Peoples Daily Newspaper, Monday 24, December, 2012 by Peoples Media Limited

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 9 No. 96

Monday, December 24, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Safar 10, 1434 AH

N150

Rancour over choice of Kaduna deputy gov. From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

he choice of a deputy governor for Kaduna state has become a subject of controversy in the land, with southern Kaduna groups kicking

against the candidature of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Nuhu Audu Bajoga, allegedly nominated by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo. “It is not true,” Sambo said

when contacted through his Special Adviser (Media), Alhaji Umar Sani, noting that the choice of a deputy governor is entirely left for the Governor to make. Following the recent death of then Governor Patrick Ibrahim

Yakowa who was buried last Thursday, his erstwhile deputy, Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero, was sworn in as governor, leaving the position of deputy governor vacant. The post which is expected to

be filled by a candidate from the southern part of the state. In fact, the Kaduna state PDP caucus met at the weekend with Sambo in attendance during which Yero pleaded with members Contd on Page 2

Many govs will go to jail – Sen. Adeyemi By Richard Ihediwa

hairman Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Smart Adeyemi, has accused state governors of plotting to sabotage the current constitution amendment process so as to cover “their atrocities” and to continue

“to enslave” members of the state Houses of Assembly and those in charge of local governments in their states. Adeyemi, who stated this in a chat with newsmen at the weekend, said two-third of the state’s chief executives would go to jail if the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would investigate their handling of the funds meant for their states. He said the governors are kicking against the current constitution amendment process because of the proposals to remove the immunity clause and to grant

financial autonomy to state legislatures and local councils as such would eliminate their controls over state apparatuses and expose their atrocities. Adeyemi said the governors are also not comfortable with the proposal for the creation of more states because they fear that such

Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima (middle), inaugurating the renovated Kwayar Kusar General Hospital, yesterday in Kwaya, Borno state. Photo: NAN

Jonathan dismisses alleged rift with Obasanjo >> PAGE 2

Mob sets ablaze suspected motorcycle thief >> PAGE 3

IGP orders AIGs to beef up security >> PAGE 5

would shrink their “empires”. The lawmaker who accused the governors of siphoning funds meant for local councils to the extent that some of them can no longer pay workers’ salaries or undertake any developmental project, insisted that the Contd on Page 2

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

CONTENTS

Jonathan dismisses alleged rift with Obasanjo

News

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

2-10

Editorial

Op.Ed

Letters

Opinion

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

S/Report

Law

Education

Health

FG and the frequent disruption of public schools’ calendar in FCT, Page 4

Int’l

31-35

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-46

Leisure

Columnist

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

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday took exception to recent comments credited to renowned militant, Mujahid Asari Dokubo regarding the direction of his government and 2015. The former leader of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force (NDPVF) recently predicted that Jonathan may not rule beyond 2015 because he is allegedly surrounded by greedy people who do not mean well for the government. Speaking in an interactive session with State House correspondents yesterday, Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, also denied any quarrel between Jonathan and the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, saying the former President "is a man for whom

President Jonathan has the utmost respect and they have an excellent relationship." "I read that interview granted by Asari-Dokubo and I was quite surprised that he would talk like that because as he himself admitted in that interview, he is close to government. And his interview was full of proverbs. So, I don't know whether it is a wise thing for you to be a member of the house and then for you to stand outside and urinate into that same house. Doing so may serve the purpose of sensationalism and it may please some mischief makers, but the truth of the matter is that wise people may think that is not really the right way to go. “In spite of the content of his interview, in which he was saying the President has a rift with former President Obasanjo, I keep saying it: there is no rift

between President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo. The President has the utmost respect for the former President whom he regards as his father. He even calls him Baba. And I don't think anybody can say he has any evidence anywhere where the President has been disrespectful to the elderly man. “So, those things that you see in the newspapers about people saying President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo are quarrelling are exaggerated. They do not reflect the truth. He (Asari Dokubo) claims that there is a rift between President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo; so, you can see that the whole of that commentary is based on a wrong premise". On Asari Dokubo's allegation that Jonathan chose to surround himself with greedy people who have refused other Nigerians

access to the President, the presidential spokesman said, "There is also a comment from him (Dokubo) about people who surround the president whom he says are greedy and who have cut him off from his roots and all that. What you just take from all that is this crab mentality theory of human relationship and I think that there is a lot of this crab theory at play in Nigeria both in terms of interpersonal relationship and in terms of how people respond to public issues. What is that crab theory all about? If you put a number of crabs in a bucket and one of them tries to go to the top, the other crabs will be struggling to pull that one that is trying to go to the top down. They will keep reminding that top crab that you are one of us; this is where you belong and you cannot leave us; we are together.

Many govs will go to jail – Sen. Adeyemi Contd from Page 1 constitution must be reworked in a way that would free state legislatures and local councils from the clutches of the governors. “How can they be against local government autonomy? Sitting on the resources meant for local governments is unconstitutional. State governors siphon these funds to a point that some local governments cannot even pay salary or construct a culvert. If the President can ask the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the governors, two-third of them will go to jail because what they are doing is a breach of the constitution”, he said. Alleging that the governors

are already fighting against the creation of states and granting of financial autonomy to local councils and state legislatures, Adeyemi said they are doing so for fear of being exposed. “They (the governors) are opposed to state creation because they believe it will reduce their empires. They are against the removal of immunity clause because they don’t want their atrocities exposed while in office and they are against the autonomy of the state assemblies because they want to enslave them. If we have governors who are progressives, the constitution amendment would be successful.” He said the proposal for the granting of financial autonomy

to state legislatures and local councils are the fundamental aspects of the current amendment process, adding that it is only by so doing that massive development can be guaranteed as it would reduce the control of government and allow the legislature to yield more to the interests and aspirations of the people. “The fundamental aspect of the constitution amendment is the autonomy. If we cannot get the state assemblies to be autonomous, there will be no development and the standard of living of the people will be static. The governors are already saying that they don’t want it. How can one individual be determining the

freedom of a whole state. It is for the media and the civil society to rise up against the governors and allow people to have their freedom. “The governors are also saying that they don’t want the autonomy of local governments. Were the local governments created by state governors themselves? The local government reform of 1976 was meant to bring governance closer to the people, and subsequent constitution amendments recognised local governments as the third tier of government. The governors are demanding more powers for the states from the federal government, while they are against freedom for another tier of government”, he said.

Rancour over choice of Kaduna deputy gov. Contd from Page 1 to assist him in making a choice. But in a press statement yesterday, a coalition of southern Kaduna professionals claimed that Sambo may have nominated 63year-old Bajoga for the position, describing the development as “back door selection and sinister Greek Gift.” The coalition jointly convened by Dr. John Danfulani, Dr. Kyari Yates and Vincent Bodam, said that this choice might not be unconnected with a renewed move for political enslavement of the southern Kaduna people because, “it is a calculated plot to deprive the southern Kaduna area from holding the PDP state chairmanship position. “There are more qualified, youthful and competent southern Kaduna politicians and professionals who fit into the role expected of a sound deputy governor and we are reiterating our stand against Vice President Namadi Sambo’s choice. “Ambassador Bajoga should avoid being used as a willing tool

to further enslave our people and we expect him to rise above personal quest for political power in favour of the survival and preservation of the common heritage and dignity of the southern Kaduna people.” Further distancing Sambo from the entire scenario, Umar explained that, “the Vice President could not have nominated Nuhu Bajoga because he has consistently said that he would not interfere on the issue of who becomes Kaduna deputy governor.” Earlier at the weekend, another group from southern Kaduna had warned that it would not accept any candidate for the position without due consultation with the people. In a letter addressed to the Governor, the Coalition of Southern Kaduna Youth Fora, nominated three candidates and warning that Kaduna may not know peace unless one of them is chosen as deputy governor. The nominees are, a former a former PDP National Legal Adviser who was also at a time Attorney-

General of Kaduna state, Mark Jacob Nzamah; Yakowa’s Special Adviser on Religious Affairs (Christian Matters) who was also Kaduna state Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Asake. According to the letter signed by Vincent Bodam and Dr Shalulu Bonnet, “as living democrats and people with a long egalitarian tradition, we will reject any nomination from any quarters that is contrary to the yearnings and aspirations of the Southern Kaduna people. “We shall not accept selection of anybody above 50 years for this position and we are resolved to ensure a peaceful co-existence and extend our hands of friendship to the new Governor and his administration, if we are seen as equal stakeholders who worked hard for the victory of the party in 2011. Apart from Sambo, some others who attended the ruling party’s

caucus meeting included, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Senator Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, Presidential Special Adviser (Special Duties), Senator Isaiah Balat, former Kaduna PDP chairmen, Alhaji Makama Rigachikun and Mr. Ya’u Usman, Senator Nenadi Usman, Alhaji Suleiman Hunkuyi and PDP National Organizing Secretary Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, among others. Sambo told the meeting that: “we are gathered here to mourn our brother and ensure peace. “I call on the governor to rally round stakeholders to move the state forward and achieve greatness. I urge you not to rest on your oars as you work towards the progress of the state.” In his remarks, Yero pledged to run an all-inclusive government, adding that, “I appeal to all of us as party stakeholders to ensure the emergence of a deputy governor in order to build a strong party and forge ahead with administration of the State. I believe that in no distant time, the deputy governor will be appointed.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

PAGE 3

Refuse dump fire sets house ablaze in Kaduna

L-R: Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (MPWB), Alhaji Sirajo Ado Faskari, and Deputy Director Operations of MPWB, Mrs. Fatima Suleiman Gumi, during the presentation of the 2012 Hajj operations report to the minister, at the weekend in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

From Muhammad Adamu, Kaduna

he Benue South Senatorial candidate for Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the April 2011 general election, Lawrence Onoja, has refuted the media reports claiming that his attempt to return to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was blocked by the state chapter of the party. In a statement issued by his campaign office, he described the report as misleading, explaining that all the signatories to the petition come from his local government of Ohimini, which is one out of the nine that makes up the Benue South Senatorial District, out of 23 that make up the state.

Bisi Akande, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Rauf Aregbesola, Audu Ogbeh, Senator George Akume, among others to flush out PDP in 2015. Explaining further, he admitted that pressure is mounting on him to rejoin the PDP, but he has remained adamant, adding that if he desires to join another party including the PDP, those who claimed to have blocked his exit cannot stop him. While expressing disgust over the sabotage of the various party agreements by PDP when he was their member, Onoja said he left PDP for integrity and principle, because the party refused to honour agreements.

ire suspected to have started from a refuse dump gutted residences and caused pandemonium along Kigo road close to the Kaduna North local government secretariat along Ahmadu Bello Way - in Kaduna yesterday. It took the intervention of men of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency and a team of police officers who immediately cordoned off the area following initial reports that the fire had engulfed the council’s secretariat. Mallam Ibrahim Musa, owner of the house number ZZ 8, Kigo Road which was affected said the fire started around 9:30am from a neighboring house behind his own. "This is the third time they are setting my house ablaze from a refuse dump right by the wall of my house. "They normally pile up refuse by the wall of my house and set it on fire. My house was set ablaze from the refuse fire last year and two years ago. "But this time around, I will not agree, they have to repair the house and pay for the loss of money and property worth N2 million to this fire", Musa lamented. When our correspondent visited the house allegedly responsible for the fire, in company of a team of plain cloth police officers from Magajin Gari Police Station, a refuse dump was found at an angle from the wall where the fire was alleged to have started inside a house number ZZ 15, on Ibadan Street. Eyewitnesses said an 80-yearold woman and some children were rescued from the inferno. One of the tenants (name withheld) who spoke to the police officers admitted that the refuse was set ablaze to arrest disturbances by rats, but denied any knowledge of who set the dump on fire. Kaduna State Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Aminu Lawan while confirming the incident, said the police has already invited the suspected tenants and has commenced investigation into the remote cause of the fire.

unauthorised places. He noted that the committee had already confiscated and destroyed fake and adulterated drugs, worth over N600 million recently and has also discovered and sealed up warehouses stocked with similar medicines in Kano. “No government can stop the sale of drugs, we are not fighting anybody. But what we are saying is that anyone who wants to sell drugs must abide by the rules. You can open a chemist or a mall to sell drugs but let it be duly approved

by law in accordance with professional standards”, Kwankwaso advised. The governor said a situation whereby drugs are sold in the open in Sabon Gari market like vegetables or grains, is not in line with best practices anywhere on earth, pointing out that this has given room for sale of substandard, fake and expired drugs, which are inimical to public health. He said because some nonindigenes are engaged in drug business in the state, some people

are trying to bring ethnic dimension into closure of the drugs market matter, explaining that the action is not targeted at anyone one but in the best interest of Kano and Nigeria. Lamenting that empirical statistics have shown that Kano ranked number one in drug abuse in the country, the governor emphasised the need for everybody in the state to cooperate with NAFDAC and his administration to tackle the menace of unauthorised drugs retail and drug abuse.

Insecurity: Police deploy more troops to Borno, Yobe From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

ollowing the deteriorating security situation in Borno and Yobe states, occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency, the Nigerian Police Force, (NPF) has deployed more troops to the two states. Deputy Inspector-General of Police, (DIG) in charge of

Operations, Mr. Philemon Leha, disclosed this at the weekend, while briefing newsmen shortly after inspecting various police formations in Maiduguri. DIG Leha, however declined comment on the precise number of troops to take part in the operation, saying "we cannot leak our secret to the enemy". The DIG added that officers and men participating in the

operations have been selected across various police commands in the federation and will serve as reenforcements to the ones already on ground in the troubled states. He stated that adequate equipment and other logistics have been provided for the exercise in order to boost the morale of the security operatives for improved productivity. According to him, ensuring

internal security, law and order, are the primary responsibilities of the police; the officers and men sent for the operation will work handin-hand with other security establishments. The police chief sought the support of the residents of the affected states through furnishing security operatives with useful information on the hide-outs of the insurgents and other criminals.

Mob sets ablaze suspected Onoja rules out defection to PDP He emphasised that he will By Ikechukwu Okaforadi motorcycle thief in Lafia remain an ACN chieftain to help From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

suspected motorbike thief ran out of luck Friday when angry youths set the young man ablaze for attempting to rob an okada rider of his motorcycle at Tudun Abu, along Lafia-Doma road. Eyewitness account has it that the suspected robber lured the commercial motorbike rider to a secluded area near the 500 Housing Estate, where he was alleged to have attempted snatching the bike before he was accosted by some onlookers, who later handed him over to a team of vigilante operating in the area.

Our correspondent gathered that when the news of his arrest spread, a mob gathered at the scene following which the mob seized the suspected thief and set him on fire. Confirming the incident, Cornelius Ocholi, deputy police command spokesman, stated that when the news of the arrest got to the command, policemen were drafted immediately to the scene but that before their arrival, the mob had already set the suspect ablaze. He also confirmed that the suspect was burnt to ashes by the mob, while his accomplice managed to escape unhurt.

No going back on closure of Kano drugs market – Kwankwaso From Edwin Olofu, Kano

ano state governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has stated that the state government would not rescind its decision to close the Sabon Gari drugs market, stressing that the December 31, 2012 deadline was irreversible. Kwankwaso who was speaking during an interactive session with patent medicine dealers, top security officials and other stakeholders in the medicine sector at the Government House, Kano,

yesterday, said the action of his government is for the collective good of citizens of the state, who have been victims of the consumption of fake and adulterated drugs. The governor maintained that NAFDAC has since set up a committee in the state to that effect to tackle illicit sale of drugs. The action, he pointed out, is in tandem with the initiatives of NAFDAC to crackdown on all unauthorised persons who sell drugs and medicaments, as well as the sale of such items in

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

FG and the frequent disruption of public schools’ calendar in FCT S

ince the conception of the annual Abuja Carnival during the regime of former FCT Minister Malam Nasir El’ Rufa’i, to boast tourism in the country and showcase Nigeria’s rich culture, government schools within the city of Abuja, have been officially turned into camps by the federal government for the participants who come from all the states of the federation. However, in most cases, the annual carnival starts when pupils are in the middle of their first term session and approaching first term’s examinations thereby interrupting the session and causing the pupils to stay back home while their mates in the private sector are in school learning or writing their exams. It is only those at the Local Education Authority (LEA) that are affected by this development as it would be recalled that until last year, during annual hajj operations, students of a government-owned secondary school in Gwagwalada Area Council were made to stay at home and their lessons disrupted. This is because the school was used as temporary Hajj camp by the FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (MPWB) for intending pilgrims and that persisted until this year when the permanent hajj camp was completed and operations commenced. In addition to all these, occasional strikes that teachers embark on for non- payment of salaries and allowance which at times leads to protracted closure of schools with the attendant effect of the children sitting at home while their counterparts in private schools are busy with their studies. To say that government’s commitments towards revamping the education sector in the country is a mere lip service is an understatement because this is a section of the sector that needs serious attention of government at all levels as well as all relevant stakeholders, to ensure that the quality of education here is improved in terms of teaching, physical structures and learning materials. Placing priority on a national programme which is trivial to education says a lot about the kind of unserious government Nigeria has and the level of its commitment towards overhauling the education sector. This year like the previous years, pupils of Local Education Authority schools were ordered to stay home for close to 8days while the carnival lasted only to un-preparedly commence their first term exams few days before the termination of first term and a day after their resumption. It should be noted that this

In the last four years, the federal government has turn public schools in the FCT as accommodation for Abuja carnival’s participants, depriving pupils and students of the affected schools the right to remain in school and get fully prepared for their first term examinations, despite efforts to put an end to it by relevant stake holders to avoid implication of the action on the future of children. Maryam Garba Hassan writes.

Education Minister, Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i

FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed

does not exhaust the catalogue of the disadvantages suffered by children who attend public schools as issues such as lack of qualified teachers, learning materials and conducive environments also add up to and worsen the challenges being confronted by the pupils. It is pertinent to note that government owned schools in the FCT such as Junior Secondary School Jikwoi, and Maitama Model Primary School and a host of others have recorded tremendous achievements within and outside the country by winning several awards, commendations and prizes. Therefore, disrupting lessons can have lasting negative influence on the image of the schools and the students. Again, in terms of education, some of the past and present administrations in FCT have been able to make the city the envy of quite a number of states in the country by ensuring that they employ qualified and trained teachers who are well paid, equip schools with facilities and infrastructure from international donor agencies and the resources at its disposal. For a country that is not sure of attaining Education For All (EFA) Millennium Development Goal by 2015, anything that has to do with education should be a

Meeting. A source at the FCT chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) disclosed that the Union also wrote to UBEB to express their dissatisfaction with the way government is disrupting public schools in the city and later visited the FCT minister who promised that this will be the last time schools within the FCT will be used for such purpose. However, it was learnt further learnt that when the affected schools resumed at the end of the carnival, pupils were denied entry into school premises for two days an action a teacher at the Wuse Zone 4 Model primary School who spoke on the condition of anonymity said was as a result of cleaning of the schools as agreed between UBEB and the National Orientation Agency adding that the schools affected were officially closed on Wednesday and re-opened on Tuesday the following week. Another issue that is more worrisome is the use of school children to participate in the carnival who are mostly brought in to the nation’s capital from other states despite the bad state of Nigeria’s roads. Records have shown that FCT public schools are one of the best schools in the country in terms of academic activities with

priority to such government in order to meet the goal. A source at the FCT Education Secretariat, said the Secretariat is not happy with the development and has been complaining about it without any positive result adding that hopely this year will be the last time schools within the city would be used as camps or accommodation for the carnivals’ participants. Investigations revealed that this year, as usual, the National Orientation Agency (NOA)wrote to the FCT UBEB requesting to use some of the LEA primary schools within the city as accommodations for the participants of the Abuja carnival, as well as to release some of the school children to be used as participants in the carnivals. But the UBEB expressed their desire for the carnival to be rescheduled to December 15-22 when schools would have closed for the term to avoid disrupting of the school calendar or, alternatively, use the NYSC Orientation Camp at Kubwa or the Trade Fair Complex along airport road. Our investigations further revealed that UBEB was told that the decision to use the city’s schools as camps was a collective decision taken and resolved at the Federal Executive Council

many favourably competing with some private schools in the country. A separate parent of a pupil at Wuse Zone 4-based Model Primary School, Bulus Jisalo, who spoke to People’s Daily, said it is through the efforts and motivation of many regimes in the FCT by providing learning materials and uniforms to indigenous pupils thus encouraging them to enroll their daughters in the local schools. He lamented that the schools premises are often converted to camps to accommodate people coming to participate in events that do not add value to Nigerians’ lives but encourage spending the country’s wealth in feeding, transporting and buying costumes for participants. He called on the federal government to be more serious about education and the quality of education they give the children. Agreed, the Abuja carnival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the country and attracts foreign tourists which is good for the country, but the federal government should get an alternative place to use as permanent camp for future participants of the carnival, or schedule the event to a period when schools are on vacation.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

PAGE 5

Christmas: IGP orders AIGs, CPs to beef up security By Lambert Tyem

he Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday directed all zonal Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) and state command Commissioners of Police to take all necessary measures to ensure the provision of adequate

security across the country before, during and after the yuletide. Abubakar said the CPs are to personally ensure that key and vulnerable points, including shopping malls, motor parks, financial houses, places of worship, recreation centres and other public places are adequately and effectively protected, to enable

holiday makers, worshippers and the general public enjoy maximum security. Police spokesman, Frank Mba, said the IGP also directed all zonal AIGs and CPs to ensure the provision of 24 hours security around all government installations, strategic facilities and other key targets. The IGP felicitated with

Christians, reminding them of the significance of Christmas – and enjoined them to emulate and imbibe the worthy virtues, principles and teachings of Christ, by being open-minded to issues of peace, forgiveness and harmonious co-existence, especially, at this auspicious moment in the history of Nigeria.

FCT area councils get N2.37bn from Federation Account c

total sum of N2,372,382,097.82 has been disbursed to the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), being revenue allocation for the month of November 2012. Chairperson of the FCT Area Councils Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, disclosed this at the weekend during the Committee’s meeting, which was attended by the chairmen of the area councils. The allocation represents an increase of N160,914,908.96 or 7.3 percent over the N2,211,467,188.86 paid in October 2012 to the six area councils - Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, FCT, Engr. Anthony Ozodinobi, the minister disclosed that the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) allocation accounted for N56.77 million of the total revenue allocation received from the FAAC. She gave the breakdown of the revenue allocation received from FAAC as: N890.69 million from Value Added Tax N663.32 million from Statutory Revenue Allocation N368.68 million from understated account in Central Bank of Nigeria N275.35 million, non-oil excess revenue and N23.10 million from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation refund. The FAAC had in October 2012 allocated to the FCT Area Councils N1.001 billion from the five percent VAT, N761.91 million from Statutory Revenue Allocation, N228.48 million from Special Revenue Allocation, N23.10 million from refund by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and N56.77 million being the SURE-P allocation.

Ekweremadu’s brother dies in auto crash By Richard Ihediwa

he death has occurred of Prince Chukwuemeka Ekweremadu, elder brother to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu. Prince Ekweremadu died in a fatal road accident along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway on the night of Friday, December 21, 2012. He was 52 years old. The late Ekweremadu was a Director with the Enugu State civil service and worked in the Enugu State House of Assembly. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND. He was married with three children. Mourning his brother, Senator Ekweremadu described the death as a grievous loss for him and the rest of the family. “Emeka was a special kind of brother; he was kind, protective, and a loving elder brother who was always there for everyone all the time. He will be highly missed by the family and I pray the good Lord to grant his soul eternal repose”.

Shettima embarks on massive projects in southern Borno L-R: Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo welcoming the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers from Niger state, Dr. Yaya Abubakar, during the traditional rulers' condolence visit to the vice-president on the death of former Kaduna state Governor, Sir Patrick Yakowa, at the weekend in Kaduna. Photo: Joe Oroye

Christmas: NEMA, FRSC kick off seven-day “We have all along been ‘Operation Eagle Eye' collaborating with a number of By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule & Mohammed Adamu, Kaduna

ational Emergency Manage-ment Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Red Cross yesterday kicked-off a one week operation code-named ‘Operation Eagle Eye’ to tackle road accidents during Christmas. About 200 joint personnel will be involved in the one week road safety operation. Our correspondent who was at the Kaduna-Abuja toll gate point of the flag-off of the operation yesterday gathered that the one-week operation will

cover Kaduna-Abuja, KadunaKano, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari and Zaria-Funtua-Gusau highways across the zone. Speaking at the flag-off, the Zonal Coordinator, NEMA Northwest, Alhaji Musa Ilallah, noted that the aim of the operation was to support the FRSC with a view to reducing the rate of road accidents which he said are very common during the festive season. “NEMA is here to compliment what the FRSC is already doing in a bid to reduce to the barest minimum the rate of road accidents we normally have during this period on our highways.

agencies including the FRSC and the Red Cross and we decided that we will continue to support not only this agencies but as many agencies as we can because they are all crucial in our activities as disaster managers and that is why we are here. He emphasised that the agency’s officials will be in strategic places on the roads to monitor and ensure reckless driving; to also caution drivers to be moderate their speed limit and to avoid any intoxicants. He also warned passengers to be wary of the driving ability of the person who takes control of the vehicles they board.

Cleric urges parents to lay good legacy for children By Albert Akota

astor of ECWA Goodnews Church, Mpape in Abuja, Rev. Anthony Tede, has advised parents to build good legacies for themselves that will help their children as well as steer them away from vices and bad peer group influences.

Tede said many youths misunderstand themselves following the bad legacy of their parents. “Parents should be extra careful in carrying out activities because their behaviour affects their children either positively or negatively. “Dangote was just a name of one person many years back but today

it’s a name of commodities, when you are identifying with such name in Nigeria today people listen to you. Rev. Tede implored youths to engage themselves in meaningful activities and shun self intimidation and self limitation. He however urged parents to emulate Christ who properly guided and guarded his flock.

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno state said his administration has embarked on massive developmental projects across the southern senatorial district of the state. Shettima disclosed this at the weekend while inspecting some ongoing projects in Biu, KwayaKusar, Bayo and Hawul local government areas. Inspecting renovation works of the General Hospital in Biu town, the governor explained that the project parts of government efforts for improved health care services. He stated that government was determined to adopt aggressive approach in the provision of infrastructure to the citizens. Shettima has equally inspected the renovation of Shani local government secretariat, government lodge and Government Secondary School, Shani. He promised to execute more projects in the area, comprising of the construction of Shani-BorguKubo, so as to ease the transport difficulties confronting the community. He said besides easing transport problem, the project will also boost commercial activities in the area. Other projects to be executed include construction of Government Girls Secondary School Shani and the overhaul of Shani General Hospital.

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Julius Berger fixes LagosIbadan highway From Bolaji Olasunkanmi, Lagos

elief is gradually coming the way of motorists plying the 105-kilometre Lagos-Ibadan Expressway during the yuletide as construction giants, Julius Berger have moved in to effect some repair work. Over the weekend some of the bad portions on the axis of Ibafo, Mountain of Fire, Warewa end, Opic junction are being touched. It would be recalled that the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, had while announcing the cancellation of the contract with Bi-Courtney, said the Federal Ministry of Works had engaged the services of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and RCC Nigeria Limited to commence work immediately on the reconstruction of the expressway. While Julius Berger will handle Section 1 from Lagos to the Shagamu Interchange; RCC Nigeria Limited will be responsible for Section II from Shagamu to Ibadan.

Ex-CBN boss supports autonomy By Abdulwahab Isa

ormer Central Bank Governor, Dr. Paul Ogwuma has canvassed for financial autonomy and an independent Central Bank for it to play its pivotal role in economic development. In a memorandum submitted to the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, the ex-CBN governor said an independent central bank is in line with the international best practice. In his submission occasioned by the the National Assembly’s bid to effect an amendment to the CBN Act, Ogwuma said the proposal to replace CBN governor with a part-time chairman is “retrogressive and inconsistent with global best practices”. He said such will circumscribe the ‘management independence’ of the bank. “Based on our country experiences and the benefit of hind-sight, I can assure you that an independent central bank can deliver its mandate better than a central bank that lacks independence. This is because an independent central bank operates under long-term horizon”, he said. Ogunma faulted a part-time chairman of the central bank board being canvassed, saying such will invariably introduce partisan political considerations into monetary policy making, which will lead to “economic boom and burst cycle”.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

NRC will introduce air-conditioned train next year, says boss From Edwin Olofu, Kano

he Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Prince Adeseyi Sijuade, has said that the corporation is ready to introduce an air-conditioned train come next year. Sijuade who was speaking to newsmen in Kano at the weekend during the flag-off of inter-city passengers service from Lagos to

Kano, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the achievement, saying that he always gives accelerated approvals to requests from the NRC. “By 2013 we plan to introduce the new modern air-conditioned coaches on the track and there would be no cause for alarm in terms of security as the corporation would ensure safety of lives and property of customers”.

He revealed that N24.3 billion was spent to rehabilitate the rail track from Lagos to Kano. He assured Nigerians that the railway is indeed back on track, saying that they had about two or three years of rehabilitation going on between CC and Constain, noting that it was a historic milestone in the development of the Nigerian Railway. “This is very symbolic, symbolic in the sense that from

now on we will see very significant migration of passengers from roads to rail, we have quite a lot of customers already showing interest to patronise the rail system of transportation to move their goods – flour mills, cement companies , Total petroleum company etc”, he stated. Sijuwade said for now it is going to start from weekly service from Lagos to Kano, departing Iddo terminal 9am every Friday, and going to leave Kano station 9 am every Monday.

AIG Muktari Ibrahim dies at 55

L-R: Senator Nuhu Aliyu; Niger state Governor, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu; and former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, during the wedding fatiha of the daughter of former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, at the weekend, in Minna. From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

university don, Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda of the Bayero University, Kano, has argued that if the country is sincere in fighting corruption, former President Olusegun Obasanjo must be arrested and prosecuted for alleged corruption during his tenure. Radda stated this while delivering a lecture titled “Corruption as a Hindrance to Good Governance in Nigeria” organised by a nongovernmental organisation, Research and Development Network, yesterday in Katsina. Radda said: “In recent times,

Unspent budget: ICPC threatens Corruption: OBJ must be ministers, arrested, prosecuted, says don directors with jail Nigeria has not seen a person that has institutionalised, legitimised and rewarded corruption like Obasanjo…from 1999 to 2007 Obasanjo literally jettisoned the rule of law and replaced it with fraud”. Radda stated that the conspiracy between European nations, America, Canada and other countries emboldened Nigerian treasury looters to steal as such countries provide safe havens for such looted funds. To stem the tide of pervasive

corruption in Nigeria, the don advocated proactive measures which he said could include the China option which includes stiff punishment such as the death penalty. He advised youth to start a national agitation against corruption by organising protests, demonstrations and rallies denouncing corruption and its tendencies. He said the youth must learn to blow the whistle once corruption is committed.

Christmas fever: Passenger traffic increases at Lagos airport From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

he various terminals at the Lagos airport recorded a large turnout of passengers as traffic increased tremendously at the facilities yesterday. Our correspondent who was at the newly commissioned General Aviation Terminal (GAT), noticed passengers on long queues trying to obtain boarding tickets while others were on their way to board flights to various destinations, just as

he Nigeria Police has announced the death of Assistant Inspector General, Muktari Ibrahim, of the Zone 6 headquarters in Calabar. He was aged 55. He was buried in Kano, his hometown, yesterday according to Islamic rites. He died after a brief illness at the University Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River state at about 11am on 22nd December, 2012. Until his death, Ibrahim oversaw the administrative and operational activities of the force in Cross River, Rivers, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states. AIG Muktari Ibrahim who hailed from Kano Municipal Council Area of Kano State was born on 5 April, 1957.

numerous passengers also arrived from other parts of the country into Lagos. The situation was not different at the international wing of the airport with a large turnout of passengers who were travelling out of the country. One of the passengers at the MMA2, Mr. Micheal Onocha who was travelling on Aero Contractors airline to Benin, told our reporter he was on his way to see his family in Asaba so that he could spend the Christmas holidays with them adding that

seasons like this require that every family member should be together and that was why he was travelling to visit his family. Mr. Onocha further noted that he had to fly to Benin because it was the shortest destination he could fly to before taking a bus to connect to Asaba where his family lives. However he noted that he was not impressed with the passenger traffic as there were no adequate airlines to carter for the growing need of the flying public.

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has ordered ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to return all unspent monies on personnel votes to the sub-Treasury of the Federation not later than Monday, December 31, 2012, or face the law. A statement by the commission’s chairman, Ekpo Nta, also ordered the MDAs to submit the receipt and expenditure profiles of their personnel cost to the commission not later than January 31, 2013, using a template approved by the commission. “All MDAs are requested to submit the receipt and expenditure profiles of their Personnel Cost to reach the commission not later than January 31, 2013 using the approved template. For avoidance of doubt, Personnel Vote is for the payment of salaries and allowances for government employees only. All unspent balances should be returned to the sub-Treasury of the Federation by 31st December, 2012”. To underscore the seriousness his commission attaches to the directives, the ICPC chairman said “letters have been sent to the various MDAs for strict” compliance.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

Reduce money conflicts with your family F

amilies are great. They are the first ones to help us, and the last ones to leave us when we are in trouble. When we were young, we lived with our families, and we start our very own later on in our lives. Families however, make money matters even more complicated. Let's face it, money is important to us, and anything important can potentially create conflicts. Most people enjoy a very

good relationship with their families because there are no money conflicts; for others, money (or the lack of) can become a sticky subject. Most people believe that lack of money creates conflicts, but having money is just as troublesome. When parents have money, sometimes their children will try to fight for the inheritance, directly or indirectly. This is one of those unfortunate events that we

all dislike when we hear it, but we see people do this time and time again. Another example is when our family members are in trouble and we become the "defacto" going to person for free loans. So, if having money and not having money both creates conflicts, what should we do? Here's what I suggest. Although we cannot eliminate conflicts completely, we can drastically reduce the possible fiction points by

being able to sustain our own finances. If we cannot stop everyone else from asking us for money, at least we can stop asking others for it. This also means taking the appropriate risks with our finances, and doing our homework so we are prepared for the consequences. For business owners, this means they expand at a controllable level. For the rest of us, this means that we be responsible and create an

emergency fund. Not gambling excessively or buy a house that we never really could avoid (something far too many did the last few years) also comes to mind. If we don't need financial help from our family members, I bet our family life will improve too. Money matters, but family matters a great deal too. So create a happy financial situation, and relieve the potential stress it will have on our families' relationship.

Positioning for new opportunitiesâ&#x20AC;Ś leave a positive impression

What car mechanics don't want you to know

ere is a secret that mechanics don't want you to know: You really don't need to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles. It's a waste of a precious resource not to mention money to take your car in every 3,000 miles or three months, experts say. On average, most cars don't need an oil change for 7,500 miles. "The oil change itself is a loss leader," said Austin Davis, whose family has been in the carmaintenance business in Houston since 1937. He's the author of "What Your Car Mechanic Doesn't Want You to Know". "Most repair shops will lose money or at best break even on a $25 to $28 oil change," he said. "The whole idea is to get you to also buy an air filter, rotate your tires or buy something else while you're there." Because car manufacturing has become so sophisticated and less reliant on human intervention more computers and technology are producing and installing parts, for example the car-repair business isn't as robust as it was 10 and even five years ago. "The easiest way to make up for money that you're losing or to increase profits is to turn up the up-sell button on all your services," said Philip Reed, senior consumeradvice editor for Edmunds.com. "Mechanics want you to get brake jobs earlier than you need them or change oil filters more frequently." Sometimes, however, we are our worst enemies when it comes

Quote The major reason for setting a goal is for what it makes of you to accomplish it. What it makes of you will always be the far greater value than what you get. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jim Rohn

to explaining what is wrong with the car and giving away too much information. "Never reveal your budget," said Mr. Davis. "If there's steam pouring out of the hood of your Mercedes, don't tell the guy 'I hope this isn't going to cost me $2,000.' "He will be thinking, 'How about $1, 995,'" he said. There are no hard-and-fast rules about maintaining cars because they are all different. But experts do agree on this rule of thumb: Use your car manual as your guide. It will tell you at what mileage mark the oil should be changed or the transmission fluids flushed and what intervals that maintenance should follow as well as a host of other upkeep tips. "If there's a conflict between what the owner's manual recommends and what the dealer recommends, follow the owner's manual," said Reed. "The manufacturer made the car; they should know what it takes to maintain it and keep it running." Pay attention too to the warranty packages. Cars known for dependability will guarantee parts for as many as 70,000 miles. That's almost the equivalent of driving around the earth three times. "Cars today are just so well made that the failure rates of parts is close to nil," Davis said. But long before it does come time to turn the keys over to a mechanic, find one that is trustworthy enough with which to build a long relationship. "If you develop a relationship with your mechanic, you're much less likely to be ripped off," said Brandy Schaffels, content manager for the TrueCar.com website. "They'll go out of their way to help you." She had a mechanic who built an air-conditioner compressor by hand at a substantial savings to buying a new one. Culled from Market Watch

he way people perceive you have a way of impacting on your success in whatever field of activity you find yourself and subsequently your income. That is why people who have focus in life try as much as possible to build credibility and self esteem about their self, and are perceived high among their friends and colleagues. While this quality is not bought with cash, it can be earned through a period of time through exhibited behaviour and disposition that single out the person from the rest people around. Expert psychologist say out of nothing somebody can be made, by mere positioning of oneself to that extent that he or she becomes a delight to people around his environment. Benneth Opara, managing partner, B&B Consults said the major challenge facing many individuals, which also lead to

their remaining poor despite opportunities in their hand is improper positioning. Opara in his paper titled "Willingness to Grow" presented at a Seminar on Entrepreneurial Development organized for a set of business people in Alimosho said there is opportunity in every environment, which can be taped if one is perceived right by people in that environment. He said the first step to positioning oneself is for somebody to improve on his personality which would make him more relevant among others. For self improvement, Opara emphasized the need for extra education through series of trainings, stating that that is where knowledge comes. "Knowledge is power and that is what distinguishes you from the rest people and make you the chosen one". As experts puts it self-

enhancement is a type of motivation that works to make us feel good about ourselves and to maintain self-esteem. This motive becomes especially prominent in situations of threat, failure or blows to one's self-esteem. Its enhancement involves a preference for positive over negative self-views, the experts said. Another issue Opara raised in the lecture is about self confidence, stating that a number of people find it difficult to associate and as such die with the potentials in them. "A number of persons have hidden potentials in them which are not explored because they are either not social or have been weighed down psychologically" In this sense, opara said it's important that people go for psychological text or counselling to break certain traits that have not helped them to explode from their shells.

Does worrying about your poor finances bring solution?

t is not uncommon to find people worrying about their poor financial state and even falling ill as a result. This development does not only degenerate the situation but worsens it, because it will cost extra money to get medical attention, plus the time you will spend to sort this problem out. Rather than thinking of the past that does not have solution, experts suggest that it is much better to focus on getting solution

to the problem, by searching for new opportunities; working towards it; praying hard for those who believe in their faith and also remaining optimistic. According to David, a finance expert at the beginning, worrying about financial situation is good. The concern helps decide whether continuing what one is presently doing for a living was the right thing, but once decided and a choice made, worrying about it will not help at all. Worrying will further raise many questions about the future. The more questions, the more you will want to know and the more questions will continue to rise. What should be done instead of worrying? Do something constructive: You should stop worrying and start facing the situation. Since there is no way to know what would happen in the future, so, the time spent worrying was totally wasted. Instead, do something that actually

helps the situation. In this case, spend time thinking of ways to grow your earnings, instead of thinking about "what if". Think of the positives: There is no substitute for attitude and outlook. In order to stay positive, recall the qualities, skills and abilities which you have going for me. These include: 1. What emergency fund to weather any downturns 2. If there are challenges of saturation or job loss in my industry, how do I get on moving? 3. Not having a great income should force you to think creatively ways to save money. This will allow you review for proper understanding what you have learnt from "This is Money". Listing these out really helps remind you that it's not as bad as you thought. The future is as bright as our minds let us to believe, so stay positive. What this all means for you when it comes to our finances, we all worry at times. Next time this happens, turn the situation around by: *Focusing on solutions to the problem *Being optimistic *Stop worrying.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

Gov Patrick Yakowa’s tragic death

ir Patrick Yakowa was the governor of Kaduna state for only two and a half years when he died in a helicopter crash in far away Bayelsa state on December 15. He became governor in 2010 when newly installed President Goodluck Jonathan took his former boss, Ahaji Namadi Sambo, to be Vice- President, and last year he won an election in his own right. Also killed in the air mishap were former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Owoye Azazi, Yakowa’s associate, Dauda Tsoho, the two pilots of the chopper and Azazi’s security detail. Yakowa was in Bayelsa for the funeral of the father of President Jonathan’s Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Mr. Oronto Douglas. It would seem Yakowa had a premonition of his death. Two weeks earlier, he had visited the graves of his father and mother and a day before the ill-fated trip to Bayelsa he called his deputy, Mallam Mukhtar Ramallan Yero, now governor, to his office and told him things he never before spoke to him about, ending with an apocalyptic remark that he might one day become governor. He did become one on Sunday, December 16, though not in the best of circumstances. Those who have paid tributes to the late Yakowa, including President Jonathan and Vice-President Sambo, have dwelt on his character: he was humble, a peace lover and intelligent. Those were the very attributes that made former Governor Ahmed Makarfi choose him as a replacement for his deputy, Mr. Stephen Shekari ,who died in 2005.

Makarfi’s successor, Namadi, retained him and when was elevated to Vice-President, Yakowa replaced him as governor. As deputy governor, he understood his place and never was too obtrusive. As a former colleague in the civil service commented, Yakowa “stayed in his own corner, and must have endured the inherent frustrations of all Deputy Governors better than most of his colleagues”.

“

It will not be easy governing a state that has been rightly described as the “bellwether of Nigeria’s politics”, but we are reassured by his promise to carry on from where Yakowa left off and be fair to all Yakowa’s personal integrity was probably his chief asset. Unlike several state governors, his name was not linked to corruption. In other words, he never had the itchy palms of many of his colleagues. His humility showed in his refusal to make his wife, Amina, a very visible first lady. Some say it was, indeed, the woman who chose to stay in the background. Whatever, the fact that he went along with his wife on this indicated he was not the pushy type.

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However, his unwillingness to step on toes did not work well for him as governor. Coming from Southern Kaduna, his people expected the first governor from there to do much for them. They were disappointed by his resolve to be fair to all sections of a state which, unfortunately, already was highly polarized along religious and ethnic lines before he became governor. Even so, he did not escape scathing criticism from those who felt marginalized under his rule. There are people who say Yakowa was a nice man but a bad politician. They point to the “divisive campaign” he ran in 2011, which resulted in widespread mayhem and the near clean sweep of the state’s 24 local government in last month’s council election by his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggesting that he was not the one running his government but the party. Makarfi recently cried out that the peace infrastructure he built in Kaduna state has been dismantled. He must be referring to the Boko Haram insurgency that has also gripped the state, the rise in ethnic or communal killings and armed banditry. These were security challenges that Yakowa couldn’t get on top of before his tragic death over a week ago. That was not, however, for want of trying. We at Peoples Daily do hope that his successor, Yero, will be able to build on the foundation Yakowa had laid. It will not be easy governing a state that has been rightly described as the “bellwether of Nigeria’s politics”, but we are reassured by his promise to carry on from where Yakowa left off and be fair to all.

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PAGE 13

The crash that raises many questions By Michael Oluwagbemi

aturday, December 15, 2012 will stand in infamy not only as the day a naval Helicopter crashed taking with it precious national assets including a well trained Naval Commander (equivalent of a Naval Lt. Colonel) but other public officers including a Governor and an ex-Chief of Army Staff. But Saturday should never have happened, and if it were saner clime heads will be rolling as we speak even to the very top. Ignoring for one minute, the very premise of abuse of office that saw a Naval Aircraft being used for private ceremony like kabukabu, one could not help but wonder why military aircrafts keeping falling from our skies like pancakes. Clearly the seeming lack of concern we have for human lives on our roads, at our hospitals and our places of work now rules in our military. Will this same

military force need to even surrender, when the enemy comes knocking when it cannot even effectively mobilize a helicopter for short hop trips in the Niger Delta without crashing. Bear in mind, this is about the third major crash in few years within the three service arms. Back to the core questions surrounding abuse of power, and government property; there is no doubt in my mind that in saner climes both the Chief of Naval Staff and someone in the Presidency better have some good answers about this incident. Why will a military asset that is barely enough to police our pirate infested waters be deployed for private use? We are deploying military assets for funerals, naming ceremonies and birthdays while the North is on fire and our cities are besieged. In Nigeria, I don’t expect answers. This is why: we’re high on rhetoric and short on action. We have a culture that

encourages no demarcation between public and private property. Public property is Nigeria is regarded as anyone’s property which means no one owns it. In Nigeria, we had a President that created a Transnational Corporation, and awarded prized national assets like telecom license and oil blocs to it while ensuring he was given some really cool amount of shares to boot. He had defenders then, and President Jonathan will have defenders today! There is a popular but evil saying in our country, “na where man dey work, na there im dey chop”. So we’ve become a nation of choppers, with government choppers falling off the skies ferrying private citizens and state officials to private ceremonies where it has no business. I guess we need to be more careful about what we chop! There is no doubt in my mind that a country where armed robbers can hold homes hostage for three hours without

fear of police intervention, where accidents happen and no emergency response shows up for hours, where roads are constantly rewarded while they rot away deserve more than the quality of public service we see today and emblematic by Saturday’s incident. What we need is a serious soul searching as a people and as a culture. What kind of country are we building for our children? What are our priorities? Don’t we have any sense of proprietary any more? What are we made of when we loot and commandeer public service for our own private purpose without a conscience; while millions rot away in poverty for lack thereof? Do we ask questions of the family member, relative or friend that suddenly finds new wealth at the behest of a government appointment? Speaking about checks, where is the compromised National Assembly to check the

inherent excesses of the executive when we need them? Why is the Chief of Naval staff not being dishonorably discharged as we speak, to send clear signals to other government functionaries military or bureaucrats that nepotism will not be tolerated? As we ask questions, we cannot forget that the answers inhabit each of our minds. When you take that result of an underperforming ward and pushed him/her into that university ahead of other more qualified candidates, or commandeer a bed in public hospital for use by your relative ahead of other in line – you just took an ill fated chopper. As we all gradually sink into the abyss of taking no prisoners, we devalue public service and ourselves in the process. Think and Act. May God bless Nigeria. Michael Oluwagbemi is the co-founder and executive partner at LoftyInc Allied Partners Ltd.

Jonathan, Anenih and PDP cahoot By Theophilus Ilevbare

nce again, President Jonathan did not disappoint as he amazed Nigerians with his relentless comic fight against corruption, leaving no modicum of doubt that he is nowhere close to tackling the ‘cancer’. His bizarre decisions and actions accentuate his lacklustre fight against graft. This time around, it was the appointment of Chief Tony Anenih, chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as the new chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), one of the most lucrative agency outside the oil and gas industry and one that has served as an agency of choice for PDP leaders since 1999. The ineptitude and cluelessness of the PDP and Jonathan led administration came to the fore as the septuagenarian returned to the honey pot he occupied for few years without any impact. In awe Nigerians were made to wonder if there is anything he left behind at the nation’s doorway of commerce and industry that he intends to pick up. Or how else can we describe this open show of PDPs shamelessness considering that a former NPA chairman and PDP deputy national leader, Chief Olabode George, not long ago completed his jail term in connection with funds he stole while at the helm of the NPA board. This was the height of comic mesmerism capable of making even Lucifer laugh himself silly. Of recent Nigerian memory is the fact that Chief Tony Anenih once served as the

Minister of Works of which he misappropriated funds to the tune of N300 billion meant for road construction and reconstruction. Mr Jonathan has raised the ante to appoint him as the new NPA Boss as part of his Machiavellian tactics towards self succession in 2015. Obliviously, Jonathan failed to realize that Anenih has since lost the sobriquet of ‘Mr fix it’, his political prowess is dwindling and deeming as we can recall that not too long ago Anenih, as the ageing politician should now be addressed, served as the godfather of the trounced PDP candidates in the Anambra and Edo state’s gubernatorial poll, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo and Maj. General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd). From the inception of the fourth republic in 1999, PDP has been known for its penchant for celebrating failure, hence, the emergence of Anenih as Nigeria’s minister of works during Obasanjo’s tenure came as no surprise. Till today, the Nation’s highways, like the Lagos-Ibadan, EastWest and Benin-Ore roads remain death traps. He left the roads worse than he met them. To him, pillaging state funds meant for road construction became his full time calling. So much was his fleece that till today a good number of the roads have remained in deplorable condition. In the PDP, their cunning ability to recycle mediocrity has seen Anenih metamorphose from Board of Trustees chairman to minister of the federal republic, then NPA chairman in 2009 and now chairman of the NPA

again in 2012. His 2009 role as the Chairman of the NPA was an indirect appointment as Late President Yar’adua’s second term ‘campaign manager’. The same strategy is the record Jonathan seem to be playing. Anenih’s indictment during his time at the Ministry of Works without prosecution and conviction reinforces the public belief that some individuals are above the law. To succinctly put, “the anti-corruption law and war in Nigeria is like a cobweb. It is strong to catch the weak but very weak to catch the strong”. This action validates the school of thought that the prosecution of Bode George was a smokescreen; he was only a victim of high level political scheming. The man that has been deployed to the prime government agency to superintend the activities of the NPA, should remember that it is the same post that landed Chief Bode George in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison. Edo State Governor Oshiomhole buttressed this point during his heated face-off with Anenih prior to the July gubernatorial election in Edo state, stating

that it was ominous that the last bus stop on the highway to Kirikiri prison is the NPA chairmanship! Severally, Jonathan has demonstrated his willingness to condescend to this base level to ridicule his administration already bedeviled with sleaze, profligacy, impunity and other concomitant effects of corruption. A leeway to self-succession in 2015 must have necessitated the NPA appointment. The PDP must also be playing out a script to wriggle itself out of the Board of Trustees (BoT) chairmanship tussle. Pa Anenih’s juicy post as NPA boss, will help to divest his interest in the BoT race, giving room for the emergence of former President Obasanjo’s anointed candidate. This arrangement is the grand political game plan of the Jonathan administration towards the 2015 elections. Anenih as the Boss of the NPA would ensure he embezzles enough cash and be in high spirit of ‘fixation’ when the 2015 elections come around. The recycling of the old brigade of PDP politicians that

“

President Jonathan has shown from this despicable appointment of Ton Anenih as NPA Chairman that he is in Aso Rock to perpetuate sleaze, entrench impunity and sustain the legacy of waste bequeathed to him by his predecessors. It is a cinch that corruption has come to stay in his administration. As 2015 beckons, Nigerians must be vigilant and vote wisely

have milked the country dry over the years, by the Jonathan government and the PDP at such a time in Nigeria’s history, is another indication that Jonathan lacks the will power to bring Nigeria out of the woods. He should be aware that Nigerians have given up on any hope of restoration let alone transformation from his administration. He has shown to Nigerians in different shades that is it business as usual with his PDP cahoots. For a man who ran a campaign with a subterfuge that he walked without shoes as a boy, promising zero tolerance for corruption, ‘fresh air’ and El dorado to turn his back on Nigerians barely two years into his tenure is not fit to be considered for a second term. Jonathan’s tenure will readily go into Nigeria’s history books at the end of his four years as one of Nigeria’s most corrupt administration if the plethora of reports, investigation and other indices available is a yardstick. Well meaning Nigerians would rather wish 2015 can fastforward to save us from this leadership plunge. President Jonathan has shown from this despicable appointment of Ton Anenih as NPA Chairman that he is in Aso Rock to perpetuate sleaze, entrench impunity and sustain the legacy of waste bequeathed to him by his predecessors. It is a cinch that corruption has come to stay in his administration. As 2015 beckons, Nigerians must be vigilant and vote wisely. Theophilus Ilevbare is reachable on Twitter

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

Can anything good come out of President Jonathan? By Paul Omoruyi

here is always the proclivity to criticize and see all the wrong things going on around us in Nigeria. This is not unique to Nigeria and Nigerians. It is the human factor. As developed and advanced as the United States socio-political systems, some Americans (at least Republicans) will tell you one million and one thing wrong with the Obama’s government and policies. There is a place for criticism. I think it is good for the overall health of any society. Human beings tend to become tyrannically corrupt if there is no one to keep them in check. Nowadays, even pastors are not exempted! The old maxim captures it beautifully “because power corrupts; society’s demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.” Let me be clear, I am a critic of Jonathan’s government. I think he has not demonstrated the political prowess and will to prosecute those who have evidently stolen and wasted our collective wealth. He pussyfoots in his war against corruption. He tergiversates when dealing with insecurity in the country. He prevaricates when it is time to act on an investigative report recommendations that will be beneficial to the country. He appears overly cautious not to

By Ayobami Oyalowo

am well aware that investigations into the air mishap that claimed the lives of then- Kaduna state Governor, Yakowa and former National Security Adviser, Andrew Owoye Azazi (and four others) recently, are ongoing. I am also aware that conspiracy theories have been swirling around since that disaster. Let’s get this out of the way quickly. I am not one to dismiss conspiracy theories with a wave of the hand, especially since I have Nigerian blood flowing in my veins. First, it was disbelief, then shock. Shock gave way to anger and fury as footage of the wreckage in the creeks of Bayelsa emerged into the public domain. Why again? We have succeeded in wasting more lives as we are wont to. Yes, the blood lust is never satiated. Nigeria has now become a killing field where blood must constantly flow, even when it is avoidable and unnecessary. Oronto Douglas, an ordinary presidential aide, with no benefit to common Nigerians was burying his father. Therefore, naval choppers must be converted into ‘kabukabu’ for the benefit of the ‘big man’ and his guest. We are a sick country! You might want to ask what the military has got to do with the burial of a common Nigerian–a bloody civilian, if you may. How does that float anyone’s boat? Well you are wrong. The deceased was not a common Nigerian. He was the father of Oronto, the loquacious aide of the king of Otuoke, who we erroneously refer to as the

offend the Nigerian “godfathers” public domain. It leaves me to all its flaws, huff and puff, EFCC that unfortunately have capacity wonder why former presidents from during GEJ’s administration has to bring down the Nigerian State at Banbagida to Obasanjo did not fight done a laudable job in capturing their whims, anytime, any day. against this injustice on the “live cash” smugglers in Nigeria Criticism they say “should not Nigerian people during their airports. Have you thought about be querulous and wasting, all knife presidency. all the ungodly sum of live cash and root-puller, but guiding, Apparently, the previous that have been smuggled out of instructive, inspiring, a south presidents were privy to the same Nigeria in the past with the wind, not an east wind”. Any well- data and intelligence as Jonathan. connivance of Nigerian elite before meaning social now? Your guess is crusader will as good as mine. not only L a s t l y , criticize but Jonathan’s also instruct, administration Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text inspire and has awoken the messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written guide those in sleeping Nigerian contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 public office. populace. For the words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and M o s t first time in my a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed Nigerians life, I see to: voted for Nigerians talking President and engaged in The Editor, Jonathan the daily issues Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, (GEJ) thinking and public policy 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. he is learned debates that enough to affect their lives. Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com change the In the past, many SMS: 07037756364 status quo. I policies were have been imposed on them asking myself lately if there is Did they willingly collude with the even by foreign governments anything for now that Nigerians cabals; had a piece of the pie and without their input. I was can be proud of about Jonathan. shut their mouth? Nigerians need enthralled and a cold chill ran Some seemingly good pointers came to ask them to testify under oath down my spine when I heard a to mind that I think GEJ should and prosecute them accordingly. fellow young Nigerian say “I am deserve a little encomium for now Doesn’t Jonathan deserve some ready to die for a change in until we see where he ends: praise for raising the issue to an Nigeria” during the occupy Before Jonathan, previous unprecedented level in Nigeria that Nigeria fuel subsidy removal governments (shame on all past even the market women now protest. Whether it is the 5000 Nigeria “Cell Wait US”- Senators understand how fuel subsidy naira notes or the capricious and and “RepresentaThieves” - works? Your guess is as good as mine. senseless renaming of Lagos State Representatives) did not dare to Another pointer that I think GEJ University, Nigerians were able raise the issue of fuel subsidy scam deserves to be commended for is in to rise up, speak up and have their and malfeasance in the Nigerian the area of money-laundering.With voice heard on the matter.

Now that I see some modicum of good in GEJ, I have pieces of advice for him. Going forward, GEJ has to make a conscious decision (yes, it is a leadership and conscious decision!) to decisively wage war against corruption without giving “a damn” (remember he does not give a damn?) about whose head the axe will fall on. Nigeria masses have given him the mandate and political capital. He should not waste it but spend it judiciously by fighting for the same Nigerian masses. GEJ should immediately take control of keeping Nigeria safe. The fact that he is holed up in the safety of Aso Rock security does not mean that he will remain unaffected by the pains that average Nigerians feel everyday from Boko Haram and kidnapping bedlam. Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will be able to explain better to him! As January 1st, 2013 approaches, Nigerians are looking forward to what GEJ will do whimsically as his manner has been. However, whatever GEJ does in 2013 will determine his legacy and place in Nigeria history. In 2013, he should achieve as much as he can focusing on specific projects that all Nigerians can see and use as his legacy reference point. The question is, do Nigerians think anything good can come out of President Jonathan? Your guess is as good as mine. Paul Omoruyi is reachable on eng.p.omoruyi@gmail.com

president of Nigeria. Late last October, with this writer in attendance, the anti corruption network, led by Dino Melaye called the nation’s attention to the rot in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, in a televised press conference. We questioned the role of Setraco, especially it’s non performance, on the East-West road. But instead of the government of Mr. Jonathan to look into our claims and hold Orubebe to account, he removed the minister of state in that ministry – presumably for divulging information. This is what you get when the government is made up of corrupt and irresponsible individuals, bent on running a government as if it were a “boys” social club. If that road were in good condition, the naval choppers would not have been used as “kabukabu” to ferry the fortunate thieves in power. I am not inhumane neither am I a sadist, but time has come to shed all emotional toga and ask the right questions. Why are the rulers of Nigeria so blind and deaf to realities? Instead of fixing the roads, they fly private jets and choppers, presumably to safeguard themselves, while the blood of the common man continually paints the death traps called trunk “A” roads. It saddened me when I read the account of what happened in the home of Navy Lt Adeyemi Sowole, the 32-year-old man whose wife is presently carrying a nine-monthold baby. Until these thieving’ polithivians’ (politicians) are called

characters like Oronto and his ilk choose which military carrier to fly in? He should be ashamed and the blood of the slain must be on his conscience for being the immediate cause of their deaths by his thoughtless and illegal use of paraphernalia of office to prove his “arrival” and importance to whosoever it was, he was trying to impress. Finally, I call on government to rise from their docile irresponsibility. They have refused to attend to the basics of governance. The Yuletide is here. Nigerians will be on the roads travelling all over for the festivities. But it is clear that the government doesn’t give a damn. If they did, the president will not be buying another jet and two more choppers, rather than fixing the death traps we presently call roads. Danbaba Suntai of Taraba is a victim of his own medicine. He reportedly built a private airstrip so he could fly over his people, while other citizens continue to perish on the roads his government has refused to fix. Just last week, we lost another promising young man on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Countless unnamed Nigerians are daily dying or maimed on our roads, while Akwa Ibom and Rivers state governors purchase jets at will. And you call this a country? Let the truth be told, if the roads aren’t safe for us, even the air will be contaminated for you. A word is enough for the wise. As make your bed, so shall you lay on it. Ayobami Oyalowo is on Twitter @Ayourb

WRITE TO US

Did Yakowa and co deserve to die? to question, I doubt if there is one single Nigerian family that won’t have a sad tale to tell. His mother was already in a hospital before his untimely death. I fear to think what will happen to the old woman and his young wife. Here are a few posers: who gave the authorization for a military aircraft to be used to chauffeur polithivians as if it was a common taxi cab? There were unconfirmed reports that Timi Dakolo, an ordinary musician, was billed to be in that aircraft if not for his good fortune! If there was no accident, Nigerians may never have known the extent of abuse and show of power that goes on in the Presidency. A military chopper is a public property that ought to be used only for military purposes, emergency or other public good. Was the burial of Pa Oronto of any economic, social or human benefit to the Nigerian public? The president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and you don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that he must have granted the approval for security machinery to be used in such a banal and irresponsible manner. That acquiescence makes the president complicit in the needless death of innocent citizens. Yes, he is complicit and culpable because there is no way he can claim not to have foreknowledge that the Nigerian naval helicopter has been commandeered to private and irresponsible usage. ‘Bellanaija’ reported: “A senior naval officer told Punch that the helicopter was on its 15th trip for

the day when the accident occurred. The aircraft had been shuttling between Okoroba and Port Harcourt, carrying guests to and from the venue of the burial of the father of President Goodluck Jonathan’s aide, Oronto Douglas, in Okoroba. “The helicopter was made available for the use of guests at the funeral. One thing I can say is that it was going on its 15th trip when it crashed. I cannot say whether this could affect the performance of the helicopter,” the naval source said. He also said that investigators would look into the possibility that the aircraft had been ‘overstretched’ for the day.” Can we ever be sure to know what the truth is? It was also reported that the chopper caught fire before it crashed. But I guess we would never know the true position of things. Experience has shown that the result of past investigations had either been shrouded in mystery, controversy or outright misinformation. Until there is openness and transparency in our government, rumours, innuendoes and hearsays, will forever reign supreme. Same opaqueness in public circles is why nobody knows the whereabouts or state of health of Governors Liyel Imoke, Sullivan Chime and Danbaba “the flying” Suntai. While our prayers are with the families of the bereaved, we must not allow the government to befuddle us with mourning, while we forget to hold them to account. We must demand answers as to what exactly transpired. Why will

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

PAGE 15

Cuba and Obama’s second term

arak Obama’s victory at the polls in 2008 raised the hopes of many who believed he would resolve one of the last vestiges of the cold war conflict – the Cuban problem. Some analysts even compared the new President with one of his predecessors, John F Kennedy who about fifty years ago launched the ‘Alliance for Progress’ in an effort to make peace with the Latin Ameerican countries. As President, Obama encouraged these hopes in the beginning when he lifted all restrictions on Cuban American visits soon after taking office. His new policy boosted contact between the two countries and as many as 400,000 Americans visited Cuba in 2011. The policy would have certainly ensured a better understanding of Cuba by Americans. Unfortunately, Obama soon changed gear. He stepped up financial sanctions against Cuba under the anti-terrorism laws and in this election year issued additional tough travel guidelines. These new guidelines have brought huge negative effects on the progress made after his initial policy thrust. Four years after Obama became President, the US- Cuba relations remain stuck in much

the same time warp. According to Julia Sweig, a senior fellow on Latin America at the Washington based Council on Foreign relations; “There is no question that Obama’s first term disappointed many when it comes to Cuba. The US position on Cuba continues to undercut our strategic position in the region and a breakthrough would greatly enhance Obama’s foreign policy legacy through solving a problem far simpler than many other global issues.” An opportunity for this breakthrough was offered to Obama early in the life of his administration in 2009 by Latin American nations. Voting at a meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Honduras, they overwhelmingly rejected the nearly 50 years US policy towards Cuba by revoking the 1962 suspension of Cuba from the multinational group. Honduran President Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales said at the end of the meeting in the city of San Pedro Sula that the OAS had rectified ‘a serious error.’ The vote at the Honduras meeting in 2009 was an opportunity for Obama to redeem what President Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales referred to as ‘a serious error’. To the surprise of

all, Obama was the only person official at the U.S. Embassy in with a ‘no’ vote to Cuba’s re - Cuba from 1958 to 1961 (during admission at the meeting. the Cuban Revolution) and who The vote was largely a also was chief of mission at the diplomatic test for Obama by the US interests section in Havana Latin American countries who from 1979 – 82 believes that were charmed by his electoral “the Obama policy has reflected campaign that had “change” as so little change that the other its mantra. Over the years, countries are just fed up. The U.S. many countries in the is totally isolated on this.” organization have been This isolation is dangerous for suspicious, the US because its some even biggest rival, China hostile to the has overtaken it as US over its the biggest trading policy on partner with Brazil, Cuba. Cuba the leading export has always market to Chile and been a litmus has taken over the test in their whole of Latin relations America in with the US; purchase of raw Emmanuel Yawe they wanted materials. Obama 08024565402 to see how must therefore royawe@yahoo.com change his policy to O b a m a would handle Cuba in his second the issue. It was a test Obama term if he hopes to reverse failed, rather woefully. China’s imminent take over of Larry Birns, director of the Latin America. Washington-based Council on Two issues deserve his Hemispheric Affairs policy immediate attention: First, he institute, believes “the road to must lift the economic embargo rehabilitating relations with on Cuba. The adverse impact of Latin America is through this embargo on the socio Havana. That’s something that economic life of Cuba cannot be the Latin Americans are very exaggerated. Worst hit is the responsive to.” Similarly, Wayne Public health Sector as Smith, who worked as a top level confirmed by its officials in

Havana. For example, when a machine breaks down, the spare parts have to be acquired in distant markets, with the consequent increase in freight costs. The machines worst affected are those related to organ transplants, in vitro fertilization and fighting cancer. The US cannot pretend to be leading the world from a position of moral high grounds when its blockade of Cuba has led to the death of many Cubans. The United States must also move fast to free the Cuban Five who have been unfairly imprisoned in the country on spurious charges. The Cuban Five were in the United States to fight acts of terrorism. It is a big irony that the US government that says it is leading the war against terrorism arrested and imprisoned them. President Obama now has a second and last chance to make history as the President of the United States. Once he sorts out these two issues, relations with Cuba and the Latin American sub region will be greatly improved. We are tired of hearing that Obama is the first black President. We want to see him resolve a problem that all other American presidents could not tackle in the past 50 years.

FCT minister committed to planned dev’t of Abuja By Nosike Ogbuenyi

he attention of the Hon. Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has been drawn to the editorial comment by the Peoples Daily, on Wednesday 19 December, 2012 which alleged among others that the Hon. Minister had ‘dared’the Senate and the courts by ‘swearing that nothing would stop his plans to demolish 31 estates’. Among others, your editorial accused the Minister of wrongdoings and adopting stiff-necked stance in carrying out demolition exercises. Your editorial also strangely accused the FCTA of pulling down houses and discouraging flow of investments at a time when it is not building new houses. We wish to respectfully update you that the era when government was building houses and allocating same to people pro bono has gone. That practice was consigned to history nearly 10 years ago through the birth of government’s monetization policy. Thus, the FCTA has been providing the enabling environment for capable private sector developers to build houses for sale to workers and other residents of FCT. Your editorial also claimed that by demolishing illegal houses or estates, the FCTA was discouraging ‘genuine property developers’. One wonders what you mean by genuine developers. Are they those who build without proper land titles or approved building plans or what? The indubitable truth is that several genuine property developers in

the FCT are currently engaged in lawful housing development in the territory. Such developers usually follow the appropriate channel in securing the lands for their buildings and as such have nothing to fear. We do not know whether Peoples Daily by its editorial wants to promote a culture of impunity and illegality in the FCT. Furthermore, your editorial claimed that you “have it on good authority that the developers had proper documents from the approving authorities on the basis of which banks granted them credit to build”. We challenge your newspaper to publish such ‘proper’ documents for Nigerians to see. The Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and the Development Control Department offices are there for all interested persons or organizations to approach and verify land documents in the FCT. Specifically, on the recent demolition of illegal structures in Kyami District located in phase five (V) of the Federal Capital City (FCC), (including the Minanuel Estate which you referred to), we wish to point out that the removed buildings were built illegally on a stretch of land which was not allocated to the affected developers by the FCT Administration. That left the Development Control Department with no option than to follow due process and remove the said structures. The area where the affected structures were located falls within the Federal Capital City, clearly outside the area within the control of the customary

authorities. The Hon. Minister is really saddened by the fact that unsuspecting workers and other Nigerians were lured into subscribing to those illegal buildings. But even at that, we must come to terms with the fact that, if we must have a well planned, orderly and beautiful capital city that we are all yearning for, then we must be ready to do the right thing by adhering to the rules and regulations guiding housing and estate developments in the city. In your editorial comment, you equally alleged that ‘FCDA officials did not immediately stop work on the estates when it realized the developers did not have the right papers’. Nothing can be more misleading than to claim that FCDA officials waited until the buildings ‘were near completion before moving in the bulldozers’. The truth of the matter is that at quite early stage when the FCT Development Control Department discovered that illegal developments were taking place in the area, it followed due process by issuing ‘Stop Work Notice’ on 25thAugust, 2011. That was followed with

‘Quit Notice’ on 9th September, 2011 and ‘Demolition Notice’ on 13 th February, 2012 to the developers, specifically Minanuel Estate. The fact should be underscored that at the time of issuance of the first notice by the Development Control Department, the illegal buildings were still at foundation level. The Department has full documentation of stamped notices that were served the developers with photo clips to back them up. Officials of the Department also recall that an initial demolition at the estate was carried out by them last year. However, despite these actions, the developers, after a while, went back to site and resumed illegal developments at a higher speed. There were other actions taken by the FCTA to deter unsuspecting Nigerians from being lured into buying lands and estate houses in unrecognized lay-outs with fake Area Council allocation papers and back-dated building plan approvals. Among these were radio jingles and spot announcements together with public announcements which

“

The Hon. Minister and the FCT Administration wish to appeal to the media and the general public to please disregard the campaign of calumny being sponsored by some elements. We reiterate that the FCT Development Control followed due process in handling its statutory responsibility

were published in several national newspapers including Vanguard, Leadership and Punch newspapers on various dates between June 3 and 30, 2011. In the public notices and announcements, developers and buyers were advised to take note that there were no approved plots for estate development after Lugbe (FHA). Unfortunately, some developers refused to heed those timely warnings and rather chose to accelerate works at their unauthorized estates hoping that they could by such means legalize an illegality. The Hon. Minister and the FCT Administration wish to appeal to the media and the general public to please disregard the campaign of calumny being sponsored by some elements. We reiterate that the FCT Development Control followed due process in handling its statutory responsibility. As for other illegal estates along the Airport Road corridor, what the Hon. Minister said recently while responding to questions by members of the Senate Committee on FCT was that if after all the due processes the illegality of the affected estates is confirmed they would be demolished. Finally, we condemn the attempts by your editorial to incite our venerated lawmakers and the law courts against the Hon. Minister by insinuating that he had dared them. We wish to reiterate that the Hon. Minister has the highest respect for our Judicial and Legislative. Nosike Ogbuenyi, Special Assistant (Media) to the FCT Minister

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

Orozo, Karshi, Gosa residents laud AMAC over projects By Beauty Amaike

ome communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have commended the efforts of the council Chairman, Hon. Micah Yohanna Jiba towards the delivery of people-oriented projects. Speaking to journalists after a recent project inspection in his community, an indigene of Gugugu in Orozo ward, Pastor Peter Jonathan commended the Jiba lead administration for providing them with health care centre, borehole and motorable road. While endorsing the candidature of the chairman in his bid for a second tenure in the next Area Council Election, Jonathan assured that his community would continue to give him their support. Peoples Daily recalls that recently, the council embarked on distribution of transformer to communities, distribution of 60 leaves exercise book and distribution of first aids boxes to all primary schools in AMAC, building of new block class room at Damangaza, building

of abattoir in Karshi and construction of 10 Kilometer road at Jikwoyi and Kabusa. In addition, the chairman inspected the ongoing reconstruction of bridge at Angwan Madaki, Gwagwalape, the Ultra Modern Library at Apo, ongoing construction of Karu and Nyanya Modern Markets, and commissioned boreholes at Waru, Jiwa and some other communities in the council. In his remark during the project tour, Hon. Jiba assured that his administration would remain committed in delivering effective services to the people of the council through providing motorable road and other social amenities in the rural communities. Residents of Gosa village

also commended the council for providing them with transformer after the 12 months blackout in the area. An indigene of the area, Mr. Sunday Biko, who is the Special Assistant on InterGovernmental Affairs to the AMAC chairman, who fronted for the resident, also received commendations from the community. Reacting to the development, a youth in the area, Malam Jibrin, said the community owes Mr. Biko a lot for his effort in ensuring the restoration of light to the village. "Since December when the former transformer crashed, we have been in darkness with most petty businesses folding up. Mr. Biko held several meetings with stakeholders on the issue.

Finally, he has delivered. We are grateful to the AMAC chairman for this gesture," he said. On her part, a food vendor, who simply gave her name as Tope said the village had gone in darkness for months but for the effort of the village leaders and the special adviser. "We are indeed grateful to the entire Gosa Toge indigenes with which we have been living in peace and understanding. We also give our gratitude to the AMAC Chairman, his special adviser and the village head. Now our business can flourish," Tope said. Another resident of Karshi community Hassan Muhammed described the Jiba lead administration as a "government that has doled out lots of visible project in rural

communities in the council but makes little noise". Meanwhile, reacting to statements from opposition groups challenging the 2nd tenure bid of the chairman, some of the residents interviewed said they were not daunted by their political gimmicks, saying the giant strides of the council were glaring and so residents would on the basis of what is on ground make their choice. "The recent open negative criticism by some oppositions groups in AMAC is a new beginning in our collective struggle to make the council better; we need to understand clearly with our collectively desire and whom to place our trust," a resident, Idris Abdulkadir said.

Cleric urges Christians to assist less privileged By Usman Shuaibu

he Pastor in charge of Great Revival Church I n t e r n a t i o n a l Incorporated, Kubwa in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. Paul Amu, has called on the Christian faithful to give alms to the less privileged ones to make them feel happy during the Christmas celebrations. Amu, who made the call in an interview with Peoples Daily in Kubwa, also urged the Christians to have the fear of God in their dealings for them to be remembered for good. He urged the Christians to reflect on the Jesus's confidence in God's protection, sufficiency and to remain faithful to God and be good ambassadors of Christianity. He further advised Christians to avail themselves of this unique opportunity of Christmas to seek forgiveness from God. The clergy appealed to religious leaders to use the period to pray for the country on security, corruption and violence.

Christmas travellers at Peace Mass Transit Park, Utako, Abuja

Christmas: Abuja residents lament hike in transport fares, food stuffs By Etuka Sunday

buja residents, who were sighted at motor parks in a bid to board vehicles to various destinations as well as in markets shopping for items for the Christmas celebration at the weekend lamented the sharp increase in prices of food stuffs and transport fares. Our reporter, who went around Nyanya Market and some motor parks within Abuja metropolis discovered that there was a considerable rise in prices of food stuffs and transport fares as complained by some buyers

and travellers. On why the situation was like that even when there was no scarcity of fuel, a traveller, Mr. Mohammed Usman said, Nigerians are known for their sharp practices, lamenting that even if the price of fuel was N20, traders and transport companies would still increase the prices. He said it was unfortunate that those who were not travelling for the same purpose were being forced to pay through their nose because of the activities of the dubious people we have in the country, and called on the government to look into the matter with all sense of

seriousness. Similarly, another traveller, Adewale Kayode also lamented that the transport fare from Abuja to Lagos was too much, disclosing that before people used to travel from Abuja to Lagos at the rate of N2,500 but now it is N5, 000 which is twice the price. Mathias Ogbeche said a travel from Abuja to Ogoja now cost N4,000 as against the former price of 2, 500, while Uche Michael said Abuja to Onitsha now cost N5, 000 as against N2500. For Terwase Uba, who was travelling from Abuja to Makurdi, he had to pay N3, 000

as against N1,000. Lamenting the hike, Haruna Baba said Abuja to Kaduna now cost N2500 as against N1500, while Jos now cost N2, 500 as against N1, 500. A driver of one of the buses to Lagos, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity said no good reason could be given for the increased transport fares since there was no fuel scarcity. He disclosed that it was increased because they knew that the travellers were desperate and wanted to go home at all cost because some of them had not visited home for a very long time.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

INSIDE FCT COURTS Two docked for alleged burglary

wo men, Shamsudeen Lawal and Kabiru Garba, of Jahi Tipper Garage have appeared before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for allegedly burgling a shop. The Police Prosecutor, Corporal Monday Akor, told the court that the matter was reported at the Maitama Police Station on December 18, 2012 by the owner of the shop, one Robinson Amagolu, of Kubwa village. According to Akor, the two accused conspired and burgled the shop, carting away two turbo chargers, four engine housing, three new sets of kingpins and one new water pump. Others were seven pistons, four bearings and four radiators, all valued at N395, 000. The prosecutor said that during the police investigation, one cover of the turbo charger was recovered from the two accused. They pleaded not guilty to the charge. Senior Magistrate Celestine Obinna granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with one reliable surety each, who must live within the court’s jurisdiction. He said that the sureties and the accused must sign the bail bond and adjourned the case to February 11, 2013 for hearing. (NAN)

Man accused of stealing iron door

deh John of Mabushi village, Abuja, was on Friday arraigned before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for allegedly stealing an iron door belonging to Kalu Okorie of Wuse 2, Abuja. The accused is also alleged to have stolen a generator valued at N42,000. Police Prosecutor, Udeh David told the court that Okorie reported the matter at the Wuse Zone 3 Police Station, Abuja, on December 12, 2012. David said the accused, and one other now at large, entered the complainant’s compound and stole the said items. The accused pleaded not guilty when the charges of joint act, criminal trespass and theft were read to him. Senior Magistrate Vera Tomtukura granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with a surety in like sum. She said the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, and adjourned the case to January 23, 2013, for hearing. (NAN)

Meat sellers waiting for patronage yesterday in Nyanya.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Man bites prostitute, denies her cash after sex O

ne Henry Godwin of Piwoye village, Abuja, have been arraigned before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for assaulting a commercial sex worker. Godwin was arraigned on a four-count charge of breach of trust, assault, theft and mischief, which contravene Sections 312, 265, 288 and 327 of the Penal Code. Prosecutor, Paul Anigbo told the court that the matter was reported at the Lugbe Police Station on December 16, 2012 by one

Vivian Okon of Sunshine Hotel, Lugbe, Abuja. Anigbo said that at about 10 p.m. on December 16, Godwin went to the hotel, accosted Okon and demanded to sleep with her. “Being her profession, Okon accepted and both agreed that Godwin will pay the sum of N1,500 after intercourse. ”Godwin, after the act, refused to pay the agreed sum and rather engaged, beat her up which resulted in an injury on her ear. Okon also sustained an

injury on her shoulder as a result of a bite by Godwin,’’ Anigbo told the court. The prosecutor said that Godwin destroyed a Binatone standing fan worth N5,000 belonging to the Hotel. He said that the accused brother, whose name is not known, came to the scene of the crime and stole Okon’s Black berry phone worth N60,000. Anigbo said that Godwin could not give any satisfactory explanation for his actions during

investigations. Godwin pleaded not guilty to the offence. The Magistrate, Aliyu Shafa, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N150,000 with a surety in like sum who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. Shafa said that the surety must have a fixed address and must affix his passport photograph alongside that of the accused on the bail bond. He adjourned the case to January 17, 2013, for further hearing. (NAN)

Bag snatcher bags nine months sentence

n Abuja Senior Magistrates Court on Friday sentenced one Ibrahim Yusuf, 22, of no fixed address, to nine months imprisonment for attempting to snatch a woman’s bag at the Central Business District, Abuja. Magistrate Aliyu Shafa refused

to give the convict, who pleaded guilty, an option of fine, saying that the punishment would serve as deterrent to others. Earlier, Police Prosecutor, Francis Tanko had told the court that the matter was reported at the Wuse Zone 3 District Police Station by Aminu Musa of the Yahuza Suya

Spot, Central Mosque Area, Abuja. Tanko said the complainant sighted the convict attempting to snatch a hand bag from a car belonging to a woman, who was driving on the Central Mosque Bridge. Tanko also said that, during investigation, the convict

confessed that he had been snatching women’s bags at the same spot. The prosecutor said that the convict committed the offence of theft and causing a public nuisance, contrary to the provisions of Sections 95, 287 and 183 of the Penal Code. (NAN)

Police arraign two men for stealing, impersonation By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

he Police in Abuja have arraigned two men before a Karu Senior Magistrates Court for alleged impersonation, theft, house breaking and cheating. They are: Mohammed Bashir 35; and Haruna Gwani, 34, both of Zamfara House, Central Business District, Abuja. Police Prosecutor, Eze Okwuchuckwu told the court that

on December 16, 2012 the accused, under false pretence, claimed to be brothers of late Ibrahim Danzabo of Durumi Phase II, Abuja, who was murdered on December 14, 2012. Okwuchukwu said the accused secured access into Danzabo’s room and stole a 14 inch LG Television, standing fan, mattress, clothing and N33,000 cash. He said that during investigation, the items were recovered from them. Okwuchukwu further told the

court that after they were arrested, they claimed to be the dead man’s brothers, but later denied the claim. He said the offences contravene the provisions of Sections 79, 356, 292 289 and 322 of the Penal Code, but the accused pleaded not guilty. Mr Sunday Essienekak, their counsel, prayed the court to grant his clients bail, but prosecutor opposed the application, saying that under the law, the offence of house breaking and theft were not ordinary bailable.

Besides, he said that investigation was still ongoing. But Senior Magistrate Aminu Abdullahi granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 each and one surety each in like sum. He said the sureties must have a reasonable means of livelihood and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court. Abdullahi adjourned the case to January 7, 2013 for hearing and ordered the prosecutor to bring his witnesses. (NAN)

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

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INSIDE

- Pg 20

Nigeria, Angola, Ghana plan record bond sales in 2013

Mob: 08033644990

MDAs ordered to close account books by Dec. 31

L-R: Head, Policy, Economic Analysis & Research, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),Mr. Henry Nkemadu, South-West Director, Mr. Banji Ojo, Head, Special Sector Development Projects, Mr Bashir Idris, and Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Dr Femi Atoyebi, during the 53rd consumers outreach of NCC, recently in Ogbomosho, Oyo state. Photo: NAN

UBA lowers fees for festive season From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

nited Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the removal of access fees for all electronic channels and lowered transaction fees for its range of electronic products (e-products) and services. This is in line with the bank’s resolve to drive the cash-less initiative and equally provide value-added services to customers, during the festive

season, Customers of the bank are now empowered to access banking transactions at significantly lower rates, across the Bank’s electronic platforms. The Bank’s e-Banking products and services include UBA Debit and Prepaid Cards, U-Mobile (Your Bank on your Mobile ) and U-Direct (Your Bank on the Web). In addition, the bank has significantly simplified the enrollment process and removed the monthly access charge on Mobile banking (U-Mobile) and

internet banking (U-Direct) channels and lowered the transaction fees on transactions done on U-Mobile, U-Direct and ATM channels. Head e-Banking, UBA Plc, Dr. Adeyinka Adedeji said “the removal of channel access fee and significant reduction of our fees is well-timed. We want our Customers to be able to send money to loved ones during this season at minimal cost and with from the convenience of their mobile and internet. Our Debit

and Prepaid Cards would also address the safety concerns prevalent during this period as our Customers don’t have to carry cash around.” A major highlight of the UBA gesture, according to Adedeji, is the cancellation of N100 monthly access charge to UMobile and U-Direct for retail customers and removal of N150,000.00 enrollment fee for web payment gateway installation on Merchant’s website.

FG inaugurates 1126km, Lagos-Kano rail service

he Federal Government on Friday inaugurated the Nigeria Railway Corporation’s Lagos-Kano intercity passenger train services and haulage of petroleum products in Lagos. The Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, said at the event that the government was still committed to revamping the transport sector, particularly railway services, because of its importance to Nigeria’s economic development. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NRC revitalised the Lagos-Kano intercity train services to complement the existing Lagos- Ilorin and MinnaKano intercity train services. Umar said: “This segment holds the key to the development of the economy of the nation from the commercial port city of Lagos to the commercial hub of northern Nigeria in Kano. “ This is vital to the start-off of the transformation of the Nigerian economy. Umar said that the Federal Government had also awarded contracts for feasibility studies to open up other railway routes.

He explained that the government was also rehabilitating the Eastern Railway Line from Port Harcourt -Maiduguri with spur lines from Kuru-Kafanchan -Kaduna and Kuru-Jos. The Minister also said that government was repairing the Zaria-Gusau-Kauran Namoda Rail Line. He added that the government was modernising the Project Phase I, Addendum 1, Abuja-Kaduna (Idu) Standard Gauge Rail Line (187km) The minister further said that the government was repairing the existing 254km and completing

the remaining 22km Standard Gauge Rail Line of the Central Rail Line from Ajaokuta-Warri with station buildings. The Managing Director of the NRC, Mr Adeseyi Sijuwade, said that Lagos-Kano Route covered a stretch of 1,126km. Sijuade said that the rehabilitation was much awaited, and hoped that train services on the route would improve Nigeria’s economy. He said that NRC transported 450,000 litres of diesel on Friday from Lagos to Offa, through the route, to mark its inauguration. “Today, we celebrate a successful completion of track and

signalling rehabilitation of the Western Rail Line and the recommencement of passenger and freight rail services on the LagosKano corridor,” he said. He hoped that the recommencement of train services on the route would provide employment opportunities and enhance trade and commerce, as well as reduce accidents on the roads. He urged the Federal Government to adequately fund the corporation for the maintenance and operation of the newly rehabilitated rail lines to ensure that the NRC did not relapse into dilapidation. (NAN)

Management Tip of the Day

Don’t grow your business too fast

es, growth is a good thing. But high growth can easily overwhelm a small enterprise, and put it at risk of going under. Before you push your company toward an audacious sales goal, know the following: · Understand your true operating costs. Know what they are and how they evolve as your

business grows. Rapid growth will increase the cost of doing business and you need to be prepared. · Get a solid grasp of your working capital needs. Understand how much cash your firm requires to conduct day-today business. · Look at more than your income statement. It’s not the

only index of health. To get a quick pulse of how your business is doing, you need to look at other metrics besides revenue. These include cash available, status of accounts receivable, inventory, and other metrics specific to your business. Source: Harvard Business Review

he Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Jonah Otunla, has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to close their accounts for the financial year 2012 by Dec. 31. The directive is contained in a circular dated Nov. 20, 2012 referenced: TRY/A5&B5/2011/ OAGF/CAD/026/V/180, in Abuja on Friday. The circular was issued the same day the National Assembly passed a N4.9 trillion budget for 2013. The directive by the AGF is a signal that the Federal Government will not extend the implementation of the 2012 budget beyond Dec. 31 as done in previous years. The circular directed all MDAs to retire advances and unspent balances of recurrent expenditure of 2012 appropriation latest by close of work Dec. 31. Similarly, the circular directed revenue collecting agencies that outstanding revenues should be remitted to Consolidated Revenue Fund (CFR) and duly accounted for before the close of work on Dec. 31. For MDAs on Treasury Single Accounts (TSAs), the circular said their revenues should be accounted for based on the requirements provided in the procedure for the collection and accounting for independent revenue. The circular gave Nigeria foreign missions that have generated “independent revenue” up to Jan. 7, 2013, to remit such funds to the Independent Revenue Account domiciled in J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, New York. It expressed concern that some government agencies collect revenues such as Value Added Tax, Withholding Tax, fees, fines and interests without promptly remitting to the CFR. It also observed that some parastatal agencies have failed to remit their operating surpluses into the CRF as provided for by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. According to the circular, the Office of the AGF is desirous of finalising the consolidation and preparation of the 2012 accounts by the end of Jan. 2013 for submission to the Auditor-General of the Federation.’’ It, therefore, warned that no cash backing of funds shall be given to non-TSA MDA which defaults in the rendition of transcripts of accounts and bank reconciliation statements. This, it added, is in line with the provisions of Financial Regulation (FR) 3122 and 3123.’’ (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

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COMPANY NEWS LAPO

ift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) Microfinance Bank has announced that it will next year empower 5 million clients and provide roadmap to become Africa ’s largest grass-root bank. Presently, the bank has 763,914 clients and 303 branches in 27 states of the federation.The bank has at November 30, 2012, disbursed N43.3 billion, representing 37.6 percent increase compared with N31.5 billion of 2011. Speaking at a media chat in Lagos, Godwin Ehigiamusoe, managing director of the bank, outlined five pillars of strategy to include, technology, clients, products and services, human resources and performance management, the bank had employed to achieve its target.

Glo

lobacom on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide 25,000 toll-free telephone lines for members of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE). Speaking at the launch of the Glo/NULGE Close User Group held at the Remi Tinubu Hall of Yaba Local Council Development Authority, Globacom’s head of public sector, Tunde Amunikoro, said the package would enable members to communicate with one another seamlessly at reduced costs 24 four hours a day. “This partnership, easily the most convenient in the industry, is designed to promote productivity and efficiency through communication, and is in continuation of Globacom’s meaningful contributions to the lives of the generality of Nigerians,” Amunikoro added.

DStv

ultiChoice Nigeria has presented an Abujabased businessman, Alloysius Onuoha with a brand new Renault Sports Utility Vehicle, in keeping faith with its promise to reward customers. Onuoha recently emerged the first winner of the ongoing DStv mega promo, as the SUV is one of the five vehicles on offer in the promo. An elated Onuoha, at the presentation ceremony in Lagos, said, “Winning one of the star prizes on offer is significant, especially as it coincide with my wedding anniversary which I had planned to celebrate with my wife abroad, but for providence I had to cancel the trip and opted instead to purchase a DStv decoder just two weeks back.”

CBN forecloses MFBs, PMBs recapitalisation extension By Abdulwahab Isa he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that it will not entertain extension of deadline or accept any appeal for a waiver, or reduction of penalty for Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) that fail to meet up with their recapitalisation this month. The CBN in a circular released on Thursday reminded all directors and shareholders of all microfinance banks on the December 31, 2012 deadline for compliance with the Revised Microfinance Policy Framework (RMPF), particularly in respect of the capital requirements for each

category of MFBs and existing branches/cash centres. The apex bank had in August 2011 directed the MFBs to increase their capitalisation depending on the category they belong. A unit MFB licence is expected to recapitalise to N20 million, national MFBs, N2 billion and state MFBs, N100 million. The national PMBs are expected to have N5 billion, and state PMBs are to have N2.5 billion. According to the CBN, all MFBs that have elected to remain a unit MFB, as indicated in the compliance plans earlier submitted to the CBN, are required to close any existing branches/cash centres subject to prior approval of the apex bank in

writing and adequate notification to existing customers, who should be advised to migrate their accounts to the MFB’s head office, while dissenting customers should be settled. Part of the circular signed by O.A. Fabamwo, director, other financial institutions supervision department, reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, all ‘customer interaction centres’, ‘meeting points’ and ‘customer service centres’, or similar outlets, once located outside the registered business premises of a unit MFB shall be regarded as unauthorised/unapproved branches/cash centres. “All previous approvals for such outlets for unit MFBs have

become null and void from the date of approval of the Revised Policy Framework by the board of directors of the CBN”. It is also pertinent to remind you that the penalty for operating a branch/cash centre without prior approval of the CBN as stipulated in Section 13.1(b) of the revised guidelines for MFBs is N250,000 per branch for a unit MFB, N500,000 per branch for a state MFB and N1,000,000 per branch for a national MFB”. Furthermore, the CBN said such unapproved branches/cash centres shall be closed within thirty (30) days. “Failure to close an unapproved branch or cash centre, shall attract a fine of N5,000 for each day of default, irrespective of the category of MFB. Moreover, failure to comply with any directive issued by the CBN, as stipulated in Section 19(i) of the revised guidelines for MFBs, is a ground for revocation of licence”.

Nigeria, Angola, Ghana plan record bond sales in 2013

igeria and two other oilproducing African nations are preparing to sell as much as $3.75 billion in international bonds in 2013, the most from the continent ever, after yields sank below Italy and Spain and investors set aside concerns sparked by Ivory Coast’s default almost two years ago, reports Bloomberg. Nigeria, the continent’s top oil producer plans to borrow $1 billion on overseas markets, twice as much as in 2011, while Angola is seeking $2 billion of debt.

Economic I ndicators M 2* CPS* I NF I BR M PR 9 1-day NTB DPR PLR B onny Light E xt Res

Ghana, which issued the first Eurobonds in sub- Saharan Africa outside of South Africa in 2007, may sell a further $750 million, Deputy Finance Minister Seth Terkper said by phone from Accra December 13. Sales the past 14 months by Namibia and Zambia drew five to 20 times more demand than sought. As the World Bank estimates sub-Saharan Africa needs $93 billion a year to overcome poor road networks and shortages of power and water, governments

As at : N15,06 2,6 73.6m Nov, 2012 N15,42 4,1 62.3m Nov, 2012 1 2.3 Nov, 2012 10 .32 00 12/20 /2012 12 12/19 /2012 1 1.67 12/19 /2012 8 .94 Nov, 2012 1 6.51 Nov, 2012 US$11 2.6 12/19 /2012 US$ 44,453,649 ,9 61.0 12/19 /2012

Inflation rates from Dec, 2011 to Nov, 2012 Max = 12.9 %, Min = 10.3 % for period in display. Current Inflation rate = 12.3 % Source:CBN

are taking advantage of historiclow yields across emerging markets. Yields on Nigeria’s dollar bonds due January 2021 have dropped 201 basis points this year to 4.1 percent, while similar-maturity debt sold by Spain yields 5.18 percent and that for Italy 4.38 percent. Ivory Coast, which defaulted on $2.3 billion of bonds in January 2011, rewarded investors with the world’s best returns. “Given their inherent financing needs and the lack of capital, it would be beneficial for African issuers to access cheap financing while it is available,” Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, a Londonbased analyst at FM Capital Partners Ltd., which manages about $1 billion, said by phone December 11. “Conducive market conditions will not persist indefinitely.” Average emerging-market dollar-denominated bond yields have fallen 85 basis points, or 0.85 percentage point, this year to a record 5.57 percent, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s EMBI

Earnings Report for Banks Source:Pro-share Nigeria

Global Index. The International Monetary Fund estimates developing nations will post growth rates next year almost four times faster than the developed world. Even with the declines, average yields compare with 1.8 percent on 10year U.S. Treasuries, luring investors seeking higher returns. Sub-Saharan Africa’s gross domestic product will expand 5.7 percent in 2013, the fastest pace after developing nations in Asia, from 5 percent this year, the IMF said October 9, boosted by higher commodity prices. (Reuters)

CBN directs Mobile Money Operators to connect to central switch in February

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed the 16 Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) in the country to fully connect to the National Central Switch (NCS) before Feb. 28, 2013. The CBN gave the directive in a circular entitled “Timeline for Interoperability and Interconnectivity” on Friday. The circular was signed by Mr. Dipo Fatokun, CBN’s director of banking and payment system. The circular stated that full connection to NCS would enhance MMOs’ “inter-operability and interconnectivity“. The apex bank said the decision for all MMOs to connect to NCS was reached at the Mobile Payment Forum held on Nov. 29. It added that “for avoidance of doubt, appropriate sanction will be imposed on any mobile payment operator that fails to comply with the circular“. The CBN issued licences to 16 companies to operator mobile money transactions. The CBN had said that the MMOs were licensed to accelerate the transformation of the nation’s payment system which would emphasise use of mobile phones. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

Nigerian stocks hit by -1.02% as INVESTORS NEWS BITS profiteering dominates the week NSE A N igerian stocks witnessed pessimistic trading throughout the week as speculative traders dominated the week, keeping the breadth into negative zone while the market halts the three weekly gains as investors scrambled for profits considerably. Nigerian stocks experienced sell pressure on Monday, recording loss by -0.70% to open the week on negative note as profit taking dominated the terrain. Similar trend was observed on Tuesday as market breadth slipped to record another loss by 0.20% on the back of continued profiteering. On Wednesday, sell

traders increased their activities despite improved breadth, plunging market by -0.32%. However, Thursday witnessed increased speculative trading on improved breadth while market retraced with +0.58% gain. Market lost its ground on Friday as the bears reclaimed dominance of the bourse with -0.39% loss to close the week with aggregate loss of -1.02% Further analysis on acquiring banks since transaction date showed that the share price of Access Bank Plc has recorded +82.83% gains with FCMB recording -14.36% losses while Union Bank Plc leads the

chart with +252.15% gains. However, Sterling Bank Plc recorded +33.07% gains while ETI closed negative with -9.00% loss recorded. However, the All-Share Index in the week under review appreciated by -1.02% to close at27,402.54 as against an uptick by +3.80% recorded last week to close at 26,685.54. In the same vein, the market capitalization in the week depreciated by N90.94billion (US$568.43 million) to close at N8.75 trillion (US$54.72 billion) as against appreciation by N323.93 billion (US$2.02 million) recorded last week to

close at N8.84 trillion (US$55.28 billion). The total volume traded in the week closed at 1.29 billion units valued at N13.71 billion (US$8.07 million) compared with 1.92 billion units valued at N14.64 billion (US$91.50 million) exchanged in 20,499 deals last week. The volume transaction in the week when compared with the previous week data moved down by -32.96% as against decline by +68.61%recorded last week. Weekly value also went down by -6.25% as against positive position of+30.27% recorded last week.

Oando falls to week-low on share sale, borrowings From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

ando Plc fell to its lowest level in more than a week after the energy company agreed to buy the Nigerian assets of Houston-based ConocoPhillips, funding the deal with debt and a share sale. The stock dropped 5 percent to 12.45 naira on Friday, its lowest on a closing basis since Dec. 11. The number of shares traded

was nearly double the threemonth daily moving average, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Oando signed a deal on Thursday to buy ConocoPhillips’s oil and gas assets in the West African country for $1.79 billion, it said in an e-mailed statement. The company has secured regulatory approval to raise 54.6 billion naira ($347 million), it said in a statement on the

Nigerian Stock Exchange website on Friday. Oando’s total liabilities rose to $2.49 billion in the third quarter through Sept. from $1.8 billion a year earlier, it said in a filing to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on Oct. 29. “Investors are worried over the level of the company’s level of indebtedness, which is already very high relative to its turnover,” Raheem Mohammed,

Former CBN director urges FG to adopt measures to restore investors’ confidence

former Director in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Titus Okunronmu has urged the Federal Government to adopt more aggressive measures to restore investors’ confidence in the financial sector. Okunronmu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday that the measures would further ensure stability in the nation’s financial system. According to him, the banking system has been overheated by the recent financial crisis and need urgent attention to achieve sustainable growth Okunronmu noted that there should be proper regulation and enforcement of all economic policies pertaining to the financial sector. He said that the CBN should

the chief operating officer of Lagos-based Kundila Finance Ltd., said on Friday. Oando will secure a loan of $800 million from a consortium of banks, the Lagos-based company said. The share sale will run from Dec. 28 to Feb. 6, it said. The shares have fallen 43 percent this year, compared with a 33.5 percent advance in the Nigerian Stock Exchange AllShare Index. CBN to encourage banks to expand real sector financing to boost the nation’s economy and employment generation. Okunronmu said deliberate efforts should be made to reduce interest rate on loans to encourage investors. He said that the CBN should vigorously pursue the cashless policy, but added that Nigerians should be enlightened on the advantages of the initiative. (NAN)

ensure that all the required banking regulations and policies were strictly adhered to by all financial institutions. “The apex bank also needs to monitor and constantly supervise the way loans are disbursed in the banking sector,’’ he said.

Okunronmu said the era when managing directors of banks gave loans to customers without collateral was over, adding that there should be checks and balances in the way loans were disbursed to customers. He stressed the need for the

By Abdulwahab Isa

Ndanusa returns as SEC chairman

he Federal Government has named former DirectorGeneral of Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC), Suleyman Ndanusa from NorthCentral as Chairman of the newly constituted board for SEC. A statement by Media Assistant to the Economy Coordinating Minister, Paul Nwabiuku announcing the newly constituted board said it had been endorsed by President Goodluck Jonathan

in line with the provisions of section 5 of the Investment and Securities Act 2007. The re-constitution of a new board for the capital market regulator is coming months after dissolution of previous board headed by Senator Udo Udoma. Other Commissioners appointed as member of the board are, Malam Mounir Haliru Gwarzo, Zone: North West ( Executive Commissioner), Mrs Sa’adatu

Mohammed Bello Zone: North Central( Executive Commissioner) and Rt. Hon. Zakawanu Imhobobho GarubaZone: South South( Executive Commissioner). Others are, Barrister Adefunke AbiodunZone: South West( Non-Executive Commissioner) and Mr Ugochukwu IkembaZone: South East( Non-Executive Commissioner)

s a prelude to the yearend review of the NSE 30 Index and other Sectorial Indices, the Index Committee of the Nigerian Stock Exchange has undertaken a pseudoreview of the indices and released the names of the likely incoming and exiting equities. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the composition of the indices will become effective on Wednesday January 2, 2013. The pseudo review of NSE 30 and Sectorial indices which is done twice yearly in June and December is a run-up to the actual review to be undertaken at respective month ends. The Committee has recommended that the number of stocks comprising the NSE Consumer Goods Index be increased from 10 to 15; NSE Insurance Index be increased from 10 to 15 while the NSE Oil/Gas Index will have 7 stocks as against the current 5.

IOSCO

he International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) published today two reports Credit Rating Agencies: the final report on Credit Rating Agencies: Internal Controls Designed to Ensure the Integrity of the Credit Rating Process and Procedures to Manage Conflicts of Interest and a consultation report on Supervisory Colleges for Credit Rating Agencies. Both reports form part of IOSCO´s effort to improve the integrity of credit rating agencies (CRAs), as part of the global effort to enhance investor protection and the fairness, efficiency and transparency of securities markets. In a communiqué last month, the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors encouraged further work by IOSCO “to enhance transparency of and competition among credit rating agencies.”

Standard & Poor’s

tandard & Poor’s (S&P) has become the last of the three main rating agencies to put the UK ‘s top AAA rating on “negative outlook”. S&P said it could lower the UK ‘s rating “if fiscal performance weakens beyond our current expectations”. Fellow agencies Moody’s and Fitch both revised the UK to negative outlook in the first half of this year. The Treasury pointed out that S&P endorsed the government’s “strong commitment” to reducing the deficit. Source:Pro-share Nigeria

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

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Report of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force, Nov 2012 (XIV) Concession Rentals 4.10.1. Overview In line with Section 60 (1) and (2) of the Petroleum Act Cap P10, concession rentals on acreages for development are charged at: • $10 per square kilometre on Oil Prospecting Licences (OPLs), • $20 per square kilometre on Oil Mining Licences (OMLs) for the first ten years, and • thereafter for each square kilometre or part thereof until expiration of the lease and on renewal, US$15 shall be charged. The sizes of the acreages are defined at the time the concessions are awarded. The Task Force, with its consultants reviewed a schedule of concessions and the rentals paid between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2011. Findings from the review are presented below. 4.10.2. Findings 4.10.2.1. Outstanding concession rentals due to the Federation ($2.9million) Based on the information provided by officials of the DPR, there were fifty – seven (57) concession holders for the period under review. Total revenue accruing to the nation for the period amounted to $12.7million. Of the $12.7million owed to the FGN, the payments received from the concession holders during the period amounted to $9.8million indicating that $2.9million represents outstanding amounts to be collected by the DPR from the various concessionaires. 4.10.2.2. R e c o r d keeping by the DPR (Concession rentals) We obtained a list of concessions (active and inactive) from officials of the DPR as at September 2011 and noted that when compared to the schedule of concession rentals obtained also from the DPR, there were a number of inconsistencies which resulted in our inability to rely on the list. We are unable to confirm the completeness of the schedule provided to us; therefore, revenues due may be misstated. 4.11. Royalties (Crude Oil and Gas) 4.11.1. Overview The Petroleum Act CAP P10 vests ownership of all acreages with the Federal Republic of Nigeria (“the State”). Royalties are income due to the nation resulting from the production of oil and gas. This is other than the amounts accruable from taxation and equity participation. Royalties should be paid by the Oil and Gas Operators quarterly. Parameters used in determining crude oil royalties

Crude oil royalty rate table (Source: Petroleum Act CAP P10) are:

Official Selling Price (OSP) This is the price of crude as advised by the Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Reference API gravity (APIr). This is the index assigned to a type of crude to indicate its level of quality. The higher the quality of crude, the higher the API and the more white products will be obtained from it when it is refined. Field API gravity (APIf). This is the API gravity for the field the crude oil is produced from. Realisable price (RP). This is the actual price of the crude oil from a particular field when compared to the price of the benchmark crude for that particular field. The realisable price is obtained using the following equation; The Realisable Price is therefore determined based on the relationship between the OSP and the APIr and APIf as shown below: RP = OSP + (APIr – (APIf * 0.03)) 4.11.2. Findings 4.11.2.1. Outstanding Crude Oil Royalties due to Nigeria ($3.027billion) The total crude oil royalties due for the period 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2011 was $32.011billion9. Of this amount, $3.027billion was outstanding from the operators as at 31 December 2011 per the DPR’s records. 4.11.2.2. On-going DPR dispute with Addax Petroleum on outstanding

royalties During the course of the work carried out by the Task Force, it was understood that of the $3.027billion dollars outstanding per 4.11.2.1, the DPR had stipulated that ADDAX is liable to pay $1.5billion royalties under the 2003 fiscal regime. There is currently a dispute between Addax and NNPC on the one hand, and the DPR on the other. The DPR should operate independently of the NNPC and report directly to the Minister only on matters relating to the interpretation of the various operations in the Petroleum Industry. An operator should not be allowed to flout a determination of the properly constituted regulatory authority without consequences. 4.11.2.3. Reconciliation of payments made to the CBN and the amounts due from operators The Task Force noted that there was a difference of $2.55 billion between the royalties payment inflow per the CBN statements (total $31.5billion) and the payments recorded by the DPR’s Revenue Unit (total -$28.98 billion), the CBN statements being higher. The Task Force was unable to match some of the payments made by the oil companies to the appropriate revenue heads during the period as a result of inadequate information. This made it difficult to determine the actual amounts outstanding. It was understood that the

DPR is only able to match payments to the revenues due during reconciliation meetings or through correspondence with the oil companies. 4.11.2.4. Lack of independent gas production and sales data Gas royalties due to the nation are determined using volumes of gas sold during the period which is in line with the Petroleum Act. The Task Force was unable to determine if a shortfall existed per the DPR records as the officials of the DPR explained that there is currently no process in place to independently track gas volumes produced and sold by the operators. This has resulted in the DPR relying heavily on the oil and gas companies for information. There were no records or information for the year ended 31 December 2011. 4.11.2.5. Outstanding reconciliation of gas royalties due to the Federation from Shell, Mobil and Agip Gas royalties information provided by the DPR was considered incomplete as details were available for Chevron and Total only. No gas production or sale information was available for any other company, in particular Shell, Mobil and Agip. It was explained that reconciliation discussions have been concluded with Chevron and Total but is pending for all the others. 4.12. Gas Flare Penalties 4.12.1. Overview

Gas flare penalty is one of the revenue streams collected by the DPR through the CBN. It should be computed in line with the Associated Gas Reinjection Act of 1979, which compels every company producing oil and gas in Nigeria to submit preliminary programs for gas re-injection and detailed plans for its implementation. The legislation banned the flaring of gas after 1 January 1984 without the permission of the Minister of Petroleum Resources. Although where the Minister is satisfied after 1 January 1984 that utilization or re-injection of the gas produced is not appropriate or feasible in a particular field or fields, the Minister may issue a certificate in that respect to a company engaged in the production of oil or gas and permit the company to continue to flare gas if the company pays a sum as the Minister may from time to time prescribe for every 28.317 standard cubic feet (scf) of gas flared. In January 1998, the penalty fee for flaring of gas was increased from 0.50 kobo to N10.00 per square cubic feet (scf). This was later increased to $3.50 on 15 August 2011 (April 2008). The operators have failed to comply with the new directive and have continued to pay based on the N10 per scf. The discrepancy between the amounts due to the Government based on the new Ministerial directive and the amounts paid by the operators based on the old rates, have resulted in a revenue loss for Government amounting to at least N515 per scf assuming that $1=N150 for the period after the new Ministerial directive.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

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Neglected, NITEL phone exchanges rot away N

ITEL’s telephone exchanges across the country are rotting away because of neglect, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has found. Investigations by NAN correspondents reveal that many of the exchanges have been out of use since 2002 when the Federal Government began the processes of privatising the company. The first attempt to sell the company to Investors International London Limited (IILL) at the sum of 1.14 billion dollars in 2002 failed following the company’s inability to honour the terms of the contract. In 2003, Pentascope, a Dutch firm, took over NITEL and the company generated N51.43 billion as revenue in one year from 555,055 connected lines. However, after 23 months, the connected lines dropped to 440,000 and the firm incurred a debt of over N40 billion, which eventually led to the revocation of deal with Pentascope. In 2005, Orascom, an Egyptian telecoms giant, also failed to buy the company because its 257 million dollars bid was below the reserved price. In 2006, the takeover of

NITEL by Transcorp was celebrated with fanfare but the excitement was shortlived after the 500 million-dollar deal failed to turn around the fortunes of the company. Also, the last attempt to sell the company to New G e n e r a t i o n Telecommunication Consortium of China at the price of 2.5 billion dollars for 75 per cent stake in NITEL/ MTEL was terminated due to failure of the Chinese consortium to pay the bid price. A visit by NAN correspondents to some of the NITEL facilities nationwide showed that while some of the exchanges have been vandalised, others have been taken over by weeds. Mr. Awoala Atuboinoma, NITEL Territorial Manager in Port Harcourt, told NAN that more than N1 billion would be needed to rehabilitate the 10 moribund exchanges in the territory due to years of disuse. Atuboinoma said the exchanges, with installed capacity of 24,000 telephone lines, could still be viable if adequately reactivated. He said the reactivation would entail the replacement of some damaged cables; purchase of 500KVA generator as well as replacement of the air

Mrs. Mbola Johnson, Minister of Communications

conditioning system. Atuboinoma accused some road construction companies operating in the state of destroying the NITEL armoured cables worth over N1 billion. He listed the NITEL exchanges on Aba Road and the one in Rumuibekwe community as among the vandalised exchanges. He said the vandalised exchanges had installed capacity of 10,000 and 4,000 lines, respectively. The manager said the multi-billion naira government-owned facilities had not been properly secured. He said that he had requested the Rivers commissioner of police to post 12 policemen to protect the Port Harcourt exchange from vandals. NAN reports that the situation is not significantly different In Delta, where the 18 exchanges with installed capacity of 32, 500 telephone lines had remained comatose since 2006. They include those in Asaba, Agbor, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Warri, Sapele and Ughelli. A visit by NAN to some of the exchanges in the state showed that few security personnel guarded the facilities. A former manager in one of NITEL’s exchanges in the state,

who spoke on condition of anonymity, recalled that the facilities broke down shortly after the company was acquired by TRANSCORP. According to him, the NITEL facilities in the state are still being managed by TRANSCORP since the Federal Government has yet to appoint a competent investor. In Bayelsa, Mr Sokari Wameso, NITEL Territorial Manager in the state, said the exchange in Yanagoa, with an installed capacity of 1,000 lines, was shut in 2009. “We are still managing to secure the exchange, the NITEL premises in the state capital with the little sum of N10,000 management is providing to us for the up-keep of the premises.,’’ he said. In Benin, the exchange has been taken over by weeds and reptiles while the one in Akpakpava is being occupied by the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST). In Nsukka, Enugu State, Mr Patrick Ugwuoke, the Chief Security Officer of NITEL, told NAN that the exchange was abandoned since 2006 when government retrenched many of the workers. Ugwuoke claimed that the security guards had not been paid in the last two years. “The facilities here would be completely vandalised if we leave,’’ he said. In Onitsha, Anambra, a security man on duty in one of the abandoned exchanges, prevented a NAN correspondent from taking photographs of the complex already overgrown by weeds. In Awka, unserviceable NITEL vehicles littered the premises of the hitherto business busy complex. Mr Sunday Eyo, Area Head, NITEL Exchange in Uyo, said the company had engaged the services of a private firm to protect NITEL facilities in the state. ‘’NITEL has about nine exchanges with installed capacity of 5,000 lines in Uyo,’’ he said. In Calabar, both the Digital Telephone Exchange in Calabar, the Aba-Calabar Optical Fibre Transmission Link inaugurated by a former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, have been abandoned. Some residents of the city, who spoke with NAN, appealed to the Federal Government to suspend the ongoing privatisation process and retake full control of NITEL. They said reviving the company would provide alternative communication options for Nigerians against the background of frequent complaints of poor quality

Telephone mast services by GSM operators. In Kano, a disengaged employee of NITEL, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani, appealed to the Federal Government to reactivate the 19 exchanges in the state. “There are 19 NITEL exchanges in Kano State, two

in the municipal, while the remaining 17 are in the local government areas of the state,’’ he said. Tijjani, who worked for over 11 years in NITEL, however, expressed regret that most of the facilities in the state had been vandalised.

“

These exchanges under the supervision of NITEL were very effective until a few years back when the whole system packed up for reasons best known to government

It is the same story in Yobe as most of the cables and poles in the exchanges have been vandalised. A security guard in one of the exchanges, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that due to the security challenges in Damaturu, few of the workers who hitherto reported for duty had disappeared. Katsina State has a similar story to tell as Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim, the Katsina NITEL Exchange Area Manager, said that all the six NITEL exchanges in the state had been grounded. “The facilities were either vandalised or destroyed by wind or rain,’’ he said. However, some of the NITEL exchanges in the state are still functioning as confirmed by Alhaji Mohammed Sokoto, NITEL’s

North West Zonal Manager. ‘’One of the exchanges in Kaduna is functional while the other nine exchanges were switched off due to power supply as PHCN has disconnected supply to the stations due to outstanding debts,’’ he said. In Yola, all the six exchanges have remained moribund with some already vandalised. A similar scenario prevails in Benue as confirmed by NITEL’s Territorial Manager in the state, Dr John Obeya. He, however, said that there were no recorded cases of vandalism in the territory and that some of the workers still reported for duty regularly. In Bauchi State, the Assistant Manager, Department of Management and Information System, Malam Ibrahim Juwara, told

NAN that the exchanges in the state had been switched off. “Bauchi Exchange has two machines of 5,000 capacity each that connect the various NITEL lines in the state before they were switched off. “The equipment are functional but people are vandalising them as even the ones installed within the metropolis are being tampered with because they are good but still not being utilised,” Juwara said. The 12 NITEL exchanges in Jigawa have been abandoned with some of them overgrown with weeds, the survey showed. Although officials of NITEL were not on ground to comment on the development, an economist, Malam Ahmad Adamu, expressed dismay over the deplorable condition of the

facilities. In Kwara, the Territorial Manager of NITEL, Mr Ben Uwuilekhue, declined comments on the situation in the area. “I don’t have the authority to tell you anything here, all what you are requesting for are in our headquarters in Abuja,” he said. In Gombe State, Mr. Nitte Habu-Adamu, a technician with the NITEL exchange office in Gombe, told NAN that the cables supporting the operation of the exchanges in the state were damaged after many years of disuse. He, however, said that the machines were well protected by security guards. He said the telephone exchanges in Gombe, Billiri, K a l t u n g o , Kumo,Ashaka,Bajoga, Nafada, were functional but not in use.

In Nasarawa State, NAN learnt that one of the exchanges is fully operational but the environment has been overgrown by weeds. In Kebbi, the NITEL main exchange complex in Birnin Kebbi has been overgrown by weeds since two years ago when it was locked. In Oyo State, NAN learnt that most of the exchanges have been disconnected from electricity supply by Power Holding Company of Nigeria, while most of the premises remained desolate and dotted by unserviceable vehicles. In Lagos State, the situation seemed different as a Duty officer at the NITEL Broadway office told NAN that the exchange was only shut to pave way for a smooth privatisation of the company. Meanwhile, the NITEL Lagos Submarine International Cable Gateway is operational as it sells bandwidth locally and internationally, NAN reports. Ironically, the hitherto bubbling NITEL exchange complex at Lagos Marina has been turned into a car park. The Iponri NITEL exchange has also been abandoned while the exchange office at Race Course, Lagos Island, which hitherto housed the NITEL headquarters annex, has been taken over by squatters. A security guard, Mr. Okon Effiong, told NAN that the illegal occupants claimed to have paid rent to some NITEL officials. Similarly, the PWD Bus Stop NITEL Exchange in Ikeja has been taken over by hawkers, while the Badagry exchange has been under lock and key since 2000. In Ekiti State, the NITEL Area Manager, Mr. Olumide Shittu, said that all the five telephone exchanges and three booster stations in the state had remained shut. In Osun, Mr. Makanjuola Kolapo, the Territorial Manager, also confirmed that all nine exchanges had been shut down. “These exchanges under the supervision of NITEL were very effective until a few years back when the whole system packed up for reasons best known to government,” Kolapo told NAN. He said that the government was now losing huge revenue due to the nonutilisation of the exchanges. “Nigerians now spend more money on mobile telephony as against the cheaper rate offered by NITEL which was also cheaper and devoid of service malfunctioning”, Kolapo said. (NAN)

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012 08028402920 sbejike@gmail.com

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

he Chairman of Bi-Courtney Company, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) has, in the recent past being embattled over efforts by the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute him for allegedly helping a prisoner and former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, launder the sum of N4.7 billion belonging to the government of Delta State. EFCC slammed a 27-count charge against Babalakin before a Lagos High Court. The ant-graft agency is alleging that Babalakin and associates, including BiCourtney construction group, Stabilini, Renix Nigeria Limited, and a certain Alex Okoh facilitated the fund transfers to Mauritius under the pretext of funds for a construction contract for the state. It would be recalled that at the twilight of his two-term rule as Delta State governor, Ibori was alleged to have executed a heinous fraud that ripped the oil rich state of several billions in a high-web scam that left blurry traces. Ibori needed a private airplane. A supplier was located in the South African nation of Mauritius. Between May and December 2006, several millions of dollars of state funds were funneled to the company through multiple third parties. At the centre of the several strings of huge scale fund transfers, in breach of federal and state financial laws, was Wale Babalakin, who was identified by investigators as the same person as the current chairman and owner of the controversial infrastructure management consortium, BiCourtney. Between May and December of 2006, EFCC said more than 24 transfers were made to the company, Erin Aviation, for the supply of a Challenger Jet Aircraft. The first transfer occurred on May 3 and involved the sum of N145.5 million while the final transfer involved $2 million on November 17, 2006. Further transfers were executed through little-known firms, namely, Interactive Technologies, Sopetrol Oil, Casaka Nigeria Company limited, Geofluids limited, ABS limited and Hyundai heavy Industries Nigeria limited, by Mr. Babalin and his companies for Mr. Ibori, the commission said. In all the transfers, Babalakin and his associates, the court papers said, knew the funds were the proceeds of corrupt conduct by Mr. Ibori. While fronting for contracts from the Delta State Government, Bi-Courtney, Stabilini and Renix, served as a conduit for frittering state fund into foreign accounts, the court papers said. EFCC said Babalakin, and companies he had interest in, including Bi-Courtney, played a major in helping Ibori transfer these funds using surrogate companies. One of the charges reads: "That you, Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, Stabilini Visioni limited and BiCourtney Ltd between May 2006 and December 2006 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did corruptly confer benefit on former Governor James Onanefe Ibori to Wit: the sum of N1, 356,

EFCC and prosecution of Bi-Courtney boss

EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde 600, 000.00, on account of contracts awarded by Delta State Government to Stabilini Visioni limited by transferring the said Sum through various third parties to Erin Aviation account in Mauritius for the purchase of Challenger Jet Aircraft by the Said James Onanefe Ibori". There is no doubt that Babalakin, a PhD holder from the University of Cambridge, a seasoned lawyer; having been called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982 has what it takes to frustrate the case in court. Babalakin attempted to frustrate his prosecution when he filed an application before a Federal High Court in Lagos seeking an order to permit him to file an application that would bar EFCC and other government agencies from prosecuting him, an order restraining the EFCC from further prosecuting him and an order that would bar the EFCC, the police and other security agencies from arresting, harassing, or detaining him. The court out rightly refused the

second and third reliefs sought by the embattled billionaire lawyer cum business man. The court only granted relief one which allows Babalakin to now file an application before the court. The application if filed and granted would prevent the EFCC from continuing with the case. As it is, Babalakin has no injunction barring his prosecution for money laundering before the Lagos High Court. EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde has disclosed that the commission has come out with a new style, by confiscating the asset of such high profile personalities to prevent them from using funds from such asset to frivolously frustrate the case. "The first thing we do now is that we try to recover and confiscate the assets of individuals that we are investigating because it is only when you deprive them of their resources that you will be able to force them to stand trial," he said. It is yet to be seen if the commission would do so in the case

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

While the proceedings in the Lagos High Court were going on, Dr. Wale Babalakin got another team of lawyers to pray the Federal High Court to stop the Lagos State High Court from prosecuting him.

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloma Muktar of Wale Babalakin and his many companies. Against the backdrop of a plot by Wale Babalakin to evade prosecution over money laundering charges, the Civil Society Network Against Corruption has called on the chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), to take disciplinary measures against Justice Ibrahim Buba and Babalakin for their roles in the plot. In a petition signed by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group recalled that during her screening by the Senate for her position, the Chief Justice of Nigeria assured the nation that judicial corruption would be seriously tackled in order to restore the image of the Judiciary of Nigeria which has been dented by some Judges and senior lawyers. The group expressed surprise that in the same Federal High Court which threw out Babalakin's suit and in the same case, Justice Buba has turned himself into an appeal court. "In view of the order of perpetual injunction granted by him restraining the EFCC from ever arresting, detaining or prosecuting Dr. Peter Odili, the former Governor of River State, we hereby request the National Judicial Council to stop Justice Ibrahim Buba from further desecrating the Nigerian Judiciary by restraining the EFCC once again from prosecuting Dr. Wale Babalakin, who has sworn never to stand trial before the Lagos High Court." The group said it had confirmed an orchestrated plan by Babalakin, to set the Federal High Court against the Lagos High Court and in the process, expose the Judiciary to ridicule before the Nigerian people and the international community. It recalled that instead of facing

his trial at the Lagos State High Court for the charges being preferred against him, the lawyer and businessman sent a medical report to the court claiming that he was sick, leading to the case being adjourned on that basis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While the proceedings in the Lagos High Court were going on, Dr. Wale Babalakin got another team of lawyers to pray the Federal High Court to stop the Lagos State High Court from prosecuting him." As a result, the anti-corruption advocates said, Mr. Ebun Sofunde, another SAN who had appeared for Babalakin at the Lagos High Court was very embarrassed and he had to withdraw from the case. The group further recalled that the presiding Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Idris then refused the application and dismissed the case, at which point Babalakin decided to file another suit at the same Federal High Court, before Justice Ibrahim Buba. "From the information available to us, Justice Ibrahim Buba who has a record of frustrating corruption cases has concluded arrangement to stop the EFCC from prosecuting Dr. Wale Babalakin in any Court of law in Nigeria. When the case came before him on Tuesday, 18th December, 2012, he granted accelerated hearing and ordered the EFCC to appear on Friday, December 21st, 2012 to justify why Babalakin's prayers should not be granted." Urging the NJC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case and to impose appropriate sanction against Justice Ibrahim Buba, the group also called for Babalakin to be referred to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee for appropriate disciplinary measures for conducts unbecoming of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

PAGE 27

Ukraine may revive Ajaokuta Steel Complex – Wada From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

ogi state governor, Captain Idris Wada, has disclosed that Ukraine will be of great help in actualising the Federal Government's efforts to revitalise the ailing Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company both

in Kogi state. Wada gave the indication when he hosted the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Valeril Vasyliev recently in Lokoja. The governor commended the impact of the Ukraine towards the establishment of the Ajaokuta Steel Company located

the state. He expressed hope that the reactivation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company would not only boost industrialisation of the Nigeria’s but as well create employment opportunity for youths. He said the state will collaborate with the Ukrainian

government in the development of agriculture and solid minerals in the state. Earlier, Ambassador Valeril Vasyliev had told the governor that the purpose of his visit was to seek economic relations with the government in view of the abundant natural potentials available in the state.

Ebira group asks the rich to emulate charity foundation From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

he Ebira Peoples Vanguard, (EPV), has called on the people of Kogi central senatorial district, to take advantage of the ongoing free eye medical care being provided by Asimau Foundation to get themselves treated. In a statement signed by its president and secretary, Alhaji Abdulrahman Adoke and Tijani Ramat Momoh respectively, EPV noted the giant stride of the Asimau Foundation in youth and women empowerment and free medical care to the people. They praised the efforts of the initiator of the foundation, Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar, for his selfless service to the community, and called on other well to do Ebiras to emulate him. According to the group, the free medical care which was targeted at over 600, 000 patients would take care of free surgery, provision of optical lenses and administration of drugs. The group, while commending Abubakar for not allowing himself to be dragged into the murky waters of politics, stressed that he needs all the support from the people irrespective of political affiliation to be able to forge ahead.

Travellers stranded at the Berger Bus Stop, at the weekend in Lagos. Photo: Bolaji Olasunkanmi

From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

he Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced electricity generation peak of 4,502.2 megawatts over the weekend. The improvement in power delivery, TCN said was in fulfillment of the government’s promise for improved electricity delivery to Nigerians this year. In a statement by the company, signed by its Assistant General Manager (Public Affairs), Mr. Dave Ifabiyi, TCN, the new generation peak of 4,502.2mw is an improvement on the 4,454.1mw attained on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 and assured that as gas supply continues to improve and more National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) come on stream, the transmission and distribution companies will continue to harness every available generation to ensure that stable electricity supply is delivered to electricity consumers. According to the release, the (chief executive officer of TCN, Engr. Olusola Akinniranye, also said TCN is not relenting in its efforts to continue to strengthen the transmission grid, noting that efforts are presently ongoing to restore the Benin-Egbin 330kV line as well as complete the new transmission – distribution interface projects which will further enhance the company’s power evacuation capacity.

STF adopts measures for peaceful Christmas celebration in Plateau

he Special Task Force (STF) maintaining peace in Plateau state, says it has put in place some security measures to ensure hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state. In a statement issued by its media officer, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, the task force said security operatives would be

deployed to churches and strategic areas throughout the period. “STF would increase the temporary checkpoints throughout the festive period as well as intensify vehicular search at checkpoints”, it said. It said vehicles had been banned from entering premises of recreation centres during the

UN declares March 21 International Day of Forests

Electricity generation reaches 4,502 MW

he UN General Assembly has declared March 21 as International Day of Forests. The day will be observed from 2013 to celebrate and raise awareness on the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forests, a statement issued by the FAO said on Saturday. "The day captures the spirit of and keeps up the momentum generated by the International Year of Forests 2011, which enabled countries to promote sustainable management, development and conservation of all types of forests and trees," the statement said.

It said on that day countries were being encouraged to get involved in local, national and international efforts in favour of forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The governing conference of the FAO supported the idea of the day, while the UN General Assembly facilitated the negotiation process for its establishment. "FAO looks forward to supporting its members and working with international partners, including the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, to help celebrate the day," the statement said. (PANA/ NAN)

period, adding that STF men would be posted to the centres to complement efforts of local security operatives. The task force also banned the use of fireworks and bangers during the yuletide. The statement advised religious leaders to sensitise their followers, particularly the youth, to the need to steer clear of acts capable of disrupting peaceful

celebration of Christmas and New Year. It enjoined the people to report suspicious characters to security agencies and reassured law-abiding residents of its commitment to peaceful celebrations. The statement said the STF commander, Gen Henry Ayoola, wished Christians and the good people of state a happy Christmas. (NAN)

Nyako’s son made youth leader of Adamawa emirate

he Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha, has given Abdul'Aziz Nyako, the eldest son of Gov. Murtala Nyako the traditional title of "Sarkin Matasa", meaning the leader of youths in Adamawa. Speaking at the ceremony in his palace on Saturday in Yola, Barkindo said the title was given to Nyako based on his contribution to youth mobilisation and development in the state. The traditional ruler said that Nyako was expected to continue to mobilise youths in the area to realise their potential for the socio-economic development of the emirate. He added that the youth leader would

also serve as security adviser to the emirate. Barkindo, also made his son, Alhaji Mohammed Barkindo, "Kauran Adamawa" at the ceremony, and called on the new title holders to see their recognition as a challenge to live up to the expectation of the emirate. Responding on behalf of the recipients, Nyako thanked the royal father and the traditional council for the opportunity given them to serve the emirate. Nyako solicited support and prayers from the public for them to succeed in the onerous task of mobilising diverse youths in the state for peace, unity and development. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

ANALYSIS By Murtaza Hussain

n Tuesday, November 20, a car travelling through the al-Rimal district of Gaza City was struck by a missile, turning the vehicle into a ball of flame and instantly killing its two occupants: Mohammed AlKoumi and Houssam Salam, both aged 30. However, while the missile strike took place during Israel's recent "Pillar of Defence" military operation an operation purportedly aimed at militants based in the Gaza Strip - neither AlKoumi nor Houssam were alleged to be involved in militancy. In fact, both were journalists for Al Aqsa Television travelling in a car with press markings and returning from filming a story at Gaza's Shifa Hospital. Their killing happened on a busy street with dozens of witnesses and the aftermath was broadcast on live television throughout the territory. First responders on the scene described Al-Koumi and Houssam's bodies as being "badly charred" - by some accounts their car burned for nearly 15 minutes before they could be successfully extricated from its flaming wreckage. The International Press Institute condemned the attack, stating that: If indeed these journalists were unarmed non-combatants, as they appear to have been, there is no excuse for their assassination by the Israel Defence Forces. If the IDF claims that they were involved with terrorism they should present evidence that these journalists were indeed combatants. Campaign of killing journalists The targeting of journalists is recognised as a war crime under the Geneva Conventions, but in the aftermath of a day in which multiple targeted attacks saw a total of three Palestinian journalists killed and scores more wounded, Israeli military spokesperson Col Avital Leibovich struck a defiant tone: Terrorists who hold cameras and notebooks in their hands, are no different from their colleagues who fire rockets aimed at Israeli cities and cannot enjoy the rights and protection afforded to legitimate journalists. This past Thursday, Human Rights Watch released a report slamming Israel's campaign of targeted killings against Palestinian journalists during Pillar of Defence, saying that such attacks "violated the laws of war". Indeed, Article IV, Chapter III of Geneva specifically classes journalists as civilians who should not be objects of attack and expressly prohibits "the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment... affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognised as indispensable by civilised peoples". The HRW report investigated four Israeli attacks against Palestinian media sites in Gaza, and found that despite Israeli claims to the contrary there was no discernible evidence that any of them were legitimate military targets. Claims that Palestinian journalists were doubling as combatants or that media buildings

PAGE 31

Killing the messenger

Israel targeted the Al-Aqsa TV station in Gaza City, claiming they weren't "legitimate journalists". were being used for military purposes were found to be wholly unsubstantiated, with Sarah Leah Witson of HRW saying, "Just because Israel says a journalist was a fighter or a TV station was a command centre does not make it so." Among the attacks investigated were bombings which targeted the Al Shoruq, Naama, and Hossari media buildings in downtown Gaza City, which are home to broadcasters such as the Palestinian news agency Ma'an, the Al Arabiya television network and the German broadcaster ARD. Along with the scores of media workers wounded in these attacks, many of them severely, the bombing against the Naama building sent shrapnel flying into a low-rise apartment across the street which killed twoyear-old Abdulrahman Naim. Claims by Israeli officials such as Col Leibovich and government spokesman Mark Regev during the campaign that those working for Palestinian media stations were not "legitimate journalists" due to their promotion of views deemed antiIsrael were condemned by Human Rights Watch as "dangerously and unlawfully blurring the distinction between civilians who call for or support military attacks and those who directly participate in them". Furthermore, official adoption of an illegal rationale for the killing of journalists was found to constitute clear evidence of war crimes, as it demonstrates specific intent on the part of the Israeli government to commit acts which contravene

international law. In stating his governments' policy that Palestinian journalists working in Gaza are legitimate targets for the IDF, Regev implied that despite their status as non-combatants they shared indirect culpability for any attacks carried out by actual militants whose views their networks may broadcast, saying, "All those involved in targeting Israeli civilians directly or indirectly should not feel that they have impunity." Upon even cursory examination it could be immediately seen that the same logic could theoretically be used to justify al-Qaeda target-killing American journalists who call or express their support for US military actions - a dangerous and brazen repudiation of the most basic precepts of international law that non-combatants are not legitimate targets for violence. Indeed in a type of morally contorted recognition of this basic principle, Israel sent out repeated warnings to Western journalists to avoid danger during the conflict while simultaneously targeting their Arab counterparts in the media for assassination. The targeting of journalists and other media workers has long been a hallmark of authoritarian regimes attempting to stifle views which contradict their own official narratives. During the Arab Spring journalists have been deliberately targeted by regimes from Libya to Syria with dozens having been killed over the past two years of unrest as dictatorial

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

governments employ whatever violent means are at their disposal to suppress the voices of those reporting events as they occur on the ground. However recent history shows that such behaviour is not the sole providence of Middle Eastern autocracies and has been dutifully employed by the United States and its allies in their military operations throughout the region. During the Iraq War, dozens of journalists were killed and wounded in attacks by US forces while the American architects of the war publicly denounced and threatened the news organisations reporting on their activities in the country. Countless journalists were gunned down at checkpoints, while attempting to report on the activities of US troops, and while attempting to broadcast images deemed harmful to US interests in the country. Reuters journalist Mazen Dana was shot to death while attempting to report a story from outside Abu Ghraib prison, while Al Arabiya correspondent Mazen al-Tumeizi was killed on-camera by US helicopter gunfire while reporting on a crowd of Iraqis who had gathered around a damaged US armoured vehicle in Baghdad. After being struck by the helicopter's bullets his blood splattered on the stillrecording camera lens, and his last words to his cameraman were captured in the audio feed: "I'm going to die. I'm going to die. Seif. Seif. I'm going to die." Despite the shocking regularity with which such incidents occurred

The worrying spectre of 'Dutch disease' is also ever-present, and although the government tries to contain inflation, it has risen above income growth and presents a problem for households struggling with rising living costs.

they continued to be publicly condoned with tacit silence and equivocation by US authorities throughout the war. In al-Tumeizi's case, American officials not only refused to apologise but cravenly implied the journalist may have been a legitimate target, in statements which his colleague and fellow Al Arabiya correspondent Najwa Kasem afterwards called "really suprising and sad". Among the most high-profile of these fatal attacks was the shelling of the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad, a well-known hub for foreign journalists located in the city's downtown core. In an incident for which no US service-members were found to have been criminally culpable, an American tank fired on the building, killing Reuters cameraman Taras Protsyuk and Spanish Telecinco correspondent JosĂŠ Cueso. They were later indicted in absentia by a Spanish courtwhich found three US soldiers involved guilty of "crimes against the international community". Throughout the war, US officials made little secret of their outrage at foreign media for reporting stories which deviated from the official government narrative. At the time of the US assault against Fallujah, former Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld denounced Al Jazeera for broadcasting pictures of the massive civilian casualties being inflicted by Americans in the city, calling its coverage "vicious, inaccurate and inexcusable", while prominent neoconservative Frank Gaffney argued the station was "enemy media" that needed to be "taken out". In 2003, a US missileslammed into Al Jazeera's Baghdad offices, killing 35-year old correspondent Tareq Ayoub and severely wounding another employee of the network. Leaked memos later revealed that George Bush and Tony Blair had discussed bombing Al Jazeera in response to their coverage of the war, and in his 2006 memoirs former British Home Secretary David Blunkett revealed that he had indeed advised Blair to target the station and its journalists. In Blunkett's words, "There wasn't a worry from me because I believed that this was a war and in a war you wouldn't allow the broadcast to continue taking place" These chilling words publicly espoused by a highranking former official in the British government are illustrative of the extent to which the target-killing of journalists is indeed mainstream practice not just among authoritarian Middle Eastern regimes but among their Western counterparts as well. Israel's target-killing campaign against the journalists of Gaza represents merely the latest chapter in a shameful history of officially sanctioned murder committed against those whose job is to bring public attention to the stories of warzones from around the world. Source: Al Jazeera

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

Egyptian constitution â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;approvedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in referendum Timbuktu mausoleums 'destroyed'

gyptians appear to have approved a controversial new constitution in a referendum, unofficial and preliminary results indicate. Results reported by state media suggest that some 63% of

voters backed the charter over two rounds of polling. Critics say the document, which has triggered mass protests, betrays the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak. President Mohammed Morsi's

mainly Islamist supporters say it will secure democracy and encourage stability. Official results are not expected until Monday, after appeals are heard. If the constitution passes,

slamists in Mali have begun destroying remaining mausoleums in the historic city of Timbuktu, an Islamist leader and a tourism official said. "Not a single mausoleum will remain in Timbuktu," Abou Dardar, a leader of the Islamist group Ansar Dine, told AFP news agency. Islamists in control of northern Mali began earlier this year to pull down shrines that they consider idolatrous. Tourist official Sane Chirfi said four mausoleums had been razed on Sunday. One resident told AFP that the Islamists were destroying the shrines with pickaxes. Timbuktu was a centre of Islamic learning from the 13th to the 17th centuries. It is a UN World Heritage site with centuries-old shrines to Islamic saints that are revered by Sufi Muslims. The Salafists of Ansar Dine condemn the veneration of saints. "Allah doesn't like it," said Abou Dardar. "We are in the process of smashing all the hidden mausoleums in the area." Islamists seized control of Timbuktu in A p r i l , a f t e r a coup left Mali's army in disarray. The news that further monuments were being destroyed came one day after Islamists were reported to have cut the hands off two people. The Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa, another Islamist g r o u p o p e r a t i ng in the area, warned that there would be further amputations, AFP reported. Last Thursday the UN Security Council gave its backing for an African-led military operation to help Mali's government retake the north if no peaceful solution can be found in coming months. A day later, Ansar Dine and the Azawad National Liberation Movement (MNLA), a Tuareg separatist group, said they were committed to finding a negotiated solution.

Votes being counted at a collation centre

parliamentary elections must take place within three months. Turnout was estimated at 30%. The opposition said voting in both rounds had been marred by abuses. Violations in the second round on Saturday included polling stations opening late and Islamists seeking to influence voters, the opposition said. The second round was held in the 17 provinces that did not vote in the first round on 15 December. Some 25 million people were eligible to vote. The Islamist Muslim Brotherhood movement, which supports Mr Morsi and the new constitution, said early on Sunday that, with most second round votes counted, more than 70% were in favour. The opposition National Salvation Front also said the "Yes" vote appeared to have won, though spokesman Khaled Daoud said the Front felt "empowered". "We proved that at least we are half of society [that] doesn't approve of all this. We will build

Chambas appointed AU - UN Joint Special Representative for Darfur By Abdulkadir Isa

hairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon have announced the appointment of Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas of Ghana as their Joint Special Representative for Darfur, Head of the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). Chambas replaces Mr. Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria and some of his responsibilities include those of the AUUN Joint Chief Mediator. Both the African Union Commission Chairperson and the Secretary-General took the opportunity to reiterate their deep

appreciation to Mr. Gambari for his dedicated service during his tenure with UNAMID. Mr. Chambas brings to this position extensive experience after long and distinguished career in both international and governmental fora, most recently serving as the Secretary General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP). Prior to this, Mr. Chambas was the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2007 to 2009, and the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS from 2002 to 2007. Mr. Chambas was a Member of Parliament and notably served in 1987 as Deputy Foreign Secretary of Ghana. He has also served as the

Deputy Ministerof Education in charge of Tertiary Education from 1997 to

2000. Prior to that, he was involved in the mediation efforts in Liberia

Mohamed Ibn Chambas

Tribal attack suspects arrested in Kenya

One of the wounded locals receiving treatment at a hospital in Tana.

t least 56 people have been arrested on suspicion of killing 32 villagers, including women and children, in the Tana Delta region in Kenya's southeast coast, police say. "We launched a major overnight man-hunt for the attackers and arrested 56 suspects who we believe were involved in the attacks," Robert Kitur, chief of the Coast region deputy police, said on Sunday. Police sent an additional team of 200 paramilitary officers to the region to disarm the fighters, and said among the dead were six women and 13 children. The violent clashes on Friday saw semi-nomadic Orma pastoralists being attacked by Raiders, settled farmers from the Pokomo ethnic group, with

guns, machetes and spears. Up to eleven Pokomo had also died which authorities described as a reprisal raid following a series of clashes in August in which more than 100 people have died. The east-African state is due to go to election in March 2013. The ongoing dispute between the two groups has been triggered by contested access to grazing, farmland and water. Hamisi Abdul, a survivor currently recuperating in hospital, said of the attack by the Pokomo: "They hacked everyone they came across with machetes and spears and shot indiscriminately at us, even as we scampered to seek safety in the bushes. It was confusion. We didn't know which direction they were coming from."

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

Asia and Middle East

undreds of protesters have gathered in central New Delhi, defying a ban imposed by Indian police, as part of a wave of mass demonstrations against the gang-rape of a medical student in the capital last weekend. Police fired tear gas and water cannon, and used batons to disperse the demonstrators

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Demonstrators defy India rape protest ban, go violent gathered in central areas of the city on Sunday morning. Despite the police's efforts, however, the crowd at Delhi's landmark India Gate monument had swelled to more than 2,000, witnesses said. Scuffles occurred between

protesters and police near government buildings, with demonstrators shouting slogans against the authorities and throwing stones and bottles at their barricades. Areas close to the president's residence and the parliament

North Korea rocket 'has 10,000km range'

orth Korea's recent rocket launch shows it has the ability to fire a rocket more than 10,000km (6,200 miles), South Korean officials say. The estimate, which would potentially put the Western US in range, was based on an analysis of rocket debris. However, there was no confirmation that the North had the re-entry technology needed to deliver a missile. Experts believe North Korea is also years away from gaining the ability to mount a nuclear bomb on a missile. North Korea launched the Unha3 rocket on 12 December, in defiance of sanctions and international warnings. It was the first time the North had made successful use of a three-stage rocket to put a satellite into orbit, and observers said it appeared to mark a step towards fielding an intercontinental range ballistic missile.

Early on Sunday morning, police cordoned off all routes leading to landmark government buildings, including metro subway stations, and said that they had detained a group of protesters who were defying the ban.

Iraqis protest against 'sectarian policies'

Pakistan blast in Peshawar kills provincial minister suicide bomber has killed at least eight people at a political rally in the north-western Pakistani city of Peshawar, police say. A senior provincial minister and anti-Taliban figure, Bashir Ahmad Bilour, was among those killed. The blast happened at the house of a leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), which is part of the national governing coalition, local media said. The Pakistani Taliban said they carried out the attack. The Taliban has repeatedly targeted members of the ANP, which holds power in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Provincial information minister and ANP member, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, condemned the attack. "Terrorism has engulfed our whole society," he said. "They are targeting our bases, our mosques, our bazaars, public meetings and our security checkpoints." Some 100 people had gathered in Peshawar for the meeting of the ANP, which is part of the Pakistan People's Party-led national coalition government.

had earlier been declared offlimits to protesters, an official statement released on Sunday morning said. Sunday's clashes mark the second consecutive day of police forcibly cracking down on demonstrations in those areas.

Protesters in a showdown with Police.

Forensics at the scene of the blast.

Demonstrators on the streets of Ramadi

ens of thousands of people have staged protests in western Iraq, blocking a highway leading to Syria and Jordan, against what they have termed the "sectarian" policies of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The protesters, including local officials, religious and tribal leaders, turned out on Sunday to demonstrate against the arrest of nine guards of Finance Minister Rafa al-Essawi. Their arrest on terrorism charges has sparked a call from Essawi for Maliki to quit or be removed. "We are gathered today not for Essawi and his bodyguards, but to change the course of this sectarian government and to overthrow Maliki's government," Hikmat Iyada, provincial councillor for Anbar, told the protesters on Sunday. More than 2,000 Sunni demonstrators took to the streets in the cities of Ramadi, the capital of Sunni province of Anbar, and about 10,000 appeared in Falluja on Sunday in response to a call for a civil disobedience to protest what they called the sidelining of Sunnis in Iraqi politics. A letter from Sheikh Abdul Malek al-Saadi, a leading Sunni cleric in Anbar, was read at the protest in which he called for Shias in the government to respect Sunni officials and the minority's entire population in Iraq. Maliki was also condemned in a separate statement issued by fugitive vice-president, Tareq al-Hashemi, who praised the demonstration. "Maliki is a prisoner of a sick mind, obsessed with power," said Hashemi, who has been handed multiple death sentences in absentia for charges he insists are politically motivated. "The Islamic and Arab world looks at him now as the sponsor of the Safavid [Iranian] project in Iraq." Hashemi also called for a no confidence in the prime minister, accusing Maliki of aiming "to get rid of his opponents". He said the current situation has reached a "deadlock". The Iraqi prime minister allegedly ordered for the arrest of the finance minister's bodyguards on charges of terrorism on Thursday, in a move that has reignited a political crisis. Maliki has denied the allegations and expressed "astonishment" at "linking the issue of the detainees with political disputes" and spoke out against pulling "the whole country toward sectarian strife".

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

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Europe and Americas Mario Monti 'ready to lead Italy again'

Volcano alert on Chile -Argentina border

ario Monti, who resigned as Italy's prime minister on Friday, has said he is ready to govern the country again as head of a pro-reform coalition in favour of change in Italy and Europe. However, he rejected Silvio Berlusconi's offer to lead the centre-right in next year's election, leaving himself open to offers from other parties. In a lengthy press conference on Sunday, his last as caretaker prime minister, Monti spoke out against Berlusconi's style of politics, saying he was "not in favour of parties based on personalities". "I am perplexed by my predecessor," said Monti, referring to Berlusconi, who has been Italian prime minister three times and resigned in November 2011 after losing his parliamentary majority. "I find it difficult to follow his line of thought." Berlusconi, a career populist and media tycoon, has frequently swung wildly between supporting Monti's technocrat administration and attacking him. The 76-year-old politician, who recently announced his engagement to a woman 49 years his junior, revealed his intention to once more stand in elections, prompting the People of Freedom party he founded to withdraw its support for Monti's coalition, forcing a move towards a new poll. "Laws should be made for the nation, not for single individuals," said Monti in what appeared as a thinly veiled attack against Berlusconi. Monti used the occasion to launch a manifesto for economic growth that he urged the next Italian leader to follow. Dubbed "Changing Italy, reforming Europe", the platform called for leaders to continue the economic austerity measures imposed by Monti's administration, and to engage actively with the European Union.

Former Prime Minister, Mario Monti

Ash from the Copahue volcano visible from a nearby village in Argentina.

outhern Chile's Copahue Volcano has begun spewing plumes of ash skyward, prompting

authorities there and in neighbouring Argentina to issue a low-level alert. The 2,965-metre-high

Copahue volcano, which straddles in Argentina's Neuquen province and Chile's Biobio region, began belching

ash and gas early on Saturday, but officials said on Sunday it's still in an early eruption stage. Hernan de Solminihac, Chile's mining minister, said the volcano's smoke plume led Argentine emergency officials to issue a yellow alert and constantly monitor its activity in case of a full eruption. Authorities alerted residents in a small nearby community, Biobio, and were monitoring the activity closely. Mayor Victor Lobos told the AFP news agency that locals were concerned but no lava or rocks have been expelled from the crater. "We need to stay calm," Lobos added. Officials said there was no need yet to evacuate people near the volcano, which is part of the Andes mountain chain. Flights expected to pass by the area around the volcano have been warned. A volcano in southern Chile erupted last year, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the evacuation of more than 600 people.

Hugo Chavez allies 'rule out new election'

enezuela will not call fresh elections if President Hugo Chavez is unable to be sworn in for a fourth term in January, the head of Congress said. Mr Chavez is recovering from a respiratory infection suffered after his fourth cancer surgery in Cuba. The constitutions states that elections must be held within 30 days if the president is absent on 10 January.

Opposition leaders say postponing the swearing-in ceremony would be unconstitutional. But congressional leader Diosdado Cabello said the inauguration ceremony would be delayed in the case of Mr Chavez's absence. "The date of 10 January does not determine the president-elect's absolute absence," Mr Cabello told reporters.

"Since [President] Chavez might not be here on 10 January, [the opposition] hopes the National Assembly will call elections. That's not going to happen. Commandante Hugo Chavez will continue to be our president." The Venezuelan leader is said to be in stable condition following a respiratory infection suffered after he underwent major cancer surgery last Tuesday.

Communications Minister Ernesto Villegas said the infection had been controlled, but that Mr Chavez had been told to rest. The president, who has been in power since 1999, won another six-year term in October's presidential election. Mr Chavez has said Venezuelans should vote for Vice-President Nicolas Maduro in fresh elections, should his health fail.

Colorado and Newtown, Connecticut. An international poll released on Wednesday shows that a slight majority in the US is now in favor of restrictions on owning guns, banning assault weapons or even

complete ban on firearms. "I believe the Second Amendment provided that the average American citizen should have the same rights to armaments as the military. But do I want my next-door nut job neighbor to have

a bazooka? No," said a Florida attorney and gun rights advocate. The National Rifle Association, NRA, gave a statement on Friday calling on armed guards at every US school and not on any type of gun control.

US gun sales surge, setting new record high

S gun sales have hit a record level and with the latest mass killing, stores are running out of stock as significant sales tops is being reported on assault rifles. During the first eleven months of this year, the FBI has conducted 16.8 million background checks, breaking last year's record of 16.5 million not including the current sales hikes after the Connecticut school massacre. "We are seeing a total madhouse of buying everything in sight," said one gun storeowner in Las Vegas on Friday, adding, "We have not only a run on the guns, but a run on ammunition." The largest retailer of guns and ammunition in the US, the Walmart, has reported that several semi-automatic guns are sold out at various locations around the country. The Walmart, which forbids sales of profane music, stocks the criticized assault firearm, AR-15, used at both mass killings in Aurora,

The assault weapon, AR-15, here painted in pink, was used in two recent mass killings.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

PAGE 35

Cannon fires cans of marijuana into U.S. O ver 30 cans of marijuana were shot across the Mexican border into the United States by cannon, Customs and Border Protection officials said Tuesday. The suspicious cans were discovered near the Colorado River in Yuma, Ariz. on Friday. Border Patrol agents said the discovery was "another unique but unsuccessful attempt" to smuggle drugs into the U.S. An investigation of the area determined that the cans were fired from about 500 feet away with a pneumatic-powered cannon. A carbon-dioxide tank was found nearby. Mexican authorities are also looking into the incident. The marijuana weighed 85 pounds and was valued at $42,500. It will be destroyed, according to a statement from the agency.

Cans from the cannon containing hard drugs.

Police department loosens marijuana use for recruit

month after Washington became the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, the Seattle Police Department has

relaxed its rules on previous pot use for job seekers. Going forward, applicants must not have used marijuana for at least a year before joining the force,

Pot leafs

police officials said. Previously, the rule was no pot use for three years. The change was spurred by Washington state's groundbreaking vote last month to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, Assistant Chief Jim Pugel said. "We have to do a good job protecting the city, but we have to have a group of people who resemble the people we protect," Pugel said. Statewide, marijuana legalization passed by 56 percent to 44 percent. In King County, where Seattle is located, it pulled nearly 64 percent support. Pugel said the Department was considering a change before the new law passed, after a pair of otherwise strong applicants who had used marijuana within three years but not within the past 12 months had been automatically disqualified.

Youtube video of childsnatching eagle is a hoax

video on YouTube of a Golden Eagle snatching up a toddler turned out to be fake. Students from Montreal's 3-D technology school Centre NAD came forward to take credit for the viral video that appears to show an eagle snatching a toddler in a park. The video shows a scene where a flying eagle swoops down, picks up a toddler with its talons and travels several feet before dropping the child and flying away. Students Normand Archambault, LoĂŻc Mireault and FĂŠlix Marquis-Poulin made the video in a production simulation workshop class, according to a statement from the school. The eagle and the toddler were created in 3D animation and added to the film, the school said. The video was uploaded on

Tuesday night and has received over 2 million views by late Wednesday. David Bird, a professor of wildlife biology at McGill University told the CBC that he doubted the authenticity of the video and said

that he has never heard of an eagle snatching up a child. "The public has nothing to fear from bald eagles in that regard of picking up their babies, and for that matter, even their pets," he said.

A child is seen dangling as the eagle soars.

Employee issued 5page formal reprimand for farting at work

Social Security Administration employee was formally reprimanded earlier this month for for excessive workplace flatulence, according to a Dec. 10 letter obtained by The Smoking Gun. The 38-year-old, who worked out of a Baltimore office, was hit with a five-page letter detailing the dates and times of his noxious offenses. The letter informed the worker that his "uncontrollable flatulence" created an "intolerable" and "hostile" environment for coworkers -many of which had lodged complaints. The letter's log cited 17 dates, and 60 specific times, that the worker allegedly passed gas. The formal reprimand appears to have been a last resort for management, who they say addressed the embarrassing issue with the worker multiple times. (The employee allegedly submitted no evidence to indicate that he can't control the problem). While the federal employee

currently only has to deal with an embarrassing letter in his personnel file, there are others who have lost their jobs for less. In July, a receptionist in Minnesota claims she was fired from her job at the hospital's Cancer Center because she smelled of smoke at work. The receptionist was indeed a regular smoker, but she claims she never smoked while on the job or on break. Likewise, the grounds for legal dismissal are becoming even more bizarre in some cases. On Dec, 21, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that a dentist acted legally when he fired an assistant he found attractive because he and his wife viewed his attraction to the woman as a threat to their marriage. The court actually ruled that an employer may fire an employee they see as an "irresistible attraction," even if the employee has done nothing to encourage attraction, engage in flirtation, or otherwise done anything wrong.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

Study: Two cups of milk daily enough for most kids

wo cups of cow’s milk per day may be enough for most kids to have the recommended amount of vitamin D in their blood while maintaining a healthy iron level, suggests a new study. “One of the common questions I get from parents when their kids become toddlers is, ‘how much milk should they be drinking?’ But we didn’t have a good answer,” said Dr. Jonathon Maguire, the study’s lead author from Toronto’s TARGet Kids! Collaboration. One reason for the confusion, according to the researchers, is the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children between 2 and 8 years old drink two cups of milk per day, but in another guideline, the organization also says children need supplemental vitamin D if they drink less than four cups per

day. The researchers write in the journal Pediatrics that previous studies showed cow’s milk increases the amount of vitamin D in a child’s blood while also reducing iron levels. Iron, which the body can get from meats and beans, is important for developing brains and protecting against anemia. Vitamin D, which is naturally produced in the body during sun exposure, helps the body absorb calcium and prevents the bonesoftening disease rickets. People also get the vitamin by eating fortified foods, such as milk and fatty fish. Maguire, a pediatrician at Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital, and his colleagues surveyed the parents of 1,311 children, who were between 2 and 5 years old and at pediatricians’ offices in the

Toronto area between December 2008 and December 2010. They also took blood samples from the children. The researchers found one cup (250 milliliters) of milk was tied to a 5 nanomoles per liter (nmol/ L) increase of vitamin D in the children’s blood, and a small decrease in iron levels. The Canadian Pediatric Society suggests children maintain a vitamin D level in their blood of at least 75 nmol/L. On average, the children were drinking just under two cups of milk per day, and were exceeding their recommended vitamin D level. The researchers concluded that two glasses of cow’s milk per day is enough to keep most kids at the suggested vitamin D levels while also maintaining a healthy amount of iron. SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER

SOURCES That’s not a blanket suggestion for all children, however. Maguire and his colleagues say darker skinned children may need 3 to 4 cups of milk per day during the winter, when their bodies produce less vitamin D naturally from sun exposure. Maguire told Reuters Health that the findings seem consistent with previous recommendations. “I don’t think there is too much cause for concern. I think this is probably old news for some parents,” he said. Patsy Brannon, a professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, said the finding of 2 cups of milk is consistent with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recommendation for two and three year olds, but said older children need 2.5 cups.

Also, she points out, the U.S. Institutes of Medicine and AAP recommend a vitamin D level in children of at least 50 nmol/L, which is lower than the Canadian society’s suggestion. Currently, the AAP recommends infants, children and teens get 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day. The average cup of milk has about 100 IU of vitamin D. Brannon recommends taking a daily vitamin D supplement to reach that recommendation, but adds that people can also get the vitamin from fortified cereals, grains and other foods. “There are other sources of vitamin D in the diet besides what comes from milk. We have to be concerned about excessive milk consumption in this age group,” she said. Source: Reuters.com

Taking aspirin for 10 years could double the risk of sight loss

aking aspirin for 10 years could more than double the risk of sight loss, according to a new study. Scientists say taking aspirin could increase the chance of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - an eye disorder that can lead to blindness. A team from the University of Wisconsin used data from the Beaver Dam Eye Study on agerelated eye diseases. Eye exams were performed every five years over a 20-year period on nearly 5,000 participants. The volunteers, aged 43 to 86, were then asked if they had regularly used aspirin at least twice a week for more than three months. The average duration of follow-up was 14.8 years. For the study, the researchers measured the incidences of different types of AMD. Wet AMD makes up just 10 per cent of cases but causes severe vision loss, while dry AMD is more common and milder - although it can develop into wet AMD at any time. Results showed there were 512 cases of dry AMD and 117 cases of

wet AMD over the course of the study for journal JAMA. The researchers found those who took aspirin for 10 years had a 1.4 per cent risk of developing wet AMD compared to just 0.6 per cent of non-users. There was no association found between taking aspirin and developing dry AMD. Dr Barbara Klein said: ‘Aspirin use in the United States is widespread, with an estimated 19.3 percent of adults reporting regular consumption, and reported use increases with age. ‘The results of cross-sectional studies of aspirin use and its relation to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have been inconsistent. ‘AMD is a potentially blinding condition for which prevalence and incidence are increasing with the increased survival of the population, and regular use of aspirin is common and becoming more widespread in persons in the age range at highest risk for this disease. ‘Therefore, it is imperative to further examine this potential association.

Risk: Scientists say aspirin could contribute to the development of an eye disorder that may lead to blindness

Failing eyesight: Age-related macular degeneration affects a quarter of over-60s in the UK and more than half of over-75s ‘Our findings are consistent with a small but statistically significant association between regular aspirin use and incidence of neovascular AMD (wet AMD).’

The most common cause of blindness in the elderly, age-related macular degeneration affects a quarter of over-60s in the UK and more than half of over-75s.

An eye affected by wet AMD. It causes rapid central vision loss, which cannot be restored

The team said further research would be needed to confirm the findings. If true it could help develop ways to prevent wet AMD. Aspirin is often referred to as a wonder drug. Besides acting as a painkiller aspirin acts as an antiinflammatory agent. The pill thins the blood and a low daily dose of 75mg has been found to reduce the risk of clots forming in the blood. Research suggests the benefits of taking a daily aspirin outweigh the small risk of side-effects in patients with heart disease, although a doctor should always be consulted. A series of studies involving 200,000 patients found the pill also cut the risk of dying of cancer by 37 per cent if taken for five years. However, haemophiliacs and those with ulcers should not take it. Nor should children under 16 as it has been linked to an often fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome. Source: Dailymail.com

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

PAGE 37

Opposition parties’ merger will dislodge the PDP in 2015, says Rep Maina INTERVIEW

igerians are surprised that the House of Representatives is considering the 2013 budget expeditiously even when the executive has yet to fully implement the 2012 capital budget. Don’t you think that the legislature is patronizing the execu tive? It is because of the failure of the executive to implement the budget properly and a lot of uproars from the general public that the House decided to call the attention of the executive that hence forth, the executive should try as much as they can to bring the budget to the House as quickly as possible, and as at when due. This is in order for them to have time to implement it properly within certain time frame. So based on that, the House warns that this should not occur in 2013 budget. What should Nigerians expect from the 2013 budget, with regards to other previous budget in the past, in terms of providing basic social amenities? What we should be looking at is how to make a proper oversight of the allocation of budget to ministries, department and agencies. This is so that all funds allocated to all MDA’s are properly used; that is the only way we can see a meaningful development in the country. To me, I think the issue of oversight should be taken very seriously this time around. The House is very much serious because, as you are aware, it has undertaken an oversight tour of all the MDA’s in order to establish the level of their commitment so that when the 2013 budget is finally approved, it should be properly implemented and we are assuring Nigerians that this time around we are not going to fail them. But don’t you think the urgency of meeting up with the deadline may not give some of the lawmakers the time to really scrutinize the budget proposal from the MDA’s? From past experience and with regard to proposals from the MDA’s, most proposals were not properly checked. This is because of one reason or the other; but this time around, we have done a thorough job to ensure that we get it right. That is, we said that anything that is approved in the budget must be properly oversighted and to ensure that they are executed based on the approval. It has been observed that most of the MDAs are fond of failing to execute budget as approved and none of these

Hon. Dr. Mahmood Lawan Maina, a member representing Mafa, Dikwa, Konduga federal constituency of Borno state, in this interview with Umar Muhammad Puma, says the proposed merger of the opposition parties ahead of the 2015 general election will checkmate the dominance of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) even as he maintains that Borno state is not under siege in spite of its challenge of insecurity. Excerpts

Hon Dr. Mahmood Lawan Maina has even been sanctioned. Are we expecting any difference in 2013? This is the reason why we are shouting. As I told you earlier, it’s because of the failure of the executive to stick to their words. We would no longer tolerate this kind of excuses from the executive; any failure from any of the MDA’s, the head must face the consequences, so that in the future they can focus well to ensure that projects are properly executed. How will you react to recent merger arrangement between your party, ANPP, and other opposition parties? It is necessary to merge in order to bring down this PDP government. I would prefer a merger to an alliance. I want to see all the parties involved coming together and scrap all their logos and became one party. It is high time for the opposition to merge in order to wrestle power from the clueless PDP. The PDP has failed this country. We have issues like insecurity, power, in fact almost all sectors of our daily lives, the ruling party has done virtually nothing and the only way forward now is for the opposition parties to come together and merge. Based on previous attempt by the opposition parties to merge, it has always been

faced with crises. What assurance do you have that this time they will get it right? Because Nigerians are suffering. They are tired of all the unfulfilled promises of the PDP; Nigerians are looking up to a new party that would turn things around. Even the members of the PDP themselves are complaining. That is why it is necessary to merge; to save Nigeria and Nigerians from the misrule of PDP government. Nigerians want good leadership, a leader that is accountable; a leader who have the interest of the country at heart. You are a member of the House committee on FERMA, Rural Development and Agriculture, what have been the challenges facing these sectors? As Nigerians are expressing fears that FERMA is gradually taking over the job of the Ministry of Works, is there any law being enacted that would separate the two? No, it would be too much for the Ministry of Works to engage in building, construction and road maintenance. It is because of the confounded problems that the ministry of works has that led to the establishment of Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA). FERMA’s primary responsibility is to oversee the maintenance of the

Nigerian roads. Whenever and wherever there is any damage on the road, FERMA would take care of it. Ministry of Works responsibilities involves building and construction, as well as building new roads. I think our rural areas were completely neglected in terms of providing basic amenities. The problem is, other ministries have taken over the job of the Rural Development Ministry. Like water resources, agriculture and power, all these ministries have something to do with rural development, these ministries refuse to allow the rural development to go on its own. The issue is before the House; very soon, the House would enact a law that would give powers to the rural development. What is your committee doing to complaints from the farmers that materials did not get to them on time this year? The issue of food chain is the issue that is disturbing the entire rural areas. In a rural area where people cannot be able to read and write, you are telling then to buy fertilizer through text massage. This is ridiculous. Initially, fertilizers were sold at a market, local government headquarters district head palaces where everyone gets fertilizers. But the present Minister of Agriculture has changed everything and introduced this envelop system of getting fertilizers. This is very difficult for the rural people; we have not reached that stage, particularly in the rural areas. I think this system should be changed. That why there is a problem this season. As a member from Borno state which is currently facing the challenge of insecurity, how would you describe the situation in your state now? The perception of people leaving outside Borno is different from the way the state is right now. Like me, I travel to Maiduguri every weekend and come back without any fear. If you hear people talking about Borno state, it may seem as if it is a war zone. No, it is not like that. The problem of insecurity in Borno is not only Boko Haram, but a conpounded issues of armed robbers and what have you; taking cover under the guise of Boko Haram to rob and kill people anyhow. The problem is more or less political; they are being hired to kill political opponents for

political reasons. The issue of Boko Haram in Borno as we speak has subsided. The federal government must stand up to its responsibilities to ensure that they protect lives and properties of it citizenries. Look at what is happening now; even Mr. President has never for once visited Borno state to commiserate with the people of the state; we are very angry with his attitudes. The security agencies that were sent by the Federal Government to bring peace are sometimes compounding the problems. Though they are doing their best, but in most cases they sometimes go outside their jurisdiction. The Nigerian military has to do more on their intelligence services so that they can be getting accurate intelligence information that would assist them in carring out their duties. As a security agent, you can’t just fire your gun randomly, thereby killing innocent civilians, or engage in burning people houses, their cars, places of worship all in the name of providing security. No, it is never done like that anywhere in the world. That gives the impression that Borno state is a war zone, while in the actual fact it is not. Supposing you are asked to bring out security template on the security challenges and way forward on the crisis in northern Nigeria as a whole, what would be your approach? The people of the region, comprising the elder, leaders and the religious leaders and the youth should come together in a forum to discuss the issues and to be actively involved in the decision making. Federal Government, on its part, shall make sure it provides poverty alleviation programmes with the aim of providing jobs opportunities for the teeming employed youth. When that is done, the insecurity problems would be drastically reduced. On the part of the state government, to be sincere with you, the governor is doing his best, he always encourages dialogue and for all this time, he stands firm with his people and despite the security challenges, he was able to perform creditably well, especially in the area of agriculture.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

Christmas: ANPP task Christians on peaceful coexistence By Umar Muhammad Puma

L-R: Akwa Ibom state Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, and Cross River state Acting Governor Chief Efiok Cobham, after their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday at the State House, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Blame elite’s insincerity for insecurity, says Rep From Ahmed Idris, Brinin Kebbi

member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Umar Halilu Aliero, representing Aliero,Jega and Gwandu Federal constituency of Kebbi state has attributed the persistent of insecurity in the country to corruption and insincerity of the political elites.

Aliero told newsmen yesterday in Birnin Kebbi that if leaders are sincere, corruption, killings and kidnapping will be eliminated in some parts of the state. The lawmaker stressed that the responsibility of providing security for the peoples rests solely on the executive. According to him, the only way the National Assembly

could assist is to provide the enabling environment for the executive and make relevant laws to tackle the menace of insecurity in the country. “You know that the House has passed anti terrorism law in order to combat with the menace in the country, we are always available to provide the legal instrument’’ he assured.

The lawmaker further expressed dismay over the recent helocopter crash that killed the former Kaduna State governor, Patrick Yakowa, adding that the House would soon complete its investigation and that anybody found culpable would be made to face the penalty and be prosecuted according to the law.

Ihedioha preaches love at Xmas By Lawrence Olaoye

eputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of Christmas to spread brotherly love, preach peace and practice same in their relations with one another.

The Deputy Speaker said peace and love are virtues which Nigeria needs especially at this trying period when the country is besotted with security challenges and other incidences that have brought despair to families, communities and the nation in general. He said the period of Christmas commemorating the birth of Jesus

Christ heralds peace and salvation for humanity and as such all persons of goodwill must eschew hatred and embrace good neighbourliness at this time and beyond. Ihedioha called on all Nigerians irrespective of faith and cradle to work together in unity and rededicate themselves to the

task of nation-building which he noted requires the inputs of all and sundry. He congratulated Christians on the occasion of Christmas and urged them to give a thought to the less privileged in society so that the feeling of love and peace can permeate across all levels of human existence.

Imbibe peace at Xmas, Baraje enjoins Nigerians From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

ormer Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, has appealed to all Nigerians, irrespective of religious beliefs to imbibe the spirit of the season of

Christmas, which teaches love, joy, peace, justice and kindness. Baraje in his Christmas message to Nigerians urged them to continue to promote the unity of the country and guide against utterances or actions that could disintegrate the nation. He urged the clergymen to continue to pray for the nation’s

leaders, noting that the country was gradually overcoming her challenges. The former PDP National Secretary and Acting Chairman who wished all Nigerians a blissful and peaceful Christmas celebration pleaded with the citizens “to embark on progressive programmes that

would make our march towards nationhood realizable within a short period”. He urged residents of Kwara state to continue to maintain the prevalence peaceful co-existence in the state and shun acts that could derail the harmonious relationship which the state was known for since its creation.

he National Chairman of the Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has urged Christians to dedicate the season of Christmas to the enduring attributes of love of neighbour and country, peaceful co-existence and harmony as well as clutching firmly to those bonds that bind and releasing the lever of those gaps that divide the nation as one people with a common destiny. Onu said this in his Christmas massage to all Christians in the country. According to him, the Joy of Christmas will not be complete without Christians being their brothers’ keepers and also embracing the faithfuls of other religions in the search for a better world. “It is our view that such an attitude will help us to restore love for one another and strengthen our pursuit for lasting peace, enduring happiness and sustainable development. We should never forget that we were created in the image of God. We should therefore never be divided by how we worship Him”. Onu while wishing all Nigerians and indeed the entire global family, a merry Christmas urged the people to remain resolute in their conviction that Nigeria must climb the mountain top and take her rightful place in the comity of prosperous democracies of the world. “We must resolve to conquer poverty, defeat illiteracy, reduce joblessness and more importantly, annul those vices that injure our desire for a new and modern Nigeria that all Nigerians will be proud of and other nations will respect. We must never forget that respect does not come because you desire it but rather because, you deserve it. We must work hard for the unity, peace and prosperity of our dear nation”, he said.

Lamido commends traditional rulers for helping to maintain peace

ov. Sule Lamido of Jigawa on Saturday in Hadejia commended traditional rulers for ensuring peaceful coexistence among the people of the state. Lamido made the commendation at the celebration of the 10th anniversary on the throne of the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Maje. He said that the traditional institution had been playing significant roles in maintaining peace and stability in the state. Earlier, Maje, who is also the Chairman of the council of traditional rulers in the state, said they would not relent in their effort to give useful advice to the government. The emir called for more support for the governor from relevant stakeholders in the state for him to realise his transformation agenda. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

Communal crisis: PDP blames CPC led government in Nasarawa By Umar Muhammad Puma

he state chairman of Nassarawa state Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Yunana Illiya, has attributed the recent communal clashes across the state to the divide and rule style of leadership of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)’s administration in the state. In a statement he personally signed, Iliya that the present administration of the CPC in the state has led to the invasion of democratic process by gangsters and brigandage. He added that the state has been turned into a theater of inter-ethnic and communal clashes which has led to the loss of lives which was alien to history of the state. “Our state is being ruled by

divide and rule tactics of the CPC government. Never in the history of our state has any ethnic group taken arms against each other to the extent of so much loss of lives and properties’’. The party chairman also said that the governor has resorted to personal ventures which was why he want build an airport to that ad no value to the people of state whose larger population are agrarians. He explained that the state governor has no value for the traditional institutions and that this made him to create chiefdoms and made the traditional institutions a subject of ridicule. While pointing out that the PDP was not opposed such creation of chiefdoms, Illiya said such must be done with strict adherence to due process.

Aregbesola says peaceful coexistence is vital for national development

ov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State says peaceful coexistence among Nigerians irrespective of their religion and ethnic groups is vital for national development. Aregbesola who made this known on Saturday at the grand finale of the 2012 Iwude festival in Ilesha, urged Nigerians to live in peace and harmony for the country to witness rapid development. He expressed regrets over the insecurity and chaos in some parts of the country and called on community, religion leaders and all stakeholders in the affairs of the nation to preach peace. He, however, commended the Yorubas for allowing peace to reign in the region, urging the people to continue to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and love for one another. Then governor, who hails from Ilesa, charged Ijesa sons and daughters to embrace farming which he described as the occupation of the kingdom. He stressed the need for the people to go back to farming, saying that the profession was highly profitable “and it is the only viable means of banishing hunger, unemployment and poverty’’.

He promised that his government was ready to assist farmers through land allocations, loan facilities and inputs for the revitalisation of agricultural sector. Speaking at the occasion, the Monarch of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, charged his subjects to maintain the cordial relationship among them. Aromolaran called on the Ijesa people to sustain peaceful coexistence “which is fundamental thing toward the sustenance of unity’’. He appealed to the State Government for more assistance in the area of functioning water supply and dualisation of major roads in Ilesa township. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival attracted illustrious sons and daughters of Ijesa, political office holders and well wishers from every part of the country. Among the dignitaries that attended the ceremony were, Senators representing Osun East, Omoworare Babatunde, Osun West, Mudashiru Hussein, and Osun Speaker, Mr Najeem Salam.(NAN)

L-R: Bauchi state Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa, Metuh, Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Adamawa state Governor, Alhaji Murtala Nyako, during the PDP governors' meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday at the State House. Photo: Joe Oroye

Northern Youth laud Gov Ahmed on KWABES From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

he Northern Forum of the Youth Council has lauded Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed over the employment of 2000 youths through Kwara Bridge Empowerment Scheme (KWABES) noting that its has reduced poverty. The state Chairman of the Council, Comrade Kazeem Adekanye, in a statement at the weekend said the forum was pleased with the commitment of the Life Patron of the Forum,

employed. Olagunju said that an enabling environment would enable graduates to practice what they studied either by working for people or themselves. “They will practice what they read and also make money out of it. If the arts sector is properly funded, you will see that the sector will be a beehive of activities. “Professionals will come in; it won’t be an all comers’ affair. Some fresh graduates of arts will see money to do jobs and feed from them.

The forum also appealed to leadership of House of Representatives to ensure that the process for constitution review is transparent. ”The process for Constitution review should be made more transparent and in line global best practice to ensure a long lasting document that will stand the test of time.” It added that youth from the northern part of Nigeria would continue to “affirm our commitment for the continued peace, unity and development of our dear country, Nigeria.”

Lawyers sue for corruption-free judiciary in 2013

ome lawyers in Lagos on Saturday stressed the need to put proper mechanisms in place to ensure a corruption-free judiciary. The lawyers made this known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. According to them, the process requires concerted efforts from judicial authorities to ensure that

Musician appeals FG, States, LG to create jobs veteran musician, Olaiwola Olagunju, popularly called “Fatai Rolling Dollar’’, has advised the three tiers of government to create jobs to check vices among the youths. Olagunju told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday that the tiers government should also provide enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and create jobs. He suggested that adequate funding of the arts and other sectors would encourage many young artistes and other youths to be self-

Governor Ahmed, over his role to reduce poverty in the state. “We are pleased with his empowerment programme; his administration’s commitment to eradication of poverty among the youth through the Kwara Bridge Empowerment Scheme where over 2000 youth have been employed. The Forum commended the governor for providing the enabling environment for the youth of the state to strive such as the Vocation Skill acquisition centre under construction at AjasseIpo”.

“But because of lack of funding, they cut corners, that is why we witness kidnappings and other vices which have eaten deep into the fabrics of the country,” he said. He, however, advised the youths to be patient and avoid engaging in criminal activities. The musician also urged young artistes to understudy veterans to be able to make the desired impact. According to him, you must be under somebody to get it right before you establish yours, noting that this would make them to be relevant to themselves and the society. (NAN)

2013 makes a remarkable difference in the nation’s judicial system. A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Spurgeon Ataene, said that it was possible to have a judiciary that was rid of corruption if adequate checks were put in place. Ataene said that it was most instructive that those to be appointed as Magistrates and Judges be tested and scrutinised before assuming such positions. He said that if these judicial officers were selected based on sentiments, there would be tendency to abuse the profession which ought to be treated as noble. According to him, the bench is the last resort of the common man and so there should be every element of astuteness on the part of all its members. Another lawyer, Mr Ogedi Ogu, said that Judges were ministers in the temple of justice and ought to adhere strictly to the principles of fairness and justice in the discharge of their duties. Ogu argued that members of the bench must not necessarily be children of top judicial officers or their relations, but must be people

who were fit to undertake the task of dispensing justice. He also said that it was important that adequate provisions be made for judicial officials, adding that this would place them in a comfortable position to dispense justice. The lawyer said that if members of the bench were well provided for financially, there would be no need to resort to any illegal means of getting money. Ogu commended the Lagos State Government for its effort in ensuring that members of the bench in the state were comfortable and well provided for. He urged other State Governments to emulate Lagos State. Mr Kunle Adeboye, a Lagos-based lawyer, said that there was need for the National Judicial Council (NJC), to set up a monitoring team to check the activities of judicial officers. Adeboye said that the committee must be made up of credible members who would be accessible to the public in the event of complaints. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

he President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Aminu Maigari, said the interim board of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) would be inaugurated on Dec. 27. The 13-man interim committee was set-up last week to oversee the management of the NPL pending fresh elections into the board. Maigari, however said that the committee’s other mandate would be to study thoroughly the present situation of the league and come out with a suitable date for the kickoff. “No matter the circumstances, the kickoff must definitely be after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). “There were suggestions that the

Alhaji Aminu Maigari

FULL LIST OF SUPER EAGLE FOR FARO CAMP: Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheba, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC, Nigeria) Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria); Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Danny Shittu (Millwall FC, England); Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria) Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Raheem Lawal (Adana Demirspor, Turkey); Obiora Nwankwo (Calcio Padova, Italy); Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway); Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars, Nigeria); Rabiu Ibrahim (Celtic FC, Scotland) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Uche Kalu (Rizespor, Turkey); Bright Dike (Portland Timbers, USA); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle FC, England); Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal FC, Spain); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

PAGE 41

NFF to inaugurate NPL interim board on Thursday kickoff be fixed for Jan. 16. “Some have said it was too far while some also observed that it was too close but I set up the committee to thorough study of the situation and come back with good advice,” he added. The committee will also review all contractual obligations of the

NPL including sponsorships and TV rights, developing new standards to improve the welfare of players. They will also develop new strategies to drive the league toward profitability. The committee, which was approved at the NFF congress on Dec. 13 in Port Harcourt to fill the

gap left by the expelled board led by Victor Baribote will be headed by Nduka Irabor. Other members of the committee include, former Super Eagles’ captain, Nwankwo Kanu, NPL SecGen., Tunji Babalola, Mike Enahoro, Shehu Dikko, Mrs Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, Abubakar Nuhu Dan

Buran and Kunle Elebute. Others are Mike Idoko, the Manager of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, Mallam Salisu Abubakar, a former Sec.-Gen. of the NPL, Sabo Babayaro, the Chairman of Kaduna United FC and Seyi Akinwunmi, Chairman of Lagos State FA, as well as Ifeanyi Dike.

Osaze wants to be Eagles captain, says Keshi Story by Patrick Andrew and Albert Akota

agles coach Stephen Keshi has dropped a bombshell by revealing Osaze Odemwingie has proposed himself as team skipper. Keshi told a stunned Nigeria Football Federation technical committee that the West Bromwich Albion striker has put himself forward to be the Eagles skipper. “He told them that he wants to be captain as he considers himself one of the most senior players in the current squad,” an official revealed. “But how he has behaved in the national team over the years has really run counter to his ambition to be the leader of this team. You can only lead by example.” The 31-year-old Osaze made his Eagles debut in 2002, but it was not until the 2004 Nations Cup that he

established himself in the national team. Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide as well as defender and present skipper Joseph Yobo are more senior players than Osaze in the Eagles. However, he has rowed with national team bosses, from Austin Eguavoen to Lars Lagerback, and his clash with Samson Siasia was widely regarded as one of the problems that caused Nigeria to sensationally fail to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup. It is such poor attitude that has now denied him a fifth Nations Cup appearance. In the meantime, the Eagles coach has said he wishes to run the rule over shock invitee Rabiu Ibrahim who has failed to establish himself at Celtic. Ibrahim has only managed a handful of games in his second season at Celtic Park and has yet to be

capped by Nigeria at full international. “Keshi said he has watched Rabiu in a couple of cup games and will want to have a closer look at the midfielder in Faro, Portugal,” he said. The gifted Ibrahim has held out a lot of promise since he featured for the U17s in 2007, but he has yet to establish himself in Europe ever since. This will be his second Eagles callup as he was also considered for the 2010 Nations Cup, but opted out as he had just undergone a groin operation. Some top officials also took an exception to the continued invitation of Italy-based midfielder Obiora Nwankwo, saying he is sluggish and brings very little to the team. However, Keshi stood by his decision, insisting that the Olympic team skipper is tactically disciplined.

Osaze Odemwingie

Kurfi applauses Keshi’s AFCON preliminary squad

he inclusion of 10 home-based players in the Super Eagles’ preliminary squad to the 2013 Nations Cup scheduled for South Africa next month has been applauded by a sports philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Kurfi, who believes that Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has by that singular act demonstrated his confidence in the quality of homebreed talents that abound in the country. Kurfi says Keshi’s decision to give

them the chance in the final phase of preparations just before the mandatory 23-man list is drawn and submitted to CAF latest January 9 clearly indicated Keshi’s faith and confidence in the domestic league players. The business tycoon and sports lover is optimistic that more than half of the players, if not all, will make the final list, and urged Keshi to allow merit to remain the dominant factor in his selection of players to prosecute the continental

Alhaji Aminu Kurfi presenting the Most Valuable Player' s award to Sayyau Dantata, the Chairman of MRS during the Fifth Chukker International Polo Tournament in Kaduna, recently. Aminu wants Keshi to continue to inspire confidence in local league players.

fiesta for Nigeria. Kurfi believes that the Super Eagles, and indeed Nigeria, will benefit more if the domestic league players are taken to the Nations Cup adding that having been together for one year they have the needed understand that will make cohesion and team work easily achieved. Also, he believes they will not only have the needed exposure at the Nations Cup finals but will easily takeover from some of the aging Eagles, and thus makes transition in the team a lot easier. “I am one of those in support of what Keshi is doing with the national team, and I also support his decision to include some local players in the team he intends to take to Faro, Portugal for the final training programme before the Nations Cup finals, next year. The home-based players should be part of the team to South Africa even if they are going to sit on the bench to understudy the established players, because this will help the national team in future,” he said. Meanwhile, Alhaji Kurfi has sharply disagreed with both coach Kashimawo Laloko and social critic Ahmed Gara-Gombe over the inclusion of domestic leagues in the squad and on matter of setting target for the Eagles. Laloko, a former NFF’s director of technical had faulted Keshi’s decision to include some domestic league players in the final squad to the Nations Cup arguing that they would disappoint him.

But Kurfi dismissed Laloko’s argument stressing that he seems out of touch with realities and therefore could not easily see the need to expose and strengthen the squad by using players that had been together for one year, played important matches together, winning some and drawing some with very negligible losses in the process. “I disagree with Laloko in totality over argument against the inclusion of home-based Eagles. I think for him to say that they will disappoint shows how far removed he is from reality. His so-called technical argument is questionable,” he said. Though he insisted he did not want to join issues with Gara-Gombe, he was of the view that setting 2013 Nations Cup semi-finals minimum target for the Eagles would not put undue pressure on the technical crew and players because it was the ideal thing to do to motivate the team to excel. It would be recalled that Keshi only Saturday released a 32-man preliminary AFCON squad list that included 10 domestic league players and their 22 foreign-based counterparts four of which only recently relocated from the local scene. The team is expected to travel to Faro, Portugal on December 27 where the final phase of training exercise will be executed and the final list of 23 players named before the January 9 CAF deadline.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

I won’t miss Osaze, Taiwo, others, says Keshi

right to come and say the coach must bring back a particular player,” Maigari said. Reports had it that the Super Eagles’ would depart Nigeria for Faro, Portugal on Dec. 27 for the final phase of camping for the competition.

uper Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, says he will not miss any player who did not make the team’s provisional list for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Keshi disclosed this in Abuja during interaction to the barrage of criticisms which have trailed his list of 32 invited players. The list was for the final phase of camping in Faro, Portugal for the competition, scheduled to kick off on Jan. 19 in South Africa. According to Keshi, the omission of the likes of Osaze Odemwingie and Taye Taiwo was not intentional, but for the good of the country. “We don’t need Osaze

right now; that is all. “He is not a bad player and there is nothing personal about it. It is just that at this point in time, there are some players that were not called and we don’t have anything against them. “We also did not invite Obafemi Martins, why are Nigerians not talking about him? “These players are not the only Nigerians playing; this is what we want for now. “All we want for now from Nigerians is to support the players that are there in prayers,” Keshi said. The former Togo and Mali coach added that Martins was not in the list

Berger to commence renovation of Abuja Stadium in January 2013, says minister

he agonies of various National teams over suitable football training and competition pitches may have been answered as the Federal Government has directed the commencement of renovation work at the Abuja National Stadium. Government had since awarded the contract for the renovation of the stadium to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. The Sports Minister Malam Bolaji Abdullahi who disclosed this in Abuja said that the contract would begin in the New Year. “Of course, we have concluded arrangements with Julius Berger to

bring alive the pitch of the main bowl and training grounds of the stadium in January, after the holiday. “If we are able to get the pitch up and running at least, the Super Eagles and other National teams will have good ground to train. Nobody can say we do not have a field where they can play anymore,” Abdullahi said. According to the minister, the decision to embark on the renovation was based on President Jonathan’s

because he did not live up to expectation when he was given the opportunity to prove his worth in the new Eagles squad. Keshi pointed out that he was more comfortable dealing with the players he was familiar with. “Martins is a good player and has done so well for this country. “However, I have some other players I have used before and I think I have confidence in them, not that I don’t have confidence in Martins, but his time will come. “He is still a young man and is still playing,” Keshi said. Aminu Maigari, the president, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) saidthat

visit to the stadium in September. He also said the

Keshi’s decision on the list was final. Maigari said that the present board of the association had vowed not to meddle with Super Eagles affairs. “Actually the duty of the NFF board is to regulate, we don’t impose players on the coaches. “But I was able to attend part of the last segment of the technical committee meeting with the coaches themselves. “At the meeting, I asked why Osaze was not invited and the committee said it had also asked similar question, but the coach gave his reasons and they were convinced. “I was satisfied too, because I feel it is not my

relocation of the office of the sports minister to the stadium complex also

Sports Minister Malam Bolaji Abdullahi

Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi

necessitated the renovation of the stadium. “I think that by relocating my office to the stadium, it will breathe life back into the stadium to a reasonable extent. The facilities on ground are being managed and cleaned up now. “If we are able to sensitise the Nigeria Football Federation of the facilities available here, they can also use it for the various national teams and not just for the Eagles, but other teams as well,” he added.

HFN solicits corporate sponsorship of tournaments

he President, Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Dauda Yusuf has called for more corporate sponsorship of competitions, saying such sponsorships is the hallmark of development of sports federations. Yusuf made the call on Friday in Ilorin at the final of U-12 and U-15 Handball Championship for clubs and secondary schools sponsored by a f o r e i g n - b a s e d organisation, Pishon

Dauda Yusuf

Sports Club. He said that the club is an association of foreignbased veteran handball players who were groomed in Kwara. The president noted that most sports federations had been in comatose due to lack of support from corporate bodies and p u b l i c - s p i r i t e d individuals. “The federation will continue to welcome intending sponsors of handball championships in Nigeria. “I hereby laud the club for giving back to the society what they had achieved from it. “A move like this from clubs and corporate bodies will always provide an enable environment to make sure these young people reach their peak in handball. “It is good to catch them young like this. I urge the state handball association to partner organisations like Pishon; they mean well,’’ he said. Yusuf urged the players to be focused and

committed, noting that the game could take them to a higher level. Speaking on behalf of the club, Emmanuel Olubiyo, said the championship was a way of appreciating what handball had made them to be. Olubiyo commended the

participated clubs and schools for honouring their invitation in spite of the short notice, and pledged the club’s continuous sponsorship of the tournament. NAN reports that Superstars defeated United Club to lift the U-15 trophy

for the male category while Arise and Shine Club won the female trophy. Smart Club lifted the U12 male trophy after triumphing over Kings Warriors, while Rising Stars Club beat Leading Success Club to win the female category.

Tennis coach tasks NTF to enhance sport

ormer coach with the Ogun Tennis Association Kehinde Ake has urged the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) and stakeholders in the sport to redouble their efforts to enhance the growth of the game. Ake, who made the call during an interview with newsmen, said the NTF should liaise with former stars, renowned coaches and former sponsors of the game. The coach, who expressed displeasure with the dwindling fortunes of the sport, said that only s u c h a l l embracing initiatives can assist in charting a new course for the development

of the sport in the country. “The game needs the concerted efforts of former foremost players, coaches and past sponsors, to bring back the fulfilment and glamour associated with the sport in the past. “Their deliberations will, no doubt, help to revive the game. The experiences and contributions of sports administrators, tennis stars, coaches and sponsors will help in proffering solutions to its current lingering problems. “If the NTF can have a roundtable with old hands in the game, I believe they will help to chart a new course for the promotion of

the game,’’ the coach said. Ake, who now plies his trade in the USA, said that the lack of sponsors who can exposure the country’s tennis players to the international circuit was also part of factors hindering the development of the sport. According to him, the more exposure a player gets in tennis, the better for his game, as well as his career. Ake, therefore, urged the federation to interface effectively with its stakeholders so that they can collaborate in considering new options to enhance the growth of the sport in the country.

Supporters club begins visa processes for AFCON

he Nigeria Football and Other Sports Supporters Club has commenced processing visa for its members wishing to cheer the Super Eagles to victory at the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa in January. Dr Rafiu Oladipo, the president-general of the club said that the club started processing on time for early issuance of visa to members. “We are already processing our visa for the tournament and by January, we should be on our way to South Africa,” Oladipo said. The president declined to mention the number of members that would be in South Africa, stressing that the club would accommodate “as many members as possible“ provided they meet the visa requirements. The president expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of the club at the last edition of the tournament cohosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea due to the Super Eagles failure to qualify. “We were not at the last edition, but now that we have qualified, it is very important that we are there fully to give our support and encouragement to ensure victory for our team. “South Africa is like Nigeria’s second home, so we will be there with as many members as possible to ensure total victory for the Eagles,” he said. The president noted that the club, the single largest supporters club in Africa, has the history of besieging the Nations Cup final with the largest number of its members. “The role of the supporters club is to encourage, inspire as well as adding glamour and fun to the event and promoting Nigeria’s positive values. “We are ready to show what Nigeria is like to the world as they have never seen before. We will go with our drums, trumpets and band to provide the needed supports for the national team,’’ he said.

Dr Rafiu Oladipo

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

PAGE 43

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Zvonareva out of Australian Open with shoulder injury

ussian Vera Zvonareva will miss the Australian Open because of an injury to her right shoulder. The 28-year-old missed two Grand Slams in 2012 the French Open with the same injury and the US Open because of a viral illness. Zvonareva, the former world number two, has dropped to 49th in the rankings after a frustrating year in which she was knocked out in the third round of the French Open and

Vera Zvonareva

Mourinho vows to stay at Real Madrid

ose Mourinho insisted he would not resign as Real Madrid coach after his side lost 3-2 at Malaga to fall 16 points behind leaders Barcelona. Mourinho appeared incredulous when asked if he was worried about his job.

Isco put Malaga ahead in the 49th minute before an own-goal by Samuel Sanchez put Real level. Former Blackburn and Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz gave Malaga a two-goal breathing space with strikes in the 73rd and 76th minutes after

coming on as a substitute. Karim Benzema pulled one back eight minutes from time, but it was too late to prevent Malaga from clinching their first win over Real since 1983. Mourinho admitted that Real’s chances of defending their league title were now over.

The Portuguese manager also defended his decision to drop goalkeeper Iker Casillas to the bench, instead choosing to start 25-yearold Antonio Adan. It was the first time in 10 years that the World Cup winner had been dropped by Real.

Swans frustrate Red Devils

anchester United missed the chance to extend their lead in the title race to six points as Michu came out on top in the battle of the Premier League’s top scorers at the Liberty Stadium. Patrice Evra had given United the lead in the 16th minute as he headed home from a Robin van Persie corner. United will hold a four-point lead over Manchester City at Christmas but will be left to rue a series of missed chances during the final half hour when they piled the pressure on their hosts. Swansea felt they had shown United too much respect during this fixture last season but, after a slow start,

they showed little sign of being overawed as they took the game to the visitors. Dwight Tiendalli flashed a threatening ball across the six-yard box before Kemy Agustien freed Michu with a superb long ball, but the Spaniard sliced high and wide. David De Gea easily saved weak efforts from Wayne Routledge and Michu, but United halted the hosts’ building momentum as they took the lead. The Liberty Stadium faithful were further angered when Phil Jones was given only a yellow card for a clumsy lunge on Ben Davies, although replays suggested referee Michael Oliver had got the decision right.

Chelsea wallops Aston Villa 8-0

helsea turned on the style to completely destroy in-form Aston Villa and move back up to third place in the Premier League. Fernando Torres continued his resurgence under Blues manager Rafael Benitez with a towering third-minute header to set the Blues on their way.

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Wimbledon. However, she won the Australian Open women’s doubles with compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova in January, beating Italian duo Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci in the final. Zvonareva is yet to win a Grand Slam singles title, losing the US Open final to Kim Clijsters and the Wimbledon final to Serena Williams in 2010. The tournament runs from 6-12 January and the Australian Open in Melbourne starts on 14 January.

And a stunning David Luiz free-kick and Branislav Ivanovic header as good as wrapped up victory before the interval. Frank Lampard marked his 500th Premier League start by crashing home a fourth on the hour and two strikes from substitute Ramires, an Oscar penalty and a fine individual effort

from Eden Hazard rounded off the scoring. As well as providing more evidence of Chelsea’s growing momentum under Benitez, the thrashing revised the Premier League record books. The defeat was Aston Villa’s heaviest in topflight football. They have lost 7-0 on five previous occasions - most recently in 1950.

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David Luiz

The result marked the first time seven players from one team have scored in a match and matched Chelsea’s record 8-0 win over Wigan from May 2010. A majestic performance from Lampard, and his midfield partner David Luiz, laid the platform for a dominant display that could have easily seen them reach double figures.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

2013 Nations Cup finals

Thousands pay final respects to Ndlovu

Shittu unsure of Eagles

housands of people attended the funeral for Zimbabwe football legend Adam Ndlovu in Bulawayo on Saturday to pay their respect. Adam died in a car accident last Sunday which left his brother Peter in a critical condition and stunned the Zimbabwean football fraternity. People around the world have sent their condolences to his family, and a minute of silence was even held ahead of Bafana

Bafana’s 3-1 friendly win over Malawi on Saturday afternoon. Those attending the funeral and wake paid tribute to the player, with many calling for him to be named a national hero. “Adam was a legend and he united the country through football,” said Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. Sports minister David Coltart added that more needed to be done to highlight the achievements made by sports stars.

Okey Isima

ormer Green Eagles defender Okey Isima has observed that the only way the Super Eagles could win the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa was through cohesive play. Isima, however said that Eagles can only achieve cohesive play through early preparation; saying early camping enhances a team’s understanding. The former defender who was part of the victorious 1980 Green Eagles squad that won the competition when Nigeria hosted it, also urged the team to work hard. “The number one factor that worked for the 1980 squad was that we played as a team, and had

Adam Ndlovu

a lengthy camping time; we were camped in Brazil for over six months. “We were in camp for almost a year in order to get that result; unfortunately this time around most of the players are playing abroad. “I believed that the homebased players should have been in camp before now to attain match fitness because the league has been on break,” he said. Isima, who stressed the need for early camping, noted that Nigerian players abroad have been playing in their various clubs; unlike the domestic league players that are yet to commence action. “Early camping is very

important, the earlier the better for them that is the only issue that may affect team play and understanding,’’ he said. On the Eagle’s porous defense line, Isima said that Chief Coach Stephen Keshi knows what to do before the commencement of the competition on Jan. 19. “Everything is in his hands, I believe he knows what to do to get the best result, let’s give him the liberty to take his own decisions,’’ he said. Isima, a former player with Rangers International FC of Enugu, and the defunct Standard FC of Jos, said that Keshi would have to bring his rich experience to bear on the team.

Isima calls for early preparation

illwall centre-half, Danny Shittu, could turn down the call from Super Eagles to play in the 2013 Afcon in South Africa. According to Millwall manager, Kenny Jackett, the big defender looks set to reject the chance to play for Nigeria after he got a recall on Friday. Jackett is so sure that the 32year-old centre-back will not honour the Nigerian call. “I don’t think he’s going to go and I don’t think he’s been in touch with them. At the moment that’s the decision. “It was a surprise but it shows how well Danny has done. He’s only in the preliminary squad so that’s going to be cut down. “But congratulations to him because he’s in there based on his performances,” Jackett was quoted as saying. The former Bolton Wanderers’ man was recalled to the Nigerian squad in a 32man provisional list by head coach, Stephen Keshi ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations next month. Shittu made his international debut for Nigeria against Paraguay on March 26, 2002 and was a squad member of the Super Eagles to the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

“I believe that we do not adequately honour our sporting and cultural heroes in Zimbabwe. They often do more than politicians to boost our spirits and image of the country.” Adam had impressed as the coach of Chicken Inn last season, guiding his team to an impressive third place finish, behind Highlanders who lost out on the title on goal difference to Dynamos.

No mandate for Eagles to win Nations Cup – Abdullahi

he Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said that the Federal Government had not mandated the Super Eagles to win the African Cup of Nations tournament in January in South Africa. Abdullahi made the statement when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Super Eagles’ training session at the training pitch of the National Stadium, Abuja. The minister told the players that gone were the days when targets were given to teams before any major competition as doing so could put them under pressure to succeed. “Although, we will be very happy to win the cup, let nobody tell you that we are giving you mandate. “Nobody is giving you mandate that you must bring home the cup or you should stay back in South Africa if you don’t win the cup; there is no such thing. “We believe you are talented and we believe in the ability of your technical crew to bring the best out of you which in turn should win the trophy for us. “Don’t let anybody put you under pressure that we said if you don’t win we will flog you,” he said. The minister pledged government’s maximum support to the team’s technical crew to ensure success in the competition. “We will give the technical crew the support needed to make you shine. Nobody is going to harass you or force you to do what is wrong. “So, I believe that if we work together we will achieve the needed result,” he added. Abdullahi said that his visit was part of government’s effort to boost the team’s morale for the competition scheduled for between Jan. 19 and Feb. 10. The minister promised to visit the team in Faro, Portugal, Eagles’ last training camp, to bid the players farewell before their departure for South Africa. “I am aware this is one of your last training before you leave for Portugal, so I think it is good I came to tell you that the country is behind you.

“Mr President is keenly following your progress. He was here some months ago to watch your training just to assure you that the country is behind you and we are all wishing you well,” Abdullahi said. Aminu Maigari, the President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and his secretary, Musa Amadu, were also on ground to watch the Eagles train. Maigari described the minister’s visit as morale booster for the players. He said it was the same way President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit boosted their morale in the 6-1 spanking of the Liberian Lone Star in the team’s last qualifying match in Calabar. The president noted that the Nigeria had failed to win the Nations Cup for over a decade since the last time Nigeria won it in 1994. He then expressed optimism that the present Eagles squad would do the magic this time for the country. The Head Coach of the team, Stephen Keshi, described the minister’s comment as a relief to the team after all the stories he read in the media about the ultimatum giving to them to win the competition. Keshi assured the minister that the team would make Nigeria proud in South Africa Minister of Sports, by winning the trophy. Bolaji Abdullahi

Ethiopia face Niger, Togo, Qatar ahead of AFCON

Danny Shittu

thiopia kicks-off their AFCON build-up next week Sunday at home against Niger and has also confirmed warm-ups against Togo and Qatar. According to Ethiopian media sources, Bishaw Sewnet’s team

will host fellow 2013 Africa Cup finalists Niger in Addis Ababa next Sunday. The Walia Antelopes will follow this up on January 3 when they host Togo at the same venue and four days later, they fly out to the Persian Gulf to face

Tunisia in Qatar on January 7. The 1962 champions also have two yet to be confirmed January dates away to Tanzania and Morocco. Ethiopia will at next month’s tournament in South Africa be marking their first Africa Cup

of Nations appearance since 1982. They are drawn in Group C along with Nigeria, Zambia and Burkina Faso. Their opening group game in Nelspruit is on January 21 against Zambia.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

PAGE 45

PI CTO R IAL 1] Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was under renewed pressure on Saturday after his team lost 3-2 at Malaga, a defeat which left the champions 16 points behind leaders Barcelona. 2] Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has urged his side to take more advantage of their chances in front of goal after Gareth Barry's injury time header rescued a 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday. 3] Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge will have a medical at Liverpool on Sunday, according to widespread reports. Liverpool are expected to pay ÂŁ12 million.

4] Swansea striker Michu netted his 13 goals of the season against Manchester United yesterday at the Liberty Stadium. 5] India batsman Sachin Tendulkar announces his retirement from the 50over format of the game after a record-breaking career. 6] Russian Vera Zvonareva will miss the Australian Open in January with a recurrence of a shoulder injury.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

PAGE 47

Quick CrossWord (96)

Say what?

ACROSS 3 Naughty child 7 Assegais 8 Dried grape 9 Heraldic bearing 10 Cutting 15 City and port in New York State 18 Bone of the upper leg 19 Ancient tribe of Queen Boudicca 20 Recited 23 Characteristic and British history 1714 – 1830 28 Solid white animal fat 29 __ Bream, classical guitarist 30 __ Bunker, US television’s answer to Alf Garnett 31 Burnt residue

SUDOKU Getting Started Each sudoku puzzle is a 9 by 9 grid of horizontal and vertical rows, evenly separated into 9 squares with 9 spaces each. Instead of word clues, each puzzle’s solution is determined by the pattern of the numbers already filled in you. You solve the puzzle by filling in the missing digits so that, when completed, each row and each square will have all the number from 1 to 9; each number will appear in exactly nine spaces within each puzzle.

DOWN 1 Perceptive remark 2 __ Central, mountainous plateau in France 3 Bavarian river 4 Elbow 5 Galvanising metal 6 Helsinki national 11 Colourfully different things 12 Not suitable 13 John __, camp comedian 14 Impaled 15 __ and Nothingness, treatise by Sartre 16 Tierral del __, isles at the tip of South America 17 Copying 21 Time-telling word 22 Listen in 24 __ Olmert, Israeli PM 25 Attack 26 St Columba’s isle 27 Old Testament Ark-builder

Yesterday’s answer

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Yesterday’s solution

A snake tries to stop being a bird's lunch - by coiling itself round its beak, but the frustrated blue heron got in a flap and tried to shake it off. Source: TheSun.co.uk

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Eagles lack leader, says Osaze

saze Odemwingie has added fire to the debate over his 2013 AFCON exclusion by saying Super Eagles lacked “a good captain for many years”. On Friday, Osaze, Taye Taiwo and Obafemi Martins were left out of a preliminary 32-man squad for the AFCON. Coach Stephen Keshi has since defended his decision while also revealing that Osaze asked to be made team captain. “This might sound disrespectful but Eagles had no good captain for many years. Everyone looking only after himself," Osaze said on his Twitter handle He also said he was not notified about his omission from the squad. “On my non-inclusion to the Eagles list I am not surprised. “We talk through press hahaha how come I am the only stubborn one but no ex-Eagles player was sent off from the team with respect. The striker maintained that his being left out had nothing to do with football. “Keshi has no footballing reasons not to invite me but is not saying the truth. He again revisited his feud with former Eagles coach Samson Siasia, alleging that the coach dropped him because he did not endorse him for the Eagles top job after he led them to win a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics. “Cos after we got Olympic silver I didn't say Siasia is ready for Eagles he waited till he gets the job to axe me?" Osaze tweeted. “Me and Apam begged him to take (Sani) Kaita in the Olympic team.He told us he wants to play Efe Ambrose there who is a centre back? Good plan. “The only reason me and Siasia fell out was over kits that were not enough ‘cos they were on sale as the Olympics were on going. Shame! “It was the same social media tool he used at the height of his row with the former Eagles handler. “NFF spokesman said he is arrogant? I am arrogant? Why did country’s president threaten to close down our federation for two years? “Why didn't Lagerback continue with Super Eagles after World Cup? Chop and run was his plan and they knew it.

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE Utterances and words of elders are just like winds and waves that move, gather momentum and have destructive effects the end result of which cannot be predicted. — President Goodluck Jonathan warns Nigerian elders

Do gooders and hell raisers The hands that tie up the hyena are those that will free her — Hausa Proverb

enate President David Mark last week pleaded with Nigerians not to lose faith in the indivisibility of Nigeria. He asked constituents in his senatorial zone to pray harder and rally behind leaders so that together leaders and led will overcome the nation's current problems. Senator Mark spoke two days after the Benue state governor Gabriel Suswan told a church congregation that the dwindling number of Christian governors in the North is a source of concern. He reminded them that the death of Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and the hospitalization of the Taraba State governor has left him and Governor Jonah Jang as the only two Northern Christian governors standing. Those in the congregation not shocked by the statistics were jolted further when the governor revealed further that he is himself an active target of Boko Haram, and appealed to them to pray for him. You could be forgiven if you thought that Suswan was desperately diverting some of the limelight around a genuine national tragedy, which was the death of Governor Yakowa, former NSA, Azazi and others. Governor Suswam must really believe in the potency of prayers of simple, poor folks, because to announce to a church congregation that a chief executive officer of a state is marked for elimination, and expect that prayers of church goers will protect him shows profound faith. Its either that, or he is putting himself forward as potential leader seeking political capital by involving the most primordial and dangerous sentiments, and digging even deeper into the muck of politics of fear which leaders like him now play. Either way, it is surprising that the congregation did not scamper in fear of being around a marked man, who, with all the paraphernalia for personal security, says he needs them to pray for him as well. In the same week that Suswam counted only two out of 19 Christian governors as if northern Muslims are to be held responsible for Yakowa and Suntai's fate, and listed himself among every Nigerian, Christian or Muslim who is a marked target of the Jama’atu Ahlil Sunnah Lidda'awati Wal Jihad (a.k.a Boko Haram), some sobering words also came from people who recognize the value of being responsible.

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FIFTEEN MINUTES with Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed drbabaahmed@yahoo.com

Gov. Gabriel Suswam General Yakubu Gowon cautioned against insinuations that the crash that took Yakowa's life was anything but an accident. He said he himself could have been on the same plane but for a change in flight arrangements. The son of the late governor said his family had come to terms with their father's death as the will of God, and they see part of a greater purpose in the desired unity of Kaduna State and the nation. Millions of citizens, Christians as well as Muslims mourned the passing away of a governor who worked hard to build bridges even in the face of forces that broke all his building blocks before they even dried. The Izala movement postponed its meeting as a result of his death. The Christian Association of Nigeria said it accepted his death as the supreme act of God, and the South Kaduna People Union (SOKAPU) prayed that God will grant the new governor the courage and wisdom to govern the state. The funeral of late Yakowa was a study in how nations can capture defining moments even if fleetingly. It was a befitting farewell to a man who courted and won the friendship and hearts of many Muslims without being one; and who loved his Christian brethren without having that love fully reciprocated. He played politics the way he thought it ought to have been played. He attempted to build bridges neither side trusted or walked across. He was a hero that was unheralded

until he died. Governor Suswam did a great disservice in mentioning the name of Yakowa in the context of his pitch for local support using scare tactics and base sentiments. Yakowa was not in his class, and even though he did not have large multitudes following him around all his pet projects towards building peace, he was very clear in his mind that neither Christians nor Muslims will find peace in Kaduna State, or in Nigeria without working with each other towards that end. He knew that it hurts Muslims that murderers of innocent people in Zonkwa are walking free today, in the same measure he encountered the anger of young people in Zonkwa when he went to condole them over the killing of villagers last year. He knew that his unwieldy Peace and Reconciliation Committee is seen largely as a token solution which could compound the problem, but he pushed on nonetheless, in the belief that it was better than doing nothing. When President Jonathan, with refreshing candour possibly triggered by the occasion, said last week that all Nigerian politicians exploit religious and ethnic sentiments to divide Nigerians, people like governor Suswan will be the first to come to mind. You would think that he had heard of governor Suswam's church speech when he also said at the funeral of late Yakowa that elders should be wary of their utterances. He said "utterances and words of elders are just like winds and waves that move, gather momentum and cause destructive effects… whose end result cannot be predicted. Responses of our young men and women are reflections of what the elders talk in public and even in private." The hopes that the death of Patrick Yakowa will give Kaduna State renewed impetus to find peace and economic progress will be dampened by utterances such as those of the Benue governor. There are genuine attempts to demonstrate that leaders can lead fairly and do justice without necessarily being Christian or

Muslim, in a nation where Muslims and Christians live under the same objective conditions. But many politicians equate our security and economic welfare with their faith. When they contest for power using religious or ethnic sentiments, they alienate substantial portions of the population which think those who emerge as leaders do not represent them. These sentiments get narrower as competition from other politicians using the same tactics close the space. Governor Suswam should be a veteran at this, having been on the receiving end of Idoma hostility and complaints of gross marginalization. If this nation had a fail-safe reservoir of memories of faultlines and flashpoints, it would accord prominence to the lessons behind the violence in many parts of the north which greeted the announced results of the 2011 presidential elections. It will also accord due significance to the bitterness which still hovers around the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan and many elected leaders. The clues behind these are within reach: they are the dangerous pitch made to manipulate ethnicity, religion and region in order to whip up sentiments against opponents. In most instances they worked. Today, the Nigerian democratic system is full of embers which could ignite more fires. It will be comforting if President Jonathan's caution over use of religion and region were to be taken seriously by him and people like governor Suswam. Unfortunately, this is not very likely. Politicians who build power bases using dangerously divisive tactics win find it almost impossible to change these bases. This means only one thing: as we move toward 2015, more and more Nigerians will be pitted against each other in fights which suggest that citizens' entire livelihood and security is dependent on the faith and ethnic group of political leaders. Political parties will not build bridges across dangerous divides to unite groups. They will exploit them, and polarize communities even further. Issues will not feature in campaigns, but persons and their characteristics will. Elections will be very bitterly fought, and contestants will raise the stakes so high that none will trust a free and fair election to determine whether they win or lose. Suswam's sermon foretells of a very frightening future for Nigeria.

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