hospital Court orders Fani PDP crisis: Kayode remanded in runs out of anti -snake Police seal party drugs in Gombe EFCC custody secretariat in Abuja

Nemesis as Boko Haram kills own bomb maker pAGE 6

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pAGE 14

pAGE 3

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R-L: Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Cutting the Tape to Commission the Lagos State Emergency Rescue Equipment, in Lagos yesterday with him are Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode and his wife Bolanle Ambode.

China, Saudi, Turkey invest in Nigeria’s agric sector 774 Days Will the abducted Chibok after: schoolgirls ever be rescued?

<< pAGEs 4, 6, 16, 18 & 40 >>

By Doyin Ojosipe with agency report

oreign companies dealing in processed and agricultural processing products, yesterday expressed their readiness to invest and take advantage of Nigeria’s large market for their products. Companies from Turkey, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and China, told the News

Contd on pAGE 5

Protest greets sack of LG workers in Kogi page 6

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

News

CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 11 Op.Ed 12 Letters 13 Politics 15-18 Business Stockwatch

19-22 23

S/Report 24-25 Feature 26 Defence 27 Agric 29

$166bn required to revamp energy, transport before 2020 - FG

By Eileen Ihemadu

ederal Government on Monday said it would require a large sum of $166 billion over the next five years to meet the country’s energy and transport infrastructural needs. Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who spoke at the public hearing on Nigerian Railway Authority bill and National Transport Commission bill, disclosed that Federal Government in partnership with General Electric have concluded arrangement for the commercialisation of Lagos-Kano railway project. The Minister stated that besides privatization, government realised infrastructure deficit hitch in 2015 which was over $3.05 trillion in 30 years or $166 billion in five years, with energy and transport taking more than 50%. “Transport infrastructure alone needs a large sum of $50.9 billion in five years to cover the current gap in the sector, an average of $10.2 billion per year. Currently the ratio of funding in the sector between the public and private is 9:1, which is a

major challenge to private sector participation in the industry. “In addition, it is imperative to intimate this committee that full government ownership and management of these agencies had inherent restrictions for third party funding, undue government interferences; burdensome bureaucratic structures and over bloated work force amongst others,” the Minister told the stakeholders. Amaechi who argued that privatisation of railway would conflict with public interest, stated that “governments all over the world have realised that it is not best suited in ownership and management of businesses and as such considered it worthy to shift from purely Government to public private partnership. “The policy therefore is intended to guarantee efficiency, sustainability, competitiveness and profitability. To actualise these objectives, the Federal Government has established a trajectory towards driving the model. This led to the institutionalisation of agencies such as Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) with the statutory power to

superintend the transition of government owned concerns to the private sector under the various models of PPP.” While declaring the public hearing open, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, urged that the NRC Act bill which spells out the operations and regulation of the railway sector, should be thoroughly examined as an efficient rail system is a much safer and cheaper mode of transportation of goods, services and persons across the length and breadth of Nigeria, and also reduce damage done to our roads and high way by heavy duty trucks. “The current efforts by the Muhammadu Buhari led administration to consolidate the revival of the rail sector, evidenced by the recent presidential trip to China and the appropriation by the National Assembly of billions of naira to it on the 2016 budget, is highly commendable. It must also be accompanied with a revised up-to-date legal framework to organize and regulate the sector,” Dogara said. The chairman House Committee on Land Transport, Aminu Sani Isa(APC-Sokoto), noted that “In the past, there were various attempts to reform transport sector in Nigeria, But

now we are happy that we have the NTC and NRC Act bills. “As far as we are concerned, we are going to look into the submissions by the stakeholders and we are going to look at the so called grey areas to see how we can pinpoint the issues. “We are going to see the key players. In NTC, ministry of transport, shippers council, port & harbour, maritime and BPE”. He further added saying “as at now, the transport sector in Nigeria is uncoordinated, that is the reason behind the bill. As I speak with you, there is no railway in Nigeria that is moving including the Abuja-Kaduna rail line. Even the Lagos-Kano rail line moves only once in a week and has had an accident last week”. Speaking on the National Transport Commission bill, Nicholas Ossai (PDP-Delta) noted that effective regulation of the Transport sector would provide level playing ground for private sector, attract funding and new investments, encourage competition among major players and reduce loss of about 30% revenue accrued to the federation due to non-integration in the transport sector.

I’ll arrest, prosecute LG boss embezzling govt funds-Gov Bindow Page 16

Metro 31-33 Money Sense 34 Strange World 35 Digest 36 Vogue 39-40 Sports 41 Columnist 48

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L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), Engieneer Isa Usman Emoabino, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru and Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, during NIHTE International Training workshop on output / performance based contracting, yesterday in Abuja . Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

9 women die monthly in Zamfara general hospitals-Official

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

o fewer than nine women lost their lives on monthly basis in the Zamfara state General Hospitals, following dearth of qualified medical personnel affecting the state. This was made known by the Head of Maternal Newborn and

Child Health (MNCH2 Project) a DFID project in the state, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal yesterday during a one day stakeholders meeting on State Basket Funds for Primary Health Care, held at Shukrah Coral, Hotel, Sokoto, organized by Save the Children International. According to the State Team Leader (STL), the data available within the project indicated that

the rate of maternal death is utterly up surging in many parts of the state, saying that “In fact there are cases where environmental health workers are conducting caesarean section for pregnant women, which recently resulted into the death of a pregnant woman in one of the primary health care centre under Zurmi Local Council of the state,” Yusuf added.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Honorable Suleman Adamu Gummi said, government is committed towards the recruitment of qualified health workers for deployment to various general hospitals of the state, adding that, already an advertisement for recruitment of health workers was placed in one of the national daily.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

News

Ag News Editor Ese Awhotu World Humanitarian Summit opens in Turkey

T President Muhammadu Buhari (right) receives the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and with them is the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari at the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Don’t disturb public peace, Police warn factional PDP leaders

Deploy more personnel to secure secretariat

By Joy Baba Yesufu

he Nigerian Police Force has said Intelligence at the disposal of the Force leadership indicates that some aggrieved factional leaders and members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) have perfected plans to engage thugs from across the country to join them in threatening public peace and security in Abuja. This is sequel to the on-going intra-party leadership crisis in the party and further fallout of

the recent political engagements of the Party. A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole said The plan of the brains behind this development is to infiltrate Abuja and attack the National Headquarters of the Peoples’ Democratic Party with intent to forcefully occupy the facility. She said towards perfecting this criminality, credible Police sources confirm that the actors will mobilise into Abuja with effect from yesterday

and they intend to march through major streets in Abuja before proceeding to the PDP Secretariat to manifest their intention. According to the statement, “Consequently, the InspectorGeneral of Police has directed the deployment of Police assets to secure the PDP Secretariat and protect the staff until the threat to internal security that is being occasioned by the intraparty crisis within the PDP is stabilised. “The police action is a

proactive initiative which is being emplaced in furtherance to the statutory Mandate of the Nigeria Police to prevent breakdown in law and order and protect lives and property. “The Inspector General of Police, however, warns all actors in the crisis as well as their loyalists to refrain from any act that may threaten public order as the Police shall deal promptly, firmly and decisively with such persons or group in line with their legal obligations”.

Court grants Dasuki neutral place to brief lawyers By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

n Abuja High Court has overruled the Federal Government in its decision to confine the detained former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Muhammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd.) to the premises of the Department of the State Security Service (DSS) to access and brief his lawyer in the on-going trial of criminal charges on corruption brought against him. Dasuki who had been granted bail by three different high courts, met the bail conditions but was re-arrested by the operatives of DSS since December last year but yet to be released. The court ordered that exNSA must be allowed to access and brief his lawyers at a neutral place instead of the premises of the DSS headquarters in Abuja so as to enable him prepare adequately for his defence in the trial.

Justice Husain Baba Yusuf, who issued the order in Abuja yesterday, directed that henceforth, the detained exNSA should be allowed by the DSS operatives to access his lawyers within the premises of the Federal Capital Territory Judiciary Headquarters in Maitama Abuja between Monday to Friday this week. The pronouncement of Justice Baba Yusuf followed a complaint by Dasuki’s lawyer, Mr Adeola Adedipe that the legal team for Dasuki had not been allowed to have direct access to him in spite of a court order made on April 6. At the resumed hearing of the case, counsel to the Federal Government, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN had told the Judge that the case was slated for commencement of trial and that he was fully ready with his witnesses that will testify in the case. However, Adedipe rose and informed the court that he was

not ready for any trial because the ruling of April 6 which ordered DSS to allow them access their client for briefing so as to prepare his defence has not been complied with by the security agency. The counsel claimed that following the April 6 ruling, a letter by Dasuki’s lead counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu dated April 13 was despatched to the DSS requesting for permission to access Dasuki outside the DSS office as contained in the ruling of the court. To their surprise, Adedipe informed Justice Baba Yusuf that the prosecution counsel, Mr Rotimi Jabobs, SAN replied on April 18 to the effect that the access to Dasuki can only be granted at a convenient room and hindered in a special room at the DSS headquarters. The counsel insisted that because of the confidentiality required in such a briefing between a client and his lawyer, the DSS letter could not be acted upon; hence the defence was not ready

for trial until it has been afforded opportunity to access Dasuki on a neutral ground for proper briefing. The same position was canvassed by Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN, Solomon Umoh, SAN and Abioldun Layonu, SAN who are counsel to other defendants in the trial and claimed that in order not put a question mark in the trial, Dasuki must be allowed access to his lawyers in a neutral place in the interest of fear trial. Justice Baba Yusuf who had earlier indicated that he was not going to grant any further adjournment, however, saw reason with the defence and adjourned the case till June 6 for the DSS to comply with his April 6 ruling. The judge ordered that as from yesterday till Friday this week, Dasuki must be brought by the DSS operatives to the premises of the Abuja High Court as a neutral ground where Dasuki should be allowed unhindered access to his lawyers to enable him prepare adequate defence in he criminal charges against him.

he first World Humanitarian Summit opened on Monday in Istanbul, as part of widespread recognition among the UN and key donors that the humanitarian aid delivery system is not working well, but the event is facing heavy criticism. The UN and major donor countries are planning to announce measures meant to tighten up the finances, to ensure more efficient spending of aid money. Some aid groups have been critical of the event, saying governments themselves are often responsible for blocking aid and attacking schools and hospitals. “Today we do not yet have a functioning humanitarian aid system,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. UN agencies and their partners need roughly 20 billion dollars this year but only a fraction has been received. Earlier, the EU admitted that “donors cannot fully cover the growing humanitarian needs generated by today’s emergencies.” Doctors Without Border (MSF) pulled out of the summit, saying it would be a fig leaf and fail to address the most acute humanitarian crises, which it warns cannot be fixed through aid alone. The aid group wants states to do more to end conflicts, protect civilians, deliver assistance and respect international law. The event organised by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, recognises that 125 million people need aid around the world, a record number. Up to 60 million people are displaced, a growing number, which points to how conflicts remain unresolved. Turkey, the host country, has more than 2 million Syrian refugees, with no sign of the civil war ending, letting them go home. The UN should press Turkey to reopen its border to civilians fleeing the horrors in Syria,” Human Rights Watch said. Security was tight in Istanbul, which has been hit by terrorist attacks this year. The hope is the summit, and the process leading up to the event, will hQelp ensure better delivery of aid to those in need, and fix problems like the lack of schools for tens of millions of children in conflict zones. The attendees have be advised to be on the lookout for woolly language that avoids making concrete promises with strict time frames, noting that important reforms can simply be kicked down the road. (dpa/ NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

P ag e 4 R e p o rt By Femi Ogunshola

he rescue of two abducted girls who are students of Government Secondary Schools Chibok, Borno recently neutralises the cynics’ doubt on whether or not the Boko Haram insurgents really abducted the girls more than two years ago. Precisely, the insurgents were reported to have kidnapped more than 200 Chibok school girls in the night between April 14 and April 15, 2014. But Nigerians, including those whose daughters were victims of the abduction, has been faced with the glaring reality of the kidnapping with telling effects on their psyche. In reaction to the abduction, a group, #BringBackOurGirl# was formed to demand for the release of the abducted girls with daily rallies by the group at the Unity Fountain, Abuja The Abuja family of the #BringBackOurGirls# held a daily sit-out at the venue to make the demand for the release of Chibok schoolgirls fundamental. The news of the abduction also attracted outrage against Boko Haram and the Nigerian government in May 2014 with protests across Nigeria calling for greater government action. Also, between May 3 and May 4, 2014, protests were held in major western cities including Los Angeles and London with the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls# which became trendy on social network. For instance, the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper acknowledged that Canadians had joined the international effort to free the schoolgirls, while China announced its intention to make available ``any useful information acquired by its satellites and intelligence services.’’ Similarly, the European Union, which passed a resolution on July 17, 2014, called for immediate and unconditional release of the abducted schoolgirls, while French President Francois Hollande offered to hold a summit in Paris with Nigeria and its neighbours to tackle the issue. Further to this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered assistance to the Nigerian government in locating the missing pupils on May 11, 2014, while the United Kingdom agreed to send experts to Nigeria to assist in the search for the students. These efforts notwithstanding, many Nigerians opined that the Chibok girls could no longer be rescued or found alive again. According to some of Nigerians, most of the girls may have been married off or sent as suicide bombers by the insurgents.

Rescue of Chibok girls and the matters arising

Abducted Chibok But former President Olusegun Obasanjo noted that few of the girls might be found with good efforts at rescuing the girls. With much effort of security agents, the Nigerian Army recently confirmed the rescue of two of the abducted Chibok school girls -- Amina Ali Nkeki and Serah Luka Nkeki told her rescuers that six of her abducted colleagues had died while others were being held in Sambisa forest by their abductors. She is among other persons rescued by troops at Baale community near Damboa in Borno. Mr Aboku Gaji, the leader of the Civilian Joint Task Force in Chibok, said: ``The moment this girl was discovered by our vigilantes, she was brought to my house. I instantly

recognised her, and insisted we should take her to her parents. ``When we arrived in her house, I asked the mother to come and identify someone. The moment she saw her, she called her name.’’ The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement that its troops killed 35 Boko Haram terrorists and recovered several arms and ammunition in the recovery of Luka. ``In addition, they rescued 97 women and children held captives by the Boko Haram terrorists. We are glad to state that among those rescued is a girl believed to be one of the Chibok Government Secondary Schoolgirls that were abducted on April 14, 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorists. ``Her name is Miss Serah

“

Luka, who is number 157 on the list of the abducted school girls. She is believed to be the daughter of Pastor Luka. ``During debriefing, the girl revealed that she was an SS1 student of the school at the time they were abducted. She further added that she hails from Madagali, Adamawa,’’ he said. Sesugh Akume, the spokesperson for the #BringBackOurGirls# said the girl had provided useful information that her other classmates were still being held by terrorists in Sambisa forest. Reacting to the rescue, a civil rights organisation, ActionAid Nigeria, said the rescue of Amina was an indication that the other abducted girls by the insurgents would be found. It commended the Nigerian

It commended the Nigerian Army and the Civilian Joint Task Force for their efforts at rescuing the Chibok girls and ending insurgency in the north-eastern part of Nigeria.

Army and the Civilian Joint Task Force for their efforts at rescuing the Chibok girls and ending insurgency in the northeastern part of Nigeria. ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director Ojobo Atuluku also said the rescue of the girl was great news that raised the hope that the remaining girls would be rescued. ``The Nigerian Government must intensify efforts and give the security agents all required support to seek out the remaining girls. ``It is important for the government to strongly advocate against the stigma and discrimination women and girls face when they return,’’ Atuluku said. According to her, Boko Haram insurgency remains a huge threat to the safety of women and girls in Nigeria ``It is important that all efforts are made to protect them and to allow women and girls to live free from fear,’’ she noted. For the efforts of the Federal Government and security agents, analysts believe that the rescue of the girls has brought a hope of rescue for other abducted girls. According to them, all hand must be on deck to support the military to fast track the rescue of the remaining abducted girls. (NANFeatures)

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

News

Oba of Benin burial begins Wednesday - Council From Benin

Osaigbovo Iguobaro,

he burial rites of Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa who formally joined his ancestors 29th April 2016, will begin on Wednesday (tomorrow). The Benin Traditional Council, on Monday in a statement by the Secretary of the Council, Mr. Frank Irabor, would be performed by the Edaiken N’Uselu and heir apparent to the throne, His Royal Highness, Eheneden Erediauwa, who has the “sole responsibility.” The royal funeral rites codenamed (the Emwinekhua), is a follow-up to the announcement of the demise of the Oba Erediauwa by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe. The statement said the Ceremony, which will last for 15 days, would begin with palace rites on May 25 and end on June 15 this year. According to the statement, “all other burial Ceremonies are prohibited, urged residents to go about their normal business and stay away from places where traditional rites that are “not open to public” are performed during the funeral rites. The statement read: “Nonindigenes who live among us should show respect and cooperation with our age-old customs and tradition. We assure everyone that we shall work closely with the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the period of the ceremonies. “As Edo people, we cherish the common history and heritage we share. Therefore, it is our expectation that we should come together in a common understanding of the things we must do during this period of mourning, and throughout this period.” The council said it would not tolerate any form of unruly behaviour from persons who may want to use the period to foment trouble. It, however, stated that although “unfamiliar sounds” which are intended to warn people, especially women to “keep away” may be heard, such should not cause anxiety among the residents.

China, Saudi, Turkey to invest in Nigeria’s agric

Contd from Cover page

gency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos on the sidelines of this year’s Food Nigeria Exhibition and Conference, of their growing interest in Nigeria. Mr Subramaniam Eassuwaran, Vice Chairman of ESWARAN Brothers Export, from Sri Lanka, said that his company, that was visiting Nigeria for the first, was in the country to explore business opportunities. Eassuwaran said that his organisation was prepared to engage Nigerian partners in the distribution of good quality teas to the Nigerian population. ``We have been hearing of the huge business opportunities in

Nigeria. ``My organisation, which is one of the largest tea bag companies in Asia, has therefore, decided to come to exploit the Nigerian market for its teas,’’ he said. Eassuwaran, who expressed the satisfaction of some Nigerians with their exhibited teas, said that he was convinced that Nigeria would provide the right market for his company’s tea bags. Mr Samer El-Kari, Commercial Manager of AL-Faris Food Industries, from Saudi Arabia, said that his company was eager to bring its products to the Nigerian market. ``Especially now that we are

expanding our export market, we are beginning to see Nigeria as one of the largest markets for our products. ``We are now really interested in doing business in Nigeria, because Nigeria really has the population for our agricultural products,’’ he said. Mr Richie Deng, Commercial Manager of Chongqing Lihong Fine Chemicals, from China, expressed confidence in the Nigerian markets for his company’s products. ``We have been doing well in other parts of the world. And now, we have decided to also come to look for business opportunities in Nigeria,’’ he said. Mr Evren Sengul, Manager

of Semolina Azteca Milling, from Turkey, said that although his company had been doing business with some Nigerian partners, it was not set to expand its investment plan to Nigeria. Sengul, however, pleaded with the Nigerian government to review its current currency regulation laws, as it was seriously affecting his Nigerian customers’ importation of his company’s products. ``Our Nigerian customers are really complaining of having difficulties in transferring money from Nigeria to Turkey. ``These customers are also complaining of their difficulties in getting dollars to import products,’’ he added L-R: Commander, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen. Stevenson Olabanji; Commander, Operation Pulo Shield, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief Of Defence Statff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Chieff of Naval Staff, Vice-Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas and Chieff of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the Inauguration of 12 Refurbished Gun Boats and 40 Bed space accommodation for personnel, yesterday in Okirika, Rivers State. Photo: NAN

Nemesis as Boko Haram kills own chief bomb maker By Joy Baba Yesufu

n what will be described as a major breakthrough in the clearance and rescue operation by the Nigerian military and to also confirm that all is not well within the Boko Haram terrorists camp, their chief bomb maker and a high ranking terrorist, was shot dead today by Shekau’s aide. This was contained in a statement signed by the Ag. Director

of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Col Sani Usman yesterday in Abuja. The statement said the chief bomb maker, apart from his high status in the command structure of the Boko Haram terrorists,was one of their capable hands involved in making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), coming after their chief scientist! Abu RPG (who has been killed long ago). Usman also said the chief bomb maker was killed by one of the

body guard of the Boko Haram terrorists leader, Abubakar Shekau as he was about to run away just like several others are doing because of the intensity of Operation CRACKDOWN. He further said in a related development, one Julelebeeb who was appointed to take over is now completely blind because his two eyes were shattered by shrapnel, in the process of preparing an IED to consolidate his appointment

adding that there is no doubt, this development has dealt a devastating blow on the terrorists capacity on IED preparation, suicide bombing and their ability to sustain their criminal acts. “We would like to reassure the public that our troops are continuing with the clearance and rescue operations successfully in order to completely clear Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hiding” the statement also said.

Buhari felicitates with Ajoke Muhammed at 75 By Lawrence Olaoye

resident Muhammadu Buhari has warmly felicitated with former First Lady, Mrs. Ajoke Mohammed who turns 75 today. In a statement made available to

newsmen by his Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari joined family members, friends and well-wishers in celebrating the worthy and exemplary life of Mrs. Mohammed, who has consistently shown that the entire society could be truly enriched through

building strong and successful families. On the happy occasion of her 75th birthday, Buhari also applauded Mohammed’s remarkable contributions to environmental preservation as a renowned horticulturist and leading conservationist.

The President prayed that Almighty God will grant the dear wife of late Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, many more years of good health and joyful living with her children, grandchildren, relatives, friends and associates across the country.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

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News

Zonal Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Oludare Fadogba (Left), with other officers checking the expiring date of tyres during the stakeholders awareness/rally on sustaining Free vehicle tyre safety check, yesterday in Jos Plateau State.

Protest greets sack of LG workers in Kogi From Hamza Immam, Lokoja

n Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Monday ordered the remand of Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for three weeks. Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi while ordering Fani-Kayode’s remand said:”The defendant is hereby remanded in EFCC custody for three weeks pending a proper arraignment in court. “The applicants have never suppressed the date of the arrest of the defendant before this court. “Also, no evidence of the suit of the defendant before the FCT High Court was tendered by his counsel before the court.” The News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) reports that the EFCC brought Fani-Kayode to court to seek a remand order against him over a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretences and the alleged theft of N1.5 billion, property of the Federal Ministry of External Affairs. According to the anti-graft agency, the remand order is urgently needed to prevent FaniKayode from tampering with evidence. Earlier during the proceedings, counsel to the EFCC, Mr N.M.Anana, urged the court to remand the ex-Minister of Aviation. “We have an exparte application for an order of remand dated May 10, 2016 made pursuant to Section 261 (1) of

the Administration of Criminal Justice Law. “Attached to the application is a nine-paragraph affidavit of urgency seeking the remand of the defendant in the EFCC custody. “We need this order of remand because if he is not remanded, he might interfere with the investigations in this matter, ‘’ Anana said. Counsel to Fani-Kayode, Mr Wale Balogun, however, opposed the EFFC’s application for remand. He said:”The applicants have suppressed some facts which Your Lordship would question why the application of the EFCC is being taken ex parte. “There is a pending suit before the FCT High Court to challenge the detention of the defendant.

“The suit number is FCT/ HC/1767/2016 between the defendant and the EFCC who are aware of the suit and have been served. “The defendant has been in EFCC detention since May 9 after which he was granted administrative bail the conditions of which he met on May 12. “In Abuja, they got another detention order for 14 days and what the EFCC did after was to bring him to Lagos.” Balogun urged the court not to detain Fani-Kayode because of the pending suit he had instituted against the EFCC. “My client’s detention is a breach of the constitution; it is either he is granted bail or charged to court,’’ Balogun said. (NAN)

ension is gradually mounting in Kogi State following the laying off of larger chunk of workers across the local government areas of the state. The state government had embarked on screening of workers in the local governments with a view to fishing out ghost staff and other fraudulent workers, which the present administration said are looting the treasury with reckless abandon. The release of the report of the screening exercise on Monday has heightened tension across the local governments, with the affected workers preparing for a showdown to compel the government to revert the unpopular policy. Already, workers in Lokoja local government have staged a peaceful demonstration yesterday, chanting war songs and threarening to make the state ungovernable if the administration failed to rescind its decision. Some workers who spoke to Peoples Daily appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to call the governor to order, saying the APC led administration in the state is anti people. Also speaking, the secretary of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees in the local govenment, Comrade Bala Ibrahim described the action of the state government as unacceptable, insisting that the committee had derailed from the assignment given to them. He said larger percentage of workers in the local governments were laid off indiscriminately without genuine reason, adding that there are rules to be followed in disengaging staff from civil service.

By Paschal Chukwuemeka

allegations of sexual molestation in Queens College, Lagos. “NEC considered that the manner in which the investigation was concluded did not adequately reflect the seriousness with which allegations of sex abuse and predatory sexual behaviour in schools should be treated”. In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the Secretary General and Publicity Secretary of the association, Salim Ibrahim and Katherine Pam respectively, USOSA said that the deliberations, “revealed quite clearly testimonies confirming that sex abuse has been and remains a widespread and frequent occurrence in our schools attracting no

consequences to perpetrators and sometimes resulting in the victims being punished with expulsion.” More so, the association said that the excuse that the alleged victim did not come forward to testify to the investigation panel was not cogent enough to warrant the conclusion that the allegations were unfounded. It resolved to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Education and the relevant law enforcement agencies in order to develop appropriate policy responses to the problem of sex abuse in schools including, developing standards and protocols for ethics and accountability for teachers; curriculum reform and adequate mechanisms for protection of complainants.

The association also expressed concern at the situation of the country and noted that Nigeria confronted multiple threats to its unity, social cohesion, human development and inter-community co-existence and reaffirmed the commitment of USOSA to the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria. While pledging to work with all providers of education and government at all levels to safeguarding of children in schools, the association endorsed education and security as a priority for its members and therefore urged members to give priority to safe education for students in schools across the Nigeria, especially in the North East region of the country

where the violence of Boko-Haram had focused on the destruction of schools and educational infrastructure. It noted that there had been many instances of arbitrary levies and diversion of appropriated resources. “To enable it to address the issue of corruption in (Unity) Schools and develop an effective framework for transparency and accountability education, NEC, therefore, resolved to request USOSA NEC authorized the establishment of an Ad-Hoc Working Group on the North-East Education Initiative to be led by the National President of FGC Wukari, Mr Rufuntse Jauro, to work with the Executive in identifying and engaging with relevant stakeholders.

Photo: NAN

Court orders Fani-Kayode’s remanded in EFCC custody for 3 weeks

Alleged sexual abuse: Unity schools’ alumni rejects ministry’s investigation

he National Executive Council of Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has vehemently rejected the outcome of investigation conducted by the Federal Ministry Education into the alleged sexual molestation that took place in Queens College, Lagos. President General of the association, Dr Chidi Odinkalu made this known after the association’s meeting in Abuja yesterday. “NEC registered unanimous displeasure at the manner of the conclusion of the investigation by the Federal Ministry of Education regarding the widely publicized

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

News

Boy, 15, docked for allegedly pickpocketing N33,500

15-year-old boy was on Monday docked before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, charged with stealing a man’s wallet at OrileIganmu Bus Stop. The accused, Emmanuel Olayiwola, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge bordering on stealing. The Prosecutor, Cpl. Anthonia Osayande, told the court that the accused on May 16 at Orile-Iganmu Bus Stop, stole a wallet containing cash and a Nokia phone, all valued at N33,500, property of one Edeh Kelechi. The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge preferred against him. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Ekpaye Nwachukwu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum. She adjourned the case to June 27, for mention. (NAN)

Court slams N500, 000 bail on lawyer for alleged dangerous driving

Gudu Upper Area Court in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday admitted a 28-year-old lawyer, Nnadubem Moghalu, to bail in the sum of N500,000 for alleged dangerous driving. Moghalu of No. 14, Aguata Close, Garki 2, FCT, pleaded not guilty to a two-count charges of causing accident by dangerous driving and driving without due care. The presiding officer, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, in his ruling, ordered the defendant to produce reliable sureties in like sum. Kagarko said that the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, and adjourned the case till July 26 for hearing. Prosecutor Urom Otu told the court that the defendant drove without care and attention, thereby hitting Peace Matthew of Masaka, Nassarawa State, on May 17. Otu said Matthew sustained degrees of injuries and had been in a coma at the National Hospital. He said that the vehicle was badly damaged and cost of repair was unknown. The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 28 and 21 of the Road Traffic Act. (NAN)

L-R: Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Director, Finance and Account, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Peter Momodu and Director, Road Transport and Mass Transit Admin of the Ministry, Mrs. Anthonia Ekpa, during the Public Hearing on a bill for an act to repeal Nigerian railway corporation and a bill for an act to provide the establishment of the National Transport Commission, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Anxiety, as gunmen kill another Okada rider in Benue

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

nknown gunmen men yesterday murdered a commercial motorcyclist commonly known as ‘okada rider’ in Makurdi, Benue State capital. According to Police Public Relations’ Officer, ASP Moses Yamu in a telephone conversation with Peoples Daily, said the incident occurred around Lobi Quarters at

about 6:30 am. Residents of the area said they heard sound of gunshot at about 6:10 in the morning and then another sound of a moving motorcycle and when they summoned the courage to go outside, they found a young man dead and in the pool if his blood. The victim who was shot in the head at a close range was said to have died immediately with part

of his brain spilling out to the ground. Yamu also added that he corpse of the yet to be identified Okada man has been deposited in an undisclosed hospital while investigation has already commenced to unravel his death. Peoples Daily findings indicates that, killing of Okada riders and snatching of their motorcycles has become a trend in Makurdi and

other parts of the state with no fewer than 15 motorcyclists have been gruesomely murdered in that manner in the last three months. This development, coupled with recent rise in criminal activities in the state made the Governor, Samuel Ortom to revisit the ban placed on Okada riding between 6am and 8pm by his predecessor, former Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Female Police allegedly demands bribe from journalist in Delta

From Matthew Omonigho, Delta

female Police officer in Ubiaruku Divisional Headquarters simply identified as Woman Inspector, Juliet yesterday allegedly demanded bribe from a journalist, Emmanuel Okoro before she could commence investigation into a burglary case. Earlier, the woman Inspector, names withheld and some of her colleagues had allegedly compelled the journalist who works with

Pointer Newspaper, a media outfit of Delta State Government to pay the sum of three thousand naira as fees for the photographs taken in the crime scene by a commercial photographer brought by the police. Peoples Daily gathered that Mr. Emmanuel Okoro had gone to the police station to inquire the reasons for the action of the police a month after he lodged complaints of burglary especially when the identity of the suspects was known

to the police. Mr. Emma Okoro, had earlier lodge a complaint that some hoodlums broke into his house while he was away and made away with some of his valuables and cash valued over thousands of naira. Getting there, he was referred to the Investigating Police Officer, (IPO) who vehemently refused to ignore her duty exclaiming “how do you expect me to investigate your case when you refused to bring money. If you don’t want to bring

money, you better go and do the investigation yourself. Shebi you be journalist”? she inquired. The response of the female police inspector almost resulted into physical combat with the journalist who was there with his colleague, Monday Ojomah, a reporter with Fresh Facts Magazine as eyewitness. The DPO could not be reached for comment as he was said to be away to Asaba for briefing as at the time of filling this report.

Man bags 10 months imprisonment for stealing

Jos Chief Magistrates’ Court, on Monday, sentenced a26-year-old man, Iliya Bulus to ten months in prison for attacking a man and stealing his phone. Bulus, a resident of Kardima, Hwolshe, in Jos, was charged with criminal force, causing hurt and theft. The magistrate, Mr Tijanni Zololo, handed down the sentence after the accused pleaded guilty to

the charge and begged for leniency. “I hereby sentence you to three months in prison for the offence of criminal force. ``You have an option to pay N2, 000 as fine or spend three months in prison for the offence of causing hurt. “An option of N2, 000 fine and four months in prison for the offence of theft or a fine of N4, 000,’’ he ruled,“ “The prison term is to be served

concurrently,” Zololo added. Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Bature Donga, told the court that one Nasiru Ibrahim of the same address, reported the matter at the Anglo Jos police station on May 12. Donga alleged that the accused person attacked the complainant while on his way home with an unknown object, thereby injuring him on his arm. He said that while he was on the

ground writhing in pains, the accused person stole his Nokia phone valued at N11, 000. The prosecutor said that he was apprehended by a vigilant security official while trying to escape. He alleged that during police investigation, the said phone had been recovered from him. Donga said that the offence contravened Sections 265, 242 and 287 of the Penal Code. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

News

NCS receives 2 boats of seized rice from Navy

he Eastern Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said the Nigerian Navy had assisted in intercepting two boats laden with smuggled rice in Calabar, Cross River. The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Command of the NCS, Mr Julius Uzowuru, said this in a statement on Monday, a copy of which was made to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He said that the synergy and inter-agency collaboration between the Eastern Marine Command of the NCS and the Eastern Naval Command of the Nigeria Navy had yielded result. ``The seizure of rice, which was made recently on the high sea by the captain of a Naval Ship, Navy Commander A. O. Ojebode of the Eastern Naval Command between Cameroon and Nigerian border, was carefully concealed in two boats conveying 30 passengers

among who were eight Cameroonians and 13 Nigerians. ``Meanwhile, the seizure have since been handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service in Calabar, while the passengers of the boats were in same vein handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation,’’ the statement said. NAN reports that the Customs Area Controller of Eastern Marine Command, Comptroller Usman Bello, had solicited that the Navy should assist the NCS in effecting seizures of contraband goods on the high seas. Bello said this during the 2016 Obangame Exercise organised in Calabar by the Nigerian Navy which comprised other law enforcement agencies and the media Expressing his delight at the seizure, Bello thanked the Nigerian Navy for a successful synergy and cooperation so far.. (NAN)

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

circumstances. Counsel to the Enagbare family, Jefferson Uwoghiren, who raised the alarm in a press statement, described the disappearance of the killer teenager as worrisome and in bad taste. According to the statement, “we are horribly appalled and shocked to learn of the reported escape from lawful custody, Gift Edosomwan, a suspected double killer of Itohan Enagbare and her daughter. “We demand his immediate recapture and custody. “We seek immediate arrest of all those responsible for this embarrassing escape. A serial killer is on the prowl”, the statement said.

Members of Lagos State Council For Arts And Culture entertaining guests, during the working visit of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to Lagos State, yesterday as representative of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari proves Teenager arrested politics not about over killing of mother escapes from detention money-Oyegun

he whereabouts of the suspected killer teenager, Gift Edosomwan, who reportedly escaped from juvenile home welfare, has heightened tension in Benin City. Edosomwan was arrested in connection with the murder of her mother, Itohan Enagbare and her daughter which led to her arrest by the Police. 15-year-old and others now at large, were alleged to have stabbed his victims-28 years old Itohan Enagbare and her three years old daughter, Iwinosa, to death. Gift was said to have escaped on Saturday morning in a suspicious

By Umar Muhammad Puma

ational Chairman of the Ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has said the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari as the President of Nigeria has proven that politics is not about money. Speaking when he hosted the first female aspirants for the APC Governorship ticket for the Edo State Governorship election, Mrs. Tina O Agbarha in his office, Oyegun allayed her fear that Buhari had no money, but won the 2015 general elections against the money bags politicians and this should be an encouragement for women to take

part in politics. He said the APC would do everything possible to encourage women to participate in active politics owing to the facts that women and youth account for 50% of voters in Nigerian electioneering process. On her part, Mrs. Agbarha said she has studied the terrain and believed she can compete favourably among her male counterparts. She thanked the APC for encouraging women to participate in the process by making the expression of Interest and Nomination form free for women. “if not for APC, I have been thinking of where I would get the money to compete with the

money-bags politicians. Agbarha who was full of praise for the APC said the party empowered here by trusting her with leadership position where she acquired experiences that she believed qualified her to contest for the governorship of Edo state. While reeling out her programme for the people of Edo State, she promised to fight poverty and hunger as well as improve the health care sector of the state. Mrs. Agbarha was particularly worried about the rate of infant mortality rate and said when elected Governor of Edo state, she would make healthcare for women, children and youth free.

Court rules on Metuh’s request for international passport on May 25

Federal High Court on Monday fixed May 25 for ruling on PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh, request for his international passport to travel to United Kingdom for medical treatment. Metuh was arraigned by the EFCC on charges bordering on allegations of diverting N400 million funds meant fighting insurgency in the North-East from the former National Security Adviser retired Col. Sambo Dasuki. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. Justice Okon Abang, adjourned ruling in

the matter to enable him acquaint himself with the relevant sections of the law regarding the release of applicant passport. At the resumed hearing of the case, Metuh’s Counsel, Mr Onyeachi Ikpeazu (SAN), told the court that he filed a motion for the release of his client’s international passport. Ikpeazu argued that the applicant`s health conditions had deteriorated and need urgent medical care abroad. He, therefore, urged the court to exercise its jurisdiction and vary the bail condition by releasing the applicant`s passport.

The defence lawyer also informed the court that he obtained a copy of medical report from the National Hospital, Abuja, which recommended the applicant to travel to London Hospital. Opposing the application, the EFCC counsel Mr Sylvanus Tahir, said that the defence must be specific in their application. Tahir argued that the court must take cognizance of whether varying the order could not contravened the earlier order of the court which retained the applicant`s passport.

He also said that the medical report tendered by the defence ought to be certified since it was a document coming from public institution. The EFCC counsel also argued that the document did not suggest that the ailment could not be treated in Nigeria. He, therefore, urged the court to refused the application, saying that there was no credible evidence to warrant the grant of the application. The judge however adjourned ruling in the application till May 25. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

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News

Count me out of IPP project scandals, Okowa tells Deltans From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

elta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday dispelled rumours making rounds against him that he was involved in the Independent Power Project (IPP) scandals as untrue, saying “count me out of IPP project scandals, I make bold to say I am not involved in the scandals.” While he vowed to fulfill his electioneering promises to Deltans, the Governor told journalists at a media chat in Asaba that the IPP project was engrossed in challenges especially in the absence of gas supply adding; “We cannot continue to spend money on project that has not been properly put in place, obviously there are challenges on the project, we are asking

for advice, we are seeking for advice. It is a huge challenge and so far over N30billion has been sank into the project without gas supply”. On Warri industrial park, Governor Okowa disclosed that the project initiated by his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel

Uduaghan was put on hold for economic meltdown, saying the state government was studying the values of the park especially on the money spent on the project and urged Deltans to discountenance the rumour on the attempt by the state government to scrap the third tier of government, the local

government councils as they were very close to the people saying that the State has the highest number of schools especially the primary schools, while the local government councils’ staff in one councils is over 700 staff hence local government councils cannot pay salaries”.

He said that over N4billion is required monthly to run the local government councils under the present dwindling allocations which started since 2015, adding: “The state government has supported and the staff strength is over bloated and I cannot ask the councils to sack its workers”.

Gov. Abubakar sets up c’ttee on workers payment From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

auchi state governor, Mohammed Abubakar has set up a committee to receive complaints from the state\’s local government workers who were verified but are yet to receive their salaries for prompt payment. In a press release signed and made available to newsmen in Bauchi yesterday, the Secretary to the State Government(SSG), Bello Shehu Ilelah explained that the exercise is to enable government commence payment to the affected staff before the commencement of the Ramadan fasting. According to the release, the committee tagged ‘GroupA\ comprising Bauchi,Bogoro, Dass,and Tafawa Balewa local government areas is chaired by Air Cmdr.Ahmed Tijani Baba Ganawa(Rtd) Group B chaired by Brig-Gen. Ladan B.Yusuf(Rtd) is made up of Gamawa,Katagum and Zaki Local governments, while Group C has Ganjuwa,Toro and Warji,with Aliyu Mohammed,Permanent Secretary State Emergency Management Agency as the head. While Jama’are Itas,Shira,and Ningi local government councils will be led in the exercise by Hashimu A. Dori,Permanent Secretary Local Government Affairs,Alkaleri,Darazo and Kirfi local governments will be verified by Group E chair,Nasiru Yelwa,Director Administration and Human Resources,Ministry of Efucation. Group F,which has Dambam,Giade and Misau shall be led by Mohammed Aminu Ibrahim,a Permanent Secretary, State Planning Commission,as chairman. The 6 committees are to ‘take particulars of all workers, and pensioners who were verified, but not paid their salaries’. The particulars of the affected workers include Name, Rank Personal Sub-Head Number, Pay Point, Bank Account Number and Bank Verification Number.

L-R: Editor-In-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (Nan), Alhaji Lawal Ado; Acting Managing Director of Nan, Mr. Jones Afolabi, and Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, during the Minister’s visit To the agency’s headquarters, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Nan

5 cattle rustlers arrested over killing of herder in Plateau From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

o fewer than five cattle rustlers were arrested yesterday by security agents in Mangu local government area of Plateau state. The five arrested rustlers were accused of killing a Fulani herder,

a 35 years old Adamu Yusuf and rustled 32 cows and 30 sheep in the area. The secretary of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Muhammad Adam yesterday alleged that the rustlers were Berom who came to Mangu from Fan district in Barkin

Ladi LGA According to Adam, OPSH officers in Barkin Ladi had recovered 19 of the cattle and all the sheep adding that the rustlers have agreed to take the herders and security agents to Gyel market in Bukuru, Jos South where the remaining cows have been taken to for selling.

When contacted on the arrest, the Operation Safe Heaven Media and Information Officer, Captain Ikedichi Iweha confirmed the killing of the Fulani herdsman and recovery of 19 cows. He said five suspects were in the custody of OPSH, hoping to trace the remaining cows.

300 women undergo skill acquisition training in Kebbi From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

he Coordinator of MALLIPA foundation and also the wife of the Kebbi State Governor Hajiya Aisha Atiku Bagudu in collaboration with the Technology Business Incubation Center Birnin Kebbi has flagged-off the skill acquisition training of 300 women and youths from the 21 local government area of the state. Speaking during the flag-off

yesterday at the TBIC Birnin Kebbi, the wife of the kebbi state governor, Hajiya Aisha Atiku Bagudu, said that the training is going to be a golden opportunity to the youth who were yet to be engaged and would also reduce the high rate of poverty and crime in the state. Hajiya Aisha further added that the programme would also make a positive impact on the people of communities and increase the state revenue.

The participants who were going to be trained from different fields like yogurt, fish/poultry farming, plumbing works, shear butter training, flour food fortification among others, were registered free and they would be discharged with the certificate, money and item for them to be settle down. ‘‘I implore the various local government sole administrators to kindly provide these women and youths with take up materials to start

up small business,’’ she added. In her remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Hajiya Rufayat Garba Hammani said that the aim of flagging off of this programme was to train and empower women and youth and also make them to be self employed. She urged the participants to go back to their various communities and extend the skills acquired to others.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

News

Cash crunch: Govs must be ingenious to survive, says Amosun

By Lawrence Olaoye

gun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has said that Nigerian governors must think out of the box to in order to survive the harsh economic situation in the country. Amosun, who spoke to State House Correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, acknowledged that the prevailing economic situation in the county is affecting all stakeholders. Asked how he is managing to survive, Amosin said “Yes, I

know things are tough and I am saying these with all sense of responsibility, all the states in Nigeria are affected. We are part of the larger context called Nigeria and because of that challenge, people must think out of the box and I am happy to report that in Nigeria today,maybe not in the quantum of what we generate l, but we are number one. “If you check the indices that have been released, we doubled our revenue with about 97.8%, the next state to us I think was 41% we are working hard and we are doing well but they is still lot more

to be done.” Commenting on the effect of Investment Summit he organised in his state, the governor said, “It’s the fourth in our series of investors forum and this year we believe we had to zero in on three key areas that is agriculture, Environment and transportation and the reason is not farfetched. “Everybody believes that there is no alternative except for diversification and even before this crisis we realise that the only to go is to diversify into agriculture. “It will employ our people; it

will create wealth for them. Those nations that have got it right if you see them, you will discover that they have their cottage industries; they are the enablers. That’s why we believe those ones we zero in on these three grey areas of course we will get it right. “I am happy that we got several investors, particularly those that are not even from Nigeria and so many people that are in Nigeria, that operate here and that are why we showcased everybody. “I know within the next maybe two years you will see. Ogun state is the industrial hub of Nigeria,

there is no state that has the kind of resources we have,in terms of numbers and value. “We are not limiting it at that; we want to take it forward. Not agriculture alone, we want to take full advantage of the full value chain that agriculture offers and what do I mean by that? That whatever we grow we must process, and whatever we have processed we must package and whatever we package we must market, we must transport it to the final consumer. You know everybody is working that is what we are trying to do.”

Bauchi first lady trains 700 women on skill acquisition From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

he Bauchi state first lady , Hajia Hadiza Abubakar in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development has flagged off skill acquisition programme for the training of 700 women across the 20 Local Government Area of the state. Hajia Abubakar disclosed

this during the flagging off the project at the Banquet hall of the Government House Bauchi yesterday, the first was represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Hajiya Fatima Nuhu Gidado said the gesture will go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the women. She buttressed the need to give adequate attention to the women who are the most

vulnerable in the society adding “addressing poverty among women folks will bring peace and development to our society” According to her, the women will be train on Poultry, Pastry making, Beautification, Bed sheet making and animal rearing. The First Lady thereby enjoined the women to pay attention to training to enable

them acquire knowledge and skill needed to better their lives. Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Asabe Hamma said the skill acquisition programme will enable the women especially the rural women to be self reliant and contribute to the socio economic development of the state and the Nation at

large. She said,” for us to remove the mask of poverty from the face of the women, there is needed to initiate such programme to help develop the capacity of women and youth. Hajia Hamma said a starter pack would be given to all beneficiaries at the end of the training to enable them start the business immediately.

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Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Discos: Beyond the metering muddle By Harry T. Idongesit

s the nation grapples with the rehabilitation, restructuring and revamping of the all-important power sector, sporadic encounters with vested interests opposed to smooth and systematic attainment of these crucial development objectives seem to be unavoidable. Even before we overcome the propaganda against the new tariff for electricity we are already contending with another diversionary ploy to encumber the DISCOs with the metering muddle. Apart from the primary problem of obsolete installations producing inadequate power, the mundane task of metering consumers has proved to be another cog in the wheel. Long before the privatization was adopted as the only means of salvaging and reversing the decadent paralysis in the power sector, metering had been practically discarded and not even the establishment of the Electric Meter Company (EMCON) in Zaria made a difference. Mass estimation was the (dis)order of the day as the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and its customers both exploited the weaknesses of “guestimation” and “crazy bills” to their respective pecuniary advantages. Now it

is the DISCOs that are being harassed and victimized for huge shortfalls in metering in the latest version of the campaign of calumny to derail the very foundation for sustainable involvement of international investors and power management consortia in rescuing the power sector. Orchestrated complaints of unmetered electricity consumers and alleged breach of nonexistent deadlines for metering all customers are being amplified and embellished and targeted at DISCOs in a conspiracy involving the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Labour and civil rights groups. In a mischievous move to whip up public sentiments against DISCOs, propagandists claim that there is no zeal in bridging the metering gap because estimation

enables extortion of customers. Against the background of the genesis and scale of the metering gap, it is preposterous and callous to suggest an 18 month timeframe could ever be enough to supply and install all the millions of meters required and that any DISCO worth its international reputation would sign up. There was no such Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or NERC policy directing the DISCOs to meter their customers in 18 months, neither was it contained in the Agreement signed with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). According to news reports, at takeover point in November 2013, the new investors in AEDC for instance, discovered that less than 50% of their customers had meters! Additional indication of the enormity of the number of

The sooner we actualize the current anti-corruption and anti-economic sabotage fervour in our deeds, especially in the power sector, the better for us all

meters as well as the magnitude of expenditure required for this exercise can also be gleaned from AEDC’s published commitment to install 500,000 meters at the rate of 100,000 per annum for five years. This will be after completing the pilot scheme of free installation of 6,250 meters, 5,000 of which are being installed free of charge in Tunga area of Minna in Niger State, and the remaining 1,250 are to be installed in Utako Market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Implementation of the mass metering project is expected to cost $200 million. Reports also say that AEDC has already installed over 40,000 meters through the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) Scheme from November 2013 when it took over, under an NERC scheme to help bridge the wide metering gap as the Regulator was fully aware of the huge gap inherited. An electronic vending system which allows customers to recharge their meters via the internet, in addition to other multiple channels of buying units is also said to be now operational in the AEDC’s franchise area of FCT, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger States. In any case, common sense dictates that metering of customers by DISCOs must be

Hunger, not war, can end the world By Owei Lakemfa

e live in a highly insecure world. However, the greatest source of global insecurity is not ISIS, Trumpism or the nuclear arms race; it is hunger, powered by, perhaps, the most devastating but virtually unreported drought in living memory. As this reality dawned on me, I thought about children going to bed hungry; how do they sleep?Adolescents going to school on empty stomaches; what can they learn? What do you tell a hungry populace; how can they listen? In 2013, I went to Namibia; the crops had failed that May and the government had declared a state of emergency. I was unaware of the devastation nor of UNICEF’s findings that one third of the population was either severely or moderately food insecure. It was the worst drought in thirty years and the world seemed oblivious. Namibian President, Hifikepunye Pohamba had cried out: “It has now been established that climate change is here to stay and humanity must find ways and means of mitigating its effect.” It did some seem that the world listened. Today, the situation is worse with the large Kunene Province experiencing no rain in the last two years. Rather than starve to death, some of the inhabitants are selling their livestock and moving to the cities where there are no jobs. The Namibian government is now running drought relief programmes with a new one planned to begin in

June. That same year, I was in Zimbabwe and travelled the countryside from Harare to Masvingo, some three hours drive. Laying prostrate before my eyes were vast farms that seemed empty except for cattle. I thought it was the result of the land seizures, but was shocked to find that rain had deserted large parts of the country for many years. Now, about four million Zimbabweans need food aid to survive the drought. Of course it is not just the humans, but also the ten national wildlife parks are at risk. On May 3, 2016, the Parks Management issued a statement stating: “In the light of the drought … Parks and Wildlife Management Authority intends to destock its parks estates through selling some of the wildlife.” While Zimbabwe experienced drought, its neigbour, Mozambique was under severe floods, but not anymore; in 2015, drought set in, now the United Nations (UN) says the country needs $100 million for humanitarian aid to check hunger occasioned by drought and internal conflicts. With 28 million people in Southern Africa facing hunger, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, Elhadj As Sy is launching a $150 million appeal fund to begin a roll back. Ethiopia had experienced severe famine, especially in the 1970s; now it is experiencing a similar tragedy. In 2015, the crops failed and today, 10 million of its 99 million population are facing starvation. Six

million of the starving are children, with 435,000 of them, according to UNICEF, experiencing acute malnutrition. South Sudan is a tragedy, with its self-inflicted wounds which have aggravated hunger in the country with 2.5 million people needing food aid. Somalia is, of course, a worse tragedy having experienced two famines and an unending, fractious civil war which began as skirmishes in 1988. Hunger struts the land, but given the endless conflicts, statistics are hard to come by. Drought and famine have long planted themselves in the Lake Chad Basin which serves Niger, Chad, Cameroun and Nigeria. The Basin Commission and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ) revealed in a study that Lake Chad shrunk from 25,000 Square Kilometres in the 1960s, to 4,800 Square Kilometres in 2014 while the multi-ethnic population rose from 17 million in 2005 to 38 million in 2016. This is an explosive mix that has led to hunger, armed conflicts, a terrorist recruitment ground, and a relentless population push southwards into Nigeria. The World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Ertharin Cousin situates the problem: “Climate change is impacting subSaharan Africa. Erratic rains have become more of a reality across the entire continent… Over 95 percent of all agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa is rain-fed today. As long as that is the case, we know that when the

rains don’t come, the crops will fail and people will go hungry.” Asia is not in a better shape; 330 million Indians are affected by drought. The country’s Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti on May 16, 2016 told the BBC that transferring water, including from major rivers like the Brahmaputra and the Ganges, to drought-prone areas is now her government’s top priority. The RELIEF WEB gave an alarming summary of drought in South East Asia. Vietnam is witnessing its most severe drought in ninety years with 39 of its 63 Provinces in need of urgent food. The drought in Indonesia began in August 2015 and now, 1.2 million Indonesians need food aid. The Philippines is experiencing its worst drought since 1950; nine of Thailand’s Provinces are droughtstricken; 300 villages in Myanmar are suffering from drought while that in Malaysia continues. The drought in Cambodia began in June, 2015, its worst in fifty years. Now it has enveloped 18 of its 25 Provinces. Latin America and the Caribbean are also experiencing hunger. Haiti had a fifty percent drop in agricultural production from July–December, 2015. Three million Haitians are experiencing food insecurity with 560,000 in urgent need of food assistance. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that in 2016, 3.5 million people are experiencing drought in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. Colombia and Venezuela

linked to a Cost-Reflective Tariff, which only came into effect from February 1, 2016. While it is very clear that the DISCOs are not on an extortionist expedition in Nigeria considering all these factors, we must be honest enough to admit that the fishy circumstances under which the estimation scam was introduced in the NEPA days remain prevalent among customers, many of whom are grossly under-billed “by arrangement” even as many others enjoy free electricity by a culture of attacks and intimidation of officials. It is most unfortunate that these types of corruption and economic sabotage are being condoned under the guise of “checking” the DISCOs. The sooner we actualize the current anti-corruption and anti-economic sabotage fervour in our deeds, especially in the power sector, the better for us all. Please, let us allow the time-tested and internationally accepted privatization and reform of the power sector to succeed so that we can enjoy stable, adequate and affordable electricity supply for domestic and development purposes as in the rest of the modern world. Idongesit, who resides in Mpape area of Abuja, sent in this arcle from Calabar.

are also experiencing drought. Europe is in a far better shape than Africa, Asia and Latin America, but it is also in the danger zone. The worst heat waves since 2005 hit large parts with drought affecting parts of Germany, Czech and France. In 2015, there was a rainfall deficit of 50-60 percent in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Ukraine and Czech. Below the normal rainfall has been witnessed in the southern parts of Spain and Portugal, and the Baltic States. Countries like Netherlands, Belgium and Belarus are experiencing unpredictable temperature. Severe to extreme drought has affected three percent of the United States with the country witnessing, in February 2016, its driest February since 1895. From 1996, Australia has experienced dry conditions called the Millennium Drought with cities like Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney having “persistent or periodic drought experiences.” From 20102011, it had below normal rainfall in large parts. The UN is putting together in Istanbul, Turkey, a World Humanitarian Summit in June 2016; the hope is that humanity will begin to seriously address drought and hunger and divert energy and resources to them, rather than to wars and the arms race. Owei Lakemfa, a former Secretary General of African Workers, is a Human Rights activist, journalist and author.

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Comment

Winning in business today: Case for pace and agility By Seni Adetu

ast week, I discussed the need for businesses to rejig some of their operational strategies and step up their leadership to successfully mitigate today’s challenges in the business world. I affirmed that while retrenching of staff and freezing marketing spend might be unavoidable, these would typically be grossly insufficient as stand-alone interventions to course-correct for performance and overcome the massive headwinds we are contending with. We live and work in a fastmoving and open world. In fact the line between local and global markets has become so thin that the ripple effect of a product integrity or company reputation failure in one market, for example, can easily destroy a related business tens of thousands of miles away in another market. The gap between the western world and the so-called third world from the perspective of tastes and lifestyles has never been this marginal – especially where affordability is not an issue for the consumer. Nothing better describes the rapidity at which the gap has closed than a revelation I got recently. I read somewhere that

the first newspaper in the world was published in Germany in 1605, but it was not until 200 years after in 1805 that the first newspaper was published in Africa – precisely South Africa (RSA).However, the first Internet was launched in the USA in August 1991 and within three months, it had “spread” to Africa; with RSA (again) launching theirs in November 1991. That is how much the world has become one global market. The dynamism and competitiveness of today’s business world has led to performanceoriented companies recognising and escalating the need for pace and agility in the organisation, and building their performance culture around these attributes. I often hear people say, ‘good things come to those who wait.’ Really? In some context this may be true, but I prefer HSBC’s mantra of, ‘good things come to those who don’t wait’ not in the sense of people doing untoward things, but having the impetus for pace. Today, our inspirational leaders MUST constantly orchestrate their organisations to drive fast implementation of big, scalable ideas brilliantly. The leader must keep an eye on things that tend to slow down the organisation such as unproductive

meetings, lengthy business planning and commercialisation process for innovation. It upsets me to no end for instance, seeing 20 or 30 people sitting around a table to deliberate on whether an innovation brand strategically fits into the brand and/or company’s portfolio, in the manner of being a profit-accretive rather than a diluting innovation and spending the whole day debating this. My pre-disposition has always been that on any agenda matter, once you have about eight quality people around the table, to the extent that they are the best eight for the agenda items, the value you derive from adding any more people is very marginal whereas involving more people has the propensity to cause a slowdown in decision making and implementation. Some people try to justify this at times by saying ‘slower could be faster.’ Really? Admittedly, this may be true again in very rare circumstances where, say, some massive transformational changes are taking place. Examples could be changes in operating models or the implementation of SAP in a manufacturing concern. However, for me, this would be the exception not the rule. There is no substitute for pace

Bring back our history By Moses E. Ochonu

he minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, said recently that the Nigerian government plans to restore history to the secondary school curriculum. For inexplicable reasons, history was excised from the curriculum several years ago. The government’s decision is commendable but they should get started on its implementation because historical illiteracy and amnesia is slowly killing the country. We are a country afflicted by an epidemic of forgetting and “moving forward.” We move forward without understanding and resolving our past only to realise at great cost that our unfinished businesses are holding us captive and stalling our forward mobility. The absence of historical consciousness in Nigeria hurts and haunts the country in multiple ways. Take corruption. Many Nigerians believe that corruption only entered the Nigerian political lexicon during our latest flirtation with democracy, that is, post-1999. A few may cite the military era that preceded the Fourth Republic. Very few remember or are familiar with the corruption of the Second Republic, let alone the fact that the First Republic was rocked by multiple corruption scandals. The absence of historical memory in the domain of corruption is the reason many Nigerians say Nigeria should “move forward” instead of investigating past crimes. Grappling with the past and addressing its tragedies and residual pains is seen as moving backwards, opening old wounds. It is the reason many

are willing, even eager, to forgive past political crimes against the Nigerian people. It is the reason we are too quick to move on to new scandals, the reason we get bored with old crimes, and fail to see a trans-regime tapestry of corruption and abuse of power. It is the reason we see political malfeasance and misbehaviour in isolated blocks rather than as continuities, rather than as a continuum needing to be disrupted. This dearth of history in our public discourse is the reason old criminals are quickly ignored and manage to sneak back, unnoticed, into the orbit of power, their crimes forgotten. It is the reason that politicians delay their corruption trials, knowing that our legendary short memory and disconnection from history will buy them time, enabling their troubles to fizzle out. It is as though our baseline of remembering is yesterday. It was the literary icon, Chinua Achebe, who said perspicaciously that, if we are going to fix Nigeria, we

“

should go back to when the rain started beating us. This was a compelling statement on the value of retrospective reflection, of history, in our search for diagnostic and ameliorative ideational tools. The irony and problem is that many Nigerians believe that the proverbial rain started beating us in 2010, 1999, or with the annulment of the June 12 presidential election in 1993. We have historical shortsightedness. There are Nigerians who believe that election rigging, political opportunism, incompetence, and leadership indifference are phenomena associated with the post1999 period, or that, at worst, they go back to the Second Republic. The First Republic is often understood in simplistic terms of the “good old days.” But those days weren’t so good, at least not politically. There are Nigerians for whom even the Obasanjo administration is a distant and irrelevant past, unrelated to the challenges of the present. A Dangerous History?

This complexity does not, however, take away from history’s importance to nation building. It enhances it. The idea that it would be dangerous to teach Nigerian secondary school students and university undergraduates about the Nigerian Civil War

and hard work. In managing businesses, an inspirational leader must know when the clock of the organisation has ticked past talking time and lead his team to act, act and act fast. We surely need to see more actions, not just words in our businesses. The leader must be fleet of foot and cause his organisation to be the same. At times, there is no need to re-invent the wheel – the leader sees what has worked in other markets, ‘steals’ this and creatively replicates it, without infringing on the commercial rights of the “lending” company or breaching any competition laws. I have realised that at times when employees have to wait forever for their Line Manager’s approval on key commercial decisions, the entire execution pipe gets blocked. The smartest employees are those in my view, who are adept at managing upwardly to the point that they win the trust of their managers to use their best judgment in tight-decision making situations. At times, it is better and easier to seek forgiveness after an action than for permission for the action. You will get some right and get others wrong – so what? But the employee would grow in the process and that in itself, is good succession planning in play. We

need more pace and agility in our businesses. I recall that sometime in 2012, my wife and I went on a Safari with some CEO and their spouses in Serengetti, National Park Tanzania. While on a game drive in the park, we came across a cheetah with her cub hunting for game. She then spotted a small impala and was apparently convinced the meal for the day was guaranteed. As the impala was well within grasp, practically everyone in our tour van kept shouting,’ ‘go for it.’ If the cheetah were a human being, you would have concluded she was busy celebrating – before the kill. While she was there procrastinating, a massive hyena emerged from the nearby bush, pounced on the impala and chased the cheetah away. That incident till date reminds me of how not to procrastinate in a competitive world. A past American President, Theodore Roosevelt, was quoted as saying, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is to take the right decision, the second best thing is to take the wrong decision and the worst thing is to take no decision.” I agree.

Some people say Nigerian history is too contentious and that teaching it would create more problems that it would solve. All histories are contentious — and contested. This argument against the teaching of Nigerian history is founded on a naively simplistic notion of history. History is not a single, consensual story about an event, nation, or people, or an attempt to produce such a monolithic narrative. History is the sum of many stories, all of them purporting to explain the same thing. Every historical work tells just one out of many possible stories. The notion of narrating the past “as it happened” is passé, a futile quest that no historian I know subscribes to. This complexity does not, however, take away from history’s importance to nation building. It enhances it. The idea that it would be dangerous to teach Nigerian secondary school students and university undergraduates about the Nigerian Civil War, to use an oft-cited example, is responsible for the unforgivable ignorance of Nigerians about this recent war that continues to haunt and plague the nation. This idea, too, rests on the erroneous notion that we must find a consensus on how to teach Nigerian history or that we must teach it uniformly across the country or we shouldn’t teach it at all. We have boxed ourselves into a corner of selfannihilating historical ignorance with this all-or-nothing logic. We are now producing secondary school and university graduates who cannot make sense of Nigeria beyond 1999 or 1993, graduates whose only knowledge of the troubles of the

First Republic and the Civil War is filtered through contemporary ethno-religious politics detached from a history of British conquest, amalgamation, colonisation, and the troubled, colonially stage-managed march to independence. How can we build a nation with generations buried in a depth of historical ignorance? Speaking of nation building, no nation is to be taken for granted, and the imperative of building and rebuilding the nation is precisely why serious countries invest in the study of history, including the United States, where some American history is taught in middle school, is compulsory in secondary school, and is among a set of humanities and social science courses university students, regardless of their Majors, must take. Nigerian history is no more dangerous than other histories. The disruptive crises and events that seem to proliferate in Nigerian history are offset and positively negated by a long history of associational, marital, mercantile, cultural, political, linguistic, and genetic comingling by Nigeria’s many ethnic groups and kingdoms. We seem to perpetually grope for symbols and histories upon which to posit and defend the basis for Nigeria’s oneness, but we prohibit the teaching of a history that demonstrates a long, precolonial period of intertwinements between Nigeria’s many constituencies.

Seni Adetu is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Moses E. Ochonu can be reached at meochonu@gmail. com

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

PAGE 14

News

Gombe: Patients in danger as hospital runs out of anti-snake venom

he Snake Bite Treatment Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, has run out of antisnake venom, its Medical Officer, Dr Abubakar Balla, has said. Balla told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Gombe that the centre has no single dose of the anti-snake venom at the moment. He disclosed that the situation has led to the death of many patients, who were unable to

access treatment. “In May alone, we have admitted 270 people bitten by snakes. “The worst part of the story is that most of the patients that come to the hospital cannot afford N25,000 for one vile of anti-snake venom, and most of them died because of snake poison,” he said. He said that it was difficult to treat patients without the anti snake venom, adding that ``the

only remedy is continuous blood transfusion to dilute the poison and stop it from circulating, which is not easy and it needs money also.’’ The official said that people in the area have developed phobia of going to their farms, as most cases of snake bites occurred on farmlands. Balla said that although the Federal Ministry of Health had been alerted on the problem,

officials there had informed the centre that there was no money to purchase the drugs for now. “I am appealing to the authority concerned as a matter of urgency to supply the drugs because people are dying, “ he said. NAN reports that Kaltungo Snake Bite Treatment Centre provides services to victims of snake bites from states in the North-East and Jigawa. (NAN)

• L-R: President, Defence & Police Officers’ Wives Association ( DEPOWA ), Mrs. Omobolanle Olonisakin, Wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mrs. Gimbiya Dogara and President, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association ( NAOWA ), Hajiya Umma Kalsum Tukur Buratai during a Graduation ceremony of DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre at DEPOWA Secretariat, recently in Abuja

Peace, a precondition for human security, devt - Oshita By Ochiaka Ugwu

or any society to have adequate development and ensure human security, there must be peace, the Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Professor Oshita O. Oshita has said. Oshita made the statement yesterday in Abuja at the inauguration of National Peace Academy and Basic Conflict Management Course (BCMC) put together by the institute to promote peace building for national development. He also stressed the need to use education as means to promote peace building in our society.

His words, “For obvious reasons, everyone here will agree with me that if Nigeria ever needed careful planing and investment in initiatives of this nature, the time is now, when our dear country has come under vicious attack by the forces of violent extremism. These tendencies have continued to threaten the development initiatives of government, endangering critical national infrastructure and undermining the unity of the country. “The IPCR is in its own way deploying the science of peace building in confronting the onslaught of violent extremism in Nigeria’s body politic. It is imperative to use education as a channel for

mainstreaming peace building and promoting the prevention, mitigation and peaceful resolution of conflict disorders in Nigeria. “That peace is a precondition for development and human security is not just a statement of fact but one that implies a casual relation. It will be impossible to attain socioeconomic and political development without peace, because conditions of peace serve as the fertilizer upon which development takes rise and flourish” he said. Speaking further, Oshita expressed optimism that the academy at both basic and advanced level when fully deployed will help strategic and

grassroots people to create awareness about the importance of peace and peacefully resolve conflicts as first respondent. Also speaking, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Khadijah Abba Bukar Ibrahim who was represented by her Special Assistant, Prof. Femi Adegbulu, said that it gives her much pleasure to be part of the academy based on the reality of multiple violent conflicts plaguing the nation. She therefore, expressed optimism that the academy will be a success, while thanking IPCR for coming up with the academy at this material time.

Lawyer calls for stiffer laws against corruption

legal practitioner and anti corruption activist, Mr Roland Emem, on Monday said that Nigeria needed stricter laws to ensure effective war against corruption. Emen said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola, that Nigerians must also imbibe the right attitude to dissuade corrupt tendencies at all levels. “I am of the strong view that with the right anti corruption laws and a properly empowered Will to fight corruption, even the devil will not like

to be corrupt in Nigeria. “Corruption thrives and flourishes in Nigeria not necessarily because efforts are not being made to fight it, but because our laws have not brought transparency in government business to the level that will discourage corruption.” Emem described President Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s “biggest asset in the fight against corruption, because of his personal integrity and will power.’’ He said Nigerians must, however,

develop such attitude as exhibited by the President, so that by the time he leaves office, the war on corruption would be institutionalised and sustained. NAN reports that Emem had recently drafted a Bill on anti corruption, which he forwarded to the Presidency for transmission to the National Assembly as an executive bill. Tagged “The Government Business Bill”, the legislation is meant to sanitise government

business, encourage implementation of budgets and protect public funds including loans from diversion. Part of the bill seeks to compel all signatories to contracts at federal, state and local government levels, to deposit copies of the signed contract documents with public libraries and those of Ministries of Justice. He said that the aim was to make it easier for the general public to access information and track implementation of government contracts.

Boko Haram: Shettima to address world humanitarian summit in Turkey From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

orno state Governor, Kashim Shettima is to address World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, organized by the United Nations. Governor Kashim Shettima,at the weekend arrived Istanbul, Turkey, where he is scheduled to address International donors and humanitarian organizations. Governor Shettima was accompanied by a patron of the Red Cross in Borno State and elder statesman, Bulama Mali Gubio is also a panelist representing host community. His address is expected to focus on attracting partnerships to compliment ongoing efforts by the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration and the Borno state government towards re-building communities across the 27 local government areas which have suffered destructions, caused by the Boko Haram insurgency. The governor’s Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau in a statement said his principal is to serve as a panelist in a side event on the Lake Chad including Borno with the theme: “How to end suffering in the Lake Chad basin: A dialogue between local communities and the aid community” with participants expected from different countries around the world. According to the statement, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Mr Yves Daccord and the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme, Ertharin Cousin are to join Shettima as panelists. The panellists are also expected to be addressed by the United Nations Under-SecretaryGeneral and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Stephen O’Brien who oversees emergencies requiring United Nations humanitarian assistance is to address the panel while. The Summit which begins today, is being led in organization by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The statement added in a concept note, the United Nations describes problems caused by the Boko Haram insurgency around the Lake Chad, which is largely involves Borno State as one of the most neglected major crisis in the world. “In the Lake Chad Basin, Boko Haram’s brutal cycle of violence has uprooted 2.4 million people from their homes and livelihoods.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Make welfare package your priority, AMAC NULGE tells Chairman Interview Nigeria is presently facing some challenging situations, such as fight against corruption, insecurity problems, epileptic power supply etc, would you say that the government was considerate enough to have increased the pump price of the petrol at this moment?

Comrade Moses Maikeffi Jonathan is currently the chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). In this exclusive interview with Paul Efiong, Jonathan speaks of his expectations for the new administration in his council distancing himself from NLC calls for protest among other sundry issues.

ven as a union leader, I am also the principal Community Development Inspector. On the issue of the fuel pump price increase, let me tell you that some people are enjoying it than others in this country, the subsidy removal is one of the good things that this government have done for the people, it is among the measures that would address the imbalance in the system. Do you believe that some people in this country are making billions of Dollars Daily? Because of how things used to be in this country, so the government in its wisdom wants to address all these lapses in the system once and for all, that is why you see them taking that perceived harsh step. Let us join hands with the government to ensuring that our collective benefit is achieved by all Nigerians and not for selective individuals to continue enjoying our collective wealth and resources. Nigeria must move forward and this is possible when we make some sacrifices, pass through some difficulties. Let’s talk for example about our individuals homes, people in the family must make in order to achieve certain level of progress. President Mohammed Buhari to me is trying to make Nigeria great like other neighboring countries such as Chad, Gabon, Benin etc. The major problem against this country is corruption that is why we are happy with him, because corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of this country. The ongoing anti-corruption war is the right step in the right direction because people must begins to do the right thing, though not easy as we may think, they want to continue with the way it used to be, but the government is saying no. I am a farmer, a big time farmer which has helps me to chatter for my other needs like food, you see people must begin to think outside the regular box, my farming business too has help me to contribute to the national

Comrade Moses Maikeffi Jonathan economy, let people begin to think of other avenues of making the ends meet after all the oil prices is already dwindling world over. For some years, you have been the NULGE chairman in AMAC, we never see you fulfilling some of those promises you made to staff? Yes, if you know me very well, I don’t make promises without fulfilling them. I have tried severally to fulfill all those promises but could not though many have been carried out between the first and last administration here in AMAC. My most serious challenge is lack of funds to execute all my projects for the staff here, because money has not been in circulation, our budget just lies fallow. We are happy that the national budget was recently passed and signed, in a couple of days, I believe there shall be money in our system and the whole projects of ours shall be implemented for the benefit of staff and AMAC in general. Some people see the present administration as not the listening type. They claim that they only do what they want to do with

no input from the people. How do you react to this? People are entitled to their opinions, why should be people say that? The only thing I can say is that a good leader must listen to the masses, people that elected them into offices, those that voted for them because you did not go there by your power, so always listen to your electorate. The government must know that ‘a tree cannot make a forest’. We must weigh things and listen to the people but remember that people with their own, that is to say, different folks for different stroke. I am equally a union leader, I consult a lot with my people which primarily on this context is my staff at AMAC here before I make a decision particularly those that border on their wellbeing. I listen to all with different opinions and complaints and see which one is genuine and which one is not. I listen to all both the senior, the junior and those who are my elders in the union, especially those who are more experienced in the job than I. Here in AMAC, I know those that I can confide in as well as those whose advice could take our union to greater heights. The

reasons for all these is to enable us move the council forward, for us as a group to achieve our collective aims and objectives and by so doing we might help the entire organization and country to grow. As NULGE Chairman in AMAC, could you tell us some of you expectations for the new government in your council? Yes, we have high expectations for the new government, I expect a change at all levels of governance as APC mantra denotes. I also believe that at my age, I can work with anybody because some of us have seen it all here and there. I want to use this opportunity to call on the new government here to play according to the rules and never to toil with workers welfare at any given time because we are here for them. I am always ready to offer my meaningful advice to the government here at every given point particularly on issues that border on the staff welfare package so that this administration can move on smoothly, they way it should be first for the benefit of the staff, the council and the country at large. If the government would refuse to listen to my advice, then we may part way because I have been for some years with lots more experience on how things pertaining to staff should be done. So, our expectation include among others: improved staff welfare package, grass root mobilization and general empowerments as well as massive youths employment. What would you remember the out gone administration, considering that for some times you hardly agree on issues? There was this Sure-P program introduced by the former government at the centre, the outgoing government really made good use of the opportunity as many youths, women and men were employed through that process. Others were also empowered in addition to the scholarship arrangement initiated by the outgoing government where different families who had lost the hope of sending their children to school

had to do so because they were given scholarship. These are some ways we could remember him but let me point out that it was not bed of all roses as we consistently had to face each other with realities on ground. As a union leader, would you say that the fuel pump price increase by the government from the N86.50 to N145.00 is ok, considering the myriads of problems facing us at this time? Personally I would say no, but no matter our reasons and opinion on the matter it is not cogent enough to shut down the entire system ok. Shutting down the system in the name of strike and protest could be worse than the fuel hike itself because many things may happen along the process. I am a unionist, protest and strike is always the last option to resort to when there is no other ways. To me there are still other available options, why can’t we talk first with those in charge, dialogue with them and don’t rush and call workers out for protest, that is how it should be and that is how it is carry out in the advance democracies of the world. As you are aware, we equally shut down the system recently when the outgoing chairmen in the 6 area councils of the FCT refused to pay workers salary, what we did was to approach our representatives at the National Assembly who supported us in no small measure, yes, when it was obvious that they did not want to pay us, we protested, though NLC refused to support us, we were tired, it was not easy but through our state president, we were able to penetrate the National Assembly who assisted us too by giving us a listening ears through the FCT minister, Mohammed Bello, who also made sure that our salary arrears were cleared, though one month still remains. What final message do you have for your new chairman, Honorable Abdullahi Adamu concerning staff welfare? As he’s coming in now, plan on how to uplift the staff welfare package as well as those who voted you into office. They should know that there is nothing like motivation, if staff are encouraged through welfare package, then productivity will automatically improve for the betterment of the council. If the opposite happens, that is where different problems would set in. I pray that God would give the government the needed wisdom and capacity to handle and execute its assignment successfully.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Politics

Edo PDP has gone into oblivion - Airhiavbere From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport, Hon. Aminu Sani, Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Hon. Ado Doguwa and a member of the Committee, Hon. Pat Asadu, during the Public Hearing on a bill for an act to repeal Nigerian railway corporation and a bill for an act to provide the establishment of the National Transport Commission, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

I’ll arrest, prosecute LG boss embezzling govt funds-Gov Bindow From Umar Dankano,Yola

damawa state Governor, Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla has charged the just elected flag bearers of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to be accountable to their electorates if elected in the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state in June 2016. Governor Jibrilla warned that his administration will deal decisively with any Local Government Chairman that embezzles government funds at any point in time. Jibrilla handed down the warning in Yola yesterday while presenting certificates

of return to twenty APC local government candidates at the party’s secretariat, saying he will personally arrest, detain and prosecute any chairman that diverts funds meant for his council. “I will not take any of you to EFCC but I will arrest you detain and ask my Attorney General to prosecute you and jail if found guilty of embezzling the funds of your local government, so be warned”. The governor however used the forum to denounce his alleged involvement in anointing candidates, saying the candidates bought their forms and campaigned on their own, but assured them that the party

will ensure their victory in the forthcoming Local Government elections. “APC is geared towards winning all the elective positions comes July, 2016 local government elections in the state”, the Governor boasted. Twenty Local Government Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who emerged successful in the just concluded primaries were presented with certificates of return while Hong local government election was declared inconclusive. Speaking earlier, the APC National Vice Chairman, Central, Alhaji Mohammed Saba expressed optimism over the peaceful conduct of the

primaries and applauded the efforts of the state chapter of the party as well as the candidates for making the whole exercise successful. Alhaji Mohammed Saba, who represented theNational Working Committee (NWC) of the party, said “I have been witnessing different elections in different parts of the country, I want to confess that Adamawa primary election is exceptional”. Responding on behalf of the candidates, Mrs Wale Fwa of Demsa local government area, thanked the Governor for giving them neutral ground to campaign and promised that the Governor’s expectations on them will be achieved.

ll Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in Edo state 2016 Governorship election, Major-general Charles Airhiavbere (Rted) has trounced the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), asserting that the party has gone into oblivion in the state. Airhiavbere spoke during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin the state Capital, where he formally declared his intention to contest the 2016 Gubernatorial election and displayed his expression of interest and nomination forms before his supporters and kinsmen. He boasted that his closeness with the state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole was enough to secure a confortable victory ahead of other Governorship aspirants in the race, with a pledge to drive the “progressive ideologies and programmes of APC” for the overall development of the state. Peoples Daily reports that Airhiavbere, was 2012 Candidate in April 2012 Governorship election before he jumped ship along with his supporters last october to join the ruling APC, after suffering a humilating defeat to Governor Adams Oshiomhole across the 192 wards in the state. According to him, “when you no longer can see any other person, you are cursed. Today, PDP has gone back into the oblivion because those who believed in it have left. “We have decided to join force with Adams Oshiomhole who has in his capacity as the former labour leader inherited debt when he assumed duty as the Governor of Edo state. Today, he has cruised the full length of his time in office. He said: “some of us who resurrected the PDP when it died, there was a time in this state you there not wear the PDP cap neither can you wear the PDP vest. All of us who had umbrella written PDP had to go an hide it during the rain. We brought it up and when you no longer can take advice from your parents. The APC hopeful who promised to efficiently apply the resources of the state ans establish cottage industries across the 18 Local government Areas of the state, also pledged to evolve policies that would give a face-lift to Gelegele.

Count me out of IPP project scandals Okowa tells Deltans …. Vows to fulfill electioneering promises

From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

elta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday dispelled rumour making rounds against him that he was involved in the Independent Power Project (IPP) scandals as untrue, saying count me out of IPP project scandals, I make bold to say I am not involved in the scandals. While he vowed to fulfill his electioneering promises to Deltans, the governor told journalists at a media chat in Asaba that the IPP project was engrossed in challenges especially in the absence of gas supply adding; “We cannot continue to spend money on project that has not been properly put in place, obviously there are

challenges on the project, we are asking for advice, we are seeking for advice. It is a huge challenge and so far over N30billion has been sunk into the project without gas supply”. On Warri industrial park, Governor Okowa disclosed that the project initiated by his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan was put on hold for economic meltdown, saying the state government was studying the values of the park especially on the money spent on the project and urged Deltans to discountenance the rumour on the attempt by the state government to scrap the third tier of government, the local government councils as they were very close to the people saying that the state has the highest

number of schools especially the primary schools, while the local government councils’ staff in one councils is over 700 staff hence local government councils cannot pay salaries”. He said that over N4billion is required monthly to run the local government councils under the present dwindling allocations which started since 2015, adding: “The state government has supported and the staff strength is over bloated and I cannot ask the councils to sack its workers”. On the alleged abandoned roads, Governor Okowa dispelled as untrue that roads in the state were abandoned, saying that over 500 road projects were awarded by his predecessor, and as a result of

the poor economy, the state could not follow the projects as they were, but captured among others, Obomkpa road project in the 2016 budget. “We captured some of the roads in our 2016, budget, especially Obomkpa, it will be reawarded and soon after the works commissioners finishes the book work”. On the ongoing biometric exercise in the state, the governor lamented what he described as “ghost workers” disclosing that the state currently has 68,000 workers, thereby increasing the wage bills. He said; “Only recently we discovered a Policeman still serving and his name in the

civil service of course the Police will be dismissed because of his fraudulent way, the state is ever bloated with ghost workers, Edo has 28,000 workers, so what we are doing in biometric regard, is to know those we are paying salary at the end of the month”. Okowa said that he has been having sleepless nights considering the present poor state of economy, Governor Okowa said: “We have given jobs to over 17,130 persons in the last one year of my administration, it is true I have sleepless nights, it is because of the poor economy, but we will continue to encourage the microfinance sector and very soon we will release N500 million to the agency to sustain soft loans”.

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Analysis By Ahmed Abubakar

he choice of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman came at a time the party was on the brink of collapse. The party was at its lowest ebb, it was so frustrating for most of its members that one can readily read in between the lines. The PDP was just like a sinking ship after its disastrous 2015 outing at the polls. It dawned on some of its members, whom could not stomach the bitter pains of loss to resign to fate, while some, whom still had the iota of some confidence in the party, continued to hang on hope of its erstwhile hopeless leaders. The party’s loss of the presidential race was what the party termed as a ‘major’ loss, as it has ultimately lost grip of the centre. Of recent, the party secretariat was a theatre of some sort, there was rancour and confusion all around the “umbrella” building that once a time was termed the “biggest” political party of the black race that hopes to rule Nigeria for at least 100 years, nonstop. It all started after former President Goodluck Jonathan lost his election to President Muhammadu Buhari, his concede to the defeat came as a sucker punch on members of the party that were of the view that Jonathan was “too hasty” in conceding defeat. They had preferred to slug it out on the floors of the election tribunals with the hope that it may end-up at the mercy of the Supreme Court that will decide. Senator Ali Modu Sheriff’s emergence was so sudden despite other candidates that have earlier indicated their interests for the party’s national chairmanship position. The then national publicity secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh hd tken time to explain the rationale behind the “selection” of Sheriff as their chairman against all odds. According to him, “we have decided that the North East Caucus should meet and bring a candidate to replace the National Chairman that resigned, Adamu Mu’azu”. “But when they met, they were not able to narrow it down to one person. So, what they did was to send to us five people; one from each state of the North East. They sent Girigiri from Yobe State, Ambassador Wilberforce Juta from Adamawa State, Abba Gana from Borno State, Shehu Gabam from Bauchi State, and Senator Kumo from Gombe State. Taraba did not have any other person”. “So, these five people were invited to come and see the National Caucus on Monday to take a decision”. “The meeting that we had with them, we decided that it was important that we enlarge

Politics The rise and fall of Sheriff as PDP Chairman

PDP chairman, Ali Modu Sherrif the scope and the number of people that will come. So, we extended and invited some other people to come and show why they want to be chairman. One or two governors confirmed that Ribadu had shown interest in becoming chairman; so we extended invitation to him to come”. “We were told that Modu Sheriff over the weekend expressed an interest. We invited him to come and tell us. And because Hon. Wakil had come down from the United Kingdom to participate in the process, we invited him as well”. “On Monday, apart from those five people, we interviewed Ali Modu Sheriff and Mohammed Wakil. But we were told that Ribadu was not comfortable with an interview”. “After the interview process, they were narrowed down to two persons. And a little over an hour ago, the National Caucus discussed. The Governor first of all discussed and brought a candidate, the National Assembly discussed and brought a candidate, the BoT discussed and came up with a candidate, the National Working Committee discussed and came with a candidate. So, we brought the candidate at the National Caucus. And one interesting thing was that unanimously, it was the same candidate that every single organ of the party brought to the National Caucus”. “So, the National Caucus endorsed that they will bring to the Board of Trustees the choice of the National Caucus, after which both organs will bring the nomination to the National

Executive Committee (NEC)”. “So, there is no approval of the National Executive Committee but for now, I can confirm to you that the National Caucus has chosen Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to be the National Chairman of the party. But we are awaiting Board of Trustees approval and the NEC to appoint this afternoon. So, this is exactly where we are”. He said that, “the North East Caucus pruned down the five persons from the list of about 29 persons. All of them showed interest including Abdullahi Jalo. But I know that Gulak had indicated interest to the National Chairman a few weeks ago. Whether he participated in this process, I cannot speak for him. I am only telling you that it was pruned down from 29 names that indicated interest”. Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the erstwhile former Peoples. Democratic Party (PDP) national Chairman was finally sacked on Saturday during the party’s controversial national convention held in Port Harcourt. The ousting of the chairman followed intriguing melodrama of events before the purported national congress of the party. Senator Ali Sheriff whom was elected as Chairman of the party was not to be without the rancour and disgruntled members of the party showing their obvious disdain for the rationale behind his emergence. This culminated into several court cases that in the long run stopped the election of certain offices of the national working committee and series of faulted states congresses that fell short

the expectations of the party members. Immediately after the ouster of Sheriff, the interim Chairman of the factional Abuja congress of the PDP, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu reacted that their focus and motive to remove Sheriff has yielded fruitful dividend. In his speech to the press on Saturday Mantu stated that, “after watching events at PH convention, it is necessary for us to react to some of the things we saw there”. “First and foremost, we want to thank our members throughout the nation for giving us the support that has actually led us to achieve some of the goals we have set for ourselves”. “We were opposed to the zoning and indeed the zoning has been cancelled or set aside. We also opposed to the proposed convention that was to take place and the convention did not take place courtesy of the courts”. “Again, we were opposed to the way the Congresses have been conducted, that, they fell short of our expectations .Now these congresses and conventions have been set aside”. “This group can confidently say that we have achieved all the targets we set to achieve”. According to findings from sources from Port Harcourt indicate that the former PDP national Chairman was subjected to intense pressure by the state governors that have stood by him to step aside. It became obvious that Sheriff had wanted to continue in office until 2018 especially with the prevailing court order restraining the election of some NWC

offices that includes the party chairman’s office too. On the legal implications of what has happened in Port Harcourt, former minister of National Planning Alhaji Tanimu Turaki stated that, “We here have sat down and review the happening in PH very carefully and the decisions that came out have clearly vindicated our positions which is based on principles”. “We had taken a position that things were done wrongly and unconstitutionally. Things have been done without due regards to processes and procedures”. “They have sat down and deliberated on what has happened but we are also amazed at the way and manner the party has been further factionalised”. He averred that, “Coming out of the PH meeting, with two groups now instead of one, we have examined that very cautiously, we have also heard some of the statements coming from the two groups and we are here trying to carefully study them to look at the implementations for the future and progress of our party”. He maintained that, “it is really unfortunate that instead of working as one group towards the strengthening and bringing of all members together, our friends in PH have ended up in further factionalising the party”. He said that, “There is a group now behind Sheriff saying that everything that has been done is illegitimate and wrongful even when the other group is saying that Sheriff has been dissolved”. The Port Harcourt convention had earlier constituted a caretaker committee under the leadership of former Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi whom was saddled with the responsibility to steer the party to formal convention at a later date. However, on the appointment of the caretaker committee the group said it was opposed to the appointment of caretaker committee as was done in PH. Senator Ibrahim Mantu also advised that instead of the caretaker committee the body that is constitutionally mandated to take over the affairs of the party at this crises point is the BoT which is also the conscience of the party. He said, “At this point in time, the only legal organ conditionally empowered to actually take over the affairs of the party is the BoT. While Tanimu Turaki ws of the view that, “in this situation therefore the BoT leadership must take up it responsibilites over the reign of the affairs of the party and bring all the members of our party back home for us to sit down and find a way forward as members of one family.

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Politics

Alleged job racketeering by SGF, antics to derail Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade -CESJET claims By Stanley Onyekwere

human rights group, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has described recent report accusing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engineer Babachir David Lawal of job racketeering as

false, saying the accusations are only directed at undermining the anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Executive Secretary of the group, Comrade Ikpa Isaac said knowing the importance of the office of SGF in the effective running of the country, the blackmailers are desperate to

undermine his office and rubbish the anti-corruption was of the president According to him, “The desperation to create doubts about President Buhari’s commitment to tackle corruption was such that they accused the SGF of allowing the activities of government to nosedive. “Unable to pin anything

on him, they came up with the allegation of job racketeering, which they claimed was operated on his behalf by a syndicate.” He said the group is concerned because the strategy of those behind this plot is that they will attempt to create mistrust, division and infighting within the cabinet of President Buhari. “The expectation is that

L-R: Member House of Representatives committee on Commerce, Hon. Sani Moh’d Rano, Deputy chairman of the committee, Hon Aminu Ashiru Mani and Committee chairman Hon. Sylvester Gbaga during a public hearing on a Bill for an Act to amend the companies and Allied matters Act 2004 and other related matters, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

with confusion sown in the government several outcomes to derail the anti-corruption crusade would be achieved: Buhari would be distracted from focusing on stamping out corruption. “After being wrongly accused of corruption, the exit of those that are performing in the government would virtually cripple the cabinet or slow it down; with the vacancy created by wrongly sacking key members of the cabinet. “Even when Buhari is discerning not to fire his strong hands, the sustained allegation of corruption against cabinet members is aimed at placing question mark on his government.” He added other campaign to discredit the President Buhari’s anti-corruption war include recent claiming that a member of the President’s cabinet and serving minister used stolen funds to make his election possible. He said the campaign has now found a new target in the person of the Secretary to the SGF, who they are accusing of monetizing his office for personal gain. “With all other stories with sinister motives, all that was offered was ‘sources’ that have never been named in any of the several publications that have made such far reaching allegations. Knowing the importance of the Office of SGF in the effective running of the country, we are worried about the impact that distractions like these allegations will constitute at a time when the country should be exploring multiple options for moving forward,” the group said. He urged Nigerians to ignore the minute population of the very few and disgruntled elements seeking Lawal’s head for doing his job and serving the people with his best.

How we achieved success despite economic crunch – Okowa From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

elta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has attributed the successes recorded by his administration in the delivery of democratic dividends despite the economic downturn in the country to prudent management of resources. The governor in a crowded press conference to kick-start activities to celebrate his one year of being in office yesterday in Asaba, said, “when I addressed the State immediately after my swearing-in as Governor on May 29, 2015, we were in the middle of a serious economic crisis, our monthly revenue both from the Federation account and Internally Generated Revenue had dipped significantly; the non-oil sector of the economy remained largely untapped. “The level of youth unemployment was troubling, posing a clear and present danger

to the socio-political stability of the State; our credit was in bad shape, and the financial system was at best, shaky and at worst, perilous; indeed, our promise of prosperity for all Deltans seemed illusory, but, we moved swiftly and decisively to restructure our liabilities and instituted processes and procedures to plug leakages, eliminate wastes and ensure fiscal discipline. ”“The fiscal consolidation measures we put in place have enabled us to achieve a great deal of macro-economic stability while creating the right conditions for us to implement programmes under the SMART agenda,” Senator Okowa disclosed, asserting, “had we not taken the steps we took, our financial system would have been on the verge of collapse by now; the global price of oil has continued to tumble, the naira has substantially weakened against the dollar, and recent security challenges in the Niger Delta region have combined to

compound our national economic woes. He stated that to diversify the economy of the state, his administration invested heavily in agriculture by “stimulating and increasing the yield of our small-holder farmers through the Production and Processing Support Programme (PPSP), aimed at up scaling the use of modern farm inputs and technologies of small-holder farmers to increase the yield of crop, livestock and fishery enterprises; towards this end, we distributed tractors to 64 Cooperative Societies and another set of 106 Cooperative Societies got Mellon Shellers while 18 other Cooperative Societies received Outboard Engines and Fishing Gears support packages. “We also distributed improved variety of cassava cuttings, fertilizer, and cash to 475 cassava farmers; 100 fishery farmers were given fingerlings, feeds and cash; 100 poultry farmers

were supported with 200-dayold chicks each, feeds and cash; 50 poultry layer farmers got 200 layers each, feeds and cash; 50 piggery farmers received 10 growers, feeds and cash; while 40 tomatoes farmers were supported with seedlings, agrochemicals and cash,” Governor Okowa added that in the area of education, his administration was working to ensure a paradigm shift from certificate acquisition of vocational and technical skills by the teeming youth population. He stated, “upon assumption of office, I sent the Delta State Vocational and Technical Education Board Bill to the State House of Assembly; the Bill, meant to provide the regulatory framework to administer and promote technical education in the State, was passed and signed into law in June 2015 and since then, we have reconstructed/ rehabilitated and equipped three technical colleges in Ofagbe,

Sapele and Agbor. While stating that the process to ensure curriculum review and enrichment to make the technical colleges more relevant to the dynamics of the 21st century marketplace, Governor Okowa confidently informed journalists that the inauguration of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission by his administration made the state the first “in the country to have a mandatory health insurance scheme for the purpose of universal healthcare coverage. “This would ensure that people are able to access and get treatment at our hospitals/clinics without suffering financial hardship at the point of service, or denied service outright due to lack of funds because, when the insurance scheme is fully operational, it will lead to a more robust healthcare system, improved quality and more affordable healthcare delivery as well as significantly better health outcomes”.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

L-R: Member of NEITI Board, Mr. Gbenga Onaiyega, Dr. Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi , Executive Secretary , Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr. Waziri Adio and a member of NEITI Board, Mr. Lawan Lantawa, during the Public Presentation of 2013 Oil and Gas Solid Minerals, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justine Imo-Owo

NNPC witholds N1.115trn to Federation Account

By Etuka Sunday

igeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday in its 2013 Audit Report for the Oil and Gas Industry, put the total revenue losses of the Federal Government at N1.208 trillion. The report also revealed a total sum of N1.115 trillion as outstanding revenues from NNPC and it’s sub-units in 2013. The report further revealed a sum of $599.89 million as under-assessments/ under-payments of petroleum profit taxes and royalties by oil and gas companies as a result of of the use of different pricing methodology by the government and the companies because of the absence of a new fiscal regime. Giving the breakdown, the Minister of Mines and Still Development, who doubles as the Chairman of the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), which is the Board of NEITI said, “the

audit revealed that Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) paid the sum of $1.289 billion as dividends, interest and loan repayment for 2013. NNPC acknowledged receipt of this amount but did not remit it to either the Federal Government or the Federation.” According to the report, the 2013 figure brought to $12.9 billion the total NLNG payments received by NNPC between 2005 and 2013 but not remitted by NNPC to the Federal Government or the Federation. On Cash Call payments on the Divested OMLS, the audit disclosed that “$536.92 million was paid in 2013 by NAPIMS for the four OMLs in NAOC JV that had already been assigned to NPDC since December 2012. In addition, the proceeds of the Crude Oil lifted by NNPC from the said OMLs were also paid into the account of NPDC. However, NAPIMS provided evidence of refund of $389 million by NPDC in 2014, leaving an outstanding balance of $147.86 million. “The refund was not paid by NAPIMS

to the Federation. Similarly, the audit uncovered that cash calls were paid by NAPIMS on the assets divested to NPDC from the Shell JV. Refund of $35.12million was made on OML 42, but there is no evidence of transfer to the Federation. Review of NAPIMS documents also indicated request for outstanding refunds on OML 26 ($414 and N249) and on OML 42 (N2.17bn.)” The report underlined that the continuous allocation of 445, 000 barrels per day to refineries was not beneficial to the Federation, because the refineries were operating at a capacity of about 24%. In order to meet the shortfall in product supply, NNPC introduced the Offshore Processing Arrangement (OPA) and Crude for Product Swap arrangement. The audit stated that these transactions were not cost-efficient as the value of the products received minus all the costs incurred was still less than the value of the original crude. The loss to the Federation incurred through OPA and

SWAP came to $211.8 million and $306 million respectively, both totaling $518 million. According to the audit, N1.3 trillion was processed as subsidy payments for NNPC and the independent marketers in 2013. The report however, recommended that the Federal Government should conduct a comprehensive investigation into the divestments of Federation assets by NNPC to NPDC. It said, NNPC and its sub-units should refund outstanding payments to the Federation. Discontinue alternative importation arrangements and limit itself to export of crude and import of refined products; abide by Federal Government Financial Regulations and always comply with the 90-day credit period. It said, Government should investigate the status of NLNG dividends. The report said, NNPC, DPR, FIRS, OAGF and CBN should prioritise fixing remedial issues identified in their operations.

Chinese investors indicate interest in energy, rail, communication sectors By Etuka Sunday

group of investors from China yesterday expressed investment interest in energy, railway and communication sectors of Nigerian economy. The leader of the delegation, Mr Alan Rainbird, President, Intrazones Energy Services Limited, stated this in Abuja when the team paid a visit to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Khadija Abba-Ibrahim. Rainbird, said the visit was to promote investment cooperation between China and Nigeria. He said that the 20 man delegation comprising leaders of major companies in China would strike deals that would guarantee economic stability and national

security in Nigeria. ``We want to promote our cooperation between the two countries and contribute our quotas to the growth of Nigerian economy. “Our programme for Nigeria is larger than railway construction. It will bring large scale permanent employment to the people, it will add value to the nation’s resources and generally address the problems of instability and insecurity. ``It will also bring down the country’s level of import. “Investing in railway is an important part of infrastructural programme because it will have ripple effect on all sectors of the economy,” he said. He also disclosed that the team would be visiting Lagos and Calabar

subsequently. The Chief Executive Officer, Research and Design Institute Group, Mingzh Wang, said the visit of Chinese companies to the country was a sign of their commitment to the business opportunities. “It will also contribute in strengthening the corporation between Nigeria and China”, he said. He said that his company would invest in refinery . The Minister commended the investment drive of the delegation stressing that the relationship between Nigeria and China has been a cordial one. “There are several Chinese Companies operating here in Nigeria”. Abba-Ibrahim said that one of the priorities of the government was to

improve on the economy, which has over time, depended largely on oil. “As you know, our economy has depended on oil but with the fall in oil price, the government is trying to diversify its revenue base”. She said that investing in the transport, energy and communication sectors of the economy would be a welcome development in view of the employment opportunities the investments will create. The Minister also thanked the Chinese government for the warm reception accorded Nigerian government during the recent visit to China. Abba-Ibrahim stressed that the followed-up by Chinese companies with a visit to Nigeria showed their zeal to invest in the country.

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Energy AEDC boss canvasses for improved electricity service delivery By Etuka Sunday

he Chairman of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Amb. Shehu Malami yesterday appealed to industry operators to help in the improvement of electricity service delivery in the country. Malami who is the AEDC Board Chairman spoke at the launch of an initiative by the United States government and three electricity Distribution companies (Discos), Abuja, Eko and Benin Discos in Abuja. He identified the challenges in the power sector to include boosting power supply, improving customer services and reducing market losses. He said: “We must not fail. With this new initiative, we will receive support from experienced professionals - these are persons who will live and work with us, side by side, and whom have had the hand’s on experience of helping to improve performance and customer services for struggling Discos in other countries.” The initiative led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with Abuja, Eko and Benin Discos will be executed through signed pacts. It is meant towards helping to reform their networks by expatriates who have suceeded in in other countries especially in power distribution and customer service levels. AEDC, Eko Distribution Company and Benin Electricity Distribution Company signed separate partnership agreements with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on a transformation project that will help the Companies to remove some of the impediments to their business processes by building the capacity of their employees. The signing ceremony was held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Damps

NERC fines AEDC N18.1m over minor’s death

...Directs Discos to insure facilities, customers By Etuka Sunday

igerian Electricity R e g u l a t o r y Commission (NERC) has fined Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) a sum of N18.1 million following the death of a minor. AEDC was found liable in the untimely death of the minor for its improper maintenance of a low voltage aluminium conductor in Kabusa area of Abuja, even after residents had complained over the facility. NERC has therefore, directed all electricity distribution companies (Discos) to renew their comprehensive insurance as provided under Part 5 Section 5.2 of the Health and Safety ode for the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). The directive according to the statement by the Commission was sequel to an investigation into electrocution of a seven year old minor at Kabusa, Abuja within the network of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). Giving further clarification of the Commission’s ruling, the Acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah, mni, said, “The directive for renewal of

comprehensive insurance has general application to electricity distribution companies whose insurance policies have expired.” He warned that “stiffer sanctions await any electricity distribution companies over electrocution or any established case of negligence within their networks” even as he expressed worry over rising incidences of electrocutions. However, AEDC was found liable in the untimely death of the minor for its improper maintenance of a low voltage aluminium conductor in Kabusa area of Abuja, even after residents had complained over the facility. The Commission’s directives jointly signed by the acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah, mni, and General Manager, Legal Licensing and Enforcement, Mrs. Olufunke Dinneh, said that AEDC should pay N18million compensation to the deceased family and N100, 000 fines to the market for its negligence and failure to report the accident as and when due. The Commission’s Accident Investigation Team that looked into the unfortunate incident discovered that AEDC failed in its responsibilities to respond to complaints by

Kabusa residents that a snapped 0.415kV aluminium conductor was hanging precariously close to the ground not until the deceased minor accidentally came in contact with it and got electrocuted. The investigators discovered that Kabusa area has “haphazard and unkempt network which constitutes manifest breach of the Electric Power Sector Reform, NESIS Regulations, Health and Safety Code besides other regulatory instruments.” In the directive number NERC/DRT/143, the Commission observed that AEDC “placed commercial gain above safety standard and specification by supplying electricity to substandard network.” Attempt by AEDC to exonerate itself of any culpability in the incident by claiming its Fault Log Book showed no report was lodged by the residents was found unsustainable. This is because there was evidence that staff of the Disco had worked on the faulty line and cannot afterward claim gnorance of the state of the facility. Further claim by AEDC that it was impracticable for it to rehabilitate all its networks within two years of existence as a private entity was considered

a contradiction of the company’s obligations as specified in its licensing terms and conditions which expects the distribution to upgrade its networks. The Commission, therefore, directed that “N18 million compensation should be paid to the family of the deceased within 30 days beginning from May 5, 2015” when the directive was signed. This is in addition to “N100, 000 fines for failing to submit a preliminary report of the incident within 72 hours in line with the Health and Safety Code.” The company is expected to submit compliance to the Commission. The Company was, therefore, “directed to immediately begin renewal process of its comprehensive insurance policy; systematic and complete reconstruction of distribution network in Kabusa area; intensify consumer awareness campaign; carry out safety enlightenment campaign and provide contacts for its customers to report faults.” Meanwhile, compensation is paid to the deceased family while fine is paid to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in line with Section 88 (12) of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005.

Oil slides on Iran supply, U.S. rigs; Cushing draw cuts loss

il prices slid early on Monday as Iran vowed to ramp up output and rig reductions paused in the United States, then crude futures pared losses on data showing a stockpile drawdown at the U.S. delivery hub. Oil fell $1 a barrel or more in early trade, the day after the Mehr news reported that Iran’s Deputy Oil Minister Rokneddin Javadi said the country’s crude exports, excluding gas condensates, would

reach 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) by the middle of summer from 2 million bpd now. On Friday, an industry report showed the number of oil rigs operated by U.S. drillers held steady for the first time this year, following a near two-year slump in the count. Oil pared losses after a report showed a stockpile drawdown at the Cushing, Oklahoma delivery hub for U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures. Market intelligence firm Genscape reported an

inventory drop of 978,862 barrels in Cushing during the week to May 20, traders who saw the data said. WTI’s front-month was down 30 cents at $48.11 a barrel by 11:07 a.m. EDT (1507 GMT), after plumbing a session low at $47.40. Brent’s front-month was down 52 cents at $48.20, off the day’s bottom of $47.58. “Upward price momentum appears to be slowing as we feel that this late winter/spring bull move is in a very advanced stage with only

about $3 to $4 a barrel remaining on the upside in referencing either WTI or Brent futures,” said Jim Ritterbusch of Chicago-based oil consultancy Ritterbusch & Associates. Reduced U.S. production and supply outages from Venezuela to Libya and Canada have lifted oil prices about 80 percent from 12year lows hit this winter of around $27 for Brent and $26 for WTI. Still, prices remain less than half the levels reached in mid 2014,

when crude traded above $100. Goldman Sachs said in a research report it expected U.S. shale crude productivity gains through 2020, which will push average breakevens for shale plays to below $50 per barrel for U.S. crude. It raised its average Brent forecast to $45 per barrel this year, from $39, while it said West Texas Intermediate would average $45 per barrel this year, up from $38 previously. (Reuters)

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Business With HoloLens, Microsoft aims to avoid Google’s mistakes

hen Google introduced its Google Glass smart glasses four years ago, it turned to Glasssporting sky divers buzzing a San Francisco convention center, Glassadorned models at a glitzy fashion show and a Twitter campaign to notify early “Glass Explorers” of their luck in snagging a pair. This year, when Microsoft showed off an early edition of its HoloLens augmented-reality goggles, it took the opposite approach: targeting the software developers it needs to make the device useful. No stunts. No fashion spreads. No consumer marketing at all. The discreet launch reflects the daunting hurdles confronting the nascent industry of augmented reality, known in the industry as AR. Such devices overlay images as holograms onto a user’s reallife field of vision, with the goal of improving efficiency at businesses ranging from doctors’ offices to factory floors. Some industry veterans see it as an even bigger opportunity than its cousin, virtual reality, which completely immerses users in an artificial world. But early efforts around augmented reality, including Google Glass and Microsoft’s own predecessor to HoloLens called Kinect, have sputtered. “They’re taking a more measured approach with HoloLens, and it’s the right strategy,” said

Tipatat Chennavasin, general partner at the Venture Reality Fund, which invests in augmentedreality and virtual-reality start-ups. “You don’t want to over hype it and get people very disappointed, and that’s what happened with Google Glass.” The market research consultancy Digi-Capital predicts the AR industry could be worth $90 billion annually by 2020. That’s triple the projections for total sales in virtual reality. Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Sony are among the many tech firms that are betting on augmented reality, virtual reality or both. The traditional methods of interacting with a computer - usually featuring a keyboard or a touch screen -- will eventually seem quaint as these technologies proliferate, many in the industry believe. “Microsoft has a huge opportunity here, that is: to create a market for holographic, mixed reality and to dominate it,” said J.P. Gownder, an analyst at Forrester Research. Success, he said, would mean selling hundreds of thousands of units by the end of 2017 to businesses. But history suggests augmented and virtual reality still have along way to go. Virtual reality developers, newly energized by the release of Facebook’s Oculus headset, have focused on gaming, but no “killer app” -- must-have software that motivates someone to buy a device

-- has yet emerged. Many users still experience problems with nausea, which plagued earlier virtual reality efforts. Google announced last week a big virtual reality initiative, and players in the space ranging from start-up Leap Motion to smartphone maker HTC have generated plenty of buzz. But many of the promised products have yet to hit the market. Augmented reality, meanwhile, seems destined at this stage for specialized niches in industries such as medicine and manufacturing. Google has shifted its focus too and no longer sells Glass to consumers, who found few useful things to do with the devices. Glass is still available to developers. “It took Google a long way to evolve to a more substantive approach,” said Ian Shakil, chief executive of Augmedix, a San Francisco startup that recently raised $17 million for a smartglass system for doctors that automatically records patient data. LEGACY OF KINECT The HoloLens traces its lineage to Kinect, an add-on for Microsoft’s Xbox gaming console that was introduced in 2010. Kinect turned user gestures into commands, and deployed sensors and cameras to map the rooms where it was set up, creating the foundation for a more immersive gaming experience.

Consumers liked Kinect, but it never lived up to its full potential, in part because it spawned no blockbuster games. Microsoft failed to persuade top gaming studios to invest seriously in Kinect, developers say, and by 2014 it was no longer being included with Xbox consoles. But the Kinect technology found a second life in the HoloLens, which enables users to control holograms through finger bends in a motion called the “air tap.” Kinect developer Alex Kipman and much of his team also led the creation of HoloLens. The new product, which sells in its developer version for $3,000, featured prominently at Microsoft’s recent software developers conference in San Francisco, with participants donning goggles to take a tour of Mars led by a hologram of astronaut Buzz Aldrin. They also played with the “air tap,” which controls a hologram’s movements much as a mouse manipulates icons on a computer screen. Brandon Haase, an engineer at Valorem Consulting, said he could see uses in insurance: creating inventories of homeowners’ belongings by wearing a HoloLens during a walkthrough of a house, for example. James Ashley, a software developer in Atlanta and an expert

Group commends National lottery trust fund

By Albert Akota

he development of sports in primary schools in Nigeria have received a boost with the donation of sports equipment worth N574 million naira by the National Lottery Trust Fund headed by Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel. In a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja,

the national coordinator of a pressure group, Media Network Against Corruption, Comrade James Okoronkwo noted that with this remarkable achievement, the National lottery Trust Fund has tackled the problem of lack of basic facilities and equipment necessary for children in public primary schools in Nigeria to engage in sports activities. The group lamented that most

public primary school field have sadly been converted to school building, thereby robbing primary school children of much needed facility to participate in sporting activities. Continuing, Okoronkwo urged the National Lottery Trust Fund to diligently coordinate and track the distribution/utilization of the equipment in order to achieve the aim of donating the equipment. Finally, Media Network Against

Corruption appealed to other government agencies, corporate bodies etc. to emulate the Habu Ahmed Gumel led National Lottery Trust Fund example by encouraging sports development in Nigeria “saying that sports have the ability of earning the much-needed scarce foreign exchange for Nigeria as well as enhancing national unity, patriotism and mutual coexistence in Nigeria”.

on Kinect, said Microsoft was aiming to “fix a mistake seen with the Kinect, that the Kinect was for gamers” only. “They’re trying to align this new technology with their core business” of building technology for corporations, he said. Eventually, perhaps some time in 2017, Microsoft will likely unveil a consumer version of HoloLens, said Gownder, the analyst. “Over time, less expensive hardware would create a larger market,” he said, adding he expected the first consumer HoloLens to be priced under $1,500. (Reuters)

President commissions projects in Lagos From Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday commissioned series of projects in Lagos State, just as the president commended the achievements of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration in last one year. President Buhari who was represented at the event by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said Lagos under Governor Ambode has continued to maintain its leading role in delivering good governance to the people. Speaking at the commissioning of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit in Cappa area of Oshodi, his first point of call, Buhari described the facility as not only the first of its kind in Nigeria, but one that would go a long way to improve response time during emergency situations. “With this special rescue unit, it is evident that we have moved a notch higher. There is no question at all that this facility is a world class facility.” The LASEMA Response Unit boasts of an initial acquisition of 51 equipment including three Forklifts, one Crane, 13 trucks, 10 Paramedic Motorbikes, two Fire Trucks, Ambulances, among others. President Buhari, who later commissioned the Ago Palace Way, Okota, described the initiative of the State Government to build the road as a fantastic idea, saying the road was an important economic road that would promote trade and investment and enhance movement along that corridor. The Ago Palace Way is a link road thaat connects about four local governments and providing a viable alternative route for motorists trying to access Festac, Mile 2 and Apapa areas of the State with ease thereby reducing travel time. At the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, where he handed over security equipment purchased by the State Government to the tune of N1.85billion, the President said that it was a testament to the premium the administration of Governor Ambode has placed on safety of lives and property of its citizenry. Among the equipment commissioned include 140 brand new Ford Ranger Pick-Ups and 335 Power Bikes fitted with communication gadgets, Helmets, Bullet Proof vests and other kits.

Page 22

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Business Infrastructure sharing will assist smaller telecom operators grow— Expert

L-R: Managing Director/ chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon;Chairman, Mr. David Ifezulike and Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser, Mr. Bode Ayeku all of Nestle Nigeria Plc, at the Company’s 47th Annual General Meeting, yesterday in Lagos.

NCS generates N3.2bn in Seme Command T he Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday said it generated N3.2 billion as revenue between January and April. This is contained in a statement issued by the command and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry, Lagos State.

The statement quoted the Controller of the command, Victor Dimka, as saying that the revenue was generated inspite of dwindling economic activities. ``Despite the down turn in importation of goods that has affected the command’s revenue generation, the clear records of our activities in effective trade facilitation and suppression of

smuggling must be seen as total compliance to our guides. ``We would always ensure that we generate revenue for the Federal Government and all loopholes would be blocked,’’ Dimka said. The statement said 221 seizures were recorded within the period under review with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N180 million.

``A total of 17 suspects were arrested and are at different levels of investigation and prosecution,’’ he said. Dimka also said that illegal importation of fairly used vehicles had been curtailed. He, however, advised officials of the command to work within the confines of the codes and ethics of the job. (NAN)

Capital market operator tasks FG on forex policy

finance expert, Mr Sola Oni, on Monday told urged the Federal Government to pursue a flexible foreign exchange policy to reduce uncertainties at the foreign exchange market. Oni, who is a Stockbroker and Chief Executive Officer of SOFUNIX Investment and Communications Ltd., told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that a more flexible approach would boost investors’ confidence. According to Oni, there is urgent need for change of stance because many economic sectors are battling for survival at the moment. “For instance, the financial market, especially the NSE, which was forward looking now send signals of a weak economy through its statistics daily. “The shock from the international oil market and the failure by the previous administration to save from the high price of crude oil in the past has put us in a quandary.” He explained that negative

growth of the Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter, high inflation rate and other parameters called for quick a review of the forex policy. He said that President Muhammadu Buhari in the last one year had embarked on fighting corruption in high places. “This is a good beginning as most of our current challenges are rooted in corruption with impunity. “The trend will lead to an attitudinal change and the complexity of the laws in Nigeria should not delay government’s access to the recovered loots for economic development,” Oni stated. But Mr Adebayo Adeleke, National Secretary of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), said the current situation was complicated by a lack of definite economic policy immediately after the general elections. Adeleke said, however, that the market had started showing signs of improvement since the

passage of the budget, coupled with government’s determination to pursue some capital projects this year. According to him, these measures will surely re-flate the economy and impact on the capital market. Adeleke advised that the present administration should focus on the implementation of the budget to rejuvenate economic activities. NAN reports that the NSE All-Share Index last week rose by 675.42 points or 2.55 per cent to close at 27,116.45. Also, the market capitalisation, which opened at N9.099 trillion inched by N214 billion to close at N9.313 trillion. An analysis of the week’s price movement chart showed that United Bank for Africa led the gainers’ table in percentage terms by 22.59 per cent or 82k to close at N4.45 per share. Conoil followed by 20.67 per cent or N3.94 to close at N23, while Oando appreciated by 13.42 per cent or 71k to close at N6 per share.

Conversely, Vitafoam topped the losers’ table in percentage terms, shedding 20.85 per cent or N1.13 to close at N4.29 per share. Tiger Brand trailed with a loss of 19.87 per cent or N1.19 to close at N4.80, while NCR declined by 14.14 per cent or N1.48 to close at N8.99 per share. A turnover of 2.45 billion shares worth N13.15 billion were exchanged by investors in 23,680 deals as against 1.83 billion shares valued at N14.47 billion traded in 20,058 deals in the corresponding week. The Financial Services Industry led the activity chart in volume terms with a total of 2.01 billion shares worth N9.49 billion traded in 14,200 deals. The Conglomerates sector followed with 208.48 million shares valued at N268.05 million transacted in 1,134 deals. The third place was occupied by the Oil and Gas Industry with a turnover of 80.27 million shares worth N692.61 million achieved in 2,826 deals. (NAN)

n Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert, Mr Gimba Mohammed, on Monday said infrastructure sharing by operators at competitive cost would assist smaller telecom operators grow. Mohammed, the Head of Regional Business for MainOne, a Nigerian ICT firm, made the suggestion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said that removal of cumbersome barriers and more sharing of infrastructure would assist those operators who do not have fibre infrastructure telecom masts. ``We need to remove those cumbersome barriers to entry that restrict new entrants like license fees. Àlso, we should provide enabling infrastructure and encourage sharing for those operators who don’t have fiber infrastructure, telecoms masts and so on. `Àll these can be shared within operators at competitive costs. Regulation should also be effected to protect new entrants, especially from dominant operators. Speaking further on challenges experienced by telecoms companies in internet promotion in the country, he said that access to infrastructure at competitive prices still remained an issue. Mohammed said that with the launch of Nigerian Communications Commission First Regional Infrastructure Company (InfraCo) initiatives, operators were optimistic. According to him, the InfraCo will create equal access for all providers, adding that if the NCC is able to commence the company quickly, it will go a long way in easing the challenges faced by the operators. Mohammed listed other challenges to include regulatory challenges such as multiple taxation and fees, which, he said, limited further investments by operators. ``Human capacity constraints and the high costs of services are also challenges. `Àlso, there is limited indigenous participation, owing to the high cost of entry and lack of protectionist policy for local content providers like Iroko TV, for example,’’ he said. Mohammed said that MainOne had done more for broadband penetration than any other player in the country. According to him, the entry of MainOne into the industry in 2010 immediately crashed bandwidth price in the country by as much as 50 per cent. `` Before July 2010, the cost of bandwidth was between 1, 200 dollars (N236, 400) and 1, 700 dollars (N334, 900) per megabyte but we reduced it to circa 500 dollars (N98, 500) at entry. ``This price has also reduced significantly over the years to as low as 45 dollars (N8, 865) per megabyte. `Òver the last 5years, we have also invested in broadband infrastructure across Nigeria, via our Next Generation IP Network, metro infrastructure and data centers, ``This has stimulated the Internet Service Providers (ISPs), eCommerce and ICT sectors and generated tens of thousands of direct jobs. (NAN)

PAGE 23

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Stock Watch: Monday, May 23, 2016 Company

7UP

Previous Closing Price

185.06

184.5

Opening Price

184.5

High

Low

184.5

Change

Trades

-0.56 25

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

233,796

43,137,315.02 MAYBAKER 1.26 - - - 1.26 5 26,078 32,955.18

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

ABCTRANS 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 4 505,000 252,500.00

MCNICHOLS 1.2 - - - 1.2 5 154,383 176,896.62

ACADEMY 0.59 - - - 0.59 0 - ACCESS

4.46

4.64

4.46

4.5

0.04 321

28,060,764

126,589,999.78

ADSWITCH 1.63 - - - 1.63 0 - AFRIK 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - AFRINSURE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

MOBIL 138.99 - - - 138.99 20 6,378 854,115.18 MORISON 1.73 - - - 1.73 0 - MRS 49.66 - - - 49.66 1 500 23,590.00 MTECH 0.91 - - - 0.91 0 - MTI 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

AFRIPRUD 2.65 2.7 2.7 2.61 2.61 -0.04 35 553,581 1,479,349.55 MULTIVERSE 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00 AFROMEDIA 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 1 550,000 275,000.00

NAHCO 4.38 4.17 4.17 4.17 4.17 -0.21 19 203,175 850,145.97

AFRPAINTS 2.59 - - - 2.59 0 - -

NASCON 7.18 7.5 7.3 7.16 7.3 0.12 26 1,031,170 7,479,398.60

AGLEVENT 1.02 0.97 -

1.02

8 48,971 46,330.44

AIICO 0.9 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.01 18 983,972 898,207.23 AIRSERVICE 1.91 - - - 1.91 3 1,505 2,918.35 ALEX 9.84 - - - 9.84 0 - ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00 ANINO 0.25 - - - 0.25 0 - ARBICO 5.04 - - - 5.04 0 - -

NB 135 135.2 135.2 129.51 129.51 -5.49 105 1,220,085 161,842,702.19 NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

NEM 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.01 16 1,774,600 1,241,859.00 NESF 552.2 - - - 552.2 0 - NESTLE 814

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

NIG-GERMAN 4.91 - - - 4.91 0 - NIGERINS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

ASHAKACEM 22.5 - - - 22.5 16 55,698 1,233,876.58 NIGROPES 7.46 - - - 7.46 0 - ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

AUSTINLAZ 2.09 - - - 2.09 0 - -

NPFMCRFBK

AVONCROWN 1.52 - - - 1.52 0 - BECOPETRO 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - BERGER 9.6 9.61 9.61 9.61 9.61 0.01 9 379,696 3,674,398.56 BETAGLAS 48.51 - - - 48.51 0 - -

0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0

174,000 170,510.00

NSLTECH 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - OANDO 8.5 8.92 8.92 8.48 8.48 -0.02 364 7,671,197 65,761,034.51 OKOMUOIL 28.82 - - - 28.82 21 108,772 3,056,214.60 OMATEK 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

BOCGAS 4.18 - - - 4.18 0 - PAINTCOM 1.14 - - - 1.14 0 - CADBURY 20.1 - - - 20.1 15 82,240 1,655,764.64 PHARMDEKO 2.14 - - - 2.14 1 5,000 10,850.00 CAP 38 39 39 39 39 1 16 166,666 6,492,031.87 PORTPAINT 3.53 - - - 3.53 0 - CAPHOTEL 4.07 - - - 4.07 0 - -

PREMBREW 2.95 - - - 2.95 0 - -

CAPOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

PREMPAINTS 10.93 - - - 10.93 0 - -

CAVERTON 2.63 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 -0.13 7 145,913 366,122.50 CCNN 8.73 9.16 -

8.73

7 51,560 458,087.60

CHAMPION 4.17 4.17 -

4.17

11 146,282 587,170.36

CHAMS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - CHELLARAM 3.76 - - - 3.76 0 - -

PRESCO 30.5 - - - 30.5 6 32,910 1,045,950.40 PRESTIGE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - PZ 25.5 25 25 25 25 -0.5 33 567,539 14,195,538.05 RAKUNITY 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - REDSTAREX 4.2 - - - 4.2 2 19,785 83,097.00 REGALINS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

CILEASING 0.5 - - - 0.5 2 4,000 2,000.00

RESORTSAL 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 1 100,000 50,000.00

CONOIL 27.41 26.04 -

ROADS 6.6 - - - 6.6 0 - -

27.41

13,350 330,799.00

0.6 - - - 0.6 0 - 1.06 1.01 1.06 1.01 1.06 0 11 3,520,635 3,661,166.09 ROKANA ROYALEX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - CORNERST 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - RTBRISCOE 0.5 - - - 0.5 3 78,164 39,082.00 COSTAIN 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 5,000 2,500.00 CONTINSURE

COURTVILLE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - CUSTODYINS 4.1 - - - 4.1 6 16,101 64,845.03 CUTIX 1.45 - - - 1.45 1 26,666 38,665.70 CWG 2.67 - - - 2.67 0 - DAARCOMM 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 4,000 2,000.00

SCOA 4.16 - - - 4.16 0 - -

SEPLAT 230.04 225 225 225 225 -5.04 20 77,862 17,490,790.00 SIMCAPVAL 103.24 - - - 103.24 0 - SKYEBANK 1.9 1.9 1.99 1.9 1.99 0.09 75 2,020,105 3,920,083.45 SKYESHELT 100 - - - 100 0 - SMURFIT 0.98 - - - 0.98 0 - -MAY-

DANGCEM 162 163 163 163 163 1 33 156,759 25,532,904.96

BAKER 1.26 - - - 1.26 5 26,078 32,955.18

DANGFLOUR 2.31 - - - 2.31 16 31,484 75,328.68

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

DANGSUGAR

- - - 1.2 5 154,383 176,896.62 6.52 6.32 6.51 6.32 6.51 -0.01 26 343,221 2,210,542.55 MCNICHOLS 1.2 MOBIL 138.99 - - - 138.99 20 6,378 854,115.18

DEAPCAP 0.58 - - - 0.58 0 - -

DIAMONDBNK 2.87 2.8 2.8 2.74 2.74 -0.13 43 1,315,800 3,645,250.00 IPWA 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - JAPAULOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00 JBERGER 39.5 - - - 39.5 4 1,180 44,879.00 JOHNHOLT 0.96 - - - 0.96 0 - -

MORISON 1.73 - - - 1.73 0 - MRS 49.66 - - - 49.66 1 500 23,590.00 MTECH 0.91 - - - 0.91 0 - MTI 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - MULTIVERSE 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00

JOSBREW 1.51 - - - 1.51 0 - -

NAHCO 4.38 4.17 4.17 4.17 4.17 -0.21 19 203,175 850,145.97

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

NASCON 7.18 7.5 7.3 7.16 7.3 0.12 26 1,031,170 7,479,398.60

LASACO 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 1 300,000 150,000.00

NB 135 135.2 135.2 129.51 129.51 -5.49 105 1,220,085 161,842,702.19

LAWUNION 0.54 0.53 0.53 0.52 0.52 -0.02 14 910,610 481,548.30

NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - -

LEARNAFRCA

0.68 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 -0.03 10 1,074,871 699,416.15

LENNARDS 3.15 - - - 3.15 0 - LINKASSURE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - LIVESTOCK 1.4 1.41 1.41 1.41 1.41 0.01 9 134,400 192,410.51 MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - MANSARD 2.62 2.55 -

2.62

8 37,850 99,859.50

Top Gainers Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

NEM 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.01 16 1,774,600 1,241,859.00 NESF 552.2 - - - 552.2 0 - NESTLE 814

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

NIG-GERMAN 4.91 - - - 4.91 0 - NIGERINS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - NIGROPES 7.46 - - - 7.46 0 - -

Top Losers Low

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00

MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

FORTISMFB 5.42 - - - 5.42 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

UNHOMES 5.23 - - - 5.23 1 3,750 18,637.50

MCNICHOLS 1.2 - - - 1.2 5 154,383 176,896.62

INFINITY 1.42 - - - 1.42 0 - -

UTC 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

UNIONDICON 11.84 - - - 11.84 0 - -

MULTIVERSE 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00

MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - -

ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

CADBURY 20.1 - - - 20.1 15 82,240 1,655,764.64

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

PAGE 25

PEOPLES DAILY, tUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

PAGE 24

Special Report

Why South African mayor offers virgin

South African mayor awards virgin scholarships in bid to curb HIV

scheme which offers female students scholarships to girls in rural South Africa if they can prove they are virgins has been condemned by human rights groups. The BBC’s Nomsa Maseko visited the town to find out more. Thubelihle Dlodlo is nervous about leaving home in Emcitsheni village in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The 18-year-old has won a prized scholarship, but there is a catch: she only qualifies for the funding if she keeps her virginity. “Remaining a virgin is my only chance to get an education because my parents can’t afford to take me to school,” she says. To continue receiving her funding, Ms Dlodlo has to undergo regular virginity tests but she says she does not mind. “Virginity testing is part of my culture, it is not an invasion of my privacy and I feel proud after I’m confirmed to be pure.” The age of consent in South Africa is 16 years, though there is an exception which makes it

legal for those older than 12 and younger than 16 to have sex with each other. Even with a strict interpretation of the law, Ms Dlodlo is already more than two years over the age of consent, but is only just starting her university career. But activists argue these tests are intrusive and that it is not fair to link opportunity to education and sex in this way: “What is really worrying is that they are only focusing on the girl child and this is discriminatory and will not address problems with teenage pregnancy and HIV infection rates,” says Palesa Mpapa from campaign group People Opposing Women Abuse. “It’s not only the girl that is to blame,” she says. uThukela municipality mayor Dudu Mazibuko, who introduced this special category dedicated to virgin girls, disagrees. “The scholarship is not a reward but a lifelong investment in the life of a girl, we are also not condemning those who’ve made different choices because we accommodate them in

other scholarships,” she said. The council offers more than 100 scholarships, 16 of which have been given to virgin female students. Culture and tradition In this part of the country, virginity testing is common practice. In Zulu culture, virginity testing is done by elderly women. It qualifies Zulu maidens to participate in the annual reed dance which takes place every September at Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini’s royal palace. This practice is not against the law in South Africa but it has to be done with consent. Community leader Dudu Zwane has made it her mission to encourage young girls to abstain from sex. Affectionately known as “Mum Dudu”, the 58-year-old gives talks at schools. “It’s very important for these girls to focus on their studies and stay away from boys,” she says. The retired nurse also conducts virginity tests on young women. She agrees that her methods are not scientific but says she looks

out for certain signs to prove that the girl has not had sex. “The social standing of young women who remain virgins increases and many girls take pride in their results after being tested,” she said. Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini recently questioned the merits of virginity testing. The practice “complements other harmful practices such as female genital mutilation”, she said in a statement which upset traditionalists. In rural parts of KwaZula-Natal, virginity is celebrated and remaining “pure” is a source of pride for families. Ms Dlodlo says her friends are also virgins and envy her for being awarded the scholarship. She says she does not have a boyfriend, as she doesn’t want to find herself in a position where she is pressured to have sex. “I want to be a role model”, she says. Teenage pregnancy in South Africa • 2013: 100,000 South African teenagers became pregnant

Students selected for the scheme have already received virginity tests so they can take part in the annual reed dance

• 2012: 81,000 teenage pregnancies • 2011: 68,000 teenage pregnancies • 180 out of 1,000 pupils become pregnant or make someone pregnant • Teenage mothers account for 36% of

maternal deaths every year Source: Human Sciences Research Council, World Bank; Stats SA 2013 Investigation Virginity testing is seen by some as the answer to stop the increasing numbers of teenage

pregnancy and HIV and Aids. Teenage pregnancy is on the rise in South Africa. In 2013, a survey released by Stats SA as part of its General Household found that teen pregnancies had risen to

nearly 100,000, up from 68,000 just two years earlier. The South African Council for Educators and the education department labelled the figures an

unprecedented crisis. This is despite the fact that the country’s schools offer sex education and that free maternal care is also available nationwide. South Africa already

has the highest number of people living with HIV in the world, but what is even more alarming is that the highest new HIV infections are amongst young women aged 15-24.

Following the outcry, the South African Human Rights Commission has said it will investigate whether the scholarships are against the constitution. Source: BBC

“

In 2013, a survey released by Stats SA as part of its General Household found that teen pregnancies had risen to nearly 100,000, up from 68,000 just two years earlier. The South African Council for Educators and the education department labelled the figures an unprecedented crisis. Dudu Zwane is a respected virginity tester in the small town of Ladysmith

Thubelihle Dlodlo says she wants to be a role model

Feature Does Africa still need the United Nations?

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

In our series of letters from African journalists, filmmaker and columnist Farai Sevenzo considers why the UN matters to Africa.

f the 70th UN General Assembly had a face, it would not only be showing its age, but it would be covered in the cuts and bruises from unending wars, new coups and the perennial problems of poverty, hunger and the new open, weeping sores that are the movements of the desperate and despairing across oceans and borders. For African leaders, the UN in New York is the place to be seen and heard every September. They are there under the magical veil of diplomatic immunity, not only because their leadership is recognised but also because it allows those who are older than the General Assembly to attend, as well as those who have been ostracised by international opinion, those who have been targeted by the International Criminal Court, and those who wish to plead for special attention or show that they are tackling corruption. Small budgets are prepared from the national coffers for the delegates accompanying the heads of state and first ladies fond of shopping, who mark the General Assembly dates in their diaries long in advance. This year’s gathering has even featured a rock star Pope, and the Catholics among Africa’s leadership may have wanted to touch that holy hand, though they may not have been so keen on confession. Keeping the peace? Still, it does not help to be too cynical, for Africa needs the UN more than any other continent. A brief scan of the UN’s history will show us that while its predecessor, the League of Nations, threw South West Africa - present-day Namibia - from the frying pan of German occupation into the fire of apartheid jurisdiction, the UN has been largely present in tumultuous events in Africa these past 70 years. A UN Secretary General Swedish statesman Dag Hammarskjold - lost his life in a plane crash in the Zambian town of Ndola in 1961 on his way to peace talks in the Congolese breakaway province of Katanga. Since then UN peacekeeping forces in Africa have been a regular and needed part of the continent’s story: 19,000 troops are currently serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo; 12,000 are trying to restore order to the Central African Republic, another 10,000 are deployed in Mali and the UN mission in Liberia is due to end in June 2016 - having been there since 2003. Current UN peace missions in Africa Central African

United Nations’ forces preparing for assignment in Africa Republic: Launched 2014, 12,000 currently deployed - Minusca Democratic Republic of Congo: Launched 1999, 19,000 deployed - Monusco Ivory Coast: Launched 2004, nearly 7,000 deployed - Unoci Liberia: Launched 2003 nearly 6,000 deployed- Unmil Mali: Launched 2013, 10,000 deployed - Minusma South Sudan: Launched 2011, 12,500 deployed - Unmiss Sudan: Hybrid mission in Darfur with African Union launched 2008, nearly 16,000 deployed - Unamid Abyei - disputed territory between South Sudan and Sudan, 4,000 deployed - Unisfa Western Sahara - 200 deployed Minurso The relationship between peacekeepers and Africa has been fraught with accusations of mineral theft and more seriously the sexual abuse of women and children by the international UN forces, but the security situation without them does not bear contemplation. In 2015 a look at the headlines shows us that from Libya downwards, violence prevails. It reveals that the fight for selfdetermination in South Sudan has resulted in increasing deaths after independence; Burkina Faso’s presidential guard has become addicted to power and that economies wrecked by Ebola cannot do without international assistance. World leaders have now agreed on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which replace the Millennium Goals, and feature many of the issues that the 20th Century grappled with.

But paramount amongst the 17 SDGs is the struggle to end hunger. “While the number of people suffering from hunger in developing regions has fallen by half since 1990, there are still close to 800 million people undernourished worldwide, a majority children and youth,” said Mogens Lykketoft, president of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly. Of course hunger has not arrived unannounced, the state of the planet and the effects of global warming have been playing havoc with people’s crops all over southern Africa. Malawi, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned, faces its worst food crisis in 10 years. The WFP says 2.8 million people are at risk and that an astonishing four out of every 10

“

Malawian children are suffering from stunted growth. Poor rainfall affected the crops in 2013/2014 and then floods compounded the problem in early 2015 by destroying homes and wiping out food supplies. USAid’s Famine Early Warning System has also listed food shortages in Ethiopia and Somalia, as well as in Sierra Leone and Liberia following the outbreak of Ebola. From rising prices, to lack of pasture for cattle to drought and floods - food and hunger remain the continent’s major worry. Those attending the Sustainable Goals event spoke of its wide scope; UN chief Ban Ki-Moon said the new development blueprint was designed to “resonate with people across the world”, while UN Development Programme head Helen Clark said the goals called

“for a paradigm shift in how the international society understands development”. Development, if truth be told, has sometimes been hampered by some of the very people who gather every September in the autumn sunshine. But it is their solemn duty - and ours - to try and develop ourselves. At its worst, the UN is a grey monolithic beast that is overstaffed with career diplomats and “angels of mercy” who run around African cities in their 4x4s on behalf of Western charities and their own ambitious career paths. But at its best, the UN is the last refuge for the powerless, the hungry and the needy. And Africa has far too many people in all three categories to do without it. Source: BBC

The relationship between peacekeepers and Africa has been fraught with accusations of mineral theft and more seriously the sexual abuse of women and children by the international UN forces, but the security situation without them does not bear contemplation. In 2015 a look at the headlines shows us that from Libya downwards, violence prevails. It reveals that the fight for self-determination in South Sudan has resulted in increasing deaths after independence; Burkina Faso’s presidential guard has become addicted to power and that economies wrecked by Ebola cannot do without international assistance.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Defence

Navy deploys troops to Lake Chad Basin Stories by Joy Baba-Yesufu

he Nigerian Navy (NN) said on Monday that it would deploy troops to the Lake Chad Basin in Borno, as part of the final push to end Boko Haram insurgency. Rear Adm. Obiora Medani, the Chief of Naval Administration, disclosed this while on a courtesy

visit to Gov. Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri. Medani added that the objective of naval contribution was to accelerate the tempo of the anti-terrorism war in the final push to stamp out the terrorists. He said that the Navy had deployed some gunboats to the area ahead of the troops’ deployment.

Chief of Army staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai

“We have already sent our gunboats to the Lake Chad Basin area, very soon, you will begin to see our operations in the area,” Medani said. He said he was in the state to launch the NN Medical Rhapsody 2016 for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). “We are in the state to launch the Medical Rhapsody for IDPs

as part of the Diamond Jubilee of the Nigerian Navy. “The action is part of our corporate social responsibilities to our host communities,” Medani said. He commended the state government for its numerous support to the military toward ending the Boko Haram terrorism in the country.

Responding, Shettima, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Mamman Durkwa, thanked Medani for the visit. He appealed to the naval authorities to assist in recruiting some members of the Civilian JTF into the Nigerian Navy, especially as the Boko Haram terrorism was getting to the end.

Chief Of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas

NAF holds route march for personnel

he Nigerian Air Force Training Command in Kaduna State has held its second quarter 10 kilometres route march for its officers and recruits serving in the command. Speaking at the end of the

exercise, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Wakili Ahmed, explained that the march was part of the 2016 calendar of events for the Air Force. The AOC, who was represented by his Chief Staff Officer, Air Commodore Remigius Ekeh, stated

that the exercise was mandatory for all officers and other ranks and would assist in keeping fit in the course of discharging their duty. He said that the exercise was taking place in all the Air Force formations across Nigeria and was being conducted four times in a year.

“Personnel of the service who were deployed to the northeast to fight terrorists and other trouble spots in the country could not have done a good job if they were not physical and mentally fit. The route march is to ensure that officers and other ranks of the

Nigerian Air Force are physically fit to discharge their constitutional responsibilities at any given time. The march started at about 6 O’clock on Saturday morning from the Nigerian Air Force Base to the Mando roundabout in the Kaduna State capital back to the base.

Russia blasts NATO for Cold War mentality

he Kremlin on Monday slammed recent remarks by the NATO leadership, saying they were similar to those in the time of the Cold War. ``Judging from the rhetoric, it is rapidly returning to the very time that we thought is already

well behind,’’ Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said at a news briefing. Peskov said NATO was an alliance created for confrontation, therefore its capacity to contribute to ensuring stability and security in Europe was disputable. He added that Russia would

have to take a series of predictable, systematic and consecutive steps in response to NATO’s expansion around its borders. On Wednesday, NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance had decided to increase its forward presence in its Eastern part by placing troops

in different countries. ``Our approach to Russia combines strong defense and deterrence with dialogue,’’ Stoltenberg said. The Kremlin said on Friday that it was concerned about the signing by NATO foreign ministers and Montenegro of an accession

protocol, which allows the Balkan country to participate as an observer in NATO meetings. The protocol signed on Thursday has to be ratified by the parliaments of all NATO member states before Montenegro becomes the 29th member of the military bloc. (Xinhua/NAN)

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Agriculture Fraud: AAEUN suspends Sokoto Chairman

From Ahmed Idris ,Birnin Kebbi

he Agriculture and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria (AAEUN) has suspended the Sokoto State Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Trustees of the chapter over non remittance of check off dues for the period of January, 2012 to

November 30th 2015 that amounted to over N30 million. The suspension letter signed by the AAEUN National SecretaryGeneral Aitokhuehi Ededuan Sunday and made available to newsmen yesterday indicates that the suspension of the State Chairman Comrade Abubakar Saddiq Malami

was in line with the current fight against corruption and other related vices. The letter which read in phase, added that “The AAEUN which met on 12th March, 2016 observed that your State Council still has some check off dues yet to be accounted for by your state council amounting

to N30,186,778.28 for NHQ 32%, NLC 10%, 2%, 6% and 3% between January, 2015 -November 30th 2015” “The meeting in-session resolved that you be suspended from office to give room for the Seven Man Audit Committee set up by the Central Working Committee (CWC) to carry out the necessary investigation and

report to the next National Executive Council meeting within two months” It further resolved that the External Auditor retainership with the union be terminated as soon as the 2014 Audit year report is submitted and the balance of the 2014 audit fee is paid to the auditing firm.

Cassava farmers in Cross River partner stakeholders on ethanol production

for farmers in the state to start planting their crops now. NAN reports that following the arrival of rain in some parts of the state, especially the southern parts, many farmers have started clearing their farms in preparation for this year’s planting season. According to him, it will be a waste of time and energy for any farmer in the state to begin to plant crops after the first rain in

this month (March). ``I feel it necessary to advise our farmers not to plant anything now and wait until the end of next month when the rain stabilises. ``Many dry season farmers are still harvesting their rice and wheat. So it will be unwise for any farmer to start planting against the wet season, especially in March in this state”, he said. He called on the Federal Government to ensure early

distribution of fertilizer and other inputs to farmers. He said the Federal Government had promised to provide adequate fertilizer and other inputs to farmers this year. ``The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, during his recent visit to the state, promised farmers adequate provision of inputs and we hope he will keep to his words”, he said. (NAN)

he Cross River chapter of the Nigerian Cassava Growers Association says it is collaborating with some stakeholders to produce ethanol from cassava to be used as an alternative to petrol. The Chairman of association, Mr Augustine Oqua, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Sunday that it was negotiating with the Cross River University of Technology and other research centres on how to facilitate the process. Oqua noted that ethanol was useful in various ways and added that with Cross River as the largest producer of cassava in the country, the product would generate more revenue for the state. ``Ethanol is a finished product of cassava. It is used as an alternative to fuel in many advanced economies of the world. ``Cross River has a comparative advantage in cassava production and we are working on how we will be the first state in Nigeria to use ethanol to drive cars. ``Already, we are negotiating with the Cross River University of Technology and other research organisations to facilitate this process,’’ he said. Oqua said that ethanol was also used as raw material for the manufacture of various products, including cough syrup. The chairman stressed the need for the government to encourage cassava farmers by providing necessary inputs and soft loans to enable them to increase its production. He described the state government’s proposal to establish a cassava processing plant at Obudu as a good idea and added that it would boost cassava production in the state. (NAN)

He said that farmers required the support of governments in drying and preserving their harvested maize, guinea corn, millets and others. ``This is important to prevent weevils from destroying the grains. ``There are government-owned silos in different parts of the country, most of which are not in use. ``Government should allow farmers to have access to them.

``They can be privatised or sublet them to the farmers, whereby, they will serve as storage for harvested grains and also be used as drying centres. ``If farmers do not store their produce properly, they are left with the option of selling them almost after harvesting at an unprofitable price. ``Proper storage system ensures availability of these crops the year round, whereby farmers are able

to sell their produce anytime they want,’’ he said. Falana said that if farmers could have direct access to the silos, ``they will serve as multipurpose centres where farmers will carry out their post harvest activities. ``We want a system where farmers can harvest, also dry and shell their grains almost immediately in a secured environment. ``These will save us from a

situation whereby, when we are drying our produce, the weather interrupts us, which has always been our challenges,’’ he said. Falana said that the availability of the storage centres will ease the process of preserving the life shelf of the crops. The farm director also said that the stores could be used as collection centres where farmers could sell to retailers at regulated prices. (NAN)

A flour mill in Lagos

Expert advises farmers against early planting of crops

large scale farmer in Kano State, Alhaji Garba Bichi, has advised farmers against early planting of crops following the arrival of rainfall in some parts of the state. He gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano on Monday. Bichi, who is the immediate past state Secretary of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), said it would be unwise

Farmer wants govt to provide silos for storage of farm produce

irector, Standard Agro Farms, Mr Taiwo Falana, on Monday called on the three tiers of government to provide more silos where farmers could store their produce after harvesting. Falana told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that improper storage system was a major challenge facing harvested grains that could be sold during scarcity.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Agriculture

Averting economic recession in Nigeria via agriculture

igeria’s economy has been forecast to be amongst the top 20 largest in the world by 2030, according to a recent report of Bloomberg -- one of the world’s leading financial services firms -- on the new world economic order. Nigeria is ranked 19th, just above Netherlands, which is graded 20th in the recent forecast report. Recent global economy reports have placed Nigeria as one of the fastest growing economies in the world; reports which tallied with 2014 re-based Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures that placed Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, pushing South Africa to the second position. Cheering as the Bloomberg’s survey may look; leading economic indicators suggest that the Nigerian economy may be heading for an economic recession, unless urgent steps are taken to avert a repeat of the1980 recession. Economic experts say that an economic recession implies a fall in real GDP, adding that it also connotes a period of negative economic growth for two consecutive quarters in an economy. They say that economic recession is primarily caused by a fall in aggregate demand -- total spending on goods and services -- due to several factors such as financial crisis, rise in interest rates or fall in asset prices, among others. The experts maintain that the main features of a recessive economy include higher interest rates, which reduce borrowing and investment; falling real wages and falling consumer confidence. In an economic recession, they add, credit crunch provokes a decline in bank lending and, therefore, lowers investment. It is also a period of deflation with falling prices, which often encourages people to delay spending, while causing deflation to increase the real value of debt; thus, making debtors to be worse off. Although this development causes appreciation in currency exchange rates, it often makes imports expensive, while reducing demand for exports. Mr Suleiman Muhammed, a Lokoja-based economic analyst, said that although the Nigerian economy could not be said to have gone into recession per se, it was very necessary to introduce some proactive measures to forestall the development. This is not to suggest that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is not mindful of the repercussions of the imminent economic recession, as it is taking the necessary steps to avert it. For instance, the VicePresident, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,

Snail farm

said that plans were underway to create a 25-billion-dollar fund with public and private financing to modernise the country’s infrastructure and avoid an economic recession. The situation has provoked the government and enlightened observers to ponder on practical ways of saving the nation from the looming economic recession. For instance, President Buhari, in his address at the conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), called for more private investments in the agricultural sector of the economy. He said that increased investments in the agricultural sector remained the best way to unlock the country’s economic potential and curb its excessive dependence on oil revenues. ``Growing our own food, processing what we produce, becoming competitive in export markets and creating jobs all across the economy are crucial for our national security,” he said. Buhari, who noted that the agricultural sector was the largest contributor to the country’s GDP, pledged that his administration planned to make Nigeria selfsufficient in rice production within the next two years. The president said that since Nigeria was one of the world’s

largest producers of agricultural products like cassava, improved investments in agriculture would boost the country’s exports and lessen its dependence on proceeds from petroleum. Buhari said that enhanced private-sector investments in agriculture would also facilitate the fulfilment of government’s efforts to diversify the economy, adding that Nigeria had immense agricultural potential. His words: ``Nigeria has huge agricultural potential with over 84 million hectares of arable land, of which only 40 per cent is currently cultivated. The country also has some of the richest natural resources for agricultural production in the world. ``The urgency of unlocking our agricultural potential is even more pertinent because Africa spends about 35billion U.S. dollars annually on food imports. Agriculture should no longer be treated as a development programme; agriculture must henceforth be treated as a business.’’ However, Dr Tunde Arosanyin, the National Technical Adviser, All Farmers Association (AFAN), underscored the need for increased investments in the agricultural sector, saying that Nigeria was facing several economic challenges which included decline in oil prices and over-dependence on imports.

He said that the other challenges were poor infrastructural facilities such as electricity, roads and water, which inhibited secondary production and industrial growth, as well as corruption and insecurity. He stressed the wisdom in addressing the challenges pragmatically, insisting that at the moment; Nigeria ought not to be importing products like textiles, biscuits, fruit juice, rice and sugar. Arosanyin added that considering the vast agricultural potential of the country, it should be able to produce these products, among others, locally. ``It is unfortunate that the Nigerian economy is driven by proceeds from crude oil in the last 40 years. ``The way forward is for the present administration in the country to tackle the problems head-on by focusing its attention on the structured development of agriculture, solid minerals and tourism sectors. ``In driving this policy, the Federal Government should invite technocrats and tested professionals with proven track record to generate a blueprint on how to develop and diversify the economy,’’ he said. Arosanyin, however, emphasised that the government’s agricultural policy include immediate, medium-term and long-term actions and programmes.

He said that if agriculture sector was well-funded and properly developed, the government’s efforts to avert any economic recession would be fruitful. He argued that agriculture, apart from solving hunger and food security problems, was also capable of generating over millions of job opportunities; thus reducing the menace of unemployment. Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Devakumar Edwin, the Group Executive Director of Dangote Group of Companies, said that tangible efforts should be made to reduce the effects of the collapse of crude oil prices in the international market on the nation’s economy. He stressed the salvation of the Nigerian economy would largely depend on increased agricultural production and local manufacturing. Edwin underscored the need to fully exploit the vast agricultural potential of Nigeria in efforts to restructure the national economy. He called on entrepreneurs to invest in agricultural and manufacturing projects to speed up the country’s economic growth. All in all, analysts believe that increased investments in Nigeria’s agricultural sector will spur the country’s development, while ensuring its economic revival and guarding against any economic recession. NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

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Feature

Can Fifa end child trafficking from Africa to Asia?

ootball’s world governing body decided to lower the age limit for international transfers to include players aged 10 and above. That’s right: 10. Before the change was introduced in March, clubs only needed to go through the official process of applying for an International Transfer Certificate if their target was at least 12 years old. “The executive committee decided to reduce the age limit… due to the increased number of international transfers of players younger than 12,” Fifa told the BBC in a statement. ‘Unscrupulous’ But what happens when clubs simply start recruiting six, seven and nine-year-olds to bypass Fifa’s new red tape? Well, if that does happen, Fifa says the age limit “could be reconsidered” if it detects a trend of players even younger than 10 being transferred. Nonetheless, the change of the rules highlights the growing problem of the illegal movement of minors. The Paris-based nongovernmental organisation, Foot Solidaire, helps send boys back to Africa after they have been tricked by unscrupulous agents and empty promises into leaving the continent. It estimates that 15,000 teenage footballers are moved out of just 10 West African countries every year many of them underage. Jean-Claude Mbvounim, Foot Solidaire’s founder, says that agents can pocket anywhere between $3,000 (£2,000) and $10,000 for each child they send to a fictitious trial at an imagined club - and says football needs help to combat the issue. “Fifa has to do more with public authorities, governments and civil society because this issue is a social issue,” says Mbvounim.

Children from West Africa have ended up in Laos

Some of the original party returned to West Africa after help from players’ union Fifpro “Today we have criminal activists threatening world football and the young players, so it’s important to work together. Fifa will have to be on top of this battle.” What makes the actions of Champasak United in Laos, who imported 23 underage players in February, interesting is that they are the actions of a club, albeit under the guise of an academy. The normal story is that

“

lacks a proper coach, medical facilities and there is no provision for education. The club’s player-’African players manager’ Alex Karmo admits Champasak brought in the players to sell them on at a profit afterwards. The contracts they offered the youngsters enabled the club to pay them absolutely nothing should they want to, although Karmo says they were paid each month. The signed deals also stated that players must pay back the cost of their flights from Africa, and all food and accommodation received, should they wish to break

Fifa made a little-noted amendment to its statutes earlier this year but it was one that deserved considerably more attention. their contract - an unrealistic goal for players earning zero a month at worst and $140 at best. The Liberians are not the first Africans to be disappointed, but their nation is one of the few in West Africa to have no football academy, even if the Liberian FA says it plans to open one later this year. To put it into context, the youngsters were keen on Laos even though it has made next-tono impact on the international stage and is ranked 16 places below 161st-rated Liberia in Fifa’s national rankings. “Liberia is over 165 years old and we are just completing the first football training centre,” said the country’s FA chairman Musa Bility. “Maybe if that training centre was here, those kids would not be in Laos.” The plan is to have former Liberian football star George Weah as a title name for the academies, but can their presence stop the flow of young players abroad? As another potential form of defence against this problem, Foot Solidaire is looking to open an observation centre in the Senegalese capital Dakar next year. It hopes to both inform youngsters and families of the perils of trafficking, as well as keep a close eye on the exodus of West Africa’s youngsters. Source: BBC

teenagers duped into leaving Africa end up on the streets of whatever country they have been sent to, since the ‘agent’ has disappeared and no club is aware of their presence. ‘Unrealistic goal’ According to the boys who went to Laos and have since returned to Liberia, thanks to the help of global players’ union Fifpro, Champasak’s academy

The Paris-based non-governmental organisation, Foot Solidaire, helps send boys back to Africa after they have been tricked by unscrupulous agents and empty promises into leaving the continent. It estimates that 15,000 teenage footballers are moved out of just 10 West African countries every year - many of them underage. Jean-Claude Mbvounim, Foot Solidaire’s founder, says that agents can pocket anywhere between $3,000 (£2,000) and $10,000 for each child they send to a fictitious trial at an imagined club - and says football needs help to combat the issue. “Fifa has to do more with public authorities, governments and civil society because this issue is a social issue,” says Mbvounim. “Today we have criminal activists threatening world football and the young players, so it’s important to work together. Fifa will have to be on top of this battle.”

Twenty-three underage players were imported to Laos from West Africa

Football is the most popular sport in Africa

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Turn Around Ministry ends 5-day convention with call for prayers, dedication to God By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

he TurnAround Evangelical Mission International, in Mararaba, near Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has concluded its fiveday convention with a call for Christian faithful to rededicate their lives to God and praying consistently for nation. The called was made by the guest speaker of the convention Apostle Victor Braimoh, who urged Christians to be ambassadors for Christ; as the entered in to the convent of the power of next level. He charged Christians to make sacrifices upon God, by sowing in the lives of others despite the tough economic challenges that the nation is facing. “Christian faithful should seek God genuinely while repenting from our wicked ways; God turned back His face on us and make our nation fruitful again. Apostle Braimoh took his scriptural reading from the book of 2kings 3:1-27, with the topic: “Power of sacrifice” said “for a nation and its citizens to experience the power of the next level, Christians have to make painful sacrifices while separating their lives from things and peoples that affected their by taking “great decision that bring change.” He said there is hope for country and the economic will stabilized in the next 3-months. Earlier, Pst. Chris Chukuwu, of the TurnAround Ministry appreciated God for seeing the ministry through the huge convention saying “God has been massive in the convention, lives have been transformed and Nigeria, Mararaba and FCT will never be the same again.” He called on Christian’s faithful to take such programmes seriously “No one Knows where God miracles and breakthrough will them to improve their lives.” Meanwhile, the programme rounded up with rendition of songs, testimonies, prayers for nation and miracles as the Christian faithful step in to their next level.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (right) with the FCT Police Commissioner, Wilson Inalegwu (left) decorating the Minister’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Ahmed Rasheed, who has been promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), yesterday in Abuja.

Drama in Kwali as new chairman shuns take-over register By Paul Efiong

mild drama ensued amidst jubilation galore last Friday, as the newly sworn chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Joseph Shazin, openly refused to sign the taking over register presented to him by the outgoing government in the council. The new chairman who was received into the council by the Head of Administration in Kwali area council, Alhaji Abubakar Idris in a short speech said “a committee has been set up to check and cross checks files and documents in the council to see if they are all in tacks.” Shazin further explained that he will signed the take-

over register when the committee has finish their job adding that the committee must first cleared up with their assignment as they must be allowed to deliver on their assignment, their mandate. It would be recalled that the new administration in Kwali has repeatedly vowed before and during his electioneering campaigns never to cover up or tolerate any questionable project claimed to have been executed by the outgoing PDP- government. In another development, shortly after his inauguration/ swearing by the FCT minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, the entire Kwali council was agog with celebrations and jubilation as mammoth

supporters and admirers of the chairman were seen dressing in either APC labeled materials or their best attires as a mark of solidarity and support to the new government in the council. At the chairman house, which is just some few kilometers from the council, there was enough food and drinks for all who visited to show their solidarity to the brand new council boss whom some in the area describe as ‘ an astute leader with a lion heart to help people who come around him’. According to one of the traditional leaders in the council, Hon. Shazin leadership style is the best, the one that is devoid of religion

sentiment and tribe. He added that “his first tenure as the chairman in the council recorded massive youths and peoples oriented empowerment than those that led the council before and after him.” A source who pleaded for anonymity informed this medium that, the new chairman Honourable Shazin just like his party leader and President, Muhammadu Buhari, believes in transparency which is the bedrock of APC. He stressed that if any fraud was found against the outgoing government; the new government would definitely ask questions as well as bring some anti-corruption agencies.

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Photo Splash

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Over view of road side market, yesterday in Mararaba

A Physically challenged man carrying a banner written Rescue Our Chibok Girls, recently in Abuja.

Roasted yam seller attending to a customer, at Appo villege, yesterday in Abuja.

Mango hawker, at Waru village, in Abuja.

Sachets water sellers, attending to a customer, at Nyanya yesterday in Abuja. Photos: Mahmud Isa

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Metro

Bello warns Area Council officials against corruption By Stanley Onyekwere

he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Musa Bello has warned the newly elected Chairmen and other officials of the six Area Councils in the Territory to shun any act of corruption or face the consequences. The FCT Minister gave this warning while declaring open an induction course for the newly elected Area Council Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja. Bello, who was represented at the event by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye insisted that the anti-corruption drive of President Muhammadu Buhari’s led Administration is

serious, because it has gone beyond lip service. The Minister said President Buhari has taken a comprehensive approach to confront corruption in all its ramifications in order to save Nigeria’s image and economy. According to him, there is a clear indication that the present Administration would ensure that no action or inaction that negates the current war against corruption goes unpunished. Bello therefore urged the new councils’ officials to imbibe the tenets of Mr. President’s Change Agenda anchored on prudent management of public resources, transparency and accountability as well as diversification of sources of revenue and efficient service delivery to the residents within

their domain. According to him, the FCT Administration organized the induction course, in order to properly acquaint them with knowledge and skills that are necessary to lead their councils in this era of dwindling revenue from the Federal Government and the ideals of Change Agenda of the present Administration. He further explained that the workshop is aimed at assisting the new councils’ officials to effectively drive the goals of the FCT Administration especially environmental sanitation. Charging the elected councils’ officials to build synergy in the FCT Administration’s efforts to meet the infrastructural and public utilities need of the residents, the Minister noted their primary responsibility is

to ensure that they clean their environment and properly dispose of refuse in their respective councils. While addressing the participants, the lead resource person, Dr. Abdul-Hamidu Abdullahi of the Department of Local Government & Development Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria said the induction course will prepare them for people oriented leadership. Peoples Daily reports that the newly elected chairmen of the Area Councils who were sworn-in last Friday include: Abdul_Rahman Ajiya-Abaji; Abdullahi Adamu Candido-AMAC; Musa Dikko-Bwari; Adamu Mustapha Denze-Gwagwalada; Abdullahi Galadima- Kuje and Joseph Shazin-Kwali respectively.

Driver fight with passenger, at Utako, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Two men docked for alleged motorcycle theft

or allegedly stealing a motorcycle, two men- Aminu Kabiru and Sani Yunusa, yesterday appeared before a Gudu Upper Area court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Kabiru and Sani both of Orange market, Maraba in Nassarawa State are facing a threecount charge of criminal conspiracy, theft and possession of property suspected to be stolen. The Prosecutor, Urom Out, told the court that one Musa Abdullahi of Dagba River, Durumi, FCT, reported the matter at the Dururmi police station on May 1. Otu said the two accused were arrested with a motorcycle which they could not provide any proof of ownership. He said that duo confessed to have criminally conspired and previously stolen five other motorcycles, which they claimed to have sold to one Ibro and Buba, both at large. The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 97, 287 and 319a of the Penal code respectively. Both accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with reliable sureties in like sum. Kagarko said that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, and adjourned the case till July 25 for hearing proper. (NAN)

Banker in soup over alleged attempt to commit offence

he police have arraigned a28-year-old banker, Henry Bello, before a Gudu Upper Area Court, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for alleged attempt to commit an offence and forgery. Bello of No. 3, Usman Bala street, Garki and a staff of a bank in Area 7, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of an attempt to commit an

offence and forgery of a military letter headed paper. The Police Prosecutor, Urom Otu, said Sgt. Andrew John of Quarter Guard Brigade, Nigerian Army, Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, had reported the matter at the police station on May 4. Otu said the defendant was intercepted while contracting a computer

graphic designer to scan a letter headed paper of 7 guards battalion, Nigerian Army on April 29 with intent to commit felony. He added that the defendant could not give any satisfactory account of himself and the paper recovered from his possession during police investigation. The prosecutor therefore said that the offences contravened Section 95 and

364 of the Penal code respectively. The Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N50,000 with a reliable surety in like sum. Kagarko said that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and he adjourned the case till July 27 for further hearing. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Money Sense

Save money, capture fuel from animal manure and plant waste

onverting animal and plant waste into energy can be a triple-hitter: It not only helps reduce waste going to landfills or from being released as gas into the atmosphere, but saves energy and money. Waste materials; ranging from animal manure for methane to wood chips for direct heat to waste vegetable oil for straight use or conversion to biodiesel; also have a positive energy and carbon balance. That is, more energy is derived from the fuel than is spent converting it. Therefore, no net CO2 is generated. The Blue Spruce dairy, a member of Vermont’s Cow Power program, uses an anaerobic digester (pictured) to turn manure into methane, which is used to generate electricity. Photo by Vern Grubinger Anaerobic digesters have traditionally been geared toward large livestock confinement operations, which produce a lot of manure. The digester’s broader-use potential, however, has spurred manufacturers to explore scaling down the technology for small- and midsized farms. China and India have long promoted smaller digesters. And nearly 2,000 farm-based digesters operate in Europe, where researchers are trying to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness for smaller operators by combining food and animal waste. Digesters resolve multiple problems simultaneously: • When the liquids and solids are separated and treated, odor is reduced. The liquid portion is much easier to apply as fertilizer and is often mixed directly with irrigation water. • The odor- and pathogenfree solids can be sold as compost or reused as bedding, either generating new revenue streams or saving producers money on purchased bedding. • Fly populations in and around the manure storage systems are reduced, as are weed seed populations in the compost. • Biogas is captured and burned to power the farm and/or generate electricity to be sold back to the power supplier. Capturing and using the methane prevents its discharge to the atmosphere, where it has 21 times more global warming potential than CO2. In 1998, AgSTAR, a collaborative effort of various federal agencies, selected the 1,000-acre, four-generation Haubenschild family farm near Princeton, Minn., to demonstrate the effectiveness of an onfarm digester operation. The Haubenschild’s digester receives, on average, 20,000 gallons of manure per day, producing 72,500 cubic feet of biogas, most of which is used to power a 135 kW generator. Waste heat recovered from the generator’s cooling jacket is used to heat

Nature has always used anaerobic digestion; bacteria breaking down organic material in the absence of oxygen; to recycle waste. Modern anaerobic digester systems on livestock farms work on the same principle: The solids in manure are converted by bacteria into biogas, primarily methane, which can then be used to generate electricity. the barn. As an added benefit, the Haubenschilds are able to supply enough electricity for an additional 70 households, and by December 2005, the farm had generated a total of 5.8 million kWh. The energy produced by the digester prevents the equivalent of burning 50 tons of coal per month. Because it reduces methane release, the Haubenschild Farm can sell 90– 100 tons of carbon credits per week through the Environmental Credit Corporation. The farm has also saved an estimated $40,000 in fertilizer costs because they use resulting “digestate” as a soil amendment. The Haubenschilds are committed to conserving resources and saving money in other ways as well. For example, they reuse milk cooling water for cow drinking water and to wash

the floor, then reuse this water for the digester. They also use four tons of recycled newspaper per week as bedding because it promotes excellent anaerobic breakdown of manure. While promising, digester technology is still evolving, and installation and operating costs are high. Digesters are very sensitive to temperature, alkalinity, loading rate of waste and hydraulic retention time. They require consistent oversight by at least one person. Other challenges include high capital costs, low wholesale electricity prices, still-emerging industry support and hooking up to the grid. A unique partnership between an investor-owned utility and several Vermont farms is making “cow power” more feasible for a number of growers by allowing customers to choose sustainable

energy. Thousands of Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS) customers have signed up to get a portion of their energy through the CVPS Cow Power program. They pay an additional 4 cents per kWh knowing that 100 percent of the premium supports Vermont dairy farmers who use digesters. It currently takes about 500 milking cows to produce enough energy for Cow Power to be economically viable, so a number of small-scale farms are considering combining their manure to become eligible. Fuel from waste or converted vegetable oil has pros and cons, but both confer many environmental and economic benefits. Used oil contains nearly twice the energy value of coal and more energy than No. 2 fuel oil. Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel produces fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and

Fuel made from plant waste is made primarily from either waste vegetable oil (WVO) or WVO converted into biodiesel, a diesel fuel made either partially or wholly from biological materials. With a few exceptions, WVO requires modifying existing equipment, while WVO converted into biodiesel can be used in most diesel-burning engines.

particulates and less CO2, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and mercury. Some studies suggest that biodiesel produces slightly higher levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution, but researchers are investigating new additives and diesel technology that could significantly lower these emissions. Mike Collins and Rebecca Nixon of Old Athens Farm in southeastern Vermont decided to switch to straight waste-vegetable oil to heat their three greenhouses after using as much as 3,000 gallons of No. 2 oil in one winter. Each greenhouse now has a waste oil burner, generating 350,000 BTU for 3,200 square feet. Collins and Nixon, who grow organic vegetables and berries for direct markets on two acres, and produce greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants, collect waste oil from nearby restaurants. The restaurants are within normal vegetable delivery routes, saving transport-related time and energy. Collins and Nixon avoid oil with hydrogenated fats as it does not perform well in waste oil burners. The oil, generally kept in containers ranging from five to 50 gallons, is brought to the farm, filtered through a screen and then stored in large plastic tanks in the greenhouse. Because it solidifies in cold weather, any oil kept outside in the winter must be prewarmed before use. Like all new energy systems, a vegetable oil system requires initial start-up costs. For Collins and Nixon, each burner cost about $5,000 and another $500 to set up. About four hours per week are required to collect the oil, and to maintain the heaters. Assuming labor costs of $10 per hour, their waste vegetable oil system costs them an additional $2,000 annually in labor. But the payback is quick. Eliminating expensive fuel purchases meant that during the 2005–2006 growing season, the farm saved almost $7,000 in fuel costs. With heating oil prices just above $2.25 per gallon, payback on this system could be as fast as three and a half years. Like straight vegetable oil, converting WVO to biodiesel can be cost effective: less than $1 per gallon in materials, plus labor. Matt Steiman, biodiesel project supervisor at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., has longpromoted its benefits. In 2005, on behalf of Wilson College, he received a SARE grant to teach farmers to convert vegetable oil into biodiesel, holding six handson workshops and attracting more than 100 growers from Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Several participants are now receiving seed money to produce biodiesel on their own farms. www.sare.org

world news

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

World Humanitarian Summit and Turkey analysis By Bulent Aras

here are two important reasons for convening the first ever World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul on May 23 and 24. The first is the need to revise and improve the structure of humanitarian aid within the framework of the United Nations. Put simply, the transition of the UN structure from emergency aid to humanitarian aid falls short when it comes to creating solutions for the increasing number of humanitarian crises. The second reason for holding the summit in Istanbul is “rhythmic diplomacy”, one of the founding principles of Turkish foreign policy in the post-2002 era, Turkey’s approach to humanitarian diplomacy adopted in recent years, and the fact that it is home to 2.7 million Syrian refugees.

Rhythmic and humanitarian diplomacy he overlap between humanitarian diplomacy and rhythmic diplomacy is mobilising international organisations and structures in connection with humanitarian crises - while elevating Turkey’s profile as much as possible. The cooperative vision of the UN and Turkey is what brought the summit to Istanbul. The lasting impact of rhythmic diplomacy in foreign policy can be seen by looking at the summits scheduled for the near future. Actually, the Least Developed Countries (LDC) summit held in Istanbul in 2011 had similar characteristics. What makes the World Humanitarian Summit different is that the LDC summit included regions in which Turkey was attempting to expand its influence, while this gathering in Istanbul is focused on problems next door and even inside of Turkey. Turkey is directly involved in the refugee issue, which is at the top of the list of problems the World Humanitarian Summit hopes to resolve. This summit aims to relieve suffering and to solve problems with interventions in regions where the crises and dramas are unfolding - in other words, the objective is to create a “humanitarian space”. Today, we are talking about humanitarian crises that have dislocated 60 million people, about allegedly safe regions being under constant threat and attack, inaccessible to aid and about a situation that requires $20bn worth of funds annually.

Syrian refugees at Harran refugee camp in Sanliurfa, southeast of Turkey. [EPA]

As crises and disasters increase, and the humanitarian space consequently needs to expand proportionately or even more rapidly, we are seeing shrinking humanitarian space and deadlock regarding solutions to these problems. Humanitarian sector his is the setting of the summit, with the purpose of restructuring the humanitarian system, which needs to shape the current problematic structure. The chairman and chief executive of the International Rescue Committee, David Miliband, outlined the problem that forms the backdrop to the summit in a speech he gave a month ago at Georgetown University, where he used the phrase “humanitarian sector” instead of “humanitarian system”. This system is directed by the UN, the International Red Cross - and Red Crescent - and large international NGOs. The hegemonic structure maintained by the most powerful actors of the system is rigid, and there is a noticeable leadership problem. The most significant problem is the fact that the expectations of those who receive the aid cannot be met within [the current humanitarian aid] framework. One of the most important dilemmas in the field of humanitarian aid is the general sense of dissatisfaction in regions that receive aid. The obstacle that the World Humanitarian Summit must overcome right from the start is to define the UN position, and to outline the principles and

boundaries of humanitarian aid coordination. Every new actor that enters the system or sector may encounter doubts even if it is just a summit. This demonstrates the limits of structural transformation. The primary reason for convening the summit and opening the sector up to debate is a visible failure in the field. A view widely held by individuals and organisations is that there is a need for a proper transition from international organisations and large NGOs to local and national structures. However, it does not seem like this will be an easy transition. There is a mental barrier and a structural element that is difficult to overcome. For example, only 0.2 percent of total humanitarian assistance was made available for use by local and national NGOs in 2014. An example of meaningful work on this issue is the fact that the UN High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) announced that it will use 20 percent of its funds in

2020 through local NGOs - and the Charter4Change coalition, consisting of 27 international NGOs, will do the same in 2018. Although a gradual change is projected, it looks like it will be difficult to achieve a transition towards local actors in the short term. One of the important goals of the summit is to gain systemic acceptance for a “no-one-leftbehind” approach. We can predict that this will be a difficult objective to achieve for a structure that provides no place for local actors to render assistance. Donors naturally want to control the money they offer. It seems unlikely that they will relinquish this control. They want to control the channelling of funds into the system through channels they trust and are familiar with. The most significant problem, however, is the fact that the expectations of those who receive the aid cannot be met within this framework. One of the most important dilemmas in the field of humanitarian aid is the general

“

With regard to its policies, Turkey takes an approach that can be described widely as peacebuilding with a broad framework that relies on integrating the tools of diplomacy, humanitarian aid and development

sense of dissatisfaction in regions that receive aid. The Turkish factor urkey has an international humanitarian aid and development policy that it implements through state and civilian capacities - within a framework of humanitarian diplomacy. This is an approach that can be seen more clearly in its Africa opening and its Somali policy. By hosting first the LDC and then the the World Humanitarian Summit, it has become a candidate for playing a decisive role within a framework that will be restructured in what is - in one sense - a global system. In the meantime, a followup meeting of LDC will be held in Antalya at the end of May. Building a better future for Syrians in Turkey With regard to its policies, Turkey takes an approach that can be described widely as peacebuilding with a broad framework that relies on integrating the tools of diplomacy, humanitarian aid and development. This approach allows NGOs to reach the masses while organisations such as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Ag e nc y , t he De p art me nt o f Religious Affairs, and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities do work ranging from development and education to infrastructure, while its diplomacy and mediation efforts aim to resolve disputes.

Source: Al Jazeera

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

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News From Africa S. African President Gets Prosecutor’s Support in Graft Allegations

Protester Killed in Demonstrations Against Kenya’s Electoral Commission

outh Africa’s President Jacob Zuma may have many problems -- an increasingly raucous parliament, harsh media criticism and sliding popularity ratings amid several scandals -- but if the nation’s top prosecutor has his way, a corruption case won’t be one of them. On Monday, National Prosecuting Authority head Shaun Abrahams announced he would challenge a court ruling to reopen a 2007 case against Zuma for 783 charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering. That decision amounts to support of an embattled president whose popularity has waned during this, his final term. Abrahams said his decision was based on a careful reading of the law, and that he believes that only the prosecuting authority has the right to demand that cases proceed. Before announcing his decision, Abrahams delivered a half-hour treatise in which he discussed the criticism he has faced from media, his own professional backstory, his thought process and methodology, his reading habits, his constitutional obligations, the depiction of his bushy eyebrows in political cartoons -- and the fact that this was a difficult decision to make. “In the present matter, concerning President Zuma, whatever decision I make will no doubt will elicit criticism from some or other quarters,” he said. “No decision will please all of the people, yet it is not in my job to seek to please anybody or make popular decisions, but only to act in terms of the principles and policies in accordance with my constitutional and statutory duties.”

National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams speaks during a media briefing in Pretoria, South Africa, May 23, 2016.

Migrant crisis: Libya intercepts boats carrying 850 people

Nairobi anti-riot police disperse small groups of protesters with tear gas ahead of anti-electoral commission demonstrations, May 23, 2016. (Jill Craig/VOA)

rotests against Kenya’s electoral commission took place in three cities Monday, with local media reporting that police shot and killed at least one demonstrator in the western city of Kisumu. A reporter for the Standard newspaper, Phillip Orwa, told VOA four other protesters in Kisumu were hospitalized. Police also fired tear gas and arrested officials leading demonstrations at local offices of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Mombasa and Kakamega. In Nairobi, riot police cordoned off IEBC headquarters and used

tear gas to disperse small groups gathering early Monday ahead of a planned march. Authorities say the demonstration was illegal. Photos and videos of riot police clubbing and kicking protesters in Nairobi last Monday were shared widely on social media and sparked outrage. Riot police used tear gas to disperse small groups of protesters in Nairobi, May 23, 2016. (Jill Craig/ VOA) Riot police used tear gas to disperse small groups of protesters in Nairobi, May 23, 2016. (Jill Craig/ VOA) The protesters, most of whom are supporters of the opposition

CORD coalition, say the IEBC must be disbanded ahead of next year’s national election. The opposition says the IEBC favors the ruling Jubilee coalition. The opposition has vowed to continue protests every Monday until the government decides to engage in meaningful dialogue about the electoral process. Kenya is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in August 2017. While the last elections in 2013 went off peacefully, post-election violence after the disputed 2007 presidential election killed an estimated 1,100 people and displaced 600,000 Kenyans from their homes.

ibyan coastguards say they intercepted boats carrying 850 migrants trying to reach Europe on Sunday. A spokesman said the migrants from various African countries including 79 women, 11 of them pregnant - were found in seven inflatable boats near Sabratha, west of the capital Tripoli. More than 30,000 migrants have already crossed from Libya to Italy this year. It comes as the UN’s first World Humanitarian Summit is due to open in Istanbul. Heads of state, aid agencies and others will discuss the financial response to crises and how better to distribute aid to those who most need it. The UN says there is a $15bn annual gap in humanitarian funding and money raised is often held up at source. However, the charity Medecins sans Frontieres has refused to attend, arguing the summit won’t pressurise states that violate humanitarian law and that no significant new commitments will be made. Libya has become a major hub for migrants as people traffickers exploit lawlessness in the country.

Somali Elections on Track for August, Despite Opposition

omalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, issued a decree Sunday to legalize the 2016 electoral process in Somalia, after the outgoing parliament failed to endorse the election rules. The parliament Saturday delayed a vote to endorse the process, despite warnings from the international community that a failure to act quickly would “jeopardize” the political process and set the county back several years. Bypassing parliament, the president said at a news conference in Mogadishu Sunday the election would take place in August as scheduled and in line with the deal by the national and regional leaders agreed last month. “After seeing that the parliament can’t decide, after seeing that the time is running out, I issued a presidential decree to legalize the electoral model” Mohamoud said. “There is no dispute, there is no division, we will not allow division in this critical time” the president added. Speaking exclusively to VOA’s Somali service from Mogadishu, U.N. envoy to Somalia Michael Keating

African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeepers from Burundi patrol after fighting between insurgents and government soldiers erupted on the outskirts of Mogadishu.

said he is relieved because the decree means the electoral process will take place on time. He said, “The decree will enable the technical preparation and implementation of the electoral process without further delay.” “There is no agreement within

the Somalia Parliament on the modalities… and it would have taken another long time to resolve these difficulties,” he said. “It seems to me responsible to issue a decree, if the consequence of not holding the election are going to

be very very negative,” Keating added. Abdullahi Godah Barre, a member of parliament, has rejected the president’s move, saying it’s “unconstitutional and interferes with the power of the parliament” and the parliament will challenge it.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Asia&Middle-east

Obama Palestinians in Gaza pour lifts US scorn on Lieberman threats embargo G on lethal arms sales to Vietnam

resident Barack Obama has announced the US is fully lifting its embargo on sales of lethal weapons to Vietnam, its one-time enemy. Speaking during a visit to communist Vietnam and talks with its leaders, Mr Obama said the move removed a “lingering vestige of the Cold War”. The US is trying to bolster its relationship with its Pacific allies, as China asserts territorial claims. But Mr Obama said the embargo decision was not related to US policy on China. “It’s based on our desire to complete what has been a lengthy process of moving towards normalisation with Vietnam,” he said in Hanoi. Vietnam is one of several countries in the region involved in maritime disputes with China. The US insists on the right to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. In 2014, a row over a Chinese oil rig near the Paracel islands led to clashes between Chinese and Vietnamese vessels and anti-China riots in Vietnam. White House officials had indicated the arms ban, in force since 1984, would be lifted only if human rights in Vietnam improved. Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue. Media captionJonathan Head reports from Hanoi: “Whatever the differences on human rights, both these countries have put their history behind them” “Sales will need to still meet strict requirements, including those related to human rights, but this change will ensure that Vietnam has access to the equipment it needs to defend itself,” Mr Obama said after talks with President Tran Dai Quang. Vietnam had been arguing for an end to the embargo, which was partially lifted in 2014. President Obama’s easing of all remaining restrictions on arms sales to Vietnam is powerfully symbolic. But what does it mean in practice? Up to now, Vietnam has relied on Russia to supply most of its defence equipment, a legacy of the Cold War, when they were allies. The government would certainly like to diversify its sources, and is looking at a number of potential alternative suppliers.

aza Strip - In February 2015, Avigdor Lieberman, Israel’s new defence minister, who was serving as a foreign minister at the time, declared that; “a fourth operation in the Gaza Strip is inevitable, just as a third Lebanon war is inevitable.” As the second anniversary of Israel’s war on Gaza, dubbed Operation Protective edge, approaches, Palestinians in the besieged coastal enclave say that Lieberman’s appointment as the Israel’s defence minister brings him a step closer to achieving his unsettling prophecy. “We should not be fooled by Zionists who hate the LiebermanNetanyahu unity,” wrote Refaat Alareer, a Palestinian writer and activists, “they, too, want Palestinians killed, but with [silk] scarves, not bombs!” Lieberman, a staunch opponent of peace with Palestinians who heads of the extreme right wing party Yisrael Beiteinu, has served two terms as foreign minister and has little significant military experience. Over the past few years, Gaza in particular bore the brunt of Lieberman’s bravado. During the 2014 war on Gaza, Lieberman

Lieberman has said that Israel should re-occupy the Gaza Strip and conduct ‘a thorough cleansing of Gaza’ [Suhaib Salem/Reuters]

publicly criticized Netanyahu accusing him of “not cracking down hard enough on Gaza”. Since late 2008, Israel has carried out three major wars against Palestinians in Gaza. In July and August 2014, the Israeli army pounded Gaza from land, air and sea for 51 days. Of more than 2,200 Palestinians killed during that war, an estimated two-thirds were civilians, according to the United Nations Office for the

Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs. More than 18,000 housing units were severely damaged or destroyed in the July/August war. Israel’s war decisions are taken through considered strategies and within hierarchies. Lieberman is but one cog in the Israeli war machine. There are more than 75,000 people who remain displaced across Gaza as a direct result of the July/August 2014 war.

India and Iran sign ‘historic’ Chabahar port deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) is holding talks with President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran

rime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India will build and operate a key Iranian port after his talks with President Hassan Rouhani. India would invest $500m (£344m) to develop the strategically important Chabahar port, close to Iran’s border with Pakistan, he said. The port would open a transit route to Afghanistan and Central Asia for Indian goods and products, avoiding the land route through Pakistan. Mr Modi began his Iran visit on Sunday. Delhi also wants to bring gas from

Central Asia to the port and then transport it to India. “The bilateral agreement to develop the Chabahar port and related infrastructure, and availability of about $500m from India for this purpose, is an important milestone. This major effort would boost economic growth in the region,” Mr Modi said. Mr Rouhani has welcomed India’s investment. “Considering all the credit lines that are going to come from India into the Chabahar port, it can very well turn into a very big symbol of cooperation between the two great

countries of Iran and India,” Mr Rouhani said. Iranian newspapers have highlighted the strategic and economic importance of Mr Modi’s visit. “India wants to challenge China’s power in central and South Asia through Chabahar port,” Iran newspaper says. Noting that China is “trying to control the pulse of regional trade by making extensive investments in the Pakistani port of Gwadar”, the paper says that India is “now positioned against its strong competitor by investing in the port”.

At Least 17 Girls Killed in Thailand Dorm Fire

nighttime fire in a boarding school’s dormitory in northern Thailand has killed at least 17 young girls. Officials say five girls were injured, two seriously, when the blaze broke out Sunday in the wooden, twostory building that housed 38 students. Reuters reports 15 girls escaped without injury. The girls at the school about 800 kilometers north of Bangkok ranged in age from five to 12 years. Most of the students were from the area’s ethnic minorities. One girl said “We remembered some lessons from Girl Scouts to tie cloth together to make a long rope and we climbed out of the window.”

US General’s Surprise Visit to Kurds Prompts Syrian Rebels’ Fury

visit by a top U.S. military commander to northeast Syria to confer with Kurdish commanders and plot the next stage in the battle against the Islamic State group has provoked the anger of Syrian rebel commanders, who accuse the Obama administration of giving up on the Syrian revolution. In interviews with VOA Monday, the Syrian rebels w a r n e d t h a t t h e U .S . - l e d international coalition’s strategy is creating the circumstances for future sectarian violence between Arabs and Kurds by turning to the Syrian Democratic Force (SDF), dominated by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units, or YPG, to liberate Arab majority towns from Islamic State. The warning came in the wake of an unannounced 11-hour trip to Kurdish-controlled northern Syria Saturday by General Joseph Votel, the commander of U.S. Central Command. Votel told Pentagon correspondents who accompanied him that the U.S. had to work with the allies it has on the ground against IS and that the defeat of the jihadist group remains for Washington the clear military priority — not the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

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Europe & Americas

World Humanitarians Gather in Turkey to Take on Crises

Participants take seats during the first World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Monday, May 23, 2016.

While some skeptics have voiced concerns that the event will result in little more than a well-publicized focus group, U.N. officials hope it will serve as the catalyst for change that will help ease the suffering of millions of the world’s poorest people. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set in motion an ambitious and far-reaching agenda to change the way that we alleviate and prevent the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable people,” U.N. Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O’Brien said.

Among those skeptics is the medical charity Doctors without Borders, which said the event risks becoming a “fig leaf of good intentions,” with little impact in the real world. “Summit participants, whether states or UN agencies or nongovernmental organizations, will be asked to declare new and ambitious ‘commitments.’ But putting states on the same level as nongovernmental organizations and UN agencies, which have no such powers or obligations, the Summit will minimize the responsibility of states. In addition, the non-binding nature of the commitments means that very few actors will sign up to any commitments they haven’t previously committed to,” the group said in a statement. The idea for the summit came about four years ago when UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon began consulting more than 23,000 people from 150 countries to produce the Agenda for Humanity – a document that is now guiding the event’s agenda. The Agenda for Humanity includes five core responsibilities for leaders to abide by: Prevent and end conflict, respect the rules of war, leave no one behind, work differently to end need and invest in humanity.

eaders from around the world gathered in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday for a long-awaited humanitarian summit with hopes of instituting concrete protocols for dealing with future refugee crises. The United Nations-backed summit, which began Monday and will run through Wednesday, is billed to serve as a wake-up call for action in dealing with recurrent disasters and reducing the vulnerability of developing nations. “We have tremendous suffering in the world today. There is huge need for us to show solidarity with

those who are affected by natural disasters and man-made disasters,” U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told reporters during a Sunday press conference. More than 125 heads of state and government came together with representatives of the U.N. in host-country Turkey, which has been particularly hard hit by the ongoing migrant crisis in Europe. Turkey is currently providing refuge to around 2.7 million people fleeing the conflict in Syria, a point President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will likely emphasize as the event unfolds.

Austria far right thwarted, Van der Bellen elected president

Tajikistan: Indefinite autocracy takes hold

lexander Van der Bellen has won Austria’s presidential election, preventing Norbert Hofer from becoming the EU’s first far-right head of state. Mr Hofer led narrowly after Sunday’s election but postal votes gave Mr Van der Bellen victory by 50.3% to 49.7%. Mr Van der Bellen campaigned on a pro-EU platform backed by the Greens. Mr Hofer, of the Freedom Party, tapped into anti-EU sentiment and fears about rising numbers of asylum seekers. He conceded victory on his Facebook page. Mr Hofer, 45, said it was a sad day and that he would have gladly served as president. “But please don’t be disheartened. The effort in this election campaign is not wasted, but is an investment for the future.” Announcing the result, the interior ministry said Mr Van der Bellen had won 2,254,484 votes to Mr Hofer’s 2,223,458, a margin of 31,026 ballots. Mr Hofer had led Mr Van der Bellen by 51.9% to 48.1% after counting on Sunday. But the 750,000 postal votes - roughly 12% of Austria’s 6.4 million registered voters - swayed the result.

ajikistan - the poorest exSoviet nation with a long and porous border with Afghanistan - announced on Monday the results of a constitutional referendum that makes the heavy-handed rule of President Emomali Rakhmon virtually unlimited, paves the way for his son’s presidency, and outlaws “faith-based” parties. The Central Election Committee said 94.5 percent of eligible voters approved 41 constitutional amendments at Sunday’s vote with a 92 percent turnout. The referendum ballots to approve the amendments only allowed a “yes” or “no” option without a chance to vote on each amendment separately. The referendum’s outcomes may alienate moderate Tajik Islamists and escalate the situation in Central Asia, as the strategically located region faces a rising threat from Afghanistan’s Taliban and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS). Rakhmon, a former collective farm chairman and minor communist official, came to power in 1992 amid a bloody civil war that claimed some 20,000 lives and ended three years later. He used Russian military and political backing to strike a peace deal with the Islamic opposition and powerful regional clans.

President Emomali Rakhmon has cemented his family’s rule after Sunday’s constitutional referendum [EPA]

Initially, Rakhmon gave his former opponents posts in his government and let them participate in the privatisation of Soviet-era factories and real estate. But over the past decade he purged many of them, forcing them to leave Tajikistan, orchestrating trials that sentenced them to jail, and ordering massive security operations that killed dozens of people, his critics and independent online Tajik media claimed. One of the amendments approved

at Sunday’s vote prohibits “faithbased” parties - effectively outlawing the Party of Islamic Renaissance, one of Rakhmon’s civil war-era adversaries. Sixteen of the party’s leaders are now standing trial for their alleged attempt to stage a coup, five of them face life in prison. Analysts warn the move will radicalise the party’s supporters. “After the party was disbanded and discredited, the radicalisation of many of its members is rather predictable,” Parvina Khamidova.

Greek MPs Pass New Spending Cuts, Tax Hikes as Reforms Move Forward

reek lawmakers on Sunday approved fresh spending cuts and tax hikes demanded by European creditors in exchange for a new installment of desperately needed bailout funds. The legislation, which also provides a mechanism to slash spending in case of future budget overruns, comes two days ahead of a key meeting of eurozone finance ministers set to assess Athens’ compliance with bailout terms reached last year. A positive assessment is key to European creditors easing the servicing terms for $225 billion in bailout loans given the country since 2010. As parliament moved Sunday to adopt the new measures, thousands of protesters demonstrated in central Athens against the legislation. Supporters of the communistaffiliated union PAME chant slogans during an anti-austerity rally in Athens, Greece, May 22, 2016.

Baltimore Police Officer Acquitted in Freddie Gray Case

Baltimore police officer was found not guilty on charges related to the death of Freddie Gray, a young AfricanAmerican man who died last year after suffering severe injuries in the back of a police van. Officer Edward Nero faced charges of second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. He was acquitted Monday of the charges following a bench trial, which he had requested. Nero faced up to 10 years in prison if he had been convicted. Prosecutors say the 30-yearold officer unlawfully arrested Gray, 25, on April 12, 2015 without probable cause and failed to secure him in the police van with a seatbelt. Attorneys for Nero argued he did not make the arrest and that it was the driver’s responsibility to ensure that Gray was secure. Gray was handcuffed and shackled by his feet, but not buckled in to the seat after being arrested. It has been alleged this caused his body to slam against the side of the van, severing his spinal cord and leaving him in a coma. Gray died on April 19, 2015. His death led to riots in black neighborhoods in Baltimore with protesters marching against police treatment of young AfricanAmericans.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

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Strange

world

A goat with two heads, eight-legged pigs and a puppy born with a TRUNK: Shock photos of the mutant beasts with bizarre deformities ‘caused by GM pesticides’ By LISA-MARIA GOERTZ

hey look like something from a horror movie - a black dog with a mini trunk protruding from its nose. The baby yellow chick with not two but four feet, the spider piglet with one head, two bodies and eight legs, the goat with two heads and the baby pig with skin so wafer thin you can see the muscles and blood flowing around its body. These are just of a few of the mutant animals found living in Argentina and exactly why is something of a mystery. Pig farmer Ademaro Valadez Vasquez told how the piglet with the paper skin was born, but died just a few hows later. ‘When it was alive you could see the blood flowing around its body, and things moving inside its body,’ he said. The piglet with the see through skin was born just a few miles away from the black dog nicknamed ‘Dobby’ after the house elf from the Harry Potter films. Pictures of the black freak puppy that has a trunk for a nose went viral in the days after he was born in 2014. Owner Eduardo Landin said he was shocked when he noticed that one of his new puppies appeared to have a trunk instead of a nose. Eduardo, 35, said: ‘It was kind of similar but also shockingly different to the other puppies, so I realised it was in some way deformed and at first I thought it was dead. ‘But then I saw it moving and trying to feed, so I helped it over to the mother and it managed to drink something but it’s nose kept getting in the way.’ He said that the deformed puppy was one of a litter of 11 and was the only one that was not normal. He added: ‘I was amazed at how quickly word spread and loads of people are coming round to look at the tiny puppy, and take pictures and videos. ‘One of the children that came round said it looked like a character from the Harry Potter movie and that’s what everyone is calling it in the local media here. He went on: ‘I am worried if there might be something in the air or the soil or water causing this as we only live 15 kilometres (9 miles) away from the village where the last mutant was born that looked like that Potter character. One of the pigs in my litter was normal, but the other was a mutant freak.’’ Both the puppy and the piglet were born in or near the village of Pampa de los Guanacos in the Copa area of the Santiago del Estero Province, in northern Argentina.

Mutant: This mutated puppy was nicknamed ‘Dobby’ after the house elf from the Harry Potter films as it had a trunk where its nose should be. It was one of 11 in the litter and died within a fortnight of being born At the time local media said that the deformation was due to the use of pesticides on farmland in the region although they admitted they had never seen anything similar before. Eduardo said: ‘We have had a few calls from people telling us it’s evil and we need to kill it and burn the body. But that’s just superstition talking, it is a mutation but it isn’t evil.’ And in nearby Aldea San Juan a pig was born with two bodies, and one head but with two snouts joined together. In the same week a cow with two heads and six legs was born in the same region and a chick hatched with four legs. In a separate case in the city of Riohacha, a city in the in the northern Caribbean Region of Colombia, a piglet was born looking like a human. And in yet another bizarre case a piglet was born with a head shaped like an elephant and deformed eyes and no hair. Born in the northern Province of Tucuman, it was nicknamed the ‘Elephant Piglet’ because of its small trunk-like ‘nose’. The farmer Juan Francisco Vazquez was surprised to discovered

the bizarre birth on their farm. The piglet was reportedly the fourth to be born in a litter of 12 and died soon afterwards – after it’s mother bit it to death. He said: ‘We had a dozen piglets but the fourth born was badly deformed. Its mother bit into it until it died. That shocked me. ‘I am not sure if this was because the mother did not recognise it as her, or because her instincts (knowing that it would not survive) made her do it.’ And in a separate case a goat was born with two snouts, no eyes, no ears, without a tail and hairless. And while at first locals blamed superstitious spirits for the mutations, blame has shifted to the widespread use of the harsh chemical glyphosate which is used as a pesticide. Mr Vasquez, the farmer with the skinless piglet, said: ‘Some superstitious people around here say it was down to the legend of Almamula. ‘Local legend says that Almamula was a woman with no morals who committed incest with her brother and father. She was turned into a donkey and now walks around at night making a strange noise, with an

Freaky: In a startling case, this mutant goat was born with with two snouts, no eyes, no ears, without a tail and hairless in Las Arrias, Cordoba, Argentina

Body double: A piglet with two bodiesand eight legs but just one head was also born in Argentina’s north-east Entre Rios region iron chain attached to her leg. ‘But I think its probably chemicals. I want tests done, the local government should investigate.’ Argentina is the world’s biggest user of the controversial product, which kills all non-genetically modified (GM) crops. The country supplies GM soya beans that are fed to animals in the UK, and cotton that is used in the manufacture of everything from Tshirts through to tampons. EU policy makers are considering banning the harmful chemical which is known to cause serious birth defects in both animals and humans. Around 12 million Argentines live in regions where soya beans are cultivated, surrounded by the fields where glyphosate is sprayed, which are dubbed ‘pueblos fumigados’ or sprayed villages, says paediatrician, Dr Medardo Avila Vazquez. He said the numbers of deformations had quadrupled from in nine years to 2008 as cultivation of soya beans in the province increased seven fold.

A Danish farmer who changed his pig feed from non-GM soya to the cheaper GM soya pig feed found the number of birth defects suddenly increased. He had a piglet born with only one large eye, a second with a hole in its skull, and one with a huge ‘elephant tongue’ and a female piglet with testicles. Silvana Bujan, Director of Environmentalist NGO Bios Argentina, told MailOnline: ‘There is sufficient scientific evidence in Argentina and the rest of the world that proves with absolute certainty the damage the herbicide does to our eco-system and to the health of humans and animals when used intensively in the production of food. ‘There is evidence that the change from pasture goods to genetically-modified soya, as well as the traces in the air, water and grasses that they ingest, could well be one of the decisive factors in the hormonal and genetic changes of the animals.’ DailyMail on Facebook

Two-faced: A two-headed calf was born with six legs in Los Conquistadores after five hours of labour. The vet put the mutation down to nearly formed twins that ended up staying together due to a genetic malformation

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Digest

The 5 embarrassing health symptoms NO woman should ever ignore... By Dr Deyo Famuboni

rom pain during sex to abnormal bleeding, there are a host of signs that things aren’t quite right ‘down there’. At the same time, many of us worry about whether we’re ‘normal’ - in terms of appearance and how our vagina behaves. Here, writing for Healthista, one doctor reveals her ultimate guide to what’s normal, what can go wrong and what can be done about it... PAINFUL SEX The vagina can become painful during sex - a condition known as superficial dyspareunia, which usually occurs when the vagina is too dry or inflamed because of an infection. Foreplay and lubrication helps. As opposed to superficial dyspareunia - which is felt in the entrance or wall of the vagina - deep dyspareunia is pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis during sex. This can happen due to several conditions including endometriosis (a common condition in which small pieces of the womb lining are found outside the womb) and fibroids (non-cancerous tumours that grow in or around the womb). If you are concerned you have an infection or suffer from deep dyspareunia, see your healthcare professional. Swabs and possibly a pelvic ultrasound can then be organised. Sex can also be painful because of a condition called vaginismus. This is due to the muscles around the vagina going into spasm on attempted penetration. If severe, it can even happen on inserting a tampon. It is good to discuss it with your doctor so that causes of this can be explored. Treatment to gradually desensitise the vagina, such as dilators, is readily available. Also known as vaginal trainers, dilators are rod shaped instruments which come in graduated sizes. Used as part of a holistic treatment for vaginismus, they can help improve control of the pelvic floor reflexes and muscle tightening that contributes to vaginismus. BLEEDING Taking the combined contraceptive pill irregularly can cause bleeding or spotting in between your periods. If this bleeding persists after taking the Pill regularly then a visit to your doctor is warranted. Other forms of contraception such as the mini-pill (the one with one hormone), the injection, the implant (the one in the arm) and the intra-uterine system (known as Mirena, or the coil) can cause your periods to be irregular. As long as there no concerns regarding infections and scans, if indicated are normal, this tends to settle over time. Bleeding after intercourse also needs a review as it could be due to a polyp – this is a benign growth and easily removed. Other causes include changes on the cervix and cervical or rarely, vaginal cancer. Indeed, a common symptom of cervical cancer is bleeding after sex. With these, in addition to bleeding after intercourse, you may get copious amounts of discharge. However a one off mild bleed after a particularly vigorous episode of intercourse is probably no cause for concern. DISCHARGE

Pain during sex can be caused by inflammation, infection or because of a condition that causes muscles around the vagina to spasm From puberty to menopause, having some vaginal discharge is normal. The quantity can vary from woman to woman and throughout the monthly cycle. The first few days of the cycle is your period, following this, the discharge can be white, creamy or yellow, thick and sticky. Ovulation then occurs and the discharge changes to slippery, clearer, stretchy and wet. Following this, if you don’t become pregnant, it then changes to thick and sticky, becoming hostile to sperm. Discharge becomes abnormal if there are other symptoms with it or the colour and amount changes, for example, becoming chalky white with candida (thrush) or frothy yellow or green with trichomonaisis, a sexually transmitted infection. It is therefore important to be sexually responsible. Hormonal contraceptions and having a condition where the inner lining of the cervix protrudes outward (called, ectropion) can also change the discharge so it becomes copious. Other causes of an increase in the amount of discharge include cervical polyps (a non serious growth on the cervix which can easily be removed), forgotten tampon, douching, allergic reaction for example to a spermicide, and rarely, a connection between the bladder or bowel and the vagina (a fistula). A condition we worry about is cancer and if affecting the vagina, cervix or lining of the womb, can also cause an increase and change in the type of discharge such that it becomes thinner and blood stained. Should this happen, see your health care professional, who would offer a vaginal examination to ensure it looks healthy and onward referral if required. Just like the armpits, the skin around the labia has a lot of sweat glands.

The vagina also produces fluid to keep it healthy and maintain balance at an acidic level. With exercise, it is normal to sweat more in these areas, so dont be alarmed if the crotch of your gym wear is damp after exercise. It is a good thing as it prevents friction, chaffing and overheating. LUMPS AND BUMPS Most commonly due to an ingrowing hair, this is more common in those with elliptical shaped hair shafts. Shaving or waxing contributes to this and can be best prevented by shaving or waxing in the direction the hair grows. Hair removal using a depilitator or laser by a trained professional also helps. Depilitators, however, can make the vulva skin dry and irritable. Other non-worrying lumps are remnant of the hymen (redundant, irregular bits of skin), which may become more obvious with weak pelvic floor muscles (causing a prolapse), or glands on either side of the vagina called bartholins which produce bits of mucous. These can become infected so if painful and swollen, require medical attention and drainage. Keep up with the pelvic floor exercises (kegels). Just like with any part of the body, sebaceous cysts (fluid filled sac that is not infected or painful), warts, boils or abscesses can also occur around the vulva. A review by your doctor is warranted should these occur as if infected, would need treatment. The surface of the vaginal wall can also feel bumpy as it is made of tissue which can retract and expand when needed. ITCH The most common, familiar reason for this is thrush, which is often accompanied

with a chalky discharge. Easily treated by over the counter antifungals such as as Canesten, if this is the first time or not settled with treatment, it is worth seeing your healthcare provider to rule out other causes. We can easily disrupt the normal vagina flora and protective layer of outer skin by using scented products, douching and over drying. This can lead to dermatitis - inflamed skin. Other skin conditions can also affect areas around the vagina and cause itch. This includes eczema, lichen planus (itchy and sore white streaks or patches with discharge around the vulva and vagina) and the vulval dystrophies (disorders of the skin growth around the vulva. It can also be caused by lichen sclerosus - an itchy, sore area around the vulva which then changes to a pale colour and the skin looks shrunken. These can be treated by vulval dermatologists, specialists in conditions affecting the skin around the vagina, which you can ask your GP for a referral to. There are various simple actions you can take to try and address or prevent the problem: * Refraining from douching (washing out the vagina) * Wearing cotton underwear or none, refraining from tight clothes such as skinny jeans * Decreasing hot baths, always cleaning from front to back (and the area in between) * Using water only and if you have to, non scented, hypoallergenic, pH-balanced washes and changing cloth washing products should you suspect a skin reaction * Changing condoms if you practice anal and vaginal sex or develop itching or a rash after using a condom Dailymail.com

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

Page

Giwa FC appeal expulsion from NPFL TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Giwa FC players By Albert Akota

iwa FC has made a formal request to have their ejection from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) re-examined. The Jos club in a letter to the League Management Company (LMC), which oversees the running of the Nigeria top-flight, rejected the punishment meted out to them and asked that their matter “be dealth with by a commission.” “The above subject matter refers. We are in receipt of your letter of 20th May, 2016 on the above subject matter. We hereby notify you that we do not accept any of the sanctions imposed on our club and further add that we elect to be dealt with by a commission,” Giwa FC wrote in a letter dated May 21, 2016 to the LMC. Already the standings on the official website of the NPFL now reflect the cancellation of all games

Plateau United player dies in car crash six days to >>Pg 42 wedding

played by Giwa FC this season following their expulsion last Friday. Giwa FC were thrown out of the country’s top division for failure missing three cumulative matches which flouts Rule B13.28 of the NPFL Framework and Rules for the season. The rule states: “If a club fails to honour three matches cumulatively within the league season without an acceptable reason to the LMC such a club shall be expelled from the league and its matches played and unplayed shall be cancelled.” No date has been announced to hear the appeal of Giwa FC though the LMC stated that the club “will now appear before the relevant authority in the coming days to hear their appeal. Meanwhile, FIFA Player agent, Emmanuel BabatundeOmijeh has descended heavily on the League Management Company (LMC) over the biased, unprofessional and unpatriotic ways it han-

dled the so-called ban of Giwa FC from the Premier League. Omijeh who spoke exclusively to www.gongnews.net from his Australia base said, “the LMC are destroying the League and not Ambassador Chris Giwa who they have issues with over the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). They should have separated the person of Giwa from the club. In law, they are not the same personality.” With this untoward decision, so unpopular and one that is killing the drive for private ownership of clubs, I do not see how the owners of Giwa FC will not go to court. The LMC are the league organisers, the judge and prosecutor in their own case. Giwa once took their decision to the Organising and Disciplinary Committee, which never sat and some people just sat in one hotel and brought out a decision. Giwa appealed that decision. It is yet to be decided and you have slammed them with another

provocative summary jurisdiction. No. This is not how to develop football.” “This is the saddest commentary coming out of the putrid House of Nigerian football. No reasonable sponsor will want to have anything to do with the League. No private club investor will want to come into the league because they will be afraid the same way they ignobly dealt with Giwa is how they will summarily be dealt with if they find themselves in Giwa’s shoes.” “To save the League, that decision needs to be rescinded. Meanwhile, did the same LMC people consider that Giwa’s funding is so unique? Forcing his club down like they did some years back to Nembe FC of Yenagoa, Kwara United FC of Ilorin, Leventis United FC of Ibadan, Abiola Babes FC of Abeokuta etc is an underlining that private club ownership is a bad business in Nigeria. They should let reason prevail over their biased decision.”

Manchester United sack Van Gaalover poor performances >>Pg 43

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Sport

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Shell Cup: FCT FA congratulates FOSLA academy

By Albert Akota

he Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCTFA) has congratulated the FOSLA Academy Karshi Abuja, the FCT representatives in this year’s edition of the NNPC/Shell Cup Football Competition for qualifying for the semi finals of the Inter Secondary Schools Football Competition. In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Musa Talle, the FCT FA commended the boys for their doggedness so far in the competition, saying that the entire residents of the Federal Caital Territory are solidly behind them to lift the trophy for the first time. Continuing, Talle said “we are happy for the achievements of the boys so far. They have shown that with proper planning, and adequate attention to grassroot football development, that the country can always excel in the round leather game at every levels”. He appealed to the organizers of the yearly inter secondary schools football competition to re-strategise

on ensuring that only bonafide students of the representing schools take part in the competition. The FA Boss was full of appreciation to the Proprietor of the School, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi for his vision in establishing the school, and urged him not to relent in his supporting them until the 2016 NNPC/Shell Cup is won for FCT. The FCT representatives FOSLA Academy on Sunday at the Katsina Township Stadiumout scored their Kano state representatives Government Secondary School, Gwale Kano by three goals to two. The Kano boys scored the curtain raiser goal in the 26th minutes of play and held on till the interval. On resumption of the second half, the more rejuvenated Abuja boys equalized in the 50th minute when Solomon Abraham lashed on a rebounced shot to beat his opponent goal keeper. The Kano team scored their second goal five minutes later, when Abdullahi Ali was adjudged by the referee as having touched the ball in the penalty area.

3SC will escape relegation, coach vows

hooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) caretaker Coach, Friday Christopher has said the Ibadan warlords will not be relegated at the end of the ongoing league season. The Oluyole Warriors fell 0-2 to Akwa United in Sunday’s NPFL matchday 19 clash in Uyo to finish the first term campaign on the 18th position on paltry 17 points from 18 matches. Christopher said the Ibadan landlords will come back to the second stanza stronger to finish the league campaign respectfully. “3SC are not on the relegation zone we are just around the zone after 19 matches in the first stanza. “We have equal number of matches to play in the second stanza of the ongoing league season. “We will overcome the present plight as well as pick form and win matches to take our rightful position on the log. “With a whole 19 matches to be played we will certainly bounce back to reckoning. “We will maximise the opportunities provided by the midterm break to shop for quality players to strengthen the side for the second term

FOSLA Players The ovation at the Katsina Township stadium hardly died down before Naballa Vincent’s shot beat the Kano goalkeeper hands down for the equalizer. Solomon Abraham took his

goal tally in the competition to five goals barely two minutes to the regulation time when he was fouled in the penalty box. He stood up and neatly tucked the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

FOSLA Academy will now join three other qualifiers for the semifinals slated for the TeslimBalogun Stadium Lagos on 14th June, while the finals would be played on 16th June.

Plateau United player dies in car crash six days to wedding

campaign. “The defeat at Akwa United was simply defensive blunders which has pointed the area we need to fortify. “Certainly, 3SC will not be relegated we will weather the storm and finish the race strongly,” said Christopher to supersport.com. The assistant coach was drafted to the main bench after head Coach;KadiriIkhana left the side prior to the clash at Wikki Tourists in Bauchi.

Plateau United

P Friday Christopher

lateau United have announced the passing away of one of their influential players, SaboleShehu who died in a car crash on Sunday on his way to Kaduna, barely six days to his wedding. Shehu, a former player of Niger Tornadoes and Gombe United, moved to the Tin City side at the beginning of last season and was an integral member of the team that gained promotion back to the premier league at the start of the current season. The club’s media officer,

Albert Dakup told Goal that Shehu was excused from Sunday’s game against Kano Pillars to go and prepare for his now aborted wedding ceremony and decided to leave for Kaduna on Sunday morning to meet with his parents about preparation for his day of joy only to be informed that he was involved in a ghastly car accident where he died instantly. Pius Hemwan, the club’s acting general manager said ”I got the sad news of Shehu’s death with shock

and disbelief. He was such a nice, very hard working and dedicated player who contributed immensely to the team’s promotion to the premier league last season. He would be missed by Plateau United players and officials and we pray that Allah grant him eternal rest.” Henwan while commiserating with the family of the deceased urged them to take his death as an act of God and assured that the club would participate fully in his burial rites.

100 athletes arrives Kaduna, as CBN Tennis Championship commence

From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

ver 100 players between age 10 and 18 drawn from across the country have arrived Kaduna State as the 2016 CBN Junior Tennis Championship commences yesterday 23 May 2016 in the state. The venue of the competition is the famous Murtala Square Kaduna within the state metropolis. The organizers said the 2016 CBN Junior Tennis Championships was organised in collaboration with the International Tennis Academy and that the competition marks the

10 year anniversary of its annual event. It was gathered that the tournament will be holding for the first time in the history of the state and region. The organizers said the tournament aimed at discovering and nurturing young talents, to enable them compete at early age and showcase their talents, while establishing transition platform to the senior category. The tournament which commenced on 23 May will end on 28 May 2016. Peoples Daily recalled that the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Daniel Danauta commended CBN for their

efforts in sports development especially tennis, where Kaduna state athletes are doing well at the junior category and internationally. Acting Director, Corporate Communication, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Isaac Okoroafor said that there would be prizes for winners and runners-up of the tournament at various categories of age 10, U-12, U-14, U-16 and 18 years and prizes for the most outstanding players in the boys and girls category, while the winners of 16s and 18s categories will qualify for the CBN Senior Open Championships. “The championship has the objectives

to ensure that young talents are discovered early and nurtured to limelight, while establishing a strong transition platform to the senior, to provide a platform that would attract and enable junior players from all over the country compete and showcase their talents. Okoroafor, who was represented by MrsTikiTanga, said that the youth tourney has achieved a lot as players from the CBN Junior Circuit have represented Nigeria in the African Junior Tennis Championship and other international competitions.

Sport

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Manchester United sack Van Gaal over poor performances

ouis van Gaal has been sacked as manager of Manchester United, several British media outlets reported yesterday, amid speculation he will be replaced by Jose Mourinho. Both Van Gaal and leading employment lawyer Paul Gilroy were seen entering United’s Carrington training ground yesterday. Gilroy’s clients have included David Moyes, whose sacking as United manager paved the way for Van Gaal’s appointment. There has a yet been no official confirmation from United, 20-times English champions, about

the position of Van Gaal, who still has a season remaining on his three-year contract. But James Ducker, the northern football correspondent of Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper, tweeted Monday: “Paul Gilroy QC finalising Van Gaal’s severance package now…£5m pay off. Expect announcement lunchtime.” British media have been awash with reports of Van Gaal’s demise, after a leak from an unknown source spread as Manchester United lifted the FA Cup on Saturday.

Vardy misses Australia game for marriage

amie Vardy is to skip England’s final friendly before manager Roy Hodgson puts the finishing touches to his Euro 2016 squad in order to get married. The 29-year-old striker, who enjoyed a remarkable campaign for Leicester, inspiring their run to the Premier League title, was on the mark for his country for the third straight time in Sunday’s 2-1 friendly win over Turkey. Harry Kane’s opener was quickly cancelled out by HakanCalhanoglu at the Etihad Stadium, where FatihTerim’s men threatened to secure a first win against England. However, a second-half change in system saw Vardy

move from a wider position to form a two-pronged strike force with Kane - a move that quickly paid dividends as his pace and directness earned a penalty. Hodgson later said that the Turkey game would be Vardy’s last England display before the 23-man squad for the European Championship is named. The England boss also highlighted the fact that Vardy is not desperately needed for the Australia match, considering his recent displays and the fact his squad is boosted by a clutch of players. Vardy, though, appears keen to return before for the Australia match in order to press home his already impressive Euro 2016 credentials.

Louis van Gaal

Tonelli becomes Napoli’s first season signing

apoli has completed a deal to sign Empoli defender Lorenzo Tonelli, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has announced. De Laurentiistweeted a photo of Tonelli signing his contract, writing: “Welcome Lorenzo Tonelli to the world of Napoli.” The 26-year-old centre-back who worked with Napoli head coach Maurizio Sarri at Empoli - becomes the first signing of the close-season for the Serie A runners-up. Tonelli has spent his entire senior career with Empoli, debuting in September 2010 and helping them rise up to the top flight from Serie B, but now progresses to Champions League football. Tonelli is yet to receive a senior Italy cap and was not included in Antonio Conte’s 30-man provisional squad for Euro 2016 yesterday. Napoli has reportedly paid Empoli €10 million to seal the deal, with the player paying tribute to the side he is leaving. “I learned a lot of things thanks to Empoli, above all knowing how to fight and never give up even if the road seems steeper than ever.”

Maurizio Sarri

Ibrahimovic to Manchester United as Mourinho’s assistant

Jamie Vardy

latanIbrahimovic will reportedly join Manchester United this summer as assistant manager to Jose Mourinho. Express Sport understands Mourinho will replace Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford next week despite yesterday’s FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace. Ibrahimovic confirmed earlier this month he will be leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season after a four-year spell at the Parc des Princes. Numerous clubs including

United, Arsenal, West Ham and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Sweden international. But according to Swedish outlet Sportsbladet, United have won the race for the 34-year-old’s signature and he will link up with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford. The striker will be joining in the shock role of assistant manager, leaving Ryan Giggs’ future in doubt. However the report adds he will continue in a playing capacity during his first 12 months at Old Trafford.

ZlatanIbrahimovic

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

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Sport

Athletes to receive 450,000 condoms in Rio

round 450,000 pieces of condoms will be distributed to athletes during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, a figure three times higher than the condoms distributed in London 2012. An online portal, Insidethegames, on Monday said that the increase was partly due to 100,000 female condoms being made available for the first time, along with 350,000 condoms for men. It said that about 175,000 packets of lubricant are also being supplied ahead of the event holding

from August 5 to August 21. The statement claims that the increase was not related to Zika, the health scare which has caused Rio 2016 organisers a major headache. It said that the virus was most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes, but can also be transmitted sexually. The portal quoted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as saying that the condoms would encourage 10,500 athletes and staff to practice safe sex. It stated that the condoms would be distributed free at the

athletes’ clinic in the Games Village, which opens on July 24, or from vending machines. The statement recalled that Australia had earlier announced that its athletes would be given extra-protective condoms to guard them from Zika at Rio 2016. According to the statement, some scientists have suggested that the Games should be postponed due to the health risk, while the World Health Organisation has advised pregnant women not to attend the event.

KenenisaBekele, Dibaba win at Great Manchester Run

Bekele pips Kipsang in Great Manchester Run

hree-time Olympic champion KenenisaBekele won the men’s race at the Great Manchester Run, finishing the 10km course in a time of 28 minutes and eight seconds. The result was mirrored in the women’s race as Bekele’s fellow Ethiopian TiruneshDibaba beat Kenyan Edna Kiplagat, finishing in 31:16. Richard Goodman and Gemma Steel were the highest-placed Britons in sixth and eighth respectively. The men’s and women’s elite races developed in near-identical

fashion, with a group of three athletes quickly establishing a lead over the field. And Bekele and Dibaba both displayed their superiority in the final kilometres, easing clear of their Kenyan rivals to finish comfortably ahead. The wheelchair races were dominated by British athletes, with Simon Lawson finishing nearly three minutes ahead of secondplaced Brett Crossley, while Shelly Woods won a closer-fought women’s contest, 14 seconds in front of Jade Jones.

Bekele pips Kipsang in Great Manchester Run

Semenya wins 800m at Diamond League South Africa’s Caster Semenya won the 800m at the Diamond League meeting in Rabat, Morocco the first to be held in Africa. Semenya, 25 - who underwent gender testing after winning gold at the 2009 World Championship coasted home in one minute 56.64 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year. She is a clear favourite for gold in

Nigerians

the event at Rio 2016, where she also plans to run the 400m. Also representing Britain in Rabat, Dan Bramble jumped 8.00m to finish fourth in the men’s long jump, while Robbie Grabarz cleared 2.25m and was fifth in the men’s high jump. RabahYousif finished sixth for Britain in the men’s 400m, posting a time of 45.90 seconds.

Haye knocks out Gjergjaj to face Briggs

ritain’s David Haye continued his comeback with a second-round stoppage of Kosovo’s Arnold Gjergjaj in London. Former heavyweight world champion Haye, 35, dropped Gjergjaj three times before the referee waved the fight off. Haye’s next fight in September will be against American veteran Shannon Briggs, who knocked out Argentina’s Emilio Zarate on the undercard. Haye’s ultimate aim is a match with either IBF champion Anthony Joshua or WBA and WBO

champion Tyson Fury. Fury having still not forgiven Haye for pulling out of two scheduled fights against him in 2013, Joshua is the more realistic target. Manchester’s Fury faces a rematch against WladimirKlitschko on 9 July, while London’s Joshua faces unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale on 25 June. Briggs turned pro in 1992 and has 53 knockouts from 67 fights, with 60 wins “The fans have come out to see the future of heavyweight boxing. People thought I was the past, but

I am still the future. “Anthony Joshua is a fight I would relish. But next up for me is Shannon Briggs. He came over to England and talked a big game. Haye was out of the sport for three and a half years after undergoing shoulder surgery in 2013 but returned with a firstround knockout of Mark de Mori in January. And he floored the unbeaten Gjergjaj with a right hand inside the first 30 seconds at the O2 arena, before dropping him with a left jab and a chopping right in the second.

David Haye (right) put Arnold Gjergjaj

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Sport

P-i-c-t-o-r-i-a-l Nick Blackwell says Chris Eubank Jnr and his father were “inhuman” in how they reacted to his lifethreatening injuries.

Britain’s Heather Watson beat Nicole Gibbs 5-7 6-2 6-2 in her rain-delayed match to book her place in the second round of the French Open in Paris.

Rory McIlroy says he could turn down the chance to play at the Olympics because of the Zika virus in Brazil.

Louis van Gaal is sacked as manager of Manchester United, with ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho set to be named as his replacement.

Ireland’s London 2012 gold medallist Katie Taylor won her opening bout at the World Championships to edge closer to a spot at the Rio Olympic Games.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

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Sport

African stars Mourinho may sign at Manchester United

anchester United appeared to finally pull the plug on Louis van Gaal’s troubled stay at Old Trafford yesterday, with Saturday’s FA Cup final victory not enough to save the Dutchman’s flagging tenure. Reports in the media yesterday suggest that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will be installed as LVG’s replacement as he looks to turn the Red Devils’ fortunes around. The Portuguese coach has a long history of recruiting African players, and here are some of the continent’s stars that he could look to return United to their former lustre. P i e r r e EmerickAubameyang: The Gabon international has long been tipped for a move away from Borussia Dortmund, following his immense goal haul in the Bundesliga this season. The 26-year-old ended the year with 36 goals in 45 games for BVB, with both Liverpool and Arsenal linked to his services. However, could Mourinho tempt the hitman to Old Trafford? Memphis Depay has failed to convince, while Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford are still learning their trade at the top level. Auba, who can also feature on the right flank, would offer an immediate offensive threat. OdionIghalo: While Aubameyang might take some time to acclimatise to the Premier League, OdionIghalo is a proven quality in the top flight. The Nigerian hit 15 goals in 37 games, having previously struck 20 goals in the Championship, prompting reported interest in his services from United earlier this year. Ighalo, at 26, arguably has

his best years ahead of him, but would United be dissuaded by his recent goal drought?

Victor Wanyama: With Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger ageing, and with no genuine defensively-minded operator in the heart of the park, this is an area the new United boss may want to address immediately. Mourinho previously sought to bring the likes of Claude Makelele and the more tenacious, driving Michael Essien to Chelsea, and could Southampton’s Wanyama fill a similar brief? A reunion with his old Southampton teammate Morgan Schneiderlin could give United the midfield control they’ve been lacking in recent seasons. Andre Ayew: Reports in the Ghanaian media during the final week of van Gaal’s tenure suggested that the Red Devils were keeping tabs on Dede, while Swansea City confirmed to over the weekend that various sides are interested in the attacker. Ayew moved to the Wales on a free transfer during the summer, and while they won’t be keen to lose one of their key assets, the chance to make a major profit may appeal. Ayew could inject dynamism, invention and a goal threat into the Red Devils’ lethargic forward line. Sadio Mane: During the final days of LVG’s tenure, Mane was one of the key names bring heavily linked to Old Trafford ahead of the summer transfer window. A mooted fee of £25 million may feel hefty for an attacker who wasn’t always a starter for Southampton this season, but 11 goals and six assists this term could make him a valuable contributor. His versatility and explosiveness will surely appeal to

Mourinho, who would likely relish the prospect of working with a talent who can play both creator and finisher.

Mourinho

Odion Ighalo

magret

I, formerly known as magret john, but wish to be known as magret friday. All former documents remain valid. The public should please take note

yusuf

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS yusuf hazat umar. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS yusuf umar zukanane. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS SHOULD REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

Victor Wanyama

Mrs. Joy

I, formerly known as Miss Joy Ojochenemi Daniel, but wish to be known as Mrs. Joy Ojochenemi JAIYESIMI. All former documents remain valid. The public should please take note

mrs stanley

Andre Ayew

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS miss okoh vivian nonye. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS mrs stanley vivian nonye. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS SHOULD REMAIN VALID. gtbank & first bank and OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

rosemary

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS rosemary dare. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS rosemary uche umunnakwe. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS SHOULD REMAIN VALID. all AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

KOLAWOLE

Pierre-EmerickAubameyang

Sadio Mane

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MOSIMABALE BLESSING AFASHANEMO. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS KOLAWOLE BLESSING AFASHANEMO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

Some Interesting Facts 1. Benin Kingdom: The high quality and highly sophisticated bronze work of the Benin Kingdom dating as far back as the 13th century is a world wonder. Great works in iron, wood, ivory, and terra cotta products also highlight the empire’s history. 2. Benin Kingdom: Lourenco Pinto, captain of a ship that carried missionaries to Warri in 1619, described Benin kingdom, ‘Great Benin where the king resides is larger than Lisbon, all the streets run straight and as far as the eyes can see….’ 3. Rivers/AkwaIbom: King Jaja of Opobo,

hottest puzzle book kakuro 17

puzzle 17

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Leisure

(1821–1891) JuboJubogha, an Igbo from Imo state founded Opobo city-state in 1867 and shipped palm oil to Britain independently of British middle men. 4. Ancient Greeks appear to have Nigerian roots as supported by the Benin Haplogroup or Haplogroup 19. According to JideUwechia, ‘The Benin Haplotype (which originates from Nigeria, West Africa) accounts for HbS associated chromosomes in Sicily Northern Greece.’ 5. Ilorin’s ‘Oba’ Afonja utilized Fulani warriors to help rebel against the Oyo Empire. The warriors after defeating Oyo took over Ilorin and Sheikh Alimi, their leader became the first Emir. 6. Much of north Nigeria was part of the Songhai Empire. Muhammad Kanta annexed Kebbi and other states between 1512 and 1517. 7. The Obasanjo military regime converted Nigeria from a Parliamentary system to a Presidential system of government.

Say what?

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Face off: A sea lion snarls at a dog after grabbing a fish in its mouth right in front of the hound’s nose in a battle for food on a pier in Chile. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

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. . . putting the people first

TUESday, MAY 24, 2016

QUOTABLE QUOTE High ranking public officers who use safe havens and secrecy jurisdictions to breach the fundamental requirements of asset declaration must be sanctioned, named and shamed - SERAP

SPORTS Still on Buhari’s hundred days latest

LMC demands player’s attestation from clubs to register new players

igeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Clubs have a two weeks window starting from 8am yesterday, May 23 to 5pm on June 3 to register new players and sign up players on permanent or temporary transfer. The League Management Company (LMC) in a circular to all clubs announced the opening of the midseason transfer window but also reminded the clubs that for any registration to be approved, attestation letter from the serving players and coaches of the clubs must be presented confirming that their obligations to the players and coaches have been fully met. “Kindly be advised that pursuant to Rules B9.61 and B9.63 of the Framework and Rules of the NPFL, the Second Transfer Window of the 2015/16 NPFL season opens at 8.00am yesterdayand closes at 5.00pm on Friday, June 3, 2016. Therefore, within this period, any club may apply for the new registration of a player or to have the registration of a player transferred to it or for a temporary transfer”, the circular informed the clubs. The LMC circular further stated, “pursuant to Rules B9.45.2 and Rules B9.45.4.4, every club is expected to submit the attestation by each of its currently registered players as a pre-condition for registration. This is to ensure that there are no overdue payments owed the players”. The enforcement of this provisions of the rule is being pursued by the LMC to prevent and minimize the incident of indebtedness to players which become manifest towards the end of every season. This step is to compliment the requirement for the submission of Financial Guarantees by the clubs.

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STILL ON BUHARI’S 100 DAYS As a prelude to the celebration of Buhari’s one year in office permit me to reserve you, un-edited, the piece I wrote nine months ago when he was ‘hundred’. It is a microcosmic prism from which we will assess him at ‘One’. Soon. Happy reading:

hen I wrote ‘BEFORE WE CRUCIFY BUHARI’ (April, 28, 15) I did say that “if all we get from Buhari in the next four years is a Government that is not corrupt and that does not condone corruption, a Government that has no ‘special interest’ and does not cater to ‘special interests’, and a Government that elevates the public good over and above private or sectional good, then the electoral revolution of March 28 would be worth the efforts.” And given his antecedent I am not amazed that in just a hundred days, although it is premature to say he has purged governance of corruption, yet it cannot be denied that Buhari has brought credibility and integrity to political leadership -especially in the very office where it matters most. What is rather pleasantly amazing is that in just about that space of time we have in President Buhari what it possibly took the U.S. a war of independence to come by, namely a gallant George Washington, the quintessential patriot-leader of America who Henry Lee –father of the Confederate Commander Robert E. Lee- described as “second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life”, and one around whom they said “Vice shuddered” and “virtue always felt (a) fostering hand”. These, incontrovertibly, are the leadership qualities that Buhari –in just a hundred dayshas brought to the table of governance. And Jane Addams -a Social Service Activist- in her study of ‘The Lessons of great men’, once rhetorically asked -concerning George Washington: “What is it that we admire about the soldier? It certainly is not that he goes into battle” but that “he has the power of losing his own life for the life of a larger cause; that he holds his personal suffering of no account; (but) that he flings down in the gage of battle HIS ALL and says, “I will stand or fall with this cause”. And this, unarguably, is the kind of sacrifice that Buhari –in just a hundred dayshas brought into governance. In fact it is sufficient to me that in just about that space of time we have in President Buhari what it must have taken the U.S. a civil war to come by, namely an victorious Abraham Lincoln; the Emancipator who -even when all had given up on the union- had the uncommon presidential courage to insist he had “an oath in heaven” to preserve. Fredrick Douglas –former slave and leading spokesman for the black community- once said of Lincoln:

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President Muhammadu Buhari “He did not hesitate, he did not doubt, he did not falter; but at once resolved that at whatever peril, at whatever cost, the union of the states should be preserved”. It cannot be denied that in just about the space of a hundred days Buhari has, unfalteringly and without a doubt, brought Abraham Lincoln’s kind of resolve to governance. He has brought with him an uncommon determination to ensure that ‘at whatever peril, (and) at whatever cost’, Nigeria MUST be governed, henceforth, aright! And we can see that even as the cage is rattling, and even as the slave masters are plotting, Buhari has demonstrated a firm resolve to uphold ‘an oath in heaven’ to eradicate preserve an unjust status quo. It should be sufficient to me that we now have a President with the ‘moral courage’ of Douglas MacArthur’s description, namely “the courage of one’s conviction, the courage to see things through”, -no matter whose ox is gored! And it is thus sufficient to me that in just a hundred days President Buhari at last, has given a distraught nation back to its people and its people back to the nation. He has restored hope to a people not too long ago ‘irretrievably’ hopeless. For five years we were right in the tumult of an ‘intractable’ war of insurgency and almost on the verge of the scourge of a second civil war; but in just the space of a hundred days, the drums and the alarums of geo-ethnic war mongering, seem now to give way to a pleasant symphony; a rallying call to duty, honor and country and a patriotic resolve to NEVER AGAIN

array the might and the munitions of this great nation against itself! It is sufficient to me that in just about a hundred days in office we now have a President who is not only greatly filled with the patriotic enthusiasm to serve, but most importantly a leader who, quite unusually, is neither motivated by self-enrichment nor is he goaded by personal vainglory. But most importantly it is sufficient that for the first time we now have a President who is neither profligate nor extravagant but one –in the words of Benjamin Franklin- who “consults his purse before he consults his fancy”. And although they accuse him of being slow, it is sufficient to me that we have a president who has his eyes on the larger picture; -namely the goal, the destination and the raison deter of political governance. Yet if it bears any truth that the “grand business” of leaders as Thomas Carlyle wrote “is NOT to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand”, then Buhari should stand eminently acquitted of the offence of ‘unorthodoxy’ in his uncommon method of dealing with the immediate realities of our uncommonly afflicted nation; for as Francis Bacon would say “He that will not apply new remedies must (necessarily) expect new evils”. Nonetheless being equally a man of practical circumspection it cannot be denied also that Buhari –in just the space of a hundred dayshas demonstrated that he is animated as much by “what lies clearly at hand” as he is by “what lies dimly at a

distance”. William Wordsworth may be right when he said that “action is nobler than either thought or theory” but Jawaharlal Nehru sounds to me to be more altruistic that “Action to be effective must be directed to clearly conceived ends”. That Buhari operates -in the meantime- without a cabinet underscores the practical reality of doing ‘what lies clearly at hand’ in other to achieve ‘what lies dimly at a distance’. It is sufficient to me that in just the space of a hundred days we now have a President who has exuded such cadence of moral virtues in office that in many sectors even without lifting a finger, public ‘wrongs’ have suddenly developed the pangs of conscience necessary to redress and to ‘right’ themselves; that suddenly, without being reproached, inept and lax officials have begun to reinvent themselves so not to be left out in the renaissance of leadership and the new evangel of good governance that the Buhari Presidency brings. It is sufficient to me that we now have a President whose only fault is that he has no fault; that we now have a Caesar who claims not the right of first refusal, but the self-effacing duty to ‘serve last’ ‘what touches him’. It is sufficient to me that in just a hundred days we have seen a President who, although he has not the oratorical fury of a Malcolm X, he is nonetheless ferocious in the espousal of the ideology of Malcolm -to defend the people ‘by any means necessary’; Epilogue Not too long ago, we were trembling lambs environed by ravenous wolves; but it is sufficient to me that in just a hundred days we now feel like gentle calves coiled in the arms of a caring shepherd. The last hundred days, if they have not done anything at all, they have assured us that although the future under Jonathan was a mirage, now under Buhari it is a graspable reality.

DAN GAYE

PENGASSAN pulls out NLC’s planned strike for Wednesday – News

The wall don dey crack be that now!

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