Peoples Daily Newspaper, Monday 25, March, 2013

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 10 No. 61

Monday, March 25, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Nigeria’s intelligence First Bank emerges best retail bank gathering has failed, in Nigeria says ex-IGP Coomassie >> PAGE 3

>> PAGE 19

Jimadal Ula 14, 1434 AH

N150

Yes, we rig elections, so what — Akpabio >> PAGE 37

How Alamieyeseigha pardon was foiled last year

By Abdulwahab Isa

A

s scathing criticisms of the pardon granted to former governor of Bayelsa state, Diepreye Peters Alamieyeseigha,

by President Goodluck Jonathan continues, fresh facts have

emerged that the controversial move was actually planned for last year but was strongly opposed by members of the National Council of state (NCS).

The Jonathan administration has in past weeks endured intense outrage both from the local and

international community for granting state pardon to his former boss. Jonathan was deputy governor under Alamieyeseigha.

An authoritative source conversant with buildup to the pardon informed Peoples Daily that the President toyed with the

idea last year but dropped it on sensing the disgust of the council members towards it.

According to the source who witnessed the entire drama leading to clemency for the former governor, Jonathan actually suggested pardon a year ago, an

idea which was rejected by members of the NCS. The source said: "The President wanted clemency for Alamieyeseigha last year but that bid was not welcome by some members of the council of state.

Contd on Page 2

L-R: Ambassador Mohammed Kaigama, former Chairman, Public Service Commission, Ambassador Ahmed Algazali, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais, National President, Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA), Alhaji Umaru Mutallab and former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, during the BOBA's Abuja branch 2013 annual leadership lecture, at the weekend in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Outrage as Jonathan turns Presidential Villa to PDPsecretariat

By Abubakar Ibrahim and Ikechukwu Okafor

I

ndications are strong that President Goodluck Jonathan has turned the nation’s apex seat of power into the unofficial secretariat of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This is owing to the

…it’s impunity, say CPC, ACN, APGA frequency of Jonathan’s hosting of all sorts of his party’s activities in the Presidential Villa.

Critics have observed that several PDP meetings that ought to be held in its Wadata House headquarters are being held in

the Villa with the President himself sometimes presiding over such.

For instance, the election of the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) was held in Aso Rock, even as several of

its meetings are usually held in the Presidential Villa. The practice which started during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo continued through the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua,

with President Jonathan maintaining the tradition.

Again, the decision to form the PDP Governors’ Forum, though supposedly a party affair, was consummated at the Presidential Villa. Significantly, the emergence of the Akwa-Ibom state governor, Godswill Contd on Page 2

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

CONTENTS

How Alamieyeseigha pardon was foiled last year

News

Contd from Page 1 “Even this year, when he brought forward a 16 to 18 page document seeking clemency for the former governor, most members again suggested otherwise but one of the governors from the north pleaded that the issue be considered to save the president from shame. Most of us were skeptical because there was hardly a redeeming quality in the 16 page submission seeking clemency for the ex -governor. We left it at that".

The pardon has attracted angry reactions both at home and abroad. At home, leading political figures and Civil Society group, in unison roundly condemned the president’s act.

The former Kaduna state governor, Balarabe Musa said, the pardon showed how much President Jonathan has abandoned the fight against corruption.

“What is the justification for the pardon? Are they too old to stay in the prison where they belong? This is unfortunate particularly at this period when the government is talking about the fight against corruption,” he told a TV station based in Lagos recently. “This simply means that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has abandoned his anti-corruption crusade. It was political maneuver”.

President of the Civil Rights Congress, Shehu Sani, said he was in support of the pardon for Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and others but that it appeared they were on the list as a smokescreen to re-launch Mr. Alamieyeseigha into politics.

“I’m in support of pardon for Shehu Musa Yar’adua, Oladipo Diya and co but I know they were simply used as a smokescreen.

They were given pardon in order to give credibility to the pardon but the exercise was done because of Alamieyeseigha,” he said.

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

S/Report

24

Law

26

Education 27-28 Health

29-30

Chinua Achebe: There goes a great ‘PenSweeper’, Page 4

Int’l

31-34

Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-45

Leisure

47

Columnist

48

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

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

Lawyer Festus Keyamo, in a statement, said the pardon for Mr. Alamieyeseigha “typifies the height of insensitivity of this government to the feelings of Nigerians about the war against corruption.”

He added: “This pardon by the President teaches no bitter lesson to thieving and corrupt public officers. It encourages corruption at the highest and the lowest levels of public office and the decision itself is corruption per excellence.”

Another lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, said if the pardon was truly granted, it “will signal the end of the existing phony war against corruption.” Former president of the Nigerian Bar Association Rotimi Akeredolu said the pardon does not rule out the fact that Alamieyeseigha has committed a crime which would still hold against him.

But a lawyer, Mike Ozekhome said the pardon “cleansed” the exconvict of any “sin.” He said: “The stigma of being an ex-convict has just been totally washed away and such a person can contest elections.

He is taken in the eye of the law that he has never committed any

offence. Anyone who will blame President Jonathan for giving Presidential pardon to his former boss, who brought him out of the classroom, such will be living in a dream world of unreality. It is only natural that the President will want to pardon his former boss who has always been there for him.”

In its reaction, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) said the presidential pardon for Mr Alamieyeseigha was “laughable and tribalistic”. The CPC spokesman, Rotimi Fashakin, said the decision was akin to granting posthumous pardon to the likes of notorious armed robber Lawrence Anini.

“There is a better way to show solidarity with one’s boss than this utterly reprehensible action….

This is another proof that the Jonathan regime is not averse to corruption,” Fashakin said.

Secretary General of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Willy Ezugwu, said, “This is saddening…. This has also confirmed that the president is hobnobbing with corruption and that Nigerians should not put their hope on him to move the

nation forward.”

The development also attracted reactions from the United States government with Barrack Obama delisting the Nigerian leader from the list of African leaders he was scheduled to meet with.

World renowned personality, philanthropist and Microsoft owner, Bill Gates followed suit by cancelling a planned visit to Nigeria.

Alamieyeseigha was removed from office in 2005 for financial misconducts. He was detained in London on charges of money laundering in September 2005. At the time of his arrest, the Metropolitan police found about £1million in cash in his London home.

He jumped bail and fled to Nigeria allegedly disguising as a woman; this enabled him to slip through security checks.

Alamieyeseigha’s removal in 2005 paved the way for his then deputy, Goodluck Jonathan to assume office as Governor of Bayelsa from where he was selected as the running mate to late Umaru Musa Yar'adua in the 2007 presidential polls.

Three schools burnt as soldiers, gunmen clash again in Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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oldiers attached to the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in Borno state, on Saturday night clashed with suspected insurgents, shortly after some gunmen attacked three private schools in Biu local government area.

Eyewitness accounts said that the incident occurred at about 8.00pm when over 10 men,

armed with sophisticated weapons and explosives, raided Godiya, Lajada as well as Standard Private Primary Schools and set them on fire.

Biu is about 18km away from Maiduguri, the state capital and the attack occurred less than a week after similar incident in the same town which claimed several lives when unknown gunmen raided a Coca-Cola depot.

It also came when Maiduguri residents were yet to recover

from the shocking incident of the killings of seven secondary school teachers by another group of gunmen.

Residents of the town who spoke to newsmen said the seemingly simultaneous attacks were carried out during the curfew hours imposed by the JTF, as the gunmen stormed the schools, which are located in separate locations.

All the schools were reportedly razed down as the invaders detonated improvised explosive device, (IEDs) inside.

Outrage as Jonathan turns Presidential Villa to PDP secretariat Contd from Page 1 Akpabio, as its Chairman was announced not in the Wadata House but in Aso Rock.

It was equally observed that members of the party’s National Working Committee chaired by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur are regular visitors to the Villa, probably to get instruction from the President, critics have alleged.

But the party’s NWC meetings and its National Executive Council (NEC)’s meetings are always held at its headquarters. Courtesy visits to the party leadership and other administrative affairs are also done in the party secretariat.

However, of recent, most of the party’s meetings are also being held in the Abuja private residence of the PDP’s National Chairman just as some others are being held at the party’s Legacy House Campaign office.

Efforts to reach the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, on phone to comment on the matter proved abortive as several calls made to him could not get through.

Reacting to the issue, the National Publicity Secretary of

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Lai Mohammed, said it is symptomatic of the crisis which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is having.

He emphasized that the party is already very sick, adding that the sickness facing the party is a terminal illness which nothing can heal.

Speaking further, Mohammed said that PDP is not a party but a rigging machine, assuring that in due course people will come to understand the true nature of the party.

Also speaking, the National Publicity Secretary of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Rotimi Fashakin, said if PDP has decided to run its party like a cult which it is, that does not worry the CPC. He regretted that Nigeria has become a state where people do things with impunity because they are in power, saying that CPC is only concerned because the average Nigerians have been reduced to slaves in their country.

“If they have decided to run it like a cult, which it is, that is their business. PDP has an overwhelming power which has

made it operate like a cult,” Fashakin said.

In addition, he observed that the decision of the Presidency to be holding the meetings in the Aso Villa is party of his ploy to emphasise and underscore his desire for 2015.

Moreover, he observed that same people are being recycled in the party just to enable the party have advantage over other parties, adding that in the zoning agreement of the party was bastardized by President Jonathan, in his bid to be the President.

An All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Willy Ezeugwu, called on President Jonathan to understand that the Aso Vills is not a party office, but the seat of power.

He explained that in the United States, the Democrats can not hold their party meetings in the White House, saying that once a President is elected, he is no longer a party President, but Nigeria President, who should not give national privileges to his party.

“If President Jonathan is no longer Nigerian President but

PDP President, he should tell Nigerians,” he said, adding that Aso Villa is a place where any party can occupy, and therefore should not be converted to party office.

Ezeugwu, who is also the National Secretary of Conference of Nigerian Political Party (CNPP), also lamented that impunity has become high under President Jonathan, saying that Nigerians are not happy with he is doing.

He said that even if the President is doing it to have his way on national and party issues, Nigerians do not care, hence the Aso Villa is not the party's secretariat.

Responding, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said BoT meeting is being held in the Villa for security reasons.

He said: “Being the party in power, it is not out of place for the party to hold it's BoT's, the highest advisory body, meeting in the Presidential Villa. It would be awkward for the party leader, especially the President, who maybe exposed to insecurity, to hold meetings at the PDP secretariat,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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s part of measures to check the ravaging terrorist activities in the country, a former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, has urged the Federal Government to beam its search light on why individuals promote extremist ideologies and form radical groups.

Speaking at the 2013 annual leadership lecture of Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) Abuja chapter, Coomassie also asked

PAGE 3

Nigeria’s intelligence gathering has failed, says ex-IGP Coomassie government to beef up security at the nation’s borders.

According to him, “government should concentrate on the root causes which lead people into being recruited into extremist groups and have improved border patrol, pursue terrorists and disrupt their support network in

combating terrorism in Nigeria.

“If these apply, it will prepare the government to manage and minimize the consequences of terrorist attacks thereby improving capabilities to deal with the aftermath.

“Only recently a graduate of Physics and Chemistry made the

headlines for his alleged involvement in bomb attacks.

“How many more youngsters can you find in the country today who have similar knowledge which if negatively applied can spell doom?

“You can see by inflicting undue and artificial suffering on

talented people, we may be preparing them for terrorists to use.

“The country’s intelligence gathering has failed and it has left us with painful options of reacting after something terrible happens.

“We have seen and continue to see the pandemonium created anytime a police station, security patrol or anywhere else is attacked.

“So much confusion follows and everyone tunes to the radio to listen if anyone would claim responsibility.”

Boko Haram: Employ ghost trackers, TUC tells Jonathan From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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Kano state Governor, Engineer Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso (3rd right), listening to explanation by Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Alhaji Abba K. Yusuf (middle), during the governor's inspection of the Kano Driving Institute, recently in Kano.

he Trade Union Congress (TUC) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to bring members of Boko Haram sect to a round table discussion in order to resolve the seemingly intractable security problem in parts of the country.

Speaking in Benin-City at the weekend, TUC President, Comrade Peter Esele, noted that President Goodluck Jonathan holds the key to resolving the Boko Haram impasse.

“The buck stops at his table as the President must do everything possible to bring this under control and if he does not, that will not speak well of his presidency.

“He must find a way and if need be, he must find a ghost tracker and find a way to get these guys to come to the table and talk.”

“Our security operatives should wake up to the challenges and their responsibilities.

“Policing also means that you play your role and I also play my role before our case gets out of hand.

Right now, our situation is really

getting out of hand.”

He also urged government to review its proposed plan to remove subsidy on petrol, given the growing economic frustrations which he noted have left many Nigerians disillusioned.

According to Esele, “the President said that he was consulting, that he was only going to remove fuel subsidy after his consultations with Nigerians.

“I hope that the consultation is not going to be a monologue but with the way the consultation is going, I think the feelers are already showing that Nigerians are already saying no to removal of subsidy.

“What I will advise the President is that after he has finished his consultations, if the answer is no, he should also ensure that he carries out the end result of the consultations,” he said.

Tuberculosis causes millions of deaths, says health official

PDP govs won’t join opposition, T say Akpabio, Wamakko

By Lawrence Olaoye

A

report suggesting that some People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors are set to join the opposition ahead of the 2015 general elections has hit the party leadership like a thunder bolt with the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum Godswill Akpabio, dismissing it as falsehood.

“I have contacted my colleagues in the PDP Governors Forum and I have their assurances that there is no such thing,” Akpabio, also AkwaIbom state governor said yesterday while reacting to the report.

According to him, “there is nobody that would not want to be in the winning team, PDP can only wax stronger.

“I can assure you that we are not going to lose any of our states, instead we are going to win more states by 2015.”

While pledging loyalty to President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the party, Akpabio said the formation of

* BoT, NWC intact — Anenih the PDP Governorship Forum under his leadership rattled the opposition and that they have not stopped working to discredit the party by all means.

Also reacting yesterday, the Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatarkada Wamakko, described the report as baseless.

The report specifically named Wamakko to be among the seven governors allegedly plotting to join the opposition forces against the PDP. According to a press statement by the Sokoto state Commissioner for Information, Nasir Danladi Bako, “this story is not true and it is without basis.

“I call on the public to discountenance the story and ignore it. As has been stated on several occasions by Governor Wamakko, the present administration both at Federal and state levels are just approaching mid-term of their four-year tenure.

“Therefore, all elected officials owe the voters and indeed Nigerians a duty to deliver good governance and dividends of democracy as per the promises they made during their various campaigns and rallies.

“Governor Wamakko hereby calls on all those charged with the duty of governance to concentrate on this onerous task rather than engage in premature chase for 2015 offices.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT)), Chief Tony Anenih, yesterday declared that there was no crisis of conflict between his organ and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Anenih spoke through the Secretary, Ambassador Walid Jibrin, at the grand finale of the party’s leadership tour of the six

geo-political zones stated that the BoT cannot clash with the NWC insisting instead that they both work for the reconciliation of the members with a view to strengthening the party ahead of 2015 general elections.

Anenih said the BoT had equally begun a tour of all PDP controlled states with a view to getting them to be more committed to the party and ensure that the party remains intact and avoid infiltration from the opposition.

According to him, the feedback from few governors visited by the BoT has been encouraging making the party to be hopeful that its ranks are yet to be broken contrary to speculations that some of the governors in its fold may have resolved to decamp to the opposition.

“The PDP Governors Forum is intact, the PDP Board of Trustees is intact, the PDP National Working Committee is intact. There is no disagreement whatsoever; we are working in harmony,” he assured.

he FCT Public Health Department says tuberculosis remains an epidemic that causes deaths of millions of people each year, mostly in developing countries, Nigeria inclusive.

Dr. Saddiq AbdulRahman, Coordinator, Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, at the department, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the epidemic must be stopped.

“The theme for this year’s World TB Day commemoration is the same as that of 2012 and it is, Call for a world free of TB, Stop TB in my lifetime.

“It signifies a timely call for the government at all levels, development partners, individuals, philanthropists, families, communities, persons and individuals or groups affected by the disease and it is required that all hands must be on deck to act collectively to stop TB, particularly here in the FCT and in Nigeria as a whole.

“The World TB Day also means a worldwide call as an action to mobilise political will and ensure social commitment.

“This once-a-year event, however, offers an unparalleled opportunity to raise awareness about the burden, particularly here in the FCT and with the view to improve TB treatment and prevention by the government.’’

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Chinua Achebe: There goes a great ‘Pen-Sweeper’

By Sonde Abbah

I

f a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry.

He should sweep streets so well that even the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well’.” - Martin Luther King, renowned USA evangelist.

He was called to be a ‘pensweeper’. And, O! what a ‘hell’ of a street sweeper (sorry, ‘pen-sweeper’) he turned out to be! A ‘sweeper’ who hit the ground running. A ‘sweeper’ with greatness stamped on him from toe to head. A ‘sweeper’ like no other. Check out his timeless classic, THINGS FALL APART. Rarely in living memory has an upstart writer or author crafted such a phenomenal book in his first attempt.

Like an accomplished craftsman who has mastered his skills for so long, Chinua Achebe crafted THINGS FALL APART masterfully, each page brimming with the sort of wit, intelligence, creativity, and poetic prose that have to be read to be believed.

The rest, to borrow a wellworn phrase, is now history.

Not only did Achebe’s maiden work become a collector’s item the world over, translated into a legion of languages in every continent, his subsequent books also sparkled in no small measure. So much so that even at the infancy of his writing career, “even the hosts of heaven and earth” had started pausing to say, ‘here lives a great pensweeper who does his job well’.

Even as the undisputed “Iroko” of the Nigerian, nay African, literary circle continued to do what he did best, “the centre could no longer hold.” And “things (started to) fall apart” and on Friday March 22 the “ARROW OF GOD” struck in form of death, plucking away literature’s “MAN OF THE PEOPLE.” Chinua Achebe? Dead?

Unbelievable! The news came to most of us like a bad dream.

Even though he was over 80 years old, few had imagined that the ‘lroko’ would fall so suddenly. This, after all, was the same “Ogbuefi” who had defied the odds to survive that near-fatal car crash “

which crippled him, leading to his relocating to the United States.

Like Okonwo, the inimitable character in THINGS FALL APART who was forced into exile but returned to his fatherland later to continue the struggle, many had looked forward to seeing Achebe back in ‘Naija’ after his sojourn in the white man’s land. That, alas, was not to be. The Grim Reaper, death, decided otherwise.

The man died!

Amidst the universal gloom that has pervaded the land following Achebe’s passage, Nigerians from all walks of life have been hailing the uncommon story teller for a variety of reasons.

President Goodluck Jonathan believes that “Achebe will live forever in the hearts and minds of present and future generations through his great works which brought him enduring international fame and countless honours.”

For the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, with Acebe’s demise “an Iroko has fallen; the master story teller has gone at a ripe age”. On its part, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) sees the fallen literary giant as a “man worthy of emulation.”

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State regards Achebe as “Nigeria’s foremost ambassador…a true patriot who put his country first…” while to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar Achebe was one of the few compatriots who “followed the courage of their conviction.”

Truly so. Consider the national honours bestowed on him by the administerations of thenPresident Olusegun Obasanjo

Chinua Achebe and the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, respectively.

Following “the courage of (his) conviction”, Achebe spurned both awards. He would rather not consort with lousy leaders, even if such public disclaimer would elicit the wrath of those spurned. In a land padded to the brim with fair-weather compatriots who are mortally scared of losing the favour of those in power, Achebe’s principled and courageous stand is strikingly uncommon.

In fact, for as long as many could remember, the acclaimed author had stood

“

out on account of his activism and unbending principles.

Not for him the cant and chicanery that hallmarks the life of the typical prominent Nigerian politician or public office holder. Not for him the double-speak that is the stock-in-trade of your typical “statesman”. What of the complicity and unholy alliance with ungodly rulers, which pervades ‘Naija’? certainly not for Prof. Chinua Achebe.

Ibn Majaha reports in his SUNA that the Prophet of Allah said: “The best form of Jihad is to tell a word of truth to an oppressive ruler.” Ask

Like Okonwo, the inimitable character in THINGS FALL APART who was forced into exile but returned to his fatherland later to continue the struggle, many had looked forward to seeing Achebe back in ‘Naija’ after his sojourn in the white man’s land. That, alas, was not to be. The Grim Reaper, death, decided otherwise.

The man died

the nation’s present and former rulers such as Shagari, Buhari, Babangida, Abacha, and Obasanjo. Virtually all of them would regale you with tales of how Achebe had, through his own brand of “Jihad”, terrified them with sundry bitter truths.

Consider, for example, Achebe’s small, seminal book, THE TROUBLE WITH NIGERIA. Without pulling punches, each chapter of this insightful book goes straight to th point, telling it all as it is. Hear him on the issue of corruption, for instance: “Nigerians are corrupt because corruption is easy and profitable. Nigerians will cease to be corrupt when corruption is made difficult and unprofitable.” Short, sharp, and straight to the point!

By way of coincidence, it is pertinent to recall that Achebe passed on in the heat of one of the most stinking state pardons ever granted by a Nigerian leader. Even as a certain Alams is still being prosecuted in a foreign court of law for his alleged indulgence in monumental corruption, President Jonathan hastened to grant him and other ex-convicts state pardon in a manner that mocks government’s socalled anti-graft “war”.

Achebe, who passed on barely a week after the controversy-riddled presidential pardon, must have chuckled mirthlessly to his grave.

It is, needless to say, in the literary arena that Chinua Achebe sparkled like a million stars. In the book, PRINCE OF THE FOXES by Cesare Borgia, a character, Mario Belli, says that: “The artists of the ages….have not wrought great things by keeping their noses in books.

They have used their own eyes and hands and have studied nature itself.”

Take a bow, Chinua Achebe. A true artist of the ages, you have wrought great things across the world, as exemplified by THINGS FALL APART, ARROW OF GOD, and THE TROUBLE WITH NIGERIA, among others.

Like the Beethoven’s, S h a k e s p e a r e ’ s , Michelangelo’s, and other icons of the ages, you have not wrought all these remarkable things by keeping keeping your nose in books alone. You have used your oen eyes and hands and have studied ‘Naija’ nature itself.

Adieu, O! Compatriot.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 5

CBN partners Kaduna to boost ginger, tomato processing

By Agaju Madugba

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set up a committee to enable Kaduna state access the Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).

Kaduna state branch Controller of CBN, Mohammed Ibrahim Gusau, who dropped the

hint at the weekend in Kaduna, said NIRSAL commenced formal activities in April 2012, adding that over N6 billion agro-business funding has been guaranteed by the system while over N20 billion more are already in the pipeline.

He spoke during the Kaduna Bankers’ dinner and award night, noting that NIRSAL has an engagement model for the state government compliance to stress

their commitment to providing the required supporting infrastructure, policies and incentives.

According to him, “I am delighted to inform you that the Kaduna state government has inaugurated the Kaduna State NIRSAL Implementation Committee on the 27thof September 2012 and the committee is already working

with the NIRSAL PIO on the following Kaduna State projects, Ikara Tomato Processing Company, Kachia Ginger Processing, Silos Expansion Program.

“The state government suggested the inclusion of local government councils in the scheme so that it can trickle down to small holder farmers and value chain players at the grassroots.

“I therefore urge the good people of Kaduna state to support both the Kaduna state government and the Central Bank of Nigeria in their efforts aimed at improving the economic life of the people of the state.

“To refresh our memory, Nigeria Incentive-based Risk

Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) is a dynamic and holistic approach that tackles both the agricultural value chain and the agricultural financing value chain.

“NIRSAL is a demand-driven credit facility rather than the current supply driven funding.

“It adopts a value chain approach to lending and banks are free to choose which part of the chain they would be interested in lending.

“NIRSAL commenced formal activities in April 2012 and it is worth mentioning today that over N6 billion agro-business funding has been guaranteed by NIRSAL, while N20-N30 billion more is already in the pipeline.”

PIB: NEITI sends memorandum to NASS

By Etuka Sunday

A President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), President ADC, Lt. Colonel Ojogbane Adegbe (2nd right), and ADC's wife, Mrs. Olubukola Adegbe, Chaplain, Aso Villa Chapel, Veneral Obioma Onwuzurumba (right) and his wife, Mrs. Onwuzurumba (left), jointly to cut cake, during the dedication of President ADC's daughter, Baby Sarah Patience Adegbe, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Niger spends N3bn on disaster victims From Ilya Garba, Minna

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iger state government says it has spent about N3 billion since 2008 for victims of various disaster and emergency cases in the area.

According to the Director General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Mallam Muhammad Shaba, government gave a total sum of N162 million to victims of the 2011 St. Theresa Catholic Church bombing at Madala, N150 million to victims of flood disasters while

victims of various communal clashes and fire disasters received N45 million and N2 million respectively.

Shaba spoke when he received a team from office of the Directorate of Strategies, Monitoring and Evaluation, on inspection tour.

According to him, NSEMA is also involved risk reduction, preparedness and prevention, apart from disaster relief.

Noting that relief assistance may not be enough for victims, Shaba said that government

would continue to assist victims and to remind them that government will always be there for them during disasters and emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency has lamented the indiscriminate dumping of wastes into water – ways and city canals.

However, the Directorate of Monitoring and Evaluation observed that the Agency lacks modern waste management trucks and equipments to cover the entire state.

Firm hinges Nigeria’s economic development on ICT

By Adeola Tukuru

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he Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of I4CUS Nigeria Limited, Joy Abama, has said that for the country to develop economically it needs to promote its ICT industry.

Speaking at the weekend during the company’s Post Annual General Meeting dinner in Abuja, Abama explained that the firm amongst other aspirations was set up to enhance the technological edge in the nation.

According to her, “as an indigenous software company,

our mission is to develop efficient and effective IT solutions that simplify the complexity of any system using the best breed of technology with the ultimate aim of increased business efficiency.”

“We have a solid data base institution and we have helped some higher institutions in the country to boost their internally generated revenue and we have also organised their database admission and registration.

She defined the hallmark of the company’s operations as building quality database for clients to enhance good report.

“Thus quality and on time delivery of our service has been

our watchword since we impact directly on the development of our society.

“This was recognised by the Exams Ethics Marshals International in Accra Ghana in 2012 as we were among the 23 awardees chosen from 243 nominees received from various nations,” she said.

Established since 2008, I4CUS Limited has been adjudged one of the prominent Nigerian companies with focus on the business of information and communication technology with specialty in software development, portal and web development.

s part of its efforts to ensure t r a n s p a r e n c y , accountability and good governance in the extractive sector, especially in the Oil and Gas industry, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has submitted memorandum to the National Assembly to guide its on-going deliberations on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The Bill which has passed through first and second readings, and has also progressed to the Committee stage at the Senate, with the House of Representatives giving equal commitment to it by setting up a special ad-hoc committee to facilitate legislative proceedings on the Bill was expected to halt mismanagement, inefficiency, lack of transparency and promote good governance, fiscal regime that meets international standards as well as guarantee increased revenue flows to the federation when passed into law.

NEITI in a statement yesterday said that, “as an agency set up to, among other things, enthrone transparency, accountability, and good governance in the extractive sector, especially the oil and gas industry, NEITI has a legitimate interest in the PIB in view of the strategic importance of the Bill to implementation of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Nigeria in particular and execution of NEITI mandate under the NEITI Act 2007 in general.

“As soon as the Bill was sent to the National Assembly, NEITI conveyed a National Stakeholders Forum in Lagos in September, 2012 to provide opportunity for companies, investors, legislators, government, CSOs and general public to freely discuss the content of the Bill.

“The forum was attended by legislators, investors in the industry, the civil society, the media and general public. These stakeholders worked with NEITI to

examine, discuss, review and situate the contents of the Bill on the scale of transparency, accountability, and good corporate governance.”

According to the statement, the products of the deliberations at the forum and other fundamental steps taken by NEITI influenced its position on the PIB which has been comprehensively articulated in it’s memorandum to the National Assembly.

“NEITI’s memorandum on the PIB has been formally submitted to the National Assembly and important areas of the PIB such as institutional, governance and regulatory frameworks, award and acreages management, environmental issues, fiscal responsibility, financial provisions, public procurement issues under the new law were highlighted as they weighed on the scale of transparency, accountability and good governance.”

“NEITI considers the PIB as a very important Bill which must be guided to provide solid foundation, sound regulatory, structural, commercial and fiscal frameworks for optimal operations in the oil and gas sector. NEITI’s expectation is that, the PIB when it becomes a Law should be in a position to halt mismanagement, inefficiency and lack of transparency which has characterized the sector over the years.”

“NEITI looks forward to a Petroleum Industry Law that reflects the principles and spirit of openness, fair play, healthy competition, efficiency, professionalism and prudent resources management.

“Our expectation is that the new law should help Nigeria overcome the resource-curse syndrome common to most resource rich-countries and move Nigeria from oil exportingimporting to an oil producing, processing and exporting country.

The position of NEITI on the PIB now before the National Assembly stands firmly on this premise,” the statement said.

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Jigawa lawmaker doles N10m items to the poor From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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member of the House of Representatives from Jigawa state representing Gwaram Federal constituency, Alhaji Yusuf Shitu Galambi, has distributed machines and commodities worth N10 million to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters in his constituency.

Items distributed include 50 motorcycles, 50 grinding machines, 100 bags of flour and 100 each of sewing and spagetti making machines.

Presenting the items, the state PDP chairman Alhaji Salisu Mamuda said the gesture was part of the lawmaker's effort to empower the people in his state with items that would sustain their livelihood and complement dividend of democracy being provided by the PDP. Addressing the mammoth crowd, the House of Representatives member Alhaji Galambi said he had earlier distributed 300 irrigation machines as means of reducing poverty among the people.

Also speaking, the PDP Zonal chairman, Alhaji Aminu Nuhu Jahun commended the lawmaker for his gesture and urged other legislatures from the state to emulate him.

In his remarks Gwaram Local government council chairman, Alhaji Bala Sule Kila said the local government has benefited from the federal, state and local government projects because of the presence of the lawmaker at the National Assembly.

Gov Ahmed signs N96.4bn appropriation bill into law From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin.

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overnor of Kwara State, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, has signed the 2013 Appropriation Bill of N96.4 billion into law with a pledge to fully implement it to ensure speedy service delivery.

Governor Ahmed described the quick passage of the Bill by the State legislature and his assent to law as major strides towards service delivery to the people of Kwara State.

"I want to make it clear that everything that has been captured in the appropriation law would be followed to the letter".

The Governor emphasized that his administration would continue to review the implementation of the budget to determine if there would be the need for a supplementary budget.

He commended the legislature for its oversight functions which he said serves as impetus to the executive on service delivery.

Earlier, the Speaker, Rasak Atunwa explained that the projected budgetary figure was increased from N94.4billion to N96.4billion because the Legislature was confident that the current drive in internally generated revenue and other sources of revenue would provide the extra amount needed to run the budget.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan leading other Catholic faithful, in procession, to mark this year Palm Sunday, yesterday at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Area 3, Garki, in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Dialogue with Boko Haram now, Prince Ajibola urges Jonathan From Matthew Irinoye, Lagos

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has been urged by the former President of the World Court, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN) to dialogue with the Boko Haram in order to stop the ongoing attack on innocent Nigerians.

The former Attorney General of the nation for six years (1985 to 1991), also insisted on the separation of the office of the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice for effective justice administration in the country.

Ajibola made the statement at the launching of a book, "The Attorney General: Chronicles and Perspectives" held to mark his 79th birthday and presentation of law e-products

by Law Pavilion at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The book was authored by Olumide Babalola and

Published by Law Pavilion.

Prince Ajibola noted that dialogue is the way out killing of innocent Nigerians by the Boko Haram insurgents.

"I have always advocated for dialogue. Even when a war is fought, at the end of the war, the winner will still need to discuss with the looser to find solution to the whole dispute.

"I think there is still need for the government to come together with these Boko Haram to get them to understand that enough is enough.

"If they refuse to grant amnesty to them, they would come back and continue to do it again and again and it would not help the nation", he stressed.

According to him, the granting of amnesty to the group, would help put an end to its renewed onslaught on innocent Nigerians.

"The granting of amnesty to militants in the Niger-Delta has brought relative peace and stability to the area", he noted.

On the office of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice he said, "One has to do with the ministry of justice and government of the day while the other one is like ombudsman who has to deal with the judicial protection of the people in the nation as the attorney general.

To buttress his position on the need for the separation, Prince Ajibola recalled the interference he went through with the government when as Attorney General, he wanted to take former Petroleum Minister, Prof. Tam David West to court on behalf of the people of Nigeria.

"Though this might be difficult. I faced that when I was the Attorney-General and

Minister for Justice. I had wanted to take Prof. David West to court and the government was against it.

Meanwhile, I was trying to exercise your right in my position as the AG and Minister for Justice. he said, adding "We must separate them, otherwise, one might compromise the other".

Chairman of the occasion and Chief Justice of Nigeria, justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar who was represented by Justice Ibrahim Tako Mohammed, said that Prince Ajibola has made a name in the development of Law in Nigeria and around the world.

Justice Mukhtar commended Law Pavilion for the publication of the book which she noted will do justice to contributions of Prince Ajibola to the development of law worldwide.

UnIlorin don discovers use of old tyre for fuel From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

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rofessor David Sunday Ogunniyi of Department of Chemical Engineering,University of Ilorin(Unilorin) has discovered that used tyres in Nigeria can serve as fuel in a cement factory.

Ogunniyi, who confirmed this while delivering the 125th inaugural lecture of the institution entitled "My Adventure with Polymers", said instead of Nigerians to use old vehicles tyre as bonfire and execution of jungle justice, it could be turned to energy generation.

The university don, who had spent nineteen years in the institution, researching and impacting knowledge on Industrial Chemical disclosed that waste tyres reduced to crumbs through cryogenic, irradiation, pulverization, chemical and ultrasonic methods, could be re-utilised for commercial purpose.

"Also rubber can be pyrolysed in the absence of oxygen to obtain char, gases and oils. Some of the gases and liquid hydrocarbon obtained may be useful as fuel or valuable chemical feedstocks.

"Another interesting

method of disposing waste tyre is by using them as fuel in cement kilns and this use could account for 20% of energy requirements of a cement factory.

"Also, rubber from waste tyre could be reclaimed by 'devulcanization' or regeneration of rubber compound to its original plastic state. The product can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of rubber goods, with or without mixing with crude rubber or synthetic."

The University don who lamented the extinction of

Dunlop Nigeria and Michelin Nigeria in the country, noted that over 160 million Nigerians depend on imported tyres.

To restore the glory of the country in rubber production, Ogunniyi said, the federal government must ensure regular supply of electricity and resuscitate all ruined rubber companies in Nigeria to encourage new ones.

He added that apart from enactment of waste management policy involving recycle, the federal government should equip laboratories in various institutions across Nigeria.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 7

Nasarawa community alleges police brutality, urges restraint From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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he members of Hausa community in Kokona local government area of Nasarawa state are calling on Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura and the police in the

state, to urgently address the alleged intimidation and brutality meted on them by the policemen stationed in the area to maintain peace.

In a press statement signed by the chairman and secretary of Hausa community in the

area, Hon. Ado Dauda Mohammed and Adamu Zakari respectively, and made available to journalists in Lafia, alleged that members of their community are leaving their homes in droves for what they described as "several cases

of harassment, maltreatment and brutality meted against us without provocation by the security agents".

It added that the home of the district head, Alhaji Yunusa Salihu Sallau, was ransacked severally for alleged

L-R: Executive Director, Civil Rights Congress, Comrade Shehu Sani, former Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, and Patron of Majalisar Talakawa Association, Alhaji Danladi Yahaya, during the Inaugural lecture of the Association, yesterday in Kaduna. Photo: NAN

possession of illegal firearms, a move they further alleged, was aimed at humiliating him.

While calling on Al-makura to step in as a matter of urgency, they also appealed that an "unbiased investigation into the actions of the security agents be carried out and those found guilty be brought to justice".

This is coming on the heel of the communal clash that engulfed the area a few months ago between the Eggon and Fulani which left many dead and several other injured.

After Governor Al-makura personally accompanied the displaced to their various communities, members of the Hausa community alleged that Eggon youths still threatened them.

Their statement read in part, "to our shock and dismay, however, the "Ombatse" (Eggon youths) continued to threaten our people, a situation which culminated in the killing of eight Hausa people in the presence of Mobile Policemen and they took no action".

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Michael Ada, denied any such allegations saying the police were sent there to protect lives and property and not harass any law abiding citizen. He also urged members of various communities in the state to report any such cases to the police commissioner rather than rushing to the press.

DAARSAT set to give nation's tourism major boost

By Miriam Humbe

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AAR Communications pay television known as DAARSAT has announced its plans to dedicate a channel to the broadcast of tourismrelated programmes expected to hit the airwaves soon.

The pay TV will also introduce dedicated channels on its platform to broadcast culture-related content as a way of promoting indigenous programmes in Nigeria aimed at marketing Nigeria as a major tourism destination with the hope of tapping into her huge tourism potential.

The re-launch of DAARSAT will also ensure the promotion of local content in broadcasting with about 27 channels dedicated to the purpose while the entire platform could accommodate up to 250 channels.

Chairman of DAAR Communications Group, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi and other members of his management made this known during a visit to the tourism village in Abuja yesterday.

He said DAAR Communications is also poised to broadcast instructive and educational programmes for all strata of the society as its unique selling point.

Briefing the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, his management and members of several media organizations, the Managing Director of DAARSAT, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki said the unique selling point of DAARSAT is education maintaining that the cable outfit's comeback was historical as it had never been replicated in the country before.

Dr. Obaseki attributed the

success of DAARSAT, which is to broadcast on full high definition decoders, to the doggedness and enterprise of its proprietor, Chief Dokpesi whom he described as a fighter who had paid his dues in the industry.

In his words, "DAARSAT is bigger and better, wholly the first indigenous communications company to support and promote African cultural contents" adding that DAARSAT is the first broadcast company in Nigeria to be listed on the Nigerian Stock exchange

while soliciting the partnership of NTDC in "expressing the Nigerianess of the Nigerian in all the features contained in the channels.

Don Pedro implored NTDC to make the HD decoders available and to encourage hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and other related hospitality outfits to patronize DAARSAT. Fielding questions from journalists on availability of high-profile leagues such as

the English Premiership and other European events, Chief Raymond Dokpesi stressed that the essence of DAARSAT will be to improve on local content and invest in everything Nigerian saying people can look elsewhere for foreign content.

On his part, Otunba Runsewe declared that DAARSAT would be a world brand and assured the visitors that the decoders would be distributed to hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and the like.

After 100 years, Nigeria may break up, says civil war veteran

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

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civil war veteran, Dr. Mike Ogbalu has disclosed that there is an existing clause in the Nigeria's amalgamation union which allows any ethnic group in the country to opt out from the amalgamation after 100 years of the union.

The veteran added that the same clause discouraged the late Nnamdi Azikwe from supporting Odimegwu Ojukwu during the civil war and lamented the existence of the clause in the agreement which served as an excuse to ask for Ojukwu's patience.

Ogbalu who made the revelation during a public presentation of a historical novel on the Nigerian civil war titled "Torn Asunder", written by Afam Belolisa, further stated that any ethnic group that is not satisfied with the "1914 forced amalgamation of Nigeria" is free to opt out of the union in 2014.

Dr Ogbalu, who was chairman of the occasion, stated that in 1914 when Lord Lugard amalgamated all ethnic groups in Nigeria, there was a clause in the union which allows any ethnic group that wish to opt

out of the union to do so after 100 years.

Recalling the selfless and relentless struggle by the nation's founding father to liberate it from foreign dominance, the civil war veteran maintained, however that the country's independence was won on the sweat and blood of those early patriots and not on the platter of gold as being insinuated by some people.

He regretted that more than 40 years after the Nigerian civil war, the adverse social, psychological and developmental effects of the

war still linger owing to certain collective errors by both the leadership and the followership.

Reviewing the 128-page book, Sunday Trust editor, Theophilus Abbah noted that the book had concentrated on the human suffering during the civil war, overlooking other numerous political arguments used to condemn or justify the strife.

Author of the book, Afam Belolisa stated that he resolved to write the book on the Nigerian civil war due to the inadequacy of research on the enormous negative impact of that national tragedy on the ordinary

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 8

www.kn.gov.ng/new/

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90th KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

overnor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE presided over the ninetieth (90th) Kano State Executive Council Sitting held today Wednesday 20th March, 2013 (7th Jumada Auwal, 1434AH). Six (6) MDAs submitted fifty two (52) memoranda for deliberation by the Council among which thirty three (33) were approved for execution with twenty two (22) of them having financial implications to the tune of the sum of Four Hundred and Eighty One Million, Six Hundred and Seventy Six Thousand, Three Hundred and One Naira Seventy Kobo (N481,676,301.70).

The remaining eleven (11) approved memoranda were on policy issues. Thus: 1.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT This Office submitted thirty-six (36) memoranda on behalf of some MDAs for deliberation by the Council of which twenty six (26) were approved for execution as follows: i.

Presentation on sales of houses at Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo Cities:This administration believed that of all the problems facing urban dwellers none is more serious than finding adequate and affordable housing. Kano metropolis, like other urban centers in Nigeria is coping with population explosion over the years and the private-sector housing cannot provide enough to meet the demand of the citizenry. Lack of investment in housing development by the immediate past administration led to the rise of shanty towns, slums springing everywhere and homelessness around the metropolitan center. This development is particularly problematic. In fact, two years ago, the sites of the three cities of Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo were fallow.

Therefore, for someone who was out of the State for the last two years he will be surprised to see new cities springing up from nowhere.

This is the reality on the ground now. Kano is working and changing for the best. The three cities are being constructed to provide accommodation aesthetically pleasing to the citizenry and to decongest the old city. This is unlike other modern cities designed and constructed to eradicate urban blight through the demolishing of shanty towns.

This explains the content of this memorandum submitted by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government intimated Council of the fact that the developmental projects currently in progress at each of the respective three (3) cities would soon be completed. Therefore, it is pertinent to determine mode of sales of the houses, which entails criteria for allocation, type/sale of application forms, modalities of payment, etc. Council deliberated on the submission and approved the following: •There shall be a uniform (one-type) application form for the three cities.

•The cost of the application form should be N10, 000.00.

•Payment for the houses will be 100% for those who could afford.

•An initial deposit of 20% by successful applicants is to be paid while the remaining 80% to be paid within six (6) months after allocation. ii.

Request for funds to enable the settlement of liability by Hanovia Medical:The Ministry of Health alerted the Council of having received a letter from a Consultancy Company called Hanovia Medical, which claimed to have been contracted to serve as the project implementation facilitator on monitoring and evaluation of the State Malaria Control Booster Project (World Bank Assisted) by the previous administration.

This program, however, is suspended and the State is currently processing exit route so that it could shoulder the program without recourse to loan. This is in line with the policy of this Government of not contracting loan to execute project(s). In fact, unlike the previous administration, this Government prefers to place high value on healthcare of its citizenry through the provision of quality health facilities using its human, material and financial resources.

This memorandum informed Council that Hanovia Medical in a letter sought the continuation of its consultancy services in the implementation of the Malaria Control program being executed by the State and the settlement of the sum of N5, 288,278.28 outstanding payment for the consultancy done to the State before the suspension of the program. Council approved the settlement of the outstanding payment and decided to collaborate with other consultants and NonGovernment Organizations (NGOs) that are ready to provide their services free towards the eradication of mosquito in the State. iii.

Request for funds to effect payment for additional works executed at Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS) Office Complex:This administration came with a vision and mission of transforming the land system in the State especially in the aspect of land allocation, registration and planning in order to eliminate the increase in illegal structures. To achieve this laudable objective, the administration set up an Agency, Kano Geographic Information System to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks in the process for land acquisition and ownership.

A contract of the sum of over N600 million was awarded for the construction of a befitting office complex close to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. This explains the reason for the submission of this memorandum. The Honorable Commissioner for Planning and Budget notified Council for the need to execute some modification works at the office complex based upon the report submitted by the Ministry's visitation panel. These modifications necessitated the execution of additional works by the Contractors to the tune of N15, 991,821.18, which was evaluated and assessed by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.

Office of the Secretary to the State Government presented the entire case for Council's consideration, which it did and approved for the release of the requested sum of N15, 991,821.18 to the contractor for the additional works executed at the KANGIS project site. iv.

Submission on monies recovered from the beneficiaries of the Farm Mechanization Training Institute:The Office of the Secretary to the State Government presented highlights of the compliance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to an instruction from the Office of the Accountant General, that monies recovered from the beneficiaries of the Farm Mechanization Training Institute be lodged in an account with the Dala Building Society (DBS), which had been duly adhered to.

Council was notified that a total sum of N2,609,600.00 was realized as at 21st January, 2013.

Appreciation was expressed by the Council on the presentation. v.

Presentation of interim report from the Committee on the regulation of indiscriminate discharge of Industrial Waste in the State and request for the release of operational funds:Since inception, this administration is so concerned about environmental problems, and believes that concrete measures are required to control its pollution and degradation by human and industrial products. To achieve that a Committee was set up by the Government to determine the extent to which industrial wastes should be managed,

ENGR. RABI`U MUSA KWANKWASO Executive Governor, Kano State

contained and controlled by the State. Wastes from leather industries are dumped into rivers thereby reducing the value of the its services to other users such as the farmers and fishermen close to its tributaries.

This explains the background of this memorandum. The Interim Report of the Committee appointed to regulate the indiscriminate discharge of Industrial Waste in the State was presented to the Council by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. The Committee under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Hassan Mahmoud adopted six (6) modalities for effective discharge of its assignment; viz: •Formation of Sub-Committee with a view to inspect all manufacturing Industries within Kano in good time.

•Publication of the Committee's activities to the Public and Communicate to all relevant Industries its existence with a view to carrying out its assignments effectively.

•Co-option of other members from relevant Industries such as CocaCola, Angle Spinners and Gongoni Nig. Ltd, among others.

•Adoption of program activities in print and electronic media.

•Seek for possible contributions from the public within and outside the State on ways of tackling the Industrial Waste problem.

•Engage professional services of Environmental Specialists for the success of the Committee's assignment.

Council deliberated on the recommendations submitted by the Committee for the review of the Kano State Environmental Pollution Monitoring Law to match that of the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Council agreed with the recommendation and at the same time approved the sum of N500, 000.00 for the committee as operational fund. vi.

Request for funds to pay for additional project on the general renovation works at Kwankwaso Child Friendly Initiative Primary School, Madobi:The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) requested for the release of the sum of N13, 146,320.40 by the Council through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. This was to cover for additional project executed in the general renovation works at Kwankwaso Child Friendly Primary School, Madobi. The request was submitted as an addendum to an earlier approval granted by the Council for the laying of garden interlock tiles and supply of furniture at the School.

Approval was granted as requested since the entire project was initially approved for execution by the Council. vii. Presentation of letters of appreciation from Yan Alewa Youths Development Association and NDLEA, Kano Sector Command:This administration has been receiving appreciation/commendation letters from the citizenry for the execution of development projects. This memorandum delivered the commendation of Yan Alewa Youths Development Association. The association profusely applauded the positive and responsive stand of the present administration under the leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE on environmental issues. The specific issue cited was the re-opening of water drainage system and demolishing of illegal structures at Gabari Quarters, Kano Municipal Local Government Council Area.

The Association expressed its gratitude to the Government for granting approval for the re-opening of the drainage system that was a menace to the Community in causing perennial floods and the incidence of diseases.

In the same vein, the State Commander NDLEA submitted a letter of appreciation and profound gratitude to the Kano State Government for the allocation of One brand Toyota Hiace and the sponsoring of members of Askarawan Kwankwasiyya, KAROTA, Vigilante and Hisbah groups to attend a conference organized by the sector on Drug Abuse. viii. Presentation of report on Kano Medical Mission 2012:The Ministry of Health forwarded the report on Kano Medical Mission 2012 to the Council through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Specifically, the report informed Council of the fact that the Medical Mission was carried out between 2nd to 14th December, 2012 in Kano as collaboration between the Kano State Government and SIMMS of USA headed by Dr. Emeka Onyewu.

The Mission was aimed at providing healthcare to at least 5,000 beneficiaries within two weeks. The collaboration was budgeted to consume the sum of N141, 992,000.00. The State was to contribute N51, 722,088.00 while SIMMS of USA will balance the sum of N90, 269,920.00.

Council was conclusively notified of the following: •The Missionaries conducted 35 Surgeries, 2,355 Medical Consultations and distributed 1,500 eyeglasses.

•Our local team conducted 602 surgeries, 7,235 Medical

Consultations and distributed left over of 1,697 eyeglasses.

•Consumables worth the sum of N758, 964.00 were left behind by the Missionaries.

Council with appreciation acknowledged the presentation with appreciation. ix.

Request for funds to fulfil a pledge to run the Support Programs Extended to Sickle-Cell Patients by the State Government on quarterly basis:Health is wealth and considered reason enough for the present administration to accord it priority consideration generally. Numerous required provisions have been and will continue to be put in place in order to ensure qualitative healthcare delivery in the State by the present administration. Examples abound everywhere as heralded by the following: •General renovation of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

•General renovation of Hasiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital.

•General renovation of Dental Center, Kano.

•Renovation of Gaya General Hospital.

•Renovation of Gezawa General Hospital.

•Purchase and allocation of Hospital bedding materials to 34 Government Hospitals in the State.

•Purchase and Installation of X-Ray Machines along with Lead Lining Machines.

•Renovation of Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH).

The Ministry of Health requested for the release of the sum of N5, 514,019.00 by the Council, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, to facilitate the purchase and distribution of AntiSickling drugs/items to patients for the first quarter of the year 2013 as part of the support program pledged by the Government. The money will be expended as follows: i.

Pneumococcal Vaccine (N6, 250.17x30) =N1, 875,005.10 ii.

Folic Acid (N542.15x2000) =N1, 084,030.00 iii.

Poludrin (N755.013x150) =N1, 132,519.00 i v.

Penicillin B Tablets (N521.01x2000) =N1, 042,024.00 v.

Public, Media Coverage and Launching =N380, 440.90 Total N 5 , 514,019.00 Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N5,175,579.00 on quarterly-basis to the Ministry of Health to facilitate the purchase and distribution of Anti-Sickling drug/items to patients (free of charge) beginning from the first quarter of the year 2013. This is only part of the support initiative pledged by the Government to the Sickle-Cell patients in order to alleviate their sufferings.

Again, Council directed all the 44 LGCAs to replicate the gesture by initiating similar Support Programs for the under privileged sufferers of the ailment(s) within their respective domains. x.

Presentation for the commencement of the implementation of MDGs Support Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT):The struggle against poverty and the efforts to alleviate it have been part of human existence. Governments in the developed and developing Nations have formulated various policies in their effort to contain and alleviate poverty. It is true to say that it is not easy to provide for all because of the limited resources. However, efforts are being made in putting the available resources to use through the provision of conducive condition for growth, improvement of the quality of labor force, enhancement of capital accumulation, raising the level of literacy and technology, increasing efficiency and agricultural production.

This explains this administration's massive investment in the educational sector and in the setting up of 21 entrepreneurs-training institutions.

These institutions are established to train youths skills that are relevant to their economic and social development. This is based on the belief that the productivity of the employable poor can be increased through accessible education system, adult training and education programs, and job placement. Through this, individuals may start earning income and sustaining their lives. This is necessary if a government is serious in its struggle to alleviate poverty.

Thus, this administration is ready to collaborate with both national and international organizations in the formulation and execution of befitting policies on the development of the productive forces of the State. The Honorable Commissioner for Planning and Budget submitted this memorandum to the Council on the 2012 MDGs-Conditional Grants Scheme Component. The Scheme was for five selected Local Government Councils; Dawakin Tofa, Madobi, Makoda, Tarauni and Doguwa. The objectives of the Scheme are reducing poverty and providing incentives for families to utilize MDG enhancing activities such as School enrolment, Infant Immunization and Antenatal care for pregnant women.

Council was also informed of the development on the issue; that the State Government had paid its share of the Conditional Grant Scheme to the tune of N187, 500,000.00 Counterpart funding while the OSSAP-MDGs had also credited the program account at the designated Bank (Eco Bank) with an equal amount of money making the available sum of N375, 000,000.00.

Meanwhile, the OSSAP-MDGs has already sent a letter that each of the 24 participating States should submit names of the selected Communities (LGCAs) and beneficiaries before the end of March, 2013. The State has already submitted the names of the selected Local Government Areas.

So, the currently available sum of N375,000,000.00 will be disbursed to the selected five (5) LGCAs with the objective of reducing poverty and providing incentives for families to utilize MDG enhancing activities such as School enrolment, Infant Immunization and Ante Natal Care for pregnant women.

Council noted, considered and granted permission for the continuation of selection of communities and beneficiaries in accordance with the existing guidelines.

In a related memorandum tabled at the same meeting another scheme under the same arrangement is concluded covering education, health and water and sanitation sectors to be implemented in six LGAs of Bagwai, Bunkure, Kunchi, Minjibir, Sumaila and Warawa. The Office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs (OSSAP-MDGs) has already paid its matching grants for State Track-N418, 000,000.00 and LGAs Track-N600, 000,000.00. The State has already paid its counterpart funding for the execution of the development projects in the selected Local Governments.

The third memorandum submitted by the same Ministry is again on 2012 MDGs-State Track Conditional Grant Scheme Projects for the construction and improvement of Bichi, Danbatta and Rano General Hospitals. The sum of N836, 000,000.00 was the budgeted amount estimated for the execution of the projects, which will be shouldered by the State and OSSAP-MDGs. Council noted that the previous Government was unable to access funds meant for meaningful projects for the State due to non-payment of Counterpart Contribution (ESP) in the year 2009.

This administration through the joint Contributory MDGs Grant in

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013 2011 and 2012 expended N1.2billion and N836million respectively.

The funds were utilized for the construction of over 40 Primary Healthcare centers, supply of equipment and drugs, tube well-based water supply, etc. Under the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) arrangement, five Local Governments would benefit from the Scheme with the provision of over N50million and over. In fact, since inception the State has never failed to release its counterpart funding to execute development projects.

The State Government is open to any collaborative venture and is ready to pay counterpart funds for any development projects for the benefit of the citizenry. xi.

Presentation on confirmation of receipt and utilization of 199,311 liters of diesel by the Taskforce Committee for the Repairs and Rehabilitation of Street and Traffic Lights from 1st to 31st January 2013 and request for funds to effect payment for same:The attention of the Council was drawn, by the contents of this memorandum, to the fact that the Taskforce Committee for the Repairs and Rehabilitation of Street and Traffic Lights received and utilized a quantity of 199,311 Liters of Diesel from 1stto 31st January, 2013 in its effort to provide regular illumination within the metropolis. Evidences submitted by the supplier were presented for Council's consideration as confirmed. Mandatorily, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, for the release of the sum of N43, 848,420.00 by the Council to enable payment for 199,311 Liters of Diesel received and utilized by the Task Force Committee on Repairs Rehabilitation of Street and Traffic Lights from 1stto 31st January, 2013.

Approval was granted by the Council as requested for the release of the sum of N43, 848,420.00 to the contractor. xii.

Request for funds for the setting up of a Pilot Vegetable Support Center at Bunkure town in Bunkure LGCA:Office of the Secretary to the State Government intimated Council, on behalf of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture (SSAA), through the contents of this memorandum, on the proposal of the setting up of a Pilot Vegetable Support Center at Bunkure Town in Bunkure LGCA. The aim of the project is to bridge the existing gap between Agricultural Research Communication and Practical Application to assist Smallholder farmers transform from subsistence to commercial system.

Actually, the Pilot Program is proposed for the establishment of a Vegetable Support Center to be called Bunkure Vegetable Support Center (BVC) in Bunkure Town with initial financial support from Government to help provide the required vital operational infrastructure while the Local Operators (beneficiaries) employ/pay the required personnel to manage/operate the Center.

The financial support requested from the Government is to the tune of N1, 795,000.00to enable provision of the following; S/N i. ii. iii. i v. v. vi. vii.

Purpose

Recommended Amount (N) Office rent for 3 years 250,000.00 Furniture/Fittings/Appliance 200,000.00 Computer/Printer 150,000.00 Electricity Generator 45,000.00 Kwankwasiyya Crop Dryer (6 units) 150,000.00 Kwankwasiyya Vegetable Crates (200 units) 700,000.00 Launching Ceremony 450,000.00 Total 1,795,000.00

Considering the significance of the Center in empowering small scale farmers in the pinpointed area and the State generally, Council approved the release of the requested of N1, 795,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Office of the Senior Special Assistant Agriculture (SSAA) to execute the stated purpose as it is in line with the empowerment policy of the present administration. xiii. Request for funds to settle fees in respect of 25 sponsored maritime students studying overseas:The Kano State Scholarship Board submitted a request for the settlement of expenses accrued in respect of 25 Kano State indigenous students studying in India under the NIMASA program. The students were selected to study a four (4) split program in Maritime with the first (1st) year spent in India while the concluding three (3) years will be in New Castle, United Kingdom (UK) at an estimated cost of $80,000 per student totaling $2,000,000 for the 25 Students.

Essentially, the program drew credence from a Bilateral Agreement entered into between the Kano State Government and NIMASA in which the State Government was required to settle 60% of the costs for the 4-year program while NIMASA pays 40%. The State Government released $500,000 for the training in India.

With the Indian training over the students are now preparing their schooling in the U.K., which will commence in April, 2013 for which the remaining financial commitment amount to only $88,817.89.

As such, the Kano State Scholarship Board requested for the release of the sum of $88,817.89 (equivalent to N14, 210,862.40) through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, which was approved by the Council. xiv. Request for Funds to Sustain the Training of 220 Trainees at the Corporate Security Institute Gabasawa:The Corporate Security Institute Gabasawa is one of the 21 skills acquisition institutes established by the present administration to train unemployed youths for self-sustenance. Contents of this memorandum reminded Council of its approval for the release of the sum of N51, 179,125.00 to facilitate the purchase of two (2) vehicles, uniforms, supply and installation of CCTV Cameras, purchase of kitchen equipment, printing of files and documents as well as supply of four (4) weeks foodstuff to the Institute. Training commenced in earnest at the Institute since 2nd February, 2013 with 220 Students registered. So, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government requested for approval by the Council for the release of funds on a quarterly basis (every three months) to sustain the training exercise.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of N13, 620,000.00 on a quarterly basis (every three months) to enable sustenance of the training program, which is in agreement with the policy of the present administration on providing employable skills acquisition opportunities for the teeming unemployed/unskilled Youths in the State. x v . Request for funds to facilitate the procurement of five (5) official vehicles to Sa'adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso:Office of the Secretary to the State Government notified Council, through the contents of this memorandum, of a correspondence from Sa'adatu Rimi College of Education requesting for the provision of five (5) vehicles for its Official engagements especially routine monitoring and inspection. Details were presented as follows; •One (1) Ambulance for use in the Clinic.

•Two (2) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin for use in monitoring and supervision of students on Teaching Practice •Two (2) 60-Capacity/Seater TATA buses for conveying students.

Council favorably considered the request and approved the release of the sum of N37,650,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to purchase one each of the specified vehicles for allocation to Sa'adatu Rimi College of Education at the following prices: •One (1)Ambulance N7,500,000.00 •One (1) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin N6, 950,000.00 •One (1) 60-Capacity TATA bus N23, 200,000.00 Total N37, 650,000.00 xvi. Presentation on an appeal for intervention by Nigerian Law School, Kano Campus:Office of the Attorney General/Hon. Commissioner for Justice presented a letter dated 19th November, 2012 from the Nigerian Law School, Kano Campus, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, which appealed for Government intervention in the following ways: •Construction of a Legal Clinic Complex within the Campus at the

PAGE 9 Cost of N28, 637,158.51.

•Provision of two (2) vehicles (Toyota Hilux and Toyota Hiace 18Seater bus).

The appeal was favorably considered by the Council but approval was only granted for the release of the sum of N7, 500,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to purchase and allocate one (1) Toyota Hiace 18-Seater bus to the Nigerian Law School, Kano Campus. xvii. Request for funds to undertake sensitization tour and inspection of Community Development Projects in Local Government Council Areas:The Ministry of Rural and Community Development submitted a request, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, for approval by the Council for the release of funds to the tune of N1, 200,000.00 to facilitate the following: •Sensitization Tour of the newly elected Local Government Coordinating Committees on Development Associations and; •Inspection of Community Development projects in the Local Government Council Areas.

Council considered the credibility of the request and approved the release of N1,000,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to undertake the stated purposes. xviii. Request for funds to facilitate the purchase and allocation of four (4) buses in respect of Nigerian Prison Service, Kano:The Office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted a request on behalf of the Nigerian Prison Service, Kano for the allocation of four (4) buses to help facilitate routine conveyance of 1,884 Prison Inmates to and from Courts for Trial. The buses were proposed for allocation to the Central Prison at GWAURAN Dutse for effective service delivery.

Approval was granted for the release of the sum of N15,000,000.00 to the Office Secretary to the State Government to purchase and allocate two (2) Toyota Hiace 18-Seater buses to the Central Prison at Goron Dutse to smoothen the transportation problem there. xix. Request for funds to procure six (6) additional vehicles for the Management of the Northwest University, Kano:The Office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted a request from the Northwest University to the Council seeking approval for the release of funds to purchase six (6) additional number of vehicles to the Institution as follows: a.

One (1) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin for Office use at V. C's Office. b.

One (1) additional Corolla for Registrar's Office. c.

Four (4) Toyota Corolla Vehicles for the Offices of Pioneer Deans of Faculties.

The request was deliberated upon at length before approval was granted by Council for the release of the sum of N35, 300,000.00 to purchase and allocate the requested number of six (6) vehicles at the respective cost of: •One (1) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin N6, 950,000.00 •Five (5) Toyota Corolla N5, 670,000.00x 5=N28,350,000.00 Total N35, 300,000.00 2.

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTHS, SPORTS AND CULTURE Request for Funds to sponsor the First (1st) Kwankwasiyya National Peace and Under-18 Male Football Tournament:The Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture alerted Council, through the contents of this memorandum, of the efforts and contributions of the African Youths Sports Federation (AYSOF) in organizing and executing the Kwankwasiyya National Peace and Under-18 Male Football Tournament. Government assistance was solicited to enable completion of the tournament which has reached advanced stages. Details were presented for Council's consideration.

Approval for the release of the sum of N2,200,000.00 to the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture was granted by the Council as Government's contribution for the successful conduct of the stated tournament.

3.

MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Three (3) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by the Council from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. All of them were approved for execution. Thus: a.

Request for funds to facilitate the construction of eight (8) Guard's Cubicles (houses) at Government House, Kano:The attention of the Council was drawn to the developmental work in progress in and around the Government House, by the contents of this memorandum which substantiated that, a series of works outside the original scope were identified. Need to provide eight (8) Guard's Cubicles/ houses was among such.

So, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested for the release of the negotiated lower sum of N16, 091,188.61 by the Council to enable the required construction of the eight (8) identified Guard's Cubicles/houses at the Government House, Kano.

Cognizant of the credibility of the request, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N16, 091,188.61 to enable the immediate execution of the stated project. b.

Request for funds to facilitate the construction of a Cafeteria Hall at the Permanent Site of Northwest University, Kano:Decision to locate the Permanent Site of Northwest University, Kano at its present position is a foregone issue but the need to construct a befitting Cafeteria Hall at the site is paramount. Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N52, 468,325.98 by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the execution of a befitting Cafeteria Hall at the Permanent Site of the Northwest University, Kano.

Council noted, Considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N52,468,325.98 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the execution of the project. c.

Request for funds to facilitate the renovation of three (3) Storey Block of Flats and Three (3) Bungalows at the Northwest University, Kano, Permanent Site:Suitable and befitting accommodation is among the aspirations of every person including serving Senior Staff in a University. As such, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport identified some residential/ houses that require urgent renovation to suit the caliber of their occupants.

N19,765,181.04 was requested for release by the Council to enable the execution of the renovation works on the residential facilities identified at the Permanent Site of the Northwest University, Kano.

The request was considered credible by the Council and approval was granted as requested so as to expedite action on the execution of the stated renovation works in order to make the identified houses better places to reside in.

4.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES Request for funds to facilitate the 7th Batch of training at the Poultry Institute Tukwui in Makoda LGCA:The Poultry Institute, Tukwui is among the twenty-one (21) Skills Acquisition/Empowerment Institutes established by the present administration under the 2nd incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Six (6) batches of trainees have successfully completed their training in the period March, 2012 to Saturday 16th March, 2013.

Meanwhile, the Institute is prepared to receive the 7thbatch of trainees to be selected from yet another set of six (6) Local Government Council Areas (LGCAs). Details of the requirements for the exercise were presented for Council's Consideration by the Institute through the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources which forwarded the request for the release of the sum of N30, 951,925.00by the Council for the purpose.

Considering the priority position occupied by such Institutes and the need to ensure their Laudable performances, Council approved the release of the sum of N29,326,925.00 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural

Resources to enable the Poultry Institute, Tukwui conduct the 7thbatch of training at the Institute.

5.

MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION Request for funds to facilitate the construction of Second Phase Perimeter Wall Fencing of Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) Wudil:The sum of N48, 047,695.25 was approved for release by the Council, as requested to enable the construction of the second phase perimeter wall fencing of Kano University of Science and Technology.

The project was started for which the first phase has already been executed. So, the approval was granted to ensure completion of the work which is in agreement with the policy of the present administration to fortify all Government properties.

6.

MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING Laying of interlock tiling within Kano metropolis Urban/Metropolitan beautification is among the priority considerations of the present administration. General transformation and beautification of the network of roads, in order to ease the movement of people, is among the cardinal resolutions.

Government presently considers that people move on roads not only using vehicles but also walk on the sides of roads or walkways referred to as pedestrian walkways which have to be improved.

Garden Interlock tiles are laid on walkways along major roads in order to beautify and make them easier to walk on.

Reflectively, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning cited, through the contents of this memorandum that, KNUPDA embarked on interlock tile laying work as per Council's approval conveyed in its extract with reference number SSCA/CA/EX/7/1/39 dated 12th December, 2011 covering a total of forty five (45) selected roads.

So far, six (6) payments have been remitted to KNUPDA totalling N360, 056,090.71 which cannot cover the current executed work measured on the roads from start to date and found to cost N418, 227,680.74 according to the details presented for Council's consideration.

Again, Council was notified of the need to provide for the same work on nine (9) additional roads selected at the additional cost of N192, 676,351.36.

Nevertheless, Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N100, 000,000.00 to enable the settlement of outstanding payments of N58, 171,590.03 and continuation of the work.

Approval was granted by the Council as requested for the release of the sum of N100, 000,000.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable KNUPDA execute the stated purposes.

Meanwhile, 54 roads have been selected for the execution of interlock tile laying projects at the sum of N610, 904,032.10 of which Government has released the sum of N460, 056,090.71. Some of the selected roads have been completed while work is in progress on others.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 90TH STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SITTING 1.

CONDUCT OF TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS AND HISBAH OFFICIALS FROM THE 44 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF THE STATE Council acknowledged the conduct of the training workshop organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in conjunction with Paths3 for Women Development officers and Hisbah officials from all the 44 Local Government areas of the state on the ''Emergency Transport Scheme,'' which was launched by Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE in November last year. Under the scheme, volunteer drivers of NURTW transport pregnant women to the hospitals and medical centers free of charge and so far over 600 women have benefitted from this service.

2.

SEND OFF FOR 100 KANO STATE INDIGENOUS CANDIDATES TO STUDY PILOTING IN JORDAN Council acknowledged the send-off ceremony held by the Governor for the 100 Kano State Indigenous candidates that were selected and sponsored by the government to undergo piloting program in Jordan.

Council calls on the students to use the opportunity given to them to excel in the profession and bring glory to Kano State and the country in general.

3.

GRADUATION OF 600 WOMEN FROM POULTRY INSTITUTE, TUKWUI Council acknowledged and appreciated the graduation ceremony of 600 women from the Poultry Institute, Tukwui, held on Saturday 16-03-2013. Council wishes them success in their future endeavors.

4.

RECEPTION OF DELEGATION FROM CCECC, CHINA Council received a delegation from CCECC Company from China and is working on the modalities with them to construct and operate a (metro line) light rail system in Kano State to improve commuting in and out of the metropolis.

5.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE OVER THE UNFORTUNATE INCIDENCE OF BOMB BLAST AT NEW ROAD MOTOR PARK Council sympathizes and commiserates with the victims and bereaved families of those who lost their lives and those who were injured during the unfortunate bomb blast at the Sabon Gari New Road Motor Park. Similarly, Government has directed all the three (3) hospitals where the victims are receiving treatment to give them special care and attention as government will shoulder responsibility for the settlement of their medical bills.

6.

KIRU REFORMATORY INSTITUTE Council acknowledged with appreciation the recent meeting held between the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and the Program Coordinators of Combat and General Services (CGS) on the Kiru Reformatory Institute. The meeting became necessary in view of the fact that since the signing of the MOU on the leasing of the Reformatory Institute between the Government and CGS, there was no further development. Nevertheless, CGS has reassured Council on their state of preparedness and assured that they will be moving in to start their program in April.

7.

VICTORY OF KANO PILLARS FOOTBALL CLUB MATCHES Council congratulated the Kano Pillars Football Club for defeating FC Congolese Football Club 4-1 during CAF match competition. Again, Council congratulated Kano Pillars FC for defeating Bayelsa State Football Club 1-0 at the ongoing National Premier League championship.

8.

PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES AND AWARDS TO THE GOVERNOR ENGR. RABI'U MUSA KWANKWASO, FNSE Council appreciated the presentation of trophies and awards won by the State History and Culture Bureau at the Arewa Festival of Arts and Culture. Similarly, Council witnessed the presentation of an award to the Governor by the National Muslim Students Society, School of Health Technology branch for his Giant stride towards the improvement of Education in the state.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily contact KAROTA on 08091626747 for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, Illegal / Wrong Parking. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on - 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on 07051246833, 08191778888.

For update on the activities of Kano State Government click to www.kano.gov.ng/new Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Jigawa releases N302m for IFAD-CBARDP programme From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

T

he Jigawa state government has released N302 million to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for execution of the C o m m u n i t y - B a s e d Agriculture and Rural Development Programme

(CBARDP).

This is contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Umar Madaki Abubakar, the State Programme Officer (SPO).

The statement said the payment was for the state and local governments' counterpart funding for the IFADCBARDP programme.

It explained that government released the money in order to fast track execution of agriculture and empowerment projects in the nine participating local government areas of the state.

"The gesture will allow for the draw-down of the

equivalent amount from the IFAD fund to facilitate conduct of community action plan under the Community Driven Development (CDD) strategy," the statement said.

It added that the state government had also increased the number of the participating villages to 36 from the previous 27.

L-R: Chief of Staff Government House Minna, Dr Joshua Bawa, Niger State PDP Chairman, Hon. Mahmud Enagi, Niger State Deputy Governor, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, Groom, DSP Timothy Jamberlang, his bride, Maryann Zara Omameh, and father of the bride, Mr Emmanuel Omameh, during the traditional wedding of DSP Jamberlang ADC to the Governor of Niger State, at the weekend in Abuja.

Chinua Achebe, a global icon, says ACN From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has paid a glowing tribute to renown Nigerian writer and nationalist, Chinua Achebe, who died last Thursday, describing him as a global icon and an outstanding Nigerian.

The ACN in a statement in Lagos yesterday by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party described Achebe's death as a monumental loss not only to Nigeria but to the entire world.

According to the statement, "he loved Nigeria with a passion and used the platform offered by his global exposure to call attention, time and again, to the years of misrule in his homeland which must have left a gaping hole in his heart till he breathed his last.

"He twice turned down the national honours bestowed on him by the Federal Government, to show his disapproval for the brigandage and anti-democratic antics of the government of the day especially as it concerns his home state of Anambra where a sitting governor was abducted in the full glare of the police by scoundrels who also pillaged and plunderedstate institutions.

"By that singular act, he gave

hope and voice to Nigerians who have been tormented endlessly by those who hold power but lack the responsibility attached to it, those who substituted national interests with their personal, parochial interests, and those who have turned Nigeria into a laughing stock in the comity of nations with their endless looting of the national treasury.

"Unfortunately, the same Federal Government that is now writing glowingly about this great son of Nigeria lambasted him for daring to turn down its poisoned chalice tagged national honour which it hoped to use to get a quiet seal of approval from him for its poor governance and anti-democratic ways.

"The best tribute that can be

paid to Prof. Achebe is not just in naming monuments after him or tarring the road that passes through his hometown.

"He can best be honoured and remembered by those who hold power using it for the common good of the greatest number of people and by making Nigeria a country that every black man on earth will be proud of."

home state and the Federal Government to mourn his death praying God to grant his soul eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the loss."

In the same vein, Yuguda also commiserated with the leadership and members of World Soul Wining Evangelistic Ministry (WOSEM) over the death of its founder, Timothy Obadare who died last Thursday.

The Governor described the late Clergy as, "honest preacher who used his calling to reconcile souls back to God as well as brought happiness to many troubled persons."

Madakin Bwarat, Chief Audu Zwalbong, laid to rest Chairman of COCIN, Rev. Stanley Nimkur, has challenged Christians to emulate the exemplary life style of the late Madakin Bwarat, Chief Audu Zwalbong Wuyep and to be steadfast in their service to God. Nimkur spoke at the weekend at the COCIN RCC headquarters

Dadur in Bwarat district of Langtang North local government area of Plateau state during the funeral service for the late traditional ruler.

In their separate testimonies, former COCIN President, Rev Alexander Lar, and former General Secretary, Rev. Seth Usman Nden, urged traditional rulers not to compromise their faith by copying customs and culture instead of holding onto the Biblical injunctions.

The family of the deceased led by his wife, Mrs. Dinatu Wuyep and one of the children Ponfa Wuyep, attended the ceremony along with a number of other dignitaries including members of the Plateau state House of Assembly, traditional rulers and friends.

The remains of the late Wuyep was later interred at the family compound at Reak, Bwarat district, after the funeral rites by Rev. Shikkam Sunday of COCIN LCC, Reak.

…As Yuguda mourns Achebe, Obadare From Ahmed Kaigama Bauchi

B

auchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda has described the death of Prof. Chinua Achebe as great blow to the literary community of not only Nigeria but also Africa.

A press statement signed by Yuguda's Chief Press Secretary, Ishola Michael Adeyemi, said that the late literary guru lived a life of honesty worthy of emulation pointing out that his name will remain evergreen in the annals of history having used his literary prowess toshape the lives of many.

Describing Achebe's death as monumental loss, Yuguda said that, "his literary works ranked amongst the best not only in Nigeria, Africa but in the whole world. He was an icon who will be celebrated again and again.

"The people of Bauchi state join his immediate family as well as the government and good people of his

New group pledges to defend Yoruba interests From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

A

new political pressure group, the South West Defenders (SWD) has emerged with the objective of defending the Yoruba nation from what the group describes as "predators."

The group in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said that, "membership of SWD cuts across religions and political divides.

The statement read, "having brainstormed and planned for over three months on the necessity of a platform to defend our collective patrimony from predators of whatever platform and leaning, the brains behind the South West Defenders (SWD) have decided to formally inform the public of the formation of the group.

"Our main objective is to defend our collective patrimony as Yoruba people of the South Western Nigeria from predators of whatever platform and leaning.

"Even though we are still reaching out to like-minds, we already have in our fold top professionals, politicians, religious leaders who are tired of the marginalisation of our people and the deceits from our political class.

"Already, we have set up six working committees and their reports which will form our modus operandi will be ready in three weeks time.

"Soon, we shall be unveiling our national, zonal, states and local government Coordinators in a grand event to be held in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

"We therefore seek support of all well-meaning Yoruba sons and daughters in this quest to take back our collective heritage from the hands of political merchants who are only using us to promote their merchandise."

Boko Haram: Rep wants Jonathan to change approach From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

A

member of the House of Representatives, Hon Zakari Muhammed, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to review his approach towards resolving the lingering Boko Haram insurgency in parts of the north.

Muhammed who is also Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, spoke with reporters in Ilorin after he delivered a paper at the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, on "Visionary Leadership for Nigeria: Fastening the seatbelt from school."

He lamented that the National Assembly was disappointed over the apparent inability of the police and other security agencies to check the Boko Haram insurgency.

According to Muhammed, "for us, we believe that since the style Mr. President adopted is not working, if you applied a particular style and it is not working, you need to change the style.

"The security of lives and property should be the first thing for government and as far as we are concerned, security agencies are not on top of the situation. It is like the matter is on top of them."

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Mobile money enhancing financial inclusion

G

etting cash into the hands of a teaming populace can be a Herculean task in a country as vast as ours. In spite of Nigeria's relatively sophisticated banking sector, the over 6,000 branches that the commercial and microfinance banks have introduced are not nearly sufficient for a potential market of over 140 million people.

Because of the low bank penetration, a large part of the population is financially excluded from the formal banking system.

From informal to formal channels The primary objective of financial inclusion strategies that are being implemented across the developing world is to connect the "unbanked" population with the formal banking system. In the absence of access to the formal banking system for most Nigerians, transactions tend to be cash based, leaving no audit trail for regulators to monitor. Mobile money will introduce more transparency and create greater visibility in transactions and money flows as remittances move from informal to formal channels.

The challenges of financial inclusion include illiteracy and a lack of awareness, a cumbersome documentation process and difficulty in proving identity or proof of address, long distances and often awkward physical access to bank branches particularly in rural and isolated locations, low income and high transaction costs.

For an emerging market country severely constrained by an inadequate infrastructure and where relatively few people have access to bank accounts the

Biz Tip: Don't be Afraid to ask for Help

E

ntrepreneurs are typically positive and optimistic by nature. Young entrepreneurs have a lot of confidence, in particular.

That can be awesome, but it can also be damaging. Restaurateur Danny Meyer wrote that he learned the road to success is paved not just with mistakes, but "with mistakes well handled." How can you handle those mistakes well if you have no clue what you're doing?

Sometimes it's intuition, sometimes it's luck, but usually it's solid advice that gets you through. If a person truly wants to help you out, then you should consider sharing your most challenging issues. The key, always, is genuinely meaning it. Create true relationships and ask for help. It makes the right kind of difference.

Quote Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all time thing.

You don't win once in a while, you don't do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time.

Winning is habit.

Unfortunately, so is losing.

- Vince Lombardi

introduction of mobile money into the domestic economy should help to extend basic financial services to the millions of unbanked people who will enjoy the convenience of transferring money without having to open bank accounts which they often do not qualify for. With over 60 million mobile phone users and less than 25 million bank account holders, the mobile phone penetration far out numbers the bank account penetration.

What is Mobile Money and how does it work?

Simply put, Mobile Money is a service that enables money to be transferred through a mobile phone. Once the account holder has registered and the account has been set up, subscribers can carry out a number of operations; they

can deposit money, pay bills, transfer and withdraw funds and buy goods and services via text messaging and in a cost effective way.

To open a mobile money account, you will be required to take some form of identification to a mobile money outlet, which will include telecom shops, large and small retailers, for registration. You can then deposit money, which can be transferred to a mobile phone even where the recipient uses a different service provider. The recipient receives a notification on their mobile phone via text message with which they can visit a local agent to receive the money.

A medium of storage Mobile money provides unbanked mobile phone users

with a secure platform, which introduces easy to use menus on their phone to send messages through an audited system; it can authenticate both sender and recipient and record the transaction in a secure way. In addition to its ability to increase transactions, mobile money is an ideal medium of storage of money for both the banked as well as unbanked subscribers.

Inspite of the fact that interest is not earned on balances, money that may have been kept "under the mattress" at home that failed to enter the traditional banking system, may now find its way into the formal system and those without bank accounts can retain their savings on this platform.

More secure than carrying cash

Easy ways to save money using social media

W

ith the popularity of sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. These sites are a great way for people to connect with others all over the world. Though social media has its downfalls, there are also numerous benefits, with one of the greatest being its ability to save you some money.

Here are three ways that social media can save you money: Connections I'm an avid baseball fan, and I recently started playing an online simulation game. I became borderline-obsessed with its functionality and realistic game play. After my first day playing the game, I sent a tweet to the company who makes it. They immediately responded, and we began to interact. Eventually, they offered me an early release of the newest game, as long as I wrote a review on one of my blogs.

You never know who you'll encounter on social media, which is why I love it. Connecting with others can sometimes lead to opportunities, as well as money saved. Competitions Competitions are a popular way for companies to promote their businesses through social media. Before our wedding, my wife searched for competitions to bring down our costs. She entered a Facebook contest for free hair/ makeup and half-off a photo booth rental. The contestant with the

most "likes" on their status would be the winner. She spread the word to friends and family and won the competition, which saved us hundreds of dollars on the final wedding bill.

Some competitions are more difficult to win, but it still costs nothing to give them a shot. My wife recently entered a dream home giveaway; though the chances of winning are low, the cost of entering is free.

Look for contests that yield a good product, don't have a lot of entries, and can save you money.

If you pay close attention on social media, you just might find the perfect contest.

Articles Most social media outlets are filled with users posting articles about personal finance. If you're looking for money-saving advice, try following these users; it's a great way to learn more about finances and discover new sources of information.

Social media can be a great way to save money if you use it correctly. My wife and I have used it a few times to help save money, and we're constantly looking for more opportunities to do so.

Whether it's through connections, competitions, or sound financial advice, social media can definitely help your bottom line.

Many Nigerians have to travel far away from home to find work and need to send money back to their dependent extended family in rural areas to meet their daily expenses and assist with their bills.

The cost of remitting money can be very high and this forces people to depend on more informal channels such as friends or relatives to remit or physically deliver money. Mobile technology lowers the cost of remittances as it removes the need for physical points of presence. The ability to pay for goods and services, without having to carry cash, has universal appeal. With mobile money, travelling long distances just to deliver cash, which comes with significant risk of loss or theft, should no longer be an issue and the money will be delivered as fast as it takes a text message to arrive.

Opportunities for small retailers Retailers will be able to register their outlets as agents offering the service and in return get a commission for registering new subscribers.

Naturally the retailers would also benefit from an increased number of customers visiting their stores, as they are likely to make other purchases from the store. Throughout Nigeria, with its vibrant entrepreneurial populace, there are retailers that are well placed to register their outlets so that subscribers can easily withdraw their cash.

A veritable tool for economic development Financial inclusion and in particular the advent of mobile money will have a huge impact on the lives of the ordinary Nigerian. As soon as people gain access to financial services, their cash management and personal financial planning will improve and this will lead to a greater ability to save.

Indeed the extraordinary success of mobile money in Kenya has demonstrated that there is a strong and compelling need for a platform that can empower people to make cashless transactions without having to visit a bank for every transaction. The youth segment is likely to adopt this payment mode faster than the older members of the population as they imbibe technology as ducks to water and constitute a large segment in Nigerian mobile subscription; yet they remain relatively under-banked or unbanked.

Nigeria is poised to take huge strides in this direction following the release of the mobile payment regulatory framework issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Its objective is to provide an enabling environment for mobile payments services in reducing cash dominance in the Nigerian economy. The mobile phone has been a driving force for change and with an enhanced ability to move money efficiently from one point to another, economic activity is bound to be enhanced further endorsing the mobile phone as a veritable tool for economic growth and development.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

Legislative immunity or impunity?

N

igeria's House of Representatives is debating a bill, brought by two members, that seeks protection for legislators in the two chambers of the National Assembly from executive or judicial action for what they say on the floor of parliament. The two House members are Ali Ahmed and Raphael Igbokwe.

Titled "A Bill to guarantee freedom of speech and legislative actions of members of National Assembly", it seeks to alter the 1999 Constitution to provide "immunity for members of the legislature in respect of the words spoken or written at the plenary session or at committee proceedings, to guarantee that freedom of speech, debates and proceedings in legislative houses are not impeached or questioned in any court or place out of parliament and for related matters".

According to the sponsors, they have not done anything new. They say it is in line with a tradition that is global; they claim legislative immunity is in practice in 10 countries, including the United Kingdom, USA, Tanzania in Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia. They also say their action is to pre-empt a situation in Nigeria similar to that in Malawi where some lawmakers are being prosecuted for comments they made on the change of government following the death of President Bingu Wa Mathurika, last April.

Not surprisingly, the bill has not gone down well with the Nigerian public. For once, senators are not backing their colleagues in the House.

Chairman, Senate Information, Media and Public Affairs Committee, Senator

Enyinnaya Abaribe, reacting to the House move recently, described it as unnecessary."The Legislative Powers and Privileges Act already gives every legislator immunity for whatever they say on the floor of the chamber. This is already a settled law and fact.

"I will be very surprised if somebody is asking for immunity outside the chambers of the National Assembly.

Why would anybody ask for such? We do

“

This is why that bill must be killed in the Senate: it is self-serving, and therefore anathema to the growth of our young democracy not want to grant anybody such immunity. I don't think that will pass on any floor. No legislator will seek immunity outside the chamber for whatever he does outside of the parliament."

Why would any legislator ask for protection beyond what the law already offers? The initiators of the House Bill fear that the Malawian case will happen in this country. What are the telltales?

However, they are right about the UK "Bill of Rights" enacted in 1689. In America, 43 of the 51 state legislatures

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

have laws guarantying immunity for lawmakers from executive or judicial actions for what they say during debates in plenary or committee work.

But the two Nigerian House members conveniently ignored the historical context of the UK example.

The English Bill of Rights was born out of two centuries of the British Crown's intimidation of parliamentarians, particularly those not amenable to its point of view. The Bill sought to end that monarchical abuse of power by proving that "the freedom of speech, and debates or proceedings in Parliament, ought not to be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of parliament." In America, parliamentary immunity from "punitive executive actions" is intended to "allow lawmakers to work independently and unimpeded by the threat of intervention from the other branches of government in the discharge of their legislative duties."

However, it should be noted that this immunity is not absolute, as it can be revoked by a superior court's ruling or even by parliament to allow for the prosecution of any lawmaker.

Against these backdrops, it is our fear that what the House is seeking is not immunity but legalized impunity for lawmakers. As it is, already they consider themselves untouchable without immunity. With it, they have the licence to "steal, to kill, to lie, to be disrespectful to the electorate", in short to disregard the law. This is why that bill must be killed in the Senate: it is self-serving, and therefore anathema to the growth of our young democracy.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 13

Visit of a sword wielding peacemaker

By Nasiru Suwaid

I

t is said that life imitates and vice versa. Nothing exemplifies this symbiosis more than the primal art of governance, which is conducted in the courtyards of palaces of kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers. In the olden days, the forecourts of ruling dynasties were also courtrooms where individuals who suspected of having committed a crime were tried, convicted or acquitted, thus, crystallizing the thick interconnecting mutuality between power, law and drama, as best depicted in the timeless Shakespearian epic of the trial of Marcus Brutus in the royal cours of the ancient Roman Empire.

Like a staged play, it is about auditioning for parts, unveiling of a script, undertaking the performance and the projection of a great masterpiece. In the courtroom of law, it is a similar plot no less, as what is expected of each and every member of a litigation community is the performing of an assigned role; a judge like a typical referee always stood in the middle as an

By Ikhide R. Ikheloa

O

ne learns something new about Nigeria every day.

Apparently there is a governmental outfit called the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); it sounds like a uniformed service. I am not sure that it knows what it does, not that you could tell from its website (www.nscdc.gov.ng).

Well, so one Mr. Obafaiye Shem, Lagos state "Commandant" of the NCSDC decided to grant an interview to Channels TV, my favorite Nigerian TV station, one that gives me hope that things might change for the better in Nigeria.

Well, it is now part of Nigerian folklore; the interview did not go well; it was an epic disaster. This video clip shows Shem trying to bluster his way through a seemingly simple question: "What is your website?"

It was an awful interview and Shem blew it big time. A trained professional knows when to simply say "Great question, I don't have the answer to your question but I will be happy to provide the response later." No, not this Nigerian civil servant, he hems and haws, claims that only his "Oga at the top" can authorize release of this supersecret website address and after relentless badgering by smirking, skeptical TV hosts, he blurts out a lie on national television: www.nscdc! And he ends with a flourish, 'Dasall!" Yep, that's all! That's all!

And the rest is history; the ignorance of Shem, the "Commandant", remains viral on social media, Oga at the Top! Tshirts are selling like hot cakes and several musical pieces have been birthed by creative Nigerian youths. This is a hilarious time for the Nigerian community online and on the ground. Shem was the visual embodiment of the pejorative that Nigeria is fast becoming: Here comes Nigeria, our masquerade, all decked out in the colors of borrowed plumage, of the ostrich. Fingers pointing here and jabbing there, feathers rising in protest...

Let me concede that the video

impartial arbiter, a prosecutor produces a series of evidences to nail the accused, while the defence attorney stay in a lurch, deflecting any and every piece of incriminating material presented, which could tie his client and pass the test of reasonable suspicion of the commission of a crime, upon the person he is defending. At that juncture, all witnesses are examined, coached and couched in being comfortable, before an inquisitive audience, by the party which had invited them to aid their cause, to the extent that a capable attorney, always has a clear inkling of the likely answers to any question to be asked, even before the blurting out of an inquiry, at the majestic eminence of a temporal court of justice.

In the royal courts of a modern day presidential villa, it is a similar scenario, where a democratically elected president performs an act, every time the demands of his executive office require an appearance, before the soap box of an awe stricken voting electorate. Let's look at the recent visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Yobe and Borno

states. A well planned and executed act of embellishing the persona of a commander-in- chief, according to the initiators of the visit, while amongst the class of opposition elements, public commentators and even ordinary folks, a pure case of a redeeming afterthought, especially after the spectacle of the All Progressive Party Congress governors visit, which elevated the grandiose act of showmanship in governance to another limit, because, the governors in daring type of courage, appeared in places and locations susceptible to security compromise, thereby knowingly or unknowingly affirming and concretizing a belief, that our supreme commander is a chicken hearted prince.

The personality who appeared at the Maiduguri International Airport, wearing traditional regalia is dark; evoking a physical feature of a typical Kanuri, fearless and sauntering majestically, with a veneer image of an all conquering king, decked with shiny sword strapped across the body, which makes it within easy reaches of a hand, with a sure smile of a confident

leader visiting a once threatened territory, typified the image of a leader sending a message, that indeed I am in control, no doubt, a classical case of power meeting showmanship. Unfortunately, for the introducers of the plot, the group they met on ground was an angry bunch, a collection of former state officials who have lost out in the power game, either because of the age factor or the fated benevolence of the People's Democratic Party, did not favor their assignment into high political office, indeed, it is among this group, who have coalesced into Borno Elders Forum, Mr. President came to convince of an impending peace plan, for the greater Yerwa region.

For the two groups, a clear case of lack of credibility abound, for the visited, who have held plum offices of the government in the past and are susceptible to the charge of the derelict act of misgoverning or even a clear cases of misrepresentation, while for the visiting group, the dereliction lay in the ignoring of a significant proportion of one's own country, simply because of an unreasonable suspicion of a plot, to

The oga at the top in us is quite simply hilarious. I have it on repeat and I keep watching and laughing and wondering about the chutzpah of our people.

But lost in all that mirth is the unprofessional conduct of the journalists who served as hosts during the interview. What happened is just not done in respectable journalism; this was a gotcha, a high tech lynching.

Both sides seemed unprepared for a substantive interview. Everything on that set smelled of mimicry, from the attitude of the hosts and guests to the faux set - the West is an asymptote. The attitude brays, This is how they do it in America, to be successful we must try to do it like them. The interview came across as a Nollywood comedy with Shem the guest as the best comedy actor of the lot with the hosts playing overwrought supporting bit parts. What happened here is also a conversation about generational disconnect, the older generation still has the power but is increasingly comically disconnected and long in the tooth when it comes to accountability and technological advances; the younger generation, on the other hand, long used to being ignored, abused even, has the new knowledge base. They see the older generation as mostly bullshit artists, conmen who are busy running the country aground. The older generation in turn sees the young as smirking upstarts too quick to try to embarrass their elders. There is mutual disdain and disrespect between the flawed generations.

In my view, the hosts were guilty of embarrassing their guest. It seems to me unusual and unethical to keep badgering a guest for information, especially when you have clearly made the point that the guest does not have the information. In any case, professional interviewers do their homework; for such an important agency,

the website's address should have been obtained beforehand and scrolled across the screen for viewers. When it became clear the guest did not have the answer, the polite thing to do would have been to move on. You could see in the eyes of the hosts and in their body language that they were sure the man was full of shit. They saw blood and went for red meat. It bears repeating: That interview was a cringeworthy exercise in unprofessional journalism. It was not a good moment for Channels TV. This was a high tech lynching of a clueless Nigerian civil servant by smirking leaders of a younger generation only too happy to humiliate a visible symbol of all that they have grown up to hate.

And so, what is the website of the NSCDC? The man gave the wrong answer, half of the address: "www.nscdc. Dasall"! He was technically wrong. But there is a real sense in which he was right. Have you been to the NSCDC's website? It is disgraceful; the website is awful, just awful. It should actually be pulled down until someone can come up with a professional site.

Yes, the real scandal is the state of the website. The websitewww.nscdc.gov.ng is a riot of mediocrity loudly

advertising the sad fact that Nigeria does not respect herself, does not take herself seriously.

Grammatically challenged sentences jostle with each other for bragging rights in Grammar's Hall of Shame. There is no doubt that this pretend website was built at great cost to Nigeria by a semi-literate relative of the"Oga at the top" of the NSCDC. Go over to the website and see for yourself, many of the links take you to sites that are "under construction" in addition to the occasional broken link. This is consistent with the shoddy websites of virtually every Nigerian public institution I have ever visited as I chronicled in the essay, Viewing Nigeria through a web of broken links.

What is wrong with our people?

A well-prepared journalist would have done the research first and confronted this guest with hard questions about the sorry state of the website. No, we like to embarrass ourselves before the world.

Like our government, the website is a lurid investment in pretence and structures, empty portals with no indication when, if they will ever be filled with substance. And the website is comical in its shoddiness. There

“

And so, what is the website of the NSCDC? The man gave the wrong answer, half of the address: "www.nscdc. Dasall"! He was technically wrong. But there is a real sense in which he was right. Have you been to the NSCDC's website? It is disgraceful; the website is awful, just awful. It should actually be pulled down until someone can come up with a professional site

cause the downfall of a southsouth regional rival, by a northern group who had lost out in the power equation. As expected, the town hall meeting was an exercise in angry brickbats, as they tried to unbraid the president in public, which of course he matched with a response of a forceful dressing down of a recalcitrant child, by tacitly accusing them of sympathizing with the insurgents. Meanwhile, all what the ignoble Borno citizens could hear is an open and meaningless exchange, which sounds nice in the ear, if you are among those who doesn't like the president, but does nothing to deflect the misery of a city experiencing an armed civil conflict.

In all staged plays, the main aim is principally, to entertain, educate and most especially to send a message. In this instance case though, the question in the captivated and bedazzled minds of the Nigerian public audience is what is the message from Abuja?

As the blood flows and security carnage continues unremitting.

Nasiru Suwaid wrote in from Kano. are several pictures of a well-fed "officer" on "a peace-keeping mission" - in Italy of all places.

Apparently, Italy is a hot bed of insurrection; he is dressed in battle fatigues posing in what looks to me like a shopping mall.

Estacode! If Jon Gambrell of the AP writes a snarky story about this buffoonery, Nigerian intellectuals will come out with their sharp pens screaming racism, whine, whine, whine. If you don't respect yourself, what do you expect foreigners to do?

Shem had no business knowing the address of the website, because like most things with the Nigerian government, it is a pretend structure, no one goes there, except to "share money", there is nothing there for anyone who is serious about knowing whatever the NSCDC does. It is just another website aping what happens elsewhere.

All the website says is that NSCDC is of questionable value to Nigeria and Nigerians. That may well be the truth. Yep, Nigeria has carved for itself a shameful reputation as a rogue nation governed by rogues and managed by rogue civil servants. Our rulers and civil servants are ruining Nigeria through management by mimicry, all sizzle and no suya.

Let me observe that there is something really perverse about ridiculing a man for mangling the address of a website in the same week that the president of our nation proudly conferred a presidential pardon on a convicted criminal wanted in pretty much every serious country outside our borders. We are not a serious people; our outrage melts into mirth because laughter is an easy medicine for managing our condition. By the way, we should also learn to respect each other. If that guest was white, you would see all the hosts falling over themselves to ask soft-ball questions, fawning and showing all their white teeth in obsequious subservience. But then, to be fair, the white person would have come prepared to respond to soft questions. I tire sha.

Ikhide R. Ikheola is on www.facebook.com

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 14

By Henry Okoroafor

F

or many years, the image of Nigeria to the rest of the world has been based on limited focal points, captured through the lenses of globetrotting paparazzi, and foreign media, which has not served the country well. But recently, some parts of that image have become all too clear to most Nigerians themselves as the searchlight now beams from within. Despite all the horrific tales of woes and the somewhat mundane excuses for leadership failures, as well as the kleptomaniac instincts of almost every Nigerian politician and the so called leaders, the Nigerian art and entertainment industry, through Nollywood, seemed capable of restoring the country's globally tarnished image to an extent. At first, Nollywood postured itself as if armed with a solid package of well refined culture diplomacy and image laundering kit, rolling out on assembly lines and ready for export. But with the current outlook of things, it is clear to many that it was nothing but a façade.

In its initial clips, the movie industry was a bit fixated on rejuvenating the black magic world of voodoo and everything capable of making a baby scream for his mama in a scary dream.

Some of the straight-out of thewood cuts that became the early home videos were almost a turnoff to some people, while it massaged the nostalgic nerves of its most loyal fans, especially those living overseas. But in no distant time, change came. The transformation of Nkem Owoh from Marcus, the village drunk, to Osuofia Nwaezeigbo Nwokorie of Nneke, Ebenasaa did not create the suspicion that perhaps a tsunami was about to hit Nollywood and its effects would be far reaching. With a new name and a "take no prisoner" attitude, the South-east Joker

By Mohammd Dahiru Aminu

I

t was a couple of days ago that I visited a friend of mineNafi'u Ibrahim-in Milton Keynes, who, like me, is a postgraduate student here in the United Kingdom. Somewhere between lunch and dinner, Nafi'u and I parleyed about issues of leadership in Nigeria. Needless to say, Nafi'u is an indigene of Kano, and he seems very interested in his state's partisan politics. He sees himself as a potential governor of Kano. But beyond that, Nafi'u has got a very uncommon, but all the more non-dogmatic admiration for Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso-the governor of his home state. When I tried to find out what was the driving force for Nafi'u's interest in politics, his take was that he wanted to continue the good wors of leaders like Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. "Is Governor Kwankwaso a performing governor?" I asked. Among the many impressive answers I got from Nafi'u on the exceptional performance of the governor, what interested me the most was the fact of the governor's ability to establish another state university-the Northwest University-in addition to the existing Kano State University.

The latter was equally established by Governor Kwankwaso in his first tenure as governor (1999 - 2001).

Nollywood gone rogue the younger unapologetically generation is triggered a committed to culture head-on image and collision persona between a Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text redefinition, borrowed messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written completely bourgeoisie contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 mimicking lifestyle of a few words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and what obtains in upper class Hollywood, Nigerians in a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed especially the the Diaspora to: low-lifers. The with the line between dignity of The Editor, talent and simplicity and gutter behavior Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, untamed is almost beauty of an 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. completely African village Email: opinion@peoplesdaily-online.com blurred out. life.

SMS: 07037756364 The likes of Fast forward Tonto Dike, hit a few years the stage later, the Nigerian entertainment original recipe. In the case of young, vibrant and very lovely, industry seems to be gasping for Nollywood, it would be the local but since then have managed to air in an imaginary race to taste of its movies, showing the acquire for themselves a fake, transform itself into an image, natural village and somewhat "Wanna be", unattractive toxic and repulsive to most of its metropolitan settings- something American ghetto attitude, with audience and fans. The efforts in which Hollywood lacked and was such an adulterated American refining its product line and craving for. accent that distracts from their repacking its brand into Come to think of it, act. Trust me on this one. Having internationally acceptable Hollywood has the money and lived half of my lifetime in the consumer goods perhaps has props to make things disappear in United States, I know when one gone too far, making it less razor sharp effects, while sounds American. I have always attractive than when the VHS Bollywood's (India) trick of the wondered if the chain smoking tapes and CDs that initially hit trade which made the industry and heavy liquor consumption the world market shelves. number two in the world is its on set among Nollywood female Almost every good Nigerian ability to turn simple singing actors is always part of their movie producer or director has and well choreographed dance scripts. If so, of what value is it? I now decamped to the United moves into movies clips. In a am just wondering. The State or about to, pitching tents world that craves for a return to marriage between the Nigerian on any available real estate in innocence, Nollywood's magic and Ghanaian movie industries Houston, Atlanta and Northern bullet would have been its seemed like a perfect union at Virginia for cheap street shots. natural and raw settings, first, but the insatiable quest to With this trend, fans are left with complemented by pure African shoot every movie in the United nothing but a bootleg or copycat beauty. With these States has turned the romance version of Hollywood movies, characteristics, the Nigerian into a three-some, resulting in devoid of the original African movie industry had the output that could easily pass for setting that initially made them signature of success written all mere soft porn. When you put a must watch. One might ask over it until the usual enemyJohn Dumelu, Yvonne Nelson, what is wrong with going global. inferiority complex kicked in.

Jim Iyke, Rukki Sanda and Tonto It is indeed not a bad idea for an Recently, the cold hands of Dike in a closed door movie set, industry to take its product death have snatched up some of pants quickly come off and it is worldwide, as long it maintains the veteran and seasoned actors often out rightly gross. its competitive edge, guaranteed and actresses of the field. But as A friend of mine who is a by a hawkish protection of its this ugly cloud hangs overhead, Nollywood producer told me a

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few years ago that casting in Nigeria is sometimes based on the actor's possession of certain character traits that mirror the assigned role. I have since then hoped that my friend was just teasing, but it does not look like it.

Diehard Nollywood fans like me have always wanted to see the day when Patience Ozokwor A.K.A Mama. G will begin to play nice with her movie daughter inlaws, the day Tony Umez will grow a spine and stand his grounds before his movie wives and that Chiwetalu Agu's diabolic concussions burn out of charms, setting free all village women bound by his spell and that day was quickly coming.

Nollywood still has the potential to rebrand itself and thus help rebrand Nigeria's image.

However that enhancement can only be accomplished with a succession of loyal stakeholders, actors, actresses who see the greater good in a collective endeavor of the industry. In show business, originality is the key to success and it ensures longevity of products. When most Nollywood artists prefer to sound like, dress like and behave like Hollywood rejects, it then means they are not even proud of their own output.

Where does that image leave the fans that pay the bills through movie purchase? Some of the artists are doing okay for themselves, landing gigs in the US and Europe, snatching up foreign based spouses and having their babies born in the US and European hospitals for guaranteed citizenships, but collectively, Nollywood's growth seems stunted at the moment.

The question now remains whether we are looking at a Nollywood that has become a positively acceptable global brand or one that has completely gone rogue.

Henry Okorafor wrote in from New York, USA, and is reachable on peckerso@hotmail.com

Kwankwaso: A governor I knew not I asked Nafi'u how Governor Kwankwaso was able to run two universities at the same time, and the answers I got were quite alluring. On my return from the visit to my friend, I did some follow up on the state of things in Kano under Governor Kwankwaso, and for the life of me, I was impressed with his achievements. What follows were my thoughts aloud, written as a short note that I sent to my friend, Nafi'u Ibrahim: I see the setting up of the new Northwest University, Kano, as an addition worthy of applausethanks to the progressive Governor Kwankwaso. The new university is a good thing for the state of Kano, and its success is a substantial plus for the governor and his administration. I am pleased to learn that Governor Kwankwaso is running a new

Kano state; one that is opposed to the wasteful erstwhile administration run by former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau.

Kwankwaso may not have Shekarau's eloquence , but he has got, perhaps an unrivalled expressivity in both human and infrastructural development.

Kwankwaso has demystified the conjecture; that postulation that there are certain citizens of the state that are untouchable, and that it is part of every incumbent governor's "stake out" to not only guard these "untouchables" from harm, but to also attend to and tolerate their sickening, everyday misbehaviors. As part of a pecuniary plan to cut down expenses that were, before now, used for such monkey businesses that may come under irritating

“

headlines as "State Sponsorship to Hajj and Umrah" as practiced under the erstwhile Shekarau administration, Governor Kwankwaso is using monies under his watch to run, with might and main, the two state universities in Kano. He has sponsored young men and women from Kano state to various universities abroad so they can acquire new knowledge and bring it back to the development of Nigeria. The infrastructural investment in Kano at the moment, as I would learn, is excellent, and equally commendable.

The present governor also runs an administration that upholds probity and accountability. No government official or politician in Kano would debit from the state's treasury without Governor

Governor Kwankwaso said he has saved enough money to run Kano state effortlessly, whether the "oil money" from Abuja is remitted to Kano or not, for the rest of his tenure as governor. On a lighter note, Kwankwaso is a humble, modest man, as attested to by those who know him personally. I confess that people like him are the type of leaders we should yearn for in Nigeria

Kwankwaso getting a debit alert in his personal mobile phone!

Governor Kwankwaso said he has saved enough money to run Kano state effortlessly, whether the "oil money" from Abuja is remitted to Kano or not, for the rest of his tenure as governor. On a lighter note, Kwankwaso is a humble, modest man, as attested to by those who know him personally. I confess that people like him are the type of leaders we should yearn for in Nigeria.

He reminds one of late President Umaru Yar'adua, who, while as governor of Katsina state, developed the state bigheartedly, but still saved billions of naira in the treasury. As president, he left so much money in what is called the Excess Crude Account. Now, I wouldn't want to delve into how President Goodluck Jonathan emptied that account as he sits clueless under that terrible rock called Aso. Lastly, as we bless Governor Kwankwaso for his eleemosynary virtues, we can only recline with the prayer of my good friend, Gimba Kakanda; a prayer that I consider very soothing in these depressing times: May God save us from us!

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu wrote from in London, United Kingdom and can be reached at a.aminu@aol.com

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

N

igeria treated the world to an unusual drama in 2008 during the reign of President Musa Yar'adua. An Assistant Director with the elite National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Mr. D. A. Briggs, got caught in a series of embarrassing situations.

Nominated for Senior Executive course 30 at the institute, he was in the same class with Nuhu Ribadu, the former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The story is told of how Mr. Briggs one day stealthily dipped his hands in the pocket of the dreaded thief catcher and removed $500. Of course, Nuhu lived up to his reputation and the thief was caught.

On yet another occasion, the man travelled with his mates to Lagos on a study tour. While there, he was caught again trying his hands on what looked now like his favorite hobby. The Head of Service from Benue state was his latest victim. He simply dipped his sticky fingers into the man's jacket pocket and removed a wad of N100,000. Of course he was caught and the stolen money recovered.

The most amazing part of the story is that the man had the courage to export his petty thieving hobby to foreign lands.

On an official tour of China with his course mates, Mr. Briggs was reported to have been caught by a hotel camera in a hotel trying to practice his infamous trade. He picked up a camera that was

By Peter Claver Oparah

I

mo PDP, that rustic club of free loaders is angry. The members are weeping and gnashing their teeth. They are swearing and cursing. Chei, they want the good old days back badly. They want a recreation of the free meal era and they will pay anything to have that era back. That is where they premise a possible ceasefire from their present warfare against Imo state. It is only a restoration of the goody goody days that will assuage their bitter spirit. It is only a restoration of the chop chop era that will hold back their darts and arrows, which they have primed and aimed at the jugular of the Rochas Okorocha regime. Nothing, not the swashbuckling snub of Okorocha, not the plethora of projects he is frenetically pursuing, not the array of people-oriented policies he has unleashed on Imo in the last one year will hold back the firing pin of their Kalashnikov rifles , which are trained at Douglas House. They will not go home without their booty. Yes, booty sharing is the name of the game and nothing but a decreeing into place a recreation of the booty sharing sessions that qualified as governance before Okorocha came two years ago with his bad luck, will hold back the trigger.

Since their deadly stranglehold was rudely freed from the throat of Imo state in 2011, PDP has remained inconsolable. It has cried itself hoarse of the bad fortune that had been their lot since Okorocha came with his wahala in 2011.

Yes, PDP will not easily forget the Okorocha wahala as it revved Imo people into an audacious resistance they have never experienced since their suffocating hold on Imo. Since Okorocha came, Imo PDP had

PAGE 15

Alarm over Alams dropped by fellow course participant Alhaji Sani Daura.

Though Briggs repeatedly denied that he took the camera, the Chinese hotel produced a closecircuit camera film which showed that he took it. He was only saved from the Chinese police and allowed to return to Nigeria following pleas by Nigeria's embassy officials in China.

Back home, the Nigerian factor took over in defense of the thieving official. There was an attempt by the NIPPS management to discipline him.

An administrative panel was set up which recommended withdrawing him from the course and suspending him from work. Surprisingly this produced a high profile conflict with the Vice President's office. Briggs petitioned the office, alleging victimization. Dr Goodluck Jonathan, was then the Vice President and it was his brief to supervise NIPPS. He stepped in boldly in defense of Briggs saying due process was not followed.

Then followed a series of altercations between the Acting Director General of the Institute, Dr Yakubu Sankey and the Vice President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan. Sankey was suspended following a query issued to him by the Secretary to the Government of the

Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, over statements in which he allegedly berated the office of the vice President over its directive to suspend action on the disciplinary measures against Briggs.

An ethnic dimension was soon introduced leading to the intervention of the South South

Emmanuel Yawe 08024565402 royawe@yahoo.com People Assembly SSPA, to defend Mr Briggs, an indigene of Bayelsa State. The issue of theft was swept under the carpet as the item of reference at the front burner was ethnic victimization of Mr. Briggs. At the end of the day Dr Sankey lost and Briggs won.

If Nigerians and the international community drew lessons from the handling of such issues by Goodluck Jonathan, the national and international alarm

over his granting clemency to Alams would have been out of place. The man is just being himself. Mr Briggs made away with every valuable thing he could lay his hands on at NIPPS. Goodluck Jonathan defended him.

Dieperiye Alamaiseghya stole Bayelsa blind. Goodluck Jonathan granted him state pardon. What is new?

Nothing really, except for the reinforced fact that our nation is actually being undermined by the duo of corruption and ethnicity. Ethnicity is often used to explain away corrupt practices and tendencies while justifying villainy. The picture of the fugitive governor Alams dressed like a pregnant woman to elude British justice is still fresh in Nigerian minds today. The Chinese also have a recorded film of Mr Briggs stealing a camera in their possession. What image does Goodluck Jonathan bargain for himself and his country when he rises in defense of these scoundrels?

It is a shame! This is a nation where an officer entrusted with pension funds pocketed over N20 billions, got a 'kiss me' conviction and is now a free man. Another officer assigned to reform the wanton stealing of pension funds is said to have helped himself with over N100 billion. Declared

a wanted man by the police while still enjoying police protection, the man enjoyed the comfort of been on President Jonathans entourage for some time. Then he vamoosed.

While the whole world wonders at what is the true meaning of Nigeria, another record has been created internationally and enemies of our nation once again will thump their chests feeling vindicated in our long time dismissal as a corrupt entity that is far beyond redemption and even comprehension.

Why did the President do this to himself, to his government and to his country? There are reports that the pardon granted Alams was greeted with wide jubilation in Bayelsa. The same people who were stolen blind were jubilating that their tormentor, the felon has been left off the hook.

To the people of Bayelsa, President Jonathan was right in allowing Alams walk away with his stolen billions. "It is our oil money, stolen on our behalf by our son." That is the popular sentiment not only in Bayelsa but in much of the South South today. Jonathan has thus taken a politically correct step in his home base as he marches towards 2015.

But he has alarmed the rest of Nigeria and the world over the pardon of Alams. Certainly, he cannot be a good President or build a country with such shortsightedness.

Pray, where is Imo PDP's N26bn? become a haven of distraught and disoriented political wayfarers who do not have the faintest idea on how to start the quest for recreation. They have held meetings upon meetings, strategies upon strategies all aimed at how best to spin themselves back to power and restore the days of free harvest where they share out state resources to their members and dare others to jump to Nworie River.

They have met and re-met with the presidency, the national leadership of PDP and all others interested in their tales of woes.

In one such meetings with the PDP National Leadership, the Imo State chairman of PDP was reported to have painted a very pitiable picture of the lots of his party members since they were rudely shoved aside by mass uprising. He was reported to have stated how they have lost the governorship, the local councils and all other power positions that financed their legendary orgies and wondered how they will survive without federal patronage. That was enough to reveal what is in it for the members of the PDP. It is survival verged on living off the state and that is the singular reason Imo PDP is engaged in a deadly dance. Life outside power, even when their party controls the almighty federal government, could be really tough. But then, Imo PDP members must do well to ask members of the opposition parties how they have been surviving where they (members of PDP) engage in brazen free loading.

The quest to survive is driving Imo PDP to despair.

Practically, they have relocated

to Abuja and survive on rations fed by the presidency and their members who hold key positions in Abuja. From there, they have been cooking and perfecting plots and schemes on how to take over Imo. They have been forging propaganda and raw guttersnipes with the hope it will obliterate the stellar performance Okorocha is shaming the twelve years of PDP governance. In one recent report, they drew the daggers they are preparing for Okorocha on themselves over yet the sharing of the $100,000 dollars the presidency allegedly gave them.

Yes, it is booty sharing and when you see Imo PDP rev and fret, swear and curse about Imo, just know it is about booty sharing and they can't wait for the dawn of another borderless sharing era.

They have been working on multifarious plots to end this annoying interference in their free sharing template and prominent among these plots is

generating and circulating enough petitions to keep Rochas distrated for the rest of his first term and like over ripe paw paw, nudge him for the humpty dumpty fall that will finish him off. In this art of petition writing, they enlist the ready services of EFCC, which Imo PDP and indeed, all members of PDP construe as their attack dog which would be unleashed on anyone giving them skin pain. If Rochas is not giving them enough nightmares, pray who is?

One of such recent petitions was the laughable one that alleged that Rochas has chopped a hefty N26 billion the former government left in the treasury when it was sent packing. Sho? Many Imolites have been asking that if this is the amount left in the treasury after the last four years of the last regime, where is the balance? They ask of the balance because it is an opinion writ large among Imo people that

“

I can see more than N26 billion in the laudable free education policy of the Rochas government, in the 27 brand new general hospitals being built in all the 27 local councils in Imo. We are seeing all these and this has led us to wonder if there is an imaginary N26 billion that could be salted in Imo since May 2011

nothing on ground shows that the former regime spent over N500 billion.

But as for what happens to PDP's N26 billion, we can see it in the thousands of rural and urban roads that are being built all over Imo state. We can see more than N26 billions in the model schools, 305 in all of which over 200 are nearing delivery. We can see it in the hundreds of new public buildings that have been built in the major cities in Imo in the last two years. We can see it on the awe-inspiring transformation in New Owerri; the Concorde restoration, commissioners and legislators quarters, Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu Center and many other laudable projects that have been launched in Imo since 2011.

I can see more than N26 billion in the laudable free education policy of the Rochas government, in the 27 brand new general hospitals being built in all the 27 local councils in Imo. We are seeing all these and this has led us to wonder if there is an imaginary N26 billion that could be salted in Imo since May 2011. Generality of Ndi Imo who know what the state had been since the Mbakwe glorious years are wondering if the Imo of today has such money in the midst of the many projects the Rochas government is presently handling in the nooks and crannies of the state. But they don't know what PDP did with N500 billion in four years and that is a task they feel EFCC should unravel if it is a serious anti corruption agency and not an attack dog for a brood of frustrated political share reapers, as the Imo PDP is.

Peter Claver Oparah on peterclaver2000@yahoo.com

PAGE 16

Abuja indigenes threaten to sue FCT minister over allocation of land

By Miriam Humbe

A

buja indigenes under the umbrella of Ketti/Wuru Districts Community youths forum have threatened to sue the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed and the Attorney General of the Federation over what they perceive as unlawful allocation of their plots of lands to several corporate bodies for the purpose of development under the Private Public Partnership (PPP) project.

In a letter addressed to the minister through their solicitor, James Ndeye & co, the group alleged that their lands and aboriginal settlements of communities within Ketti and Waru districts in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) have over the years been subjected to threats of compulsory acquisitions by the authority.

According to the letter, the communities were not given adequate notice and were not consulted prior to the perceived planned resettlement scheme since , “There was no clear comprehensive or conventional resettlement scheme on ground for the affected communities.”

“Our clients, should it became necessary that their lands be so acquired for Public, Private Partnership ( PPP) programme, a programme we believed is an investment that would earn profit for the private developers and the government, the authority should instead, initiate a programme to be known as Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP)”.

“This will be so done considering that land, which is the main source for the development, is the property of the people of the communities as such any interest derivable from it should be shared proportionately among those who are the stakeholders in it”, he said.

According to the group, the lands purportedly acquired falls in Ketti, Wuru –Pozema, Sheritti, Cheche, Kabusa, Burum and allied villages within Ketti and Wuru districts, all in AMAC measuring a total of about 3,301. 23 Hectares as being allocated to Messrs AfriInternational Project Consulting Ltd, Messrs Ridley Group, Messrs Rosehill Group and Messrs Infrastructure Development Company Ltd. Others are Messrs System Properties Development Consortnum Ltd, MessrsAM, Messrs Urban Shelter Infrastructure Ltd and, Messrs Bolmus Nigeria Ltd.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

196 residents convicted in FCT for environmental offences T

he mobile court of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has convicted 196 residents of Yayale Ahmed Estate, Apo District, Abuja, on offences bordering on environmental sanitation.

The Deputy Director Environmental Health and Safety of the board, Mr Uche Agbanusi, the announced the conviction when he led the mobile court team to the estate on Saturday.

He said the quarterly environmental inspection exercise was to instill discipline among the residents.

According to him, the exercise will also remind the residents that any violation of environmental rules as enshrined in the AEPB Act attracts punishment.

He said the board had

recently deployed environmental health officers to each of the estates within the FCT to ensure that residents complied with environmental sanitation guidelines.

He also noted that a diseaseprone environment could spread disease within Abuja and neighbouring states, urging residents to take issues of public health seriously.

“The AEPB court is a court of summary jurisdiction meant to addressing issues of immediate importance.

“There is high level of ignorance and apathy on public health and sanitary laws among residents of the FCT. “We have been here on several occasions to properly warn these residents over their offences and we had gone ahead to serve them with notice thereafter.

“Their refusal to comply with the public health order has brought about this exercise of bringing a mobile court to interpret laws for them,’’ he explained.

But Mr Sule Oyofo, a resident, said that they were not informed about their default, appealing to the board to extend the time for compliance.

Oyofo said the notice was meant for remediation of what had gone wrong, “and the best way of going about enforcement should begin with dialogue rather than intimidation.

“Most of us are not aware of any notice and as such we are ready to comply with any law, but we should be given more time.’’

The Chairman of Yayale Estate Residents Association,

Alhaji Mohammed Ahmad, however, commended AEPB for the exercise but appealed to the court to the temper justice with mercy.

“This exercise is a welcome idea; people like to be moved by force before they can get things done in the right way.

“The board has tried in giving us time in the past, but we still sought for an extension of time to comply with all the rules,’’ he said.

Magistrate Jubril Kutigi who presided over the mobile court, convicted the residents on counts like lack of waste bin, illegal connection of sewage line and production of ice-block, among others.

NAN also reports that convicts were given various jail terms with options of fine based on the degree of their offences. (NAN)

R-L: Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, Head of Gallery, FCT Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Abdul Ewenyi, and Special Assistant to the Minister on Art and Culture, Mr. Niyi Olagunju, during the minister's inspection of Nigeria @ 50 Exhibition Pavilion built by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, at the weekend in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

“Provide us with transformers, boreholes”, Yoruba leader tasks AMAC chair

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he Chief of Yoruba Community in Tudun Fulani, Dei-Dei in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), FCT, Oba Mufutau Olalekan Lasisi, has appealed to a second term chairmanelect of AMAC, Hon. Micah Jiba to provide transformers as well as boreholes for the people of Tudun Fulani to boost socio-

economic development in the area.

He also urged the chairman and the authority of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to build a secondary school in Tudun Fulani in order to deter the children from travelling out to attend the schools in the neighboring villages.

He further called on the chairman to build a standard

hospital in the area, so as to prevent the ‘people from going out to search for medical attention.

Lasisi, who made the appeal in an interview with Peoples Daily in Tudun Fulani, alleging that there was no tangible project being carried out by the government in the area.

He further appealed to the FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed and re-elected

chairman of AMAC to join hands to rehabilitate the dilapidated roads for the benefit of transporters residing in the area.

Lasisi said that his administration would continue to co-operate with the government of the day for the overall progress of the area, urging all the Yoruba residents to continue to live in peace with other ethnic tribes.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 17

Court remands man, 32, in police custody for alleged theft

A

n Abuja Magistrates Court on Friday ordered that Theophilus Imhasolova, 32, of Dawaki Village, Abuja, to be remanded in police custody till March 28, for alleged theft of N3.2 million.

The police prosecutor, Cpl. Simon Emmanuel, told the court that Mohammed Danladi of Lake View Homes, Kado, Abuja, reported the case at the Life Camp Police Station on March 14.

Emmanuel said that on March 11, the accused entered his company and stole 20,000 dollars (N3.2 million) and a Nissan Almera car with Reg. No. AAA710 AR. The prosecutor said that during investigation, the car and N98,000 cash were recovered from the accused.

Emmanuel said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 287 of the Penal Code.

The section states that “whoever commits theft shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine or with both’’.

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

In his ruling, Magistrate Abdullateef Abolaji ordered that the accused be remanded in police custody, pending the outcome of police investigation.

Abolaji adjourned the case to March 28,2013 for hearing.

(NAN)

Police arraign man for allegedly stealing N370,000 ply-wood

T

he police have arraigned a man, Chukwuyene Emmanuel, before a Kubwa Magistrates Court in FCT on a two-count charge of criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The police prosecutor, Cpl. Sandra Oparaugo, told the court that the case was reported at the Kubwa police station on Feb. 27 by one Okoroafor Collins.

Oparaugo alleged that between November 2012 and January, Collins entrusted the accused with a large quantity of ply-wood valued at N370,000.

“The accused sold the ply-wood but failed to remit the proceeds to the original owner,’’ the prosecutor said.

She said that the offence contravened the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor urged the court to grant a short adjournment, to enable the police to get its witnesses to testify.

The Magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Jones-Wonnu, granted the accused bail for N150,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Jones-Wonnu adjourned the case to March 25,2013 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)

Huge of refuse dumps, at Karu in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

INSIDE FCT COURTS

Instrumentalist, 32, docked for alleged theft

T

he police in Nasarawa State on Friday arraigned one Clement Oko, 32, in a Mararaba Senior Magistrates Court 3 for alleged theft.

Police prosecutor Samuel Okoro told the court that one Apostle Daniel of Covers of God Church, Dantata Quarters, Mararaba, reported the matter at the Sani Abacha Police Station on March 21.

Okoro said the complainant came to the church on March 20 and discovered that the church had been burgled.

He said that one power amplifier, one recorder, two

wireless microphone box, two wireless microphone and a cable all valued at N152,000 were stolen.

Okoro said the complainant suspected the accused, his former member, of Wonders Chapel, Boundary Road, Mararaba, to be responsible.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 287 of the Penal Code, but the accused, an instrumentalist, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor urged the court not to grant the accused bail to enable the police to carry out further investigation into

the matter.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr Jeremiah Danladi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety in like sum.

Danladi said the surety must be a responsible person and must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction.

He ordered that the surety must deposit two passport photographs with the Registrar of the court.

The senior magistrate warned that the accused would be remanded in prison if he failed to meet the bail conditions, and adjourned hearing to April 12, 2013. (NAN)

Police arraign labourer, 29, for alleged joint act, theft

T

he police on Friday arraigned a 29-year-old labourer, Michael John, in a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates Court for allegedly stealing a handbag containing an iPad and iPhone.

John is facing a two-count charge of joint act and theft.

Police prosecutor Francis Tanko told the court that the accused stole the items from one Maryan Ali of Foreign Affairs Quarters, Maitama, Abuja, on Feb. 21,2013.

Tanko said that Ali reported the matter at the Wuse Police Station on the same date.

He said that on that day, Ali was driving in company of her brother on the National Mosque Junction, Abuja, when

John and five others, currently at large, accosted them.

“Due to the bumps on the road, Ali slowed down and the men seized the opportunity to snatch her handbag, which contained an iPad and one iPhone all valued at N450,000.’’

Tanko said that during investigation the stolen items were not found, adding that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 79 and 287 of the Penal Code.

Section 79 states that, ”when criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.’’

Section 287 stipulates that

whoever commits theft shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine or both.

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

The Senior Magistrate, Mr Tony Ubani, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with a surety in like sum.

Ubani said the surety, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, should be a civil servant of not less than Grade Level 8.

He also said that the surety must present the original copies of his appointment letter and last promotion before the court, and adjourned the case to April 18,2013 for further hearing.

(NAN)

Police arraign man, 24 for alleged breach of trust, theft

T

he Police have arraigned Matthew Ogezi, 24, of Jabi, Abuja before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for alleged breach of trust and theft of a cell phone.

The Police Prosecutor, Francis Tanko, told the court that the matter was reported to the Wuse Market police station on March 14, by Ikotun Bayo, of Kubwa, Abuja.

Tanko said that on Feb. 22, Bayo entrusted his vehicle to Ogezi to wash for him.

“In the process, Ogezi stole Bayo’s Blackberry cell phone worth N53,000 from the car and disappeared.,’’ The prosecutor said that, during investigations, Ogezi was caught and he allegedly confessed that he stole the cell phone and sold it to an unknown person at the Wuse Market.

Tanko said that the offence contravened sections 312 and 288 of the Penal Code.

Section 288 stipulates, “whoever commits theft in or from any building, tent or vessel, which building, tent or vessel is used as a human dwelling or used for the custody of property or in or from any railway carriage, lorry, omnibus or aircraft used for the conveyance of passengers or goods shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine or with both.’’

Senior Magistrate Grace Adebayo, who presided over the matter, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with a surety in like sum.

Adebayo said that the surety should be a civil servant residing within the jurisdiction of the court and swear to an affidavit of means.

She adjourned the matter to April 15,2013 for further hearing. (NAN)

PAGE 18

Kwali council to train monarchs on education

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he Chief of Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Shaban Audu Nizazo III, has disclosed that his leadership would partner with the chairman-elect of the area council, Hon. Daniel Ibrahim to train the traditional rulers on education to enable them to know their rights.

He also said that if the traditional rulers were educated, it would enable them to play their roles better in their respective communities.

Audu Nizazo III, who made the disclosure in an interview with Peoples Daily in his palace in Kwali, said that the training would ginger the monarchs the opportunity to understand what the leadership is all about.

The Etsu Kwali called on the traditional rulers to deem it necessary to mobilize their subjects towards the government programmes whenever the need arises.

Nizazo III said that his administration would continue to meet with the royal fathers to enlighten them on the need to behave well within and outside their communities.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

FCT judges proceed on Easter break March 29 T he FCT judiciary has announced that the judges would commence a week-long Easter vacation from March 29, 2013.

The announcement is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Litigation, Bilikisu Uche.

The statement said that the break was in consonance

with existing rules governing the court procedures and condition of service. ``Pursuant to Order 47, Rule 4 (2) of the Rules of this Court entitled `Civil Procedure Rule', this court will from Friday, 29th day of March, 2013, to Friday 5th of April, 2013, proceed on Easter

break. ``Further to the above, His Lord Hon. Justice M. A. Nasir, has been appointed as the vacation judge and she will be sitting in High Court, Apo, during the period. ``The court will resume sitting on Monday, the 8th day of April 2013,'' the statement added. (NAN)

School children rendering volx song, in a public function, recently in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

UNIABUJA: Distribution of students to other universities not automatic, says Minister

T

he Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, has said that it is not automatic that students of University of Abuja being distributed to other institutions will be sent to their university of choice.

Rufai said at a public hearing on the incessant students' protest at the University of Abuja lastweek in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that following the problem of nonaccreditation of some faculties at the University of Abuja, the government has decided to distribute the students to other universities to complete their studies.

The affected faculties are A g r i c u l t u r e , Engineering,Veterinary and Medicine.

The hearing was organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Education.

The minister said that

before the students would be distributed to other universities, the Federal Ministry of Education must ensure that there were vacancies in those institutions.

She said that University of Abuja which was supposed to be a pride to Nigerians had become a thing of shame. ``Abuja is supposed to be a pride to all of us but unfortunately, it is a shame to all of us," she said.

She stressed that the recommendations of the visitation panel constituted by government to look into the matter had taken care of the problems of the university. ``Abuja has so many problems; everything being discussed have been taken care of by the visitation panel,"she said.

She blamed the governing council of the university for the lingering accreditation problem.

Rufai said that though the problem started seven years ago before she and the present vice chancellor assumed office, they would take the blame.

In his contribution, Prof.

Julius Okojie, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), said that the commission was handicapped in areas of sanctioning erring vice chancellors.

Okojie, who was represented

by Mr Akinbode Agbaoye, deputy Executive Secretary, NUC, said a bill to sanction institutions that flouted the commission's guidelines was before the National Assembly.

He said that the commission would conduct a students audit to avoid them being rejected by the various universities they would be distributed to.

According to him, the commission was working closely with JAMB to ensure that the students were not sent

to universities without accredited courses.

Rep. Rose Oko (PDP-Cross River), Chairman, House Committee on Education, said that the case of University of Abuja was embarrassing.

She charged regulatory agencies saddled with the responsibility of checking the activities of higher institutions to ensure that such an ugly incident did recur.

The Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. James Adelabu, said that when he took over in 2009, he stopped further admission of students into the faculties.

He said that prior to his assumption of office, the four faculties had no buildings.

He said that engineering students would resume at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, on April 1, while the medical and agriculture faculties would conclude their accreditation before they would commence their programme.

(NAN)

Diamond bank customer charged with causing mischief

O

ne Ezenwa Sopolu, 30, a customer with the Nyanya, Abuja Branch of Diamond Bank Plc on Thursday appeared before an Abuja Magistrates' Court, charged with causing mischief, contrary to Section 327 of the Penal Code.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Tangshak Jerry, told the court that one Anthony Awugoly of Diamond Bank, reported the matter at the Nyanya Police Station on July 4, 2011 and that the case was first mentioned on July 7, 2011. ``Sopolu came to the bank to ask about his N980,000 that was withdrawn from his account without his authorisation in May 2011. ``He met Faruk Idiaro, Customer Service Manager and said that Idiaro must pay his money. ``In the process, the accused destroyed electricity panel, glasses, crowd control and divider panel of the bank, all valued at N250, 000," he said.

In his testimony, Sopolu told the court that he was to take a business trip to Dubai in May 2011. ``I presented a cheque at the Gudu Market Branch of the bank to withdrew N1.4 million. ``I was told that I don't have such kind of money in my account.

They said one Chinonso Okegwu presented a cheque of N980,000 to collect the money,'' he said.

Sopolu told the court that he does not know anybody by that name and that he had not given anybody his cheque to withdraw money. ``I requested for the cheque and the copy of the passport photograph of the said Okegwu. I was given the photocopy of the cheque. It had a different signature from mine. ``The picture of the said Okegwu was an unidentified halfheaded man,'' he added.

He further said that the Gudu Branch of the bank directed him to the Nyanya Branch where the payment was done by Idiaro. ``I was not allowed to see Idiaro for two days. When I eventually met him, a female staff member of the bank tried to take him away. `A man came in with some thugs to beat me. I woke up in a hospital later. I was arrested in the hospital and taken to the Nyanya Police Station to write a statement.''

Sopolu said that after his ordeal, he went to Hembelembeh Programme of Love FM Radio in Abuja to seek assistance to sue the bank, He added that the radio station could not assist him at that time because the police had filed a suit against him.

Sopolu pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Nafisat Buba, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 and one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to April 10 for continuation of defence. (NAN)

BUSINESS

PAGE 19

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

Mob: 08033644990

INSIDE

- Pg 20

Royal Exchange Assurance to upscale service delivery

Shell to shut Nembe oil pipeline in April

By Etuka Sunday with agency report

S

hell Nigeria Plc will in April shut down the 150,000barrel-a-day Nembe Creek oil pipeline temporarily.

According to the company, its decison was based on the urgent need for the clearing away of illegal connections intended to steal crude from the pipeline.

The shutdown, which illustrates the deepening impact of alleged theft on the Nigerian oil industry, is Shell’s response to increasing numbers of illegal connections to the pipeline this year, many of which pollute the local environment, said Jurgen Janzen, Pipelines Asset Manager at Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), in a briefing with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Shell had to shut down the Nembe Creek pipeline earlier this month because of an oil spill caused by an illegal attempt to steal crude.

The volume of oil spilled in Nigeria in March was the highest since November, according to data posted on Shell’s website. However, the 700 barrels worth of oil spilled so far in March remains well below the 2,000 barrels spilled each month on average last year.

“Since the beginning of this year, it’s going up again. There are at least 90 [illegal connections] still in the system now that we are aware of,” Mr. Janzen said. SPDC is now losing 60,000 barrels a day to oil theft, an increase from 50,000 barrels a day previously.

The increased illegal oil trade has triggered fears of a new environmental disaster in the Delta. During a flyover of part of the Nembe pipeline provided by Shell for reporters Friday, a large cluster of illegal refineries processing stolen oil could be seen.

Neighboring soil and waterways were dark from the oil residue produced by the makeshift facilities.

Mr. Janzen said the illegal refineries are so inefficient that 70% of their oil is wasted and ends up contaminating the environment.

In October, Shell pegged the cost of all oil theft in Nigeria, not just from SPDC facilities, at more than $6 billion a year, based on estimates that more than 150,000 barrels a day are stolen in the country.

SPDC is a joint venture between Shell, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp., France’s Total SA and Italy’s Eni SpA. “In the coming April, we will shut down the entire Nembe Creek Trunk Line to remove tapping points,” for an estimated nine days, Mr. Janzen said.

The pipeline, located in the Eastern part of the Niger Delta, normally transports about 150,000 barrels of crude oil each day, which contributes to the Bonny Light export grade.

L-R: The Group Executive Director, Marketing/Sales, Royal Exchange Plc, Alhaji Awwalu Muhktari, the MD Royal Exchange Prudential Life, Wale Wale Banmore and Group Head, Human Resources, Royal Exchange Plc, Donald Nosiri at the National Association of Insurance Correspondent (NAICO) CEO Forum hosted by Royal Exchange Plc in Lagos, recently.

From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

F

or the second year running, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has emerged the Best Retail Bank in Nigeria for 2012.

At an award ceremony, which was organized in conjunction with Asia’s most prestigious retail banking event, the Excellence in Retail Financial Services 2013 Awards at Westin Chosun, Seoul in South Korea on Thursday, March 21, 2013, First Bank beat other contenders in a three-month evaluation process which was based on a balanced and transparent scorecard that was used to determine the ranking of various retail banks in Nigeria.

According to Chris Kapfer, Director of Research of the Asian Banker, the organizers of the event, “First Bank was picked based on its performance as market leader in deposits and retail loans with a huge lead compared to its competitor. It is the first financial institution in Nigeria to cross the 5 million mark in issued payment cards, the only bank which is able to issue an ATM card in 15minutes, its wide reach and good financial performance as well as its strong focus on customer service.

“First Bank has a large customer base of six million

First bank emerges best retail bank in Nigeria

people and a large market share in retail loans and deposits. The Bank grew its retail loans by over 44% in 2012, besides its revenue and operating profit.

With its wide reach and good financial performance, First Bank of Nigeria stood strong on our balance scorecard”, he said.

First Bank’s spokesperson and Head of Marketing & Corporate Communication, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney said the Bank is relentlessly

deepening its retail dominance with the launch of innovative products and services, tailored to suit the changing times and ever growing customer base.

“Emerging the ‘Best Retail Bank in Nigeria’ for 2012 after a stringent three-month evaluation process is a clear indication of the effectiveness of our strategy with regards to sustaining business services and retail financial products which, obviously, has positioned our customers as first

TCN installs new transformers to boost grid capacity

By Etuka Sunday ransmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has successfully installed and commissioned brand new 60MVA and 45MVA, 132/ 33KV power transformers in Ibadan and Suleja respectively to strengthen the nation's transmission network and to meet the electricity requirement of its teaming consumers.

In a statement signed by the Assistant General Manager (Public Affairs), Mr. Dave

T

Ifabiyi, TCN explained that the new 60MVA power transformer installed in its Ibadan North Substation in Oyo State, increased the wheeling capacity of the substation from 60MVA to 120MVA, adding that the increased capacity of the substation would improve power supply to the state especially the University of Ibadan, IITA Complex as well as the Ibadan North axis of Oyo State.

In a related development, the company successfully

Management Tip of the Day

W

Don’t sandwich negative feedback

hen you must deliver criticism about someone’s work, it’s best to be direct rather than diplomatic.

Avoid the all-too-common practice of mixing positive messages with negative ones. It’s confusing to the recipient.

Steer clear of the classic

at all times”, she said.

The award ceremony was witnessed by about 150 senior bankers from 29 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.

The award programme is administered by The Asian Banker and referred by prominent global bankers, consultants and academics. It is regarded as the most prestigious of its kind in the region.

feedback “sandwich,” which goes like this: good news, followed by bad news, ending with good news.

Eating a sandwich with good bread — but bad meat in the middle — isn’t too enjoyable.

And while giving someone feedback in a considerate, contextualized, and balanced

manner is good practice, you need to be very clear on the poor performance part or your message might get lost. It is often the most important aspect of a feedback session, so don’t muddle it.

Source: Harvard Business Review

installed and commissioned a new 45MVA power transformer in its Suleija Transmission Substation, in Niger State, thereby increasing the capacity of the substation from 37.5MVA to 82.5MVA. This means that the substation now has the capacity to wheel more power to consumers within Suleija town, Jere and Kafanchan in Kaduna State as well as Abuja Steel Mills Ltd and environs.

According to TCN, the installation of the Suleija 45MVA power transformer was wholly carried out in-house by TCN engineers.

The statement has it that TCN was also currently undertaking the installation of power transformers in various transmission substations nationwide, disclosing that two of such ongoing transformer installation projects, which are in the Kankia Substation in Kano State and Akure Substation in Ondo State, would be completed and powered soon.

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Entrepreneurial Development Initiative

T

he Entrepreneurial Development Initiative, (ENDIP), a catalyst organisation for youth development, is facilitating the training of 10,000 students in entrepreneurship. They will be equipped with relevant skills in business.

The Director of ENDIP, Ben Ovio, disclosed this in Port Harcourt during the 2013 Child and Youth Finance International Week/ Day. He explained that the training was aimed to increase the life opportunities of students, improve their employability and support their growth and development by the year 2020.

Microsoft

T

he global software giant, Microsoft has announced the availability of Office 2013 in Nigeria, the next iteration of the company’s flagship Office product line for consumers.

The new product allows new consumer cloud service works across devices to help busy people simplify their lives and get more done.

The new product, according to Microsoft was designed to work with both touch and a mouse, and works seamlessly in the cloud giving the user an unmatched on- and offline experience.

World Bank

T

he World Bank is to provide N300 million credit line to the federal government to support the setting up of a mortgage refinancing company that will create over 200 mortgages for housing development in the country The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ibrahim Mahe, made this known while briefing state house correspondents after presenting details on the performance of the ministry in the last one year to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) The states are Kaduna, Gombe, Benue, Anambra, Cross River, Osun, Bayelsa and Lagos.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PenCom uncovers multiple registration by pension contributors

T

he National Pension Commission (PenCOom) says it uncovered some multiple registration of Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) by some pension contributors.

This is contained in a statement by its Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr Emeka Onurah, in Lagos at the weekend.

It stated that the RSAs were opened with different Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

According to the statement, in the course of planning for the new transfer windows, we discovered a single contributor with six RSAs in six PFAs, and we are sorting it out.

“This development is wrong and in such situations the first PFA of choice is picked for the contributor.

“This development is what is delaying the various transfer windows the commission is planning for contributors.

“The transfer windows will provide the contributor different options to choose from, on how he wants his contributions to be invested and how to collect his money as a retiree,” it said.

PenCom said that it would not roll out the transfer windows without clearing the data as it would complicate issues.

“At the heart of the transfer windows were biometrics and

PenCom will not have that in place with such problems,” it stated.

It advised contributors that are having problems with their various PFAs to inform the commission about it instead of

going to another PFA. The commission said it had dedicated a whole department to make the transfer windows possible.

It added that work was ongoing and as soon as the data were

cleaned up, the guidelines for the transfer windows would be issued.

PenCom said that the Risked Based Supervision (RBS) adopted did not give room for any contributor or PFA to engage in shady business. (NAN)

Naira weakens as CBN reduces dollar supplie

T

he Naira depreciated to the lowest last week, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) offered fewer dollars at an auction, offsetting its decision to hold the key lending rate at a record high to support the currency The currency fell 0.2 percent to 158.95 per dollar, according to data compiled by Bloomberg The apex bank sold $280 million at a foreign- currency auction on Thursday, less than the $300 million given out at the previous sale on March 18, it said in an e-mailed statement.

The Monetary Policy Committee kept its benchmark interest rate at a record high of 12 percent for a ninth consecutive meeting yesterday to support the naira “Traders reacted to lower dollar supply by the central bank amid rising demand,” Sewa Wusu, an analyst at Lagosbased Sterling Capital Ltd., said by phone. “The policy rate should boost Naira overtime as it checks liquidity of the local

Inflation rates from Feb, 2012 to Jan, 2013 Max = 12.9%, Min = 9% for period in display.

Current Inflation rate = 9%

Source:CBN

unit.

In this week, the Naira should trade at about 158.7 per dollar with monetary policy support, Kunle Ezun and Kenneth Asenime, analysts at Ecobank Transnational Inc. in Lagos have said.

The yield on the country’s 16.39 percent domestic bonds

due January 2022 declined 34 basis points to 11.26 percent in the secondary market, according to data compiled on the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA) website.

Yields on the $500 million of Eurobonds due January 2021 declined 10 basis points to 4.232 percent. (Bloomberg)

Stanbic IBTC cards get global security endorsement

S

tanbic IBTC’s card payment services have been certified compliant with the Payment Cards Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) by the PCI Security Standards Council, a global body charged with ensuring the security of card payment services.

This implies that Stanbic IBTC’s card payment solutions, its debit and credit card services, have met the highest standard of security of customers’ information and transactions on its e-banking platform, which greatly lowers the risk of system compromise.

A statement from the bank indicated that the certification is a reflection of its determination to continue to provide value-added services to its clients.

Among its many benefits, the certification guarantees seamless operations of the bank’s e-platforms, translating to efficient and secure service delivery to customers.

The PCI DSS is the highest compliance level globally in the payments industry. The system essentially identifies all technology and process vulnerabilities that pose risks to the security of cardholder data that is

Earnings Report for Banks Source:Pro-share Nigeria

transmitted, processed or stored by a financial services provider.

“At Stanbic IBTC, we understand the risks associated with modern banking and that is why we insist on global best practices in our operations and deploy world-class cutting-edge technology to ensure that our transactions are protected and our customers better served in a secure, transparent, efficient, and seamless manner.

Royal Exchange Assurance to upscale service delivery

T

he management of Royal Exchange Assurance Plc has reassured its customers good product, efficient service delivery to enhance their values.

“Besides, the culture of promptness and thoroughness, the practice of customer empathy and virtuous corporate behaviour will continue to be the main focus of our customer relationship.”

The Group Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Alhaji Anwalu Muktari, leading top management staff of the group in an interactive forum with journalists in Lagos, said that in 92 years we have successfully evolved and reinvented our structures and processes such that today, we are one of the leading insurance entities in Nigeria.

According to him, our strong points remain, historical pedigree, experience, enviable claims profile, innovative technology and well-trained human capital.

He said: “We are in the forefront to deepen insurance knowledge and are implementing several initiatives to enlighten the critical mass of Nigerians about insurance, example, sponsorship of insurance-centric programmes.

Sponsorship of youth development programmes such as leadership seminar for secondary school prefects in Lagos State.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 21

1.5 billion shares traded on Nigerian Stock Exchange last week Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

A

nalysis of activities on the floor of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) last week showed that a turnover of 1.561 billion shares worth N16.636 billion in 25,255 deals was transacted in contrast to a total of 2.550 billion shares valued at N21.694 billion that exchanged hands in 29,335 deals the previous week.

Even though the All-Share Index appreciated by 556.80 points or 1.69% to close on at 33.506.88 while the market capitalization of the listed equities on the mainboard

increased to N10.722 trillion.

The financial services sector accounted for 1.211 billion shares valued at N11.312 billion exchanged hands by investors in 15,414 deals.

The banking sub-sector of the financial services sector was the most active during the week (measured by turnover volume) with 921.900 million shares worth N9.471 billion exchanged by investors in 10,723 deals.

Volume in the Banking subsector was largely driven by activities in the shares of Access Bank Plc, UBA Plc and

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. Trading in the shares of the three banks accounted for 453.380 million shares, representing 49.18% of the turnover volume recorded by the subsector for the week.

Also traded during the week was 192 units of NewGold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) valued at N476.541 million executed in 4 deals compared with a total of 577 units valued at N1.405 million transacted last week in 7 deals.

In addition, 1,700 units of FGN bonds valued at N1.992 million were traded during the week in 18 deals in contrast to 2,020 units valued at N2.422

million transacted last week in 20 deals Also, the NSE Lotus II appreciated by 77.58 points or 3.68% to close at 2,184.34.

Further review indicated that twenty two (22) equities appreciated in price during the week lower than forty-one (41) equities of the preceding week.

Forty- five (45) equities depreciated in price higher than thirty-seven (37) equities of the preceding week. One hundred and thirty (130) equities remained constant during the week in contrast to one hundred and nineteen (119) equities of the preceding week.

return of its shares. Arian Capital’s position is that Avil Services signed an agreement with Arian Capital that its shares would be used as collateral with Ecobank. Ecobank also provided its position formally to SEC. Said the statement :’’Following SEC’s investigation, Arian Capital could not provide this agreement to the satisfaction of SEC. SEC thereafter suspended Ecobank Nigeria from its role as receiving bank and not in

respect of any other capital market activity or in any other capacity. SEC also insisted that the bank should replace the shares worth N11million.

“The bank has since been in formal communication with SEC and has agreed to replace the shares. This has also been duly communicated to SEC and SEC gave Ecobank till April 3, 2013 to replace the shares. The value of the shares has been issued in favour of Avil Services Limited and handed over to SEC.

“The bank has therefore fulfilled its obligations under SEC directive”, it stated.

“For clarity, Ecobank did not connive with Arian Capital or any other party to convert any shares.

Kindly note that Ecobank remains a responsible and ethical banking institution which has not and would not intentionally breach rules and regulations in the capital market, and/or any other market where it operates”, the bank further stated.

Ecobank denies reason for SEC suspension order

E

cobank Nigeria Plc on Friday, explained that the issue it had with regulatory authorities, leading to its suspension from capital market activities by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would be resolved soon, as communication gap was being bridged with regulators.

SEC has slammed an indefinite suspension on the bank following alleged irregularities in a loan deal with Arian capital management.

The bank had explained in a statement that sometime in 2007, it granted a margin loan facility to Arian Capital Management Limited (Arian Capital), for on-lending, secured by quoted shares.

According to the statement, the shares were to be in the CSCS account in the joint names of Arian and Ecobank.

The margin loan to Arian Capital became delinquent and this debt was sold to AMCON together with the collateral.

It stated that part of the collateral used by Arian on the CSCS were shares in the name of Avil Services/Arian Capital which Arian moved to the joint account in the name of Arian/ Ecobank and which Ecobank transferred to AMCON. The statement explained further that Avil Services complained to SEC primarily against Arian Capital for the

Mutual Benefit Assurance set to roll out 50 micro-insurance products

M

utual Benefits Assurance Plc, one of the foremost underwriting firms in the country has announced plans to introduce 50 micro-insurance products into the market come April 2013.

Group Managing Director of the company, Mr Akin Ogunbiyi, who disclosed this during an interactive session with the journalist in Lagos, said the the firm has earmarked N1.0 billion for the project He added that the first batch would be introduced by April, adding that the products were developed along social, demographic, trade groups and

risks peculiar to each segment of the nation.

According to him, the firm has plans to open 200 offices between 2012 and 2015, stressing that 32 offices were opened last year and that the number would reach 70 by December this year. He said the effort would bring existing and new offices of the firm natioanwide to 96 by the end of this year.

Ogunbiyi said the firm would create 22,000 new jobs by 2015 in line with the man-power need of the industry. He said the insurance group has staff strength of about 5000, of which 3000 are marketing executives.

He said the firm has 67 insurance professionals in its workforce, stressing that 24 states are to be covered by the firm by 2014.

He noted that to serve customers better, six regional hubs have been created in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Kano, stressing that each regional operation is headed by a Regional Franchise Administrator (RFA), while the state operation is headed by a Territorial Franchise Administrator.

He said to institutionalise customer focus, customer service officers, pupil risk surveyors have been created as job titles.

Source:Pro-share Nigeria

INVESTORS NEWS BITS

Transcorp

T

ranscorp Plc in its 3rd quarter of 12 recorded mixed performances to deliver its current impressive bottom-line growth despite a plunge in its revenue and gross profit posture - an indication of weak market penetration during the period under review.

The company recorded 2,043.8% Profit After-Tax growth against its previous year posture to close at N1.50billion even as its turnover dipped by -39.4% to close at N1.13billion against N1.87billion recorded in the previous year comparable period.

Be that as it may, analysts say the company deserves commendation for the improved profitability margin of 132% against 4.12% recorded in Q3’11 suggesting a sustained profit margin when compared with the 119.17% recorded in Q2’12.

Oando

O

ando Marketing, Nigeria’s leading fuel marketing retailer, has added a mega station to its rapidly expanding service station outlets with the opening of another mega station at Berger, along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway.

Similar stations owned by the company are in Marina, Maryland, and Lekki in Lagos as well as another in Abuja. The station offers customers a modern and friendly environment that will engender delivery of optimal service to customers.

Formally opened to customers on March 11, 2013, the station will be a major attraction to motorists as it is the last filling station before leaving Lagos State.

WAPIC

T

he weekly review of WAPIC Plc’s performance trend reveals a sustained negative sentiment towards the stock as price correction persisted following the recent impressive price appreciation of +144.83% recorded, causing it to lead all YTD stocks performance on the Nigerian bourse.

The stock is currently trading at N1.34kobo, 13.55% below its 52-week high of N1.55k – a price set on Feb 21, 2013.

The stock shed -5.63% in the last one week with similar trend of -4.96% loss for its 1-month performance posture.

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Oduah rekindles Kano's aviation heritage F

By Musa Bello or several years to come, stakeholders in Kano's aviation industry will remember the visit of the amiable Amazon and Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, the city of Kano came to a standstill recently as the Minister hosted Kano indigenes and stakeholders of the aviation industry to unveil the remodelled international terminal of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

To understand the importance of Kano's airport is to take a cursory look at its statistics as one of the most important cities in sub-saharan Africa. Its metropolitan population is the second largest in Nigeria after Lagos, aside the vastness of its peri-urban and urban space the state has a population of 2,828,861 according to the 2006 national population head count. It also has 100 hundred year old heritage of commerce being a veritable Southern hub of the trans-saharan trade.

It was a product of a mere accident of history dating back to 1925 in the ancient, walled city of Kano.Sometime in July of that year the Northern city was gripped by a tense stand-off between the residents and the colonial government officials.

The British government at the time was maintaining an active Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Khartoum, Sudan. On sensing the trouble in Kano, London swiftly signalled the commanding officer of the Khartoum RAF Squadron, instructing him to fly to the Northern Nigerian city and report on the situation. Flying a Bristol fighter, the pilot made a breath- taking but safe landing on the horse race course in Kano, thus going down in history as the first recorded aviation activity in

Nigeria.

Without air routes, maps or radio communications the flight was regarded as "a particularly hazardous operation". So alarmed were officials that an idea was mooted that if Khartoum-Kano was ever to be made an air routes it would be necessary to have emergency landing grounds every 20 miles of the way.

Subsequent flights were to be originated from Cairo, Egypt where the RAF also had a base.

The landings were so spectacular that one Kano resident was moved to paint the scene (the water colour picture was later acquired by the government). The RAF operations were later to become an annual event, with frequency and route extended to cover Maiduguri.

The new glittering terminal is made of glass faรงade; it has also been expanded to twice its former capacity. The cooling system has been over hauled to take care of Kano's hot semi arid climate.

There are also new counters, conveyor back system, the airline offices have also been upgraded to cope with the anticipated growth in passenger and cargo traffic. According to the managing director of FAAN George Uriesi, the Ministry of Aviation understands the importance of MAKIA and is also mindful of the place of Kano in the history of aviation in Nigeria, also equally important he said was the need provide a commensurate edifice to the personage it was meant to commemorate in person of Mallam Aminu Kano. He also mentioned that the project directly impacted 212 people who worked to reconstruct the terminal.

The Emir of Kano who has been the custodian of the royal stool of his forebears since 1963 received Princess Oduah who is also a scion of royalty herself in

Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah his palace amidst the pomp and pageantry that characterised the Palace especially on Fridays, when hundreds of loyal subjects come to pay their Juma'a respects to the revered Emir. The Minister's delegation was received upon arrival by the Governor of Central Bank Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who also holds the title of Dan Majen Kano and other members of the Emir's inner council.

While the Minister thanked him and bared her mind on her Ministry's mission in Kano State the Emir shared the anecdote of when the first airline landed in Kano State in 1925; and how no one was willing to approach the aircraft until his own father was motivated by an uncommon courage to step up to the aircraft.

At the Kano State Government House the governor of Kano State intimated the Minister of Aviation and her entourage that the state government has also sent 100 hundred indigenes of Kano State to Jordan to train as pilots. Gov. Kwankwaso also appealed to the Minister to look

NEITI vows to join fight against oil theft, bunkering and vandalism

By Etuka Sunday

F

ollowing the spate of theft, bunkering and vandalisation of pipelines in the Oil and Gas industry, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has vowed to redirect its attention to the fight by ensuring that solutions are proffered to stop the huge revenue losses due to such unwholesome activities.

In a statement issued by it's Director of Communications, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the NEITI's next line of action was made known in Abuja at a meeting on NEITI and its activities with the Political and Economic Counsellors of the European Union member countries.

Speaking, the Chairman of NEITI, Ledum Mittee explained that absence of reliable baseline information and data on the

actual quantity of crude either lost through theft, bunkering or pipeline vandalisation is responsible for the poor response and speculations over facts and figures required to deal with these complex problems.

Mittee affirmed that "full disclosure and public understanding of the quantity of crude oil either lost through vandalisation, bunkering or outright stealing and the enormous cost to the economy in financial terms will help draw national and international attention to the urgent need for solutions".

The NEITI boss added that NEITI hopes to include, as part of its independent audit template, to capture the quantity of crude stolen, quantity lost through bunkering and others through vandalisation and conspiracy. By such an exercise, it will be easier

to quantify the loss and provide information publicly to raise the public consciousness.

He disclosed that NEITI's target is to transit its activities from mere focusing on transparency through accountability to ensuring measurable impact arising from its operations with a view to ensuring that oil and gas revenues translate to good roads, electricity, water, employment opportunities and poverty reduction.

Also speaking, the Head of the Political Section of the European Union, Mrs. Belen Calvo -Uyarra explained that the decision of NEITI to address the political and economic counsellors meeting was for member countries of the European Union to seek ways of supporting the efforts of NEITI in enthroning transparency and accountability in the nation's extractive sector.

into the issue of employment of Kano indigenes into the aviation sector.

"We were worried before you came (about development in the aviation sector) ; he expressed his delight at the prospect of Turkish and Emirates Airlines that will resume operations in Kano and other airlines that have signified interest in Kano State" Gov Kwankwaso also said the state government will commit the sum of 28.4 million to the baggage claim area of the airport terminal.

Other areas the Kwankwaso said needed attention are the supporting runways, safe tower 3 amongst others.

No doubt the inter-agency cooperation between the Ministry of Aviation and Central Bank of Nigeria was further cemented by the informal lunch hosted by the Dan Majen Kano and Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport MAKIA can compete favourably with any airport terminal in terms of aesthetics and functionality, this point was corroborated by the Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation Senator Hope Uzodinma, he opined that all the airports were wearing new looks and that critics who say the transformation agenda is not working need to see the aviation sector. He also went further to say that the safety needs of the airport should not be overemphasised.

Lamido Sanusi does not hide his progressive credentials and as such he was elated that such project had

been completed in Kano State; he also publicly stated the historical and filial significance of the occasion to himself and his family.

His grandfather unveiled the first airport in Kano, while his father unveiled the International Airport and the task to commission the new Terminal fell on him. He also dispelled insinuations of the Minister not being interested in developing the Kano aviation hub, when he asked rhetorically "Why build a terminal if you don't want the airlines to come". He also further stated that his strong support to the Minister stems from her healthy dissatisfaction with the status quo. On the Agric cargo terminal that has been proposed for Kano he said if completed the project will go a long way in rejuvenating the economic development of the region. The CBN used the examples of tomatoes and the steep value chain when it gets to Lagos and Port-Harcourt as such farmers were in a position to make more money. Let us all try and achieve so that the achievement will be self evident; he said. > No doubt as testified by the indigenes of Kano state, the activities of the Ministry of Aviation need no further validation, as exemplified by remodelled airport terminal in Kano, the work is self evident and speaks volume of the transformation of the aviation sector currently going on and piloted by "the obstacle removing minister of aviation, Princess Oduah"- to quote Mr George Uriesi, the Managing Director of FAAN.

Why there is drop in power supply - FG

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Federal Government has said that the on-going repairs at the Shiroro Power Plant in Niger state was responsible for the sudden drop in power supply.

Addressing State House correspondents after the 27th Board meeting of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), in Abuja, Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue state and the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali said Nigerians would enjoy improved power supply as soon as the repair works were completed.

The board, while unveiling a phased commissioning programme of 10 National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) across the country, said government was determined to work towards achieving 10,000 megawatts it earlier promised.

The meeting chaired by the VicePresident, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, announced that it would, at the next sitting, constitute a special committee that would embark on a Road Show before the privatisation of the 10 NIPP projects to foreign nations.

According to Suswam,: "We want to embark on a Road Show before the privatisation proper will commence. We want to generate interest and find very competent companies or enterprises that can manage these companies properly; With that, there will be a committee that will be set up for that purpose.

"It is not going to be done by the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE); it is going to be done by a special committee that will be set up by the NDPHC Board. At the next meeting of the board, we will probably be able to have the people that will constitute the committee for the purpose of these companies".

On the drop in power supply, Suswam replied: "I think that happened because Shiroro plant was off for quite sometime and that also accounted for the drop. We need to engage in maintenance and that is back on track now; I think that the drop has been addressed."

Also reacting to the question, Igali said, "I don't think it will be completely fair to say that we have witnessed a considerable drop. We are on track; we are ensuring that we have appropriate generation level, distribution level and transmission level on track."

PEOSPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Report as at Friday, March 22, 2013

PAGE 23

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

GSM: Global System for Mobile ‘crime’?

Before the advent of Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) popularly known as handset, people find it difficult to get an instant response to messages communicated through letter writing.GSM has, needless to say, changed all that.. However a lot of people are using the “new” technology in sundry ungodly ways, including to deceive, dupe, defame, and damage. What then are the negative effects of GSM, and how has it been affecting most Nigerians? Christiana Popoola Dayo reports

G

lobal system for Mobile communication (GSM) popularly known as handset is the fastest means of communication; a devicethrough which people communicate and get instant response. It reduces the stress of letter writing, eliminating the need to “waste” lots of precious time before getting reply. Since the advent of mobile phone in Nigeria during the regime of then-President Olusegun Okikiola Obasanjo, millions of people have testified that even if that president did not do anything while he was in power, the bringing into existence of mobile phone in Nigerian will never be forgotten.

Handsets are devices that receive and send messages with a quick reply.

Not only is it seen as the fastest means of communication, but one that comes with a multitude of other applications. These include SMS, playing music, and browsing (2go, Facebook, Twitter, and so many others).

Such is the popularity of mobile phones that even the poorest persons on earth can now afford to own or use a handset. Even little children now have their handset.

This reporter encountered a child with a mobile phone last Thursday.

In a conversation with Micheal Oluwatobiloba David’s mother, she said: “Though he’s only a year and 2months old, he knows the owners of each phone in the house. Whenever it rings, the little boy will run to where the phone is, pick it and take it to the owner”.

The use of handset by the oldest cannot be overemphasized, even as some cannot do without their mobile phone. Some said they can spend any amount just to get a desired phone because that is where they get their daily meal; without it, it will be very difficult to make and/or get contacted, they say.

“Handset is been seen as an office where I earn my daily bread and without this it will be very difficult for me to get what am suppose to get on time”, said a respondent, Averahu Nuihe. “With the

phone claiming that I had won N300,000 in a Chevron promo which I knew nothing about. And a number to call was also sent with the message for me to claim the prize.

“I called the number and the man that picked the call requested for my name, account number and the bank I’m banking with, all of which I told him. I was asked to send a recharge card since I cannot come to Port Harcourt to claim the price.

“I told them to buy the recharge card from the money they intended to send to my account, and he asked me not to call his number again if am not ready to accept the offer. I didn’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that he was a 419ner.”

On her part, Sikiru Tosin also lamented that fraudsters are “messing up” what she called “our good old GSM” simply because “it aids easy communication.” In her view, “GSM is the most vital tool for every citizen of Nigeria, but anything that has advantage also have disadvantages, and that’s what we are seeing with GSM”.

Tosin added that “the negative effects of GSM include extorting of money from individuals, blackmailing, and the like.

Another negative aspect is that handset causes distractions to individuals either in schools, offices, homes, even on the road, due to the wrong use of the modern applications in it, apart from making and receiving calls”..

A residual of Nyanya, Abuja who did not want his name mentioned, revealed that some are using GSM for GSM’s GOOD SIDE: A young lad receiving calls, thanks to GSM use of GSM, I earn an awesome amount of money every day in my line of job.

Wherever I am, people that need my service call me, explain what the problem is, negotiate on the materials to be used, describe their location to me before I will finally go to the place to do their job; all this is done on phone in some minutes,” Nuihe, a generator engineer,

added.

He added that: “Some people even go an extra mile by learning all the functions on the phone, which they then use as their routine job, earning their daily meal. A lot of them can now be referred to as an engineer, in the sense that they know all the functions in the phone.

And when the phone is malfunctioning, once you

explain the fault to them, instantly they know where the fault is.”

Apart from that, a legion of people that are not earning their daily bread through this means are learning how to “manipulate” it in sundry other ways, so to say. this can be in form of browsing, sending and receiving SMS, instant messaging, ‘Facebooking’, and lots more.

Sadly, however, all sorts of criminal elements have weighed in. and it so happens that a device meant to serve as a means of communicating with family, friends and loved ones as well as business, is now being used by criminals in a number of dubious ways.

As pointed out by a staff of Tuns International

Holding Ltd, Osogbo in Osun State, Adeyemo Oluwapelumi David GSM “seems to give room for manipulation, wrong signals and lies. Many of us use it in an abusive way, deviating from its original purpose”.

He added: “The abusive ways include: ‘chatting’ by pasting of fake pictures to deceive people; calling people using different voices; telling

lies of different kinds to rob peoples of their property; and encoding of peoples accounts.”

An NGO executive who wishes to beanonymous, said: “Some people in and outside this country are negatively using handsets in terms of calling and text messages. For example, some months back, a massage was sent to my

Mrs. Omobola Johnson Minister of Communications Technology suicide bombing and kidnapping.

He made mention of the incident that occurred on 1 October 2010.

“I remember the 2010 lndependence Day; during

“

The negative effects of GSM include extorting of money from individuals, blackmailing, and the like. Another negative aspect is that handset causes distractions to individuals either in schools, offices, homes, even on the road, due to the wrong use of the modern applications in it, apart from making and receiving calls

the celebration, all the networks were unavailable until people finished the celebration. That, it was assumed, was all for the sake of Boko Haram not to have their way during that period. It affected us all seriously. “ he said.

A graduate of Federal Polytechnic, Bida in Niger State, Amin Wuse, added: “ Our handset has become a ‘palm bag’ of sort which most Nigerians cannot do without. This factor is being exploited by crooks in our midst. Government should crack down on them urgently to save the rest of us from needless agony.”

“Serious negative effect that I see in handset is after receiving call that some

people vomited blood and later died which is satanic and suicides handwork” “Sincerely the devil is at work. Late last year, a 400 level student in Minna Niger State ran mad after receiving call.

Which means that is due to an act of ritualism and self interest in the country” Adebayo stated.

Individual are advice to use the global system for communication (GSM) the way its suppose to be use and not to abuse the greatest opportunity. GSM is not meant for bombing, not for kidnapping, not for suicide and ritual but for communicating in a right manner.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013 08028402920 sbejike@gmail.com

Zaki-Biam massacre, Court judgment and politics A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu State had, in a judgment ordered the Federal government to pay a total sum of N41.8billion to victims of the 2001 military invasion on Zaki-Biam and its environs in Benue State.

Instead of paying the judgment debt, the Federal Government opted for an out of court settlement and now politics has stepped in. The Benue State Government, which is not a party in the suit that got the judgment has agreed to receive only N8 billion from the Federal Government as compensation as against the sum awarded by a court of competent jurisdiction, Sunday Ejike Benjamin reports

2

001 is a year that the Tivpeople of Benue state can never forget in a hurry. It was the year former President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Chief OlusegunObasanjo ordered Nigerian Soldiers to invadeZakiBiam town and its environs in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Kwande and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State and "wipe out" the people.

In the invasion, several lives were lost, besides hundreds that were maimed for life and properties worth billions of naira that were destroyed by the men and officers of the Nigerian Army on the instruction of former President Obasanjo.

Zaki-Biam is the headquarters of a Local Government in a senatorial zone of six Local Governments Areas of Benue State. This whole zone was cordoned off by soldiers with an armada of armored tanks that were given air cover by helicopter gunboats and the military juggernaut then unleashed systematic terror on unarmed civilians, a type that has not been heard of in the history of the country.

Over 14, 000 persons were directly affected by the genocide of October 2001, over 1, 000 were fatalities and hundreds of women and children have been widowed and orphaned by the senseless killing spree of the trigger-happy soldiers who mowed down their husbands/fathers in cold blood.

Some of the survivors' are living corpses today.

A particular young man had his genitals chopped off and acid poured in his anus. Another woman also had her private part scrapped off and her two hands yanked off by the blood thirsty soldiers. Today, she is living only with the support of her distraught husband who, not only deprived of consummating the marriage, but has been made her permanent nurse till death do them part.

In July 2007, six years after the invasion, fourteen victims who are directly affected that sued the federal government before a Federal High Court in Enugu got a favorable judgment. The court sitting before Justice A. LewisAlagoa awarded the sum of N41.8 billion damages to the victims against the Federal Government for the heinous action of the soldiers who are being sustained on the taxes paid

Some of the victims of the Zaki-Biam invasion by soldiers

by Nigerians.

The Federal Government, even though it appealed against the consolidated judgments, an out of court settlement was sought by the Federal Government and its lawyers. The lawyers representing the victims, Sebastine Hon (SAN) said, "No such settlement, to the best of my knowledge and the knowledge of my clients, has been reached".

Late last year, the Federal Government began moves to pay the sum of N8 billion to the Benue State Government, a situation which Hon said is not acceptable to the victims of the soldiers'' invasion in ZakiBiam, who are the plaintiffs in the matter.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria told newsmen in Abuja that he had, in a letter he wrote to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello

Adoke (SAN), warned the Federal Government to desist from the unwholesome conduct. The letter, he noted was not replied.

As a follow-up, Hon wrote to President Goodluck Jonathan on February 20, 20123 asking him to use his office and direct full compliance with the terms of the consolidated judgments, the letter, he said has not been replied to till date. It is worth mentioning that after those consolidated judgments were delivered, the court, upon application by the Plaintiffs/ judgment creditors, made a garnishee decree absolute that the federal government should pay the entire judgment sum with ten days.

In the words of the SAN, "I hereby state categoricallythat whateversettlement the Federal Government and the Benue State Government have reached is not

binding on my clients, who reject same without the slightest equivocation. My clients were neither consulted nor did they consent to the terms of that so called settlement; hence reject it in its entirety. The intention and actions of the Benue State government, which we concede may have been for good purposes, are not binding on my clients".

Sympathizers of the victims said no amount of damages awarded by the court will compensate for the deep, penetrating damage done to the victims of the Zaki- Biam military invasion of 2001.

"It is in this light that we want to tell our respected President Goodluck Jonathan, that my clients, nay the Tiv Nation are not ready to accept any amount less by even one kobo from the judgment debt of N41.8 billion awarded over six years ago in

favor of the Plaintiffs/Judgment creditors, who represent the interests of the over 14, 000 other victims", Hon pointed.

The Federal Government and the Benue State Government need not to play politics with the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction on an unprecedented wanton destruction of lives and property by men and officers of the Nigeria Army.

The Benue State Government is not a party in the matter, neither is the executive governor of the state, and as such the learned silk said he cannot enter into any form of negotiation on behalf of the plaintiffs in the matter.

Government needs to pay the judgmentdebt to right the wrongs of the Army and reassure the Tiv people that they are bonafide Nigerians.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Education central to actualisation of my transformation agenda, says Jonathan Stories by Maryam Garba Hassan

P

resident Good Luck Jonathan has said that education is central to the actualisation of the Transformation Agenda of his administration as it is responsible for developing individuals with the skills to drive other sectors of the economy.

The President said this in Dubai at the global education and skills forum with the theme: "Meeting Challenges in Education and Skills: Government and Private Sector Partnering to Put Education First".

He said education is the most potent instrument for achieving a rapid socioeconomic transformation for any country and an instrument to empowering men and women to reach their full potential in society, "therefore, transforming a nation into knowledge-based economy that is globally competitive calls for an Education Sector that is robust and able to develop and sustain high quality human capital".

"In today's knowledge-based society, education and skilled human resources are the key to sustainable development. We are in a highly competitive, quality-focused global economy where only those who are prepared to meet the challenges posed by the ever rapidly changing work-place will survive".

The president further explained that the actualisation of majority of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is predicated on the acquisition of relevant skills adding that if useful skills are bequeathed to the citizens, it will translate to job creation through which wealth will be created also, thus reducing unemployment poverty and hunger.

According to him, it will also enhance a high standard of living that will reduce infant mortality; improve

maternal health and ultimately improve access to education.

The President lamented that in spite of efforts being made to ensure effective education delivery, challenges still abound in the sector such as, Technical Vocational Enterprise Training Institution, Technical Vocational Enterprise, Training Teachers, Technical and Vocational Education Training instructional materials, laboratory and workshops, persistent low completion and literacy rates, insufficient qualified teachers/ academic staff to address the expansion in the TVET sub sector, inadequate data, non-replacement of decayed infrastructures and lack of maintenance culture, absence of institutional entrepreneurship study centres/workshops for hands-on experiences, absence of unified monitoring framework for monitoring the nation's centres of excellence.

He said that there is no doubt that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) holds the key to the profile of Nigeria's industrial sector and that a critical success factor in the actualisation of Nigeria Vision to become one of the twenty (20) largest economies by the year 2020 (Vision 20:2020) is the mass production of people with requisite vocational and technical skills and competences.

The attainment of Education For All (EFA) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will be a mirage if it is not hinged on solid education system and the intervention of Private-Public Partnerships.

He called on Nigeria's local and international development partners in the education sector to redouble their efforts in assisting Nigeria to overcome the myriads of challenges facing the country in the Education sector.

Minister's aide donates books to school in Nasarawa

S

pecial Assistant (Media) to Minister of State for Education, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, at the weekend distributed copies of two of his published books "Stainless Governor' to students and staff of Peoples Comprehensive Academy, Maraba, Nasarawa state.

According to the author, who was accompanied by the legal adviser of Explorer Books and Readers Club, Barr. Hero Udenyi and received by the Principal of the academy, Mr. Kanu Abedneyo, the donation of the books to the school was borne out of the desire to compliment government's effort in the campaign to promote reading culture among school children and in the country.

He however urged the students to join reading club in the school to boast their vocabulary and to keep them abreast of the happenings in the world politically, economically and other wise.

Nwakaudu also called on the school authority to encourage the children to read widely and to join and form reading club as well as equip

the school library with current and contemporary books to encourage the students to read.

Responding, the principal of the academy, Mr. Kanu Abedneyo, thanked the author for finding the school worthy of receiving his books and promised to make judicious use of the books for the purpose it was donated for.

He urged Nigerians to emulate the gesture of the author to compliment government's efforts in that direction.

Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, minister of State, Education

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Jigawa spends over N2.5bn on College of Education Gumel Stories from Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

O

ver N2.5billion was said to have been expended in executing capital projects at the College of Education Gumel, Jigawa state with the view to upgrade the school to the status of awarding

‌ As students clinch top positions at national mathematics competition

N

ational Diploma II Students of the Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, emerges 1st, 2nd and 4th at the just concluded National Mathematics/ Statistics competition for the colleges of Education and Polytechnics in the North West zone.

Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof.

Garba Uba Goje, made this known while presenting the students to the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Prof.

Haruna Wakili.

He said Mubarak Garba came first, Muslim Dalha and Isma'ila Ali came second respectively while Nazifi Abubakar took fourth position.

He thanked the state government for rejuvenating the education sector and assured the government of the college's readiness to continue to improve the quality of education in the state.

Responding, the Commissioner said performance of the state's students at various competitions which he said has started yielding positive results, is justifying government's huge investment in the sector.

The commissioner advised the students to thrive for better performances in their final examinations and assured that the state has put in place adequate support mechanism that would propel excelling students to greater heights.

By Maryam Garba Hassan

M

inister of State for Education, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has stated that President Goodluck Jonathan has made quality investments that would improve education across the South-South region of the country.

Speaking in Abuja at the weekend when he played host to Niger Delta Young Professionals, Wike noted that contrary to insinuations in certain quarters, the President has ensured that basic and tertiary education sectors receive the desired attention in the region.

He said that as Jonathan works for other geo-political zones as the President of the entire nation, so he has invested time and resources in uplifting the standard of educational facilities in the Niger Delta.

He appealed to the Niger Delta young professionals to deploy their talents and resources to support the President to attain the goal of completely reviving

degree program.

The state Commissioner for education Prof. Haruna Wakili disclosed this while defending the decision of the state government to site the state owned proposed University at Kafin Hausa, North-East senatorial zone of the state.

Defending the decision of the state government, Wakili said, the decision was based on the fact that, the North-East Senatorial district of the state has only one higher institution while the two other zones have 4 institutions each.

According to him, the state embarked on the establishment of the University and upgrading

of some colleges to award degree program to accommodate and provide admission to the over 19,000 students that graduate from senior secondary schools in the state annually.

"Every year we graduate more than 19,000 out of which 10,000 come out with requirements for admission into University, but unfortunately only less than 20-30% are getting admission".

"If this institution commences degree programs, we are hoping that, it will address problems of admission militating our students and will also produce enough manpower for propelling Jigawa state to

the high level of prosperity and progress", Wakili said.

He however dispelled the rumour that the state Ministry of education has arbitrarily transferred some courses from the historic College to the College of Islamic and Religious studies, Ringim.

He said, prior to the year 2007 the college was receiving less than N8 million as its annual allocation for capital projects, but under the incumbent state government from 2008-2012 over N701 million was allocated to the college for capital projects.

Wakili also said that the

Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) and other federal intervention funds have injected over N1.8 Billion from 2008-2012 in executing various capital projects which made the college to have enough structures for offering degree program.

The commissioner added that, since 2010 the state government has been consulting Bayero University Kano (BUK) to assess the college for affiliation and they are hoping that before the end of 2013 the University would give approval for the affiliation.

R-L: Author, "The Stainless Governor", Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, Legal Adviser, Explorer Book and Readers Club, Barrister Hero Udenyi, and Principal, Peoples Comprehensive Academy, Maraba, Nasarawa State Mr. Kanu Abednego, during the author's donation of his books to the school, recently in Maraba, Nasarawa state.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Wike commends Jonathan's educational achievements in Niger-Delta Nigeria and setting the nation on the path of sustainable development.

He however informed the gathering that the present administration is investing in the construction of special girl-child schools and model libraries in all the six states of the South-South, while the tertiary schools in the state have received billions of naira as interventions funds from

T

the Tertiary Trust Fund.

Wike said: "Today, there is no Federal Government College in the South-South where the President has not intervened by developing infrastructure and there is no higher institution in the zone where the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETfund) has not intervened".

Leader of the Niger Delta Young Professionals, Mr. Moses

Siasia, commended the Minister for his contributions toward the attainment of the tenets of the Transformation Agenda.

He said that the young professionals are interested in partnering with hard-working Niger Delta administrators in government to help them promote overall national development in the country.

Siasia noted that in line with

the objectives of the group, a decision was made to honour the Minister of State for Education with an award of excellence for assisting the President to achieve his mandate.

Highpoint of the meeting was the conferment of Excellence Award on the minister for his performance in the Jonathan administration.

He said there had been significant improvements in candidates' performances in the last three years and attributed the development to the Federal Government's support and commitment to education.

Okpala solicited the support of stakeholders and stressed that government alone could not shoulder the challenges in the sector.

He also commended DAAR Communication and its

management for the foresight and commitment towards improving the standard of education through their programmmes.

Okpala said the planned partnership between NECO and DAAR Communications was part of measures aimed at improving the standard and quality of education in Nigeria, with a view to developing media content for broadcast.

Dokpesi said his organisation was seeking partnership with NECO towards developing media content for educational programmes to be aired on African Independent Television.

He said his organisation in collaboration with Teachermedia international based in the UK signed an agreement with the Federal Ministry of Education to develop content.

(NAN)

Okpala expresses satisfaction with NECO results

he Registrar of National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof.

Promise Okpala, at the weekend expressed delight over the improvement recorded in the final examinations for secondary schools conducted by the council recently.

Okpala made the remark when he received the Chairman/ Chief Executive of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, in his office in Minna.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 29

Why FG foot drags implementation of two doses Immunization against measles policy- Chukwu

By Stanley Onyekwere

F

inancial constraint is what is delaying the Federal Government from implementing a new policy that would see children being administered with the two doses of anti-measles vaccine before they are deemed fully immunized against the disease, Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu has said.

Responding to questions on how the ministry is tackling child killer diseases in the country, Chukwu told newsmen that although the ministry had accepted in principle the new policy but it is unable to kick off the implementation due to huge financial demands of the policy.

The minister who did not say specifically how much it would cost the nation to start the policy, made this disclosure in an interview with newsmen, after he received the Director General of the West Africa Health

T

he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has conferred the Director of Administration of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital {ABUTH}, Zaria with ‘NANS Untiring Philanthropy of the Year 2012 Award’.

This was pronounced in a brief ceremony held last month in Zaria. The Director of Media and Publicity of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Bamidele Amechi, while announcing the award said that the Association is the largest Students’ Movement in the Sub-Saharan Africa having membership of about forty million.

However, in its attempt to identify outstanding personalities who distinguished themselves in rendering selfless service to the society as well as human development, the name of Barr.

Ishak Bello was nominated and adopted among many during the last Executive/Senate meeting on 14th November, 2012 at Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto State.

Barr. Ishak Bello was the second to bag the award in the history of ‘’NANS’’ after Alh. Aliko Dangote.

The Chairman, Award Committee, Comrade Usman Baba Kankia, further stated that, a 15-man Joint Committee was constituted from both National and Zonal Secretariat of the Association to come and present the award to the Barrister on behalf of the National Association.

The Chief Medical Director, ABUTH, Zaria Professor Lawal Khalid mni and the Assistant Director of Administration (Human Resources) Mrs. M. Bezum assisted in the presentation of the Medal and Plaque.

Responding on behalf of the Management, the Chief Medical

Organisation (WAHO), Dr. Placido Cardoso, who paid him a courtesy visit in t his officem recently.

According to the minister, the FG having accepted in principle a new policy that instead of making measles a once and final dosage exercise; it should make two doses, so that before a child can be said to be fully immunized against the disease, he or she must have received the two doses.

Chukwu noted that for measles vaccine, the conversion rate is actually 80 percent; and what this means is that if ten children are immunized, eight of them would actually be protected against the measles or to some level of efficacy; hence, the one dose administering of the vaccine unlike that of polio, which is done thrice. “our technical experts had suggested that instead of making immunization against Measles a once and final thing unlike polio, we should make two doses; but

what is holding forth the implementation of the policy is funding, because obviously it means more money but we are working hard as we are still on it, and as soon as we are able to ensure that we can have money, we will immediately introduce it.

“Certainly, if it is only 80 % effective, then it means one cannot guarantee that because a child has had one immunization against measles he or she is protected unless we do other tests,” he explained.

Reinstating the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathanled administration to improve access to effective health care for the teeming populace especially the most vulnerable in the society, the minister said the government is currently conducting a nationwide mass immunization and treatment on children affected by the recent outbreak of the disease, so as to ensure that it is brought under control.

Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu

ABUTH Director Gets ‘’ NANS untiring philanthropy award of the year’’ Director congratulated the Director of Administration in particular and ABUTH and Zaria in general for the Award adding that, the achievement could not be separated from ABUTH, Zaria, the environment that provided the award and the recipient.

The Chief Medical Director however appreciated NANS for the gesture.

Barr. Ishak Bello, in his response expressed his appreciation to NANS for the kind gesture and attributed his achievements to the cooperation/support he

Barr. Ishak Bello

received from members of Management and other colleagues of ABUTH, Zaria. He therefore, expressed profound gratitude to

all.

Among other members at the ceremony were: The Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, The

Asst. Director (Pharmaceutical Services, Finance & Supplies, Audit, Planning Administration and General Administration).

NMA seeks adequate health care delivery in FCT communities

D

r Titus Ebekwe, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), FCT chapter, has called on all stakeholders to assist in providing adequate health care delivery in rural communities in the FCT. Ebekwe made this call during a medical outreach programme at Katampe village in Abuja at the weekend.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach programme was organised by the FCT chapter of NMA in collaboration with the FCTA and Cry for Help, an NGO. The chairman said that it was necessary for the government and well-meaning Nigerians to assist these communities as a way of given back to the society. ``The association thought it necessary to give back to the society that is why we came up with this outreach programme, which will be done quarterly in less privileged communities in the FCT. ``Health wise, some areas are really challenged; that is why we are using this opportunity to call on the government and stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to come and assist. ``That is why you see the primary health care team here too,

so that our contribution will not just be a drop in the ocean but a process with follow up,’’ Ebekwe said.

Ebekwe said that the programme was aimed at educating the people on how to live healthy lives by preventing diseases. ‘’We do health screenings, make diagnosis and treat illnesses that can be handled immediately and those we cannot, we refer to appropriate places for follow-up,’’ added.

He said pregnant women would be registered for antenatal and referred to where they could get quality and affordable health care service.

The chairman added that the FCT primary health care team was also on ground to give immunisation to the children and pregnant women in the community.

Mrs Vera Mensah, Founder, Cry for Help, said that people should be encouraged to help the less-privileged, especially medically, saying: ``Putting a smile on people’s faces is amazing.’’

She said the NGO is focused on giving free medical care to the lessprivilege, stressing that many people could not afford medical care. ‘’We are here today to give free

HIV test and counseling as part of our contribution,’’ she said.

The community chief, Alhaji Adamu Diga, who spoke to newsmen, called on the government to build a health care centre for the community because of its large population.

“We only have a land to build the clinic but we do not have the power to build a clinic by ourselves.

Also our roads are bad and we have been begging them to come and help us. ‘’We are begging government to come and help us build the health centre and supply drugs and get nurses and doctors to run the centre for us.’’

Some members of the community who spoke to NAN called on the government to help the community build a health care centre and repair the roads.

A mother, Mrs Fatimah Muritala, said pregnant women in the community had to go to Mpape to deliver, saying that some of them even deliver before they get there because of the bad road.

NAN reports that the health experts educated the people on family planning, hand washing, and health issues that affect the eye, nose, throat as well as how to take proper care of their health.

(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

The importance of earwax to hearing

By Olayemi Okeniyi

A

nyone who has ever witnessed an explosion or a major car accident will observe how the people closest to the spot hold their ears and cannot seem to walk straight.

An Otologist, Dr Titus Ibekwe says this behaviour has to do with unimpaired hearing. "The ear basically serves two functions; it is an organ for hearing, lubricated by earwax and an organ for balance, so the ear is supposed to be respected and well cared for,'' he explained.

He, however, observes that due to ignorance about the importance of the functions of the earwax, there is a general misconception that the wax is dirt which should be cleaned always.

"They think it's hygienic to clean their ears with cotton buds after taking a bath, while more local people are content to use any instrument at their disposal such as feathers, sticks and pen lid, among others to clean and scratch their ear-way when it itches.

"All these cleaning practices including the use of cotton buds, otherwise known as Q-tips are wrong and potentially dangerous to the ears,'' Ibekwe warned.

According to him, the dark and gummy, yellowish to brownish substance found in the ear is earwax known medically as cerumen. He said that the ear has a way of removing excess cerumen on its own and that the earwax keeps the ear healthy and should not be removed.

"It functions like antibiotics, the lysozyme within the cerumen can engulf bacteria and other organisms that could be dangerous to us and destroy them instantly. "Secondly, it acts like a filter; it filters the air that enters the ears, trapping debris that could be injurious. ``In the process of cleaning, a person removes this protection; they can also destroy the thin membrane that lines the ear canal,'' he explained.

The doctor says that any tear in the ear canal will expose the underlining of the ear to

infections, adding that the cerumen serves as water proof, preventing water from entering the inner ear.

"The eardrum is similar to a special paper, so it is best when it is dry; also the inner ear is dark and a good habitat for the growth of microorganisms like bacteria and fungus.

"If water is in the ear, it makes it fertile for such organisms to thrive, spores that are dry remain domicile and harmless within the ear but water allows them to germinate like seeds," he explained.

He advised people who feel the urge to scratch their inside their ear to instead, take hold of the small stump that projects outside the ear, called the tragus and shake in and out rapidly. "This reduces the level of itchiness and sets off some reflexes within the ear that will dampen itching to a tolerable level and before you know it, it will fizzle out. " There is no compelling reason to insert something inside your ear, if itching persists go and see your nearest Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor,'' he advised.

Supporting the otologist's view, Mrs. Adewumi Ojetoyinbo, an audiologist, notes that infections caused by using sharp objects to clean the ear can result in injury to the eardrum and total deafness.

"Don't put any sharp or pointed object into the ears whenever they itch; if your ears are too full of wax go to the hospital, they will remove it for you,'' she advises.

In her view, the major causes of hearing loss are drug abuse, working in noisy environments such as factories with loud machines and the treatment of typhoid by non-qualified medical personnel.

She says that temporary hearing loss caused by infections could become permanent if not treated on time.

She advised that babies should be screened at the point of birth in the hospital to help detect partial or congenital hearing loss.

She also warns that music lovers, especially the youth may be exposing themselves to

hearing loss.

"People should avoid exposing their ears to noisy environments and listening to music at a high volume with ear-piece which is a common practice among the youth in Nigeria who make use headphones,'' she warned.

Making a case for curbing the hazards of noise pollution as another cause of hearing loss, Dr Abiodun Olusesi, an otolaryngologist, calls for legislation against noise pollution.

According to him, regulated noise does not have a negative effect on the brain as much as loud noise, which he says can cause damage to the middle ear bones connected to the brain.

He classifies sound emanating from music shops, worship centres, electricity generating sets, grinding

machines, rickety vehicles, and indiscriminate blaring of horns by motorists as noise pollution.

He warned that in most cases, noise-induced auditory impairments have no remedy because the cells in the ear do not reproduce whenever they are damaged.

"Hearing aids cannot replace normal hearing or cure hearing loss; they only amplify sounds.

Once you have lost your hearing, there is not much that can be done.

For this grievous effect, he says government at all levels should enact a law to regulate noise and overhaul the power sector to tackle the issue of noise pollution.

He advised people who are occupationally exposed to loud noise on a daily basis, to wear ear-mufflers regularly as a

protective measure.

Explaining another cause of hearing loss, Dr James Oche, an ENT specialist says indiscriminate use of antibiotics and anti-malaria drugs can result in hearing impairment.

"When an individual turns himself or herself to a pharmacist and uses drugs like the antibiotics and antimalarial that are not duly prescribed, it can cause complications for the ear" he said.

All factors responsible for hearing loss notwithstanding, ear specialists insist that earwax plays a vital role in sustaining the functions of the ear.

They therefore, urged people to be conscious of its importance and seek medical help from the right sources in order to protect themselves from impairment.

Source: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 31

China: Adding momentum to its Africa's policy ANALYSIS

By Charles Onunaiju

C

hina's new leader, Mr. Xi Xinping elected early this month, by the country's supreme state organ, the National People's Congress has just flagged off his first state visit, a nine-day trip that would take in, four countries in two continents. The Chinese president has already touched down in Russia's capital Moscow where he met with President Vladmir Putin.

From available reports, both president Xinping and Putin have met and re-affirm their commitment to international legality and upholding of the charter of the United Nations as the foundation of international intercourse.

Apart from affirming the traditional friendship that has existed between Beijing and Moscow, the two sides pledged to work together to improve international detente, strengthen their bilateral ties in the areas of trade, commercial co-operation and investment promotion.

China and Russia trade currently stands at about 60 billion U.S dollars. President Xi Xinping will from Moscow move straight to Durban, in South African to attend the fifth meeting of BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

From South Africa, the Chinese leader will visit Tanzania and the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) before returning to Beijing.

In Tanzania, president Xi Xinping will make a major speech, outlining and elaborating China's Africa policy. What is remarkable from China's leader first foreign tour is that Africa is clearly a priority in Beijing foreign policy and the new government unveiled just less than two weeks ago, is not letting up on the momentum of Sino-Africa co-operation, that was instituted through the mechanism of the ChinaAfrica co-operation Forum (FOCAC) in 2000.

The mechanism or process of the FOCAC has established regular contacts at all levels of leadership interactions between China and Africa. The process which has produced astounding results in the strategic fields of trade, economic and political cooperation has seen China emerging as Africa largest trading partner with a staggering sum of 166 billion U.S dollars and set to grow in future. Political co-operation's has resulted in the establishment of strategic partnership and the institution of political consultative mechanisms with several Africa countries to co-ordinate common positions on key international issues. At a

New China's Foreign Minister, Mr Wang Yi regional level, China has played key role in enhancing the institutional capacity of the Africa Union (AU), and is currently involved in developing key infrastructure for intra-regional links and contacts. Last year at the fifth session of the FOCAC forum in Beijing, the then Chinese president, Hu Jintao, announced a 20 billion U.S dollar to support Africa countries.

As president Xi Xinping makes his way to African in his first visit to the continent China's newly appointed special envoy to Africa, Ambassador Zhong Jianhua has been on ground in the continent, engaged in what he called a frank dialogue in which he listens to African voices and at the same time, explains Beijing's African policy. At a press conference in Abuja, the special envoy in company of China's energetic ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Deng Boqing said that China's African policy is anchored on mutual respect and reciprocity, and disagreed with any suggestion that China/ Africa relation has any "whiff of colonialism" as

disingenuously suggested by the Nigeria's central bank governor, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, in a short article he wrote for the London-based Financial Times newspaper.

Mr. Sanusi has written in the article that "the days of the non-Align movement (NAM) that united us (African and China) after colonialism are gone.

Curiously, it seems that Mr. Sanusi Lamido did not even know that China never belonged to the non-aligned movement. From the founding of modern China in 1949, chairman Mao Zedong crafted its basic international outlook, which is based on "leaning on one side" and that is strictly taking side with the socialist camp led then by the Soviet Union which opposed colonialism, imperialism and big power bullying the small. Even after the Sinosoviet spilt in the 1970s and 1980s, China did not become non-aligned as it firmly opposed U.S and western imperialism, which while also denouncing what it called the social imperialism of the then Soviet Union.

Mr. Sanusi further wrote

“

that "China takes our primary goods and sells to us manufactured ones, and that to him constitute "the essence of colonialism." After all according to him, "the British went to Africa and India to secure raw material‌" Colonialism is not particularly innocuous as Mr. Sansi has sought to treat it, and except to justify his "whiff of colonialism" in AfricaChina current relation, it is difficult to understand why Mr. Sanusi want to characterize Europe's violent and brutal colonial engagement with Africa as a mere 'love affair'. However, Sanusi warn of 'a romantic view of China' that is common in Africa is in order.

However, while Africa is permitted to view China favorably, it is more appropriate to develop a policy paradigm to engage with China.

President Xi Xinping first foreign tour which takes him to three African countries in what is arguably his longest stay abroad since his election to the presidency at the beginning of the month is very significant. Last year, Egypt's

On the other hand, while the Chinese leader toil under the African sun to deepen engagement and co-operation with the continent in first ever foreign tour as president, Washington's middle cadre African policy minder, Mr. Johnnie Carson issues threats and rebuttals to the continent from his cool sanctuary in Washington through video conference, having earlier warned Kenyans to mind whom they vote in their presidential elections as their choice would carry 'consequences'.

president Mursi, went to China in his first foreign tour after election and Beijing's vigorous engagement with Africa and its determination to deepen it, comes in the symbolic visit of not just Africa, but its hearth land, the sub-saharan Africa, by the Chinese new leader. In contrast, the U.S president, Mr. Obama, whose Africa ancestry, evoked so much passion in the continent in his earlier fouryear mandate made only a one stop-over visit to Ghana and in his second term, has indicated Washington's foreign policy priority with a visit to the MidEast, where he proclaimed U.S 'eternal' bond with Israel. In addition, he managed to repair the long fractured relation between Israel and Turkey, restoring the hotline between Ankara and Jerusalem.

On the other hand, while the Chinese leader toil under the African sun to deepen engagement and co-operation with the continent in first ever foreign tour as president, Washington's middle cadre African policy minder, Mr. Johnnie Carson issues threats and rebuttals to the continent from his cool sanctuary in Washington through video conference, having earlier warned Kenyans to mind whom they vote in their presidential elections as their choice would carry 'consequences'. In a historic assertion of their sovereign rights to vote their leaders, Kenyans voted the Jubilee Alliance of the International Criminal Court (ICC) indictees, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, the duo that Washington has earlier threatened them to avoid.

As former premier of state council of China, Mr. Wen Jibao said in his speech at the 4th ministerial conference of heads of states and government of China-Africa co-operation (FOCAC) in Sharma-el-Sheikh, Egypt in 2009, "whatever changes may take place in the world, our friendship with Africa will not change, our commitment to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and achieving common development will not change". True to words, the Chinese new leadership has taken up the mantle of deepening co-operation with Africa, and president Xi's visit to the continent in his first ever foreign tour as Chinese leader has indicated Beijing's 'eternal' bond to Africa. China's new foreign minister, Mr. Wang yi is a tested African hand, in spite of having been Chinese ambassador to Japan for five year. Mr. Wang yi once served as a director of African affairs in the China's ministry of foreign affairs. With the first leg of his seminal foreign tour in Moscow followed in a quick stretch of the second leg to Africa, Beijing-African relation is set experience a warm spring for a long foreseeable future.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Central African Republic capital falls to rebels, President flees R

ebels in Central African Republic seized control of the country's riverside capital Bangui on Sunday, forcing President Francois Bozize to flee into neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, government officials said.

At least six South African soldiers were killed in clashes with the rebels, a Reuters witness said. A United Nations source said the force, in the country to train the army along with hundreds of regional peacekeepers, was preparing to leave.

The Seleka rebel coalition resumed hostilities this week in the mineral-rich former French colony, vowing to oust Bozize, whom it accused of breaking a January peace agreement to integrate its fighters into the army.

The landlocked country, racked by rural rebellions for more than a decade, has extensive and unprotected borders and the rebel advance added to instability in the heart of Africa.

As the loose coalition of rebels some of them former rivals - tightened their grip on Bangui, it was unclear who would replace Bozize or whether the power-sharing government of Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye would remain in place.

"The rebels control the town," said presidency spokesman Gaston

China's Xi arrives Africa with focus on trade ties

C Central African Republic president Francois Bozize Mackouzangba. "I hope there will not be any reprisals."

Government spokesman CrepinMboli-Goumba said the Seleka rebels controlled all the strategic locations in the city.

A presidential advisor, who asked not to be named, said Bozize had crossed the Oubangiriver into Congo on

Sunday morning as rebel forces headed for the presidential palace.

Bozize had seized power in a 2003 military coup.

A United Nations official in Congo said Kinshasa's government asked the U.N. refugee agency to help move 25 members of Bozize's family out of the border town of Zongo on Sunday.

Congo's Information Minister

Lambert Mende told Reuters President Bozize was not among the family members who arrived in Zongo and said his arrival in the country had not been announced to Congolese authorities.

"The palace has just fallen. We have the palace," Eric Massi, a Seleka spokesman, told Reuters by telephone from Paris.

Rebels surrender to U.N. following attack on Congo mining hub

N

early 250 rebels who attacked a military camp and the provincial governor's office in Democratic Republic of Congo's southern mining hub of Lubumbashi on Saturday have surrendered, the country's U.N. peacekeeping mission said.

The government said it had killed about 15 of the estimated 300 Mayi-Mayi Kata Katanga separatists who attacked the capital of the Central African nation's copper and cobalt-rich Katanga province armed mainly with bows and arrows and machetes.

"The U.N. Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo(MONUSCO) welcomes the peaceful surrender of 245 Mayi-Mayi Kata Katanga combatants who sought refuge inside the MONUSCO compound in Lubumbashi," said a statement released on Sunday.

At least 35 people were killed in the violence, the statement said, citing local sources.

"The rebels should be handed over soon to the Government, following negotiations mediated by MONUSCO, between the governor of

Katanga, military and provincial authorities and the Mayi-Mayi," it said.

Among the group were 54 injured fighters, 15 of them with serious wounds, the U.N. said.

Millions have died in the vast former Belgian colony's longsimmering armed conflicts concentrated in the eastern borderlands, but the mining areas around Lubumbashi have remained relatively calm.

However, the Mayi-Mayi, feeding off local grievances and secessionist sentiment, in recent months have ventured outside their stronghold in northern

Katanga and towards the heart of the mining industry around Lubumbashi.

A witness to Saturday's attack said the group had attempted to hoist the flag of Katanga's short-lived 1960s-era independent republic before members of the army's elite Republican Guard launched a counterattack.

Katanga hosts many international mining companies, including Freeport McMoRan and commodities trader Glencore and exports about half a million metric tons of copper a year.

official says.

The Malian army official said that government forces defeated the rebels after more than two hours of intense fighting.

The clashes took place after Gao residents reported rebels had entered their neighbourhood.

No death toll was immediately available.

Gao was controlled for almost 10 months months by the Movement for the Oneness of Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), which imposed a violent form of sharia, until the town was liberated by a French-led offensive in late January.

It was the third major attack on Gao since it was liberated.

The assault indicates that MUJAO remains entrenched and able to attack despite the thousands of French troops who have liberated most of northern Mali's towns from control by the rebels.

Gao Mayor SadouDiallo said earlier that the rebel fighters launched their attack inside the Quatrieme Quartier, or Fourth

District, a neighbourhood inside the city which is divided into a numbered grid.

The mayor said that Malian forces engaged the fighters and they retreated, but a second column of rebels then attacked from across the Niger River.

"There was heavy gunfire," Diallo said. "The situation is under control now."

However, residents said that they still heard shooting.

MUJAO amputated the limbs of so many accused thieves during its rule that the public place where they meted out their version of justice became known as "Shariah Square".

The city, along with much of the rest of northern Mali, was liberated in January by French troops, who used Mirage and Rafalle jets to bombard rebel positions then launched a ground assault.

Mali army 'repulses' rebel attack

M

ali's army has repulsed an attack by a group of rebels who had slipped past army checkpoints to enter the northern town of Gao, a military

French soldiers comb the area for possible hideouts.

hinese President Xi Jinping faces growing calls from policymakers and economists in Africa for a more balanced trade relationship between the continent and China as he arrives in Tanzania at the beginning of an African tour.

China's ties with the continent dates back to the 1950s, when Beijing backed African liberation movements fighting to throw off Western colonial rule. It has built roads, railways, stadiums and pipelines to win access to Africa's oil and minerals like copper and uranium to feed its boomingeconomy.

Many across Africa see China as a valuable counterbalance to the West's influence. But as the relationship matures there is mounting discomfort in Africa that the continent is exporting raw materials while spending heavily to import finished consumer goods from the Asian economic powerhouse.

"He will be looking to tone down the feeling that China is just here to exploit resources. I think that is going to be his main job," James Shikwati, director of the Nairobibased Inter Regional Economic Network think tank, told Reuters.

China's new leader is due to land in Tanzania's commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, on Sunday for a state banquet before delivering his first policy speech on Africa in a Chinese-funded conference hall on Monday.

Xi will go on from Tanzania to South Africa where leaders of the world's major emerging economies, known as the BRICS, will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday and could endorse plans to create a joint foreign exchange reserves pool and an infrastructure bank at a summit.

The proposal underscores frustrations among emerging markets at having to rely on the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which are seen as reflecting the interests of the United States and other industrialized nations.

President Xi Jinping

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Asia and Middle East

A

hmed Moaz al-Khatib, Syria's opposition leader, has announced his resignation from the National Coalition, his spokesman told Al Jazeera.

Mohamed Ali said the

PAGE 33

Syrian opposition leader resigns resignation followed Saturday's meeting with the European Union, "which resulted in achieving nothing".

In a statement released on his facebook page on Sunday, Al Khatib confirmed his resignation from the dissident group recognised by dozens of states and

organisations as a legitimate representative of the Syrian people.

"I announce my resignation from the National Coalition, so that I can work with a freedom that cannot possibly be had in an official institution," Khatib said in the statement.

"For the past two years, we have

been slaughtered by an unprecedentedly vicious regime, while the world has looked on," Khatib said.

"All the destruction of Syria's infrastructure, the detention of tens of thousands of people, the forced flight of hundreds of thousands and other forms of

Musharraf back in Pakistan from exile Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's former president has arrived in Karachi, returning to the country after more than four years in selfimposed exile to run in upcoming elections.

Musharraf landed at Karachi's Jinnah International airport as scheduled on Sunday, aboard a commercial flight from Dubai.

The airport was heavily secured after a death threat against Musharraf by the Pakistani Taliban on Saturday.

Imran Khan, reporting from Karachi, said Musharraf, who was the former chief of staff and a special forces commando, was not the kind of man to scare easily.

"They have been trying to send me to the hells since 9/11, which means it's 12 years now," said Musharraf before boarding his flight in Dubai. "These statements could be planted even from anywhere, they may be true or untrue, so I'm not the kind to get scared of mere statements," he added.

Khan said that only about 300 people were at the airport to receive him, adding that Musharraf does not have the kind of support he used to.

"But Pakistan's political scene is one of deal-making, one of road-blocks," said Khan.

Lebanese president accepts PM's resignation

L

Syria's opposition leaderAhmed Moaz al-Khatib(file photo).

Israel dismantles Palestinian protest camp, fires into Syria

I

srael has dismantled a tent camp Palestinians set up during US President Barack Obama's recent visit to protest Israeli plans to build a large West Bank settlement near Jerusalem.

Before dawn on Sunday, about 200 Israeli police officers removed some 40 demonstrators from the tent camp, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.

Activists set up the camp, which they dubbed Bab al-Shams or "Gate of the Sun" in Arabic, near the West Bank Israeli settlement of MaaleAdumim, in a bid to draw attention to Israeli plans to boost building in an area, known as E1.

During his visit last week, Obama singled out the E-1 settlement as particularly problematic.

The settlement of more 3,500 apartments would close in one of the last open spaces between East Jerusalem and the West Bank, territories the Palestinians want for their state along with the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian legislator Mustafa Barghouti, one of the organisers, told AFP news agency by phone on Sunday that he and four others were arrested and taken for questioning at MaaleAdumim police station.

suffering have been insufficient for the international community to take a decision to allow the people to defend themselves," he added.

His statement comes hours after the Arab League extended an invitation to the opposition coalition to attend the summit in Qatar next week.

Musharraf

Activists set up Bab al-Shams camp near the West Bank Israeli settlement of MaaleAdumim [AFP].

ebanese President Michel Sleiman has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister NajibMikati, who handed in his notice citing divisions on several domestic issues, and called for a national unity government.

The head of the government in which the Shia movement Hezbollah holds powerful sway, formally submitted its resignation on Saturday to the President, who asked that it continue in a caretaker capacity.

"I announce the resignation of the government, hoping that this will open the way for the major political blocs to take responsibility and come together to bring Lebanon out of the unknown," Mikati said.

He called for the "formation of a national salvation government in which all Lebanese political forces are represented in order to save the nation and deal with regional developments with a collective spirit of responsibility".

Mikati became prime minister in 2011, positioning himself as a moderate.

He headed a government dominated by the socalled March 8 coalition, made up of Hezbollah and its allies, and drew fire from Sunnis who accused him of betraying his community and siding with the group.

Mikati's government was constantly criticised by the March 14 movement led by former premier Saad Hariri, an opponent of President Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, and his Christian partners from the Lebanese Forces of Samir Geagea.

Mikati's decision to step down came after disagreements on two domestic issues - an elections supervisory commission and extending a security chief's mandate.

The 57-year-old was involved in a contentious bid to extend the term of the Sunni head of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces, General Ashraf Rifi, which was opposed by a majority of the government.

"In a few days a major security institution risks falling into the void when its director general retires. I felt that during this sensitive period that he should stay in office... but I found that the council of ministers does not share my opinion on this," he said in announcing his resignation.

Although the government had officially adopted a policy of "disassociation" from the Syrian conflict, analysts say that Syria is likely a contributing factor to its falling. Until 2005, Lebanon was dominated politically and militarily by Damascus.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Europe and Cypriot president holds bailout talks in Brussels Americas C 16 Charged over Brazil nightclub blaze

B

razilian authorities are seeking criminal charges against 16 people in connection with the nightclub fire that killed about 241 people in the southern city of Santa Maria earlier this year, police have said.

Inspector Marcelo Arigony told a news conference on Friday that police are seeking murder charges against nine people, including the nightclub's two owners, three of their partners, and three band members performing at the club.

Arigony also said that the mayor and fire chief of Santa Maria could also be held responsible for the accident because of the negligent safety inspections of the nightclub.

But he said that because Mayor CezarSchirmer is an elected official, the police cannot file charges against him and only the Rio Grande do Sul State Supreme Court and the city's legislature can determine if he is charged. Only a military court can charge the fire chief, because the department is under the control of the police, which is part of the military.

The fire engulfed the crowded, windowless Kiss nightclub in Santa Maria on January 27, filling the air with flames and thick, toxic smoke.

Arigony said the band performing at the club lit a flare, which ignited flammable soundproofing foam on the ceiling.

The cyanide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide released by the ensuing fire "was what killed the people inside".

The lesser charge of manslaughter is being sought against several city officials for granting the club an operating permit "when it was obvious that minimum safety and fire prevention measures were not in place," Arigony said.

The investigation showed numerous "irregularities," including flawed fire extinguishers, overcrowded of the building, and only one door leading in and out of the club.

ypriot President Nicos Anastasiades has arrived in Brussels as his country continues to seek a lastminute deal to avoid possible bankruptcy.

The trip comes after a day of talks between Cyprus and the EU and IMF ended inconclusively.

Cyprus needs to raise 5.8bn euros (ÂŁ5bn) to qualify for a 10bn bailout.

The EU's commissioner for economic affairs Olli Rehn said the island had only "hard choices left" and must agree terms on Sunday.

Cypriot leaders are struggling to agree how to raise the money.

Mr Anastasiades entered the EU's headquarters in Brussels shortly after 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Sunday, AFP news agency reported.

His visit comes ahead of a meeting in Brussels of the Eurogroup - the finance ministers of the 17 eurozone countries - on Sunday evening.

The ministers are expected to consider Cyprus's proposals for a bailout for final approval.

Parliament rejected a bank levy on small and large deposits earlier

President NicosAnastasiades (R) in Belgium. this week, but a levy limited to large deposits is said to be back in consideration following pressure from Brussels and Berlin.

Cyprus needs the approval of the "troika" - the IMF, European Central Bank and European Commission - in order to present a rescue plan to the eurozone ministers.

If a deal on an alternative

agreement fails, the European Central Bank (ECB) says it will cut off funds to the banks, meaning they would collapse, possibly pushing the country out of the eurozone.

"The negotiations are at a very delicate stage," said government spokesman Christos Stylianides.

"The situation is very difficult and the time limits are very tight."

Mr Rehn said: "It is essential that an agreement is reached by the Eurogroup on Sunday evening.

This agreement then needs to be swiftly implemented by Cyprus and its eurozone partners.

"Unfortunately the events of recent days have led to a situation where there are no longer any optimal solutions available," he added.

He said it was clear that the near future for Cyprus would be "very difficult" but that the EU stood ready to help.

Media reports said Cyprus was considering a 20% levy on deposits of more than 100,000 euros (ÂŁ85,000) in its biggest lender, Bank of Cyprus, and a 4% levy on deposits above the same level at other banks.

The bank levy that was rejected last week would have taken 6.75% from small savers and 9.9% from larger investors.

It caused widespread anger among ordinary savers in Cyprus.

There is concern on the island that a levy on large-scale foreign investors, many of whom are Russian, would damage its financial sector.

Italy marines return to India for trial

T

wo Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen have returned to Delhi for trial, Indian officials have said, as diplomatic tensions ease.

MassimilianoLatorre and Salvatore Girone landed in an Italian military plane, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Staffan de Mistura.

India had allowed them to travel to Italy to vote in last month's election.

When they failed to return, India's Supreme Court ruled Italy's ambassador was barred from leaving the country.

The Italian government said it had received assurances about the men's treatment and their human rights.

The news of their return has eased diplomatic tensions between Italy and India.

"We have a valuable relationship with Italy," Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid said.

He said that the fact that the incident "did not derail our

relationship, and that things are back on track and are normal is a matter of satisfaction".

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also praised Italy's decision.

In a statement to parliament Mr Khurshid said that Italian requests "for diplomatic or expert level meetings" to consider the issue of jurisdiction in the case - "or whether it can be referred to MassimilianoLatorre (R) and Salvatore Girone(2nd R) at Delhi airport. arbitration or any other judicial mechanism cannot be accepted".

"I have made it clear that the Republic of Italy is bound to honour the solemn commitment that it has made to the Supreme Court to ensure the return of the marines to India within the time period permitted by the Supreme Court,"

he said.

The foreign minister said that the case does "not fall in the category of matters which attract the death penalty" and "there need not be any apprehension in this regard".

Marines Latorre and Girone are accused of shooting the fishermen off the Kerala coast in February

2012. They had been guarding an Italian oil tanker and said they mistook the fishermen for pirates.

The pair, who had been on bail awaiting trial, were allowed to fly back to Italy for the February 2013 general election on condition that they returned to stand trial by 22 March.

S Secretary of State John Kerry said he told Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki that Iranian flights carrying arms to Syria through Iraqi airspace were "problematic", during an unannounced visit to Iraq.

Kerry said that US lawmakers and the American people are watching what Iraq is doing and "wondering how it is a partner".

"Anything that supports President Assad is problematic," Kerry told reporters on Sunday. "I made it very clear to the prime minister that the overflights from Iran ... are in fact helping to sustain President Assad and his regime."

Kerry travelled from Jordan after accompanying President Barack Obama to Israel and the Palestinian

Authority.

Kerry has urged Iraqi officials to stop overflights of Iranian aircraft carrying military personnel and equipment to support the Syrian government as it battles rebels.

The overflights have been a source of contention between the US and Iraq and Kerry has told the Iraqis that letting them continue will threaten Iraq's stability, officials said.

A senior US official said the sheer number of overflights, which occur "close to daily", as well as overland shipments to Syria through Iraq from Iran, was inconsistent with claims they are only carrying humanitarian supplies.

The official said it was in Iraq's interest to prevent the situation in Syria from deteriorating further,

particularly as there are fears that al-Qaeda-linked groups may gain a foothold in the country.

Kerry's visit also addressed democratic reforms which are threatened by sectarian tensions.

Iraq's stability remains under threat largely due to rifts between the Shia-led government and Sunni politicians.

Sectarian differences have been growing wider even as the country marks the 10th anniversary of the US-led invasion, which ignited violence between Sunnis and Shia with the removal from power of Saddam Hussein, who was a Sunni.

The government has been at loggerheads with Vice-President Tareq al-Hashemi, a Sunni, whom it accuses of running death squads.

Kerry: arms flights to Syria 'problematic' U

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (M) with US Secretary of State John Kerry.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 35

Croatian modeler builds incredibly accurate replicas of industrial vehicles from thousands of matchsticks

By Spooky

2

0-year old DjordjeBalac spends weeks, sometimes months at a time working from sunrise to midnight creating realistic models of industrial vehicles like trucks, excavators and cranes exclusively from matchsticks and glue.

Djordje's passion for making wooden models dates back to general school. At first he cut all the necessary parts from pieces of wood, but soon he discovered matchsticks were a much better building material and, as he puts it. "the rest is history". He started using hundreds of boxes of matches to create small-size models of his favorite trucks and industrial equipment, and spent weeks trying to get all the details just right. As his skills improved, the young man from Gospic, Croatia, decided to take his matchstick art to the next level by making the wooden replicas operational. So in 2006, he started building larger matchstick models, concentrating not only on replicating every design feature, but also on functionality.

Despite working with a rigid material like matchsticks, he managed to make the arms of his excavator and crane models extend and turn like they do on real ones, and the cabins of his trucks detachable. After posting photos of his creations on forums and social media sites, DjordjeBalac got the recognition he deserved, and was even invited to display his models at fairs and exhibitions around his home country.

The first complex matchstick model Djordje built was the Russian truck

Crane from matchstick

GAZ 63 A. It took him six months to complete it and he spent 576 boxes of matches and 6 kilograms of glue. He has since then pieced together an impressive collection of

wooden industrial vehicles, but he is most proud of his Liebherr LTM 11200 - the world's largest crane. His replica is made from 175,518 matchsticks, 20 kg of glue and 8 kg of varnish.

It's also fully functional.

Balac told reporters he worked on it every day for three months straight, from eight in the morning until midnight. He often forgot to eat and only saw his friends if they came to visit him in his garage. The modeler admits it was a really strenuous time, but thinks it was all worth it in the end.

These days, the unemployed programmer is looking for work to finance his next project.

His Liebherr LTM 11200 model cost him a total of 8,000 kuna ($1,360), and while he'd love to build more matchstick wonders, he's low on funds. "I can not find a job," Djordje told 24Hours News. "I'd like to do something that has to do with matches. It would be nice if I could make a living doing what I love."

Pay loader

World's strongest coffee has 200 percent more caffeine than average roasts

I

f you feel regular coffee isn't strong enough to keep you awake and focused through the day, you might want to try a big cup of Death Wish. It's advertised as the world's strongest coffee and allegedly has 200% more caffeine that the average dark roast.

The name isn't too encouraging for the faint-of-heart, but if you're not too put off by it and the skulland-bones logo on the pack, Death Wish may just become the best friend you could hope for. Upstate New York roaster Death Wish Coffee claims they have found a highly caffeinated bean that gives coffee that full Arabica flavor and double the buzz. The creators of this powerful roast explain that while Arabica coffee is smoother and more flavorful than the harsher Robusta variety, it also has a much lower caffeine content. Also, dark roast coffee is weaker than a light roast, because the longer you "cook" it, the more caffeine is pulled out.

So while you're favorite cup of joe might be strong in flavor, it probably has a very low caffeine content. After 5 years of having to tell sleepy customers who asked for a cup of their strongest coffee that their strongest tasting roasts were actually very low in caffeine, the makers of Death Wish went on a mission to find a special kind of coffee bean that had the full flavor of dark-roasted Arabica and the highest caffeine content possible. It seems they were successful.

Without revealing too much about this special kind of coffee, and its processing, the Death Wish Coffee Companysays the organically-grown and fairlytraded coffee is roasted to a medium dark for a strong and robust flavor, and ground to the proper level for extreme potency.

They are so confident that Death Wish is the strongest coffee in the world that they promise to buy the

coffee back from you if you happen to find a stronger, more flavorful, organic coffee anywhere on the market. They also have 60-day 110% money back guarantee if you feel their roast isn't up to your standards.

"This is not your regular morning coffee. This is not your store bought coffee. You will not find this coffee at your local diner or at your sissy Starbucks. Death Wish Coffee is the most highly caffeinated premium dark roast organic coffee in the world. This is Extreme Coffee, not for the weak.

Consider yourself warned." If this official disclaimer doesn't scare you, be prepared to fork out $19.99 for a 1lb bag of Death Wish. It's definitely not the cheapest coffee you can buy, but it's nowhere near as pricey as the most expensive coffee in the world, which just happens to be made from elephant dung.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

The simple solution to screen fatigue

By Mark Prigg

R

esearchers have come up with a simple exercise they claim could stop computer users getting eye strain.

They say blinking 20 times in a row every 20 minutes should be combined with looking away from the screen

for 20 seconds and focusing on an object 20 feet away.

The '20-20-20-20' strategy has been designed as a solution to computer vision syndrome (CVS) which affects millions of workers and games addicts.

The strategy is simple.

Blinking 20 times in a row every 20 minutes should be combined with looking away

Experts say the advice could help those who suffer from eye strain after a day staring at a computer screen

from the screen for 20 seconds and focusing on an object 20 feet away.

Symptoms such as dry and tired eyes, headaches and sore necks and joints are usually temporary but for many can be a daily problem that leads them to seek medical help.

Those most at risk are anyone who spends three or more hours a day in front of a computer, but it can be painful and lead to many being prescribed glasses.

But although it may look a bit odd, a regular bout of blinking could help, said researcher Dr Edward Mendelson from the Southwestern Medical Centre at the University of Texas.

He said: 'Every 20 minutes the computer user should take a break for 20 seconds and look at objects that are 20 feet away.

'And give yourself 20 good blinks - blinking is nature's way of keeping the eyes moist and those blinks help to lubricate and refresh.'

Anyone who spends long periods in front of a screen is at risk but it is often worse for workers because of the sterile and unnatural conditions in

Scientists claim blinking 20 times in a row every 20 minutes should be combined with looking away from the screen for 20 seconds and focusing on an object 20 feet away modern office blocks.

Dr Mendelson added: 'Today's offices are commonly cool and dry, which is nice and comfortable, except for the eyes.'

Eye drops taken before work begins can help with dry

eyes but a break from a screen can also help with the other elements of CVS like neck, muscle and headaches from being sat in one position for too long, researchers say.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Don't start drinking for your health - Experts

By Kathryn Doyle

M

oderate drinking has been linked to several benefits, but it's too soon to pour a glass in pursuit of physical wellness.

That was the response of several doctors and alcohol researchers to an editorial based on a critical analysis of recent studies in the journal Addiction.

"People have several motives for drinking alcohol, but most evidence today indicates that health is not a valid argument," author Hans Olav Fekjaer, a psychiatrist in Oslo, Norway, told Reuters Health by email.

Many studies have found that people who have one or two drinks per day also have a lowered risk for more than 20 health problems, he wrote, including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and the common cold.

But that's not enough to recommend using alcohol to stave off those conditions, Fekjaer told Reuters Health.

For one thing, most of the evidence for benefits comes from observational studies, which find associations between lifestyle choices and health outcomes but don't prove that one causes the other, according to Dr. Richard Saitz, professor at Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health and editor of the journal Evidence-Based Medicine.

People who drink

moderately might live healthier lives in general, Saitz told Reuters Health.

"People who drink low risk amounts are much more likely to get mammograms and have their teeth checked by a dentist, to go see a physician for a physical, to exercise," Saitz said.

"We don't think that low amounts of alcohol cause people to go to the dentist," Saitz said.

"That's just an association."

The existing evidence might reassure those who already drink moderately that they may be getting some benefit and may not be doing much harm, Saitz said. But those who do not drink shouldn't pick up a bottle in pursuit of health.

Some people have already started, according to Dr. Sharonne Hayes of the Women's Heart Clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

"It tends to be little old ladies who have a heart attack and they read somewhere that alcohol is good and they start having a nightcap," Hayes told Reuters Health. "They hold their nose and drink it, an ounce of brandy before bedtime, they don't even like it."

"It's with great relief that I tell them they don't need to do that anymore," Hayes said.

While none advocated the medicinal use of alcohol, some experts believed Fekjaer was too selective in the examples he used.

"Don't throw the baby out

with the bathwater," said Dr. Barbara Turner of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and author of a review on the association between alcohol and cardiovascular health.

"Honestly right now I wouldn't run out and say that (drinking) is the same as taking Lipitor," a cholesterol drug prescribed to people at risk for

stroke or heart attack, but further study could solidify a causal relationship with heart disease and perhaps other conditions, Turner said.

"This is such a contentious issue, we do need to push for rigorous controlled trials," she said.

There are some risks from light drinking, like an increased risk of some cancers,

but that is also small, according to Fekjaer. "As I indicate in Addiction, I would not expect any health benefits from light or moderate drinking," Fekjaer said. "So weighing the risks of light drinking against benefits, I would say it is like weighing almost zero against zero!"

Source: Reuters.com

Lorry drivers who drink coffee 'cut their crash risk'

By Michelle Roberts

L

ong-distance lorry drivers who drink coffee have fewer road traffic accidents, research suggests.

Australian investigators say they found the link while comparing 530 heavy goods vehicle drivers who had recently been in a crash with 517 who had not.

Coffee and other beverages containing the stimulant caffeine cut crash risk, probably because

they boost alertness, the British Medical Journal reported.

Road safety experts stressed caffeine was no substitute for sleep.

In the study, more than a third said they drank caffeinated beverages and half of these said they did so in order to stay awake.

The drivers who consumed caffeine to keep them from nodding off behind the wheel were 63% less likely to crash than drivers who had no caffeine.

This was after adjusting for factors such as age, sleep patterns,

Four mugs or eight cups of coffee contain 400mg of caffeine which is the recommended adult daily limit

kilometres driven, breaks taken and night-driving schedules.

Nap advice If the driver had a poor track record of crashes in the past five years this had an impact on their likelihood of having another crash, raising their risk by 81%.

About 70% of the drivers in the study said they stopped for a nap when they were tired - something that road safety experts strongly recommend.

Lead researcher Lisa Sharwood and colleagues from the University of Sydney say while it is clear that tired drivers should be taking breaks, it still not clear what activities benefit them most during these breaks - napping or drinking coffee.

"The varying extent to which activities such as taking a nap, drinking a cup of coffee, or going for a short walk contribute to subsequent vigilance behind the wheel are not well understood and are therefore recommended for further study," they say.

UK road safety experts say the only real cure for fatigue is sleep.

Source: BBCNews.com

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

PAGE 37

Yes, we rig elections, so what – Akpabio T

he Akwa Ibom state governor, Godswill Akpabio has admitted rigging senatorial primary elections in his state, according to a Premium Times report yesterday.

The governor made the statements during the 'Good Governance Tour' visit, the report said.

Akpabio, who is at the centre of controversial gifts debate scandals involving state funds, has admitted on live television, to falsifying a senatorial election result and personally replacing the winner with his preferred candidate.

Mr. Akpabio spoke during the federal government's contentious "Good Governance Tour" in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Information Minister, Labaran Maku, led several government officials and journalists on the tour which many Nigerians have dismissed as a jamboree.

While addressing the visiting delegation on his government's achievements, Mr. Akpabio, seeking to impress his sense of evenhandedness on the audience, said he struck off the name of the winner of the Akwa Ibom north senatorial in his party's primaries, and replaced same with Aloysius Etok.

Mr. Etok went on to win the main elections, and is currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service matters.

Mr. Akpabio, who in the past, claimed elections in the state were amongst Nigeria's freest and fairest, laid bare in the speech to the federal delegation, captured on camera, how he deliberately masterminded a flawed process that produced Mr. Etok.

"The people of Ikono and Ini (Local Government Areas) from 1960 have never produced a Senator," the

governor narrated.

"I used my own hand to strike out the name of the person who has won before, and I said it is important for me to give that region a Senator in 2007, and I produced Senator Aloysius Etok for you; that's where he comes from," the governor said, before gesturing to Mr. Etok, who attended the session alongside his colleague in the Senate, Ita Enang, to "take a bow".

The disclosure jolted the audience and the governor's associates who exchanged awkward glances.

Several minutes later, an aide to the governor passed him (Mr. Akpabio) a note, apparently drawing Mr. Akpabio's attention to the

devastating consequences of his comments.

Mr. Akpabio gave the note some attention, before backtracking on his earlier comments.

"So I must say that I thank all of you, including the members of the national assembly; led by Senator Aloysius Etok. And when I said that I made Aloy(sius Etok) to become a senator in 2007, I need to explain it so that you don't think that I wrote his name and he became a senator," the governor said.

"During the primaries of PDP, we zoned the senate seat to his federal constituency.

And from the federal constituency, he made first in

the primaries. That happened in the PDP. So we said since he was the first among the people who came from his federal constituency for the primary, then he must be the one to become the senator."

Then after that, we "presented him before the general public in the election and he won. And in 2011, with my support, he had the highest number of votes by any senator in the entire national assembly."

Mr. Akpabio has been at the centre of the storm over his controversial use of state funds for donations and gifts to celebrities, journalists, party officials, and others.

(Premium Times)

Former Managing Director of Niger Delter Development Commision, Mr. Timi Alaibe (2nd left), addressing journalists shortly after casting his vote in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, during the local government elections, on Saturday in Bayelsa.

Photo: NAN

Ameke/Nwoye faceoff: Group says only S/Court

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

gainst the background of the current faceoff between Ikechukwu Ameke and Tony Nwoye over the genuine PDP candidate to represent Awka East and West Federal Constituency of Anambra state in the House of Representatives, a political

organisation, Aguleri Progressive Union (APU), over the weekend insisted that it is only Supreme Court can decide in the controversy.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the group, Nnamdi Okafor, the group argued that the matter is a pre-election issue and must only be determined by the

apex court.

He noted that the matter is still in court, wondering why the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Waziri Tambuwal, should be accused by Nwoye’s faction of paying salaries illegally to Ameke, pointing out that he is the rightful candidate elected to represent the

constituency.

He said the statement issued by Nwoye’s faction on the illegality of the salaries amounts to contempt of court because of the pendency of the matter. He further observed that the statement has assassinated the character of the Speaker, in addition to the members involved

Reps urged to investigate police officer for battering EFCC staff

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he House of Representatives has been urged to investigate the alleged unjustified battering and manhandling of one Effa Okim, a staff of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi state, ACP Stephen Esimaje.

In a petition to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions signed by the counsel to the victim, Max Ogar, he alleged that ACP Esimaje directed and supervised the rough handling of his client at the pool side in the premises of Adig Suites in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state on the 28th February.

Ogar explained that his client, while waiting for his checking-in processes in Adig Suites, decided to swim in their pool, adding that while in the pool swimming, some young men in mufti came and ordered him to come out of the pool and follow them.

According to him, his client refused since he did not know them, but when he finally came out of the pool and dressed up, he was dragged to where the ACP and his friends were drinking.

“The ACP then said to him, I am an Assistant Commissioner of Police, I sent for you. Why didn’t you come here”, the petition read, adding that at this point, the client introduced himself as an EFCC staff.

Ogar regretted that rather than being assuaged by this disclosure of identity by the EFCC staff, the ACP became more infuriated and said that there was no EFCC in Ebonyi state, and therefore ordered his boys numbering over ten to beat up his client, accusing him of being an impostor.

He said that for over 30 minutes, his client was rough handled at the instance of the ACP Esimaje, which landed him in the Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, with a battered and swollen face.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

PAGE 39

Accord Party raises alarm over politicization of Oyo teachers’

PDP accuses opposition of dividing Governors' Forum

From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

By Lawrence Olaoye

A

chieftain member of Accord party has raised alarm over the politicization of employment of teachers’ in Oyo state by the ACN led administration with the demand to show ACN membership card before employment.

“It is a must that would be teachers’ seeking employment in Oyo state must show ACN membership card, and a copy attached to the application.”

This disclosure was made by Honourable Bimbo Adepoju at the weekend while speaking at Accord Party’s stakeholders meeting in Ibarapa zone.

Also, he alleged the government had issued a directive to a section of the workforce compelling them to register as ACN card carrying members in the state.

According to him, “Oyo state government has directed the caretaker committee chairmen in all the 33 local governments to compel members O’Yes to register and obtain ACN membership cards as criteria to show/demonstrate their loyalty and for government to further guarantee their retainership in the scheme.

Citing a Supreme Court declaration of January 24, 2003 – in a lead judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, JSC, in a case involving INEC versus Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, Hon Adepoju clearly stated that the Supreme Court judgment allowed civil/public servants to belong to political party of their choice.

He wondered why Oyo state government would chose to flagrantly disrespect the rule of law and thus embark on forceful membership drive compelling civil/public servants to carry ACN membership before they are gainfully employed.

“All these have further confirmed the autocratic nature of Governor Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi to enforce his reign of terror on the people of Oyo state; a negation of the principle of the 1999 constitution which guarantees citizens freedom and rights of association” he said.

He however expressed dissatisfaction on the administration neglect on teachers’ welfare particularly the primary school teachers. “We observed that Ajimobi led administration has not done any promotion for the primary school teachers’ in the last two years.

Some primary school teachers have spent between 5 and 10 years on a grade.

Adepoju further took swipe on the governor’s administration for his failure to conduct the affairs of the state satisfactorily to warrant enlisting electorates support for second term in office, adding that “his government lacks human feelings, and therefore he should not be trusted with the peoples’ franchise.”

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the weekend accused the opposition of causing disunity in the PDP Governors' Forum.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, made the allegation in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja. He said that the party had uncovered a grand plot by the opposition to use the media to cause disunity in the PDP Governors' Forum.

He also alleged that the opposition had planned to discredit the Chairman of the Forum, Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, and to bring him to public disrepute. ``Our investigations revealed that the opposition, in their desperation to deceive Nigerians, has recruited political mercenaries who are heavily paid as hatchet men,'' Metuh said.

According to him, the men are to fabricate and plant

spurious and malicious reports in the media to stigmatise Akpabio and the PDP and taint them before Nigerians. ``These spin doctors have continued to portray Akpabio's genuine benevolence and kind heartedness in bad light. ``For the avoidance of doubt, all the governors of the PDP are united and there is no division in the PDP Governors' Forum,'' Metuh said.

He maintained that the leadership of the PDP completely identified with Akpabio and his landmark developmental projects, with which he has brought uncommon transformation to Akwa Ibom.

The PDP spokesman said that the landmark achievements of Akpabio stood out for all to see.

He added that his success in transforming Akwa Ibom from the obscure geographical area in the country and placing it on the world map was phenomenal and unprecedented. Metuh noted that Akpabio had been widely

acknowledged for delivering on his electoral promises with optimal transparency.

He stressed that his developmental stride had ``aroused deep jealousy in the masterminds of the orchestrated merger, whose governors have nothing to show. It is only a group with selfish interests like the opposition that will see anything wrong in Akpabio's continuous gesture in helping the less privileged and the needy,'' Metuh said.

He added that there was nothing wrong in Akpabio helping in mobilising PDP members who came for the party's South South zonal rally.

On reports that the governor spent N6 million to feed PDP members, he explained that the N1 million Akpabio donated to each of the six state chapters of the PDP in the South South zone was not for an individual.

Metuh said that the money was to provide welfare for over 500 delegates from each of the

chapters who travelled to Port Harcourt for the rally.

He further said that while Akpabio was using his resources for the benefit of the people, other Nigerians who had made themselves tin gods and emperors were busy appropriating state funds. ``Nigerians know those who are brazenly looting their state resources. They know those who are milking their citizens with high taxes and extorting money from local government councils,'' Metuh said.

He said that Nigerians could not be deceived by the posture of the opposition even with their much orchestrated merger.

This he said was evident in recent elections, the most recent being the FCT council polls where the PDP won five out of the six area councils in the FCT. ``The opposition should stop chasing shadow as it is clear that Nigerians have since found out that they have nothing to offer,'' Metuh said.

L-R: Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulAziz Abubakar Yari, and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during the opening ceremony of 27th National Qur'anic Recitation Competition, recently in Gusau, Zamfara state.

NBA Chairman kicks against Speech Immunity Bill

T

he Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Onyekachi Ubani, has told lawmakers to enact reformative laws and forget the Speech Immunity Bill now in the National Assembly.

Ubani made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos while reacting to the recent bill canvassing speech immunity for legislators.

He said that legislators should come up with bills that would impart positively on the nation.

The lawyer described the bill as unrealistic, stressing that its passage into law would open flood gates of corruption.

NAN reports that the House of Representatives on March 7, passed the bill, seeking immunity for legislators.

The bill is meant to ensure that lawmakers are not held liable or subjected to civil or criminal actions, based on either their utterances or decisions taken.

Ubani said that the immunity sought by the lawmakers had no legal basis,

adding that it was a ``comfort seeking'' bill. ``The lawmakers are seeking immunity from statements made during parliamentary proceedings and to my mind this is neither here nor there. ``Lawmakers should concentrate on making laws that will impart positively on Nigerians who are suffering daily under the yoke of economic hardship brought about by the pervasive corruption in the system. ``It is my submission that they should pay less attention to

their comfort as in this case and seek ways to enact laws that will effect positive changes in the country,'' Ubani stated.

A Lagos lawyer, Mr Yemi Candido-Johnson, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) described the development as a move calculated to ridicule the nation. ``There can be no support for this purported immunity bill whatsoever, it should not be allowed to come to light,'' he said.

Candido-Johnson, therefore, condemned the bill, adding that it had never been the history or practice of any civilised nation.

(NAN)

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

Tukur urges PDP member to prepare for “war ahead�

T

R-L: Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, and National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, during the North-West Special Zonal Executive Committee meeting, at the weekend, in Kaduna.

Jigawa Rep doles out N10m to poor constituents From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

A

member of the House of Representatives representing Gwaram Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Alhaji Yusuf Shitu Galambi, has distributed machines and commodities worth N10 Million naira to PDP supporters in his constituency.

Items distributed include 50 motorcycles, 50 grinding machines, 100 bags of flour and 100 each of sewing and sphargheti making machines.

Presenting the items, the state PDP chairman, Alhaji Salisu Mamuda, said the gesture was part of the members effort to empower the people in his state with items that would sustain their livelihood in complement with dividend of democracy by the PDP. Addressing the mammoth crowd, the house of representative member Alhaji Yusuf Shitu Galambi said he had earlier distributed 300 irrigation machines as means of reducing poverty among the people.

Also speaking, the PDP Zonal

chairman Alhaji Aminu Nuhu Jahun, commended the law maker for the gesture and urged other legislatures from the state to emulate him.

In his remarks, Chairman, Gwaram Local government council, Alhaji Bala Sule Kila said the local government has benefited from the federal, state and local government projects because of the presence of the law maker at the house of assembly.

Alhaji Bala Sule described Galambi as a pillar of support to not only the people from the area but across the state.

Al-Makura hails Alago for peace initiative

G

ov. Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa State on Saturday commended the Alago ethnic group for their peace initiative.

Al-makura specifically lauded the Alago efforts in ensuring peaceful coexistence between them and other tribes in the state ``I enjoin other ethnic groups to emulate the right path taken by the Alago people towards ensuring lasting peace and mutual understanding amongst the different ethnic, cultural and religious groups in the state," he said.

The governor made the commendation when a 23-member Alago Consultative Committee on Peace and Unity, constituted by the Alago Development Association, paid him a courtesy call in Lafia.

Extolling the good virtues of the Alago nation, Al-Makura expressed happiness over the initiatives aimed at promoting peace in the state.

He noted that the Alago were well known for their hospitality and industry.

The governor also commended them for not taking the law into their hands by launching reprisal attacks during the recent crisis that engulfed Nasarawa South senatorial zone.

Al-makura described the Alago as a cosmopolitan people, adding that anyone who did not recognise them in the state was bound to fail in achieving certain political goals.

He assured the committee of government support and stressed that peace was never achieved by force.

He said, ``if you use force to bring peace, you are bound to

fail.''

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Sen. Suleiman Adokwe, expressed the support of the people to the state administration in its efforts to ensure peace and unity to achieve economic transformation.

Adokwe (PDP-Nasarawa South) said that the committee would interface and consult with other ethnic nationalities to promote peaceful coexistence and unity in the state.

He said they were desirous of supporting the efforts of the government to restore lasting peace in the state. (NAN)

he National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has urged members of the party to prepare for the `big political war ahead of 2015 elections'' Tukur made the call in Kaduna on Saturday at the Northwest reconciliation meeting of the party.

The meeting, which held at Umaru Yar'Adua Indoor Sports Hall at the Murtala Square, was attended by Gov. Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State, Gov. Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, and Alhaji Usman Dankingari of Kebbi.

However, governors Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State and Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State were absent.

Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, and some other National Assembly members from the zone were absent.

On the occasion, Tukur said that ``because there is a heavy war ahead, a group has come up and wants to sweep the mat off our feet. ``We cannot allow that to happen. Because the PDP is the only party that is not religious, not sectional or tribal. We are one big party, and we intend, and we must remain so."

He said the national reconciliation tour initiated by the party had recorded successes in all the zones and advocated for attitudinal change among members to achieve it.

The chairman said the tour was aimed at reconciling party members and rebuilding the party based on equity and justice. ``I am here to tell all our supporters about the virtue of patience. Patience is such a priceless thing that the Hausa people say, 'a

NGO calls for law to provide succour for the aged

L

iber Unity Friendship Foundation (LUF foundation) ), an NGO, in Lagos called on government to enact a law that would provide succour for the aged.

Mr Kevin Lawrence, General Secretary, LUF Foundation, made the call at its quarterly meeting and a one-day free screening for the elderly in Lagos.

Lawrence said that many elderly people died due to lack of care and help from the government. ``The elderly people need to be taken care of. It is not only their

Chime wants Achebe's literary legacy sustained

G

ov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has called for the sustenance of the legacies of the late renowned author, Prof. Chinua Achebe, who died at 82.

This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Chukwudi Achife, in Enugu.

Chime described Achebe as a

renowned and celebrated literary icon whose works and efforts toward the advancement of the human race would continue to be acknowledged and respected.

The governor called on stakeholders, writers to advance his legacies, adding: ``Achebe's death is a huge loss to mankind, Nigeria, Africa and the world at

patient man can cook a stone and drink its sauce.' ``I want to plead with our members in this zone to imbibe this teaching.''

He, therefore, called on all aggrieved party members and defectors to return and promised that his leadership would resolve all differences among members.

The North-West Zonal Vice Chairman of the party, Malam Ibrahim Kazaure, stressed the need for the PDP to adopt new strategies that would strengthen its ranks for the benefit of the country.

Kazaure urged party members to pursue peace and unity in the nation to provide an environment for development.

Earlier, Vice- President Namadi Sambo had called on PDP members to shun all overtures by those who were bent on destroying the party through anti-party activities.

Sambo urged members to remain united and steadfast for the growth and strength of the party. ``We must shun all overtures by those who are bent on destroying the party through anti-party activities and be unified in our quest to strengthen a party that has made its mark and improved the lives and well-being of our citizens. ``We must be unified and steadfast for the growth and strength of our great party and in the interest of our dear citizens," Sambo said.

He also advised the opposition to join the PDP, stressing that the PDP remained the only party with a clear manifesto aimed at transforming the country positively. ``Let me use this medium to call on the opposition to join the People's Democratic Party as it is the only party with a clear conscience and manifesto aimed at transforming our dear country for good. (NAN)

large. `` Nigeria in particular will miss a great patriot, worthy ambassador and a role model for many generations,'' he said.

Chime extended his condolence to the President Goodluck Jonathan, the government and people of Anambra as well as the family of the deceased. (NAN)

immediate families that should care for them.

"Most of our elderly people die due to hardship, lack of care and accessibility to health care.

Government should be majorly responsible for these people who are at the twilight of their lives," he said.

Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Oriakhi, Chief Executive Officer, Healthy Living Communications, Lagos, said if there could be hope for the elderly in our society, it would play a vital role in reducing corruption. ``I think it will be a great thing if a 70-year old person can have access to free medical treatment, accommodation and even free transportation," Oriakhi said.

They also called on the Federal Government to take the care of the elderly serious since they now depend on their families and the society.

NAN reports that no fewer than 250 people benefitted from the free health screening that covers diabetes, high blood pressure, malaria, fasting, blood sugar, weight check and full cardiovascular examination. (NAN)

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 41

A loss would have been disastrous says Enyeama 9th Zenith

N

igeria stand-in skipper Vincent Enyeama has said it would have been a disaster had the Super Eagles lost at home to Kenya in a World Cup qualifier.

“I am happy we drew this match. Had we lost, it would have been a disaster,” said the Israel-based goalkeeper who deputised for Joseph Yobo who was not called up for this match.

We did not play like champions, we played as a team who want to qualify (for the World Cup).”

Enyeama would not discuss the Eagles chances against the Harambee Stars in the reverse fixture on June 5 in Nairobi. “I

cannot talk of the second leg now, it is three months away,” he insisted.

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi was devastated by the shock outcome of this Group F clash, like millions of other Nigerians.

He could not utter a word after the referee from Botswana Joshua Bondo blasted the final whistle.

The former Hawks of Togo handler was rooted to the substitute bench for several minutes after the game before he made his way to the dressing room.

‘Big Boss’, who was up on his

feet for almost the entire duration of this encounter, said he expected to win the match.

“This was not what I expected.

I expected to get the maximum three points. But it was better that it ended in a draw than if we had lost the game. The team will get better in subsequent matches,” he said.

His Kenya counterpart, Adel Amrouche, was sent off in the 84th minute for questioning a refereeing call, but the Algerian will live with this in his first game in charge of the Harambee Stars.

Super Eagles spokesman Ben Alaiya said the home draw was

a wake-up call for the team.

“What happened in the game was a wake-up call. The players now know they have to rededicate themselves and face reality,” he said.

“It was a difficult game, we are unlucky not to have scored more goals. The goals just refused to come. The players have seen it, perhaps they took them for granted.

“We have to go back to Kenya and beat them, show them why we are African champions. I agree that it was not a great performance from us, but we will get it right anywhere they take us to in Kenya.”

Super Eagles receive AFCON bonus, as Akpabio doles out N36.5m From Mike Etim, Uyo

T

he Super Eagles were yesterday paid a bonus of $25,000-a-man for beating Burkina Faso to win the AFCON in South Africa.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) could not come up with the cash to pay the team after they won the continental tournament on February 10 in Johannesburg courtesy of a Sunday Mba goal.

A source close to the Eagles confirmed to a wire service that the team have now been paid.

It was further gathered that this payment could well have been possible after the NFF received the payment of the cash prize of $1.5 million for winning the competition.

Meanwhile, twenty four hours after escaping a home defeat in the hands of the Harambees Stars of Kenya in a World Cup qualifier, the Super Eagles were splashed N36.5 million by the Akwa Ibom state governor Godswill Akpabio in Uyo.

At a ceremony at the Banquet Hall in Uyo, Akpabio who gave the details of the amount said the donation was in appreciation of the team’s outstanding success at the just concluded nations Cup in South Africa.

Of the amount, the governor gave each of the twenty three players the sum of one million naira each, the Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, two million naira, each of the three Assistant Coaches got one million naira each while seventeen back room staff received five hundred thousand naira each.

Besides the N1m to the captain of the team and goal keeper, Vincent Enyeama, an indigene of the state was also given a three bedroom flat in one of the state government’s owned estates.

Akpabio, who warned the players against complacency in future engagements, promised to work closely with the NFF in the areas the team will need assistance in the Confederation Cup scheduled to take place in

Brazil.

He said in spite of the fact that most of them were well off financially, there was need for them to be disciplined and show utmost respect to the Head coach, Stephen Keshi who had been a player at the level of captain for about 12 years.

Victor Moses

F

irst Bank women basketball club of Lagos yesterday in Abuja beat their Nigerian Immigration counterparts 84-17 to lead Group B table at the 9th Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League.

The match was both teams’ opening match on Day One of the nine-day competition holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Abuja National Stadium.

In the other Group B matches, Plateau Rocks walloped newcomers Benue Queens 62-49, while the IGP Queens beat fellow new entrants Oluyole Babes 55-45 in favour of IGP Queens.

Dolphins of Lagos had on Saturday defeated Delta Force 55-41 in another Group B match.

In Group A, newcomers GT2000 lead the pack after a 5836 defeat of fellow debutants Coal City Queens, with AHIP Queens of Kano second after defeating newcomers Taraba Hurricanes 33-13.

Sunshine Angels who beat FCT Angels 66-47 on Saturday trail them, while defending champions First Deepwater are in fourth place after a 62-43 win over Nigeria Customs.

The league kicked off on March 23 with 16 teams comprising of 10 regular teams and six new entrants.

The competition is presently in its first phase which will end on March 31, with the second and third phases coming up in Asaba, Delta and Lagos respectively later in the year.

AYC: NFF assures Flying Eagles will retain trophy Albert Akota from Algeria

T

Vincent Enyeama

The governor while praying for the team, urged them to always rely on God at all times and continue to be proud Nigerians by shunning the desire to use performance enhancing drug which will not only tarnish their career but the image of the country as well.

Basketball League: First Bank lead Group B

he Head of Nigeria delegations to the ongoing Africa Youth Championship (AYC) in Algeria Ahmed Fresh has assured that the Flying Eagles will bring back the trophy it won two years ago in South Africa.

Speaking following the team’s 3-1 win over DR Congo that handed them tyhe semi-finals ticket as well as a place in the FIFA U-20 World Championship in Turkey, he said the NFF has provided the needed logistics to

the team to excel.

According to Fresh, the players and the technical crew have distinguished themselves to the world that they are real Africa’s champion, adding that either Egypt or Ghana can’t stop the enterprising players from lifting the trophy.

“For what we have seen so far show that no teams in this competition can’t beat Nigeria, the boy is ever ready to win the trophy, we are happy with the quality of players the technical crew paraded in this competition.

“We are assuring Nigeria that we are coming back home with the trophy because Egypt or Ghana cannot stop us, thank to NFF for motivating the boys and the technical crew with all the due incentive at when due.

“Our target here at Oran, Algeria is to put smile on the faces of Nigerians. We want to assure Nigerians that the boys are in good shape, injury free, the technical crew are in good mood for the trophy,” Fresh said.

He urged Nigerians to be prayerful for the team so that they can bring back the trophy.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Ghana’s ‘King Kong’, Agbeko, wins IBO crown

F

Joseph Agbeko

ormer IBF bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko has won the IBO title by defeating Luis Melendez.

The Ghanaian claimed the vacant title by winning the 12-round fight in Accra on points: 119111, 117-111 and 117-113.

Agbeko took his professional record to 294, including 22 knockouts and Melendez, a Colombian, dropped to 349-1; 25.

In another notable fight at the weekend, former Cuban amateur star Odlanier Solis beat Leif Larsen on points in a tournament in Berlin.

Solis, an Olympic Games heavyweight goldmedal winner, brought Larsen’s undefeated record to an end by beating him

117-111, 116-112 and 115114. Solis improved his record to 19-1, with 12 knockouts and Larsen’s fell to 17-1; 14.

On the same bill, former WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev stopped Mike Sheppard in the first round to take his record to 31-21; 20. Sheppard, an American journeyman, dropped to 20-15-1; 9.

Junior welterweight Selcuk Aydin (24-2; 17) beat Giuseppe Lauri (5312; 3) on points to claim the interim PABA title.

Uensal Aril won the IBF intercontinental super middleweight title by stopping Francis Cheka in the seventh round, improving his record to 18-1; 18. Aril was knocked down in the fifth round but fought back well. Cheka

dropped to 27-6-1; 15.

OTHER RESULTS In Sinaloa, Mexico, Omar Chavez knocked out Pablo Vazquez after 63 seconds of the second round of a junior middleweight bout.

Chavez took his record to 29-2, with 22 knock-outs.

Vazquez, who went down three times before the bout was stopped, now stands at 22-5; 19.

Earlier lightweight Ricardo Dominguez (37-92; 22) won on points over ten rounds against Al Sabaupan (20-3-1; 15) if the Philippines.

In a junior middleweight contest Saul Roman (37-9; 30) stopped Jose (Pinzon 22-5; 14) in the ninth round.

Chicago: Former IBF welterweight champion Kermit Cintron and

Adrian Granados drew over ten rounds – 96-94 for Granados, 97-95 for Cintron and 95-95.

Centron’s record now stands at 33-5-2; 28 and Granados dropped to 11-22; 7.

In a middleweight bout, Don George (24-3-2; 21) and David Lopez (41-14; 23) drew over ten rounds: 97-94 for Lopez, 96-94 for George and 95-95.

T a c o m a , Washington: Welterweight Zahir Raheem (32-3; 19) stopped Santos Pakau (288-2; 11) in the second round after knocking him down three times.

Puerto Rico: Jonathan Gonzales stopped Koseph Rios in the third round of a super-flyweight bout.

Gonzalez is still undefeated at 12-0; 11 but Joseph Rios dropped to 13-8-2; 4.

Stieglitz beats Abraham; recaptures WBO title A

rthur Abraham’s attempts to retain the WBO Super-middle weight title went awry just after three rounds as he was knocked out by Robert Stieglitz on Saturday night.

Stieglitz was all over the champion from the opening bell forcing the champion to barrage of punches, but a clash of heads in the second round left Abraham’s left eye was badly swollen and he could not see.

Though Abraham was docked a point in the third of

the fight held in Magdeburg, Germany, for hitting behind the head, but it hardly mattered because his eye injury forced referee Mike Ortega to step in before the start of the fourth round.

Stieglitz, 31 years old, improved his record to 44-3, including 27 knockouts. The 33-year-old “King Arthur” dropped to 36-4, with 28 knockouts.

Abraham was making the second defence of the title after beating Stieglitz on points in August last year. He

retained the belt when he stopped Mehdi Bouada in the eighth round in December.

On the undercard, Robert Helenius beat veteran Michael Sprott in a heavyweight bout over ten rounds – 98-93, 9892 and 97-93. Helenius is undefeated after 19 fights, having won 11 inside the distance. Sprott now stands at 33-20, with 17 knockouts. Lukas Konecny won the vacant European middleweight title when he beat Karim Archour on a technical decision in the twelfth round.

Konecny was badly cut in a clash of heads and unable to continue but leading on all three cards at that stage.

The scores were 118-110 on two cards and 116-112.

The new champion improved his record to 49-4, including 23 knockouts. Achour’s dropped to 14-4-2; 3.

Edema canvasses for seasoned administrators for NPFL

E

Robert Stieglitz with the WBO Super-middle weight title

x-international Benson Edema has appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFA) to engage the right kind of individuals to run the affairs of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

He said that the NPFL was long overdue for a facelift that would make it at par with the European league scene and added that employing a rookie would only add to their problem.

Edema, who was a member of the Flying Eagles squad that represented the country at the Mexico ’83 FIFA Junior World Cup, added that the league could only regain its lost vibrancy if the right personnel were at the helm.

“Our current football league is no longer vibrant as it used to be in the past because of administration problems confronting it.

Football fans now prefer to watch European league matches on television, at the expense of our league.

“I am appealing to the NFF to involve technocrats in the decision making of the NPFL for it to regain it lost glory and for it to meet international standard,’’ Edema said.

Edema warned that the NPFL board should guard against taking decisions that could portray them in bad light and stressed that the NPFL should be transparent in all its dealings in order to attract

viable sponsors to partner with it.

“There are several irregularities, which the NPFL need to tackle frontally, to improve its reputation in the nation’s football circle.

“The NPFL should make sure that necessary steps are taken to reduce the volume of players, seeking to ply their trade elsewhere instead of playing locally,’’ he added.

Daniel Akpeyi, Heartland goalkeeper

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

Usain Bolt dusted over 400m

Back injury forces Venus out of Miami Masters

J

amaican sprint star Usain Bolt, testing himself again over 400 metres, clocked 46.44seconds on Saturday in a runner-up finish to Nicholas Maithland at the University of West Indies Invitational.

It was the third 400m of the young season for Bolt, better known as the back-to-back Olympic champion in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m.

Bolt, who also raced the 400m at the low-key Camperdown Classic and competed in the 4x400m relay at the Gibson Relays both in February started out well on Saturday.

He led into the straight, but faded as Maithland took charge in the closing stages to win in 45.79.

In another heat, double Olympic sprint silver medalist Yohan Blake was also beaten, clocking 46.33secs to take second behind Allodin Fothergill (46.24).

Blake, who is the reigning 100m world champion, said the run, his best over the distance, showed he is where he wants to be in the early stage of the season.

“I feel good to run my personal best over 400,” Blake said. “If the wind wasn’t that strong, I would have gotten a faster time. But I still have to give good thanks.

“I’m running some good times in the 400, so I’m right where I’m supposed be. I’m just going to go back to training and prepare for those meets,” said Blake, whose next outings are in Doha and Shanghai.

T

hree-time Miami champion Venus Williams withdrew from the WTA Masters Miami hardcourt tournament on Saturday with a lower back injury.

The US 19th seed was to have faced 16thseeded compatriot Sloane Stephens in a thirdround match at the $8.5 million event.

Williams had opened by defeating Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krum 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-4 but said she could not be sure if the tough match played a role in forcing her out of the tournament.

“Yesterday I was having some pain, and then just wanted to see how I felt in the warmup – just not able to play today,” Williams said.

“It’s really disappointing. This is just the kind of tournament you want to play well at.

“But I have faced disappointments in my life and my career. It’s not the first, probably not the last, just have to get through it and stay positive.”

In 2011, Williams was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause fatigue.

Williams is a seventime Grand Slam singles champion whose most recent major title came in 2008 at Wimbledon, where she is a five-time champion.

She hopes to play again next month in Charleston, South Carolina.

“I’ve dealt with injuries before in my whole career,” she said.

“I know how to hopefully recover quickly from them. I’m playing in Charleston, so that’s really still my goal, to get ready to play there.”

With the walkover, 20-year-old Stephens advanced to a matchup against defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska, who outlasted Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-3.

The Polish fourth seed has a chance to become the first repeat women’s winner at Miami since Serena Williams in 2007-2008.

Usain Bolt

Korir shocks Merga; wins World Cross Country J

aphet Korir shocked world champion Imane Merga yesterday to win the the World Cross-Country Championships while Emily Chebet claimed the women’s title to make a clean sweep for Kenya.

Korir, 19, struck early on the last lap to leave Ethiopia’s defending champion Merga in his wake and immediately set his sights on the August 10-18 World Athletics Championships in Moscow.

Korir, who was only sixth in the Kenyan trials, finished the gruelling, undulating 12km course around the snowy Myslecinek Park in 32min 45sec.

But Korir’s five teammates’ results were not great and the Kenyan team dropped out of the top two in team standings for the first time since 1984.

Merga claimed silver to lead Ethiopia to the top of the team standings, with the United States taking second place. Teklemariam Medhin of Eritrea took the race bronze.

Korir was later quoted to have said, “I came to Poland to fight for keeping the gold medal for Kenya and I managed to do that. Despite difficult conditions I managed to achieve this great success.

RESULTS MEN 1. Japhet Kipyegon Korir (Kenya) 32:45 2. Imane Merga (Ethiopia) 32:51 3. Teklemariam Medhin (Eritrea) 32:54 4. Moses Ndiema Kipsiro (Uganda) 33:08 5. Timothy Toroitich (Uganda) 33:09 6. Ben True (U.S.) 33:11 7. Goitom Kifle (Eritrea) 33:16 8. Collis Birmingham (Australia) 33:18 9. Feyisa Lilesa (Ethiopia) 33:22 10. Chris Derrick (U.S.) 33:23 Women 1. Emily Chebet (Kenya) 24:24 2. Hiwot Ayalew (Ethiopia) 24:27 3. Beleynesh Oljira (Ethiopia) 24:33 4. Shitaye Eshete (Bahrain) 24:34 5. Margaret Wangari Muriuki (Kenya) 24:39 6. Janeth Kisa (Kenya) 24:46 7. Viola Jelagat Kibiwot (Kenya) 24:46 8. Tejitu Daba (Bahrain) 24:55 9. Juliet Chekwel (Uganda) 24:58 10. Irene Cheptai (Kenya) 25:01.

“Not long ago I was promoted to Senior and this, being one of my first starts, makes this achievement ever more sweet.

“The conditions were very difficult. It needs to be mentioned that all the mud and cold weather didn’t make this run easier. Now my plan is to prepare for World Championships in Moscow,” he said.

In the women’s race, Kenya’s Chebet ran a superb tactical race after allowing Ethiopian favourite Hiwot Ayalew to set the pace.

Ayalew acclerated away in the second of the four laps but Chebet ate into her lead bit by bit before joining her on the final hill.

The Kenyan then sped away at the 200 metres mark to win the race, her second world

Japhet Kipyegon Korir

title after previously winning here in 2010.

Ayalew took silver while her compatriot Belaynesh Oljira finished third.

“I won here in Bydgoszcz again, but this time the course was much harder. This year not only the weather was demanding - snow and a lot of mud -but also many ups and downs we had to cope with.

“This fact makes me even more satisfied with my gold medal. When I come back to Kenya I am sure people will greet me very warmly,” she said.

In the junior races, Faith Kipyegon of Kenya defended her women’s title, but the men’s race went the way of Ethiopia, Hagos Gebrhiwet outsprinting Leonard Barsoton for the victory.

Emily Chebet

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 45

AYC: Ajagun grapbs ‘Man of the Match’ award

T

he Captain of the Flying Eagles, Abduljaleel Ajagun, was picked as man of the match, after the team’s 31 trouncing of DR Congo in the ongoing Youth Championship in Algeria.

The Flying Eagles Media Officer, Samm Audu, said in a statement in Abuja on Sunday that the Dolphin FC midfielder

had also picked man of the match award after their 1-0 victory against Gabon.

The statement added that Ajagun, who was joint top scorer in the qualifying rounds with four goals, had now scored twice in the ongoing championship.

It said that Aminu Umar of Wikki Tourists FC was picked as the Samsung Fair Play Award

winner against the backdrop of his brace against DR Congo on Saturday.

Umar bounced back in style after he struggled to find his feet in the opening game against Mali and was replaced by Edafe Egbedi.

Meanwhile, Olanrewaju Kayode scooped the Fair Play Award in the team’s opening group game against Mali.

Ghana’s Satellites meet Mali in AYC semis

Abduljaleel Ajagun

2014 World Cup Qualifier

Temile, Edema, others praise Eagles’ fighting spirit S

ome football stakeholders on Sunday in Lagos praised the Super Eagles for their resilient performance against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in a 2014 World Cup Qualifying match.

The Eagles had to force their East African opponents to a facesaving 1-1 draw after conceding a goal from a free-kick in the first half of the closely-fought encounter.

The stakeholders, who spoke to

the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews, commended the team for their fightback.

They however tasked Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles’ Head Coach, to work further on the team’s mental approach in order to ensure victory in the return leg game in Nairobi.

Ex-international Clement Temile told NAN he was impressed with the doggedness of the Eagles, as they played with all their strength until the final whistle.

Super Eagles vs Harambee Stars of Kenya

Temile, a former Green Eagles winger who featured in the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, added that the Eagles played like the champions that they are.

“But for the doggedness of the Eagles, Nigeria was on the verge of a disgrace. The Eagles have proved to the world that they are true African champions,’’ he said.

Benson Edema, also a former international, told NAN he was impressed by the fact that the Eagles’ spirit was not broken

after they conceded the goal.

Edema, who was a member of the Flying Eagles squad which represented Nigeria at the Mexico ’83 FIFA U-20 World Cup, urged the team to persist with their resolute team spirit.

“I am overwhelmed with the team spirit the Eagles adopted, because it really helped them to earn the draw,’’ he said.

Henry Nwosu a former Green Eagles attacking midfielder, praised Keshi for the team’s tactical approach to the match.

“Keshi’s bold initiative to blend domestic league players and their colleagues in Europe is eventually paying off,’’ he added.

Reacting to the match, Paul Hamilton, a former Super Eagles coach, told NAN the match was a good one, and urged Keshi to instil a fighting spirit in the team.

“I think Keshi has done a good job. He should continue to instill more determination in the Eagles for them to continue to exhibit team spirit in their subsequent matches,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Seyi Akinwunmi, Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, said he was proud of the Eagles for bringing their prowess to bear on the hard-fighting Kenyans.

He urged Nigerians to give their total support to the Eagles at all times, for the team to excel in the return leg in Kenya.

The draw took the Eagles to five points from a win and two draws in three matches, thus retaining leadership of Group F in the qualifiers.

Hamilton wants experienced local coach for Super Falcons

P

aul Hamilton, a former Super Falcon’s coach, has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to employ the service of an experienced male or female local coach to take charge of the Super Falcons.

He made the demand on Saturday in Lagos noting that the NFF should guard against the employment foreign coach to handle the women’s senior national team.

Immediate past Falcon’s coach, Kadiri Ikhana, resigned following the team’s dismal performance at last year’s African Women’s Championship in Equatorial Guinea.

The Falcons since inception of the championships could not make it to the medals table as they lost twice to South Africa and Cameroon in the semi-final and third place matches, respectively.

Hamilton said that there were lots of talented and experienced male and female coaches in Nigeria who could fill the vacuum of the team’s head coach.

“As for me, I will subscribe to an experience male or female local coach, who has flair for women football.

“Foreign coach should not be in the agenda of the NFF because we

have many coaches in Nigeria who are result-oriented and are capable of handling the Super Falcon’s,’’ he said.

Hamilton, who once coached the Super Eagles, appealed to the NFF to expedite action on the employment of the coach for the team to begin early preparations for their international engagements.

He said early resumption would afford the coach the opportunity to interact with the players and know areas to work on to bring out the best in them.

Hamilton also pleaded with the NFF to woo corporate organisations to sponsor Women’s Football League in the country, adding that the league lacked sponsorships.

He said corporate sponsorships would help enhance women football in the country by discovering potential who could graduate to the women’s national team.

“What we are experience in Women Football Leagues in the country right now is not good due to lack of sponsorships.

“When I see the zeal in these women players, I wonder where they get the strength from. I appeal to NFF to help woo sponsorship for the development of women league,’’ he said.

G

hana and Mali are set to renew their recently-formed rivalry, but this time at the youth level following their second and first positions in the respective groups in the African Youth Championships.

The two sides have been decent thus far, with Ghana finishing second in Group A. The Malians topped Group B despite suffering their first defeat of the tournament at the hands of eliminated Gabon on Saturday.

Erico says proposed N150, 000 is inadequate for NPFL players

J

oe Erico, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper Trainer, has said that the proposed N150, 000 minimum salary structure for footballers in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was inadequate.

Erico told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos that the initiative was a welcome development, but was a far cry from what players should earn.

It would be recalled that the Nduka Irabor-led League Interim Board had proposed a N150, 000 as minimum salary for players in the league, a proposal that is still being considered.

“The salary for players in the league ought to be more than the amount that is being proposed, the professional life span of a footballer is short and they need to be well paid.

“However, it is a good way to ensure that players’ are well taken care of in the league and hopefully, as time goes on, it will get improved,” he said.

The coach noted that most of the clubs in the league were largely owned by government, unlike what was obtainable in other climes where corporate bodies were fully involved.

“It is progress but if our league had the support of corporate bodies in terms of owning clubs, then things will likely shape up.

“That way, we will realise that football is a business venture, with the aim of making profit,’’ Erico added.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

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PAGE 43

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TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ELDER AKINYEMI DANIEL (BOT) 2. MR. AKINBULI TOLA ALEX. PRESIDENT 3. MR. ADEGBULUGBE ALEXANDER FEYISOLA -VICE-PRESIDENT 4. AYODEJI PIUS TEMIDAYO. - GENERAL SECRETARY 5. OMONIYI AKINPELU HENRY. - FIN. SEC 6. OGUNDIPE RASAQ ABIODUN. - TREASURER 7. OGUNKAYODE IRE-OLU. -P.R.O 8. OMOSEWENE STEPHEN OLAMIPOSI. - MEMBER 9. OGUNMAKIN ISREAL. - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS 2. TO ENCOURAGE INTERACTIONS AMONG MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSED REGISTRATION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAY OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED PRESIDENT

CHANGE OF NAME

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I, FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ALICE BAKO NOW WISH TO BE CALL AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. ALICE BALA SANDA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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KINGS COLLEGE LONDON, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NIGERIAN CHAPTER.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TANI SUNDAY OSAKEDE NOW WISH TO BE CALL AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. TANI ALLANANA OTAKI ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID, NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS (NSCDC) AND GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EMMANUEL AHMED NOW WISH TO BE CALL AND ADDRESSED AS SHEHU VICTOR AHMED ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID, AND GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION. UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS; TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST ALL OVER THE WORLD..

ANY OBJECTION TO THE AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED; BARR. AFIE OBARAKPOR 08035530546

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION WITH THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER “PART C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROF. MICHAEL IYIOLA JEGEDE (SAN).

2. PROF. EPHRAIM EFIONG OKON. 3. DR. OLUSEGUN AJAYI. 4. AIR. COM. DR. BASHIR ADAM YAKASAI. 5. DR, LUCY OPARA. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF KINGS COLLEGE LONDON AND ITS ALUMNI THROUGH IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF CURRICULAR AND PROGRAMMES. 2. TO ENHANCE AND MAINTAIN LINKS AMONG MEMBERS OF THE ALUMNI AND KINGS COLLEGE LONDON. ANY OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSED REGISTRATION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAY OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SHOROYE AND ASSOCIATES (SOLICITOR)

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THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR YOUNG ONWUDINANTI 2. EVANGELIST JOSEPHINE ONWUDINANTI 3. NNAMDI YOUNG ONWUDINANTI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2. TO PREACH CHRIST LOVE, FELLOWSHIP, RESPECT ,AND UNITY. 3. TO DELIVER THE OPPRESSED,HEAL THE SICK AND SET THE CAPTIVE FREE 4. TO ORGANIZE SEMINERS, CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS,FAITH CLINICS, TRAINING CENTERS AND SCHOOLS.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1 OF 1990.

CLASS OF 1985 COMMAND SECONDARY SCHOOL, IPAJA, LAGOS OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE TRUSTEES: 1. EVANG. SUNDAY AKINPELU (JP) - GENERAL SUPRINTENDENT. 2. LADY EVANG. RUTH OYEBOLA OYEWALE - GENERAL SECRETARY. 3. EVANG. JOHN OLUWADAMILARE FADIPE - MEMBER. 4. MR. ADEDOTUN OSHOLASHE - MEMBER. 5. PASTOR ISAIAH ADEWOLE AREMU - MEMBER. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CO-OPERATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES: 1. JACOB OCHUKO OKPERIN 2. VICTORIA FOLAYAN 3. WALE OYEDEJI 4. CHARITY NWAIMO 5. LAPE ODEH. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PROMOTE UNITY, PEACE, WELFARE AND BROTHER HOOD AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUJI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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SIGNED: SOLICITOR: YINKA FAROUNBI ESQ, YINKA OYENIYI FAROUNBI & CO., 114, IKORODU ROAD, FADEYI, LAGOS.

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, CAP 20 LFN 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NASIRU AMINU (CHAIRMAN) 2. SALLAU ADAMU MIJINYAWA (SECRETARY) 3. HABIB AHMAD PINDIGA 4. USMAN IDRIS 5. DAN’AZUMI AHMED AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE POVERTY ALLEVIATION SUPPORT TO THE NEEDY 2. TO OFFER SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS TO DESERVING STUDENTS 3. TO UNDERTAKE PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITIES 4. TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF CHARITY GIVING IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OF THIS FOUNDATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REV. DADI PONLOH JERRY -PRESIDENT/FOUNDER 2.PASTOR (MRS.) JOY JERRY -SECRETARY 3.BARR. NNADI SOLOMON KELECHI 4. SPENCER C. OKOLI 5.IBEH NGOZI 6.HON. BRAIN BINTIM DADI 7.ATUOKWU JERRY GIFT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH, PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS TO THE WHOLE WORLD UNTO SALVATION FOR ALL MEN. TO CREATE A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S WORD IN PEOPLES’ LIVES. TO TEACH MEMBERS TO LIVE BETTER CHRISTIAN LIVE IN ORDER TO FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSE FOR THEIR LIVES. ANY OBJECTIONS TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: PRECIOUS OREVA-OGHENE OKORO OPTIMA CHAMBERS, SUITE 210, HIS GLORY PLAZA, OFF ADETOKUNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT, WUSE 2, ABUJA. 08037159423, 08098150952.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1, OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.HRH. ALHAJI DR. MUHAMMADU KABIR MAIKARFI III (OON) 2.HON. SAFIYANU UBALE TAURA 3.PROF. SHUAIBU IBRAHIM 4.MR. TONY AGBOSO -CHAIRMAN 5.MR. BIODUN SAWYERR -SECRETARY 6.MR. IBRAHIM MUHAMMAD ABOKI -PRESIDENT THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: CITIZENS SENSITIZATION, ENLIGHTENMENT AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS ON CRIME PREVENTION ISSUES, CITIZEN’S DEVELOPMENT AND POSITIVE LIVING. TO CREATE ACCESSIBILITY OF SERVICES TO ASSIST VICTIMS OF CRIME AND UNCERTAINTIES.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEBAMIRO SUNDAY ADEMOLA 2.ADEBAMIRO OLUFUNLOLA 3.ADEBAMIRO EDWARD OWOLABI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE HEALTHY PARENTING AND FAMILY VALUES. 2.TO BUILDING HEALTHY MARRIAGES AND FAMILIES. 3.TO PROMOTE HEALTHY PARENTING AND FAMILY LIFESTYLES IN THIS CHANGING WORLD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. GILBERT ERHABOR 2. MR. FORTUNE EDOBOR MARTIN-ERHABOR 3. MRS. JANE IRIAGBONSE NZENWA 4. MR. OSAROBO OSAWARU 5. MRS. AUGUSTA ILEKEMRIWE IMAHIGBE 6. MRS. FANNY ERHABOR 7. PASTOR ANTHONY ARUEVBOSE ERHABOR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO GIVE SUCCOUR, HOPE AND FIRST AID ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS. 2. TO BE IN THE FORE-FRONT OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR SAFETY ON OUR HIGHWAYS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: BARR. ADEWALE FAJANA 08039523662

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EMMANUEL ISAIAH 2.ADENIJI OLAJIDE 3.PASTOR SAM OYE 4.EMMANUEL JULIET 5.BATURE CHRIS 6.SEUN BOLARINWA 7.ADEWALE FAJANA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO PROMOTE THE STUDY OF KINGDOM AND LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES. 2.TO PROMOTE THE TEACHING AND TRAINING OF LEADERS AND MINISTERS ON GOD’S KINGDOM, PRINCIPLES AND LEADERSHIP VALUES. 3.TO EMPOWER LEADERS, MINISTERS, CORPORATE ORGANISATION AND INDIVIDUALS FOR COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROJECT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. ADEWALE FAJANA 08039523662

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HEAVENLY GLORIOUS LIFE MISSION MINISTRY

GLIMSPE OF HOPE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

HOUSE TO HOUSE EDUCATIONAL MINITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROPH. ADAH CELESTINE 2. EVANG. PRINCE JOHN OGWUCHE SECRETARY 3. OKOH AGBO JEROME 4. AMEH CLEMENT INALEGWU 5. PASTOR OLA PRECIOUS AZEZ AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. USMAN AHMAD MODIBBO 2. JAMILA MODIBBO 3. ABDULHAMEED MODIBBO 4. MUHAMMED MODIBBO 5. SULEIMAN MODIBBO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROVIDE CHARITY FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE THE WELL BEING OF THE SOCIETY AT LARGE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KUNLE EHINLANWO CHAIRMAN 2. DR. ONOJA ONJE VICE CHAIRMAN 3. PRINCE HENRY OBOK PRESIDENT 4. HON. JERRY SHEYIN MEMBER 5. ALH. IDRIS TEDMAN OJUADE MEMBER 6. LADY STELLA OSUMBOR MEMBER 7. HAJIA FARIDAT YAKUBU MEMBER 8. ADAMS A. MONDAY MEMBER 9. DR. KAMANU ORJI SECRETARAY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TRANSFORMING THE MINDS OF NIGERIANS THROUGH ACCESS OF AVAILABLE INFORMATION. 2. SERVE NIGERIANS THROUGH MOBILIZATION AND PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT. 3. PARTNER WITH OTHER RELATED ORGANIZATION IN EDUCATING THE NIGERIAN POPULALE. 4. BUILD A RELIABLE AND FORMIDABLE VOLUNTEER NETWORK OF ENLIGHTENED NIGERIANS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: PRESIDENT

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: EVANG. PRINCE JOHN OGWUCHE SECRETARY

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HEALTHCARE SUPPORT IN NIGER DELTA COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF JOEL NATTHAN TUBONIMI 2. DR. GODSON OMUBODEDE 3. PRINCE EBITIMI AMGBARE 4. CHIEF ABEL EBIFEMOWEI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO SENSITISE AND ENLIGHTEN INDIGENS OF THE NIGER DELTA ON FOOD-RELATED DISEASES COMMON IN THE LOCALITY AND HOW TO AVOID AND CONTROL SAME ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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MICHAEL EBENIRO FOUNDATION

POWER OF GOD EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MAZI GODWIN AMAEFULE CHAIRMAN 2. MR NNAMDI EKE VICE CHAIRMAN 3. BARR. ISSAC ,IMO SECRETARY 4. MR NDUBUISI NDUKWE ALU 5. MR JOSEPH ASUQUO 6. MRS COMFORT AMAEFULE 7. MR CHUKS JIDEANI 8. MR DANIEL EBENIRO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO EDUCATE, WORK FOR EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AMONGST THE CITIZENRY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED OUTREACH HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EVANG. JACK IMINABO MATTEW 2. PASTOR MRS JACK SOIBIFA IMINABO 3. PASTOR EKUNDAYO JOSEPH OLANIYI 4. SIS. CHINONSO JAMES AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ALL OVER THE WORLD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: KEISEL LEGALE & CO

SIGNED: ISAAC IMO, ESQ 08068875363

SIGNED BARR. YETUNDE A. HEMBA

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DIVINE FLAME VICTORIOUS CHAPEL

CHRISTIAN UNITED FOR ISRAEL PRAYER OUTREACH

WHISTLE BLOWERS LEAGUE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. ISRAEL CHIKWENDU WOKOCHA - GENERAL OVERSEER 2. EVANG. FELIX BENJAMINE NWANDIKO 3. ELDER SAMSOM KUROGHOEKIGHA LUCKYN 4. DEACON CHUKWUDI ORDU 5. BISHOP DANIEL UWEM UMOH 6. PASTOR GIFT NWANKAEGO WOKOCHA 7. DEACON MATTHEW ONYINYECHI KANU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO EMBARK ON EVANGELISM MISSION AND PROGRAMMES THROUGHOUT NIGERIA AND IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD WITH VIEW TO WINNING SOUL FOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND PREPARING MEN AND WOMEN FOR THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD CHRIST. 3. TO ORGANIZE PRAYER MEETING, ESTABLISH PRAYER CAMP AND CONDUCT PRAYER SESSIONS ON ANY MATTER AT ANY PLACE AND FOR ADEQUATE PERIODS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED C.A.C AGIDI ESQ 08038720979

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED OUTREACH HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP DAVID BAKARE 2. REV. SAMSON OZOVEHE 3. BISHOP MICHAEL AKPAMI 4. DR. GODWIN AJAKPO 5. PROF. MICHEAL BABATUNDE AJAKAIYE 6. MRS MARGARET OSHO 7. DR. (MRS) DORCAS ADEWOYE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ORGANIZE PRAYER SESSIONS FOR PEACE AND UNITY IN ISRAEL. 2. TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY IN THE REGION OF ISRAEL. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED S.A AKANNI & CO SUITE 106, 1ST FLOOR COPPER HOUSE ZONE 5 WUSE ABUJA

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR GODDY IDAMINABO 2. MRS BOMA IDAMINABO 3. TONYE REX IDAMINABO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO TRAIN INDIVIDUALS ON FRAUD RELATED MATTERS ON FRAUD EDUCATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED SECRETARY

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

PAGE 47

CAF 2014 WC qualifiers

C

oach Herve Renard believes the Chipolopolo are still in the right path despite dropping two points to Lesotho.

“It’s not the end of the road, but I hope we won’t regret the two points dropped in this match when we come to the end of this qualification phase,” he said.

“It’s not a good result for

Renard remains upbeat despite draw us especially when we were leading and it was the end of the match. We go to seven points now and I hope we will not regret this result,” Renard said adding: “We are still on the road to Brazil and like I said, I hope we won’t regret the points we

Akwa Utd stun champions Pillars

A

kwa United beat Kano Pillars 1-0 at the Uyo Township Stadium yesterday to end the unbeaten run of the champions.

The first half ended goalless, but Ubong Ekpai broke the deadlock after the interval for his second goal of the campaign.

Akwa United coach Justin Tenger later praised God for propelling the team who have lacked motivation from the owners.

“Let me just say our performance in the league so far has been the lord’s doing. I don’t want to take the credit, but the fact remains that I have been doing a lot of psychological work on the boys to ensure they are at their best in every game,” he disclosed.

“It will get to a point that I won’t do the psychology thing again because I am in Akwa United to coach football, I’m not here as a psychologist.

He added: “They are not paying me and the players.

I have told them again that they should bring out money and pay. There is nowhere in the world that they play football for free.”

NPFL results Basyelsa Utd 2 Wikki 0 Akwa Utd 1 Pillars 0 3SC 3 Lobi Stars 1 ABS 1 Dolphins 0 Sunshine 3 Gombe Utd 2 Sharks 0 Kwara Utd 1 Heartland 4 Kaduna Utd 1 Enyimba 2 El Kanemi 0

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AFRICAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. TONYE REX IDAMINABO 2. UMEOHIA THANKGOD NNAEDU 3. DR. GODDY IDAMINABO 4. MRS BOMA IDAMINABO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.RECOGNISING INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR COMMUNITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE RV. FR. OBODODIKE MAXIMUM CHIJIOKE FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REV. FR. OBODODIKE MAXIMUM CHIJIOKE 2.REV. FR. DR. NWALI ABRAHAM 3.CHIEF AUSTIN IGWE EDEZE 4.RT. HON. BARR. AUGUSTINE NWANKWEGU 5.CHIEF FIDELIS N. NWANKWO 6.HON. ODEFA OBASI ODEFA 7.CHIEF OBODODIKE GREGORY 8.MR. FRANK CHINEDU EBOH 9.MRS. LILIAN OBIANUJU OKOYE 10.MRS. IBOKO VERA CHINWE 11.NWALI THEOPHILUS CHINEDU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO ENGAGE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF COMFORTING THE AFFLICTED BY POVERTY, FOR CHARITY, INCLUDING ACTIVITIES OF PROVIDING FOR THE WELFARE AND WELLBEING OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED; PROVIDE WHEEL CHAIRS FOR THE DEFORMED IN THE LIMBS; PROVIDE HEARING AID TO THOSE IMPAIRED IN HEARING, TO OFFER ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICAL GLASSES TO AID THE IMPAIRED IN VISION, AND PROVIDE MOBILE CLINIC WHERE THE NEED MIGHT ARISE. 2.TO CARRY ON WITHOUT PREJUDICE THE HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS OF RAISING FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE UP KEEP OF OLD PEOPLE SETTLED IN OLD PEOPLE’S HOME. 3.TO ENGAGE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF SPONSORING THE ACADEMIC PURSUIT OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED BUT INTELLIGENT CHILDREN THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP; SPONSORING SYMPOSIUM, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, ALL GEARED TOWARDS PROVIDING SUCCOUR FOR THE NEEDY. 4.TO PARTNER WITH WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO), EUROPEAN UNION (EU), UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID), UNESCO, CARTER FOUNDATION, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH, STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND OTHER ALLIED AGENCIES IN PROVIDING AND MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE POOR, SICK AND ELDERLY. 5.TO CARRY OUT EVANGELISM AND SOUL WINNING FOR CHRIST JESUS AND CARRY OUT OTHER NECESSARY ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES SUCH AS WILL HELP THE FOUNDATION TO FURTHER HER VISIONS, HER OBJECTIVES AND TO REALIZE THEM. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

dropped today.”

He said his squad should have been more efficient and tactically superior especially after the sending off of goalie Mweene.

“When Kennedy Mweene was given a red card, we changed the tactic to counter attack and that’s when we should have closed the game after scoring, but we were poor tactically,” The Fox, as the Zambia trainer is fondly called said.

He lamented the poor form of most of his big name

stars saying they were not playing to their full potential.

“One problem we have in the team is that so many players are not playing well and to their full potential.

Our players being at TP Mazembe has affected the national team,” Renard said.

With the draw at the Sesoto, Chipolopolo lead Group D with seven points while Ghana are second after beating Sudan yesterday.

The next round of

Black Stars celebrating after scoring yesterday

SECRETARY

NWALI THEOPHILUS CHINEDU

2014 WORLD CUP RESULTS Ghana 4 Sudan 0 DR Congo 0 Libya 0 Liberia 2 Uganda 0 Tanzania 3 Morocco 1 M’bique 0 Guinea 0 Rwanda 1 Mali 2 E/Quitorial 4 Cape Verde 3 Lesotho 1 Zambia 1

Ethiopia move two points clear of Bafana

E

thiopia stayed top of Group A in their Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifiers after collecting the three points off the visiting Botswana yesterday.

The Walias left it until late in the game to beat Botswana 1-0 in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia broke Botswana’s hearts in the 88th minute when striker Getaneh Kebede beat Kabelo Dambe to hand the hosts the three points.

Kebede had only been on the pitch for 42 minutes before his goal after replacing midfielder Adane Girma in the 46th minute.

Meanwhile, victory left Ethiopia still unbeaten in Group A from three games and to collect their second home win in the race to Brazil.

Ethiopia remains unbeaten in Group A on

seven points from three games, two more than Bafana Bafana.

Bafana Bafana are second on five points following their 2-0 win over Central Africa Republic just 24 hours earlier in Cape Town.

CAR are third on three points from as many games played.

Meanwhile, Botswana stay rooted at the bottom of Group A with one point from three matches ahead of the reverse fixture against Ethiopia on June 6 in Gaborone.

Victory in Botswana in June for Ethiopia will surely end The Zebra’s interest in the race to potentially turn Group A into a two horse race with Bafana Bafana ahead of their penultimate meeting on June 14 in Addis Ababa.

Black Stars maul Sudan in Accra

G

hana showed no mercy in its 2014 World Cup qualifier against Sudan, thrashing them 4-0 at Baba Yara Stadium yesterday.

Asamoah Gyan took his international tally to 32 goals, Majeed Waris scored his debut goal while Mubarak Wakaso continued his impressive goal-scoring with a cracker.

It was a performance that Waris will cherish for years after coming to the party in an impressive start against the Nile crocodile.

He could have grabbed his first international goal in the 6th minute but his shot was too feeble to trouble goalkeeper Elmoiz Mangoub.

But he made amends by heading home the third goal with ten minutes left and provided an assist for Emmanuel AgyemangBadu to complete the heavy win.

Gyan tucked in the first goal from five yards from John Boye’s header on the 19th minute mark.

The Al Ain attacker scored perhaps his easiest international goal after he tapped in from close range with goalkeeper Mangoub already beaten.

Sudan looked solid at the back with Mohammed Tahir Ramada and Amir Kamal providing cover for the often jittery defence.

Harrison Afful’s dashing cross found Wakaso who wasted no time in blasting home from the 18-yard box

PUBLIC NOTICE INITIATIVE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN NIGERIA THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. UCHE GEORGE NWABUKWU - CHAIRMAN 2. KENNETH OZOEMENAM 3. DAVID EDEDET 4. KEHINDE ODEKANYIN 5. PATRICK CHIEKWE 6. OGECHI OHADOMERE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROMOTE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED CHAIRMAN REV. FR. OBODODIKE MAXIMUS CHIJIOKE

qualifiers is in June. Zambia is at home on 1st June against Lesotho then hosts Sudan on the 8th. Sudan on the other hand host Ghana on 1st June with the Black Stars then traveling to Maseru for their match against Lesotho on the 9th June.

SIGNED BARR. NWAKOR-OLA OLUCHI

with a low grounder beating Mangoub for the second time.

Afful produced great footwork on the overlap and sent in an incisive cross which was met beautifully by the Espanyol midfielder with a low volley.

Sudan midfielder Alaedin Yusuf was shown the yellow card in the 42nd minute after a late, late challenge on the goal scorer.

Striker Mohammed Musa also came close to reducing the deficit but he sensationally blew away the chance with only goalkeeper Fatau Dauda to beat in the 48th minute.

The Ghanaians looked panicky with signs of uncoordinated passes creeping into their game as

coach Kwesi Appiah kept shaking his head in frustration.

Gyan failed to recover from what seemed like an innocuous challenge in 53rd minute and was replaced by Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu with petite Solomon Asante taken the place of not-too impressive Sulley Muntari.

Waris capped an incredible start for Ghana with fine header in the 80th minute and then provided an assist for Agyemang-Badu to complete the massacre.

The Black Stars have now enhanced their chances of qualifying to the final qualifying round after Zambia dropped points at Lesotho in a 0-0 draw on Sunday.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF THE APPROVED LETTER ISSUED BY MINISTRY OF LAND AND SURVEY, BAUCHI BELONGING TO HABIBU SALIHU OF MAKAMA FEDERAL LOW COST, BAUCHI. THE LETTER WAS DATED 8-4-2002 WITH REF. NO. BA/13507 MAKAMA PROJECT UNIT, BAUCHI. ALL EFFORT TO GET THE LETTER PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS AFUSAT ALABI NOW WISH TO BE RACHEAL ADENIRAN. ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

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MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Woods closes in on world number one spot at Bay Hill

T

iger Woods opened up a two-shot lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational as a third-round 66 put him on course to regain his world number one ranking.

The 37-year-old American will return to the top of the standings for the first time since October 2010 if he wins the event for an eighth time on Sunday.

England's Justin Rose slipped from the top of the leaderboard as he dropped three shots on his last nine holes. John Huh and Rickie Fowler share second with Rose on nine-under overall.

A bogey on the ninth was the only blemish to Fowler's impressive five-under 67 as he revived his claims to the title, after seemingly being out of contention after an opening round 73.

But Woods will be the centre of attention on the final day of action at Bay Hill as the 14-time major winner attempts to land a 99th professional win and overtake Rory McIlroy to extend his record total of 623 weeks as world number one in the process.

Woods slipped to a career-low ranking of 58 in November 2011 after his form dipped following injury and highly-publicised marriage problems.

He has looked somewhere back to his best in securing two victories - in the Farmers Insurance Open and World Golf Championships tournament at Doral - from four events this season.

Tiger Woods world ranking landmarks 24 Oct 2010: Start of 623rd and most recent week at world number one 31 Oct 2010: Drops to number two behind Lee Westwood 22 May 2011: Drops out of top 10 first time 6 Nov 2011: Hits career-low ranking of 58th 25 Mar 2012: Returns to top 10 with victory in last year's Arnold Palmer 3 June 2012: Returns to top five with win in the Memorial Tournament 2013: Closes gap on leader Rory McIlroy with early-season wins at Doral and Torrey Pines

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE Resolutions bordering on the breach of extant legislation should not be treated with levity as such tends to portray governmet in bad light. — Hon. Garba Datti on President Jonathan's failure to implement House resolution calling for removal of SEC DG, Arunma Oteh

One noose, many necks You may either win your peace or buy it - win it, by resistance to evil; buy it by compromise with evil — John Ruskin 1819 - 1900

F

or observers of developments in the North, the report of a confident Emir of Kano asking a Federal Government delegation on a sympathy visit to Kano to convey his advise to President Jonathan to implement the report and recommendations of the Northern Elders Forum on security, economy and related matters in the northern states will be a significant development. The delegation itself could not have missed a slight change in the body language of the Emir, something many prominent people who had visited to welcome him back from the United Kingdom where he travelled after the assassination attempt on his life would also have noticed. Suddenly the Emir of Kano is in full public glare, daily receiving very prominent politicians who demonstrate the highest forms of reverence to a man who was literally left for dead a few weeks ago by assassins on a street in his city.

Perhaps politicians and many leaders now recognize how close the nation came to losing a rare symbol of genuine authority and a cultural icon. Or perhaps they recognize that distances which grow daily between them and the sources and symbols of power in a community being torn to shreds will hurt them in the long run. In any case, prominent leaders such as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governors, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a Presidential delegation made up of ministers and many others have all visited and bowed in reverence, contrived or real, before a man who barely a year ago shed tears in public at the mayhem visited on the ancient city of Kano by insurgents of Jamaatu Ahlil Sunnal Lid'daati Wal Jihad (JASLIWAJ).

And it appears the Emir himself now recognizes that his recent personal experience is an opportunity to reassert the full weight of his symbolic authority.

Certainly, all these VIPs cannot line up to take full advantage of media coverage to visit the Emir without a strong political pull.

Most of them would have had to pass numerous military and police checkpoints, or actually hear of blasts even as they visit the elderly Emir. So they also realize that Kano is an active frontline in an escalating war that has taken many of the northern communities as hostages.

The reference to the report of the Northern Elders Forum which its Secretary, Professor Ango

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

Alhaji Ado Bayero Abdullahi says has been dumped

by President Jonathan could not have been made casually by the Emir. Few people can request Ministers to remind the President to take up suggestions and observations made by a valuable segment of the political stock of the North today. That report, presented to the president amidst full publicity by people who had stepped forward in advanced ages, partly to atone for past sins, and partly to fill yawning gaps in the leadership assets of the North, had raised hopes that the presidency will be open to high quality inputs from people it will be foolhardy to ignore.

Well, apparently, the President appears to have ignored them and their report. Eight months since a blind and bowing Dammasanin Kano led a delegation of distinguished northern elders, not a word has been heard from the Villa. The northern governors have not received the elders to discuss their report either. And the elders are very, very angry. The Emir told the Presidential delegation that the Elders had complained that their report has not been acted upon, and they have not been communicated with. When the Emir of Kano lends his voice to the demand for a consideration of the Elders' report which included, among others, a recommendation for a political, rather than a military solution to the insurgency destroying the North, the President can only ignore it at additional cost to his already poor standing and image in many parts of the North. Just about

everyone else, from the Sultan, the JNI, ACF, Borno Elders and professional groups have joined in making demands for amnesty.

The noose which is the insurgency is closing in on many necks. It is a dangerous contraption on the neck of President Jonathan who is increasingly being perceived by a widening circle of northern opinion leaders as hostile to the idea that a political solution (or, as is more widely mentioned, amnesty for the insurgents) will make a genuine difference in its terms of cessation of hostilities and long-term resolution. More and more people in authority in the North (and people like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu) are now insisting that only the grant of amnesty will begin to roll back the widening and deepening conflicts with the many-headed insurgency.

This noose is being made tighter by the absence of a consensus around the value and justice of amnesty; as well as the utility and possibility of a political settlement with a group or groups that fundamentally repudiate the legality of the Nigerian state.

Opinions which President Jonathan listens to also say amnesty will be worthless, and unjust to victims. It advises that the calls for amnesty from leaders and elders whose children kill them, their economy and society, as well as security agents of the state is an abdication of responsibility. It insists that elders or leaders must know who these killers are, and will, in the long run, either stand up to them or collaborate with the state to defeat them.

The noose is also around the neck of many northern elders.

Basically, as Muslims, they recognize that their faith is hostile to concepts such as amnesty, if it is defined as unconditional pardon for mass murder and other atrocities and crimes. Yet they are comfortable with the concept of general pardon for these crimes, in part because they think it worked in the Niger Delta; and in part because they have no means of standing up to the insurgency.

They are also worried that an intensification of this conflict and the possibility of its spreading will amount to a civil war in the north.

So any solution is better than one which simply creates more of the enemy.

The amnesty noose hangs dangerously around more and more people who ask for it. The people on whose behalf it is pleaded have escalated the conflict. Since the President's visit to Borno and Yobe State, the insurgency appears to be more active. Kano state in particular has witnessed one of the most violent series of attacks, with the motorpark bombing looking as if it was a plan to trigger antinorthern hostility in the south.

Clearly, the current strategy of the government is not working. So the demands to grant amnesty are becoming louder, possibly because they are the easiest or only option presently available.

The President should not just ignore demands for a political resolution of this conflict, and leaders in the community must go beyond the shrill calls for amnesty for people who appear bent on fighting the Nigerian state. The indignation of Northern leaders and elders in various form should be channeled into more productive avenues. The North Elders Forum is already involved in engineering a wider and more cohesive and inclusive platform which should, among others, raise the quality of northern political leadership. The engagement of this insurgency at the political level is vital to the resolution of the issues it claims to fight for. There must be the political will and courage to engage the insurgency at all levels. This will require a political leadership with support, clout and vision to engage the foundations of this conflict, and chart a course for reconciliation and rehabilitation. Northern opinion leaders should recognize the reality that many other Nigerians sympathize with their positions, but are not northerners.

They must build bridges to these important sympathies, and limit the damage from perceptions that this is basically a northern problem. On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that there are also very strong views and interests against political solutions which involve matters such as amnesty, or even measures which involve huge expenditure to reverse the economic decline of the North.

Amnesty for insurgents represents only one possible element in a political solution to this problem. A lot needs to be done to give the political solution a shape and substance; which is why we need to more beyond the singular issue of amnesty. The most urgent need for now is to improve the political resource of the north so that it can engage both the insurgency and a reluctant presidency. At this stage all leaders do is beg. This wont work.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 805 727 9862. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141