Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday, August 24, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 9 No. 10

Friday, August 24, 2012

. . . putting the people first

NUPENG calls Presidency, NNPC off one-week silent on ex-militants’ strike largesse >> PAGE 3

>> PAGE 2

Shawwal 6, 1433 AH

N150

FRCN staff protest Three-month-old baby stolen non-payment in Benue of salaries >> PAGE 5

>> PAGE 7

CBN introduces N5,000 note

The new currency denominations

Converts N5, N10 and N20 to coins

Notes N5,000 N1,000 N500 N200 N100 N50

Coins N20 N10 N5 N2 N1 50k

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the introduction of a higher currency denomination of N5,000 notes.

By the same stroke , the existing denomination of N50, N100, N200, N500 and N1,000 are to be -designed and new security features added to them; while lower banknotes denominations of N5, N10, and N20 are to be coined, thus altering the nation's currency structure to be 12- six coins and six bank note denominations.

CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, announced the proposed currency restructuring exercise at a media briefing yesterday in an exercise he code named 'Project Cure'.

The new N5, 000 denomination including the redesigned ones are to be launched in early 2013. Accordingly, he announced that the old notes would circulate side by side as legal tender with the new ones Contd on Page 2

L-R: Yobe state Deputy Governor, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, Taraba state Deputy Governor, Abubakar Danladi, Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, and Plateau state Deputy Governor, Ignatius Longman, during the National Economic Council meeting, yesterday at the State House in Abuja.

PHOTO: JOE OROYE

Insecurity: Kano businesses crashing — Survey From Bala Nasir and Edwin Olofu, Kano

...Tops illicit drugs use chart

n independent survey on the effects of security challenge on businesses carried out in Kano recently has shown that 70 per cent of businesses have been adversely affected leading to job losses and pay cuts.

The study which was conducted by the Centre for

Research and Documentation reveals that earnings of 80 per cent of businesses in Kano have gone down considerably since the bomb explosions of January 20 this year.

In addition to this, yet another 80 per cent of businesses in the city have either laid off some of their workers or have cut down

A

on operating hours and other expenses in order to adjust to the situation, the survey revealed.

Result of the research also showed that hospitality business is the worst hit by the current security situation which has forced many of them to cut down their staff strength and operating costs.

In addition to the security situation, the study found out that insufficient power supply has also affected 89 per cent of businesses in the city adversely.

It showed that, while 46 per cent of businesses in Kano lack access to credit facilities, another 46 percent are negatively affected by harsh and inconsistent government policies.

The survey revealed that with Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

23rd Aug, 2012

CBN RATES $ £ EURO CFA RIYAL

BUYING 154.8 242.9 191 0.2704 41

S ELLING 155.8 244.5 192 0.2904 41.5

PARALLEL RATES EURO £ RIYAL $

BUYING 201 259 40 162

S ELLING 203 261 42 163

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Presidency, NNPC silent on ex-militants’ largesse

Letters

14

By AminuImam and Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

Opinion

15

CONTENTS News

2-11

Metro

16-18

Business

19-20

Islam

26

Feature

27

Newsxtra

29-30

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), yesterday, washed its hands off the report that former top Niger Delta militants have received about N6.32 billion to protect oil pipelines from attacks in the past year.

The Wall Street Journal, quoted an unnamed official of the NNPC stating that ex-militant ‘General’ Government "Tompolo" Ekpemupolo, Dokubo-Asari, Boyloaf and Ateke Tom are being paid respectively N5.1 billion, N1.44 billion, N608 million and N608 million yearly by the NNPC to protect the pipelines from oil scooping.

According to the Wall Street Journal, last year, the NNPC

began paying N1.44 billion a year,

by Dokubo-Asari's account, to pay his 4,000 former foot soldiers to protect the pipelines they once attacked.

The report further stated that a senior NNPC official said the corporation is giving about N608million a year apiece to two former rebel leaders, Gen. Ebikabowei "Boyloaf" Victor Ben, and Gen. Ateke Tom, to have their men guard delta pipelines they used to attack and that another General, "Tompolo", maintains a N5.1 billion-a-year contract to do the same, the official said.

When Peoples Daily contacted the acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the NNPC in Abuja, Mr. Fidel Pepple on the issue yesterday, he neither confirmed nor denied that they were not involved in any such

payments and merely said, “No comment. We are not the the spokesperson of the Federal Government on this matter”.

Efforts to reach the Presidency on the matter proved abortive as

the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Rueben Abati could not be reached on phone last night. Also, Abati did not respond to a text message and e-mail sent to him.

NNPC GMD, Andrew Yakubu

CBN introduces N5,000 note

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala makes Forbes’ 100 most powerful women in the world, Pages 24, 25

International 32-34 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

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

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

Contd from Page 1 pending when they are withdrawn from circulation.

The N5, 000 notes front design carries the portraits of three Nigeria's formidable women: Magaret Ekpo, Fumilayo Kuti and Hajiya Gambo Sawaba while the back bears the pictorial portrait of the National Assembly complex.

He dispelled insinuation that the gesture will further exert inflationary pressures in the country declaring that inflation in Nigeria is a monetary phenomenon.

"In some countries as Singapore, Germany and Japan, the highest denominations are $10,000 #500 and Yen 10,000 respectively.

These denominations have relatively high dollar equivalent. The level

of inflation is, however low at 2.8, 1.1 and 0.7 as at 2010", he said.

Justifying the introduction of higher bill, Sanusi said the bill would complement the bank's cashless policy as it would, substantially reduce the volume of currency in-circulation particularly in the long term.

Sanusi said deliberate attempt would be put in place to encourage the usage of coins as CBN he said, would liaise with relevant MDAs, Depsoit Money Banks (DMBs) road transporters, market operators, small business, vendors and supermarkets to create avenue for the usage of the coins.

He said the CBN lacks the autonomy to phase out coins from circulation as according to him, the place of coins is adequately

provided for by Nigeria construction.

Though he did not disclose the cost implication of the new higher note and the re-designed old ones, preferences are given to the nation's forms printing firm, Nigeria Printing, Minting Company plc but where they lack capacity to handle everything, other firms are considered.

He said while international best practice required monetary authorities to review their nation's currencies at intervals of between five and eight years, he said Nigeria currency had been circulating with the least been seven years without a review.

"In Nigeria, the last comprehensive review of the currency was carried out in 2005.

It resulted in the introduction of

the N20 polymer banknote followed by the varnishing of the N5, N10 and N50 paper bank notes in 2007. These lower denomination notes were eventually converted in to polymer banknotes in 2009" said Sanusi.

Sanusi said the feedback gotten

by CBN from the review of existing currencies series in 2010 threw up revelations and challenges, which amongst others, revealed public apathy towards the usage of the 50k, N1 and N2 coins introduced in February, 2007; the vanished lower denomination banknotes failed to adequately meet expected longevity and the tactile feature for the visually impaired on the polymer notes had not been as effective as desired.

Insecurity: Kano businesses crashing — Survey Contd from Page 1 a population of 9.4 million (going by 2006 census) the economy of Kano state is largely driven by subsistent agriculture, commerce and manufacturing which could get a boost with adequate power supply.

However, for over a decade, Kano’s economy has suffered deindustrialization and steady decline with loss of competitiveness within the national economy, the study showed.

It added that an approximate 70 percent of the state’s medium and large scale manufacturing establishments are not in operation while the rest operate at less than 40 percent.

Meanwhile, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said that Kano state is still topping the chart of trafficking and use of illicit drugs

in the country.

NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, who stated this in Kano yesterday during the public burning of seized illicit drugs at the state headquarters of the agency, recalled that Kano also recorded the highest number of arrests of drug offenders in the country in 2011.

According to the agency, within 2012, over 20 million kg of illicit drugs were seized by the Kano state Command, while 209 drug offenders were convicted.

Giade placed the exact amount of seized illicit drugs at 20,949,411 kg.

He said cannabis recorded the highest seizure of 4,531.52kg, psychotropic substances followed with 383.289kg while cocaine and heroin have 5.1kg and 1.67kg respectively. Giade said a total of 1,281 suspected male drug traffickers were apprehended

with 4,921.582kg of narcotics.

The figure showed a remarkable increase in drug trafficking and abuse in the state as the command had from January to June this year arrested 358 suspect with a seizure of 1, 915.39 kg of assorted illicit drugs.

The destruction of drug exhibits Giade said is one of the agency’s strategies to keep the society drug-free. He said the burning comes following orders from the court after the peddlers have been convicted.

He expressed worry over the rate of drug trafficking and abuse in the state saying the stability and wellbeing of families were threatened since a reasonable number of bread winners now face jail terms on account of drug trafficking.

It would be recalled that the Kano state NDLEA commander,

Mr. Sumaila Ethan, had in June this year, lamented the increasing consumption of Indian hemp in Kano and said that out of the suspects arrested, 273 were counseled and reintegrated back into the society, while others were charged to court and convicted.

Statistics from NDLEA showed that apart from Kano, large quantity of illicit drugs were also seized in Ondo, Delta, Edo and Lagos.

In fact, Ondo, Edo and Delta states had the largest volume of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin and Canabis, confiscated by the agency last year.

In 2011, a total of 55,473.3kg of illicit drugs were seized in Ondo state, 40,663kg in Edo, while 26,823.4kg was seized in Delta state. Oyo and Lagos states had 15,331.3kg and 10,406.1kg of drugs seized respectively.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 3

Oil subsidy fraud: Indicted marketers begin refund, says Gov Obi

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Federal Government has made significant progress in its efforts to recover excess monies paid to some fraudulent marketers in the fuel subsidy regime.

It emerged yesterday that some oil marketers indicted over the subsidy payments have commenced the process of refunding the stolen monies to the Federal Government’s purse.

Anambra state governor, Mr.

Peter Obi disclosed this to State House correspondents after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo yesterday.

No fewer than 25 companies have been indicted by the Aig Imoukhuede-led Presidential Committee on Verification of Subsidy Claims. Also, sons of both of former PDP Chairman, Ahmadu Ali and present chairman, Bamanga Tukur are among the people being prosecuted by the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the matter.

According to Obi, the Council also declared support for the Federal Government’s insistence on the refund.

Obi revealed that "from the report we got today, some have started refunding. It is a serious case that people were paid for vessels that were not anywhere near the Nigerian waters."

Furthermore, he stated: "Council went further to commend the Federal Government on its

present stand in the prosecution of those who were wrongly paid subsidy monies and on the need for them to refund them fully."

Meanwhile, the council reviewed the $500million interestfree facility obtained for the control of gully erosion in the South East states and others affected states in the country following a joint presentation by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafiya on the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project.

Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) outgoing Board Chairman, Professor Humphrey Asobie (middle), handing over to his successor, Mr. Ledum Mitee (right), during the inaugural meeting of the board, yesterday in Abuja. With them is NEITI Executive Secretary, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed (left).

Photo: NAN

Nigeria’s oil export to rise to 1.93 m bpd in October

By Aminu Imam with agency report

N

igerian crude oil exports will rise to around 1.93 million barrels per day in October from an 11-month low of 1.81 million bpd seen for September, a provisional loading programme has showed, helping to replenish global supplies of light

sweet crude.

Supplies for two of Nigeria's biggest oil streams Qua Iboe and Bonny Light were both up sharply from the previous month following the end of a force majeure on the Bonny grade, the programme showed yesterday.

This will lift total volumes to around 64 million barrels.

The increase in flows will help

replenish global light, sweet supplies that have been capped due to maintenance work in the North Sea. The reduced supplies, combined with Middle East tensions, supported Brent crude oil prices which rose to a three-month high of $117.03 a barrel this month.

Nigeria has mostly exported around 2million bpd this year, helped by the new Usan grade which

began production in February.

The programme did not include Ebok and Yoho grades as shipping lists for these grades were not immediately available. It also excluded condensate exports like Akpo and Oso. Exports for some smaller Nigerian grades such as Amenam and Escravos are set to fall slightly versus the previous month.

FG inaugurates c’ttee to oversee public pensions

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Federal Government yesterday inaugurated a six-man committee to oversee the public service pension administration system to help manage the challenges facing the system.

They include: Muhammad Ahmad, the Director-General National Pension Commission (PenCom) as the chairman, Dr. Bright Okogu, Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation (member), Ogunniyi Otunla, Accountant General of the Federation (member), Samuel Ukurah, Auditor-General of the

Federation (member), a representative of the Head of Service (member)and Mrs. Grace Usoro of PenCom as secretary.

The inter-ministerial committee’s terms of reference include: design of the government and operating framework for the transformation of the public service pension administration system, design of the information technology model and definition of key requirements to support operating model, authentication of the database of all affected pensioners, supervision of the entire implementation and

engagement of stakeholders.

Speaking at the interministerial committee inauguration at the Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the inauguration is to help them carry out the Presidential directive and to monitor the old pension system such as the police, customs, military and FCT that still exist.

She said the entire pension system has been very challenging in Nigeria which necessitated a reform of the system, replacing the Defined Benefits Scheme Reform Act, 2004. “The initiative

included the conduct of a nationwide verification of pensioners in order to establish a clean payroll of pensioners and payment of pensions directly into pensioner’s accounts by the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.”

The finance minister said the inauguration isnecessary because most of pension offices have been mired in financialmalpractices in form of unreliable pension payrolls, suspected brokerage onsignificant idle funds in Pension Account, increasing backlog of pensionpayable and delay in payment or denial of retirement benefits.

NUPENG calls off strike in Abuja

By Muhammed Nasir

T

he National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called off its strike which has paralysed economic and social activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja since last Wednesday.

This followed the agreement by the Federal Government yesterday to pay all verifiable claims of subsidy owed marketers.

This agreement is part of the decision reached at a meeting involving the leadership of NUPENG, oil marketers, the Federal Government and other stakeholders, which ended last night in Abuja.

Following the agreement, the union has directed its members to commence the lifting of products to the capital city. It was also agreed that all the stakeholders will meet again after two weeks to review the extent of compliance with the agreement.

NUPENG, which had earlier on Wednesday shelved its proposed nationwide strike, was pressing for the settlement of outstanding subsidy payments said to be owed petroleum marketers by the Federal Government.

Speaking after the meeting, NUPENG National President, Comrade Igwe Achese said all the stakeholders have decided to close ranks so as to find lasting solution to the issues in dispute.

He said all those involved in the subsidy scam should submit their claims to the authorities for verification.

Fire guts I3 spare parts shops in Benue From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

M

ore than 13 spareparts shops and a restaurant were yesterday gutted by fire at the new garage part of Makurdi, Benue state capital destroying goods worth over N200 million.

The fire was said to have started at 2 am and suspected to be as result of electricity fluctuation.

Narrating the incident to newsmen, Mr. Azubuike Ameobi who lamented that he lost over N10 million, said he was woken up by a friend and immediately rushed to the scene only to discover that his shop was completely razed down.

“I just watched as all my goods burnt completely. I could not remove anything”, he cried.

Benue Gov. Gabriel Suswam

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

THE PAGE 4 INTERVIEW

We want to use economic diplomacy to upgrade Nigeria’s economy –Perm Sec, Foreign Affairs ministry Dr. Martin Uhomoibhi is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dan Majen Koko of Kebbi in Kebbi state. Prior to his appointment on 11th February 2010, he was Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations offices and other International Organisations in Geneva from 15th March, 2007. He was also concurrently accredited as the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Swiss Confederation and was Ambassador /Permanent Representative of the United Nations Human Rights Council from June 2008 to June 2010.

Prior to all these, he was a lecturer in Diplomatic and African History at the University of Ibadan from 1977 – 1984 before joining the Diplomatic service in 1984 as a Senior First Secretary.

The Dan Majen Koko spoke to Hussaini Abdulrahman on how a South-South indigene came to be a northern chief among other topical issues.

Excerpts:

H

ow is it like being the Dan Majen Koko?

My opinion on this, as a citizen of Nigeria, I see no reason for any Nigerian to start running to any other country in search of anything.

What Nigerians really need is to transform itself and develop the country because God has blessed us with abundant resources and what we need to do is to invest here at home and it will help in self creation of wealth and development and individual’s own contribution.

It is a very great feeling, because one feels that someone has taken note of the principles that one has stood for and the ideals that have motivated one for a period of almost four decades. As a young man in 1976, I was 22 doing my youth service in Sokoto state when it comprised of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara and I was posted to that little quiet town between Birnin Kebbi and Yelwa as a young man to teach young people and then 37 years later, the people of that town felt that I have been identifying with them and they want to honor me and it was something that I find very appreciative because it was really something that I had tried to achieve.

S

o it is a shame that Nigerians will run somewhere and think that it is greener in that other side, because really, the problem of our nation is here and the solution is here and who else to do it except Nigerians? So, I think it will be better if we encourage Nigerians to come home and make their contributions and also to take advantage of the on-going transformation agenda of Mr. President which is concerned with the development and retake off of our country, Nigeria.

So, it is time we draw a map to move this country forward.

So what is the meaning of Dan Maje?

D

an Maje means a bridgebuilder and it is a title that is reserved for the elite people and royalties within the Kebbi people and I come from the South-South of Nigeria, a Christian and a Knight of the catholic church and about 99% of Kebbi people are Muslims and to these people what matters in me is the humane culture and what matters to me in them is the humanity in them which must have linked all of us together and at this kind of age and time of what others think and who they are.

I can say that in this era of religious dialogue, interethnic communication and in the way the country is putting efforts to bring about cohesion and understanding, one region and one people out of the diversity and complexity of our nation, I think this is a method to be reckoned with and I am very happy to be associated with them.

You have been in the Foreign Service for quite a long time, can you give us a brief summary, say about your time and the government’s activities in the Ministry?

I have been in the foreign service since 1994, until the time I served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Switzerland, then as a Permanent Representative of Nigeria to United Nations in Geneva; at that time, I was a President of the United Nations Human Rights Council, President of the General Assembly, World

The Ministry of Trade and Investment is doing many things to boost the trade and economy of Nigeria by trying to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Is there any synergy between them and your ministry in this regard?

Dr. Martin Uhomoibhi Intellectual Property Organisation and these are some positions that I found interesting and with the most difficult challenges, as I saw how difficult it is to ensure effective activities in accordance with principles of human rights and I was assigned

to travel round the four corners of the world for one year to campaign on effective protection of human rights and I was the first African to perform that role. I was proud to be the one to do it from my country Nigeria.

“

I can say that in this era of religious dialogue, interethnic communication and in the way the country is putting efforts to bring about cohesion and understanding, one region and one people out of the diversity and complexity of our nation, I think this is a method to be reckoned with and I am very happy to be associated with them.

W

e did many good things, including the convention on discrimination against women’s rights, gender equalisation, and the equalisation of rights, children’s rights programmes and I think it was very significant and we also made several efforts to see that we made a change in the lives of the children and people of the suffering and troubled part of the world and the Asian countries and now, coming to talk on the role that I played as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; my office will remain the institutional memory of my number one career position at this kind of time.

Some Nigerians are travelling abroad on business on false pretences and running from one country to the other because of fear of authorities; What is your take on this?

T

he current administration in Nigeria accentuate economic diplomacy the issue of privacy over and above every aspect and what it means is that we want to focus on trade and investment; we want to use economic diplomacy to upgrade the economy of our country to drive home the target of this administration which is to put food on the table on any average Nigerian. I hear the Foreign ministry has a great role to play because we are the most represented, I think we are the image of the image makers of the Government. So, we know so much hope is being given to us and we know we have a great role to play.

As the Dan Majen Koko, what message do you have for the Koko people?

I

am proud of them and I am part of them and I will always stand for them and do the best for them.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 5

Oyerinde: Police, SSS deny being at variance

By Lambert Tyem

T

L-R: Minister of Youth Development, Barisster Inuwa Abdul-Kadir, and Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Baba Umar Faruk, during the 2012 International Youth Day cerebration, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

FRCN staff protest non-payment of four months' salaries From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

T

he staff of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, (FRCN) Ibadan Network Centre, have protested the nonpayment of their fourmonth salary from May. The workers in their numbers barricaded the entrance of the station as early as 8:00 am carrying placards and

chanting solidarity songs.

The workers blamed the non-payment of their salaries to the Integrated Personnel Payroll System which the Federal Government is now using in paying the workers, describing it as defective and inconsistent.

Their placards had inscriptions such as "'IPPIS pay our four months' salary", "'IPPIS is highly incompetent", "'IPPIS

issues fake pay-slips and more".

The local chairman of the FRCN chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Tunde Ojenike, clarified that their anger was not against their management but against promoters of the IPPIS. Ojenike stated that the protest is meant to send signal to the appropriate quarters on their plight.

In his reaction, the Zonal Director, FRCN, Ibadan National Station, Pastor Zacheus Oloruntola, explained that the management was working to resolve the issue.

According to him, the management is not passive and we have indeed held joint meetings involving union leaders in the zonal stations and the IPPIS.

he controversy over the May 4 murder of the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor of Edo state, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde continued yesterday with the Nigeria Police insisting that the incident was a clear case of assassination even as the Department of State Security Service (SSS) claimed that the incident was a robbery case.

The two agencies in a separate press conferences, said they are working in close collaboration to harmonise the two case files.

The SSS yesterday at about 5.00pm handed over the six suspects in its custody to the Federal Special Antirobbery Squad (SARS) in area 10 of Abuja.

The SSS had on Wednesday, August 1, paraded six suspects namely: Sani Abdullahi Abubakar, a Nigerien; Mohammed

States, LGs to help in funding police - IG From Iliya Garba, Minna

T

he Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, has appealed to states and local governments to help in funding Nigerian Police so as to make their work easier and service delivery better.

Abubakar, who made this known on Wednesday at Government House in Minna during a courtesy visit to the Governor, said it is only federal government that has been funding police for a long time.

He affirmed that inadequate funding has made police not to carry out their duties well, urging the states and local governments to address the matter on humanitarian ground so that there would be efficiency in service.

In response, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, applauded the work of police and other security agents in the state, handing over 55 security vehicles and gadgets that would be distributed to police and other security agencies.

COSON sues Transcorp Hilton over rights infringement

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has sued the management of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, to the Federal High Court Abuja, for alleged infringement of intellectual property rights.

COSON, in the suit has asked the court for the award of more than N3billion against the

defendants in unpaid royalties, interest on the unpaid royalties, general, exemplary and aggravated damages for the unauthorised c o p y i n g , communication to the public, permission to perform and infringement of the copyright in the musical works and sound recordings belonging to its members, affiliates and assignors.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, Raymond Onajite Origbo, Chikezie Edeh, Saidu Yakubu (aka Imam), and Hassan Bashiru.

Similarly, the Police listed eight suspects as being involved in the murder of Oyerinde as revealed by their investigation.

Spokesman of the Police, Frank Mba however stated that two of the suspects, Hassan Bashiru and Abubakar Lawal are at present, in the custody of the SSS. Among the remaining six, Mba said four of them were physically involved in the killing of Oyerinde. He also gave their names as Danjuma Musa, Murtala Usman, Auta Umoru and Moses Asama Okoro (aka Moses Auchi).

Ministry, stakeholders brainstorm on gender policy

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

I

n its determination to champion the cause of women in the country, the Ministry of Women Affairs on Wednesday, played host to other women related agencies in the country, to brainstorm on the review of the National Gender Policy and its implementation.

Speaking at the event held in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina said the programme was necessitated by various challenges faced by women and children in the country.

Lawmaker advises residents of flood plains to relocate From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos he House of Representatives member for Bassa / Jos North federal constituency Hon Suleiman Kwande has advised the residents of Rikkos, Gengere and Agwan-Roko communities who built houses on the waterways to adhere to the advice of environmental experts and relocate to safer places to avoid being washed away by floods.

T

PAGE 6

Unilag commences biometric data capture for students, staff

T

he University of Lagos (recently renamed Moshood Abiola University), has commenced a compulsory biometric data capture for students and staff, an official said yesterday.

The university's Deputy Registrar in charge of Information, Mr. Seth Dare, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the exercise, which began on Aug. 10, would end on Sept. 4.

He said the biometric data capture was to ascertain the number of students and staff of the university.

"We have commenced compulsory biometric data capture of staff and students toward the issuance of identity cards and for record keeping.

"It is to enable us to know the number of staff and students we have, and also to help us in planning for facilities that will meet up with the number in the institution. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NMA distances self from kidney theft incident From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Bauchi state chapter, has distanced itself from the suspects who were apprehended for allegedly removing the two kidneys of young man in Bauchi.

It could be recalled that two suspects were arrested for allegedly removing the

kidneys of 25-year-old Abubakar Buba, in a private clinic in Bauchi.

The chairman of the association's panel of inquiry into the kidney incident, Dr. Magaji Dachi, stated this yesterday in Bauchi. He explained that the association has constituted an investigative panel which found out that those who removed the kidneys of

Abubakar were not doctors.

According to him, the investigative panel submitted a report which indicated that "the removal of the two kidneys of the patient at an operation in a private clinic was performed not by a doctor, not under the supervision of any doctor, not under the authority of any doctor and not with the knowledge of the Medical Director of the clinic, the

operation was carried out by two theater nurses working in the clinic".

While receiving the report the chairman of the NMA, Dr. Yusuf Abdu Misau advised the people to know the type of doctors they patronise since there are about 400 qualified doctors serving in government and private health institutions in the state and over 35,000 NMA members across the country.

New AIG assumes duty in Zone 12 From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he New Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG), Ibrahim Abdu has assumed duty in Bauchi headquarters of Zone 12 police command.

Abdu replaces the current Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar who was moved from the command and promoted Inspector-General earlier this year.

The information was contained in a press release signed by the Zone 12 Police Public Relations Officer, SP Rita Inoma-Abbey in Bauchi yesterday.

The statement adds that the AIG served in different commands as Commissioner of Police Air Wing, Borno state, General Investigation Force CID, Abuja, Armament FHQ Abuja, and lastly as Commissioner of Police Gombe state before his promotion to the present rank.

L-R: Mohammed Ibrahim Adullahi, Raymond Onajite Origbo, Chikezie Edeh, Saidu Yakubu, Sani Abdulllhi Abubakar, and Hassan Bashiru, all the suspected killers of Principal Secretary to Edo state Governor, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, paraded on 1st August, 2012 before were re-paraded by State Security Service (SSS), yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

NMFUK launches healthcare project

By Moruft Ojulari

A

pilot healthcare project jointly funded by the Nigeria Muslim Forum UK (NMFUK) and Africa Healthcare Development Trust (AHDT) will kick off at the Kibiya District Hospital in Kano State.

The three-day project which starts today (August 24, 2012), will involve free consultation, free provision of prescription drugs and minor surgical operations like appendicitis and hernia.

The pilot scheme will cost N50, 0000 (about ÂŁ2000). It will also include skill transfer and training of local nurses on the application of modern health dispensation methods.

A release signed by NMF UK Publicity Secretary, Dr Aliyu Musa, stated that the association's general secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, will lead participating medical experts while a number of volunteers from Aminu Kano Teahing Hospital will be

lending a helping hand.

This will serve as a launch pad for wider projects in the future, says NMFUK Ameer, Dr. Muhammad Jameel Yusha'u.

Both NMFUK and AHDT are nonprofit organisations that are funded through donations from members, fundraising dinners and live appeals through the media and direct collections in Mosques across the UK.

Nigeria not ripe for state police, says retired customs boss From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

F

ormer comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service, Malam Ali Wakili, has declared that Nigeria is not yet ripe for state police considering the peculiar circumstances of the country.

Wakili who spoke to newsmen in Bauchi, yesterday, said state police will be used by state governors to hunt opponents and truncate the democratic process.

He expressed pessimism about

state police and dismissed calls by some quarters for it. "If you look at what is happening in Nigeria some of our leaders have spoken for and against state police. Eminent and retired civil servant, Joda, has given us an insight and background that led to the abolition of the Native Authority police in the states of Northern Nigerian.

"We have seen how the then Federal Government under the military had to abolish local police.

First they were being used to intimidate opponents. They were

NEMA advocates humanitarian services for vulnerable

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has called for concerted efforts at raising awareness on effective humanitarian service delivery with particular concern to the needs of the most vulnerable groups in the communities including women, children, elderly and the physically challenged.

Presenting a keynote address at a workshop themed 'Greening the

Blues', which was held in Abuja to mark the 'World Humanitarian Day', the Director General of NEMA, Sani Sidi, also stated that human made vices such as terrorism, communal clashes, among others, have been taking their toll on Nigerians.

He argued that the rising wave of these social vices have increased the number of people in need of humanitarian services, such as the refugees and internally displaced persons.

Sidi, therefore pointed out that

the workshop marks a watershed in effective humanitarian service, emphasizing that such services ought to be principled, neutral, and operationally independent in line with global best practices.

Also speaking, the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Nigeria, Daouda Toure, represented by Alice Bala Contey, said the risk of future large-scale emergencies is high in Nigeria due to the increasing frequency and scale of climate related disasters.

being misused because of the fact that a tiny clique can manipulate them.

That is part of the demerits that people have been complaining about.

"And if you look at the federal police right now, people are still complaining that the state governors who are supposed to be chief security officers of the states are misusing the police to intimidate people, most especially during campaign periods.

"It has been reported where you see the police attached to the governors leaving their statutory duties and having an incursion into duties that are not even worthy of any policeman.

"So people are very apprehensive that with the way things are going in Nigerian politics, with everybody in government being intolerant of the opposition, if you allow the states to be in control of police, it means there will be no democracy because there will be no opposing views. So personally having worked for the Federal Government, I am one of those that will kick against the creation of state police.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 7

Nasarawa ASUP begins 7-day warning strike From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

T

he Nasarawa state chapter of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), under the aegis of the Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions (JUTI), has started a

7-day warning strike, with effect from yesterday.

A statement pasted on the entrance walls of the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, and signed by Umar Ibrahim Bako and Danlami Rabiu Yaro, chairman and secretary respectively of the

Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), stated that as a result of lack of response from the state government to address the plight of members of the union, it has resolved to embark on a 7day warning strike commencing from 23rd to 29th August, 2012.

The statement went on to say that on the expiration of the warning strike, if there is no response from government, the union would embark on an indefinite strike action to push home its demand.

Investigation by our reporter

showed that workers at the College of Education, Akwanga and College of Agriculture, Lafia, have joined their colleagues at the state polytechnic to embark on the warning strike, which from all indications, caught many of the students unawares.

Flood: Village head appeals for aid From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he Village Head of Kulawa, in Ganjuwa local government area of Bauchi state, Alhaji Gombo Aliyu, has appealed to both federal state and local governments to alleviate the sufferings of flood victims in his area.

It was gathered by our reporter that torrential rainfall wreaked havoc in Kulawa town, washing away over 100 houses and destroying property worth millions of naira, thereby rendering several families homeless.

Gambo, who visited the affected areas to see the extent of the damage, called on relevant agencies and philanthropists to come to their aid.

He also appealed to the state government to urgently put measures in place to rescue the people from serious road accident that might result from the erosion that washed away the road.

Our correspondent who visited the affected areas reports that though no life was lost, the flood destroyed farmlands, domestic animals, cash crops such as maize, rice, beans and corn worth millions of naira.

Borno to expand Biu General Hospital

L-R: Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i, and national president, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Micheal Alogba, during the meeting between the minister and the union executives, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

3-month-old baby stolen in Benue From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

A

3-month-old baby has been stolen in Anyiin Logo local government of Benue state during church service at St. Theresa's Catholic Church.

Investigation gathered from a reliable source said Mrs. Mbatumun Oseh mother of the

Mrs. Mbatumun asked her little sister to sit by the side of the woman.

However, the woman who had ulterior motives later sent the child to buy tom-tom for her and then disappeared with the baby.

Commenting on the incident, the parish priest of the church, Rev. Fr. Bernard Achuku expressed shock at the incident, saying efforts

were on to uncover those behind the wicked and devilish act.

The matter is said to have been reported to the police at Ugba, the local government headquarters.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Daniel Ezeala, confirmed the incident, disclosing that investigation is still undergoing.

8th National Council on Tourism, Culture ends in Ilorin

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

By Miriam Humbe

G

he 8 th three-day conference of the National Council on Tourism, Culture and National

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has disclosed his intention to expand the general hospital at Biu, to accommodate 500 beds.

Shettima stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Umar Mustafa, as part of his project inspection tour to the area.

Governor Kashim urged traditional institutions to suggest solution to the current insecurity in the state.

Earlier, the Emir thanked the governor for the visit, and commended him for his efforts at repositioning the state through youth empowerment.

Meanwhile, the governor inspected school, hospital, road construction and renovation within Biu and Hawul local government areas, expressing satisfaction with the level of work already done.

baby, had entered the church when an unidentified woman offered to assist her hold the child.

Mrs. Oseh did not object to the request and gladly gave the woman the child demanding that she accompany her to the front row seat in the church where she usually sits. The woman refused preferring instead to sit at the back even as

T

Orientation with the theme: “Leveraging Tourism, Culture and National Orientation for National Peace and Unity” held in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital ends today.

This information was made

available by Chief Information Officer to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Oumide Osanyinpeju.

Speaking at the event yesterday, Permanent Secretary

of the ministry, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, who was also chairman of the technical session, expressed readiness to transform and reposition the sector for a key role in dealing with the emerging challenges of the time.

Youth empowerment will tackle cyber crime – FG

By Muhammad Sada Security was the main issue that dominated discussions at the just concluded Cyber Nigeria Forum 2012 and Africa Information Society Merit Award organised by Tribe Media Company, an ICT programme on TV- AIT InfoTech

Network and Cyber Africa in Lagos.

Tagged, “Economics of Cyberspace and Cyber Responsibility”. The event attracted stakeholders from the Nigerian ICT, manufacturing, science and technology, the academia and entertainment sector.

While delivering the keynote

address, Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson said government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the issue of cybercrime is adequately tackled through empowerment.

Also speaking on the topic, “Social Media, Citizen Journalism and the

State,” Professor Emevwo Biakolo of the School of Media and Communication at the Pan African University, Lagos, noted that social media tools have become enablers both for the professional journalists and citizen journalists, calling on the media to play positive roles in nation building.

IFAD boosts Nigeria cassava, rice production with N16.2 b

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has deepened its agriculture partnership with

Nigeria by offering fresh support of $105.2 million (about N16.2 billion) comprising IFAD loan of $74 million and $0.5 million grant.

The loan secured under IFADNigeria Value Chain Development Program (VCCP) would be executed

as joint project, with federal, states and local councils providing counterpart fund contribution to the tune of $31.2 million.

The funds are to be channeled to increase cassava and rice production value chain.

Minister for Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Akin Adesina, signed on behalf of the Federal Government yesterday while IFAD President, Dr. Kanayo Nwanze, singed for IFAD.

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Tofa opposes creation of state police From Edwin Olofu, Kano

F

ormer presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Alhaji Bashir Tofa, has opposed the agitation for the

creation of state police.

Speaking on the issue which has generated heated debate across the country lately, Tofa noted that if the call for the creation of state police was heeded, it will weigh heavily on the

nation’s economy.

Tofa, who is a founding member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), argued that some advanced countries like the United States of America and United Kingdom which have state

police, have national police that take care of national security, bearing in mind the limitations of the state police.

According to him, “It could be a wasteful investment since you still need to have federal police, which will take care of national security while the state police handle local security because of their limited

jurisdiction”.

He insisted that the country is not yet mature for every state to maintain its own outfit. “I don’t support it because I know it will be abused by the state leaders who would want to exploit the situation to their own advantage, especially in conflict situations, it will also be used to settle political and personal scores”, he stated.

Magoro donates speed boat, cash to families of Kebbi canoe mishap From Muhammad Adamu, Kaduna

T

L-R: Women's Right Manager, Action Aid Nigeria, Patience Ekeoba, Kogi state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Mameh Memuna Patience, Director Women Affairs, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esther Adeyemi, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr. George Ossi, observing National Anthem, during the National Stakeholders Forum, organised by the Ministry, yesterday, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

he Senator representing Zuru and Yauri, Senator Muhammadu Magoro, has made immediate donation of a speed boat and N300, 000 to the families that lost three men, five women and four children in a canoe mishap in Garin Isah Community in Kebbi state.

Magoro, while on a condolence visit to the families of the deceased, also assured the people of the state government’s concern to provide a transport solution.

Three persons had survived after a canoe capsized in Garin Isah , Fakai local government area in Zuru Emirate Council of Kebbi state.

A witness, Alhaji Muhammad Dan’ayi, said the incident occurred last Saturday around 2pm.

He said the canoe was overloaded with goods and 14 passengers mostly women who were coming from a nearby market across the river with goods in preparation for Sallah.

“The paddler was warned that the canoe was overloaded.

Unfortunately, fear gripped the women in the canoe and they stood up transferring much weight to one side as the paddler tried to swing to anchor at a nearby bank. The canoe however capsized killing 11 while the three managed to swim to safety”, Dan’ayi narrated.

NBA decries dilapidated Appeal: Judge opposes 60-day timeline magistrate courts in Bauchi From Iliya Garba, Minna

J

ustice Musa Dattijo Muhammad of Supreme Court has pointed out that there is injustice in the 60 days allowed for appeal by aggrieved parties from the day judgement is delivered to hearing of the appeal, saying that processes of getting judgment and response to the appeal by a respondent always took time.

He made this known yesterday when the executives of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Minna branch, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence, insisting that those charged with the responsibility of amending the constitution were not serious in the past amendments made including those made in the Electoral Act. Justice Muhammad said that the ongoing amendment of the constitution would be a fruitless exercise unless it was done in the best for the country and not to protect the interest of a few including the lawmakers.

He described as “silly” the amendments effected in the Electoral Act by the National Assembly which fixed a timeframe for filing and hearing Electoral Petition cases, arguing that as a result, many petitions were not decided on their merits.

The Supreme court judge who handled the Sokoto governorship appeal that caused Justice Ayo Salami saga, said the incident almost destroyed the judiciary, “it is the worst mess in the history of the judicial

…Says election verdicts not on merit system”.

The mess, he said, was further complicated by the fact that then Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Kastina Alu was involved thereby making it “a case of a judge sitting over his own case” Justice Muhammad also noted that in advanced countries where the judiciary has developed, the proper thing for the two heads of the judiciary to have done, was to resign.

He said that judicial reforms and disciplinary measures are difficult to carry out in the system because the

constitution made the Chief Justice of Nigeria the chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the National Judicial Council(NJC).

State Chairman of NBA, Barrister Jonathan Gunu Taidi, pleaded for the establishment of a division of the Appeal Court in Niger state.

He also solicited for the assistance of Justice Muhammad who was one of the founding fathers of the Bar in Minna, especially in organising the Bar’s legal week scheduled for next month.

IAP chairman losses father

By Stanley Onyekwere

P

a Sampson Adeyanju Adesugba, father to the Chairman of the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP), Chief Adesoji Adesugba, is dead.

According to a message from the family, which announced the death, Pa Adesugba, father, grandfather and patriarch passed on Sunday August 19, 2012 at age of 92.

The statement read: “With gratitude to Almighty God, the family of Pa Sampson Adeyanju Adesugba announces the transition to eternal glory of our beloved father grandfather and patriarch, whom we celebrate his life as we mourn his loss” He is survived by the IAP boss and other children Mrs. Mercy

Adeyinka, Mrs. Soromidayo George, Pastor Adedayo Adesugba as well as many grandchildren.

Pa Sampson Adeyanju Adesugba

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he Bauchi state chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), has petitioned the Bauchi state government over dilapidated Magistrate Court rooms in the state.

A statement signed by the chairman of the association, Barrister Mohammed Alhassan which was distributed to

newsmen in Bauchi Wednesday, appealed to the state government to save the judiciary from total collapse.

The statement decried the lack of permanent court rooms and other basic facilities that will engender a robust and functional judiciary in the state and appealed to the state government to urgently construct befitting magistrate court buildings for the state.

Community appeals for completion of road project From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

S

oro Community in Ganjuwa Local government area of Bauchi state has appealed to the state government to complete the road linking Soro and Miya for the avoidance of dangers that might be fall travellers on it.

The Sarkin Fulanin Madakin Bauchi, Alhaji Manu Soro made the appeal while talking to journalist in his country home at Soro.

He said the Miya – Zara – Kafin Madaki road would soon become a death trap to motorist because of the rains have washed away the base of the road project.

According to Sarkin Fulani, successful completion of the road project would alleviate the difficulties being encountered by the villages along the road.

He enumerated other road projects that require the urgent

attention of government including SoroGungura road, Soro-Shila-JaroKubiand Soro-Gali-Duma to facilitate transportation of goods and people in the areas.

“We also re-echo our appeal to the listening governor to consider urgently, the construction of these roads projects which if not urgently executed, will cripple our businesses and retard socioeconomic development of the respective areas”, Soro said.

He noted that the successful completion of the road projects would facilitate the evacuation of farm produce from the farms to the markets for sale.

He equally commended the state government for its resolve to stem armed robbery and the menace of sara suka in the state.

He also urged the people to support the Yugugda-led administration for a peaceful Bauchi state.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

MONEY SENSE

How to cut down your electricity bills S

ome Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the new billing system of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). In line with the power reform agenda, the rate per kilowatt was recently reviewed upward from N7.30/KW to N12.45/KW. Surprisingly, while the rate increased by just about 70 percent, the accompanying bill especially in some areas has increased by about 150 percent. Or how else do we explain an apartment that was paying N400 per room before now paying N1,000 per month?

Some have suggested PHCN speed up the installation of functional meters. This is highly welcome. However, the reality is that the installation of new meters will not make any difference if we do not check our habit as relate to the usage of electricity.

We are poor at using electricity.

Hardly can you pass through a street either in the rural or urban areas that we will not see bulbs switch on during daylight and yet we complain of overestimated bill when PHCN staffs serve us. Here are the tips to observe if you want to control you electricity bill.

Be prudent in electricity usage Cultivate the habit of switching on bulbs only whenever illumination is needed. Inculcate this habit in all the members of your household. Apart from

A

Quote Never assume you understand. Ask the questions - Brian Tracy: Speaker, Author

Do you know what the CBN says about your bank charges?

CBN Guide to Bank Charges (Bankers Tarriff), effective January 1, 2004. (II) Section 3: Commission On Turnover Description COT applies to all debit transactions.

It is chargeable on all instruments and on all renewals and relievers thereof, including discountable instruments such as Bankers Acceptances, Commercial Papers, Promissory Notes, etc.

2 Debits representing transfers to other accounts in the same name, in the same branch or at another branch of the same bank Costs of cheque book 3 Cheque Books 1

4 Counter Cheque

reducing the monthly PHCN bill, you will reduce the rate of any accident occasioned by spark in any electrical circuit in your household.

Use energy saving bulbs Energy saving bulbs are now available. In addition to using little energy to generate the needed illumination, they last longer than regular incandescent bulbs.

Meanwhile, most energy saving bulbs are coated with phosphorous and mercury which are dangerous to health, we should quickly get rid of it once it is burnt.

Buy energy saving appliances There are some appliances or gadgets that use lesser energy.

Always ask at the point of purchase of such appliances. Such appliances

carry energy saving logos. These appliances can save you 30 percent of the regular PHCN monthly bill.

Switch off all appliances when going out This is a safety precaution. We are always enjoined to switch off all electrical or electronic appliances whenever we are leaving home. Some households have lost all they have worked for due to non-observance of this rule.

It is only when you and members of your household are at home that you enjoy electricity. Otherwise, whatever voltage that your appliances consume while you are away is wasted. Right from today, stop paying for services you and members of your households do not enjoy.

Tips to being a financially savvy university student ttending university can be a financially daunting due to the cumbersome expenses for tuition, textbooks, transportation, food and other responsibilities. However, there are a number of practical ways to curb various costs and avoid the constant panic of going broke. Here are a few ways to save and still have a pleasant university experience: 1. Invest in Used Textbooks: Brand new editions of textbooks can be very expensive with some costing as much as N45, 000. You can, however, avoid these costs by purchasing used textbooks from the campus bookstore or your friends at a much cheaper price.

Additionally, you can capitalize on

PAGE 11

the benefits of the digital age and obtain e-books via the internet.

Majority of the e-books are available at subsidized costs so this should save you some bucks.

2. Patronize less expensive means of transportation: Using taxi cabs or even spending money on fuel for your car (if have one), can take quite a lot from your allowance.

You can consider using the local bus or drive a bicycle to school in order to save transportation costs. Also, you can search for a classmate with a similar class schedule to yours and catch a ride with him/her every day to school.

3.Cut cost of feeding: Various universities have meal plans for students and restaurants on campus. However, food from the restaurant and the campus meal plans can be quite costly. Thus, you can choose to purchase food from more affordable eateries off campus or cook on a budget with foodstuffs from the grocery store.

4.

Be smart about accommodation: Finding

affordable housing in university can be challenging. It is clever to source options that can help curtail living costs. You can split a room with a couple of friends or even commute to university from home if you live close by.

5. Set up a Savings Account: As a student, saving for the rainy days should be very important to you.

A number of banks in the country cater to students through savings accounts and internet banking. A savings account is useful because it allows you withdraw at minimal fees and it is more lenient on the minimum amount allowed in an account.

6. Be meticulous, be organised: Monitoring your spending habits is also a viable path towards saving. Keeping receipts of items you purchase whether they are as little as a notebook or a laptop is advisable. At the end of every month, you can gather up the receipts from purchases and double check to make sure you're not spending on items you don't need.

Rates Negotiable Subjects to a maximum of N5 per mile

Free

Full recovery of cost plus stamp duties N200 per leaflet

Section 4: Commission on Bonds, Guarantees & Indemnities, etc.

Description Rates 1 Bid Bonds & Tender Bonds Negotiable, Subject to a maximum of 1% per quarter 2 Cheque Indemnities 1% on the amount of Indemnity 3 Performances Bond (chargeable from 2% per half year date of contingent liability 4 Advance Payment Bond 1% per half year 5 Other Bonds, Guarantees and 2% per half year, Indemnities minimum N5,000 Note: Where commission in respect N5,000 of the charges is calculated and falls below minimum Section 5: Foreign Exchange Commission Description Rates 1 All purchases from CBN auction and inter-bank 1% Purchases 2 Inward Telegraphic Transfers, Mail Free Transfers, and Drafts expressed in Naira Inward Telegraphic Transfers, Mail 0.5%, minimum N400 Transfers, and Drafts expressed in Foreign Currency Handling Commission 3 Travellers Cheques, Cheques and Minimum N1,000.

Slight Bills for negotiation Maximum 1% Handling Commission 4 Usance bills purchases as in (3) As in (3) plus interest at local rate Plus interest at local rate 5 Foreign Currency Notes Negotiable up to a To be a purchased at the bank's sight maximum of 1% rate plus Handling Commission (no minimum charge) 6 Repurchases of Travellers Cheques Negotiable up to a by the issuing bank will be at the maximum of 1% T.C. biding rate for appropriate currency plus Handling Commission Sales 7 Commission on Outward Telegraphic 1% Transfers, Mail Transfers and Drafts (minimum N250) 8 Foreign currency notes at the normal 0.5% selling rate Handling Commission (minimum N250) 9 Travelers Cheques. Rate applicable 0.5% to Authorised Dealer plus Handling (minimum N250) Commission 1 0 Transfers paid for in cash-Handling Charge 1% 1 1 Transaction Charge USD 0.50 or its equivalent will be allowed per transaction.

1 2 Collection charge on Cheques 1% of cheque value or US$10 or its equivalent, which ever is higher 1 3 a) Commission on Travellers Cheque Negotiable, subject to a issued maximum of 1% b) Transaction charge on withdrawal Negotiable, subject to a from deposits other than cash maximum of 1% 1 4 Commission on mail Transfers, 0.5% or Us$10 or its telegraphic Transfers and Drafts equivalent, whichever is higher, plus actual communications cost.

1 5 Transactions on Letters of Credit, Charges will be as per Bills for Collection and Guarantee relevant sanction in this Guide

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

N

Lessons of London 2012 Olympics debacle

igeria's name was conspicuously missing from the medals table of the London Olympic Games. This is particularly a bitter pill to swallow considering that nations far less endowed than Nigeria, even smaller in size and population, registered their names in the medals chart.

The pain of failure is aggravated by the fact that the federal government had put as much as N2.3 billion into the preparations of Team Nigeria to the Olympic Games. Unlike during previous Games, this time the team was relatively well funded and therefore expectations were high.

Officials were upbeat, assuring sport loving Nigerians that the country would, in the least, match its Atlanta '96 performance where it won two gold, one silver and three bronze medals.

But it was not to be. Instead, Team Nigeria returned fazed, not winning any medal at all just as happened at the Moscow ’80 and Seoul ‘88 Games. Our expectation of a bag-full of medals turned out to be just wishful thinking because we had expected to reap where we had not sowed. As it happened, our preparations were at best fire brigade-like whereas more serious nations’ preparations began two

or more years earlier. And this showed in their huge medal hauls.

In our own case, the leaderships of the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) were engaged in irritating bickering over membership of boards of national

“

As long as corruption continues to define our national ethos so long will this country continue to fail in governance and everything else, including sport which once cemented our place on the world map and international sport federations; as a result, there was no time for them to come up with a practicable training programme for the athletes going to the Games in London.

Sadder still, rather than own up to Team Nigeria’s disastrous London showing, they have chosen to trade blame and pour invectives

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

on athletes for not giving of their best. But if truth be told, the athletes (for example, Blessing Okagbare that set a new national record in 100m by clocking 10.93 seconds and the 4x100m relay women who, from being best losers in the qualifiers, placed fourth in the final) pushed themselves to the limit of their raw talent; certainly they would have done much better if they had had a carefully crafted and systematically executed training schedule prior to the Games.

Disappointed as Nigerians all are by our dismal performance at the London Olympics, we at Peoples Daily believe that this is a true reflection of everything wrong about Nigeria; it throws into sharp relief the morass of corruption in our national life.

This is why we fear that the federal government's directive for an immediate overhaul of the sport sector is not addressing the root of the problem in the sector, for what is wrong here is a symptom of a much larger problem. As long as corruption continues to define our national ethos so long will this country continue to fail in governance and everything else, including sport which once cemented our place on the world map.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

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

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND JAMILA NUHU MUSA

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

By Adeolu Ademoyo

G

iven that death is an eternal, final and a humbling tax, which we all pay as humans, the ethics of dying, death and living shows that the memory of the departed is fragile. The memory of the dead must be cuddled and nursed with human love, sensitivity and care. But the Nigerian security apparatus failed this basic ethical test with Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde's memory. Even in death, this security apparatus of which the Nigerian police is its public face has shown a lack of moral capacity to help redress an evil and pay a honourable homage to the memory of a Nigerian who gave his youth to the service of his motherland.

Against this background and other important ones, to argue for or against central or state police is not only to put the cart before the horse, it is to fail to recognize that both the cart and the horse may actually be collapsing with respect to policing in Nigeria. And this is my argument for this claim.

Mr. Oyerinde was the personal secretary to Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, the governor of Edo state. Some evil hands forced out the last breadth out of this family man. Given the evil nature of his death, it was met with deep emotions laden with love and fond memories of his productive life when he was with us. Sadly, the Nigerian security apparatus thought otherwise. They beat a different path from the love and fondness Nigerian public has bestowed on the memory of Mr. Oyerinde. Therefore, when the Nigerian police and the State Security

By Umekachikelu F. Chukwuebuka

A

retrospective view at the precolonial era would convince one that democracy is not a stranger to Africa. Democracy as comprehended by the Westerners should be viewed as democracy in the general sense. For instance, the Igbos of Nigeria practiced a mode of democracy, which wore the garb of communalism. In this system, every man is expected to say his mind in issues and discussions bothering on the societal welfare. Who dares to say that that was not democracy?

Democracy should not be viewed as enthroned only when an election is conducted. Adolphus Hitler of Germany was elected into power, but his government was far from democratic. The Queen of Great Britain, on the other hand, is not elected. Only members of parliament are. This does not n anyway negate the fact that Britain practices democracy. Democracy should be understood as a government, be it monarchical or parliamentarian, or even communal, where the people's voice can be heard and felt; a setup If democracy should be understood as the people's government, it follows then that many societies and cultures in Nigeria practiced democracy before the Europeans came. Therefore, since telling from the events in time, the Western kind of democracy is hard for us to uphold, we Nigerians can look inwards for an authentic system of democracy that can meet our yearning. This should not be seen as another political ideology. It is however, a call to revolution, retrospection, reactivation and resuscitation of the Nigerian politics.

It is a clamour for a Nigerian political renaissance. The time is due for

PAGE 13

Beyond central and state police Service were called in to investigate his death, they gave two contradictory and potentially irreconcilable reports.

First, both police and State Security Service (SSS) paraded two different sets of suspects for the same death. Second, having paraded two different sets of suspects, it was not established in fact or logic that the two sets of suspects have any connection with one another.

Third, while the police included Mr. David Ugolor, a member of the human right advocacy community as the lead suspect, the SSS paraded as suspects people who wore same clothes as suspects who were arrested months earlier for Boko Haram killings.

Besides the fact that the two reports are contradictory, they show that the Nigerian security apparatus at both federal and state levels do not serve the law and Nigerians. They serve only persons and their political masters.

Thus, contrary to popular views including those of Mr. Oshiomhole, the Edo state governor who is justifiably bereaved and who is our chief mourner in the unfortunate death of Mr. Oyerinde the question is not who is right between the police and the SSS as he is disposed to claim. Rather the primary question is: in a season of debate about the need for state /central police and in view of the consistent gross contradictions among Nigeria's security agencies, and their lack of commitment to law and to Nigerian tax payers, the question is: to what extent can we trust any of these security apparatus? And what ought

to be the basis of our trust in any of the police - whether state or central? And with what do we fill that moral vacuum which the security apparatus both at central and state levels display in such an ugly manner?

Police in any decent country DO NOT serve political masters or persons as we have it in Nigeria. They serve the LAW, and the public, the taxpayers. Without orienting the police to serve the law, truth and the public rather than political masters, persons and political parties, the issue of whether we should have state and central police becomes secondary, though relevant.

Those who call for state police argue that it is consistent with federalism and it is justified because of the insecurity in the land. Those who defend central police argue that state police will be misused and that central police is one of the few national institutions remaining. The two sides fail woefully to address the fundamental flaw in the present police system because they miss the core of policing by displacing LAW and ETHICS in their arguments.

The Nigerian police and the general security apparatus in Nigeria do not serve the law; they serve political masters at national and state levels. Because the Nigerian security apparatus, as presently constituted, is heavily personalized and tied to the political fortunes of parties and persons in power, the two sides are ridiculously poor arguments because they are

merely about persons and parties in power and not about law and the public, the taxpayers.

For example, a central police that cannot and does not investigate and prosecute the president's men and women is flawed and morally bankrupt. This is the case with the present police in Nigeria. It is a mere official gang in national garb and colours, which is unfortunately paid for by public tax. Similarly, a state police that cannot and will not investigate and prosecute the governor's men and women will be nothing but a cesspool of stench, which will be the personal militia of a sitting governor.

Both of these two forms of police one that is actual and one that is potential - is a choice. All indications show these two offensive and putrid moral states of affairs with respect to how our political class and we Nigerians understand the police system.

A closer look shows that the socalled results of the " thorough investigation" into the sad and painful death of a promising young family man - Mr. Oyerinde's- point to this and they go heavily against the partisans of state and central police. If the death of a fellow human being as we have it in Mr. Oyerinde's death can be this politicized in a country that has produced some of the finest minds in the world, then the current calls for state police and the current defence of central police becomes self serving for political pay

masters on both sides of the coin.

This is because while it may be said that there is often rivalry globally among each country's security agencies as they jostle for supremacy, such rivalry ought to be professional rather than being embedded in untruth and outright falsehood the way it is with our country's security and law enforcement agencies. It happens this way in Nigeria because Nigeria police and other law enforcement agencies are made to serve political masters and the ruling political class rather than Law and the public.

Unknown to many of us, the unacceptable ugly record of Nigerian security apparatus in Boko Haram's case and in the investigation of Mr. Oyerinde's death in dishing out false and contradicting reports is a major threat to our security. They are sufficient to shame any call for state or central police without first making the security apparatus in our country, of which the police is its public and civil face, serve the nation.This is the only befitting service and honour to Nigerians and their memories -either living or those who have answered the eternal call. May the gentle soul of Oyerinde rest in profound peace.

Nigeria to manufacture a panNigerian democracy in them, and then infusing modernity into them to produce a governmental strategy that would be tasty to Nigeria.

Nigeria, I believe, is old enough to go back to her roots and carve out a unique system of government that can uphold the social contract. It could be monarchical or representative, but it must have democratic tenets, that is, the people's opinion must be respected. We cannot continue practicing the democracy moulded by another culture; let us mould our own democracy. Nigerians should come to realise that the system of democracy as practiced in Europe and America were founded by the Westerners to suit their taste and beat.

We should device a democracy that is both familiar and peculiar to us.

The type of democracy we practice in today's Nigeria is spiky, strange, and sour. This is because it is not ours; it is alien to Nigeria. This explains the political intrigues, lack of productivity, kidnappings, and bombings, excesses of the leaders, excruciating poverty, hunger and other vices that have besieged the children of this great country. A Copernican revolution is therefore advocated hic et nunc.

A traditional democratic monarchy as a system of governance can be achieved in Nigeria as a country. This can be made a reality by drawing the good qualities from the Old Oyo Empire and the Second Kanem Borno Empire, and blending them to form a single traditional Nigerian system of government.

Nigeria can practice a monarchical democracy. The monarch would rule for life under favourable government, but can be deposed if the people feel that he or she is not meeting their sociopolitical demands. There would be no campaign or election for this position. The monarchy can be zoned such that the geo-political zones that constitute Nigeria would take turns to produce a monarch at the demise of the reigning one.

There would be representatives to the monarch's palace and these would come from the different zones, and would be elected by the people from their zones. There would be no rallies for this, and partisan politics would be non-existent. No campaigns for any post would be encouraged since the people are supposed to know the integrity and

calibre of the people they feel should represent them at the monarch's palace. The elected representatives would constitute the monarch's council of advisers and collaborators in leadership; they would also stand as representatives to the people of their zones and would put forward their interest at the council. Their tenure can last for six years; second and third tenures would be allowed, and this depends solely on the people since there would be no campaigns or official declaration of interest to come back for another tenure by the representatives.

The monarch with the aid of the representatives can appoint the governors to represent him in the different states. These governors would be chosen from all the regions but can be deployed to serve in any state in the country. This is to encourage a sense of unity and nationality in the country, a sense that is lacking, no thanks to partisan politics. The governor would be entrusted with the running of the given state, and has the right to appoint his advisers and councillors.

The people also can elect people who would represent them in the state house, and these would be in the format of the election of the national

representatives. The councillors would represent the governor in the village provinces. A forum would be created in all the provinces and the state capitals where people can express their opinion about the government.

This government would be beneficial to Nigeria as a country and Africa as a whole. It is Nigerian, and democratic. The voice of the people would be heard and their emotions felt in this political setup. This system would see the end of violent and extravagant campaigning and dubious rallies. The foreign and murderous partisan politics with all its sordid proclivities would be smothered to death. Economic stability and Afro-social regeneration would come to the surface.

The mode of democracy as practiced in Nigeria today is fetid.

The rights of the citizens are trampled upon with impunity under the guise of democracy. Dare-devil leaders and parasitic business tycoons who parade in political gowns and judicial wigs puff under the auspices of government to met out unimaginable pain and insults on the mass of the people.

Nigerians have, of course, reached the turgidity of endurance and are sure to explode in no distant time.

Therefore, no other time than this apposite for this cry for Nigerian political renaissance. Since the present mode of social contract has failed to deliver the mandate, let us as Nigerians, revisit the method used by our forebears, synthesize their good qualities to produce a modified and authentic system but of governance.

Adeolu Ademoyo (aaa54@cornell.edu ) is of the Africana Studies and Research Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

Let’s nigerianize this democracy

“

This government would be beneficial to Nigeria as a country and Africa as a whole. It is Nigerian, and democratic. The voice of the people would be heard and their emotions felt in this political setup.

Umekachikelu F. Chukwuebuka is on Facebook.

PAGE 14

By Dele Akinola

N

o condition is permanent.

Not even that of permanent secretaries.

But when you apply to that theorem two grace-endowed variables, the equation dissolves into an almighty formula.

There is much royal chemistry between the exalted position of First Lady and the demanding post Permanent Secretary with insurance in the celestial biology of patience and good luck.

True, women like to be first in all things. But they, especially the married ones, prefer firsts that are permanent. Ask Nigerian standup comedians, and they would lay claim to the copyright. And I, as a sit-down comedian, can play the copy cat. At our glamorous church services, during praise worship, unmarried women, desperately searching for husbands, prefer to sing "Do something new in my life." But the married ones, especially those married to men of position, power and authority, would rather sing "It shall be permanent."

Between the positions of First Lady and Permanent Secretary, which one radiates a bigger aura of permanence? The position of First Lady is an attire; that of Permanent Secretary is a career. Once a PermSec always a PermSec. But once a First Lady, always a First Lady?

I dare you to mime that before any reigning First Lady. As a matter of fact, or if you like, as a matter of land, an out-of-court

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

First Permanent Lady Secretary settlement is the best a First Lady who had been minding his own 1976 and 1979. With his who had a Foundation could business patiently as Chief of Staff, patience on compulsory leave, obtain against a First Lady who Supreme Headquarters, to the he bungled the goodwill that has a Mission. slain Gen. Murtala Muhammed. trails good luck which hardly It is written: With patience He was made Head of State. operates where there is no and good luck, all things are When Gen. Sani Abacha put patience. possible. President Goodluck the man of good luck out of In the Holy Bible of Otuoke, Jonathan Nigeria has a p r o b a b l y Dame, a lady of n e v e r power, glamour imagined and grandeur, of becoming whom it is Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text Nigeria's w r i t t e n : messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written Number One Patience and contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 citizen when good luck shall words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and he was made follow you all the a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed d e p u t y days of your life. to: governor. But As a lady, you shall be first. In here was an The Editor, your career, you anointed man shall also be first. who had good Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, And your first luck following 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. shall be him all the Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com permanent. No days of his life.

SMS: 07037756364 c r i t i c i s m During the f a s h i o n e d p o l i t i c a l tragic-comedy that trailed the circulation, he waited patiently in against you shall prosper. You unfortunate illness of his boss, the prison, where he "actually passed shall stand before kings and late President Umaru Yar'adua, through the valley of the shadow governors and take oaths in many wanted him to apply the of death." There Gen. Abdusalami pursuit of your career. Your koboko placed in his hands by Abubakar went to anoint him, like devotion to your career shall virtue of his position as acting the Biblical Joseph, civilian never debar you from fully president. But he held on executive president. All these discharging your matrimonial patiently until Yar'Adua finally blessings he claimed without responsibilities. You are blessed.

And so, how important it is lost the battle and he became lifting even a finger. See the tight substantive president. See what chemistry between patience and for her to discharge her Permsec duties in Bayelsa state diligently patience enveloped in good luck good luck. can do!

Then he became Ebora Owu. and efficiently and yet does not In February, 1976, one Bukar Eboras are not known to be legends have to spend a night outside Aso Sukar Dimka came to scatter our in the world of patience. He began Rock! The old American pop buka at Dodan Barracks, to hassle and thus forgot to let music star foresaw this when he Obalende, Lagos. In the aftermath Nigerians know what he was later sang: "I don't think that men of the bloodshed, good luck smiled asking for was actually a fourth should sleep alone." That was on one young military officer and not a third term, having even ordinary men; how much affectionately called Uncle Sege, served his first term between more the Man of men! And God

WRITE TO US

forbids that anyone else, other than the First Lady prepares meals for the First Gentleman.

With patience and good luck already in her kitty, all she need in addition is to polish her culture of hard work. This she must have embraced from her recent guest, Lady Joyce Banda of Malawi, who, in addition to being president, also doubles as her own First Lady. All our Dame, the Dame of African Dames, needs do is wake up early enough to prepare two meals, serve breakfast and preserve lunch in a presidential cooler. She then heads for the airport to connect her flight by 7.30 a.m. and arrive at her desk at Yenegoa in another hour.

Leaving the state capital even by 5.00 p.m. gets her back to Aso Rock early enough to prepare dinner. All that is required is a permanent assignment of a new aircraft in the presidential fleet to the project. Before you start your lousy criticism again, get yourself schooled in pertinent information.

Visit www.I-don't-give-adamn.gov.ng and download the hyperlink "Bayelsa Career."

Being a career woman, the First Lady would have succeeded in making her status as a lady secretary and her position at the home front permanent. And so, it's big congratulations to the First Permanent Lady Secretary, Dame Dr. Patience Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria's first permanent lady secretary.

Dele Akinola is CEO, Clips Communications.

An “Africanist” take on development

By Uddin Ifeanyi

A

cross the road on the Marina, within earshot of the popular bukka "under the bridge", the authorities, not too long ago, put a zebra crossing. And for good measure too. Such is the intensity of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, at this particular intersection that this aid to the weakest of traffic participants looked like a godsend, when it was put in place. Since then, though, it has spawned countless sub-narratives.

My favourite was told me several months back by a colleague who was almost run over as he made the crossing. On his snakebitten entourage was an Italian (one of the many engaged by Julius Berger on the construction of the new Central Bank of Nigeria building). Safely through to the other side of the road (past the danger of using the zebra crossing), the Italian turns to my colleague and asks "what's with you people and road signs? Don't you get what the zebra crossing is for?" My colleague's reply was a gem. "No", said he, "the zebra crossing is a cultural experience not yet fully internalised by us".

He recounts that the Italian then nodded furiously. However, I am not too sure whether this was because he now got it, or in further bafflement. On my part, I admit to being constantly thwarted by road signs in this country. Or, better put, that I

have been (and still am) troubled by other road users' attitude to road signs. In part, I have often wondered how much of our poor road habits are cultural. Why stop at the "red" light, and go on "green", for instance? It might just be that something about us would rather that we go on "red" and stop on "green" at traffic lights. And "amber"? Who knows, "purple" might just be the colour that "pauses" the Nigerian. And the risks we take on the road? How much are these correlates of our low life expectancy rates? Moreover, what is the proper response to a lot of drivers/riders' insistence on driving (or riding) against traffic.

Why criminalise this? Because Western practice says so? Or because everywhere that this rule has been "enforced", it has proven useful for managing traffic?

The active noun here is obviously "enforcement". To the casual observer, in those places where people obey the rules, it may appear cultural to do so. But in truth, rulebased conduct is the result of a clear system of sanctions and rewards consistently applied (over time) to infractions and compliance respectively. Some thirty years ago, driving in Ilorin, it was a given amongst my friends that any vehicle that drives through a roundabout without care for traffic on the left, invariably bears a Lagos license plate.

It was unheard of then to break traffic rules with the impunity that I see

today.

This same impunity confronts me each time I contemplate the face of governance. And now it no longer matters whether it is in the public or private sector. There is in every sphere of our organisation as a people, an exemption or freedom from punishment, harm, or loss enjoyed by those in authority that can only burden our aspirations for progress.

Almost inevitably, concern with this leads to consideration of the root causes of the nation's problems. A consideration borne out of the persuasion that if we get the response to this enquiry right, then proffering solutions will be a

great deal easier.

A very intriguing book recently offered me one such solution.

Apparently, what is failing here is nothing Nigerian. Instead, it is the system of management that we have opted for. This is not simply a question of blaming the principle of respect for private property. Even the very ethos that has evolved out of this principle is held responsible for our serial failure to find the right handle on development. By protecting the freedom of the individual, our present mode of national management violates a communal ethos that is natural to "us".

“

The active noun here is obviously "enforcement". To the casual observer, in those places where people obey the rules, it may appear cultural to do so. But in truth, rule-based conduct is the result of a clear system of sanctions and rewards consistently applied (over time) to infractions and compliance respectively.

In addition, the incentive structures that have arisen on the back of accounting for the diverse costs of production (the price mechanism) do the "African way" an immense disservice. In other words, we who have held, and continue to hold a profane leadership and a prostrate followership responsible for our woes as a people do both the latter grave injury. They cannot but fail, given the management system we have chosen. Conclusion, we cannot modernise this country by westernising it. We may have to Africanise it.

Fiddlesticks? Not really. The petty literati once railed against the bourgeoisie from behind the Marxist-Leninist stalking horse.

But once the relentless drive of history lifted the veil off that posturing there were few ideological havens remaining. One lesson, however, was learnt: where Marxist-Leninism sought an almost scientific interpretation of history's advance, the new "Africanist" perspective is sufficiently woolly to represent all things to everyone. Still, it stumbles on one very important definition: "Western". All, you see, is Western that the Caucasian has found useful in all civilisations it has encountered.

Uddin Ifeanyi is on facebook (www.faaebook.com)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

By Chinedu Ekeke

H

e tugs his massive self all over our political landscape, lumbering from one media house to another, trying to ululate us into seeing that which exists not and professing as true that which is false. Today he is a guest at AIT, tomorrow he appears on Channels and the next day he is on NTA. His message isn't quite clear because there isn't any message in the first place. But his approach is discernible. He seems all out to make as much noise as he can and distract as many people as he is able to, while hoping that his principal somehow learns how to commence the task of governance, a task he has deliberately refused to do in the last two years. He isn't just after halftruths and utter falsehood; he is also into frontal attacks of those who point out the many ills of his principal's regime. He is Dr. Doyin Okupe, the recently appointed Senior Special Assistant to President Jonathan on Public Affairs.

Recently he took umbrage at the duo of Nasir el-Rufai and Tunde Bakare, calling them names for voicing out their displeasure with the purposeless leadership President Jonathan is giving Nigeria. He alluded to Pastor Tunde Bakare nursing a "deep-seated hatred‌" He admonished the Man of God to "not convert the pulpit into a podium".

On El-Rufai, he said politics is "derailing or deranging" the former FCT minister.

To pooh-pooh El-Rufai's call for the president to resign if he is unable to perform the job which he was elected to do, Mr. Okupe posed the puzzle: "Can President Goodluck Jonathan be in Borno and everywhere at the same time?"

It is plain ridiculous to advance the argument that the insecurity in Nigeria persists because our president is not omnipresent.

Which mortal is? When did Mr

PAGE 15

The adventures of Uncle Doyin Jonathan become a security operative? If he were, then it is reasonable to emphasize that an operative can only secure his immediate vicinity without knowing what goes on in other vicinities. But he is not. One therefore wonders why Okupe took to such wrong logic in his desire to spew something; just anything. Ok, since Mr Okupe is implying that the president can

protected.

On his "pulpit to podium" admonition, one can only laugh.

In a country where the clergy maintain a troubling criminal silence in the face of massive stealing by government officials, it is easy to understand Okupe's frustrations with Bakare. Well, there's always a podium on every pulpit, it only depends on what the speaker on the pulpit wants to do

only secure where he is, why is Abuja also part of the cities constantly bombed by Boko Haram? Why hasn't the president, who isn't in Borno but in Abuja, been able to secure Abuja? For Mr Doyin's information, the president isn't a security operative. He doesn't carry guns. He is the Commander-in-chief. His job regarding security is to constitute the nation's top military/ intelligence command, instruct them on what to do, make funds available for the job, monitor and evaluate their performances from time to time, and make changes when necessary. He doesn't need to be omnipresent before the lives and property of Nigerians will be

with the podium. Many a Nigerian pastor use their pulpits to bless corrupt people in government in exchange for mega tithes, huge offerings, substantial seeds and import waivers. Tunde Bakare has chosen to use his to bear witness to the light, as against the evil going on in the land. There is no conflict there, except, of course, one has one's mind made up to demonize the pastor. That is what Doyin has done, and prepares to still do.

Doyin Okupe thinks his job is to haul insults at Nigerians once they call the mediocre president they have in Aso Rock by what he truly represents. That was what made him conclude that Tunde

Bakare is a hater. Yet it was the same Bakare who mobilized Nigerians to speak for Jonathan 'the oppressed' during the lingering health crisis of late President Yar'Adua. Okupe is today a beneficiary of Bakare's dogged fight for the oppressed; yet the same Bakare is now exhibiting a "deep-seated hatred" against Jonathan.

Those who do not understand the definition of good governance, as well as the work of a government spokesperson, have said that Mr Okupe knows the job he was hired to do, and is doing it well. I don't think so.

Doyin Okupe is fighting hard to buy his freedom, and probably justice, with the vitriols he daily hauls at government critics. The desperation says it all. He understands what it means to be in the net of the EFCC. Okupe doesn't have the freedom to say the many evils of this government. His hands are tied.

If he dares say the truth, then he should be ready to go on exile or his sins will be tossed in his face.

He was reported to have used his closeness to former president Olusegun Obasanjo to obtain a contract in Benue State, got mobilized, and then abandoned the contract without executing it.

The governor of the state during the period under review is still alive and presently a senator. He has since confirmed the story. It was also reported that in 2006, Mr Okupe was detained for one month in EFCC custody, Lagos.

What was his offence? He obtained a contract in Imo State, got mobilized with a hefty amount, and failed to execute the contract.

Clearly, if you were Okupe, with a past steeped in corruption and

everything. This subtle pantheistic superstition even finds expressions in ungodly activities - e.g. armed robbers praying for success before setting out for their operations, or politicians praying before any deliberations despite the fact that the public sector, in which they are key actors, is now the engine of corruption and nepotism in the country. The private sector is not shielded from this God onslaught.

Some firms say morning prayers. These prayers do not stop them from doing anything possible (even ungodly) to enhance the proverbial bottom-line!

Notwithstanding, many Nigerians would not want to be known as ungodly or anti-God, even if their actions are. It is a taboo to be ungodly or atheistic. The society expects you to consume God whether you believe God exists or not. As long as you demonstrate this God consumption, you shall be fine and free. There is no better word for this expected behaviour than hypocrisy.

Many Nigerians are hypocrites otherwise, it would be difficult to account for the level of indiscipline, corruption and class oppression characteristic of many Nigerians.

Hypocrisy is in an inauthentic form of existence.

Authenticity is to say and accept that I am a criminal, when I am one.

Authenticity is to be who you are irrespective of what others want you

to be. It is being true to oneself irrespective of how else one wants to be.

The authentic person accepts the vulnerability, and probably the discomfort, of swimming against the tide of public opinion. The biblical Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), despite his sins, was authentic in his encounter with Jesus. He accepted his corrupt practices and when he repented, he made restitutions. Inauthenticity is a fake life. It is a form of concealment. It is a deceitful acceptance to present ourselves as who we are not.

The culture of inauthenticity and hypocrisy has permeated all aspects of the Nigerian society. This is particularly so amongst the emergent upper middle class who are caught up in an identity crisis. They constitute the nouveau riche. They also like to impress and be impressed. They like to give the impression that they are internationally mobile and have global tastes. They like to be in vogue and keep up with trends. Prosperity is their new religion. No one cares, as long as it translates to money.

Money speaks; money works. They drive good cars; have good jobs and houses; and their children go to very good schools. Some people in this class think that living the Nigerian dream is to build personal kingdoms (e.g. people overleveraging themselves to belong), living in

houses and driving luxury cars they cannot afford, putting their kids in schools where they chase them to pay fees after they have gone on summer holidays on borrowed money! They find a way to isolate themselves from the wretchedness around them. They shield themselves from the masses.

They create islands in ghettos.

They inadvertently become and constitute the ghetto elites.

Ghetto elitism in itself could be an outcome of hard work - even if it comes across as selfishness. After all, self-interest which often manifests as selfishness is the bedrock of contemporary capitalism. One of the hallmarks of capitalism, as an ideological force, is its ability to mutate and adapt to its context. This ability allows capitalism to be all things for all people.

It grants some legitimacy to selfishness and often masks rogue entrepreneurship as heroism. This mask of heroism is sustained and energised by the complementary practice of reputation and brand management. Reputation and brand management experts are also known for their dexterity in the manufacture and creation of inauthenticity.This inauthenticity conceals the fatality of the unbridled pursuit of self-interests, which often culminates in selfishness.

“

Nobody is intimidated by the name change from dog to lion, or by the fact that our money is used to pay two different people, and offices, for doing the same job.

criminal conversion of state funds, and with a president willing to provide state cover for such crimes, you would do exactly what he is doing. He is desperately seeking to impress the president so as to attract a clandestine obliteration of his sordid records with the security agencies and ultimately avoid prosecution, and possibly, the Bode George treatment.

Okupe's approach to his job is selfserving and will, ultimately, hurt President Jonathan. Yet the question might even be what Jonathan himself wants. Does he want to be helped on the task of governance or does he seek to just recruit those who will praise him to high heavens while the ship of state - which captain he is - totters towards sinking? This seems to be the president's desire.

Nobody is intimidated by the name change from dog to lion, or by the fact that our money is used to pay two different people, and offices, for doing the same job. We owe this nation the duty of forcing a halt to its designed slide to destruction. Part of how to perform this duty is to remain vigilant and watch closely what government does and what it fails to do, pointing out those that weren't done or those done wrongly, and insisting that the right thing be done.

There is no force in this world strong enough to push us off this path; and certainly, there is no dog or lion or tiger that would eat up that page of our constitution where our right to freedom of expression is guaranteed.

Somebody just has to let Dr Doyin Okupe understand this.

Follow Chinedu on Twitter for more direct engagement. @ekekeee

Ghetto elitism and hypocrisy in Nigeria

By Kenneth Amaeshi

N

igerians do God. It is almost impossible to find a selfprofessed atheist in Nigeria.

Mosques and Churches are usually filled to the brim on Fridays and Sundays, respectively. Loud chants of God are flamboyantly rendered, literally, from rooftops, in season and out of season. Accessible social spaces are littered with sermons and God talk.

The easiest and cheapest way to earn the anti-Christ badge of dishonour is to challenge these God speeches. To an outsider, Nigerians may come across as conspicuous consumers of God. This ostentatious God consumption, unfortunately, does not bear corresponding fruits in the country.

This leaves one wondering whether Nigerians merely pay lip service to God and what He expects of them or derives commensurate pleasure and satisfaction from mocking God. Either way, God consumption in the country is a viable industry with active actors on the supply and demand sides of the equation: and the market forces - often anchored on the dark forces of witches and wizards - do not appear to be waning. Nigerians pray for everything. Nothing escapes the clutches of prayers. To an average Nigerian, everything is dependent on God, and God is dependent on

Nonetheless, capitalism can be a veritable force for good when tamed and domesticated. Undomesticated and wild capitalism often gives rise to rogue entrepreneurs, ghetto capitalism and elitism. Nigeria, unfortunately, is not short of ghetto capitalists and elites.

Ghetto elitism and the culture of hypocrisy are inseparable twins and dangerous. A society built on such foundations is bound to collapse with time. I see a Nigerian society sleepwalking onto this deadly precipice. The tipping point is not far from us. We all know it. We all feel it; but who will bell the cat? Grandiose God consumption will not save the country. Those who claim to be of God should, at least, be seen to be godly in their everydayness - for by their fruits, they shall be known. God consumption without the corresponding good works is sheer hypocrisy and mockery of God. The worst thing one can do to oneself is to live an inauthentic life. At the end, the truth shall be known; and whatever is concealed shall be uncovered. Then, the finger of derision shall point the inauthentic and the hypocrite to scorn.

Be authentic; be yourself!

Dr. Kenneth Amaeshi is an Associate Professor (Reader) in Strategy&International Business at University of Edinburgh, UK

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Council boss warns youths against vandalising pipelines

By Usman Shuaibu

T

A brick layer putting finishing touches to a building in Utako district, Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Mpape demolition: Judge adjourns case to Sept. 10 J

ustice Husseini Baba of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court yesterday adjourned to September 10, 2012, ruling in a case filed by 80 residents of Mpape, Abuja, against the FCT minister and FCTA over the planned demolition of their properties.

Husseini had at the last sitting on August 15, 2012 ordered

counsel to both parties to serve each other with all the court processes before August 23.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr Ayodele Gata, prayed the court for an interlocutory injunction restraining the FCT minister and FCTA from entering or demolishing the properties of the Mpape residents.

Gata requested that all parties

should maintain the status quo and adopt their written addresses in support of their prayer and signed affidavit of legal rights.

In response, counsel to the defendants, Mr Ifeanyi Okechukwu, said they had filed a counter affidavit and attached two exhibits.

Okechukwu argued that from the plaintiffs affidavit, “there is

nothing to show for their legal right’’.

Husseini, however, interjected and said, “we need to have a legal right to grant an interlocutory injunction’’.

Gata replied that the plaintiffs had been paying levies and taxes to the FCT administration, adding that they also paid levies imposed by the Bwari Area Council. (NAN)

Biz woman arraigned for alleged misappropriation of fund

A

32-year-old business woman of pipeline area, Kubwa, Abuja, Mercy Akowe, was on Wednesday arraigned at an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for criminal breach of trust and misappropriation.

The police prosecutor, Abu Okpanachi told the court that on October 6, 2011, one Timothy Ekokota of Musada Apartments, Wuse 2, Abuja, reported the accused at the Command Metro Headquarters.

Okpanachi said that Ekokota, through a petition, complained that earlier in March 2011, he entrusted the accused with his Acura MDX jeep valued at N2.3

million to help him sell.

He said the accused, without relevant documents, claimed to have sold the car for N1.8million and converted the money to her own use.

According to Okpanachi, after series of deceit and stories through telephone conversations between Ekokota and the accused, she finally went to Ekokota’s office on May 20, 2011.

Okpanachi said that the accused signed an undertaking to pay the N1.8 million by May 31, 2011 and backed it up with a postdated cheque, which was dishonoured owing to lack of funds in her account.

He also told the court that all

efforts to reach her proved abortive until she was arrested on Aug 16.

Okpanachi said the offence contravenes Sections 391 and 309 of the Penal Code, but Akowe pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Her counsel, Mr Asekome Oteiku, urged the court to grant his client bail, saying that it was her constitutional right.

“She would not jump bail as she has proved responsible enough not to have jumped police bail and had reported promptly at the police station by 7.30 am this morning to face trial’’.

Okpanachi, however, objected to the request on the grounds that the accused absconded last year

until she was arrested this year.

“The accused does not have a fixed residential address and lives in a guest house, which she pays for on a daily basis and so, one cannot guarantee that she would not abscond again”, he said.

Senior Magistrate Njideka Duru overruled the prosecutor and granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Duru added that the sureties must be civil servants on GL 07 or above.

She said the sureties must provide letters of their last promotion and adjourned the case to September 5, 2012 for further hearing. (NAN)

Seat belt not injurious to pregnancy, says medical expert

A

medical practitioner at St Mary’s Catholic Hospital, Gwagwalada, Dr Sopuru Chineke has said that seat belts are not injurious to pregnancy.

Chineke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gwagwalada that wearing of seat belt was a safe means of preventing fatal accidents, advising them to discard the notion that wearing seat belts would cause

injuries to the foetus.

“Nature has provided the perfect protective devices for the foetus, like the skin over the pregnancy, muscles, tissues under the skin and the womb are there to protect the unborn baby.

“The air-bag, as an automatic device, helps to prevent one against hitting the head or the belly on the steering or the dash board if an accident occurs,” he said.

He said that the womb contains a protective device with fluid which guards the unborn baby in the event of accident.

Chineke advised that the seat belt should be worn correctly, whereby the shoulder belt should be placed between the breasts, while the lower belt should be fastened below the belly.

“Seat belt should not be worn

across or above the belly to avoid the placenta tearing away from the uterus in the event of an accident,” he advised.

According to him, studies have shown that more than 80 per cent of women have benefited from wearing seat belts.

He said it was safe to wear seat belts at every stage of pregnancy.

(NAN)

he Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Zakari Angulu Dobi has warned youths in Gwagwalada and its environs against vandalising pipelines in the area.

Dobi, issued the warning to the youths through traditional rulers in the area when they paid him Sallah homage in Dobi.

He told the district heads/village heads, who were led by his Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Abdullahi Mohammed Danladi on the visit that plans were underway to increase their monthly salaries.

He also assured them that his administration would upgrade some of the traditional rulers to the status of district heads/village heads in the area.

The chairman further called on the traditional rulers across the area council to continue to support his administration for overall development of the area.

Speaking on behalf of district/ village heads during the visit, the village head of Pebeyi, Mr. Danladi Danlami expressed appreciation to the chairman for his developmental strides.

Man bags three months imprisonment for extortion

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

28-year-old man, Kale Hassan is presently cooling his heels in prison for dispossessing a resident of Gwarimpa, Mr Adeyoyin Adebayo of his Black berry phone and N2,000.

An Abuja Magistrates Court which sentenced the resident of Mabushi village to three months imprisonment for joint act and extortion, did not give him an option of fine.

He had pleaded guilty to the crime before the court presided by Senior Magistrate, Mrs Vera Tukura and begged for leniency.

Earlier, the police prosecutor, Simon Ibrahim told the court that the matter was reported at Utako Police Station on August 9, 2012 by Adebayo who resides at No. 147, 6th Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja.

The convict and another person, now at large, according to him, attacked the Adebayo at Zone 6 junction on the ground that he stepped on their charm.

In the process, they were said to have dispossessed their victim of his Blackberry phone valued at N40,000 and a wallet, which contained N2,000 cash.

Ibrahim said that during police investigation, the convict had admitted committing the crime.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Wuse hair stylists decry alleged N2m levy by AMML

By Adeola Tukuru

H

air stylists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried an alleged N2 million levy being imposed on them demanded by the Abuja Market Management limited (AMML) for upgrading of the space allocated to them in the market.

The stylists under the umbrella of the Wuse Hair Braiders Association alleged that the Abuja market managers had demanded the sum which they said was meant for renovation of the space where they operate and build a roof on the space to shield them from rain and sun.

One of the hair braiders and also member of the committee in the association, popularly known as Madam Bose Akinbode, who confirmed this to Peoples Daily said the amount was outrageous.

According to her: ”Aside from the N4, 000 charges they collect from us every month for the space where we are occupying presently, they still want to us to contribute N2 million among ourselves so that they can renovate the space given to us. They should use the money they collect from us every month to renovate the place and put a roof for us.

This was as she appealed to the Federal Capital Territory administration to intervene as the sum of money was too enormous.

Another hair braider, Mrs. Jane Anifade lamented also shares the same vein with Akinbode as she appealed to the management to withdraw the levy.

She said that some of the braiders operating in the market were widows and most of the time they do not have adequate

patronage. ”In my own case, my husband does not have a job and I am the one taking care of family, my children school fees, feeding, accommodation etc through this business and it is not all the time that I see customers,” she said.

Continuing, Anifade added: “If the management can assist us renovate the place with the money they collect from us monthly like the foodstuff sellers, it would be better for us, because of the raining seasoning and sunny weather. Our customers always complain about the weather”.

When contacted the Public Relation Officer(PRO) of the Abuja Market Management limited AMML, Mr. Innocent Amaechina refuted the allegation.

He explained that the place being used by the hair braiders for their business is not in good shape, however, the management have not decided whether they should pay any certain amount of money. ”We have been deliberating that these people needs a roof over their head but there is no approval issued from the relevant authorities either from the management or the individual.

“I don’t think there is any time we ever told them to pay N2 million because we don’t have such power to do so. It is our desire to get a roof over their head, but we are yet to get the go ahead from the relevant authority.

“Payment is not the issue, we just need approval and of course there is what we call the services charges for maintenance of some facilities, which we collect from them. They generate one of the most troublesome waste in the market, those are the only money we collect from them and it is in different levels”, he explained.

A newspapers vendor taking a nap beside Ministry of Finance, yesterday at Central Area, Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Court sentences man to three weeks imprisonment for theft

A

n Abuja Magistrates Court has sentenced one Sunday Okoye of Utako, Abuja, to three weeks imprisonment for criminal trespass and theft.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Simon Ibrahim, told the court

that one Finba Sabo of Uturu Plaza reported the case to the Utako police station on August 18, 2012.

Ibrahim said that the accused trespassed into the plaza and stole its generator valued at N40, 000.

He said that the offence contravenes Section 342 and 288 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, Katsina Alu, said the court would tamper justice with mercy

because the accused had no criminal record.

Alu, however, said that the accused would not go unpunished in order to serve as a deterrent to others and sentenced him without an option of fine. (NAN)

Tenant allegedly issue N1.4m dud cheque to landlord

T

he Police on Wednesday arraigned a 45-year-old businessman, Obi Emenike, of No. 5 Valtern Street Maitama, Abuja, before a Senior Magistrates Court for allegedly issuing a dud cheque and cheating his landlord.

Police prosecutor Okpanachi Abuh told the court that Emenike was brought to the Maitama Area Command Metro Headquarters by Isah Ibrahim of Peace Park Plaza, Abuja, on

August 17, 2012.

Abuh said that Emenike issued a dud IBTC Chattered Bank Plc cheque for N1.4 million to Ibrahim in June 2011 as rent for 2009 and 2010.

He said that when Ibrahim presented the said cheque to the bank it was dishonoured “due to lack of funds in Emenike’s account’’.

The prosecutor added that the offence contravenes the provisions of Sections 1(1) of the

Dishonoured Cheques Act Law, and 322 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His counsel, Asekome Oteiku, prayed the court to grant his client bail based on the provisions of Section 340(1) and 341(2) ABC (3) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Oteiku said that based on Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution “a person

charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty’’.

Presiding Senior Magistrate Aliu Shafa granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with a surety in like sum.

He added that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and swear to an affidavit of means.

Shafa adjourned further hearing in the case to September 17, 2012. (NAN)

Demolition of indigenous villages will lead to culture loss, says chief

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he traditional ruler in Jabi Maje village under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Chief Adams Jatou has condemned the proposed demolition of 19 villages, saying that it will lead to loss of culture of the indigenous people.

Jatou, who stated this during a courtesy visit by some trainee journalists from the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) yesterday, to his palace, advocated for integration instead of resettlement.

This was as he questioned the rationale behind the move by the government to drag the original inhabitants of the territory “to the bush”.

His words: “We want integration instead of resettlement. Are we not humans like them? Why we may not kick against government policy at any particular time, we want government to know and recognize us as the original owners of this place. Even before the Federal Capital moved from Lagos to Abuja, we have paid the supreme price in the sense that our farmland, resources among other tangible things were made irrelevant by the government upon assumption here even before 1976”.

Responding to question on whether government relocation of the Capital from Lagos to their home land has attracted any positive development to his community, he regretted lack of more positive achievement in provision of massive social amenities such as pipe bone water, steady electricity power supply as well as good road network to his community.

He further said that the relocation policies of the government could lead to cultural lost, lamenting that if care is not taken most of their beliefs and tradition of the people could disappear.

The trainee -journalists coordinator, Innocent Emarunu said their visit to the community was to access the progress made so far as it relates to FCDA policies on the controversial resettlement and relocation exercise in the territory.

He also thanked the traditional ruler for the opportunity given to them as future society watch dogs to see for themselves what was going on in his domain and pass the information across to the appropriate authority for prompt attention to their needs.

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 21

Lagos, ISEED partner to tackles power/ environment challenges

Mob: 08033644990

NCC may sanction telecom operators again

By Muhammad Sada

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has concluded plan to invoke another round of sanction on telecommunication operators

beginning from September if the quality of service remained the same, the Communications Director, Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo said yesterday.

He said that at the time of the last sanction operators made presentation on the issue of Key

Performance Indicators (KPI’s) at the meeting with the commission.

Ojobo said that at the meeting the commission agreed on a medium base line of KPI that the operators needed to begin to work on progressively until they met the commission ultimate KPI.

He added that at the meeting the NCC gave the service providers a deadline of September to ensure a progressive improvement on the poor quality of service.

“But at the meeting it was agreed that by September, if the quality of service remained as it

L-R: Ebonyi state Governor, Mr Martins Elechi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Philip Aduda, Minister of State for Power, Mr Gius Ishaku, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, and Director-General, United Nations Development Organisation (UNIDO), Dr Kandeh Yumkella, during the launch of sustainable energy for all, yesterday at the State House in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

C

ivil society groups across the country have begun to hold several meetings mobilising against the planned strike action of the National Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), saying its anti-Nigerian people .

The human rights groups are accusing the petroleum union of planning to increase pump price, by asking the government to pay subsidy to oil marketers who had defrauded the nation in the past subsidy regime.

The Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recently alleged that the oil workers union was working in connivance with the oil marketers to blackmail the federal government over the payment of fuel subsidy.

The ‘Save Nigeria Group’ Coordinatior and spokesman, Yinka Odumakin also described NUPENG’s proposed strike as antiNigerian people saying it’s a grand plan between government and the oil marketers to increase the pump price.

Speaking with Peoples Daily in an phone interview, Odumakin said, “Its unfortunate that who championed the antisubsidy removal are now dancing to the interest of oil marketers; it is shameful and a ploy to increase pump price.

NUPENG plans to increase pump price – CSO What is happening is that government and oil marketers is orchestrating a drama to increase the pump price; it is anti- people and we will resist it.”

The spokesman for the Civil Liberty Organisation, Abah Ejembi urged the union not to put the lives of over 160 million Nigerians at risk with the struggle for their union members who number about 15,000, by compelling the Federal Government to pay the subsidy claims that are shrouded in fraud.

Mr. Abah Ejembi claimed that NUPENG is fighting the battle for

their ‘bosses’- the oil marketers who are entangled in allegations of fraudulent claims in the management of the nation’s fuel subsidy regime with the Ministry of Finance.

However, NUPENG chairman, Achese Igwe has argued that the industrial action threatened by the union is not for the payment of oil subsidies to fraudulent oil marketers but to secure the payment of salaries to workers in the sector.

Mr. Igwe was explaining the reasons for the impending strike

which has already grounded the Federal Capital Territory, leaving the residents to resort to black market for fuel.

The union leader however accused the Federal Government of non-compliance to earlier agreements with the union, which included agreement on subsidy payments, repair of bad roads across the country plied by oil distributing trucks and refinery maintenance.

According to Mr. Igwe, some of the workers in the sector are currently being owed salaries for over three months.

Management Tip of the Day

See the big picture before making a decision

S

uccessful strategic thinkers always have perspective.

They consider the potential impact of their actions on those beyond their team or unit. Next time you need to make a big decision, here are three ways to make sure your thinking isn’t too narrow:·

Explore the outcomes. With every idea, ask yourself, “If we implement this idea, how will other units and stakeholders be affected? What might be the long-term ramifications?”· Expand your range of alternatives. Gather ideas and concerns from everyone who has an interest in the decision

or who will be affected by the outcome.· Consider the customer. Look at the decision through your customers’ eyes.

What will they think and which alternative will they prefer? If you’re not sure, think about asking them.

Source: Harvard Business Review

was then the commission would invoke another sanction.

“So because of that they are all working on their networks to make sure that quality of service improves. We are noticing some improvement in some of the networks in term of quality of service.

“It is not really what it should be but I think it is better than what we have two months ago as at the time of the fine,’’ Ojobo said.

According to him, the operators wrote to NCC to update the commission on what they had done so far to improve on the quality of service.

He said that the commission noticed that there were number of networks that were expanding and also upgrading their networks.

Ojobo said that the operators were putting in new technology to address the challenges that had resulted to the poor quality of service in the country.

According to him, the issue of drop calls has really reduced, few months ago every particular call made drops before one finishes his conversation.

“That is an indication that there is some improvement, NCC does depend on personal or consumers experience to determine weather there is improvement until the commission undergoes a drive test.

Ojobo added that a drive test was when the commission’s monitoring team drove through the city with their equipment which took the frequency reading and later analysed with the reading that would be taken from the premises of the service providers.

He said that the commission had its independent consultant that carried out the drive test across the area that took the measurement which would later be compared with what the commission obtained from the service providers equipment.

CDMA operators plan merger

By Muhammad Sada

T

hree Nigerian Code Division Multiple Operators (CDMA), Multilinks, Starcomms and MTS are currently wrapping up a merger arrangement that would produce a mega CDMA network in the country.

CAJ News reported, according to an anonymous source, that the proposed merger which will be through a $200 million business combination deal between the three companies is a move to revive the dying arm of Nigerian CDMA telecoms sector.

The source also revealed that three companies has agreed to call the new corporate merger entity CAPCOM and that the development would soon be make public.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Access Bank

I

n compliance with new security standards and part of measures to aid safety of electronic payment systems of its customers, Access Bank Plc has been officially presented with a certificate of compliance to the effect.

Specifically, the bank was at the weekend presented with the ISO 27001:2005 Certificate for information security management.

Speaking during the official presentation of ISO 27001:2005 Certificate to Access Bank Plc, in Lagos, Director, Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, emphasised the need for banks to ensure the deployment of an effective control mechanism for their Information Technology infrastructure to checkmate cyber crimes and ensure the safety of electronic transactions.

SON

A

s part of efforts to take the nation to higher standards in the cement sector, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the statutory body vested with the responsibility of standardising and regulating the quality of all products in Nigeria, has commended leading cement manufacturing company, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc on adherence to quality standards.

Speaking on Wednesday during a visit to Lafarge Ewekoro plant in Ogun State, Joseph Odumodu, Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) said this had become necessary, due to the rising challenge of house collapse in the country, noting that the organisation was looking indepth into the sector to making sure that quality is assured.

C&I

C

& I Leasing has unveiled plans to raise N10 billion issues through bonds to enhance the expansion of the company’s operations before the end of this year.

The Head of Finance Lease of C & I, McCarthy George, told The Guardian in an interview in Lagos that the company had continued to enjoy exceptional market acceptance and growth ,which has enabled the company to establish a profitable niche market based on its superior service and delivery styles.

George disclosed that the company has delved into financial services, which made it possible for it to mobilise deposits from customers.

Sub-standard products: Aganga to sign performance contract with SON, CPC bosses

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

F

ollowing the charge by President Goodluck Jonathan that all ministers must also sign performance contracts with permanent secretaries and heads of parastatals under them, Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga revealed yesterday that he would start by signing the contracts with Directors- General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Joseph Odumodu and Mrs. Ify Umenyi respectively.

According to Aganga, he would give the two officials till 2013 to reduce the presence of substandard products in the market to at most 15 percent.

Speaking at the launch of Products and Services Listing and Monitoring Programme (ProServe) organised by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in Abuja, Aganga said that the move was in line with his resolve to implement the noble policies of the Federal Government in his ministry.

The policies, he said, were aimed at making Nigeria the preferred investment destination in Africa.

He noted that the Federal Government had identified the key challenges troubling the

investment climate, adding that Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji had promised the Federal Executive Council (FEC) that uninterrupted power would be restored to the 9 industrial cities by 2013.

“The Minister of Power while signing the Performance Contract with the President has promised to restore uninterrupted power supply to the 9 industrial cities by next year,” he said.

Reiterating government’s plea to Nigerians to patronize

made in Nigeria products in order to grow the local industries and create jobs locally, Aganga pledged government’s determination to revive the petrochemical and mining industries.

Nigerian consumers, he said, had the right to consume quality products which they purchase with their money, charging SON and CPC to not only back but also bite and wipe out fake products from the market.

Speaking earlier, CPC boss, Mrs. Umenyi said ProServe “is

T

he US Citibank, the Federal Airport Administration (FAA) and the US Department of Transportation (DOT) have all endorsed the Ministry of Aviation’s proposed Aerotropolis project, pledging to be fully involved in the various phases of its implementation.

This followed a detailed presentation on the project by the Ministry’s delegation on the

L DG, SON, Dr. Joseph Ikemefuna Odumodu

Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga

Investors’ Roadshow to the United States led by the Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah.

At its corporate headquarters in New York, top management team of the bank led by its Head, Global Investment Banking, Mr. Ray Mc Guire said the Aerotropolis project offers a huge opportunity for a major infrastructural development; second to none on the sub-continent, around the nation’s airports.

Highlight of the meeting was

a comprehensive briefing by the General Counsel of the FAA and a Trial Attorney on Consumer Protection Initiatives and Enforcement Processes, which demonstrated the validity of NCAA’s current rule making on its own Consumer Protection Regulations and Passengers’ Bill of Rights.

Both FAA and DOT agreed to support the process of institutionalising the consumer protection enforcement process in Nigeria.

NUPENG, Port Harcourt Zone inaugurates committee on oil theft

T

he Port Harcourt Zone of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) says it has set up a committee as part of its efforts to tackle oil theft.

The Chairman of the union, Mr. Godmin Eruba disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt yesterday.

He said that the union was working with security agents to ensure that oil theft in the NigerDelta region was curtailed.

Eruba identified oil theft as a major challenge facing the development of the oil and gas industry.

“We have been working

Lagos, ISEED partner to tackles power/ environment challenges From Bimbo Ogunnaike, Lagos

US Citibank , FAA, DOT endorse Nigeria’s Aerotropolis project From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

designed to introduce a listing regime that would require all genuine manufacturers and certified service providers in all sectors of the Nigerian economy to enlist their products and services for proper monitoring by the Council.”

According to her, ProServe is also intended to be used as a strong instrument towards ensuring the certification of all products and services by the national standards body and sector specific regulators.

round the clock and collaborating with security agents to check oil theft.

“Whenever we notice such illegal oil bunkering, we report to the relevant authorities.

“Our union also assists the task force in patrolling oil pipelines on daily basis in the Niger-Delta,” he said.

The chairman said that “all hands must be on deck to stop oil theft in the country”.

According to Eruba, the union is ready to work assiduously to stop the menace, adding that government needed to provide more support.

“NUPENG is ever willing to support government; it cannot do

it alone.

“We need the partnership with the government because the fight against oil bunkering is very tasking and expensive,” he said.

Eruba said that NUPENG’s knowledge about the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry would be helpful in the fight against the scourge.

The chairman said: “any of our members caught in this illegal business will be suspended.

“As I am speaking with you today, there are top ranking NUPENG officials that have been under suspension for their involvement in oil bunkering``.

(NAN)

agos state government in collaboration with International Society for Energy and Environment Development (ISEED) has formalised arrangement of addressing power and environment challenges in the state.

This came even as the state stressed the need for Federal Government not only to accelerate the privitasation of power sector but consider clean renewable sources of energy in order to reduce the level of impact on the environment.

It is known that some of the existing power plants in the country utilise gas and coal with some negative impact on the environment.

The state commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Taofiq Tijani made the disclosure at the maiden edition of Electric Power Infrastructure Congress (EPIC 2012) organised

by ISEED, in Lagos, Tijani stressed it was necessary that the nation seriously look towards the right mix of non-renewable and renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind not only to sustain the environment but create jobs for the citizens.

In his address, Cole Akinsola, president of ISEED, said the society in choosing the theme of the congress, “towards a sustainable energy power infrastructure development in Nigeria “, considered that energy and environment were related and the need to ensure that one did not suffer for the other.

Akinsola, who put the nation’s power need at about 100,000 megawatts as against the current 4,000 megawatts, said the congress is going to be annual event which would focus on how to address the country’s power infrastructural decay.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

T

ax Administration in Nigeria cuts across the three-tiers of government.

A core success factor for any system is its position on administrative issues.

An effective tax policy documents should therefore be one that establishes on crucial tax administration issues.

In the context of the Nigerian Tax Policy, the salient issues in tax administration include the following:

PAGE 21

Tax Administration (1) this regard, taxpayers shall be encouraged to file returns on a self assessment basis in compliance with tax laws, as it saves significant time and resources required by tax authorities in ensuring compliance by taxpayers. This can be done by developing structures that will enhance and simplify compliance, such as the creation of a reliable taxpayer data base, electronic compliance system, automation and standardization of the filing and returns process and regular taxpayer enlightenment on the filing and returns process.

Tax officials shall also be trained on all aspects of the filing and returns process and it shall be the responsibility of tax authorities to ensure that a transparent and simplified process is introduced which would have a multiplier effect on the rate and level of compliance and ultimately enhance tax collection and overall effectiveness of the tax system.

(1) Intelligence and Information Gathering

A

s a first step in the tax administration process, tax authorities require adequate and correct information to carry out their duties of assessment and collection of taxes. Ideally, such information should be provided voluntarily by taxpayers.

However, this is not always the case and in a large number of instances, tax authorities have to source for and obtain information other than voluntarily from the tax payer.

In addition, even in instances, where taxpayers voluntarily provide information, such information, may either not to be complete or accurate.

It is in this respect, that authorities would be required to develop workable and secure structures for intelligence and information gathering. Such structures shall compliment the normala administrative structures in place for obtaining information from taxpayers.

The tax authorities would therefore be required to develop internal competencies for such purposes and also partner with relevant government organs, such as the various law enforcement agencies, data gathering agencies and other agencies which custody or access to information relevant to the activities of tax authorities.

In addition to the above, there shall be close collaboration with these agencies to facilitate information gathering and in this regard, tax authorities shall consider short and long term measures, such as secondment of personnel, human capacity development programmes (training and provision of tools), proper use of information technology and creation of information technology and creation of permanent interagency structures, towards realizing these objectives.

However, Reliance shall also be placed on the introduction and use of the unique taxpayer identification number to facilitate easier identification and monitoring of taxpayers. In this case, taxpayers shall be properly educated on the intelligence and information gathering methods of the tax authorities and all actions carried out by the tax authorities in this regard shall be done in line with statutory and constitional provisions, which safeguards the right to privacy of taxpayers. This is without prejudice to the rights of tax authorities in appropriate

(4) Payment Processing and Collection

P Acting Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabiru Mashi cases, to use the instrumentality of the law to ensure full and complete access to information and data required for the effective and efficient administration of taxes in Nigeria.

(2) Registration of Taxable persons

I

n order to have an effective tax system in which all tax payers are covered, every taxable person which includes companies,enterprises,partnerships and other business entities must be registered for tax purposes.

Taxpayers should note that Registration is fundamental step in the tax administration process and tax authorities at federal and state level shall be required to register all tax payers and issue a Unique Tax Identification Number (U-TIN).This will be issued along prescribed and sustained formats, upon registration by the taxpayers.

Taxpayers must not have more than one U-TIN irrespective of place of registration. In addition every U-TIN shall be unique to a taxpayer.

The U-TIN will provide a uniform mode of identification for all taxpayers in Nigeria.

Government at all levels are therefore enjoined to support the introduction of a uniform system of registration and allocation of U-TIN and the creation of a database accessible to all tax authorities and other federal, state and Local government

agencies in the country. This will provide easy and complete access to taxpayer information nationwide, which can be achieved by the efficient use of information communication technology and ultimately reduce the cost of administration and supervision while enhancing higher compliance.

The relevant tax authorities and the Joint Tax Board should ensure the successful administration/operation of the U-TIN programme.

(3) Filling and Returns Processing

F

illing and Returns processing is a core process in the tax administration system. It encompasses all the processes commencing from preparation of returns and filling of self assessment by the taxpayer, to the issuance of assessments by the tax authority and the acceptance of returns filed by the taxpayers. It also includes the review and amendment of tax returns by taxpayers and tax authorities, examination of accounts and the determination of the tax liability of the taxpayer. The process terminals where a final liability has been agreed between the tax authority and the taxpayer and only payment is outstanding.

Given that payment of tax is based on either self assessment or assessments by the tax authority, it is necessary that tax authorities accord, this particular function priority. In

ayment processing and collection is closely linked to the filing and returns process discussed above. This is the culmination of the core tax functions carried out by tax officials and usually signifies the successful conclusion of a filing and return circle.

In order to ensure an effective payment processing and collection system, tax authorities shall embrace the use of electronic system (epayment) system in all transactions to drive automatic and improved remittances and collections. In addition, there shall be the use of technology and related systems in tax administration

“

In order to have an effective tax system in which all tax payers are covered, every taxable person which includes companies, enterprises, partnerships and other business entities must be registered for tax purposes.

particularly in the payment and collection process. A rigorous and transparent, book keeping, financial regulation and reporting framework should be adopted by tax authorities at all levels of Government to minimize and avoid leakages of tax revenue.

Tax authorities are also expected to partner with financial institutions and other relevant government agencies to support a framework for automated systems. Avenues for leakages shall be identified with the assistance of these partner institutions and promptly addressed.

Tax officials and taxpayers alike shall be encouraged and educated on the issue of electronic payment systems, to safeguard the integrity of the tax payment and collection system.

Where an efficient system of payment and collection processing is adopted, tax revenue can be properly collected and maximized, thereby increasing overall tax take and providing sustainable revenue for Government.

(5) Record Keeping

R

ecord keeping is another core and integral function in tax administration.

Significant time, effort and resources are usually channeled towards intelligence and information gathering by tax authorities.

The process does not however end once information or other relevant data are obtained by tax authorities, rather there must be a sustainable system for the retention and retrieval of such information. This process is known as record keeping.

Information gathering usually entails interface with and requires the assistance of third parties, however record keeping is entirely within the control of tax authorities. In this regard, all tax authorities are required to establish specialized record keeping units as core functions within the tax administration structure. Such specialized units should be properly staffed and provided the necessary tools to discharge their duties. Manual record keeping systems should be deemphasizes in favour of electronic systems. It is expected that where processes such as registration of taxpayers, filing and processing of returns and payment are already automated, it would aid the deployment of an automated record keeping system.

The benefits derivable from electronic and automated systems of record keeping in tax administration include ease of retrieval and movement of records, integrity and durability of the record keeping system and increased tax payer confidence in the system. Tax authorities should partner with the relevant agencies to set up automated systems and also train tax officials in the use and maintenance of such systems.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 22

List of 25 fraudulent oil marketers released by the Federal Government Wednesday S/N OM/T

INFRACTION DESCRIPTIONS

1

Subsidy payments for which mother vesselswere no Longer operational at the time oftransshipment and no shipping documents 504,329,535.27 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were no Longer operational at the time of transshipment and no shipping documents 546,700,899.36

2 3 4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Alminnur Resources Limited

Brilla Energy Limited Caades Oil and Gas Ltd Capital Oil & Gas Industry Ltd

Capital Oil Plc

Ceoti Limited

Conoil Plc

Downstream Energy Source Ltd

Eterna Plc

Eurafric Oil & Gas Ltd

11

Heyden Petroleum

12

Lumen Skies Ltd

AMOUNT

S/N OM/T

13

14

1,051,030,434.63

Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in locations claimed at the time of transhipment 963,796,199.85

No evidence of Sales proceeds in banks 487,799,826.80 Subsidy payments without proof of existence of the mother vessel bill of lading or daughter vessel bill of lading 984,440,711.38 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in locations claimed at the time of transhipment 1,480,444,043.58 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in locations claimed at the time of transhipment 1,832,280,164.36 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in locations claimed at the time of transhipment 2,110,438,332.44 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in locations claimed at the time of transhipment 2,490,576,987.15 8,898,180,238.91 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in the locations claimed at the time of transhipment 608,077,964.00 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in the locations claimed at the time of transhipment 608,220,553.20 1,216,298,517.20 Specially mentioned transactions with various infractions. Transactions were discovered to be bills for collection transactions, but as at the time of the review it was discovered that the shipping documents evidencing arrival of the products had not been submitted to the respective banks for payment:.

11/07/12 : OM/T to provide letter from their bankers confirming that they financed the transaction.

1,773,421,842.01 Subsidy payments without proof of existence of the mother vessel bill of lading or daughter vessel bill of lading 1,065,934,768.66 Subsidy payments without proof of existence of the mother vessel bill of lading or daughter vessel bill of lading 1,882,143,309.24 2,948,078,077.90 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels could not be traced 789,648,329.25 Subsidy payments without the signature of external auditors and independent inspectors on shore tank certificates 984,440,711.38 1,774,089,040.63 Subsidy payments for which there were no shipping documents or evidence of payment for the products in foreign exchange. (Form 'm' 945404) 578,295,672.84 No evidence of sales proceeds in the bank. 626,465,370.06 Subsidy payments without proof of existence of mother vessel bill of Lading or Daughter bill of Lading. (Form 'm' 926342) 917,895,596.40 2,122,859,123.70 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in locations claimed at the time of transhipment 955,688,127.82 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were no longer operational at the time of transhipment 1,306,170,995.88 2,261,859,123.70 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in locations claimed at the time of transhipment 594,714,089.31 Transactions disclaimed by banks

267,521,051.32

15

Majope Investment Ltd

Matrix Energy Ltd

Menol Oil & Gas Limited

17

Mob International Services

19

20

21 22

23 24 25

AMOUNT

Transactions disclaimed by banks

507,266,701.54 774,787,752.86

Subsidy payments without the signature of external auditors and independent inspectors on shore tank certificates

Master Energy Subsidy payments for which mother Oil & Gas Ltd vessels could not be traced Subsidy payments for which mother vessels could not be traced

16

18

INFRACTION DESCRIPTIONS

MRS Oil & Gas Plc

Subsidy payments for which mother vessels could not be traced Subsidy payments for which mother vessels could not be traced Specially mentioned transactions with various infractions. Transactions were Bills for collection and as at the time of review no shipping document evidencing payment was available.

MAT/2031/MAS/PMS/28/09/11 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in locations claimed at the time of transhipment.

MAT/1679/MAS/PMS/27/04/11 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels could not be traced.

MAT/2031/MAS/PMS/28/09/11

959,813,734.22 1,454,308,353.50 1,454,687,937.79 2,908,996,291.29 560,744,384.56 1,274,372,887.98

1,301,904,784.71

1,501,684,359.70 1,595,095,720.20 6,233,802,137.15

Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in locations claimed at the time of transhipment 1,691,595,830.87 No evidence of Sales proceeds in banks 1,019,068,114.10 No evidence of Sales proceeds in banks

1,118,260,800.00 2,137,328,914.10

Subsidy payments for which there were no shipping documents or evidence of payment for the products in foreign exchange 6,086,531,305.33 Nasaman Oil Subsidy payments for which mother Services Ltd vessels were no longer operational at the time of transhipment 598,723,358.04 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were not found in locations claimed at the time of transhipment 749,991,273.36 Subsidy payments without the signature of external auditors and independent inspectors on shore tank certificates 881,350,767.57 No evidence of Sales proceeds in banks 1,631,342,040.93 3,861,407,437.90 Naticel Specially mentioned transactions with Petroleum various infractions. No shipping document Limited in bank and no evidence of payment for product 1,514,333,360.64 No evidence of Sales proceeds in banks 1,567,037,317.70 3,081,370,678.34 Ocean Energy Subsidy payments for which mother Trading & vessels could not be traced 1,778,180,051.20 Services Ltd Pinnacle Subsidy payments for which mother Contractors vessels were not found in locations claimed Ltd at the time of transhipment 1,227,601,783.20 Subsidy payments for which mother vessels were no longer operational at the time of transhipment 1,528,044,960.84 2,755,646,744.04 Sifax Oil and Subsidy payments for which mother Gas Company vessels were no longer operational at the time of transhipment 1,033,119,489.60 Tonique Oil No evidence of Sales proceeds in banks 1,575,014,046.51 Services Ltd Top Oil and Subsidy payments for which mother Gas vessels were no Longer operational Development at the time of transshipment and no Company shipping documents 1,092,496,724.55 Limited Subsidy payments for which mother vessel could not be traced and no shipping documents were sighted 1,268,236,760.88 2,360,733,485.43

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Liberian President Ellen JohnsonSirleaf make Forbes 100 most powerful women in the world N

igeria’s Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf are two of the only three African women to have made Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most powerful women.

Okonjo-Iweala is ranked 81 and the Liberian president is 82 nd on a list topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for the second year in a row.

The annual list, expectedly, is dominated by politicians, businesswomen, media and entertainment figures.

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

The list named women involved in policymaking, entertainment, technology and nonprofit organizations, among other fields. They were ranked according to influence, the amount of money they control or earn, and media presence.

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

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

Clinton was applauded for her handling of crises such as the release of a trove of diplomatic cables by the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks.

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

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

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

Sonia Gandhi, president of the Indian National Congress, followed at No. 6.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (#82)

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (#2)

Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala (#81)

U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, who had topped the list in 2010, was No. 7.

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

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

Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, was No. 8. The former French cabinet minister has been on the list since it began in 2004.

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

Source: Reuters

Michelle Obama, US First Lady (#7)

Queen Elizabeth II (#26)

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany (#1)

Ellen DeGeneres (#47)

Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil (#3)

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

An open letter from Ramadan A

llah says: “When My servants ask Thee concerning me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when He calleth on Me: let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe In Me: that They may walk In the right way.” [al-Baqarah: 186] In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time.

Dear my brothers and sisters in the submission and worship of Allah; Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa bara katuhu!

Though I will not disclose to you exactly where I am at present, you will not be able to comprehend, should I change my mind. But, one significant phenomenon is that I can talk to you through mediums like this. I will therefore keep to this frequency, should the need arise, in sha Allah!

Well, I have come and gone, and willing to come back again at the instance of my Lord. Sincerely speaking, while I have recorded some remarkable improvement in the devotion of some of you during the last time with you, I must say that many of you are not serious about education on the correct Islamic teachings. Many of you tend to be confused or doubtful about the right rulings in many of their deeds. There are also others who thought they are adequately informed, but, alas, their mode of worships are different from those of the best generations of the Muslims for their sources may not be well grounded in knowledge. Frankly speaking, both trends are dangerous. My advice in this regard is that you to always remember that there is no substitute or delegation to indisputable knowledge. In matters of knowledge you must be personally engaged and dedicated; there is no option!

In other words, you just have to pay more attention and commit more time to learning the right Islam directly from highly regarded and trustworthy Muslim scholars. Learning from books and internet independently could be very precarious, and can lead to radicalism, due to myopic understanding of some rulings or opinions which could ordinarily be very spacious and accommodating! Always try to verify any new acquired information from more learned scholars. That way you, will

obtain more assured and remains of your life span. I do not trustworthy knowledge. That possess an atom of clue on who way also, you will keep upright amongst you will pass on before and align to the middle course. my next reunion with you in If you remember, I left you at another ten months now. You the height of your devotion a n d commitment to your Lord. You are almost a w a k e throughout the

By Husain Zakariyya nights, mindful Yawale in your actions and utterances +234-8052952900 (sms only) and abreast islamexplained35@yahoo.com with the Qur'an.

It was at the time you were most generous and should also remember that time compassionate to the indigents flies faster than what any of us and destitute; you share them can envisage. Remember, we all almost everything in your here to serve our Lord possession. Those momentous conscientiously with every breath habits and lifestyles must not be of ours. In fact, this was the single discarded in totality. Try to reason why we were all brought sustain them in the coming ten into existence. Let me jog your months even if at full scale, please! memory concerning two verses of Try your best aalso not to limit the Qur'an, that you must always your inculcated finest behaviours keep in mind, Allah says:

ISLAM EXPLAINED

to be confined in my tenure. My foremost essence was to implant and inspire in you the best of your conducts embodied in you within the shortest possible time frame.

Please do not compromise or givein to your impulse of meanness or what psychologists termed 'possessive tendency' whenever you want give out. Allah says: “But those who before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the Faith,- Show their affection to such As came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire In their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over themselves, Even though poverty was their (own lot). and those saved from the covetousness of their own souls,- They are the ones that achieve prosperity.” [alHashr: 9] Thus, whenever the evil intuition of greediness creeps in to deny you those rewards, wrestle it back by heartiness and intensity, with your right stretching out to the needy and disadvantaged. This way in sha Allah, you will live with my assimilated spirit, far into other months, in you. may Allah help you!

I am writing to you to be mindful of the followings in what

“I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me. No sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me.” [az-Zariyaat: 56-57] This has put to final rest every insinuation that covetousness and materialism have any essence, that can serve as apology before Allah on the judgment day for not submitting to him unconditionally. Allah did not create us nor command us to waste time in amassing and hoarding of wealth than we need so that we can be free from excessive want or beggary! Even when we do that it must be within the permissible precincts and grounds stipulated by Islam. May Allah save us!

1. Fasting! Yes fasting! It does not matter simply because it is not during my tenure you will begin to assume that fasting is over till another Ramadan; far from this wrong perception. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has recommended fasting on Mondays and Thursdays of every week of the year. He said: “Deeds are presented to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays and I would like that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.”

It is also reported that he

admonished Abu Hurayrah one day in the following words: “Fasting for three days in every month is (equal to) fasting forever.”

(Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). This on the same premise of one good deed attracts ten folds of recompense.

He also said: “Whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days fasting in Shawwal has done as if he has fast for live.” (Reported by Muslim) This is particularly important to impress here that unless and until you have performed the complete Ramadan fast (of either 29 or 30 days), you are not aligned to the path of the righteous. For if you abandon what is obligatory in preference for what is only recommendable!

Allah says: “If anyone contends with the Messenger Even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming to men of Faith, we shall leave Him In the path He has chosen, and land Him In Hell,what an evil refuge!” [an-Nisa'i: 115] My advice here to all of you, is to try to persevere and complete the missing days of my tenure as a result of sickness, impurity, traveling or any other inescapable Shari'ah compliant reason.

2. Though, the taraweeh prayers during Ramadan have gone; yet, the Tahajjud prayers remains alive throughout the year. It has been authentically reported from the Prophet (SAW) thus: “Allah descends to the nearest heaven to this world when it is the last third of the night and say: 'Who is going to call Me that I may answer him? Who is going to ask from Me that I may give to him? Who is going to seek for my Forgiveness that I may forgive him?”

Therefore, the most pleasing of all to Allah, are acts that are continuously performed throughout the year, notwithstanding the quantity.

3. With my departure, a phase of your live has gone forever! Such is how we pass days of this life in stages, on our way to the inevitable into the everlasting dwelling, in bliss or blazes! May Allah have mercy on us!

Indeed, good deeds must continue at all time as has been the behaviours of all virtuous people. Acts of obedience to Allah do not have specific time or space frames; it is quite Allah's absolute right upon us as long as we are alive , to worship Him. It is quite fundamental on Muslims to remain on the path of righteousness well after me.

Submission to Allah should not be limited to my time frame alone, for there is no ending to our devotion to Allah except when we seize to stay alive.

Racing with one another towards good deeds, and sustain an opportunity to direct one's soul

towards meritorious acts and keep it away from vices, is not exclusive of my tenure; it is for all time, and for all spaces!

4. My Muslims brothers and sisters! Unquestionably, the signs of acceptability or denunciation of deeds in the month of Ramadan is not usually within it, but projects beyond it. Of those signs indicating acknowledgment of one's good deeds by Allah, is its consequent with good ones beyond my time frame. Similarly, amongst the symbols of refutation and out-right rejection of one's deeds in Ramadan is when the consequents are substituted by evil performances. As a result, following up the good deeds with more righteous ones after Ramadan serves as indication of acceptance of those good deeds.

Similarly, following up your evil deeds immediately with good ones, indicates that the past evil deeds have been forgiven by Allah.

Allah says: “Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice).” (al-Hud:114) More so, the Prophet (SAW) also said: “Fear Allah wherever you are, follow up the evil deed with good one it will remove it and relate with people with good conduct.”

(Reported by Tirmidhi) Thus, those who are resolute to return to sinning against Allah after my departure, be aware that Allah is always pleased with those who obey Him every time, all the time and everywhere! He, also is furious with those who desire to disobey Him irrespective of the moment the disobedience takes place. The spirit of success in Islam is not the level of one's affluence, materials or social status in life, but the amount and quality of good deeds till the end. The Messenger of Allah once said, “Righteous ending is determine by the last deeds.”

Finally, continue to fear of Allah for it is the chief of all matters. Conform to Allah's rules and regulations in public and private, and keep away from all His restrictions. Doing this will endear you to Him by making all your affairs easy towards achieving His pleasure, and salvation from the chastisement and torment of the hell-fire. Never go back to the sinfulnesses and waywardness you repented and stop in Ramadan, so that you will not win His wrath or become liable to His punishment.

Lastly, thank Allah for making it possible for you, to witness the completion of the fast of this year's Ramadan, alive and hearty. Enjoy your Eid festivals while remaining unswerving on the those good deeds by keeping away from objectionable things that are capable of removing Allah's favours from you. It was recorded thus: “Each day in which no act of disobedience to Allah is committed is Eid and each day a believer spent in acts of obedience to his Lord is Eid”.

Yours Sincerely, Ramadan

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 27

World Humanitarian Day: Addressing the plight of suffering people

By Vivian Emoni

T

he World Humanitarian Day is celebrated on August 19 each year, in honour of humanitarian people, who had promoted the humanitarian causes and those who lost their lives in the cause of duty.

The day, which was first observed in 2009, was designated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 UN staff.

Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Iraq, was one of the UN officials who died in the attack.

The day aims at honouring humanitarian workers who either lost their lives or got injured in the course of their work, while acknowledging the ongoing activities of humanitarian workers around the world.

The World Humanitarian Day also aims to increase public awareness about humanitarian aid efforts across the world and the importance of international cooperation.

However, Nigeria is observing the day for the first time. The theme of this year's World Humanitarian Day is ``I Was Here'' and the rationale behind the choice of the theme is about mobilising everyone to do something good, somewhere, for someone else.

Observers say that the day presents an opportunity for people to reflect on the plight of those facing some kind of danger and adversity, while resolving to help others.

They stress that the day should also be used to commiserate with the families of the victims of the 2011 bombing of the UN headquarters in Abuja, which killed 21 persons and wounded 60 others, as well as the victims of the June 16, 2011 bombing of the Police Headquarters in Abuja.

Dr Henry Akpan, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, said that the World Humanitarian Day presented an opportunity for Nigerians to honour those humanitarian aid workers who lost their lives during the crises in some parts of the country in the last few years. ``The celebration of this year's World Humanitarian Day in Nigeria is, however, expected to focus on particular humanitarian issues so as to increase the people's awareness of the issues since the country is observing the day for the first time,'' he said.

At a recent news conference in Abuja, Akpan, who was represented

by Mr Abiodun Oyemade, said that the primary aim of the event was to sensitise the citizens to their social expectation of rendering assistance to others who are in need, while promoting humanitarian activities in the country. ``Nigerians want to appreciate the selflessness of those who, in one way or the other, lost their lives in the cause of duty. ``They also want to recognise the

United Nations Headquarters attacked recently in Abuja. importance of humanitarian work by observing the event, while caring for the less-privileged members of the society, all in the spirit of promoting the country's unity,'' Akpan said.

However, humanitarianism is a global phenomenon and humanitarian aid workers provide life-saving assistance to millions of people worldwide. They also place their own lives at risk, while helping others in conflict zones and areas experiencing natural catastrophes.

Humanitarian aid workers also provide assistance for people who are facing challenges such as hunger, gender-based violence, refugees and internal displacements of people and lack of access to clean water and good sanitation.

It is pertinent to note that the total number of people affected by natural disasters has risen over the last decade and it is estimated that about 211 million people are directly affected by natural disasters every year.

Women and children are particularly affected by factors such as poverty, insecurity, hunger, poor health and environmental hazards.

Analysts, however, contend that new and complex challenges crop up each year, adding that these challenges somewhat require more flexible funding and adaptable humanitarian work.

They note that the global economic crisis and other worldwide challenges, which include poverty, health problems, sharp price increases and people's migration , have particularly reinforced the need for improved humanitarian work every year.

All the same, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) constitute a major focus of humanitarian work, as this group of people has been forced to flee their homes, towns or villages so as to avoid the effects of armed conflicts, violence and human rights' violations.

Mrs Gogo Hukportie, the

Representative of the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nigeria, noted that 26.4 million IDPs across the world received UNHCR assistance and protection in 2011. ``However, there are 8,958 refugees in various refugee camps in Nigeria,'' she said.

Hukportie, however, said that available statistics revealed that IDPs constituted the largest number of displaced persons in Nigeria, adding that the large number of IDPs was as a result of serious crises, induced by some socio-economic and sociopolitical factors. ``As a result of this, there have been millions of IDPs, refugees and asylum seekers in the country and these people need support. ``The World Humanitarian Day presents an opportunity to render services to such people and show them love; it will make them to know that the world also recognise them,'' she said.

However, some concerned citizens have called on the Federal Government to render assistance to refugees and IDPs, saying that the World Humanitarian Day presents a veritable way for it to alleviate their plight and improve the people's living conditions.

Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of Human

Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, an NGO, stressed that the humanitarian day ought to be a time when the government would give hope to the hopeless. ``It should not be only celebrations galore; rather, victims of terrorist attacks in the country should be treated with love and they should be given financial support,'' he said.

Onwubiko expatiated that humanitarianism was hinged on humane feelings of the people, expressed through their benevolent actions and attitudes. ``Everyday, we see images and hear stories of pain and anguish in our own neighbourhoods and in countries faraway. ``But we also find acts of kindness, great and small. The World Humanitarian Day is a global celebration of people helping people, we Nigerians, the government, individuals and NGOs should join hands together and make suffering people to smile again,'' he said.

Mr Samson Adebayo, the National Coordinator, Society for the Promotion of People's Rights, an NGO, said that the Word Humanitarian Day should be an historic opportunity to bring citizens from various states together to promote national unity. `Everyday, humanitarian aid workers help millions of people around

“

However, some concerned citizens have called on the Federal Government to render assistance to refugees and IDPs, saying that the World Humanitarian Day presents a veritable way for it to alleviate their plight and improve the people's living conditions.

the world, regardless of who they are and where they are. The World Humanitarian Day is a global celebration of the people who are helping others,'' he said.

Mr Ezekiel Ekpo, a human rights activist, stressed that since Nigeria was observing the World Humanitarian Day for the first time, it would be perfect if the organisers initiated the celebration with a media campaign to stimulate the citizens' interest in humanitarianism.

He also underscored the need to aid the IDPs, the victims of bomb or gun attacks and their families, while encouraging them to start life afresh.

Another Abuja-based lawyer, Mr Abdullahi Idris, stressed that the World Humanitarian Day was an opportunity to pay tribute to those ``people who were uprooted from their homes''.

He said that the event should be used to foster peace and unity in the country.

Mrs Roseline Abanga, a lawyer in Abuja, particularly underscored the need to protect the interests of IDPs, while improving their welfare. ``The government should strive to make the celebration of this year's World Humanitarian Day a huge success; it should particularly ensure that those who face danger and adversity in order to help others are well recognised,'' she said.

Abanga said that the families of the victims of bombings and gun attacks across the country should be compensated by the government, adding that such gesture would further enhance the peace and unity of the country.

Mr Udugba Anamkpa, a civil servant, who expressed the happiness that Nigeria was observing the World Humanitarian Day for the first time, also called for the recognition and compensation of the families of the victims of terrorist attacks.

He said that that the activities of the day should be tailored toward encouraging the citizens to engage in humanitarian work. ``Besides, people should be aware of the event because it affects many people in the country and the country as well,'' he said.

Anamkpa stressed that it would be good to acknowledge the ongoing work of humanitarian aid workers in the country so as to encourage them to strive harder in efforts to provide succour for distressed and displaced persons.

However, ECOWAS and the UN have agreed to deepen their collaboration in efforts to address the myriad humanitarian challenges facing West Africa, including the increasing number of IDPs, refugees and victims of food crises Observers, nonetheless, stress the need to mobilise the people to appreciate the need to provide humanitarian assistance for the less privileged members of the society, particularly in the time of need. ``Nigerians should be encouraged to adopt the virtue of being `your brother's keeper','' some of the observers say.

Source: NAN

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

The budget conundrum (III) – Implementation or utilization?

Contd. from Back Page

In the 2011 BIR, N2,425.07bn was voted for nondebt recurrent expenditure but the actual amount spent was N2,527.26bn. N1,146.75 was appropriated for capital expenditure while a lower amount of N918.55 was released. There is clearly no fortitude on the part of government to even out the disparity between amounts appropriated and actual expenditures.

According to the 2011 BIR, by the end of the fiscal year (Dec, 2011), the highest performing MDA was the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at 97.29%; Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Police Formations all implemented at above 90% while the Ministry with the lowest implementation of its budget is Agriculture at 58.45%. The declining agricultural sector of the country is understood more clearly by these figures which suggest the inability of the Ministry of Agriculture to utilize

funds at its disposal. Power implemented 72.86%; health 68.95% and education – 71.80%.

The budget implementation figures are impressively high but when considered against the background of the budget itself, do not mean much. The amounts being implemented here are meagre sums compared to the recurrent expenditures for the same MDAs. Therefore an implementation of 100% in a particular MDA may refer to amounts grossly inadequate to fund huge developmental projects. The developed and more advanced nations do not have budget implementation figures because the budgets are realistic and thoroughly researched prior to their being enacted into law.

The Appropriation Act is adhered to and expenditures are made as proposed resulting in 100% annual implementation.

Another observation is that in spite of MDAs not fully utilizing funds at their disposal to execute existing projects, majority of the projects assessed in the Budget Implementation Report have been

stalled because of payment delays and inadequate budgetary provisions. Bureaucracy in implementation and inadequate release of funds for contracts has been identified as the main factor responsible for abandoned projects. It is therefore imperative for government to create a transparent and efficient budget process alongside realistic

objectives if the country must fare better on implementation.

While the Legislative and Executive arms of government engage in fisticuffs on budget implementation, Nigerians should not be carried away by their hullabaloo. From past experience, such buck passing on inadequate budget implementation would soon be a

“

The budget implementation figures are impressively high but when considered against the background of the budget itself, do not mean much. The amounts being implemented here are meagre sums compared to the recurrent expenditures for the same MDAs. Therefore an implementation of 100% in a particular MDA may refer to amounts grossly inadequate to fund huge developmental projects

forgotten issue. Do these figures actually mean anything meaningful in our daily lives?

Even if the budgets were optimally implemented in previous years, how is it that there are still tons of abandoned and uncompleted projects, and increasing daily? We will respond to these questions next week.

The whole budget preparation and implementation process has not resulted in any meaningful development in Nigeria considering our soaring debt profile, high recurrent versus capital expenditure ratios, meagre non-oil revenues and inability to follow through with longer-term development plans.

For now, the Vision 20:2020 and Transformation Agenda are nothing slogans, without clear plans and programmes with the zero-implementation process on ground If we want to leave behind a country that future generations would be proud of, it must begin now. We have to collectively elect people with clearly articulate plans and visions backed with the ability to act on them.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 30

Charity group to oversee the demolition of Haiti's National Palace after devastating earthquake

By Leon Watson

T

he aid group Sean Penn founded in the aftermath of Haiti's deadly 2010 earthquake will oversee the demolition of the island's wrecked National Palace, it was revealed yesterday.

The Haitian government said the Hollywood star's non-profit group will begin knocking it down in the next 10 days.

Spokesman Lucien Jura revealed that Penn's J/P HRO group is not charging for the work, which is expected to take about two months.

Referring to Penn's position as ambassador-at-large for Haiti, Jura wrote in an email: 'Amb. Penn mentioned that his organisation (J/ P HRO) could provide the engineers and equipment to do the demolition at no cost to the government.'

The earthquake toppled hundreds of buildings in the capital of Port-au-Prince and in other cities to the south.

The National Palace was among them, its white dome and the rest of the structure slowly falling into itself.

The collapse forced government officials to work from a tiny police station near the international airport after the earthquake, coordinating the arrival of aid.

Authorities now conduct dayto-day operations from a cluster of pre-fabricated buildings on the grounds of the National Palace.

The crumbled National Palace has come to symbolise the level of devastation caused by the quake as well as government inertia.

But Penn's group hopes the demolition will mark a turning point for Haiti as it works with the government and a department in charge of preserving historical monuments.

The effort will include both construction machines along with workers using their hands, said Ron Baldwin, the group's executive director.

'It's an important project, an important step for the government, for Haiti, for the people of Haiti to move on,' Baldwin said by telephone.

Baldwin declined to give a value on the cost of the demolition, saying the budget was still being worked on.

It's still not clear what will follow the demolition. Government spokesman Jura said officials had not decided on how to replace the government building, which has had to be rebuilt before.

While still under construction, the Beaux Arts structure was burned by a mob that assassinated Haiti's president, Vilbrun Guillaume Sam. It was completed during the 1915 to 1934 occupation by U.S. Marines that followed his death.

Penn received the honour of being named an ambassador in recognition of his humanitarian work from Haitian President Michel Martelly at a special ceremony in January at the National Palace.

Martelly thanked Penn for keeping the spotlight on the Caribbean nation.

This photo taken from Fort National, a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, shows the damage to the National Palace inflicted during the 2010 earthquake in Haiti

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

The crumbled National Palace has come to symbolise the level of devastation caused by the quake as well as government inertia

The palace, which was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake that killed an estimated 200,000 people, has had its demolition delayed but will now be carried out by Sean Penn's aid group

Actor Sean Penn pictured helping the relief effort in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. He is now ambassador-at-large for the country

Crumbling: A view from the roof of Haiti's collapsed National Palace in Port-au-Prince

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 35

Owners of Rodney the rooster facing £5,000 fine after angry neighbours record him crowing 76 times starting at 3.45am

A

noisy rooster could land its owners with a fine of up to £5,000 after neighbours complained about the early wakeup call.

Rodney the rooster, owned by Matt and Carrie Summers, starts crowing as early as 3.43am for up to 76 times over a three-hour period.

Fed-up with the early morning racket, their neighbours set up recording equipment to monitor the noise and now council officials have served Mr and Mrs Summers with a noise abatement notice.

The couple, who live at Primrose Hill, in Bath, have said they may now have to look for a new home for their beloved rooster.

Mr Summers, 39, told the Bath Chronicle: 'It's an over-reaction.

'There are donkeys, cows and sheep on the nearby farm, and animals all around us, but no one has said anything about that.'

In an attempt to lower the noise level, the couple have blackened the windows of the shed where Rodney sleeps and have been locking him in earlier at night, but complaints are still being made.

Mr Summers said he was frustrated that the definition of noise nuisance appeared to be subjective.

'It's not done in decibels; it's just on opinion, which I think is ridiculous,' he told the paper.

Bath and North East Somerset Council received complaints from three of Mr Summers' neighbours, following which the council

Harriet Summers, owner of Rodney, tells him to hush after numerous complaints by neighbours placed its own recording equipment in one resident's bedroom.

In a statement, the council said: 'These complaints relate to the bird crowing seven days a week as early as 3.43am for up to 76 times over a three-hour period.

'Our preferred option of

dealing with such cases is informally through discussion with the owners.

'We have explained to the owner in person the problems related to the quality of life of their neighbours and given advice on how to mitigate the issue.

'We have dealt with similar

complaints in the past where our advice, such as putting the bird into a dark shed overnight, has resolved the problem.

'Unfortunately, although the owner's solution has resulted in a slight improvement, neighbours are still complaining about noise disturbing their sleep.

'A noise abatement notice has been served. Should the notice be breached, the owner of the cockerel would be breaking the law.

'If proven, a magistrate would decide any level of fine up to £5,000, just like in any other noise pollution case.'

Culled from: Dailymail.com

Family share three-bedroom home with 7ft-long albino python that is UK's longest pet

M

ost families admit they could do with a bit more space around the house.

But spare a thought for the Rice family who share their home with a 17-foot-long albino python.

Lilly, who lives with her owners in a three bedroom detached house in Guyhirn, Cambridgeshire, has been measured, held and even lined up against the family's ford focus - which she is bigger than by more than a nose.

Owners Pete, 49, Kim, 45, and 16-year-old daughter Chloe proudly show off their huge pet beast who lives both in their home and outdoors.

'Lilly has a wonderful personality,' said Kim. 'She is very placid and is so laid back that children love her.

Lilly is much less trouble to keep than my two dogs to be honest.

We can let her wonder around the garden, particularly on the grass on a hot day, which she loves.

'But we do need to make sure she is watched at all times. If she wondered off she would give someone the fright of their lives.'

The Rice family have been keeping snakes for the last 25 years, after Pete bought his first

Chloe proudly show off their huge pet beast both in their home and outdoors

one.

Since then they have fallen in love with snakes so much that Kim has recently decided to open a snake shop so others can enjoy snake keeping.

When they first bought Lilly as a baby, little did they know that she could possibly grow into Britain's biggest pet.

Since Lilly's growth has increased to epic proportions the family have had to build a tenfoot-long and six-foot wide heated tank for Lilly to sleep inside.

'We bought Lilly when she was a baby,' said Kim. 'She is seven years-old now which means she is still growing.

We think one day she will reach about 20-foot-long.

'She eats about one rabbit every three weeks and does spend a lot of time sleeping.

'Chloe and Lilly are best friends and they have been since Chloe was nine - they've grown up together.'

Teenage Chloe is so snake obsessed that since finishing her GCSE's at school she has enrolled in the Milton Animal College to study reptile keeping.

One day she hopes to be the head keeper at a large zoo.

'Lilly is a great pet because she is so different from the dogs and cats my friends have," said Chloe.

'Lilly is also fun to play around with and is very gentle as well. One day I hope I can care for more giant animals like her.'

Culled from: Dailymail.com

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Resistance isn't futile! Children who have self-control are healthier

C

hildren who obey their parents and keep their little hands out of the cookie jar have a better chance of becoming healthy adults, according to a researchers.

As adults we know that making sensible meal choices and resisting over-sized portions helps us to maintain a healthy weight.

Now a study from the University of Wisconsin has found that learning self-control when one is young is crucial to staying slim 30 years later.

Between 1968 and 1974, a team asked 653 four-year-olds to complete a delayed gratification test. They were given one treat, such as a cookie or a marshmallow, and were told that they would be given a second treat if they could wait to eat the first treat for an unspecified length of time. The average delay was 15 minutes.

Now scientists have

performed a follow-up study with around a quarter of the original participants.

By measuring their body-mass index (BMI) they found 24 per cent were overweight while nine per cent were obese. A reading of 18.5 - 24.9 is normal weight, 25 - 29.9 is overweight and over 30 is obese.

They found each extra minute the youngsters were able to wait for their treat was associated with a 0.2point decrease in their BMI when they were adults. The study is due to be published in The Journal of Pediatrics.

Lead author Dr. Tanya Schlam, added that children who could delay gratification for longer were also more likely to succeed at school and handle stress in other follow-ups.

She said that teaching youngsters self-control could be an effective way of tackling obesity, especially because

tempting high-calorie foods are so readily available.

'Interventions can improve young children's self-control, which may decrease children's risk of becoming overweight and may have further positive effects on other outcomes important to society (general health, financial stability, and a reduced likelihood of being convicted of a crime),' she said.

In 2009, almost a quarter of adults (22 per cent of men and 24 per cent of women) in the UK were classified as obese.

Obesity can shorten life expectancy by six to seven years among the over-40s. It causes a number of health problems such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Recent UK figures revealed a record 40million prescriptions were made out for diabetes drugs in 2011 - a rise of nearly 50 per cent in six years.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Self-control: One boy struggles to stop himself eating a sweet treat in an example of the famous marshmallow experiment. Those who waited longest in a similar test conducted 30 years ago became healthier adults

The brain breakthrough that could help Stephen Hawking speak again P

aralysis sufferers could learn to talk again after scientists discovered how the brain allows us to pronounce vowels, claims research.

Physicist Stephen Hawking, who suffers from motor neuron disease, is well known for relying on a computerised device to speak.

But the new research could pave the way for prosthetic devices in the brain returning the power of speech to those paralysed by injury or disease.

Researchers followed 11 epilepsy patients who had electrodes implanted in their brains to pinpoint the origin of their seizures, with neuron activity as they uttered one of five vowels or syllables containing the vowels recorded.

They found two areas - the superior temporal gyrus and a region in the medial frontal lobe - that housed neurons related to speech and attuned to vowels.

Neurons in the superior temporal gyrus - responsible for processing sounds responded to all the vowels, whereas those that fired exclusively for only one or two vowels were found in the medial frontal region - involved in memory.

The unravelling of vowels in the superior temporal gyrus reflected the anatomy that made speech possible specifically the tongue's position inside the mouth, the Nature Communications study says.

Dr Itzhak Fried, of the University of California Los

Angeles, said: 'We know that brain cells fire in a predictable way before we move our bodies.

'We hypothesized that neurons would also react differently when we

pronounce specific sounds. If so, we may one day be able to decode these unique patterns of activity in the brain and translate them into speech.

'Once we understand the neuronal code underlying

speech, we can work backwards from brain-cell activity to decipher speech.

'This suggests an exciting possibility for people who are physically unable to speak.

'In the future, we may be

able to construct neuroprosthetic devices or brainmachine interfaces that decode a person's neuronal firing patterns and enable the person to communicate.'

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Green tea extract ‘eradicates skin cancer with no side-effects’

A

Physicist Stephen Hawking, who suffers from motor neuron disease, communicates through a computer

chemical found in green tea has been used to treat two types of skin cancer, scientists say The extract is too weak to make an impact when consumed in tea. However, when applied to cancer cells in the lab it made two-thirds of tumours shrink or disappear.

Scientists at the universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow, who carried out the research, found the extract, known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), had no side-effects on other cells or tissue.

They created a cell with EGCg and transferrin, a protein that naturally targets and latches on to the surface of cancer cells, and applied it to tumours.

Tests were done on two types of skin cancer: epidermoid carcinoma which forms scales on the surface of the skin and melanoma which often develops in people who have moles on their skin.

In both studies, 40 per cent of tumours vanished, while 30 per cent of tumours in carcinoma cases and 20 per cent in melanoma cases shrank. A further 10 per cent of melanoma tumours were stabilised, so did not grow or shrink.

Around 10,000 people in the

UK are diagnosed with melanoma each year, with the majority women, according to the Macmillan Cancer Support charity.

Anti-cancer properties of EGCg were established in earlier laboratory tests elsewhere.

Scientists at other universities around the world have experimented with it to treat prostate cancer and leukaemia.

Lead researcher Dr Christine Dufes, from the University of Strathclyde, said: 'These are very encouraging results which we hope could pave the way for new and effective cancer treatments.

‘When we used our method, the green tea extract reduced the size of many of the tumours every day, in some cases removing them altogether. By contrast, the extract had no effect at all when it was delivered by other means, as every one of these tumours continued to grow.

‘This research could open doors to new treatments for what is still one of the biggest killer diseases in many countries.’

The research is published in the medical journal Nanomedicine.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 37

INEC postpones Plateau North senatorial by election to Oct. 6 T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a new date of Oct. 6, for senatorial byelection to fill up the vacant Plateau North seat.

The elections, which also included that of Barkin Ladi State constituency, was initially scheduled for Sept. 15.

The seats became vacant following the death, on July 8, of Sen Gyang Dantong, and Plateau Housed Majority Leader, Gyang Fulani.

The Plateau Resident Electoral Commissioner, M Habu H’Zarma proposed the new date in Jos on Thursday at a meeting with political stakeholders.

Addressing the meeting, which he co-hosted with security agencies, H'Zarma said Sept 15, was no longer feasible due to certain calculations which had time elements.

He, however, said that the new date was still tentative and could be changed by the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting was called to enable for inputs of the stakeholders at arriving at a suitable date for the polls.

NAN also reports that no

fewer than 18 political parties attended the meeting at the INEC headquarters in Jos. In attendance were representatives of ACN, PDP, CPC, ADC, DPP, APGA, MPPP, UNPP and CPP.MDJ, PRP, NSDP, AA, NNPP, PAC, ANPP, LP AND JP. H’Zarma had told the stakeholders the date was shifted for the purposes of attaining transparency. ``I am telling you before God, I am trying to be as transparent as possible, and I am tell-

ing you honestly, nobody is trying to tele-guide me, it is solely for us to have enough time to prepare. ” He also alleged that some of the political parties were hindering efforts of the commission to reach them with information on the matter. ``I want to inform some of you that do not have proper offices that you are making communication difficult for us.

Please let us know your addresses and phone numbers.''

PDP misleading Jonathan- Tunji Braithwaite From Ayodele Samuel and Ojebola Matthew, Lagos

E

lder statesman and a former Presidential candidate, Tunji Braithwaite, has accused the People's Democratic Party (PDP) of misleading President Goodluck Jonathan.

Braithwaite said this in his Lagos residence while endorsing Ondo state Governor Olusegun Mimiko who paid him a visit on his re-election bid.

The founder of National Ad-

Prof. Attahiru Jega

vance Party NAP said his Visit to the President early this month was a returning visit after Jonathan had paid a private visit to his resident to consult on state of the Nation.

"He had met with me in Lagos, in what I consider a wise and presidential move, to consult widely, away from his PDP power-mongers and godfathers, who in the long run would only succeed in misleading him.

"If I did not see an honest and a genuine concern in President Jonathan for the unflattering situa-

PDP flays ACN for sending Oyewole's name to SSS as Osun CJ nominee From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has warned the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) not to plunge the nation's judiciary into further chaos with its plot to impose a Lagos judge on Osun state as Chief Judge.

The party said it was aware of a grand plot by ACN leaders in Lagos to cripple the judiciary in some states under their control because "they could not purchase the judges there."

The South West chapter of the PDP in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Kayode Babade today, said; "with the appearance of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole before the State Security Service (SSS) in Osogbo today for security screening for the post of Osun Chief Judge, the plot had become real."

The PDP accused members of Osun state Judicial Service Commission (JSC) who approved Justice Oyewole of selling out the state to the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and 'the Lagos cabal that are desperate to destroy the labours of the founding fathers of Osun state.

The party called on all well meaning Nigerians to note the danger the development held for the administration of justice in the country if politicians could so brazenly politicise the position of a state Chief Judge.

The PDP added that it learnt authoritatively that the ACN planned to use the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami to lobby the leadership of the National Judicial Council (NJC) for an easy endorsement of Oyewole as Chief Judge of Osun state.

It therefore advised members of the NJC to be guided by their oaths of office and do justice in

the matter by not allowing the imposition of an outsider on Osun judiciary as Chief Judge.

Based on the recommendation of Osun State JSC, Lagos based Justice

Olubunmi Oyewole and the number two judge in Osun state High court, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo reportedly underwent SSS screening yesterday (Thursday) in Osogbo.

Justice Olubunmi Oyewole

tion of the nation and a desire to muster all the necessary national strengths to address what is definitely a collection of life-threatening dangers to the soul of Nigeria, I would not reciprocate," Braithwaite added.

Speaking on why he endorsed Governor Mimiko, he explained that it was borne out of his track record of good governance in Ondo state and his integrity as a person just as he stressed that corruption can only be dethroned in Nigeria by electing people of integrity to power.

"Mimiko is on governor whose sole purpose in government is the delivery of good governance; providing selfless leadership towards the development and improvement of the standard of living of Ondo state," he added.

Commenting on the state of the nation, Braithwate said it is not only Boko Haram insurgency that could destroy the country, "wide spread incidence of injustice, constitution operation and imbalance; failure of government to good governance; cruel oppression of the masses in the face of profligacy by people in government; legislature and a manifest failure of the judicial system have been known to cause such uproar of a catastrophic consequence for a country."

According to him, the World Bank has asserted that the Abiye project is presently the benchmark for maternal and child health for the whole of Africa and the developing world. He added that "Almost 11, 000 babies have been safely delivered at the Mother and Child Hospital, Akure and Abiye centres, out of which more than 1, 500 were by caesarean section for free.

NDP boss wants voter apathy corrected through proper legislation

T

he National Chairman, Na tional Democratic Party (NDP) Mr Chudi Chukwuani, said on Thursday that voter apathy could be corrected through proper legislation.

Chukwuani made the remark while reacting to the debate on the review of the 1999 constitution in an interview with the News

Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. ``If there was free and fair election, there would not be voter apathy in the country, people will be enthusiastic and willing to vote. ``Voter apathy can only be corrected by practical example and honesty of purpose, if you cannot legislate it, you cannot force a common man to vote,’’ he said.

Chukwuani said the voter apathy was a reflection that there was fundamental flaw in the electoral process and election.

He said that attitude of leaders abandoning the electorate, immediately after election, were also responsible for voter apathy in the country.

Chukwuani said voter apathy

was on the increase in recent elections as there was no transparency in most of the elections conducted due to manipulations that did occur. ``Voter apathy is not part of the people any more; people do not have confidence in the democratic process. ``Eligible voters prefer to stay

at home because the candidate will be declared the winner at the end of an election; therefore people do not see the need to cast their votes,'' he said.

The National Chairman called on INEC not to relent in its efforts to perform its statutory role by making sure that elections were properly conducted.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Ositelu urges Court orders stay of action on sack of Imo council bosses judicial review of the dissolution of vacation Judge adjourned the case court where the 27 local political

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin the local government areas in Imo to September 11, 2012, "for hearing government council bosses sued Imo Federal High Court in Abuja state, stated that the leave so of the substantive application for a state government for sacking them leaders to fulfil against the relevant laws, lead yesterday granted the 27 granted will, "operate as a stay in judicial review".

It was gathered that in a counsel to the All Progressives Grand councils' the interim of all actions and their electoral bosseslocalin government Imo state sacked by proceedings in the dispute between separate matter before a high court Alliance (APGA), Niyi Akintola Governor Rochas Okorocha leave to the local government councils and in Owerri, Imo State, the state (SAN) said that Rochas acted promises apply for a judicial review of the the Imo state government pending government had argued that the legally.

A

T

he Primate, Church of the Lord (Aladura) Rev. Rufus Ositelu, on Wednesday night urged Nigerian politicians to always fulfil their electoral promises.

Speaking during the Tabieorar 2012 grand finale, at the Mount Tabieorar ground, Ogere Remo in Ogun, Ositelu noted that the need of the masses should be paramount to the governments at all levels.

“Nigeria is blessed with both natural and human resources; it baffles me that so many of its citizens are living in abject poverty.

“Unemployment rate in the country is high, so many committees are set up but the government has refused to attend to their recommendations.

“True Federalism is the answer to the problems in the country,” he said.

Ositelu urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway as it posed a lot of danger to travellers.

In his goodwill message, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, noted that since human effort seemed to be insufficient in Nigeria, it was only God that could provide the people with the right answers.

Represented by Mr Adeola Alofe, Senior Special Assistant on Religious Matters, Fayemi urged Christians to seek the face of God for a special turn around in the country.

“I am sure one day Nigeria will overcome these challenges.

I am hopeful that this year’s theme :”Testimony Galore” would reflect on the country as there would be lots of testimonies,” he said.

In his speech, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun noted that Nigeria needed prayers and urged everyone to pray for peace in the nation and the progress of Ogun.

“What we are asking is for Nigerians to pray for peace in the country; what we need is for peace to reign in the country,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Evangelists Ebenezer Obey and Shola Are, as well as traditional rulers, were among thousands that witnessed the event.

governor's action.

The court sitting before Justice Gladys Olotu while giving the plaintiff/applicant, Barr. C.0.C. Akaolisa, the leave to apply for a

the hearing and determination of the suit".

Upon granting the above reliefs in favour of the Plaintiff/Applicant, the Judge who is sitting as a

council bosses were inaugurated on August 9, 2010 on a two-year tenure and are supposed to vacate office on August 8, 2012.

Similarly, at the Owerri high

But the chairmen of the 27 local government councils differed with the argument saying that they were elected on a three-year tenure that would elapse in 2013.

Council chairman canvasses increase in LG allocation

T

L-R: Niger state Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Diseye Desire Nsirim, Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, and Niger state governor, Dr Mua'zu Babaginda Aliyu, inspecting communication gadgets, during the launch of security vehicles and communication gadgets by the state government, yesterday in Minna.

Politicians task NASS on speedy constitution review

S

ome politicians yesterday in Lagos urged the National Assembly to respect the peoples’ wishes by fast-tracking the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

The politicians told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that the review of the 1999 Constitution was too slow.

It will be recalled that the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution had set a July 2013 deadline for the conclusion of the exercise.

Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya, the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of the KOWA Party, urged the National Assembly to take the wishes of Nigerians more seriously. ’’Things move too slowly here, and that is not the way business should be conducted in the 21st century. ’’ Let the National Assembly

work speedily on the new constitution, taking the peoples’ expressed wishes seriously, not just the position of a few who think they have more rights than others,’’ the KOWA official said.

Sonaiya said the issue of true federalism should be given priority, to reduce the excessive powers of the central government, and give much of it to the states or the regions.

Mr Unimke Nawa, a chieftain of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), urged the committee to urgently review the constitution. ’’The 1999 Constitution still has some grey areas needing urgent attention. ’’The Local Government administration, for instance, is left at the whims and caprices of the governor and the state House of Assembly. ’’We need to grant autonomy to this arm of government, which

is closest to the people,’’ Nawa said.

The party chief said the review of the constitution should be resolved finally at the moment. ’’ Other areas such as demands for the creation of more states and pre-election questions also have to be clearly spelt out in the Constitution as soon as possible,” the PPA official said.

Mr Damian Ogbonna, National Chairman of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), said what Nigerians required was a new constitution and not a review. ’’Our preferred position is to have a new constitution because this amendment does not actually address the issue, because the current constitution is fundamentally flawed. ’’If we keep amending a flawed constitution, we are going nowhere, and the country will not be able to move forward,’’ he said.

he Chairman, Ivo Local Government of Ebonyi, Mr Celestine Eze, on Thursday called for increased funding to government at the grass roots to enhance development.

Eze told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki that grass roots development would quicken the growth and development of the country.

“The Federal Government and the National Assembly should urgently increase the allocation to the local government areas, to enable them to provide the essential amenities in the rural areas.

“Adequate and functional basic amenities in our communities would go a long way to curb hunger and starvation among the poor in the society, as well as checkmate the rural – urban migration.

“No society would witness rapid development without the grass roots, hence the need for government to improve on the percentage of funds allocated to local government administration in Nigeria,” Eze said.

The council chief advised that allocation to local governments should be separated into capital projects and overhead cost.

“The separation of the two would enable the public to question the use of such funds for the purpose it was meant.

“This will promote transparency and accountability in public offices,” the council chairman said.

Eze said the size of the local government should be considered while allocating funds, to encourage even distribution of amenities.

Former Speaker wants Abia to recover oil revenue

A

former Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Chief Stanley Ohajuruka, has appealed to the state government to make efforts to recover revenue from oil wells located in the state.

Ohajuruka made the appeal in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday.

NAN recalls that about 44 oil

wells, hitherto ceded to some neighbouring states, were returned to Abia two years ago.

The state has, however, not been able to access revenue accruable from these wells since they were returned.

Ohajuruka, who was the Labour Party Governorship Candidate in the 2011 general elections in Abia,

said that lack of interest by the state government had made the Federal Government to relax on the matter.

“The state government has not shown any serious concern on the matter. Other states that had similar problems even went to court and today they are enjoying from it,” he said.

Ohajuruka said that the

situation had impeded meaningful development in the state because Abia could not boast of viable internal revenue sources.

“Abia is lagging behind in terms of internal and external revenues and this has affected finances of the state.

“The paucity of ideas of successive administrations in the state has also

contributed to the neglect the state has suffered since its creation,” he said.

NAN reports that Abia would be marking its 21st anniversary on Aug. 27, but Ohajuruka said: “there is nothing to cheer about ’’.

Ohajuruka called for “a grand working plan in order to put the state in a good economic footing’’.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 39

Offa LG: Popoola remains council chairman – Kwara ACN From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

T

he Kwara state chapter of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described as “travesty of justice” the tribunal ruling which nullified the election of the Offa Local Government Chairman, Prince Saheed Popoola.

State Chairman of the party, Kayode Olawepo, said in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday that the party is appealing the ruling and warned the PDP-led state government against any provocative moves.

An election petition tribunal had on Wednesday nullified Popoola’s election and ordered a rerun in the only council governed by opposition ACN. The tribunal nullified the election mainly because the ruling PDP claimed it was not properly notified of the rerun election which was held last year January.

“And until that time when the court rules on the appeal, the law is that Popoola remains the executive chairman and he exercises full legal

authority in Offa Local Government,” the statement quoted him as saying.

He added “Kwara ACN deems the ruling of the lower tribunal as a travesty of justice. The ruling clearly does not enjoy public support whatsoever as demonstrated by the reaction in Offa Town where people spontaneously took to the street to register their displeasure at the tribunal ruling.

“As a law abiding party with strong belief in the rule of law, we urge the people of Offa to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding....

“We warn the PDP and its state

government against any attempt to usurp his position and the law. It is our hope that the status quo will be maintained and nothing provocative will be done to test the will of the people in the interest of peace and order,” he said.

The media aide to the governorship candidate of the ACN in the 2011 elections, Rafiu Ajakaye who reacted on behalf of the party said, “we are shocked by the verdict of the lower tribunal. We reject and will appeal the verdict. In the meantime we urge our supporters to remain calm and peaceful, as we have the right of appeal and

shall exercise same. There is no cause for alarm. We will give our full reaction later”.

In its own reaction, the PDP described the nullification of ACN victory in Offa local government area as a victory for democracy and people’s will.

The Publicity Secretary of the party, Alh. Mas’ud Adebimpe in a statement said the judgment also confirmed PDP’s earlier position that the election that gave victory to ACN was characterized with electoral malpractices, adding that the Judiciary had restored the hope of the electorate in Offa by the judgment.

Concentrate on agriculture, NDP guber candidate counsels Dakingari From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

T

he former gubernatorial candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in Kebbi state, Salihu Isa Nataro, has appealed to the state governor, Usman Saidu Dakingari, to use the available resources to develop the state by tapping into the agricultural potentials which abound in the state.

Speaking to our reporter during the Sallah celebration, Nataro assured that Nigeria will still go back to agriculture sectorwhile commending the efforts of the governor for utilizing the little resources available to the state. He said "Presently we are being faced with a lot of problems in the state such as unemployment of at least 70% and drug addiction among the youths.'

He added "Meanwhile I'm appealing to the governor who know Kebbi better than any body now to please, for God sake, forget about building the Airport; new Government House is also unnecessary; state secretariat is also a waste and finally to withhold the amount earmarked for the projects to empower the youths in the state based on deputy governor's announcement a couple of days ago to concentrate only on agriculture to enable us employ the youth and give long term farming facilities to farmers as doing such will enable us to develop and have security all over the state.

L-R: Delta state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, explaining a point to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during the latter's inspection of projects executed by the state government, recently in Asaba.

LASG to begin head count of people with disabilities From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

T

he Lagos state government says it plans to take a head count of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in the metropolis, in order to adequately carter for their needs.

Mr Babatunde Awelenje, the General Manager, Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday.

“We are going to collect and collate all the bio-data of PWDs in Lagos State. After the collation, we shall issue certificates to beneficiaries.

“LASODA is going to scrutinise heavily those PWDs that are registered to benefit from free heathcare and education in order to check the influx of PWDs from other states,’’ he said.

Awelenje said that the collation of data would target all forms of disabilities, adding that, medical and behavioural experts would be engaged to capture those with intellectual disabilities.

He said that the census would also assist in capturing the needs of PWDs and ensure they benefit from

the Lagos State Special Peoples Law. “There is a direct relationship between poverty and disability. In most cases, poverty causes disability and disability causes poverty.

“In as much as PWDs in the state have free education at all levels and have access to free healthcare, they would be empowered to become independent,’’ the official said.

He added that LASODA was collaborating with other agencies of government to ensure transport facilities, buildings and other public infrastructure, are made disabilityfriendly.

Awelenje explained that the board of LASODA would meet soon to choose a date when the collation would commence.

We are set to development critical infrastructure in Kogi - Commissioner From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

T

he Kogi state government has said that the development of critical infrastructure, adequate housing and conducive environment for investors would continue to form the policy thrust of the present administration.

The state Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Zakari Alfa, gave this indication yesterday when he took the assessment tour of the Felele Housing unit constructed by the Kogi Investment and properties Limited (KIPL) and other facilities of the company.

According to the Commissioner, government would make funds available to the agency to complete all ongoing projects as well as embark on new ones.

He stressed that though the government was in a hurry to develop the state, there would be no room for abandoned projects in the new administration, even as he noted that the government intends to approach development differently from what it used to be in the past.

Earlier, the sole Administrator of KIPL, Mr. Moses Ado Okino, while conducting the Commissioner round the facilities of the investment company, said the agency now has a capital base of N2 billion as against the previous N 500 million.

He said the company has two other major projects which are ongoing. They include a Cement project and a biodiesel refinery.

According to Okino, the company has also concluded arrangements with an American firm for the construction of an Independent Power Plant which would serve the state and its environs.

The sole administrator added that with the fund and conducive environment already created by the present administration, the company was now equipped to play its role of promoting industrial and economic activities in the state.

LG chief tasks political appointees on loyalty

T

he Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Council, Mr Razak Daddah, yesterday advised political appointees in the area to be loyal to the council administration to enhance development.

Daddah made the remark at the inauguration of the Secretary to the Local Government, Supervisors, Special Advisers and consultants in Ijebu-Ode. He said the council could only attain an enviable height through loyalty to the authorities and selfless service to the people.

Daddah urged the politicians to see their appointment as a rare

privilege that should not be taken for granted.

“I want you to consider yourselves lucky to have been appointed, because you are not the most qualified. But God has chosen you to make meaningful impact on the lives of the people.

“Be diligent and hardworking in rendering of service such that by the time you are leaving the office, history can judge you well.

“See the appointment as a way of laying a golden path that people will remember you for. Be up and doing, and your complete loyalty is also expected.”

Daddah, who was

elected Chairman of the local government on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria on July 21, pledged an open door administration to enhance the development of the area.

“Our administration will run an open door policy, and we are ready to listen to your advice on issues relating to the development of the council.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Mr Tosin Adegaye, the Secretary to the Local Government thanked the chairman for the opportunity offered them to serve, and promised that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them. (NAN)

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012 With Tobias Lengnan Dapam 07036990957

Prezzo visits Nigeria to apologize Omotola Jalade to for his mess with Goldie start "Reality TV Show"

S

exiest Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade, has disclosed that she will soon start a reality TV show.

The beautiful mother of four who is an actress, singer and a philanthropist drop this hint on NaijaGist.com, adding that the "Reality TV Show" will be tagged "The Real Omotola".

The TV show which she said will start in October this year, will be televised in some selected television stations in Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK).

She further revealed that the TV show will be based on her real life experience and her day-to-day life as an actress.

South Sudan's Atong De Mach wins "African Continental Queen of Beauty"

S BBA stars, Prezzo and Goldie

A

fter a disgraceful romantic adventure which was highly criticized

by Nigerians and foreigners alike, Prezzo is presently in the country to apologize for Nigerians about his attitude towards Goldie, the Nigerian representative.

However, it was gathered that the star was in the country for a

campaign in a programme where he was said to be an ambassador.

The star was said to have arrived the country and preceded to the nation's capital for a press conference, before returning to Lagos for another press conference.

NaijaGist.com gathered that "ONE", which is an organization that is dedicated to fighting poverty

and diseases globally, might implightly be bringing the former two love birds together.

Prezzo and BBA star Goldie were romantically tied to each other while in the house. Due to their romantic involvement, most people have assumed that his reason for being in the country is the "once upon a time dating".

outh Sudan has won the coveted Miss World Africa prize known as the "African Continental Queen of Beauty" in this year's Miss World beauty pageant finals in China, Sudan Radio has authoritively comfirmed.

Miss Atong Demach proudly carried the flag of South Sudan in the world stage beauty contest held in northeastern Chinese mining city of Ordos.

Atong also won the "Miss World Top Model" prize, an achievement that contributed to her gradual progression into the list of top finalists.

After making it into the list of Top 15 countries, which included contestants from Kenya, Indonesia, Netherlands, USA,

Philippines, Spain, Brazil, England, Wales, China, Jamaica, Australia, Mexico, and India, Atong made it to the Top 7 beauties.

According to reports, the Top 7 also included contestants from Jamaica, India, Australia, Brazil, China and Wales.

China's Wenxia YU, who took over from Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela was crowned Miss World 2012 on Saturday.

In this participation by Atong Demach, South Sudan beats South Africa which has previously won 11 Miss World Africa titles and Botswana.

This year marked the 62nd edition which brought 116 countries together, including South Sudan for the first time in history.

LL Cool J takes down home Intruder

M

usic Icon and Actor, LL Cool J, recently confronted a burglary suspect in his home and over powered the suspect alone before the arrival of the police, NCIS: Los Angeles authoritatively confirmed.

It further added that the incident was not surprising to people who have seen the actor recently.

NCIS: Los Angeles revealed that the suspect allegedly broke into LL's LAarea home around 2 a.m. unfortunately for him, he tripped the alarm and LL was home at the time.

After hearing commotion downstairs and investigating, LL Cool J called the cops before physically taking the guy down and restrained him until officers arrived.

Miss Atong Demach

Kanye West considering 'American Idol' Judging A source knowledgeable about the "Idol" last month.

Gig, says Source

T

Newly crowned young J-Town-African Michael Jackson, Samnan Andy, performing in Crest Hotel, Jos

he famous rapper, whose been photographed out and about with his girlfriend Kim Kardashian, is now in talks to possibly become a judge on "American Idol," entertainment publication TMZ confirmed.

"Idol" insiders told the website that West is interested in the judging position, but that he wants his salary to match that of already confirmed judge Mariah Carey.

Reportedly, Carey is getting a whopping $18 million a year for judging season 12 of "Idol."

talks between "Idol" producers and West says he is unsure if "American Idol" is his thing.

Earlier this week news broke that rapper Nicki Minaj is in talks to become a judge on the singing competition, joining pop diva Carey.

A person close to Minaj said a deal to have the 29-year-old entertainer on the TV competition is in the works.

Minaj - known for her colorful hairstyles, wardrobe and antics - is best known for hits like "Super Bass," ''Starships" and "Turn Me On" with David Guetta.

Carey finalized the deal to join

TMZ also report that unidentified sources close to "Idol" have confirmed that Carey, 42, is not a happy camper because she was told she would be the only female judge.

TMZ is also reporting that "Idol" is considering Enrique Iglesias as a possible replacement for Randy Jackson, who has not confirmed if he is leaving along with Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, or if he will be back for season 12.

Brad Paisley and Keith Urban are also artists that the show is considering bringing along, TMZ said.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 41

Wladimir faces Polish giant

W

ladimir Klitschko will defend his WBO, IBF and WBA heavyweight titles against Poland’s Mariusz Wach in Hamburg on November 10. Wach is 2.02 metres tall and has a reach of 2.08m. Born in Krakow but based in the United States, he is 4 cm taller than Klitschko and will have a 2cm reach advantage.

Details of the bout were announced in Hamburg, Germany, on Wednesday. The 36-year-old Klitschko, a Ukrainian who is based in Hamburg, will be fighting in his 23rd “world” title bout.

He will take on the undefeated Wach four months after knocking out American Tony Thompson in the sixth round in a tournament in Basel.

“It is always something special to box in Hamburg,” said Klitschko.

“This fight will also be special because I have never fought against anyone who is bigger than I am and who has a longer reach.”

Klitschko last fought in Hamburg on July 2 last year when he won on points against Britain’s David Haye to add the WBA belt to his collection.

FIFA U-20

Record-breaking N/Korea underline title claims, beat Argentina 9-0

K

orea DPR overpowered a hapless Argentina with a record 9-0 scoreline to emphasize their title credentials at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Korea DPR can claim a berth in the knockout round with a point against Canada in their final match.

The Asians were seven goals to the good by half-time, following a remarkable five goal burst after the 30-minute mark.

The humid conditions in Kobe took its toll on the Argentinians who were looking ragged by part-way through the opening half, while Korea DPR were clinical in front of goal and maintained their shape for the majority of the match.

National Stadium Abuja

By Patrick Andrew

S

uper Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, wore a mournful look, got choked severally and barely contained his emotion during a parley with the media when he spoke about the wanton destruction of Nigerian pitches in the guise of turning them into astro-turf (artificial grass).

Keshi, who painted a gloomy picture of the state of pitches in all the federal government facilities, said it was particularly worrisome that whereas several European countries were dutifully cultivating natural grasses, Nigeria are busy destroying its natural grass pitches by turning them to artificial turf.

In apparent reference to the move to convert the turf of the main bowl of the National Stadium Abuja to an astro-turf, Keshi elaborated on the dangers RESULTS North Korea 9 Argentina 0 Norway 2 Canada 1 Ghana 0 Germany 1 USA 1 China 1

Eagles coach Stephen Keshi weeps posed by artificial pitches stressing that it would be detrimental to the health of players.

Stephen Keshi

“I don’t know told them (the National Sports Commission) to change to artificial turfs. It is only in Nigeria that I have seen all the stadia with artificial turfs.

It is unbelievable. I went to Kogi State, beautiful stadium but what do they have there?

Artificial turf! Enugu, where we used to play on natural grass, we played there against Morocco during my time, good pitch it was then, but now it is artificial turf. Lagos artificial turf, come on, see what destruction they deliberately imposing on our pitch!,” he lamented.

Peoples Daily Sports recalls that it was not the first time Keshi has taken up the matter, but the authorities seem to pay deaf ears to his entreaties allegedly because of what it cost for the natural grasses across the states to be maintained.

At present only the U.J.Esuene

Nations Cup Qualifier: NFF to release Eagles’ list tomorrow

T

he names of the 13 foreignbased to be called-up to the Super Eagles camp ahead of the September 8 Nations Cup qualifier against the Lone Stars of Liberia, will be made public tomorrow (Saturday), according to NFF Chief Media Officer, Demola Olajire.

Olajire, who quoted the NFF’s Director, Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme yesterday, said the list will be released at a press conference at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Ikpeme was quoted to have said

that the list will be released for public consumption after the NFF technical sub-committee must have deliberated upon it. He confirmed that the Head Coach of the team has submitted the names of the players he wants to team up with their domestic league colleagues, who have been in camp for three weeks now.

“The Technical Committee will deliberate on ths list on Friday (today) and by Saturday, we can make it public. Of course, the homebased players are already known; they are already in camp. The

curiousity is about which foreignbased players will come for the match,” said Ikpeme.

The Super Eagles will fly to Monrovia on 6th September for the final 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, first leg match against the Lone Star, billed for the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium on Saturday, 8th September.

Meanwhile, foreign-based players that will receive the nod to report to camp for the game are to arrive in the country next week.

Keshi, who disclosed this but kept the names of the players closed to

his chest, said he hopes to call up reasonable numbers of players just to make up for the lapses found in the domestic league players.

Also, he said emphasis is being laid on players with the knack to respond to his instructions, committed and mentally and physically fit for the game.

“Do not expect a long list of foreign players. There is nowhere in the world that the national league is disregarded. I am not going to invite 20 foreign-based players,” said the former Togo and Mali coach.He has also revealed that

Stadium, Calabar and the soonto-be-converted to astro-turf National Stadium Abuja, wear natural grasses while all the other turf have either been converted or are in the processes of being converted.

The coach lamented that use of artificial pitch has been a major reason why most of the foreign-based hardly offered their best to the nation because of the harm such pitch could cause them.

“I don’t like it but nobody is doing anything and that’s why some of the foreign-based players find it difficult to play optimally.

Some of the home-based players can push themselves because some of them play on artificial turf in Nigeria, but the foreignbased professionals usually have hard times,” Keshi even as he called on the authorities to reconsider current efforts to convert the natural grass in the Abuja stadium to astro-turf.

The coach, who is working to assemble a squad that would confront the Lone Stars of Liberia for the September 8 Nations Cup qualifier, even queried the quality of the artificial turf.

“If it is grade one, organic one they have in Russia, okay, we might say okay but what we have here is grade four.

Honestly, it is not good for the players. They are bad for the knee, ankle, groin side and the lower back. It is not the best,” he said.

He urged the NSC not to shy away from maintaining its facilities across the states adding that Nigeria must do away with the irritant poor maintenance culture.

Bolaji Abdullahi, Sports Minister players in the Scandinavian countries whose league has been on since stand a better chance to make his list of players for the game in Monrovia.

“Players are engaged in preseason to gain fitness ahead of the season. But you know that leagues in the Scandinavia countries have been on so it means players in leagues like Russia, Ukraine, Sweden and Norway have been in the thick of action,” he said.

“Like I have always said, fitness and players who are ready to run for 95 minutes are my first considerations in naming the players on my list.”

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NBBC not to blame for Nigeria’s declining boxing fortunes, says Secretary

T

Edith Ogoke

he Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) is not to blame for the declining fortunes of amateur boxing in the country, an official has said Remi Aboderin, Secretary of NBB of C the board said the board should not be held responsible for the dismal performance of Nigerian boxers at the just-concluded London Olympics.

According to him, the board is only a regulatory body for professional boxing and has nothing really to do with the amateurs.

He explained that while NBB of C was the professional arm, the amateurs were controlled by the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF).

“I will say what is happening to the amateur rank is not the best for the nation because it won’t give us good professional boxers.

“But the NBB of C cannot do anything about the unfortunate incident that happened to our boxers in England.

“They are not under the NBB of C but they are trained under the Nigeria Boxing Federation.

Eaglets in confidencebuilding ahead clash with Niger Rep.

he Golden Eaglets have started training to build the confidence necessary to confront their Nigerien counterparts on Sept. 9, in the qualifier for the 2013 African U-17 Youth Championship.

The team’s goalkeeper trainer, Emeka Amadi, said the management had now been saddled him with an added responsibility as Eaglets’ psychologist, to accomplish the “Confidence-Building Training’’.

The team is currently camped in Calabar, ahead of the qualifiers, with the first round, first leg of the encounter holding in Niamey.

Amadi disclosed in Calabar that it was important for the technical crew to prepare the players for the “psychological warfare’’ in the qualifiers.

He said it was proper for the players to be battleready, since many of them would be travelling outside the country for the first time.

“Part of our responsibilities as coaches is to boost the self-esteem of these lads. We need to prepare them physically, mentally and above all psychologically, so that they can cope with whatever is thrown at them

T

Nigerian scrabble players in action during competition

30 schools get Akwa Ibom scrabble association’s grassroots scheme

C

hairman of the Akwa Ibom Scrabble Association Bassey Umoh has disclosed that at least 30 schools in the state would benefit from the association’s grassroots scheme.

Umoh told newsmen in Uyo that the programme, which was aimed at introducing the game to school children, was a deliberate policy of the

association to popularise scrabble in the state.

He explained that 10 schools from each of the three senatorial districts in the state had already been selected and would be provided with training and equipment to start.

“You know scrabble is an intellectual game, so we are starting with 30 schools from across the state. Scrabble clubs will

also be established in the schools while training and facilities will be provided for the students of such schools,’’ Umoh said.

The chairman said that this was just the beginning as they hoped to expand the programme to other schools in future.

Umoh said that the association was also collaborating with local government councils to set

up local scrabble associations to make the game gain ground in all parts of the state.

On the September Gov. Akpabio Scrabble Classics, Umoh said that top players, including the world champion, Nigel Richards, and a U.S delegation to be led by veteran player, Sam Timer, had confirmed their participation.

“Players are also expected from African countries like Ghana, South Africa, Zambia and Kenya while some will also come from Asia,” he added.

The chairman said that the competition would be in four categories, including the masters’ which would attract the star prize of $15,000, while winners in other categories would share $100,000.

On the future of the classics, Umoh said that modalities had been put in place to float a foundation in Akpabio’s honour to ensure that the championship was sustained.

He tasked sports administrators in the country to ensure the revival of school sports in order for the nation to reverse its dwindling fortunes in sports.

“Our government needs to wake and do what is right, we do have professional boxing activities but promoters cannot go and steal money to promote boxing event when he or she will not make money back,’’ he said.

The three boxers that represented Nigeria at the London Games all failed to make it to the medal zones.

Aboderin said that professional boxing activities were still ongoing in the country but stressed that it was only a lack of sponsorship and support from government and corporate organisations that was adversely affecting their promotions.

He said that sports had become serious business all over the world but the situation in Nigeria was different.

Aboderin said former World Heavyweight boxer, Samuel Peters, and contender of the World Boxing Council (WBO), Olusegun Ajose, had made the country proud in professional boxing.

He said for sports to thrive in Nigeria, knowledgeable people should be given the opportunity to administer sports. by our opponents,’’ Amadi said.

Amadi, who was in goal for the national U-20 team in the 1989 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia, said it was even more important for the four goalkeepers in the camp to be mentally alert.

“I am impressed with the agility of the goalkeepers.

The truth is that any of them can comfortably be in goal for the Golden Eaglets at any given time,” he said.

“My duty is to enhance their mental toughness and that is what I have been doing both on the pitch and outside of it,’’ said the former goalkeeper trainer at German side, SV Nienhagen.

Manu Garba

Ahead of sports festival, Osun organises volleyball competition

A

head of the National Sports Festival (NSF), Osun Sports Council has organised a volleyball competition for clubs and tertiary institutions in the state. The NSF would be staged by Lagos State from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Osun State Sports Council, Mrs Funmilayo Moradeyo, in Osogbo on Tuesday said the volleyball competition would run from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24.

The statement added that the competition would be used to select players to represent the state at the festival, as well as other national and international events.

Among tertiary institutions to participate in the threeday competition are: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho (LAUTECH); and Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun.

Others are: Osun State Polytechnic, Iree; Federal Polytechnic, Ede; Osun State College of Technology, EsaOke; and Osun State College of Education, Ilesha.

It added that volleyball teams from the National Youth Service Corps and the Nigerian Police would also participate in the competition.

The statement promised fair officiating and fairness in the selection of players to represent the state at the end of the competition.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Squash players demand prizemoney for Round of 16 losers

Commissioner canvasses support for sports to boost economy

P

A

nthony Towoju, Kwara Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, has urged governments at all levels to adequately support sports development, in order to boost the nation’s economy.

Towoju, who made the appeal in Ilorin yesterday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the country had the potential to attract foreign revenue through sports.

He, therefore, urged all governments in the country to encourage the youth to engage in sports, as a way of enhancing revenue generation nationwide.

Towoju noted that there were several talents at the grassroots which needed to be harnessed and groomed for international competitions.

The commissioner also expressed concern that Nigeria did not take sports development seriously, saying that it was responsible for the country’s woeful performances in international competitions.

On the dismal outing at the justconcluded London 2012 Olympics Games, he identified inadequate preparation, lack of motivation, exposure and facilities as factors that were responsible.

He enjoined Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government in its efforts to overhaul the sports sector, for enhanced performances.

Saheed Gbolagade who was recently inducted into Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame

Lagos Lagos boxers boxers resume for for resume “Saturday “Saturday Boxing Boxing Show’’ Show’’ after after Ramadan Ramadan

layers at the ongoing 4th Lagos Open Squash Rackets Tournament have pleaded with the tournament organisers to consider the award of prize-money from the round of 16, instead of eight that they have pegged.

Their argument is that it would help defray certain they have been compelled to borne while attending the competition in Lagos. The current tournament has a 64-player chart, as against a 32-player chart in past editions.

But the organisers are insisting on pegging the award of prize-money from the round of eight for the men and women singles.

Grace Mayh, a player, who featured in third edition of the competition, said this would help to alleviate the financial challenges being faced by the players in Lagos.

According to her, the upkeep of players during the tournament in Lagos were enormous.

“It is not easy for I and many other athletes

L

agos State boxers, who took a month break for the Muslim Ramadan fast, have resumed their preparations for the monthly “Saturday Boxing Show’’.

The 33rd edition of the boxing show is scheduled for August 25 was earlier shifted by the organisers of the programme to allow the boxers to observe the fasting.

Wasiu Bisiriyu, Assistant Coach, Lagos State Amateur Boxing Association (LSABA), said yesterday in Lagos that the boxers were now match rusty as a result of the break.

The coach said no fewer than 30 men and women boxers were currently honing their skills at the Jalisco

who support themselves to enter for this tournament and at the end, most of us go home empty-handed. The organisers should consider this and make the tournament more rewarding for us all,’’ she said.

Kally Yashim, a player from Niger State, also pleaded with the organisers that some of the players had come from far-flung places to participate in the tournament.

He noted that there was an increase in the number of participants at this year’s tournament.

“If participants can receive prize-money from the round of 16, it will make the competition more rewarding and also more competitive.”

An official, who pleaded anonymity, however, said the players were merely making noise.

“If they are faced with hardships, there should have been pullouts, instead of an increase in the number of participants.”

Gymnasium, Oshodi to take part in the 10-bout competitions.

He also said that the show would also be used as a forum to select good boxers to represent the state at the 18th National Sports Festival, scheduled to hold from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9.

“We have resumed from our Ramadan break; the boxers are rusty now and will need to be in better shape to take part in the competition.

“We will use the programme to also select good boxers who are medal hopefuls to represent the state at the festival,’’ Bisiriyu said.

According to him, the ongoing refurbishment of the Mobolaji Johnson Sports

Centre, Yaba, venue of the show and the boxing event of the sport, had compelled them to move to Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

He appealed to boxing fans to come to the Teslim Balogun Stadium on the scheduled date, assuring that the show would be interesting.

“We are sorry to announce that this month’s edition will be staged at the Molade OkoyaThomas Indoors Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, because of the ongoing refurbishment at Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre,’’ he said.

The boxing show is being organised by LSABA and promoted by the Lagos State Boxing Hall of Fame.

Heartland will retain Federation Cup, Coach Madu boasts

C

oach Ramson Madu of Heartland FC of Owerri has boasted that his team would retain the Federation Cup at the expense of Lobi Stars by winning it back-to-back in Sunday’s final in Lagos.

The defending champions edged out giants killers Prime FC, a non-Nigeria Premier League (NPL) team, that defeated the likes of Sharks, Rangers, and Enyimba, who are all former champions.

Reacting after the Owerri side squeezed passed Prime FC on penalty shootouts in a tense semifinal game at the Ilorin Stadium, Madu said Heartalnd have what it would take to win the trophy.

According to him, the team is going to win the final against Lobi Stars FC of Markudi, who are also

Brendan Ogbu

N

igeria have proposed a warm-up game in Sierra Leone days to their 2013 AFCON clash in Liberia next month, top officials disclosed.

According to a wires service, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is currently locked in talks with their Sierra Leonean counterparts for a friendly on September 5, three days to their Nations Cup first leg clash

a top contender for the NPL shield.

They have 63 points one behind Kano Pillars whom they defeated 5-4 also on penalties at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, penultimate day.

“We are out of the NPL contest but we remain focused on the Federation Cup and we are going to win the trophy back-to-back having won the championship in 2011,” the coach said.

Madu lauded the officiating of the match, saying that it was “fair and wonderful’’.

In his reaction, Coach Ademola Adeshina of Prime FC commended his boys for an excellent performance, admitted that his players lost to the better side as a result of their inexperience in the competition.

Adeshina, who pledged to go

Nigeria propose Sierra Leone warm-up against Liberia in Monrovia.

“The discussion is on for the Super Eagles to play a test game in Freetown on their way to Liberia. The date proposed is September 5. The team will then fly out to Liberia for their Nations Cup qualifier against Liberia three days later,” a top

official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed. “(Coach) Keshi is expected to use his main team for this game in Sierra Leone.”

The official added: “Everything is being done to ensure we win this game in Monrovia so that the second leg in Calabar will be a

mere formality.”

In October, Nigeria sensationally failed to reach the 2012 Nations Cup after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Guinea in Abuja. It was the first time they will fail to qualify since 1986.

Last week, the Eagles made up

back and prepare the team better for their next task, commended Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state for his support for the team.

Chinedu Efugh of Heartland of players only from the Nigeria Premier League held their Niger counterparts to a goalless draw in Niamey in a friendly preparatory to the Liberia clash.

Nigeria and Sierra Leone last clashed in February 2011 with Eagles winning 2-1 in a competitive friendly played in Lagos. It was Samson Siasia’s first game in charge of the national team.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PAGE 45

Stop NFF's technical committee now or…

T

he game of musical chairs is on again. The mischievously indefatigable Nigeria Football Federation's Technical subCommittee is at it again.

The members of the committee are hell bent on imposing players of their choice on Stephen keshi just as they did during the era of Samson Siasia to the utter detriment of Nigeria and the ignominious exit of Siasia from the saddle.

The Chris Green-led committee is at loggerheads with Keshi because the former Togo and Mali manager has insisted on rebuilding a squad composed of players with the hunger to achieve, patriotic, full of zest and the fervour, which are essential ingredients needed to prosecute a "war" on the pitch.

And the nation badly needs new soldiers, not empty

barrels that lack even the dignity of harmless smoke.

But Green's men, ever enamoured of power and authority, would not brook independent thinking, especially one that dares to break loose from their suffocating grip.

It was the were same element that had superintended over multiple failures of all the national teams in the 2011 season, and whereas the services of the coaches and

“

The Chris Green-led committee is at loggerheads with Keshi because the former Togo and Mali manager has insisted on rebuilding a squad composed of players with the hunger to achieve, patriotic, full of zest and the fervour, which are essential ingredients needed to prosecute a "war" on the pitch.

T

their technical staff were ignominiously terminated, the technical committee members that imposed their hackneyed order vis-à-vis imposition of all manner of players on these coaches were left untouched.

And what's more, their favourites are the same players with their unchanged unprofessional, nonchalant, unpatriotic mentality, the same crop of players whose attitude remains a serious minus to any endeavour, the same level of thinking and playing who are at best glorified substitutes and at worst perpetual bench warmers in their respective clubs that are the top priority on the NFF technical committee's list.

Whereas Keshi wants a fresh breathe in the true spirit of refashioning a new Eagles complete with the necessary mien, moral rectitude and national zest, attributes inevitably required to capture

the fresh direction, but the committee which thrives in mischief and is technically bereft , is far out of sync with him.

While Keshi identifies with the aspiration of the larger public that owoidoho_ng35@yahoo.com wants a true national team composed of the team on', yet the same elements Please recall the experience very best available: willing, ready fiercely resist all efforts to bring in Rwanda, the bated-breath and docile, prepared to imbibe a this about. performance against fresh cultural orientation True, the majority of Botswana and the towards national service, the Nigerians may not have 'the discomfiture they constituted members of the technical security report', whatever that in several other matches. committee or some of them are means and for what ever Yes, the technical hell bent on the old order with its purpose it serves, what most committee members are craze for status without are certain of is the fact that desperate. They want nothing competence, name without the so-called big names that the but to win-at-all cost against performance and infantile desire committee is poised to impose thinner Liberia. for ready-made materials. on Keshi had times without No, the NFF technical Imagine! They have given number failed the nation.

Committee is a huge minus. A Keshi a tall order: rebuild, They failed in South Africa, misfit and a serious drag on rebrand, reshape and disappointed Siasia, held the whatever progressive steps reposition the team to meet nation to ransom, select Keshi may want to take. So long national aspiration. On their matches to play, feign injury to as the most, especially solips could be heard the chorus " avoid wearing the Eagles colours called former players and coach new order', 'rebuilding only to feature for their clubs command influence in that process', give vim to the few hours later, and even when committee, if they must belong domestic league', there are they choose to play offered at all, will the job of forging a enough home-brand talents to lame, lackadaisical and new Super Eagles remained build the nucleus of the new nonsensical performance. herculean.

WATCH DOG By Patrick Andrew

Group calls on Govts to invest in Sport fishing

he Sport Fishing Association of Nigeria (SFA) has called on the three tiers of government to invest in the game because of its potential to yield revenue.

Though the association is not yet registered, Eseoghoro China and Southern Africa.

Mr James Elaigwu, the leader of the association, made expressed the hope that it would make giant strides, if With Nigeria’s abundant dams,lakes and rivers the call in yesterday in Abuja even as he noted that sport given enough recognition by the government. including Jabi Lake, Lake Chad in Borno State, Kainji in fishing as a game, had both recreational and economic Sport fishing, which is also known as recreational Niger State and Oguta Lake in Imo State, the association values. fishing, is new in Nigeria but popular in the U.S., UK, believes facilities will not be problem or difficult to develop.

According to him, its tourism potential is also huge.

“Sport Fishing is actually an activity for fun. As the name years to clinch a medal in the water indicates, it is for sports in foreign countries such as the sports at the Olympics; all that is UK and U.S. It’s a sport that involves a lot of money; very needed is four years of serious and good prize money is won. intensive training for our athletes. ‘’Entertainment and Sports Programming Network “What we have been experiencing (ESPN) has a programme called Bass Master Classics and he Nigeria Rowing, Sailing and are situations where athletes are Elite series whereby you see competitors over the period Canoe Federation (NRSCF) haphazardly trained, within a short of one year and win they several millions. requires just a four-year period of time, where full scale training “So it is necessary to harness this and create awareness development programme in the water sessions are needed,” he said. that this particular sport is available. I want to call on sports events, to start clinching medals The technical director added that the Ministry of Youth Development and the National at the Olympic Games. the National Sports Commission (NSC) Sports Commission to get involved with in this; it is also Ebenezer Ukwunna, the federation’s should ensure that funds were released a very good avenue for tourism.

Technical Director, made the remark on time for training to commence as “People travel to the U.S. for such fishing competitions, yesterday in Lagos, while reviewing early as possible, for the 2016 Games they could equally come to Nigeria and do it.’’ the performance of the country in the in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The consultant, who noted that the event was usually water sports events at the London 2012 “Funds are not usually released on carried out on lakes, underscored the need for the Olympic Games. time so that training can start as early maintenance of the Jabi Lake to enhance the activity in He recalled that it took the country as it should,” Ukwunna said.

FCT. “People use the place for their picnics; they come 60 years before it could feature in the He urged the NSC to encourage eat and litter the whole surrounding, one very important events at the London Games, which corporate sponsorship of athletes so that thing needed are boats which is essential in fishing. ended on August 12. It would be they could be exposed to good training.

He said that the sport had good potential in Abuja but recalled that British-born Jonathan “I realised at the London 2012 noted that only a few people were involved in it.

Akinyemi represented the country at Olympics that most of the athletes were “It has very good potential here in Abuja but just a the Games, but was defeated in the sponsored by different corporate pocketful individuals are involved in the exercise. quarter-finals of the Men’s Canoeing K1 brands that have not only funded their He advised that the government could support the sport Slalom event. training, but also paid salaries to such through development of lakes and rivers across the The director said that being the first athletes. country and provide boats for easy movement on the time the country was participating in “The NSC should ensure that water. the event, it performed well in the corporate organisations sponsor Another member of the association, Mr Bernard sport, though the overall performance athletes right from the grassroots, even Eseoghoro, also said that the sport began about three was poor. before they become popular,” the years ago with a few members.

“It doesn’t have to take another 60 technical director added.

Eseoghoro called on others who had an interest in the Jonathan Akinyemi activity to join the association.

Official says 4 years enough to win medals in rowing

T

Takahiro to stake WBC title versus Diaz in Tokyo

W

BC super-featherweight champion Takahiro Aoh will step into the ring for the fourth consecutive times to defend the title against Gamaliel Diaz on October 27 in Tokyo, Japan.

The crowd puller, who won the title in November 2010, has to his credit 23 wins (including 10 knockouts), two defeats and a draw, since he turned professional.

His opponent, Diaz, who is 31-year-old from Mexico, is ranked fourth by the WBC and has 36-9-2, including 17 knockouts record under his belt.

The 28-year-old champion said on Tuesday he was confident of winning the fight by sticking to his own style. He would like to meet another Japanese boxer, Takashi Uchiyama, in a unification fight. Uchiyama holds the WBA title.

Sapa-AP reports that the Brazilian Olympic Committee has announced that the International Amateur Boxing Association has turned down a request to review the result of a fight in which a Brazilian lost at the London Olympic Games.

The Brazilians wanted the IABA officials to analyse the final of the 75kg division in which

Esquiva Florentino Falcao lost 13-14 to Japan’s Ryoto Murata.

However, the IABA felt there was not enough evidence to prompt a review.

The request was made after media reports in Brazil that referee Mariusz Gorn of Poland had told an official after the fight that he had made a mistake and regretted giving Falcao a twopoint penalty.

The Brazilians have now been told that the referee only showed sympathy towards the Brazilian but never implied he had made a mistake.

Takahiro Aoh

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE As a union, we don’t condone fraudulent activities. Any marketer that is found guilty (of fraud) should be prosecuted. Recall that in 2010, NUPENG raised this issue of subsidy scam in PPPRA — NUPENG President Comrade Igwe Achese

SPORTS The budget conundrum (III) LA TEST LATEST

Minister vows to sack questionable sports administrators

I

n harmony with the Presidential directive to reorganise the sports sector, Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has vowed to sack all retrogressive elements in the confines of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and inject the desired fresh breath into the system.

The minister, who disclosed this yesterday in Abuja during the inauguration of visitation panel on National Institute for Sports, (NIS), said that the rebuilding of the sports sector has commenced in earnest with the inauguration of the panel.

According to him, the NIS remains the cradle from where sports policy should be generated and personnel trained to train athletes, is right place to start the presidential order.

“We will soon carry out the restructuring of sports in Nigeria as directed by the Federal Government to avert subsequent the shambolic display such as was the case in the just concluded London Olympic Games.

“We want to start from the NIS by setting up committee to investigate it activities over the years because we believe it responsibilities are to produce good athletes and coaches for the country, “minister said.

He reiterated the commission's commitment to flush out questionable characters in the sporting sector and to ensure a credible performance at the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Speaking earlier, chairman of the Panel, Professor F Haruna commended the minister for the confidence he reposed on members of the panel and promised to work tirelessly within the period given to them to proffer needed recommendation.

Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, Sports Minister

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0803 0805 0803 0805 0803

– Implementation or utilization?

A

couple of weeks ago, controversy sprung-up between the Executive and Legislative arms of government over the (non) implementation of the 2012 budget The ruckus between both arms stirred up the consciousness of many people about budget implementation and the numerous jargons associated with the process. The buck passing between the two arms of government only illustrated that budget implementation is a term used to confuse the masses, and fuel the illusion that the budgetary spending translates to visible developmental projects aimed at improving the lives of our people.

When initially summoned by the Senate Committee on Finance, the Minister of Finance – Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala claimed that the 2012 budget had been implemented up to 56%. As the implementation issue became the focal point in public discourse, more facts gradually emerged.

The Ministry of Finance retracted its earlier statement. Documents subsequently submitted indicated that mid-way into the 3d quarter of 2012, the budget had been implemented by only 12.6%.

More interesting is how the government used the terms ‘cashbacking’ and 'implementation' to confuse many people.

The Finance Minister claimed the budget had been implemented by 56% because it is the percentage of the N1.5tn capital budget released so far. This is one definition of implementation. The House of Representatives on the other hand said the implementation level was 34%.

They arrived at the figure by calculating the percentage of the capital budget that had been cashbacked (N324bn). The final implementation figure of 12.6% was derived by calculating the percentage of funds appropriated, cash-backed and released for use to the MDAs. This calculation seems to be the most meaningful as it refers to the actual funds available in the coffers of the MDAs to be spent. These various calculations point to the opacity in government expenditure especially as regards developmental projects.

The Federal Government through the Budget Office of the Federation (BOF) has made quarterly budget implementation reports available

311 689 606 327 454

7458 1765 3308 1969 0344

NASIR EL-R UF AI EL-RUF UFAI ON FRID AY FRIDA elrufai@aol.com

Minister of State for Finance, Yarima Ngama

on its website. In the 2011 report, revenues for all quarters of the year (net oil inflow, non-oil revenue and taxes), fell below projections. Net oil receipts were N1,694.35bn instead of the projected N2,346.66bn, net nonoil revenue was N79397bn and underperforming by 7.71% (N66.3bn). Value Added Tax (VAT) and Customs duties fell short of the annual projections by 16.21% and 12.59% respectively.

On the expenditure side, N2,425.07bn was budgeted for recurrent expenditure but the actual amount spent was N2,527.26bn. The government’s total debt by the end of the 2011

financial year was N527.07bn as against N495.10bn projected. Of the N1,146.75bn capital vote, only N918.55bn was utilized. The Budget Implementation Report (BIR) highlights how the recurrent expenditures and debts consistently exceed projections while the capital expenditure falls short.

By December 31st 2011, a total of N864.32bn had been released to MDAs for the implementation of capital projects, of this amount, a total of N812bn (93.95%) had been cashbacked. The budget had to be extended because of the poor implementation by the end of the year. By the end of the extension, in March 2012, about 87% of the cash backed amount had been utilized: 47 of the 53 MDAs utilized, on the average, about 87.9%; 38 MDAs utilized over 95% of their respective cash backed releases while 6 MDAs utilized less than 879%.

Interestingly, by the end of the second quarter of the year, 11 MDAs had utilized no portion of their funds. It is therefore shocking that by the end of the fiscal year, the average utilization rate was 87%. If the projects had specific timelines for execution, how is it

“

The nation’s total domestic and foreign debt is about $40bn (N6.3 trillion) at present. Interest is charged at 10%-16% annually. The entire budget for 2012 (N4.72 trillion) is much lesser than the country’s debt. Most illogically, the accumulated debt is largely fritted away in financing the government instead of developing the country

that all the funds were disbursed within the last two quarters of the year? Could it be that the MDAs just seek for a means to ‘utilize’ the funds close to the termination of the fiscal year? Why cash-back a road project not yet under construction? Sadly, because the officials and government are not held accountable, the left-over, "cash-backed" funds rather than being returned to treasury are squandered.

A number of issues can immediately be discerned from the multifarious statistics on budget implementation.

Important to note is that the actual revenues more often than not fall far below estimates. This anomaly is not restricted to the Federal Government but is replicated by the State Governments. Deficit budgets are the norm and those at the helms of affairs do little to balance out the budgets with fiscal policies.

Worse still are the measures adopted and the cost of funding the deficits.

The nation’s total domestic and foreign debt is about $40bn (N6.3 trillion) at present. Interest is charged at 10%-16% annually.

The entire budget for 2012 (N4.72 trillion) is much lesser than the country’s debt. Most illogically, the accumulated debt is largely fritted away in financing the government instead of developing the country.

Apart from the risks of crowding out the private sector and raising cost of funds, government borrowing, especially in a developing economy as ours is in itself not a bad thing as long as there is a visible manifestation of the expenditure in the form of infrastructure and social services.

Unfortunately, this is not the case.

The long term effects of government indebtedness (local and foreign) would be grave on future generations and whatever measures adopted at regularising same would trigger untold hardship on the people. Inflation, higher taxes and increased interest rates are some consequences of prolonged deficit budgets. If the unguarded borrowing by the government is not halted or the loans invested in the real sector, then the downward spiral of the economy would continue with predictable grave consequences for the entire polity.

Contd. on Page 28

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 803 606 3308. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141