Peoples Daily Newspaper, Thursday, April 26, 2012

Sanusi denies plagiarism charges as Senate passes CBN Act

Vol. 8 No. 25

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Jimadal Akhir 5, 1433 AH

PAGE 19

N150

CSOs want Diezani Alison-Madueke sacked

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin & Lawrence Olaoye

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Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) yesterday called for the immediate sack and prosecution of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke over the scandalous acts of corruption documented in the report of the Farouk Lawan led Ad hoc Committee of the House of Representatives that investigated the nation’s subsidy regime.

The groups decried the alleged deliberate agreement amongst all of the regulatory agencies in the oil industry to keep no records and to distort all the processes aimed at controlling the fraud and manipulations in the fuel subsidy administration.

The executive arm of Government also received knocks for alleged blatant abuse of the 2011 Appropriation Bill leading to the fraudulent escalation of the approved budget for fuel subsidy in 2011 from N245.96 billion to N2.58 trillion.

The groups also decried the complicity of some petroleum marketers who collected subsidy Contd on Page 2

Reps spurn moves to get minister removed

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar (middle), commissioning five first class Emirs guest houses constructed by Jigawa state government, yesterday in Dutse the state capital. With hm are Jigawa state Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido (right), and Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi (right).

Copyright: Company demands N1.6bn damages from FCTA

By Josephine Ella

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n international media company, Living Eyes International Media

Limited, the publisher of “Welcome To Abuja” has accused the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of copyright infringement and is

demanding the sum of US$10 million (about N1.6 billion) as damages from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ministry.

In a petition dated 3rd April,

2012, addressed to the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed through its legal consultants, Chidel Onuora & Co, the media company accused the FCTA of

infringement on the copyright of its publication titled: “Welcome To Abuja.

According to the petition, Contd on Page 2

INSIDE

N9m high calibre explosive Subsidy: Reps exonerate NDLEA intercepts Inflation hits 12.1% materials abandoned Governor Dankwambo N640m heroin from Iran in March – NBS in Kano >> PAGE 3 >> PAGE 4 >> PAGE 5 >> PAGE 19 WWW.PEOPLESDAILY-ONLINE.COM

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-11

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

S/Report

24

Earth

26

Newsxtra

30

I’m a national figure, Tambuwal replies Osun PDP, Page 38

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

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

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

CSOs want Diezani Alison-Madueke sacked Multiple Contd from Page 1

of over N230.184 billion on PMS that were not supplied in the fuel subsidy scam.

They equally called on the National Assembly to pass a resolution adopting the report of the Ad Hoc committee on fuel subsidy and to ask the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC) to commence immediate prosecution of all the officials indicted in the report.

Speaking on the fuel subsidy scandal, Mr. Clement Nwankwo of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), noted that it was deeply worrisome that subsidy was removed by 50 percent from 2011 and N1.258 trillion spent, but that despite the reduction in subsidy, which ought to translate to a reduction of about 50 percent in the amount to be spent on subsidy, the figure has been on the increase.

The rights activist noted that the “mindless corruption” answers the question of insecurity occasioned by Boko Haram, including the epileptic power supply situation in the country.

“A thief is no better if he comes from my village, it does not matter where the President comes from, what is more important to Nigerians is that our economy is being poorly managed. Public officials found culpable in this fraud, should be sacked and prosecuted”, he stated.

He further pointed out that the National Assembly should go beyond their recommendation and bring all the officials indicted in the fuel subsidy scam to account and to also ensure the refund of all misappropriated funds to the treasury.

On his part, Mr. Eze Onyekpere of the Centre for Social Justice posited that there must be a way to guarantee non-repetition of the violent violation of our laws as seen in the fuel subsidy administration.

According to Eze, “those who have abused their offices should leave their duty post so that others who are interested in the progress of this nation to mount the saddle”.

Other members of the rights groups at the forum include Dan Nengel of the Community Life Project, Collins Okeke of the Human Rights Law Service, Dauda Garuba of the Revenue Watch Institute, Emmanuel Onwubiko of the Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) as well as Mkpume Daniel of the Youth Action Initiative Africa.

Meanwhile, efforts to make the House of Representatives recommend the sack of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Dieziani Allison-Madueke, over her roles in the subsidy scam was yesterday spurned as a motion seeking for her prosecution was overruled.

No sooner had the House reconvened for the continuation of the debate on the report on the oil subsidy scam than Rep Robinson Uwak (PDP, Akwa Ibom) moved to be recognised, based on his privileges as a lawmaker.

Uwak thereafter told his colleagues how he has been inundated with calls from his constituents over the House's failure to indict Mrs. Madueke in the light of the revelations from the probe. This was greeted by a

deafening applause from a section of the House.

At this point, Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, who presided over the session, invited Uwak and conversed with him in hushed tones. But Uwak returned to his seat to intensify calls for Deiziani's removal.

However, the Deputy Speaker ordered him to sit down.

Deputy House Leader Hon. Leo Ogor took the floor, citing breach of House Rules. He held that it was wrong for Uwak to introduce a matter which the House had not begun debate on. Consequently, Ihedioha cut Uwak off and resumed debate on the report.

Shortly after, another member Rep Benjamin Aboho moved to make the House amend a clause to include indicting the Petroleum Minister. Again, the Deputy Speaker overruled him.

Addressing news men shortly after, Uwak said he had no regrets raising the defeated motion on the floor. He said he was not unaware of the interplay of interests, but that "I raised the motion to save the integrity of the House."

House spokesman Hon. Zakari Mohammed in a media briefing after the House session dismissed speculations that the House leadership was shielding the Petroleum Minister.

"Our decision not to mention names should not be misconstrued as shielding the minister. If you study the report, you will notice that we deliberately refrained from mentioning names because we all know the persons who occupied what office at any stated time," he said.

explosions rock Kano

From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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ultiple explosions again rocked the city of Kano yesterday. A bomb exploded around the Bukavu army barracks, followed another explosion in Rijiyar Zaki area of the metropolis.

The Joint Military (JTF) spokesperson in Kano, Lieutenant Ikedichi Iweha, confirmed the blast but said the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded near the Dantata Shopping Complex Building in Kano and that there was no casualty.

“It was just a minor explosion near our barracks at the Dantata Shopping Complex, no one was hurt and we are on top of the situation as I speak with you.”

Iweha said the bomb was planted in a gutter near the mammy market of Bukavu Barracks.

Our correspondent gathered that there was another explosion in Rijiyar Zaki area of the Kano metropolis where some bomb making substances were abandoned earlier.

But Iweha denied knowledge of such blast, saying he was not aware and could only confirm the one near Bukavu Barracks.

It would be recalled that last weekend a soldier from Bukavu Barracks was trailed to Sharada and shot dead by unknown gunmen.

Copyright: Company demands N1.6bn damages from FCTA Contd from Page 1 Living Eyes International Media Company is the publisher of “Welcome To Abuja” under the assigned International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) 21419035 by the National Library of Nigeria for its exclusive use which the FCTA allegedly infringed upon.

It stated that the media company wrote a letter to the FCTA through its consultant/ agent, Goshen Technique Limited, and proposed and offered opportunity under a contract to endorse its publication “Welcome To Abuja” leaving adverts and commercial rights to it.

That the initiative of the Living Eyes International Media Coy listed the benefits of the publication to the Minister and subsequently, it was invited to meetings where its management discussed with a number of the officers of the ministry including the permanent secretary.

The petition further reads in part that “after the company had waited for several months without any response from the

ministry, it again forwarded to the office of the minister of the FCTA another proposal dated 10th October 2011 and Senior Special Adviser to the minister, Jamilah Tangaza wrote to welcome the idea in a letter dated 25th October, 2011.

“To the embarrassment of the Media Coy, office of the Minister of State went ahead to publish a similar magazine with the same title “Welcome To Abuja” killing the prospects of the commercial viability of its publication,” a copy of the petition which was made available to Peoples Daily said.

In an apparent volte-face, obviously upon discovery of the infringement of the copyright and unlawful conduct of passing of its name “Welcome To Abuja” the Director, Economic Planning, Research and Statistics, V.D Unoarumi wrote to decline the proposed contractual arrangement on the pretended ignorance of its unlawful conduct.

“Living Eyes International Media Limited considered the

option of bringing this breach to the attention of the president as it contradicts his admonishment on the need for the Nigeria youth to creatively provide employment for themselves and others. This the FCT ministry conduct has done to deliberately kill its business initiative and its creative genius by passing off its goodwill.”

“The media outfit is therefore demanding US$10m from the Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed and all those involved to be paid through its lawyer within 14 days or risk the embarrassment and cost which litigation will occasion to bring an action in the event that it failed while considering the criminal liabilities of your sand conduct,” the petition further said.

Reacting to the allegation, however, the FCTA Deputy Director of Information, who also doubles as the Editor of all inhouse publications of the FCT, Mr. Ezeako Odi, denied receiving any proposal from a media company, regarding a contract

deal on the publication, saying the legal Secretariat of the FCT has taken up the matter.

Odi, who spoke to our reporter yesterday, said that the magazine in question, which made its debut August last year, is one of the magazines presently being published by his office to market the FCT administration, saying, “we tell the story of the FCT that no other media organisation will tell”.

He said: “I am not aware of the proposal they are talking about. It was not minuted to me.

I just saw it today among the petition letters sent to me by their lawyer. This is the office that publishes all FCT publication titles such as FEEDS, Residents Digest, ‘Welcome To Abuja’. This office collaborates with other arms of the FCT administration to produce these publications”.

He said if any such proposal was received by the FCT administration as the company claimed, it would ordinarily have been forwarded to his office which is in charge of publications of the FCT.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 3

FG approves N100bn for construction of gas pipelines

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

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he Federal Government has approved two contracts worth about N100 billion for the construction of gas pipelines as a major step towards tackling the epileptic power supply in the country.

The first contract was awarded to Nestoil Company in the sum of N19,250,001,456.24 while the second was awarded to Oil Serve Limited in the sum of N29,520,429,031.33.

Addressing State House correspondents after yesterday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the Minister of

Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, alongside the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar said inadequate gas supply to power plants, especially the Independent Power Plants, was responsible for the current challenges faced in the area of power supply in the country.

"Council therefore approved the construction of strategic gas supply pipelines in Obiafu/ Obrikum in Rivers state and Oben in Edo state to two companies with a duration of 24 months. Upon completion, the pipelines would facilitate gas supply to power plants, especially the ones located in the

South and thereby improve power supply", he said.

Council also approved the award of a contract for consultancy services for the development of a 25-year national ports masterplan for the Ministry of Transport and the Nigerian Ports Authority.

According to Umar, the development of the masterplan was important to the enhancement of NPA’s ability to provide satisfactory services in furtherance of its efforts to cope with the emerging international trends and the effects of globalisation on the maritime industry.

PDP backs NASS on fight against corruption

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, threw its weight behind the National Assembly in its resolve to expose corruption in government agencies through probes of their activities.

The party in a press statement made available to newsmen and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, read in part “In line with the resolve of the Dr. Bamanga Turkur led National Working Committee that the new leadership of our great Party, PDP shall be in the fore front of the battle against corruption and in view of the principled stand and deep commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan on the matter, the National Working Committee

(NWC), hereby restates unflinching support for every step so far taken by government to stamp out corruption.

“In this vein, the National Working Committee identifies with the various probes by the National Assembly in exercise of its legislative oversight functions.

“Specifically, the National Working Committee welcomes the probe by the House of Representatives into the management of the petroleum subsidy. While the NWC awaits the consummation of all due processes in line with fair hearing to ensure that only the guilty suffers, the PDP will continue to encourage the National Assembly to take necessary measures that will help stamp out corruption.”

High calibre explosive materials abandoned in Kano From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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Three bags of high calibre explosives material found, yesterday in Rijiyar Zaki area of Kano metropolis.

Photo: Edwin Olofu

hree bags of white powdery substance suspected to bomb making material abandoned in a bizarre circumstance have been discovered by operatives of the Kano state police command.

The Commissioner of Police, Kano state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris made this known yesterday while briefing newsmen in the Bompai headquarters of the command.

The discovery came barely 24 hours after the JTF uncovered a bomb-making factory in the Haye Hotoro Arewa surburb of Kano.

Idris said they were alerted by some good Samaritans after three bags of the highly explosive substances were abandoned by the roadside at Rijiyar Zaki quarters of the Kano metropolis for two days.

He said he immediately deployed the men of the AntiBomb squad of the Command to the scene adding that after thorough assessment of the substance, it was discovered to be highly explosive materials used for making high military hardware.

The police chief believed that such explosive material were often used by terrorists in the manufacture of the Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs).

Idris gave the names of the chemical substances in the white powdery materials discovered in the bags as Tetro Nitro Toluent (TNT) and Pentin (PETN).

“On the 25th April, 2012 at about 0900hrs, based on a tip off detectives from the Kano state Police Command uncovered three bags of T.N.T and PETN at Rijiyar Zaki Quarters Kano. The items which are highly explosives are said to be valued at N3 million each per bag.

The area was thoroughly combed with a view to make an arrest, investigations has commenced”, he stated.

Bauchi refutes reports on inadequate corps members From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

Subsidy probe: Jonathan B vows to deal with culprits

By Richard Ihediwa

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said no person found culpable in the on-going subsidy probe will be spared, no matter how highly placed.

Jonathan, who spoke though his Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi also dispelled speculations that the Presidency was moving to spare some government officials already indicted by the Farouk Lawan led House of Representatives committee that probed the abuses in the subsidy scheme.

Those indicted by House

Committee included the Minister of Petroleum, Diezani AlisonMadueke, former Chairman of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) Ahmadu Ali, and former Accountant General of the Federation and current Gombe state Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo among others including some oil marketing companies.

Briefing newsmen at the National Assembly yesterday, Emodi said President Jonathan welcome the probe by the House of Representatives adding that he was poised to sanitise the oil sector and to ensure transparency and

probity in the industry.

“There are no moves to influence the outcome of the probe.

The President welcome the probe and I can assure you that no one found guilty will be spared. The President is poised to sanitise the sector and will not spare anybody found culpable”, she said.

Stating that the probe by the House of Representatives was in line with Federal Government anti-graft war in the petroleum industry, Emodi said it was wrong for some quarters to claim that there was uneasiness in the administration over the recommendations of the Farouk Lawan committee.

According to Emodi, sharp practices in the oil sector were part of the reasons President Jonathan moved against fuel subsidy in the first place and directed that the rot in the scheme should be investigated.

Emodi said the President had also ordered a more comprehensive industry wide investigation now headed by the erstwhile Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Presidential Candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, a move she described as clear manifestation of Jonathan’s determination to stamp out corruption in the sector.

auchi state government has described as baseless and unfounded, reports that the dearth of Corps members has negatively affected service delivery to the people of the state.

A press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ishola Michael Adeyemi in Bauchi ,while reacting to a news report in the African Independent Television(AIT) last Monday, described it as “biased, malicious and an effort to dwarf the developmental efforts of the Isa Yuguda led administration.”

“Our administration though enjoys and appreciates the services of Corps members posted to the state as is the case in other states of the country, does not solely depend on such services which is but for a period of time”, It said.

The government stated that the required number of teachers at all levels have been employed while those who have deficiencies were encouraged to go to the NTI, Kaduna to rectify such to enable them render effective and efficient services.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 4

Katsina records first rain From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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he Katsina state capital, yesterday witnessed its first rainfall for this year.

The rainfall which started around 5:15 p.m lasted for about 20 minutes.

With the rain, relief has come the way of residents of the state capital who have been battling with excessive heat for the past few weeks.

Elated children were seen by our correspondent wondering in the rain and celebrating its arrival.

Similarly, with the arrival of the rainy season, the residents also now have to contend with another enemy which is the mosquito that were denied breeding by the excessive heat.

Atuche: EFCC investigation questionable, says defence lawyer From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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nthony Idigbe, defence lawyer in the on-going trial of troubled managing director of Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, yesterday told Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of an Ikeja High Court, that investigations carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accused Atuche of stealing and fraudulently converting shares are questionable.

While cross-examining the anti-graft agency’s female detective, Miss Nam Kappa, Idigbe (SAN) told the court that the alleged unauthorised sales of Afribank shares owned by Caverton Helicopters by Bank PHB was ‘a transaction on a nonrecourse basis.’

Kappa had earlier told the court that EFCC investigation was based on petitions written to the commission by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and management of Caverton Helicopters bordering on alleged misuse of a margin loan facilities amounting to N60 billion.

The female detective said the Caverton petition was just a part of the issues being investigated by the EFCC against the bank.

But during the crossexamination, yesterday, Idigbe asked whether EFCC actually studied the title of the shares sold as well as the terms of offer before it arrived on the conclusion that the shares were sold without authority.

The SAN added that in spite of strict regulations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), banks also engaged in other transactions under Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which he said enabled them to give out loans under special arrangement.

Banker wife’s murder: Suspect exhibited violent traits, witness tells court From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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ounger sister to late Mrs. Titilayo Arowolo, the lady banker allegedly killed by her unemployed husband, Akolade Arowolo, Folake Oyakhire, yesterday told Justice Lateefa Okunnu of a Lagos High court, Ikeja that her sister’s husband had previously demonstrated violent traits.

Folake made this declaration while giving evidence in the murder charge brought against Akolade Arowolo for allegedly stabbing his wife, Titilayo to death on June, 24, 2011, at their residence located at 8, Akindehinde Street, Isolo.

The witness, who was led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan, told the court that prior to the incident that led to her death, her late sister was wounded in the face by her husband.

Folake who said she was reasonably close to her late sister, notwithstanding that she schooled

in Abuja, also told the court that she knew she was having problems with her husband and that there had been prior incidents of violence unleashed on her by the husband.

Folake said: “My sister, Titilayo had invited me over to her family friend’s house, where she was visiting with her husband.

“When I got there and I saw her that day, every part of her face was swollen and her eyes were bloodshot.

“She told me she got the injury when she and Akolade went out the night before.

“She told me that on their way back, the defendant had kept raining blows on her in the face despite that she was carrying her by in her arms.”

Oyahire, who is currently a student in the Nigerian Law School, Abuja also reiterated what the deceased step-mother, Adetoun and her sister, Aidehi had earlier stated in their testimonies before the court at previous sittings.

Responding to the questions of the DPP, Folake said that on June 24, Aidehi received a call from their father who was away in Kano that Titilayo had sounded

apprehensive and panicky and that they should go and visit her.

She said that they could not go that day because it was raining heavily.

She said that herself and her and her other sister, Aidehi started calling both her Starcomms and MTN numbers.

“At first someone picked the Starcomms but did not say anything, it became silent on the other end.

“Eventually, her husband picked the call and when I asked about Titilayo, he told me they had some minor issues but they had resolved.

18 months after, coroner indicts police, driver over accident From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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he Ikeja District Coroner of a Lagos High Court, yesterday indicted the Nigerian Police and the driver of the truck involved in the auto crash accident in Lagos in which more than 15 people were burnt to death.

This indictment is coming after 18 months of inquiry into the auto crash.

The Coroner, Magistrate Tajudeen Elias while reading the outcome of the inquiry yesterday, attributed the cause of the accident to the road block mounted by the police at the foot of the Otedola bridge along LagosIbadan expressway.

Magistrate Elias explained that the road block led to the long queue of vehicles which caused the accident.

The Magistrate stated that police checkpoints or road blocks which lead to stoppage of vehicles or traffic on the highways should henceforth be stopped,adding that police officers need to be trained regularly through seminars to curb this tendency.

Elias said that road signs and speed limits should be put on this stretch of road and other roads within the country while drivers should also be educated on road signs.

The coroner also blamed the driver of the Dangote Sugar refinery, whose truck was involved in the accident for not taken proper caution and rammed into other vehicles, which led to the multiple accidents.

L-R: Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Bukar Tijani, Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafiya, Minister of State for Health Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Director-General, Due Process Office, Chief Emeka Eze, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, at the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Subsidy: Reps clear Dankwambo, blacklist 3 audit firms

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he House of Representatives currently considering the reports of the report of its adhoc committee that investigated the rot the nation’s subsidy regime has exonerated the former Accountant General of the Federation and the current governor of Gombe state, Ibrahim Dankwabo, of any culpability in the scam.

This is coming on the heels of the affirmation of the recommendation that the services of the three private accounting firms handling the accounts, Akintola Williams, Deloitte and Olusola Adekanola and Partners be discontinued for professional incompetence.

While equally approving the blacklisting of the accounting firms for the next three years, the lawmakers recommended that they be prosecuted for their negligence in the handling the nations’ oil subsidy accounts.

Considering clause 47 of the recommendation that mandated that the payment of N999 million in 128 times with 24 hours (12and 13 January, 2009) by the Office of the Accountant General be further investigated, the House after listening to three different

letters on the issue from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and Dankwabo resolved to investigate only the PPPRA. While Rep Abike Dabiri-Erewa moved that the former Accountant General be outrightly indicted for the approval of the withdrawal of over N127 billion from the government coffers with 24 hours, others argued that it would offend the principle of fair hearing since the Gombe governor was not invited to appear before the committee to give his own side of the story.

The Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Rep Farouk Lawan thereafter read the letter addressed to his committee by the CBN explaining that the withdrawal was sanctioned by the PPPRA and as such would not be necessary to involve the former Accountant General (Dankwambo).

The clause was thereafter amended to read “That the payment of N999,000,000 in 28 times within 24 hrs (12 and 13 January, 2009) by the PPPRA be further investigated by the relevant Anti-Corruption Agency.”

In a letter addressed to the Committee chairman, Dankwabo

explained the process of payment of the subsidy to the PPPRA even as he clarified OAGF is never involved in disbursement of funds to the beneficiaries of the subsidy claims.

He stated “I wish to state in very clear terms that the OAGF does not have the power to make payments on its own. The OAGF only releases funds to Minitries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) after due authorization by the Hon Minister of Finance.

“Payments to beneficiaries and all necessary documentations in relation to such payments is entirely the responsibility of the MDAs. More so, the OAGF is not involved in the management of the funds of the MDAs and therefore does not authorize payments to individuals dealing with the MDAs. The PPPRA is no exception.”

He told the committee that the OAGF was not in any position to know those who benefitted from the N999 million paid 28 times.

“Thus, if N999 million was paid to fuel subsidy beneficiaries in 128 times within 24 hours, totaling N127.8 billion, it is undoubtedly made by the PPPRA, which is a selfaccounting agency,” he stated.

He however concluded that the matter would not have arisen if he had been invited to give clarifications on the matter.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Absence of prosecution witness stalls el-Rufai’s trial

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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earing in the trial of former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Nasir el-Rufai before an Abuja High Court sitting before Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar was yesterday stalled by the absence of the prosecution witness.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the prosecution informed the Court that the witness, Inspector Sunday Idowu, a former operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was indisposed.

The prosecution tendered before the court medical records to show that Inspector Sunday Idowu was sick.

The trial judge, Justice Umar then asked the prosecution to make its witnesses available on May 23, 2012, being the next adjourned date.

It would be recalled that the witness, in his earlier submissions, told the court how the former FCT minister and two of his officials unilaterally revoked plots of land and re-allocated same to themselves, their relatives and their companies.

Inspector Idowu gave the court detailed steps taken by his investigative team in unravelling facts behind the accusations against the accused persons.

“We interacted with interested parties, notably AGIS, Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) among others who gave us insights into what actually happened”, adding that the investigative team identified an official memo written by a senior official of FCDA advising against the irregular conversion of the plots.

PAGE 5

NDLEA sniffer dogs intercept N640m heroin from Iran From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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erman trained sniffer dogs used by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), recorded a major feat at the premises of the National Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) shed located at the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos when they detected 16 kilogrammes of high grade heroin purportedly imported from Iran.

Detectives from the antinarcotic agency had placed the consignment on surveillance following the alert by the sniffer dogs as the banned substance was abandoned by a suspected drug syndicate.

The agency said the brownish substance, industrially packed in white transparent polythene and hidden inside metal pipes entered Nigeria as cargo on a KLM flight from the Republic of Iran.

The estimated N640 million

worth of drug on the international market which was allegedly addressed to one Mr. Nnaemeka Chinedu Joseph of 64, Ladipo industrial part of Mushin in Lagos marked 0747419547 on the cargo Air Waybill was forcefully opened when the animals alerted the officers.

Lagos airport commander of the NDLEA, Hamza Umar, told journalists that “the consignment was at the NAHCO shed upon arrival from Iran. Based on

4 policemen, others killed in Kogi robbery attack From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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L-R: Yobe state Governor, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam, with Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, during the IG’s visit to the governor at Government House, yesterday in Damaturu, Yobe state.

Court dismisses Ugbah’s appeal against Suswam From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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he Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi yesterday dismissed the appeal of Professor Steven Ugbah of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, challenging the decision of the election petition tribunal that declined jurisdiction to entertain his case against Governor Gabriel Suswam.

In his judgement, Justice Menson Dombang held that the 180 days time frame allocated to hear and determine an election petition had elapsed in line with the Electoral Act 2010.

Justice Dombang also maintained that the order made by the Supreme Court after the expiration of 180 days was an order made in vain as the petition was

no longer alive at the time of the order.

She contended that the appeal was misconceived and upheld the preliminary objections made by lawyers to Governor Suswam on the matter, insisting that the appeal was a mere academic exercise.

Justice Dombang therefore upheld the decision of the tribunal in declining jurisdiction to

Rainstorm wreaks havoc, destroys INEC office in Ilorin From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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suspicion we placed it under observation. However, when nobody came forward to take delivery of the consignment, we first brought in the sniffer dogs to examine it. The dogs alerted that the thick metal pipes are positive for narcotics. This was what emboldened us to conduct extensive examination openly witnessed by customs, police and other security officials. They were all amazed at the clever way the drug was concealed”

he second major rain recorded in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital this year has rendered thousands of residents homeless while roofs of official and residential houses within the Ilorin metropolis were removed by the downpour which lasted for more than four hours.

The rain which initially started at about 5:30 pm was accompanied by heavy winds which persisted till midnight with a thunder

storm.

Our correspondent gathered that roofs of some residential and official buildings of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along Yebumot Hotel area were totally blown off while part of the Resident Electoral Commissioner’s (REC) office and fence were pulled down.

Other areas affected by the rainstorm include the state government Mandate Housing Estate, Adewole, Royal Valley Estate, Kulende, Harmony Estate, Akerebita and Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, Oloje.

continue hearing the case and consequently dismissed the appeal.

Counsel to Governor Suswam, Chief E. K. Ashieka as well as PDP lawyer, Mr. C. A. Gbihe, described the judgment as 'sound' while counsel to Prof.

Ugbah, Barr. Simon Orkumah, said his client would appeal against the judgment at the Supreme Court.

o fewer than eight persons were allegedly killed yesterday in Ankpa when armed robbers attacked the First Bank branch located on Murtala Mohammed Way in the city.

The robbers, numbering about 15, sources said, came in a Hilux van and two jeeps into the ancient city, headquarters of Ankpa local government about 11.30 am yesterday and started shooting sporadically.

In the melee, a bank staff was killed followed by a stampede which caused the sustenance of varying degrees of injury by some women in the major market about 200 metres to the bank.

On their way out of the town through Ankpa-Otukpo-Makurdi road, 4 policemen on routine patrol were taken unawares and killed at point blank range, sources said.

The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), ASP Ajayi Okasanmi said the police have contacted their counterpart in Benue state to be on the watch out for the bandits.

It would be recalled that on Saturday in the same local government area, armed robbers snatched a Catholic clergy's car but some of the robbers were caught in Benue state.

Against the backdrop of incessant inter-state banditry across Kogi, Benue Anambara and Enugu states, the border communities on these routes have called for joint patrol of soldiers and the police to curb wastage of lives on these roads.

FCT minister has power to make regulations on vehicle parking, says court

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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n Abuja High Court yesterday held that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is empowered to make regulations that would regulate parking of vehicles within the Abuja Municipality.

The court also held that, “The FCT Minister and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have the power to enforce or designate or appoint any officer, person or authority to enforce the provisions of the regulations within the FCT by issuing or causing the issuance of parking violation

notice on any offender and charging against such offender appropriate sum and or clamping the offender’s vehicle until he complies”.

An Abuja based lawyer, Aduloju Bamikole Martins had sued the FCT Minister, FCTA and the Integrated Parking Services Limited over the new road traffic regulation in Abuja which empowers the Integrated Parking Services Limited, (3rd defendants) to issue parking violation notice, parking violation charge and to also clamp down vehicles of offenders.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Kaduna to host NAF Expo 2012 From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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uthorities at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have disclosed that Kaduna state will host the second edition of the "AirExpo 2012" beginning from May 15th which Air Force chiefs from West African countries and Air Force equipment manufacturers are expected to attend.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Mohammed Umar, who disclosed this yesterday in Kaduna, noted that his counterpart from India, Air Chief Marshal Norman Kumar Browne, will deliver the keynote lecture at the five-day programme.

Umar who spoke when he paid a courtesy visit on the Kaduna state Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, described Kaduna as the premier base of the NAF. According to him, "Kaduna remains the premier base of the Nigerian Air Force as it has played host to the Nigerian Air Force since its formation in

1964.

"I am happy to announce that the Nigerian Air Force will play host to the entire world as we showcase our capabilities and display what we have and what we can do.

All the chiefs of Air Forces of all West African countries have confirmed that they are coming, companies that deal in Air Force equipment and related manufacturers will also be displaying their hardware and services manufactured by big and upcoming ones including Nigerian companies".

"The Indian Chief of Air Staff will deliver a lecture titled: "Air Force and Nation Building."This is in line with the transformation agenda of President Jonathan Goodluck.

According to him, Nigerian Air Force would display her planes and other arsenals to the public as well as aerobic displays, and displaying of "our flying skills to show the public what Nigerian pilots and aircrafts can do.

Nigeria’s problems are transitional, say Gov. Aliyu From Iliya Garba, Minna

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he governor of Niger state, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, has said that Nigeria's full development objectives may not be realised unless it opens up and create an outstanding environment where others can come in and assist through partnership or direct business.

Receiving a delegation of members of the British parliament who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Minna, Governor Aliyu noted that, as

the eyes of black Africa, Nigeria needs to do more to encourage other countries by providing the leeway in which people can come and do business, make money and enhance the community and environment.

He expressed concern over the conventional image of Nigeria held by some nonNigerians, blamed the situation on lack of adequate knowledge dispassionate and understanding of events that are happening in the country.

According to him, there are many people out there who the only thing they remember about

Nigeria is Boko Haram and bomb blasts stressing that although the country cannot deny having security challenges, most parts of it are peaceful.

He stated that most of the challenges the country is facing are political and transitional.

Governor Aliyu emphasised that leaders must also wake up to their responsibilities and ensure that confidence in governance is restored as that was the surest way to mitigate the extreme poverty that make some people to be easily recruited as terrorists and assassins.

I resigned from Yuguda’s govt, says Gabam

By Umar Mohammed

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ormer Chief of Staff to Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam has denied an allegation that he was sacked for incompetency as "baseless and misleading".

Gabam who spoke to our reporter yesterday in Abuja, described the writer allegation against him, which was contained in an advertorial, as a "destitute who is looking for rehabilitation and ignorant of what actually transpired between me and Yuguda.

"When did Yuguda discover that I'm incompetent? Was it before or after the 2007 elections, or during my tenure as a chief of staff?, he queried, saying that "I personally resigned on my own and the copy of my resignation was published in newspapers.

"I resigned after discovering that he (Yuguda) is incompetent to lead the state and from all indications I'm now vindicated going by what is happening to the state under his leadership", he stressed.

Gabam who decried as "unfortunate" Yuguda's failure to address the fundamental issues

raised in Nasir el-Rufai's widely publicised column titled 'Bauchi's Hopeless Budget', advised his accuser to counsel his boss on how to leave legacies after office, and stop chasing shadows.

He said while el-Rufai is competent enough to join issues with Yuguda if he chooses to, "I decided to speak because in the Bauchi government's rejoinder, I was accused involvement in a conspiracy and attempt culpable murder, which is aim at tarnishing his image. Presenting the police report on the allege conspiracy and murder, that from the forgoing fact and findings, the investigation did not established a case of conspiracy and attempted homicide.

"The truth, which anyone can check with the police is that I was accused baselessly through a conspiracy and the fact showed there was no direct or circumstantial evidence linking Shehu Gabam to the allegedoffence, and that the evidence is based mainly on hearsay, the investigation after it was concluded revealed that so far there is no political motive or leadership tussle between the mentioned ex. Gen and Shehu Gabam", he concluded.

Jonathan in Cote d’ Ivoire, Chad

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

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resident Goodluck Jonathan will today attend an Extra-Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire to discuss the current situation in Mali and Guinea-Bissau.

A Final Communiqué is expected at the end of the one-day

meeting after which President Jonathan will return to Abuja.

Next Monday, President Jonathan will also attend the 14th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission in N'Djamena, Republic of Chad to discuss the situation of the Lake.

The President is expected to return to Abuja same day after the adoption of a Final Communiqué by the Commission.

R-L: Nasarawa state governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-makura, Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Sarki Nuhu, and Senior Special Adviser to Governor on Special Duties, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir, during the governor official visit to Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, at the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Mark returns hale and hearty after rumoured death

By Richard Ihediwa

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resident of the Senate, Senator David Mark, yesterday arrived to rapturous welcome in Abuja from Tel Aviv, Israel where he underwent a medical treatment.

He was received on arrival at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike

Ekweremadu, Ministers of Interior, Abba Moro, Water Resources, Serah Ochekpe and Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom.

Others were, Senators Smart Adeyemi, Ahmed Lawan, Suleiman Adoke, Abatemi Usman, Joshua Dariye, Tunde Ogbeha as well as members of House of Representatives, Samson Okwu, Salem Hassan, Ezekiel Adaji and Adamu Entonu and Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshe Ram among others.

Mark thanked President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerians especially members of the National Assembly for their prayers, solidarity and support. He said he was impressed and overwhelmed by the concern shown by his colleagues during his absence.

It would be recalled that the Senate Presidents associates had on Tuesday denied information making the rounds in the country that Mark had died, denouncing such as mischievous and politically motivated.

Zamfara govt lauds primary school verification exercise

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overnor Abdulazeez Abubakar Yari of Zamfara state has described the verification exercise undertaken by the committee for verification on primary schools as a great success toward saving Zamfara from becoming backward in education.

He commended the efforts of Zamfara state Universal Education Board for doing a fantastic work for

setting up the committee to revive primary education in Zamfara state through verification and assessment.

He made the commendation while receiving the committee of verification and assessment of primary education who visited him in the office. He said, commitment shown by the board assisted tremendously to expose the kind of problems affecting development of

our primary education that are the bedrock of children's education. He stated that, his main challenge is to effectively ensure the implementation of all recommendation.

He called on all the citizen of the state to cooperate and give all their attention toward saving the future of the state by ensuring provision of qualitative education to all.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

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District Head of Jalo-Waziri District, Alhaji Bappa Ibrahim-Mohammed (right), supervising the clearing of drainage in Gombe metropolis by members of the national association of tippers and quarry owners, individuals and sugar cane sellers, yesterday in Gombe. Photo: NAN

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A vehicle wading through the flood at Eric Moore after the early morning rain, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN L-R: First Lady, Mrs Patience Goodluck Jonathan, in a handshake with UNAIDS Executive Director, Dr. Michel Sidibe, during the latters advocacy visit on HIV to the first lady, at the state house, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

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2

L-R: Vice Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Oyo state chapter, Comrade Ayobami Ajayi, Acting Secretary, Prince Edema Olorunwa, and ex-officio member, Mr. Modupeoluwa Akinola, during a news conference on 2012 may day celebration, yesterday in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Kwara AD faults govt’s free education From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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L-R: Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical of West Africa, Dr. Lekan Asuni, President, Paediatrics Association of Nigeria, Dr. Dorathy Esangbedo, President, Council of Medical Directors, Dr. Charles Cudjoe, and Director, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Professor Abdulsalam Nasidi, during a stakeholders meeting on introduction of pentavalent vaccine, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa From Nankpah Bwakan,Jos.

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bomb blast on Tuesday evening, killed one person and injured at least eight people in a viewing center during the Chelsea- Barcelona match at Tundun Wada Motor Park in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state.

The suicide bombers could not get to the target as the object detonated just very close to the target.

Peoples Daily gathered that one of the viewers died while eight others are currently on admission in nearby hospitals due to different degrees of injury.

1 killed, 8 injured as football viewers escape blast in Jos An eyewitness told our correspondent that the blast which occurred at about 8:42 pm was targeted at the viewing centre but it detonated before the bombers got to the viewing centre though many people were injured.

In the same vein, unknown gunmen killed five people in Gwarim village in Rim District of Riyom LGA. People’s Daily investigation reveals the names of the decease

persons as Dinnatu Danbwarang 48, Simi Joseph 26, Rose Dalyop 25, Jafates Samuel 4, and Christiana and Samuel 7 years were killed at about 8:47pm.

Two teenagers inflicted with machete cuts are also currently on admission at Vom Christian Hospital.

It could be recalled that the Area Council has been under series of attacks recently with over ten families wiped out in the last few months.

However, The Police Public

CBN, Jigawa hold workshop on N85bn agric loan From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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he Jigawa state government in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigeria Incentive Base Risk Loan have organised a workshop and enlightenment campaign to pave ways for farmers to access fund from the N85billion earmarked for agricultural loan.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after closing the workshop which was held at Manpower Development Center Dutse, the

permanent secretary state ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Muhammad Idris Danzomo stated that the state government is out to join hands with collaborators who have expressed intention or initiated any programme that would support farmers to enhance agricultural activities in the state.

He explained that, the one day workshop which was participated by commercial banks operating in the state, state technical committee members, commercial and small

scale farmers, processors and marketers in agricultural sector was jointly organised to bring out the role of all the participating bodies on how to increase agricultural loan portfolio at commercial banks while making it accessible to the farmers.

He further stated that the state ministry of agriculture through its agencies would continue with the enlightenment campaign to ensure farmers and other targeted beneficiaries in the state enjoyed the loan to the maximum level.

Former Norwegian PM to chair Africa CEO conference on CSR From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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he annual Africa CEO Roundtable and Conference on Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (AR-CSR) schedule to take place in Nigeria has selected former Norwegian only female and two times Prime Minister Dr. Gro Brundtland as keynote speaker for the two days event to make case for responsible public/ private synergy for sustainable development.

Dr. Brundtland will use the platform to discuss issues of

Sustainable Corporate and Economic Development, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as the enhancement of a public-private synergy for the attainment of a credible business environment in Africa.

Convener of the two days conference scheduled to hold inside the Tinapa Business Resort of Calabar and Lead Consultant/ CEO of ThistlePraxis, Mr. Ini Onuk said it aims at comparing notes, learning new trends and providing support for organizations and practitioners

alike on the constantly changing direction of businesses across the world.

Onuk said the program, scheduled to hold between June 28 and 29 this year would bring leaders from variety of sectors far and wide the continent to share their expertise and experiences on an array of Business and Development topics.

Graham Sinclair, President, Africa Sustainable Investment Forum and Principal, Sinclair Consult, South Africa will also lead discussions at the CEO Round-table.

Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Samuel Dabai confirmed that five persons were killed and number of people wounded. He said efforts are being made to put an end to this spate of violence and arrest the invaders.

Faskari LG holds peace conference From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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askari local government area of Katsina has convened a peace conference among various ethno-religious communities residing in the area with the aim of fostering understanding and fashioning ways of averting conflict.

Speaking at the conference which coincided with his 60 days in office as the caretaker committee chairman of the area, the chairman of the council, Engineer Isiyaku Ahmad Faskari noted that heads of various ethnoreligious communities in the area were mobilized for the conference.

He stressed that looking at the security challenges in the country and ethno-religious conflicts in some parts of the country, it has become imperative for all stakeholders to initiate ways of ensuring dialogue among various interest groups.

He added “there is no amount of efforts and monies committed in ensuring peace that is too much”.

According to him, his council had established eleven police outpost across the area to strengthen security network in the area which he said, had greatly helped in checking the activities of criminal gangs operating in the area.

On development projects, Engr. Faskari noted that within the last two months, he had initiated and completed 49 projects in each ward.

he Kwara state chapter of Alliance for Democracy (AD) has described the free education scheme in the state as not only shocking but flouting normal process under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state.

The party in a statement signed by its chairman, Mr. Bilyaminu Aliu and secretary, Mr. Michael Ologun and made available to our correspondent noted that the state government did not supply schools with necessary teaching materials while most schools lacked qualified teachers in mathematics, English and other science subjects in most of secondary schools, especially in North and South Senatorial Districts of the state.

AD noted that the “late (Chief) Obafemi Awolowo, of our great parties, Action Group (AG), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and Alliance for Democracy (AD) had successfully introduced and implemented free education which relieved many parents from the burden of payment of children’s school fees”.

However, Ologun said, AD discovered that after the ban on payment of school fees and levies by pupils and students which was announced on radio stations in the state, the school authorities still “remit some amount of money deducted from the school fees and levies into the Kwara State’s safe”.

Stand and fight through life’s challenges, clergy woman admonishes

By Joy Baba and Etuka Sunday

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astor Mrs. Elizabeth Aremu, wife of Bishop Thomas Aremu of Living Faith Church aka Winner’s Chapel has said that those who use their pen for the good of humanity would be richly blessed, adding that to find meaning in suffering, one needs to stand and fight through life’s challenges.

She stated this in a book launch held at the Banquet Hall of Royalton Hotel, Garki, Abuja while praying for the author of the books, Grace Ozioma Onotu for more blessings as she uses her talent for the good of humanity.

In his speech, chairman of the occasion, Dr. Steve Ogan who also wrote the foreword of one of the books ‘Finding Meaning in Difficult Times’ said the book was an indispensable reading material for those struggling to make meaning out of the meaningless situations in life.

In her remark, the author of the books, Miss Onotu thanked everyone for the honour given to her and said ‘to discover one’s voice is one thing, expressing it to the world is another challenge.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Kano spends N643m on streetlights From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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L-R: Secretary to Plateau State Government, Prof. Shedrack Best, with Permanent Secretary, Policy and General Services, Mr. Izam Azi, during the inauguration of the standing committee on collective bargaining, yesterday in Jos. Photo: NAN

Sultan admonishes govs to emulate Lamido From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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ultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on other state governors to emulate Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa state for the concern he is showing to his people through the transformation of the state.

The Sultan, said this yesterday

during the commissioning ceremony of the guest houses of the five emirs, jointly constructed by the 27 local government councils in Jigawa.

“This is the fifth time I am coming to Jigawa to either commission or witness a laudable programme put in place by this governor that has passion for transforming the lives of his

people”, he said.

“We would always identify ourselves with any governor that has the passion for touching the lives of his people just the way Sule Lamido is doing”, said the Sultan.

According to him, the effort by the Jigawa state government to also construct first class guest houses for the emirs in the state

capital also indicates that the governor is not only ‘Jagoran Talakawa’ but also a respecter of the traditional institution.

Responding, Governor Lamido said the idea and plan, together with the entire construction process of the five guest houses was conceived and executed by the 27 local governments of the state.

he Kano state Commissioner of Works and Housing, Abbas Kabir Yusuf, has said the state government has spent a sum of N643 million to purchase and fuel 25 generators for powering street lights in the city, from the assumption of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to date.

Kabir, who was speaking to newsmen yesterday in Kano on the achievement of his ministry, however debunked the insinuation that the state government spends N500 million monthly in powering the street lights, saying there is no iota of truth in allegation.

He hinted that under the street light project, about 40 streets have been rehabilitated and are being powered by 25 generators. He said the administration of Kwankwaso is a prudent one and will not just engage in a wasteful venture.

Kabir also disclosed that the new fence and gate of Government House under construction to replace the one that was destroyed by protesters during the fuel subsidy protest is bulletproof.

He further revealed that the sum of N2 billion has been appropriated by the state House of Assembly for the construction of two fly-over bridges, but he quickly added that the actual amount to be expended has not been arrived at because there would be a bidding to that effect.

He added that already there is a plan by the government to provide vehicles to cover all major routes with capacity luxury buses to ease commuters’ movement within the metropolis.

ASUU urges FG to implement new retirement age for lecturers

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he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), yesterday appealed to the Federal Government to implement the 70 years retirement age for university lecturers in the country.

The extension of the retirement age of professors from 65 to 70 years was part of the agreement between the union and

the Federal Government in 2009.

ASUU National President, Prof.

Ukachukwu Awuzie, made the call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Awuzie said that there was need for government to hasten the implementation of the agreement in order to encourage the younger

lecturers and strengthen the sector.

“The union will soon meet with members of the National Assembly on the implementation process and to find out if it has been taken to the presidency for final approval,” he said.

He commended the chairman, House Committee on Education,

Rep. Farouk Lawan, for the passion the committee had shown in ensuring that the issue was resolved and the sector repositioned.

He stressed the need for government to step up efforts in ensuring that enough fund was allocated to the sector, to enable it take care of critical issues such as research and development.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday said that increasing the retirement age of teachers to 65 years would boost education in Nigeria.

The NUT argued that the recent concession given to university lecturers to retire at 70 years should also apply to members of the union. (NAN)

Lagos calls for behavioural change Shema’s aide explains why Katsina is peaceful in war against malaria From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

From Bimbo Ogunnaike, Lagos

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s the world celebrates World Malaria Day today, Lagos State government has advised residents of the state to take appropriate actions through what it called Behavioural Change Community (BCC) activities in order to help the sustenance of the gains made so far in the malaria eradication efforts of the state government.

Commissioner for Health, Jide Idris, who made the appeal in Lagos yesterday at a press conference to commemorate this year’s World Malaria Day celebration, noted that government’s huge investment in malaria control over the years has demonstrated that reduction in malaria morbidity and mortality can be achieved and sustained

towards near zero deaths by 2015.

While reiterating government’s pledge to continue to improve upon all its activities and to ensure that only scientifically proven interventions are utilised in combating the disease, Idris pointed out that the most vulnerable groups are the under five children and pregnant women and as a result, the devastating health and socio economic consequence of this scourge remains a matter of great concern to the government.

The commissioner said that government has opted for a holistic approach to combat this disease hence it has adopted measures ranging from Integrated Vector Management, advocacy, environmental, diagnostic to clinical management mechanisms.

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enior Special Assistant to Katsina state governor on Diplomacy and Societal Re-orientation, Sada Salisu Ruma, has disclosed that the peace enjoyed in the state was as a result of the state government’s policy of carrying along all communities residing in the state in its development programmes.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after attending a peace initiative in Faskari local government area of Katsina state, Ruma said “it is only in Katsina state that all ethnoreligious groups were carried along in all government programmes without discrimination”.

The special assistant specifically made reference to the state government’s education policy where he said the government’s free education policy was being enjoyed by all communities living in the state, adding that even the payment of

WAEC and NECO school fees were made without discrimination.

He similarly stressed that the government also runs a free medical care programme for all citizen of the state irrespective of the ethnic or religious affiliations, disclosing that this policy made Katsina hospitals attractive to people of neighbouring states.

On youth restiveness, Ruma disclosed that when the government saw the dangerous trend rearing its head in the state, a committee was formed to go round the 34 local governments of the state, visited traditional leaders and other stakeholders on ways to check the menace.

According to him, it was as a result of careful study on youth restiveness that the state government initiated the Katsina Craft Village, where he stated that youth were mobilised and trained on various hand crafts and the paints making factories in all the 34 local government of the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 11

Northern youths want unconditional amnesty for Boko Haram From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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arious youth organisations and representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) from across the 19 northern states held a rally at the Arewa House in Kaduna on Tuesday and called on the Federal Government to grant unconditional amnesty to members of Boko Haram as part of measures to curb the general state of insecurity in the country especially in the north.

…set for protest over subsidy probe report In a communiqué after the rally, the groups also threatened to embark on street protests if the National Assembly fails to adopt the report of the Farouk Lawanled committee on fuel subsidy probe.

Coordinator of the rally, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, who read the communiqué after the programme, explained that the groups comprised various

stakeholders and civil society organisations who met to address current issues concerning the North in particular and the nation at large.

The communiqué traced the state of insecurity in the north to what the groups described as failure and inability of governors in the north to discharge their responsibilities as well as negligence of the agricultural sector

of the economy.

The groups also demanded the immediate withdrawal of military personnel from streets and highways in the north as well as the release of their members who were allegedly arrested in January, during the fuel subsidy removal protests.

According to the communiqué, “northern states governors should initiate an

Ban on Okada in Minna in force – CP

CP blames Jos bomb blast on nonchalance

From Iliya Garba, Minna

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he Plateau state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Ayeni, has blamed yesterday’s bomb explosion at a football viewing centre in Tudun Wada, Jos on the “nonchalant attitude of members of the public”.

Ayeni, while briefing newsmen yesterday in Jos over the explosion, said that the police was not receiving enough cooperation from the people.

“The issue of policing is a holistic affair. People are nonchalant and we are not receiving commensurate cooperation from members of the public, it’s very disgusting.

“We have said it times without number that people should volunteer information to us. These bombers live among the people, they are not ghosts, but the people are not security-conscious,” Ayeni said.

The police boss appealed to members of the public to volunteer information to the police about the hideouts, sources of explosives and factories of bombers so as to be proactive.

He explained that he had visited all the nooks and crannies of Plateau to sensitise members of the public on the need to collaborate with the police, but expressed frustration over the “uncooperative attitude”, of the people.

Ayeni said, however, that everywhere was calm and that the police would continue to be proactive to safeguard lives and property in the state.

The police officer said that the victim of the bomb blast, who died had not been identified.

He said that the anti-bomb squad had obtained evidential materials for analysis, while the state CID had commenced investigation.

Meanwhile, the military Special Task Force (STF) maintaining security in the state has claimed that nobody sustained injuries from the blast, but that “three persons sustained injuries following a stampede''. (NAN)

account to contribute at least N200 million monthly so as to establish mega farms in the north, create skill acquisition centres to train our youth in viable skills and trades so that they can be self-reliant.

“We are calling for the release of members of this organisation who were arrested during the fuel subsidy protests and other political protests in the north especially, Gambo Mohammed Abubakar from Niger state, the Social Director of NANS. “This forum has given an ultimatum of 48 hours for their release or they should be charged to court as contained in the Constitution.”

A Yoruba community leader in Faskari, Mr. Silas Ojo (right), receiving a gift from Senior Assistant to Katsina state governor on Diplomacy and Societal Relations, Alhaji Sada Ruma (left), during an ethnic groups interactive session, yesterday, in Faskari, Katsina state. With them is the Chairman, Faskari council caretaker committee, Mr. Isiyaku Ahmed-Faskari (middle).

Photo: NAN

We’re using PRTVC to reconstruct Plateau and build bridges - Dabit

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he Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) is being repositioned to reconstruct Plateau and rebuild bridges after more than a decade of violence, the General Manager, Bulus Dabit, has said.

“Plateau has been hit by much violence over time and what PRTVC is currently doing is to channel its energy, resources and programmes toward reconstruction

that will heal wounds and rebuild bridges across all divides”, Dabit told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Jos. He said that the radio, as the most popular medium of communication, had continued to reach out to more communities toward mobilising people to the goal of securing and sustaining a united, peaceful and progressive Plateau.

“We have focused on the fact that Plateau belongs to all and have even won back viewers and listeners, who at a point migrated when they felt that we were protecting some sectional interests.

“We are taking advantage of these additional reach to preach the message that there is nothing to gain from a crisis, but everything to gain from peace, love and harmony”, he said.

…advocates special salary for journalists

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he General Manager, Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC), Mr. Bulus Dabit, has called for a special salary structure for journalists in view of the risks they take to carry out their jobs.

“From what I have seen since I became General Manager here, journalists are not properly paid.

Their packages are nowhere close to their commitment and the risks they take to do their jobs.

“Journalists work for an average of 18 hours every day, but they are paid like civil servants

that put in just eight hours daily.

That is wrong.

“It is not good and certainly not encouraging”, Dabit told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos. He described the role of the journalists in nation building as ``greatly enormous’’ and stressed the need for a better welfare package that would justify the sacrifice the newsmen make especially in risky situations.

Dabit particularly observed that journalists work as essential service workers irrespective of weekends or public holidays.

He said there was the need to critically look at their condition with a view to work out salaries that would commensurate with their work.

“Here, you find people who work for almost a whole day. They really work very hard, unfortunately, we pay them like other civil servants.

“But I think it is matter of time; journalists are pushing their case and we are hoping that one day, there will be a special package for journalists in this country”.

(NAN)

iger state Police Commissioner, Mrs. Diseye Desire Nsirim, says the ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) within Minna metropolis from 7am to 7pm is still in force.

She made this known yesterday during a press conference at the police headquarters in Minna saying no waver has been issued to government agencies who are on essential duties and as such anybody caught would not be spared.

Mrs. Nsirim stated that government agencies should make adequate arrangement for the movement of their staff anytime the movement of motorcycles is restricted.

“Since the enactment of the law banning commercial motorcyclist in Minna, the state police command has arrested 516 motorcycles while 388 have been charged to court for contravening the law,” she said.

Minister pledges partnership with foreign NGO

By Muhammad Sada

T

he Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, has expressed the desire to partner with an international nongovernmental organisation, the Population Media Centre (PMC) in an effort to achieve the transformation agenda using entertainment and education in Nigeria.

The acknowledgement was made by the minister while receiving the founder and president of the organisation who is also the president of the population institute, William Ryerson, in his office. The minister also expressed his delight over PMC's achievement in Nigeria in the eradication of maternal mortality and family planning using the process of entertainment and education.

PMC is concerned with issues such as the change of attitude and behaviours that lead to population growth, the subjugation of womenfolk as well as the high rate of HIV/AIDS epidemic.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

South Sudan/Sudan clash

I

n the run-up to the referendum of the independence of the then Southern Sudan, President Omar al-Bashir promised that if the southerners vote yes, Khartoum would be the first country to open a diplomatic mission. Bashir kept his word. On the solemn day of the independence of South Sudan last July, Bashir watched his country's flag lowered and folded, while that of Africa's newest independent and 54th state was unfurled amidst wild jubilation in Juba, South Sudan's capital. Not many people believed that Khartoum would summon the necessary political will to let its southern part go.

From the day of the formal divorce of the Sudans, there were obvious signs that hard times and difficult relationships await both Khartoum and Juba. But it was generally believed and we shared in the optimism that in spite of difficulties ahead, the worst is behind the two neighbours. How wrong we all were. There were outstanding issues of borders and resource control to be tackled, but it was generally believed that both countries will maximise the international goodwill following what appeared like a peaceful divorce after several stormy years of fighting.

We particularly thought that South Sudan which at independence last year had barely 20 kilometres of tarred road in its capital, Juba, would be occupied with the challenge of giving its people better lease of life, after almost five decades of conflict. That is

why we at the Peoples Daily were shocked when the South Sudan forces advanced deep into Sudan on April 10, capturing its most valuable oil field in Heglig in the states of southern Kordofan. The claim by South Sudan's army spokesman, Colonel Philip Aguer that "Heglig is deep inside our border," seemed an outright provocation.

The International Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has ruled

“

we believe that a return to war will be bad for both Sudans, especially for their long suffering peoples. What the clash means now, is that both sides should accelerate negotiations on all outstanding issues agreed upon after the independence of South Sudan clearly in 2009 that the oil field Heglig is in the Sudanese state of southern Kordofan. For once, South Sudan and its government in Juba got the usual international tongue lashing that is usually reserved for Khartoum. Both the African Union and the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon chided Juba for the provocations and urged it to quickly withdraw its forces.

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Khartoum, which seemed to lay in wait for any such foolish provocation by its new neighbour, went blush with propaganda and military blitz.

While Juba claimed that its forces had withdrawn from the misadventure, Khartoum insists that they were flushed out by superior fire power. And while the call for a peaceful settlement and return to negotiation was pouring in torrents from the US, European Union, China and others, Khartoum has said that there will be no talk or ceasefire until Juba recants its outlandish claims.

Khartoum’s paranoia is understandable. At independence last year most of the oil fields in the former Sudan went to the South, leaving Khartoum with only a measure.

However, we believe that a return to war will be bad for both Sudans, especially for their long suffering peoples. What the clash means now, is that both sides should accelerate negotiations on all outstanding issues agreed upon after the independence of South Sudan. However, we warn in strong terms that the South Sudan government or military reconsider such adventure as the April 10 incursion into its neighbour's territory and desist forthwith.

We had thought that Juba would be too busy with reconstruction and rebuilding the lives of its people after an on-and-off war for more than 50 years. We also urge Khartoum to exercise restraint and seize the international opinion in its favour to promote a more constructive engagement with the rest of the world.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 13

Terrorism and repeated blunders

By Na-Allah Mohammed Zagga

D

espite the precautionary security measures put in place by the police and other security agencies, terror agents had still succeeded in disrupting the joy of Christians in Kaduna who were celebrating Easter and spreading panic among other citizens across the State. According to reports, a suicide bomber, using a Honda Accord car, had earlier attempted to force his way into a Church but was prevented from doing so by an “alert” security guard at the place of worship. The security guard, Francis Marcus who is apparently a policeman, narrated his encounter with the suicide bomber as follows: “I asked him to wait till after the Church service before he could pass but he insisted he must pass.

We dragged this for some minutes. He entered the car and reversed towards me, yet I stood my ground…” To cut a long story short, the security men at the church gate chased the bomber away.

In his own account, the Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Abubakar Mohammed Jinjiri, said “the two vehicles were pursued by Marcus and then suddenly one of the vehicles hit the other, thereby

causing a serious bomb explosion between the two vehicles at a junction by Sardauna crescent.”

According to the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, 36 persons were killed and 13 others seriously injured.

My worry, however, is not only about the massive loss of lives that accompanies suicide bomb attacks but also whether our strategy of fighting terrorism is working. If a strategy is not working, we can always review it.

While commending the “alertness” of police detective Francis Marcus, we should not lose sight of his poor judgment. An intelligence officer should always keep his guts instinct ever active.

By his own account of the incident, Marcus made us to understand that the suicide bomber actually came out of his vehicle while the argument was going on at the Church gate.

According to Marcus, “he entered the car and reversed and drove towards me…” The fact that he had strong suspicions about the motives or mission of the suicide bomber, the police detective shouldn’t have allowed the driver of the car to re-enter the vehicle. He should have called for reinforcement at that point to arrest the suspect and invited bomb disposal experts at the Church to examine the

vehicle for explosives and defused them at once.

Once the suspect was prevented from re-entering his car after coming out to intimidate Marcus with his military uniform, his mission could probably have been foiled on the spot. Terrorists are imitative by nature; they are quick at copying methods used by others before them. Using military uniform is one of the tricks to gain access to their targets. Native intelligence can achieve more than what formal training cannot. Guts instinct should have warned Marcus not to trust the bomber, let alone

allow him re-enter his car without subjecting him and the vehicle to scrutiny.

With rigorous scrutiny, the bomb incident would have been prevented all together.

Unfortunately, due to poor judgment by Marcus and others, who seemed more determined to move the bomber away from the scene rather than frustrating his lethal mission altogether, the terror agent ended up elsewhere to kill other innocent victims. In June 2011, a suicide bomber successfully drove into the main gate of the police headquarters in Abuja, trailing former Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim

“

From their original mission of avenging the death of their leader, Mohammed Yusuf, the Boko Haram members now target markets, churches, schools and other soft targets. The fact that the entire nation rose in unison to condemn the extrajudicial murder of Mohammed Yusuf by overzealous policemen is itself a moral victory for Boko Haram members

without detection. That incident was a brutal assault on the psyche and pride of the police force.

Casual attitude to work and judging people by appearances also partly explains why terror agents are succeeding repeatedly.

Poor-looking Nigerians are more likely to be stopped and harassed than gorgeously dressed guys riding in posh cars. Taxi drivers are more harassed than those riding in posh cars. Any stop-andsearch operations that focus more on poor looking Nigerians can play easily into the hands of the terrorists.

Terror agents operate in nicelooking cars, which they usually snatch at gun point, for their operations. They may wave a smile of artificial courtesy at our security men to create the impression of being law-abiding.

And with this trick, our security men casually ask them to move on. There should be no big man in the eyes of the law and nobody should be exempted from scrutiny, except the VIPs. Despite their inadequacies, however, our security men are putting their lives on the line for our sake.

Since September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the twin towers of the former World Trade Contd. on page 15

Cassava: The king of crops

By Salisu Na’inna Dambatta

I

t is probably the only crop that has around 300 confirmed uses ranging from being a source of varieties of food for human beings, raw material for many industries and biofuel.

It even has a place in the construction industry. Welcome to the world of cassava, the king of crops, which the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) said is a daily source of food for at least 800 million people in the world.

It is crowned king of crops because it has over 10, 000 varieties that can grow in different soil types. Cassava physiologists have established that some species are not edible and used only in industrial applications. In Nigeria, a publication by the Raw Materials and Research Development Council listed nearly 60 varieties of edible cassava which are grown in the different eco-zones of the country.

Cassava has very wide applications and has no waste.

The leaves are used as vegetable in soup in many parts of the world or grinded into tapioca flour used in baking bread; the stalks are rich in protein and are processed into animal feed, while the root is the meat in the pie: it is rich in carbohydrates, calcium, potassium and vitamin

C, among others.

Although experts agreed that cassava originated from Central and South American tropical forest, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) indicates that Nigeria produced 44,582,000 metric tons of fresh cassava in 2008.

That was the largest quantity produced by any single country in the world that year. In short, our country is the Number One cassava producing nation in the world.

A document from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shows that about 54 percent of Nigerians get their daily energy intake from cassava-based foods. In addition to providing food security to millions of Nigerians, the Federal Government has evolved a strategy to transform cassava into a source of income and employment for 1, 200, 000 Nigerians. They will be engaged in primary cassava production and through its value chain by 2015.

While emphasising the importance of the crop, Dr. A.A. Adeniji, former Programme Manager, Root and Tuber Expansion Programme in Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said “Cassava production has moved from subsistence, food-need production to commercial,

industrial and export production.” This is significant for an economy, like Nigeria’s, which needs diversification urgently.

Dr. Adeniji noted that given the growing demand for cassava both at home and abroad, the 44 million metric tons produced

by Nigeria annually was not enough. He said that about 50 million tons are required to satisfy both domestic and export demands. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development view the expansion of cassava production to that tonnage as a task that is attainable.

To meet that growing demand for cassava in the world market, and actualize its desire to deepen food security in the country and transform the production of some crops into businesses that can make farmers rich, the federal government included the commodity among the five first wave priority crops in its Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

In the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, which was unfolded before the National Economic Council by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, almost 525, 000 hectres of land would be planted with cassava in eight states of the federation with the

view to increasing its production. The states are Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Kwara and Kogi. It is important to note that cassava is grown in varying quantities in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

An important component of the cassava expansion and transformation initiative is the envisaged establishment of over 94 Small and Medium Cassava Processing Enterprises in the selected states for the production of high quality cassava flour.

Similarly, around 60 gari and fufu production clusters would be opened. In the same vein, over 100 dried cassava chips production facilities would be provided.

Other industrial cassava processing facilities in the plan include the starting up of two large mills for starch production, and four plants for the production of ethanol. The country currently has only two starch factories producing less than 20,000 tons of that multipurpose raw material.

There is no doubt that various cassava products are in high demand in the world. This is driven by industrial applications and increased use in the food and animal feed industries. For instance, in addition to using cassava starch in the production of pharmaceuticals, paper and

packaging industries, it is also used as the major raw material in the manufacture of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) for food flavoring in many countries.

Cassava is mixed with wheat in the production of composite flour in many parts of the world as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1964. In Nigeria, the Federal Government has adopted the policy of incorporating 10 per cent cassava content in wheat flour.

The proportion will gradually be raised to 35 per cent by 2015.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is showing example to Nigerians by directing that only bread baked with flour containing cassava should be served in the State House.

With that encouraging example towards self-reliance hinged on cassava from President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the political will to implement the cassava transformation plan fully, it will be conceivable that the average Nigerian would by 2015 eat cassava bread during breakfast; enjoy a bottle of soft drink containing sweetener made from cassava and ride a vehicle fueled by petrol blended with ethanol from cassava.

Salisu Na’inna Dambatta is of the Federal Ministry of Information, Abuja.

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Almajirai and Lugard’s connection!

By Auwal A. Dankano “Wahidin! Sadaka! Iya ko dan kanzo ne!.............” he echo of these words is usually heard in almost every northern city of Nigeria. The words literary mean “(for the sake of) the only Deity! Alms! Even if it is a left over!” and the words are uttered by small boys or “Almajiriai”, who are sent to Koranic schools in pursuit of knowledge. Alas! The historic institution is being hated for the sin it never commit.

Always in dirty and tattered clothes, leftovers are what usually go to their tummy. Indulge in errands to meet the daily needs, which is inversely proportion to their studies.

They stay in ramshackle structures, in unhygienic condition ever ready to retain water born or air born diseases. And our contemporary society attributes all or most of its social vices to the students of such formidable institution. But to know the root of the problem,

T

By Salihu Moh. Lukman

F

or the ACN, the situation is different and completely open. Partly because it is open but more importantly because we are a nation that hardly witness selflessness and commitment in anyway without the element of bias, it is almost impossible to imagine an Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu without an aspiration. The result is the question of what is your interest. The speculation about your presidential ambition is a response to this question. And because of your increasing national visibility, the speculation is stronger by the day. While I am not in a position to engage in probability debate on this matter, I can tell you that a practical response to this question is what can be regarded in mathematical term as the factorial determinant, which influences the result of negotiations between and among opposition parties towards 2015.

It is a factorial because any attempt to continue to ignore it will strengthen suspicion around your motive and to that extent impede negotiations. To answer it positively, i. e. that you are going to contest for the president under the ACN is to strengthen the perception of ACN as a South West party. Interestingly, I will further argue, this does not rub on another South West person as a presidential candidate because depending on the factors that facilitates the emergence of such a candidate, he/she may not be perceived as a regional flag bearer.

To answer the question negatively would be to find another person to serve as the party’s flag bearer. This is one scenario that is not new and you and the party had experience because you were able to look the other way and head hunted Mal.

one has to go beyond that. degree), Alaramma (second G Lugard, either knowingly or Before the coming of colonial degree), Gangarau (PhD) and ignorantly imposed a law, masters to northern Nigeria, Gwani Na Gwanaye (as which made the land to be a the institution, operated in professor). legal property of the imperialist bushes or farm land far away Its undisputed fact that, Sir government. This forced them from cities or villages, so not to Fredric Lugard the then, High to relocate to cities, and then to be interrupted beg for foods by the city’s or and other village’s daily necessities of affairs. Hence life, since in the name the cities they Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text “Almajiri”, cannot own a messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written which was farmland to contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 derived from produce their words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and Arabic word own food. a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed “Muhajirun” They left with to: m e a n i n g no option but immigrants. As to beg for The Editor, of then they what to eat, defended on from the Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, farming to feed people that so 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. their stomach, m u c h Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com and sold the believed in SMS: 07037756364 e x c e s s the system. agricultural And it’s produce to meet their daily commissioner of northern very imperative to note that, and later this particular institution is needs. Begging and other illicit protectorate governor general of colony and responsible for development of acts were out of the equation.

Koranic schools then protectorates of Nigeria, would the northern region, long comprised of seven honors or no doubt be responsible for the before the coming of the white classes; from kolo (nursery), decay and rot witnessing in man.

The organized Titibiri (primary), Gardi koranic schools. traditional system of The son of the Reverend F. government which the white (secondry), Mallam (first

WRITE TO US

man found wanting was due to this institution.

Presently, about three million Almajirai move around, the streets looking for food to eat.

We owe the British Government an apology, for the predictment their have done to the innocent almajirai with the help of their agent, also, may I appeal to our governments to de-emphasise the contributions of Lugard by renaming; lugard avenue, Ikoyi, Lugard Hall, Kaduna, Lugard Road, Jos and Lugard House, Kogi, with a name that matters to us.

The new system Almajiri launched by the president Johnathan,in my humble opinion deserve to be recommended, but fact is, to obtain Almajiraless society we must to revert to the old system of their operation where they studied in a safer place before Lugard’s intervention which really distorted the system.

Auwal A.Dankano, Kano, can be reached at adankano@yahoo.com

Open letter to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 2015 agenda (IV) Nuhu Ribadu and invited him to be the presidential candidate of the party. While not suggesting in anyway that Mal. Nuhu Ribadu be retained as the party’s flag bearer, I will strongly recommend you combine the experience of head hunting and your combative and dodged skills and go into negotiations with Gen. Buhari with an open mind and in good time.

A major responsibility that lies ahead of us in accomplishing this has to do with the need to boost public confidence in our party and our leaders. One issue that is very potent is the issue of managing processes of the emergence of the party’s flag bearers. This is a matter that raises questions around how some of our best public office bearers were sacrificed during the 2011 elections. A typical example is the case of Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora who was shuffled with Sen. Remi Tinubu, your wife. This example alone could have been avoided if there is a good party management system and strong and effective governance with good measure of democratic control. The reality also is that, public perception of the decision to shuffle Sen. Mamora would have been different if the beneficiary is not Sen. Remi Tinubu. Besides, if through your immense influence, the party could take such a decision in favour of Sen. Remi Tinubu, it will be valid to anticipate a possible emergence of an Asiwaju Bola Tinubu presidential candidate.

Apart from the issue of Sen. Mamora, there is the speculated

tension between you and Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, the current governor of Lagos state, a person that is adjudged to be the best model in service delivery. As a member of ACN, I can say, he is our pride. In the build up to the 2011 elections, there was high speculation that you were working to block his re-emergence as the party’s flag bearer for Lagos state. Happily, the promoters of this speculation were disappointed by the emergence of Fashola as the party’s flag bearer with your support. However, with reported encounters between you and Fashola during your 60 th birthday colloquium where you were reported to have told Fashola that “if there is no partiality, you cannot be governor yourself” on account of Fashola’s appeal to you on behalf of lower cadre members of the party to the effect of calling on you to dispense “justice and equality” to all members, the tension between you and Fashola cannot be simply dismissed as mere speculation.

As far as I am concerned your response is harsh and as party members, we need to publicly appeal to you to moderate yourself as part of the public confidence building measure.

While unlike the Gen. Buhari speculated presidential candidate, in your case, it is not yet publicly manifest. It is nevertheless important that steps are taken to pre-empt it in the interest of our democracy, our party, our nation and our children.

Moving forward therefore, I will strongly

recommend to you that you provide inspirational leadership to our party with a primary focus of uniting opposition parties in Nigeria similar to what happened in nearby Senegal during the last elections. With Gen. Buhari providing the same inspirational leadership for CPC, the task of restoring hope for our ailing nation will be accomplished.

As the inspirational leaders of the two major opposition parties, CPC and ACN, Gen. Buhari and yourself can kick start a negotiation process that would define both the qualities of the opposition presidential candidate, broad campaign programmes and above all orientation of the new government covering issues of policies and programmes and appointment procedures.

This way, both Gen. Buhari and yourself would lay the foundation that would reconfigure Nigerian politics and current politicians would have to respond to the challenge of either having to change or completely get kicked out. This is what every Nigerian is looking for. Should this happen, I am sure the polity will be animated beyond the current narrow debate arround revenue sharing to substantive issues of governance agenda and service delivery. In which case, ethnic, sectional and religious champions would have to reorient their relevance. It is also possible that on account of the new opposition strategy, the current PDP government under

Jonathan would in order to brighten its electoral prospect take some positive initiatives to minimize or reduce the current collosal waste of resources including human life.

This will in so many fundamental ways transform both Gen. Buhari and yourself into national heroes beyond the standing of any other person in our history. It is very painful that as a nation that invested heavily in the liberation of Africa, today we are yet to produce a nationally recognized hero that is respected in the same strength by all sections of the country. Gen. Murtala Ramat Mohammed is the closest but even then he was only a martyr.

Negotiating the emergence of a united opposition based on personal sacrifice of the two of you (Gen. Buhari and yourself) will definitely mean that you have surpassed the achievements of Mal. Aminu Kano, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe and all their contemporaries. This may even equate the two of you (Gen. Buhari and yourself) to the status of Nelson Mandela or at the least Julius Nyerere and Kwame Nkurumah in Africa.

There would be the temptation to argue that all these people were once Presidents of their countries.

That is true. Accordingly, it could be argued that Gen. Buhari being a one time Head of State had a brighter prospect of rising to their status.

Contd. on page 15

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

By Ike Willie Nwobu

A

s far back as history can date, work as a means of livelihood and sustenance has always been an integral concern of man. This farreaching and generational fallout of the succumb of man to the dictates of the devil first started with an eke of living off the soil to meet the direct need of man which was food and clothing. With the progress of time and emerging civilizations, the concept of work began to evolve, and newer definitions and scope of occupation began to emerge, until today, work has transcended the crude physical definitions to include mental, spiritual, psychological and even emotional definitions, just as the methodologies and technologies in use for these applications began to experience rebirths and reforms, and of course even far better outputs. For example, the agricultural sector which boasted initially of the bare human hands for tools, later employed hoes, cutlasses, sickles and rakes, and today, these have been grossly kicked into obsolesce by tractors, harvesters, planters, ridge makers, tractored ploughs, and a host other mechanized tools. It is also no gainsaying that the volume of yield and quality of output has drastically improved, owing to more innovative methods of soil reclamation and enhancement, of which fertilizers are the most prominent, and which the early farmers knew nothing about.

Today, occupation and

PAGE 15

International day for safety and health at work- reflections work has grown very large arms to embrace areas such as construction, oil and gas, mining, production, electronics, automobiles, agriculture, sport, and many other diverse areas. Owing to the improved technology at play here, there have been a lot of attendant disadvantages and risks, such as pollution, which of course encompasses noise and air pollution, depletion of the ozone blanket of the atmosphere, various ailments and diseases which are a direct consequence of degradation of the environment such as silicosis, which attacks the lungs on account of accumulation of dust particles, asthma, chronic migraine which results from persistent noise, and so many others. On top of these is the significant loss of valuable resources, like our forests and its products due to the urbanization and commercialization efforts of man, as well as extinction of various species of aquatic, arboreal and terrestrial animals, and the overall environment undoubtedly continues to be the worse for it.

It is against this background that various concerned groups and organizations, shepherded by the United Nations came out

with a resolution to make a shift to safer and more environmentfriendly options of occupation and work, and the term ‘green’ found its way to the world encyclopaedia of ergonomics, to mean jobs whose structure and function is such that supports the perpetuation of the various components of the environments, rather than degrading the same.

Safety of work layouts is another key factor that has been a major cause for worry among pundits, as well as a guarantee of optimum health status of operators and workers of such places. Since both are issues that cannot be compromised if productive and efficient work is to be carried out, the International Labour Organization, the work arm of the United Nations adopted April 28 of every year to ponder and revisit the issues of occupation the world over, and christened it the International Day for Safety and Health at Work. On this day every year, attention is paid to the safety consciousness in various work places, standards that enhance safety in various workplaces, and the entrenchment of such where they are non-existent.

Ocassion is also sought to draw the world attention to

emerging trends and challenges in the field of occupational safety and health, as well as delving into existing infrastructure on the welfare of workers, as well as raising awareness on the magnitude of accidents and fatalities resulting from work-related happenstances.

If a job is to be considered green, then the safety of the environment as well as the occupational safety and health of the worker must combine to make that title more befitting.

Safety and health has to be integrated into design, procurement, operations, maintenance, sourcing and recycling policies, and a host of other component operations of a workplace.

April 28 is also a day set aside to commemorate the travails of injured ad dead persons in service, in organizing campaigns aimed at ameliorating this trend to the barest minimum in workplaces and industries, as well as reviewing strategies for either managing injured victims of work-related accidents, or compensation of families of deceased victims of the same cause, all the while addressing the issue of preventing its reoccurrence, as part of the Global Strategy on Safety and Health

at workplaces.

The need exists in Nigeria, for various stakeholders and relevant agencies, the Nigerian Labour Congress in particular, to seize the opportunity of this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work to appraise the existing peculiarities of Nigerian workplaces and environments, with a view to keying into the global green vision, as well as enhance workers’ welfare by way of policy formulation and legislation, and other spirited efforts towards improving safety and productivity of our myriad of work concerns. Emergency preparedness and response to such needy situations could do a lot of good to the safety agenda of the Nigerian work terrain. In various fields of endeavour, like the military, medical and industrial applications, it is needful to have a holistic emergency contingency plan, as it has proven to be a major and integral power index in assurance of safety in workplaces, and will be far more productive than the billions spent in making workplaces wear the hue of entertainment and comfort.

Ike Willie Nwobu can be reached through ikewillienwobu@yahoo.com

Terrorism and repeated blunders Contd. from page 13

Centre in New York, the war against terror has created a dilemma to democratic societies, including Nigeria. How do we balance between our liberty and our security? While we are accusing soldiers of killing “innocent” people in the war against terror, we pay less attention to the right to life, which is the most important aspect of human rights. It is not enough to call for the withdrawal of soldiers without

providing better alternatives.

The influx of Al-Qaedaconnected terrorist activities in Nigeria has created a war situation. Terrorists, by the nature of their operations, have no rules of engagement. They are not held back by the moral or legal inhibition in causing deliberate death and destruction.

As far as they are concerned, there are no innocent victims.

When the American commandoes (or the Naval Seals) invaded the Abottabad hideout of Al-Qaeda founder in Pakistan to

kill or capture Osama Bin Laden, they had the choice of killing his children and wives. They never did, because such action could have violated the rules of engagement. Their target was Bin Laden and they got him.

Fully aware that soldiers are restricted by the rules of engagement, the terrorists can strike and run to take shelter among innocent people. This was the tactics successfully deployed by the late Somali warlord, Mohammed Farah Aideed in his clashes with American and UN

Open letter to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 2015 agenda (IV) Contd. from page 14 However, it is important to appreciate that the opportunity to produce a national hero out of our democratic process as a result of the person serving as a President has been squandered largely by President Obasanjo.

Obasanjo would have naturally satisfied that requirement had he not militarized our political process and downgraded our parties into garrison formations. As a nation, we must be grateful to Gen. Buhari for rising to the challenge of combating Gen. Obasanjo’s garrison formations since 2003.

We must also be grateful to you (Tinubu) for injecting hope in all Nigerians that it is possible to defeat PDP. The danger is that if as citizens we don’t engage the two of you, you will not take the right steps and the nation will continue in the shackles of PDP. Finally, I want to stress the point that I am making this letter open because I want Nigerians to engage our leaders and exert pressure on all of them to give us the very much needed democratic leadership and facilitate the defeat of PDP in 2015. This is about loyalty to the nation and our people which is superior to party loyalty. In

doing this, it is my hope that other Nigerians would appreciate this challenge and form pressure belts both within political parties, in our media, in the many blogs and Internet websites and among trade unions, civil society groups and our religious bodies. We need to stop lamenting and take concrete actions including personal sacrifices. As one of our influential leaders, we call on you to model the way!

Lukman writes from Suite 301, Zeto Court No. 3, Oshogbo Close Area 11, Garki, Abuja Concluded

forces in 1993. He effectively use women and children as human shields to evade capture.

From their original mission of avenging the death of their leader, Mohammed Yusuf, the Boko Haram members now target markets, churches, schools and other soft targets. The fact that the entire nation rose in unison to condemn the extrajudicial murder of Mohammed Yusuf by overzealous policemen is itself a moral victory for Boko Haram members.

In fact, even international organisations such as the Human Rights Watch, has criticized the illegal and brutal manner Mohammed Yusuf was killed.

Even the current prosecution of the police officers that killed Mohammed by the Federal Government is another moral victory for Boko Haram.

Therefore, the Boko Haram members should take advantage of this moral victory to enter dialogue, with a view to ending this horrendous loss of human lives almost daily. According to the Borno State Government, 10,000 children are currently forced out of classes because of Boko Haram attacks on schools.

The attacks on innocent people could obscure the original objectives of Boko Haram to protest the illegal death of their founder. Thanks to Boko Haram, northern Muslims living in the South are now seized by mortal fear. For the sake of humanity,

the love of God and peace, the Boko Haram should embrace dialogue and disarm. Every movement needs public sympathy to make its cause understood. We cannot achieve that, however, in a situation where innocent people are dying needlessly. One of the great qualities of God is mercy, compassion and humanity and any movement that derives its convictions from religion should practice His virtues. If the extrajudicial death of Mohammed Yusuf is indefensible, the targeting of innocent people by the Boko Haram attackers is not justifiable either. The sanctity of life, which has been frequently exhorted by Islam and Christianity, should not be treated lightly by anybody. If western education is Haram (evil) in the interpretation of the Islamic militants, so is the killing of innocent and defenceless people. With the world united in the condemnation of Mohammed Yusuf’s extrajudicial murder, the Boko Haram militants have no alternative to peaceful dialogue and disarmament for the sake of peace and humanity.

Na-Allah Mohammed Zagga, a writer on national issues, is a journalist based in Abuja.

E-Mail: muhazagga@yahoo.com 080-65344741

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Dear reader, Metro welcomes human interest stories in your neighbourhood. Please call or send SMS to 08065327178 or e-mail jomarch4@yahoo.com to inform us about happenings in your area. Share your experiences or those of your friends and neighbours with fellow readers.

NPI Manager commends Bwari residents for total support to immunisation activities

T

he Manager, National Polio Immunisation (NPI) programme in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, Mr. Abdulkadir Musa, has commended residents for their 100 per cent support to immunisation activities in the area.

Musa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Bwari, that the residents had shown rare commitment and support to the eradication of polio and other diseases in the area.

“We are very happy to see people bring out their children freely for the immunisation programme in line with the effort to eradicate the scourge completely in the council. “ Musa attributed the support to the high level of awareness of the residents to the scourge of polio and other childhood killer diseases.

The manager also commended the local council for putting in place the needed machinery that ensured the high level of success of the programme.

He stressed that the immunisation of children was necessary, as they remained the future leaders of the society, adding: “our children’s health should be a priority.”

Musa was optimistic that polio would be eradicated in the country with total commitment of all stakeholders, and urged community leaders to always mobilise their people so that no eligible child was missed out of the immunisation exercise.

He urged health workers in the council to ensure effective administration of the oral vaccine. (NAN)

Time to rest for a vendor, yesterday, at power house junction, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Lugbe new market 50% completed, says MD

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam & Etuka Sunday

M

anaging Director (M.D), Road Development Company, Nura J. Mohammed, handling the Lugbe relocation market project, has said that the project of the market is almost completed.

Muhammed who expressed delight with the cooperation of the traders in the market, said, "The project is almost 40-50 per cent completed, what makes me even happier is the response of the traders in the market. They have been very cooperative.

He said that that the traders

made his work less challenging, saying that the calendar date for the project which was one year is coming to an end before the date line, owing to the cooperation of the traders.

The managing director revealed that the 2.5 billion project which involved fencing of the market, structures and other facilities will soon come to an end before the end of the year.

On his part, the market Chairman, Alhaji Bawa Garba, who expressed delight with the ongoing project, averred that the traders would assist the contractors to the end of the project as promised before the

commencement of the project.

Garba appealed to AMAC to provide water in the area, saying water scarcity poses great challenge to people in the area.

Also expressing satisfaction with the project, AMAC Supervisory councillor, barrister Alex Edem, said that the council was very impressed about the pace of the work and the quality of work carried out by the contractor.

"I want to encourage them to do more and I want to assure them that the council will continue to give them the necessary support they desire.

"The plan of this

administration is to transform the area council by way of economic development. The first thing we want to do is to empower people. This is only one of such projects like this. We have Nyanya market of international standard, utako motor park, Jabi Motor Park, we have already concluded negotiation with the FCT administration and in a short while, the international motor park will commence.

"We also have the karu, kabusa market and karshi market which will all be developed to international standard. We have series of projects at least one in each of the electoral wards of the AMAC".

Man, 25, arraigned on charges of criminal assault

A

25-year-old man, Kingsley Orji of Aso Pada Mararaba in Nassarawa State, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Abuja Magistrate’s Court at Karu, charged with criminal assault and theft.

Police Prosecutor, Silas Nanpan told the court that one Ade Ario of Keffi, on April 20 reported that he was attacked by the accused, while discharging passengers at Nyanya Motor Park, Abuja He said the accused

inflicted injuries on the complainant and stole N25,000 from him.

Nanpan said the offences contravened Sections 265 and 287 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the

charges, and Senior Magistrate Asmau Akanbi granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum.

She adjourned the case to May 23, 2012 for hearing.

(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 17

Court discharges unemployed graduate over public nuisance

A

Two scavengers at Nyanya refuse dumps, yesterday, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

n Abuja Magistrates’ Court yesterday, discharged a 20year-old unemployed graduate, Ugo Okonjo, of no fixed address, on charges of being a public nuisance.

The Police prosecutor, Sgt. Mohammed Saliu, told the court that Okonjo was arrested on April 16 by a police surveillance team led

by Insp. Godfery Agia.

He was taken to Gwarimpa Police Station, Abuja on suspicion of “loitering and staring into houses and shops at Bony ‘B’ Corner Shop, First Avenue, Gwarimpa”.

Saliu said that when the accused was questioned, he was unable to give satisfactory account of what he was doing in the vicinity.

The prosecutor said that the offence was punishable under section 183 of the Penal Code.

Okonjo, had pleaded guilty to loitering and begged the court for mercy.

In her ruling, Magistrate Habiba Bello cautioned and discharged the accused. (NAN)

AEPB gives 48-hour ultimatum to operators in inappropriate locations

T

he Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has given 48 hours ultimatum to all persons doing business in inappropriate locations to vacate the sites.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Mr. Isa Shuaibu, the Director of AEPB. The board directed that illegal activities such as food vending, trading and mechanic workshops located at inappropriate locations

in the Central Area of Abuja should evacuate with immediate effect.

According to the statement, all establishments whose staff patronise such facilities should provide catering services in their various premises.

“All establishments whose staff patronise such facilities should endeavour to provide catering services within and not outside their premises with a view to discouraging such activities”.

(NAN)

Motorcyclist, 16 others docked for public disturbance

A

29-year old motorcyclist, Abubakar Umar and 16 others were on Tuesday arraigned before an Abuja Senior Magistrates` court for alleged joint act and inciting public disturbance.

The police prosecutor, Cpl. Gambo Salihu, told the court that residents of Lugbe Federal Housing Abuja lodged a complaint at the Lugbe police station on Feb 22 that there was a suspicious movement around the junction to the estate.

Salihu said that the police responded promptly by sending Supt. Kenneth Iroh who led a patrol team to the area and arrested the suspects.

According to him, the suspects are Abubakar Umar, Hamisu Shuibu, Adamu Musa, Kabir Mohammed, Haruna Bala, Shehu Dahiru, Zayin Nasiru, Abdullahi Yahuza, Safiyanu Abdullahi and Nura Ibrahim.

Others are Haruna Ibrahim, Dahiru Umar, Uzairu Adamu,

Ibrahim Lawal, Haruna Mani, Abubakar Isah and Ali Lawal, all male of Babangida Market Lugbe.

Salihu said the accused persons were threatening residents and behaving in a manner capable of causing breach of peace.

The prosecutor added that the accused persons were unable to give a satisfactory explanation of their action during interrogation.

According to him, the offences contravened sections 79 and 114 of the Penal Code.

Counsel to the accused persons, Mr Steven Akpe who objected to the application for adjournment, urged the court to begin trial immediately.

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

Magistrate Aliyu Shafa granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 each and a surety who must reside within the court's jurisdiction.

The case was adjourned to May 23 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)

PAGE 18

FG will support new ideas on affordable housing — Pepple

T

he Minster of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple, has said that the Federal Government will support new ideas to fast track the provision of affordable houses in the country.

Pepple made this known yesterday in Abuja, during the inauguration of ‘Social/Affordable Housing Scheme’ in Lugbe, an initiative of ASO Savings and Loans Plc. The scheme, being executed in collaboration with the ministry, has a 1.5 hectare of land valued at about N200 million for the construction of one, two and three-bedroom flats at affordable prices.

The minister added that the scheme would consist of four-floor storey building of six blocks of flats, totaling 144 housing units.

Pepple explained that the choice of a storey building design was aimed at ensuring efficient land utilisation in Abuja.

She said a policy frame work to effectively guide the course of action in the housing sector would be presented to the Federal Executive Council on May 7.

The policy, she noted, would enhance housing delivery to low and middle income earners in the formal and informal sector of the economy.

In his remarks, Malam Hassan Usman, the Managing Director of the company, said that the scheme was intended to facilitate the acquisition of inexpensive houses by low income earners in the society.

The managing director explained that the houses would be affordable because the cost of land was discounted.

“The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria gave us a concessionary interest rate of 8 per cent per annum as against the 10 per cent per annum in estate development loan, so as to reduce the cost of constructing the houses.

“The National Housing Fund loan will be made available to target markets through the Federal Mortgage window, thus reducing the acquisition cost.

“It is intended that the cost of the one bedroom houses shall be discounted and made up from the acquisition cost of the three bedrooms”, he said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

AEPB warns FCT residents against illegal tree felling T

he Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has urged FCT residents to desist from illegal felling of trees.

The Director of the Board, Mr. Isa Shuaibu, made the call yesterday in Abuja, when he visited a site in Garki, where some trees were cut down by unidentified persons.

He stressed the need for residents should respect, conserve and stop abusing nature.

Shuiabu warned that henceforth, anyone caught felling trees would be prosecuted.

He said that the fines for felling was categorised according to age and the type of trees.

The director disclosed that the board has purchased equipment that would be used to determine the age of a tree.

“We have reviewed our fines depending on the age of a tree; we have purchased an equipment

which we use to determine the age of a tree.

“Our fines depend on how endangered the trees are. If it is rare specie, it costs very much. the fines will range between N100,000 and N250,000.”

The Head of the Conservation Department of the Board, Mrs Jokotola Akoni, said that trees, as part of natural resources, should be protected.

“Trees play a very important

role in eco-balancing and very important for mitigating climate change and increase in atmospheric temperature that have lots of adverse effects.”

According to her, felling of trees quickens the rate of desert encroachment, adding: “trees have economical and medicinal values, so they must not be tampered with.’’

Akoni advised that any tree cut down must be replaced by three.

(NAN)

We need dedicated power lines for hospitals, says CMD

By Muhammad sada with agency report

T

Lets go what wrong, recorded at Karu Junction, in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: Joe oroye

he Chief Medical Director, Bwari General Hospital, Dr. Aloysious Ebedi, has called on the federal government to provide sophisticated electricity lines to hospitals to enable them handle emergencies and serve the people better.

Aloysious, who made this appeal yesterday while, speaking to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Bwari, in the FCT, added that “hospitals should have sophisticated power lines because of the essential services they render toward saving lives.

He noted that the electricity supply situation in the country has worsened, as power supply is almost nonexistent at Bwari.

The Chief Medical Director also averred that they have only one functioning power generator, which he said was not efficient for the people.

SOS: Children’s village seeks govt support

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he village director of the Save Our Soul (SOS) children’s village Dukwa in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Sule Khinde has appealed to the government, corporate organizations as well as highly placed individuals to assist the village with basic amenities, most especially potable water

for the people.

Khinde, who made this appeal while speaking to peoples Daily in his office at Dukwa, pointed out that the village is shortage of water, and urged well-meaning Nigerians to provide pipe borne water for the less privilege children in the village.

According to him, SOS children’s village Dukwa is a social centre caring for the

abandoned children and children with disabilities, noting that SOS children’s villages are spreading across Nigeria.

On education, the village director said that the centre has established a school for the less privileged children, to aid them get access to education, while urging the government to provide furniture as well as music studio for them to

enhance learning.

He commended the staff of the centre for putting in their best at work, saying that his administration will take every staff along in the scheme of things.

Khinde, begged the chairman of Gwagwalada area Council in the FCT, Alhaji Zakari Augulu Dobi to rehabilitate the Dukwa road, to ease movement of vehicles.

Court remands pregnant woman for alleged involvement in N82m fraud

A

n Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court on yesterday remanded a pregnant woman, Regina Odumosi, 31, in prison custody for her alleged involvement in a N82 million fraud.

Odumosi, of no fixed address, is facing a four-count charge of joint act, criminal breach of trust, cheating and misappropriation of N82 million.

Police prosecutor Chijioke Okeazie told the court that one

Osita Ibeheme of Veneegas Nigeria Ltd. Jabi, Abuja, petitioned the Inspector General of Police on Sept. 23, 2011, urging him to investigate the accused.

Okeazie said the investigation revealed that the accused, along with one Enemike Ozor, a cashier and an accountant of Veneegas Nigeria Ltd, now at large, misappropriated the money.

He said Ozor confessed in a statement to the police that

he shared the money equally with Odumosi, and that the offence contravened Sections 312, 322, 286 and 309 of the Penal Code.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty, and the police prosecutor asked for an adjournment to enable him present his witness.

The Counsel to the accused, G.M. Chukwuka, applied for bail for his client, citing sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

He urged the court to grant his client bail, pending her trial, and promised that she would not jump bail.

Chukwuka also urged the court to grant the accused bail on compassionate grounds as she was confirmed to have complications with her sevenmonth-old pregnancy.

The prosecutor urged the court not to grant the application, saying that investigation was still in progress.

He told the court that the accused jumped bail in February when she was granted bail.

Chukwuka said “this same woman, after being granted bail in February, relocated and changed her phone numbers and remained in hiding until she was caught yesterday (April 23).’’

Chief Magistrate Okeagu Azubike ordered that she should be remanded in prison custody, and adjourned the case till May 22 for further hearing. (NAN)

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

FAAC allocation for the month of March 2012 S/N

BENEFICIARIES

SUB-TOTAL (N)

1

FG (52.68%) States (26.72%) L/govt Councils (20.72%) Derivation (13% of Mineral revenue-oil/gas) Value Added Tax (VAT) & Transfers

Bill to amend CBN Act passes second reading in Senate

By Richard Ihediwa

T

he bill for an Act to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007 passed the second reading at the Senate yesterday.

The bill seeks to amend the act to compel the bank to submit its budget to the National Assembly for approval every financial year as expected by law.

The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Ita Enang (PDP- Akwa Ibom), said that the Fiscal Responsibility Act of July 2007, mandating CBN to submit its budget to the National Assembly, superseded the CBN Act.

Flight schedule AIR NIGERIA (MONDAY - SUNDAY) LOS-A BJ: 07.15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.30, 17.00, 17.20, 18.30 ABJ-LOS: 07.00, 09.30, 10.30, 11.15, 16.15, 19.15, 19.35 ABJ-KANO: 18.40 KANO-ABJ: 08.35 ABJ -SOK (MON): 09.35 ABJ-SOK (FRI): 10.10 ABJ-SOK (WED/SUN): 11.20 SOK-ABJ (MON): 11.35 SOK-ABJ (FRI): 12.00 SOK-ABJ (WED/SUN): 13.20

AEROCONTRACTORS (MON - SUN) LOS-ABJ: 06.50, 13.30, 19.45 LOS-ABJ (SUN): 12.30 LOS-ABJ (SAT): 16.45 ABU-L OS: 07.30, 13.00, 14.00, 19.00 ABU-LOS (SUN): 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 ABU-LOS (SAT): 18.30

DANA AIRLINES (MON - SUN) LOS-ABJ: 07.02, 08.10, 12.06, 15.30, 17.10 ABJ-LOS: 07.20, 09.36, 13.05, 14.40 ABJ-LOS (SAT/SUN): 13.05, 18.00 LOS-KANO : 08.10 KANO-LOS: 11.25 KANO -ABUJA: 11.25 ABUJA-KANO : 10.08

IRS AIRLINES

“The Fiscal Responsibility Act is later in time and therefore supersedes any provision of the CBN Act. But the CBN has relied on the provision in its Act to refuse to submit her budget to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, hence this bill,’’ Enang said.

He said the CBN Act of May 2007 gave the CBN Board the power to consider and approve the annual budget of the bank.

He said that it was “an affront’’ for the CBN to claim that the National Assembly had donated its authorisation to the bank by virtue of the provision of the CBN Act.’’ Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP- Abia) said the Senate must take appropriate measures to ensure that the existing laws were obeyed by government agencies.

“We have powers to make laws for the CBN. The CBN cannot on its own choose which law to obey.

“This matter was overlooked while enacting the fiscal responsibility law. There’s no other way we can help the country than to ensure that this ambiguity is corrected,’’ Abaribe said.

Also contributing, Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP- Bauchi) said that the amendment was fundamental and deserved the support of all the legislators.

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Sen. Ekweremadu, referred the bill to the Banking and Judiciary committees for further legislative action before returning it to the floor of the Senate within two weeks.

EXCHANGE RATES

CBN CFA • £ RIYAL $

LOS -ABJ: 9.45, 11.45, 2.45

PARALLEL RATES

ABJ-LOS: 11.30, 3.45, 4.45 LOS-KANO: 6.15 LOS-KANO (SAT/SUN): 16.30 KANO-LOS: 07.30 KANO-LOS (SUN/SUN): 10.30

SELLING 0.3108 205.076 251.5207 41.5289 155.75

• £ RIYAL $

BUYING 210 254 40 157

SELLING 212 256 42 158

- Pg 22

Passengers safety is ensured, says NCAA

Sanusi did not plagiarise, says CBN

By Abdulwahab Isa

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has declared that its Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi did not plagiarise as recently alleged on the grounds that the governor did not write the said paper.

Its clarification came on the heels of reports in the media that a suit had been slammed against the Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, by one Victor E. Dike, a Professor of Engineering and Technology, National University Sacramento, USA praying an Abuja High Court to compel CBN Governor to pay him N10million for as compensation for breach of copyright in his article.

Reacting to the suite yesterday, the CBN, in a statement by its Director, Corporate Communications, Ugochukwu A. Okoroafor said no court paper in respect to an alleged plagiarism suit had been served on its Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

The statement read: “It is important to provide some clarifications on the matter. First, as at the time of release of this statement, no court papers in respect of the said suit had been served on the Governor”.

The apex bank explained that as Governor of the CBN, Sanusi ”just like Chief Executive Officers of similar institutions in Nigeria and abroad deliver

papers, not in their personal capacities, but on behalf of the institutions for which they are chief spokespersons “ adding that in the case of CBN ”such papers, even though presented by the Governor, represent our collective views and are prepared by professional researchers in the relevant departments of the Bank.

We can vouch that such papers are prepared in line with strict global and ethical standards” it clarified.

The CBN said as responsible institution, “it always cooperates fully with court officers and our well trained and responsible security officers have ever been under strict instructions to treat them with the appropriate dignity and respect they deserve”.

Inflation hits 12.1% in March – National Bureau of Statistics

N

igeria’s consumer inflation rose to 12.1 percent yearon-year in March, compared with 11.9 percent yearon-year in February, driven by higher food prices, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

“The increase in the headline index, composed of the core and

food indices, partially was due to the planting season which increased the price of food products in the market, and an increase in prices in the economy,” an NBS document said.

Food inflation, the largest component in the headline figure, rose to 11.8 percent year-

on-year in March, compared with a revised figure of 9.7 percent in February.

The bureau said the rise in consumer inflation could have been more severe but for a delay in sharing out oil revenues between different tiers of government, which eased liquidity.(Reuters)

R-L: Commissioner, Strategy and Communication, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Dr. Adewumi Abitoye, Commissioner Legal, Investment and Enforcement of FRC, Chief Chris Okewulonu and Commissioner Monitoring and Evaluation of FRC, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi, during a press conference on the failure of Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration to publish their audited financial statement since 2007, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye.

Management Tip of the Day

24th Apr, 2012 BUYING 0.2908 203.7593 249.9058 41.2623 154.75

INSIDE

Mob: 08033644990

T 613.7 billion

PAGE 19

I

You can’t get it all done

f you’re like most people, you’re overwhelmed with how much you have to do and frustrated by all the things you can’t finish. The reality is that there isn’t enough time to do it all. Once you admit that, you can explicitly choose what

you are going to do.

Instead of letting things haphazardly fall through the cracks, you can intentionally push unimportant things aside and focus on the things that matter. Don’t instantly react to the needs that land on your

desk; make deliberate choices that will move you toward your goals.

You also need to make conscious decisions about what not to do.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Chellarams suports Lagos Business School Fair

O

ne of Nigeria’s long standing corporate brands and a major employer of labour in Nigeria, Chellarams Plc has pledged its full support for the yearly organised Lagos Business School career fair.

Standard Chartered provides support to eradicate malaria

I

n support of the worlds’ effort to eradicate the malaria scourge and heighten its corporate social responsibility, Standard Chartered Bank has announced its continued partnership with Netsforlife in reducing the impact of malaria across Africa.

FDI in Nigeria, others top discourse on IoD convention

A

head of its maiden convention coming up next month, the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria has identified corporate governance as key to local and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) doing business in Nigeria.

Huge tax burden dips ABC Transport’s profit by 18%

A

BC Transport plc has released its audited results for the year ended December 31, 2011, recording a growth of 26.82 percent in turnover over the 2010 result.

UnityKapital acquires FUG Pensions, set to inject N1 bn

U

nderwriting firm, UnityKapital Assurance Plc has acquired FUG Pensions Limited as part of a strategic investment effort to position the organisation for competitiveness in the financial services sector.

This exercise which further underscores the new drive to bring insurance and pension together under the same umbrella, as in other markets, will see UnityKapital inject N1 billion into the Pension Fund Administrator(PFA).

MTN loses network availability in 1,000 base stations Stories from Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

N

igeria telecommunications giant, MTN, says it lost network availability in over 1,000 base stations across the country due to damage to its fibre infrastructure.

The telecom company, in a statement released yesterday, said the development disrupted services and created customer dissatisfaction in the South East, particularly Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Kano, Abuja, Kaduna and Ibadan.

According to the statement, MTN has witnessed an unprecedented rise in criminal damage to its fibre optic network across the country.

Placing the rate of willful damage to its fibre optic network by criminal elements at 25 per cent, MTN stated: “On average, MTN suffers more than seventy fibre cuts in different locations across Nigeria on a monthly basis. Typically, 42% are inadvertently caused by poor road construction practices, 25% from willful damage by criminal elements, and 33% by other causes, suspected to be sabotage.”

Altech to sell shareholding in West African operations

F

ollowing the federal government’s ban on import of recharge card vouchers, Allied Technologies (Altech) yesterday disclosed it was in discussion to dispose of its shareholding in Altech West Africa based in Nigeria.

Altech West Africa underperformed during the 2012 financial year on the back of increased competition in the low-priced non-secure paper recharge voucher market and Altech, which is listed on the Japan Stock Exchange, explained that tough trading conditions in East and West Africa lowered its operating profit for the year.

Overall, the Group’s revenue increased for the year ended February 2012.

The company’s South African operations and some international operations performed well despite continued adverse economic conditions.

Altech reported increased revenue of R9.97-billion, up from R9.65-billion in 2011, while adjusted headline earnings a share fell to 388c, from 529c.

The company reported a loss of R502-million, compared with a profit of R225-million in 2011.

“Results from our East and West African operations were disappointing,” Altech CEO Craig Venter said, “However, we remain positive that the remedial measures that we have put in place in East Africa will have a positive effect in the future.”

“In the last few days we have lost network availability in over 1,000 base stations cumulatively across the network. This has affected services predominantly in the South East, particularly Onitsha and Port Harcourt, and also other areas such as Kano, Abuja, Kaduna and Ibadan”.

Restating its commitment to driving the country’s socioeconomic development through

the provision of world standard telecommunication and ICT services, MTN appealed to members of the public to report any suspicious activity around telecommunication installations.

“The relevant security agencies and our Regulator, the NCC are aware and have always extended their full support but we are now constrained to appeal

to members of the public to further assist by reporting any suspicious activity around telecommunications installations which are critical national infrastructure,” the statement read.

“By so doing, you will play your part in protecting your right to good services and benefit from the dividends of the ICT Revolution.”

L-R: Field Engineer MTN, Mr. Arafat Buhari, Head Compliance Monitoring, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Ephraim Nwokonneya, and Head, Media Public Relations NCC, Mr. Ruben Mouka, during the unsealing of MTN base station by NCC, which was sealed by National Environmental Standards Regulations and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) at Efab City Estate Mbora, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

LCCI raises concern over raising debt profile

T

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has raised fresh concerns over the country’s debt profile, which has risen to $41billion, out of which domestic debt stood at $35 billion.

The chamber also scored the country’s economic performance low in the first quarter of 2012, saying that “the general business condition remains challenging due to the harsh economic climate.”

According to LCCI DirectorGeneral, Muda Yusuf, the current debt profile did not include the

debt service of about 20 per cent of total revenue of government.

He said that “the use of the global benchmark of debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio may not be applicable to the Nigerian economy. This is because a major component of GDP, which is agriculture, is not a revenue generating activity. If we discount the agriculture component of the GDP in the ratio analysis, the ratio will be much higher than the set threshold.”

LCCI also pointed out that the N1.5 trillion earmarked for capital project and the N560

billion for debt services in the 2012 budget, raises issues of prioritisation of resource allocation.

“Payment to contractors is often relegated to the background when the issue of the nation’s debt is being discussed. Settlement of contractor arrears is as important as securitised debt.”

According to the chamber, one of the ways the government can get the economy running is to get the power sector revamped.

“The challenge of getting the power sector is critical to the survival of Nigeria as a nation.”

CBN moves to make loans more accessible to SMEs operators

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has concluded moves to introduce a removable collateral scheme that will aid Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to access loans from banks with ease.

The CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said this at the second trade fair and exhibition of Yaba Industrial Estate in Lagos.

He said the scheme will allow banks to move items not fixed, such as equipment and account receivable of the debtor to settle the debts, which is a departure from provision of collaterals before

loans can be given.

Represented by the director of SME development Mr. John Abba, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said banks are financial institutions set up to make money and so cannot be forced by the CBN to bring down their interest rates, as that is the function of the market forces.

He said for any MSME to grow, the character cum attitude of the entrepreneur should be checked as most of them prefers a quick avenue to make profits while neglecting the fact that successful business are set up to focus on the long run.

Sanusi said any SME operator waiting for the government contract should have a change of heart because before the contract can be gotten and executed, the operator would have run down, cease to exist as only their operation in a market economy will help to grow their businesses.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of Yaba Industrial Estate, Alhaji Olayiwola Jaji said the need to develop the economy necessitates the fair and exhibition as the industrial sector is being neglected by all arms of the government.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 21

Etisalat unveils new campaign in grand style Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

N

igeria’s telecommunication company, Etisalat has revealed its new Masterbrand campaign tagged: ‘Essence’, a celebration of the company’s relationship and essential values.

The event in Lagos had in attendance industry titans, top celebrities and entertainers who came to witness the glamorous unveil.

Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Steven

…….launches campaign to revive youth interest in agriculture

Evans, while speaking on the brand’s journey so far said that the company in just three years of existence in Nigeria had churned out innovative products and services that have led to the retention of over twelve million subscribers.

“It’s been three years since we made the commitment to provide Nigeria with quality network, friendly tariffs, and best customer service and so far we have made good that promise, our roots across 9ja campaign in October last year was a celebration of our presence in the

nooks and crannies of the country. Today, we re-launch our identity as being a truly Nigerian brand that is innovative, youthful and full of energy”, he said.

Also speaking at the event, Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Wael Ammar said that innovation had been the company’s driving force, saying “we at Etisalat are uniquely different. We don’t do things different because we can; we’re simply different because we are and we pride ourselves in creating products and services

that fit everyday living”, he said.

The new range of advertising materials includes a 4minutes sound track titled “0809ja for life”, a music video as well as a radio jingle, television commercial and Out Of Home (OOH) creatives.

Director, Brands and Communications, Mr. Enitan Denloye, who revealed the latest communication campaign, said that the Essence campaign characterized what the brand stands for adding that the company is not just a network but an attitude as

evident from its cutting edge advertising campaigns.

At the launch, Etisalat showcased itself as a brand that is in step with the youth segment of the country by staging a fashion show that had top celebrities such as Uti Nwachukwu of the Big Brother Africa fame, Eku Edewor, copresenter on M-NET’s new hit show, Studio 53, Damilola of the drama series Tinsel, former most beautiful girl in Nigeria, Muna and Lynxx as well as a host of others in designs by Mai Atafo and Emmy Collins.

E

ffort to rejuvenate the need for the large number of unemployed youth in Nigeria to venture into the untapped agricultural potentials in the country received a boost as Etisalat has launched a campaign to mobilise their interest into the agricultural sector.

At a forum organised to discuss ways of refocusing the minds of Nigerians to sustainable agriculture, Chief Executive Officer Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans said there are people going hungry all over the world and especially Nigeria while many now lack access to sufficient macronutrients hence the need to review measures that could foster development in the sector.

Evans said as part of its corporate social responsibility, the telecom giant was poised to revive the awareness at the primary and secondary levels in order to stir up passion for the agricultural sector.

The meeting tagged “Driving Sustainable Agriculture for National Development” according to Director, Etisalat Corporate responsibility Center (CSR) center, Chris Ogbechie is also aimed at returning the good old days of young farmers clubs in primary and secondary schools as it will help imbibe agricultural subject interest in the pupils.

He said, “Continuity in government would help in government efficiency as well as capacity building in the financial institution which would help generate start up income for the farmers.”

According to the moderator and renowned agricultural expert, Mr. Alex Aligbea, Nigeria must develop a sustainable plan that will enable it raise from the dormant state to the glory days of agric in the years immediately after independence where the various region pride themselves with agric produce. sustainable agriculture, the outcome of which will produce a

L-R: Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria Mr. Elvis Daniel Nigerian Idol II Top 12 Finalists, Linda and Steven Sponsorship Analyst, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Dayo Adeyelure, another Top 12 Finalist, Mercy and Manager, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Idare Atimomo at the Nigerian Idol II Top 12 unveiling held at Dream Studios in Lagos recently.

Airtel, AMAA celebrate African Movie icons in style L

eading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria has pledged its commitment to the development of the creative industry in Nigeria and Africa as it joined organizers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) to honour, reward and celebrate accomplished African movie stars at a lavish awards ceremony held at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos.

Airtel was headline sponsor of the 8th edition of the annual AMAA that attracted international and African celebrities as well as notable personalities from other professions.

It turned out to be a joyous carnival of some sort as several movie actors, actresses, producers and writers literally broke down in tears of happiness as they received accolades for their industriousness, creativity, passion and initiative in the movie industry.

The Chairman of Airtel Networks Limited, Dr. Oba Otudeko while congratulating all the award recipients, restated Airtel’s passion for creating credible platforms for celebrating and rewarding talented Africans.

“At Airtel, we are excited to be supporting an Industry that has brought laughter, joy, peace, excitement and happiness to many homes across the African continent including Nigeria. We all know that Africans love movies, and they particularly cherish movies that are made for Africa and by Africans. No wonder the movie industry has grown so big in the continent.”

Dr. Otudeko said, “Airtel recognises the beauty of the Africa Movie Industry and that is why we have thrown our full weight behind the 2012 AMAA. Today, we congratulate and felicitate with all the winners.”

Otudeko also stated that Just

as AMAA has over the years brought smile to the faces of the key players in the movie and cinema industry and their fans, Airtel will continue to empower people across Nigeria and indeed the African continent to communicate and sustain their business and familial ties through borderless mobile telecoms services and other innovative, relevant and affordable offerings.

“In Africa, Airtel intends to be the number one telecommunications operator just as it intends to be the most loved brand in the daily lives of Africans. As a company that is passionate about building reputable platforms for the celebration of talented Africans and Nigerians, we will continue to support initiatives that will bring excitement and happiness to the door steps of all our stakeholders,” Otudeko added.

The A-Class event featured performances from top African

artistes including Nigeria’s Afro-soul crooner, Asa and multiple award winner Tuface Idibia.

Among dignitaries were the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Rajan Swaroop; Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Deepak Srivastava; Chief Sales Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Inusa Bello; , Board Member, Airtel Nigeria and Executive Director, First Bank, Kehinde Lawanson and Regional Operations Director (Lagos), Airtel Nigeria, Adebayo Osinowo.

Works and personalities that were honoured include Best Short Film category, Braids on a Bald Head; Best Documentary category: African Election Germany/Nigeria; Best Diaspora Feature: Toussaint Loventure – France and Best Diaspora Documentary: The Education of Auma Obama Nigeria/Germany.

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

NCC set to commence Mobile Number Portability From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

T

he Nigeria C o m m u n i c a t i o n Commission(NCC) has disclosed that it had embarked on the deployment of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Clearing House that would be managed by the reputable and neutral operators towards a successful switching of network users from one SIM to another within 90 days.

The Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders management of NCC, Mr. Okechukwu Itanyi,

who confirmed this development in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital at the 49thedition of Consumer outreach programme entitled: “ Mobile Number Portability: Imperatives for Improved Service Delivery”, disclosed that the process of developing a database on the programme had begun in February and would completed before the end of year.

Itanyi, who was represented

by Dr. Femi Atoyebi, said “when completed, subscribers who will want to migrate from one network to another while retaining their mobile numbers

will be privileged to do so at no cost. However, re-migration to another network or to their original network can only be possible after a 90-day period so as to avoid abuse of the system.

“It is also worthy to note that all subscribers’ data captured or kept in the MNP database will be strictly confidential and therefore consumers should not entertain any fear of their data being compromised.”

The Commission, which allayed fears over the poor quality service provided by the network operators said “ the

Commission would continue to emphasise that quality of service index of all networks be published through the media at regular intervals so as to guide subscribers in making an informed decision on the network to choose before migration”.

NCC however, assured consumers that its would ensure that there is transparency for all networks’ tariff platform such that consumers can be duly notified of the tariff structure of the network they are migrating to.

While commending the

Commission, the Kwara state Commissioner for Education, Science and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Raji Mohammed described the Consumer Forum initiated by the Commission as a good platform that would bring all stakeholders and network users together to dialogue on boiling issues affecting the communication sector.

He appealed to the network operators not to use the Mobile Number Portability to charge new tariff on calls made by the consumers.

Belgian firm shows interest in Nigerian free trade zones

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

A

L-R: Commissioner, Engineering Standard and Safety, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mrs. Mary Emiola Awoloku, Chairman, Metering Inquiry Committee, NERC, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, and Commissioner, Government and Consumer Affairs NERC, Mr. Abba Ibrahim, during a press briefing on North Central Region by the commission, on Tuesday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

NSE buys NASDAQ platform, goes live in 2013

T

he Nigeria’s Stock Exchange (NSE) signed a deal to adopt the NASDAQ X-Stream trading platform on Tuesday, and said it would aim to go live with it by the second quarter of 2013, part of a string of reforms to overhaul the bourse.

The NASDAQ Stock Market, also known as simply the NASDAQ, is an American stock exchange.

“NASDAQ” originally stood for “National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations”, and is the second-largest stock exchange by market capitalisation in the world, after the New York Stock Exchange.

“To grow our market, we have to make it more efficient and transparent to build confidence in investors,” the exchange’s executive director of market operations and technology, Ade Bajomo said at a signing ceremony with Nasdaq senior vice president and head of technology, Lars Ottersgard.

“We will work aggressively to go live with the NASDAQ platform by the second quarter of 2013, but this will depend largely on the need to carry

along other market operators.”

The adoption of the NASDAQ system is part of plethora of reforms, including relaxing restrictions on price swings, adopting the NASDAQ platform, opening into U.S. trading hours and allowing short selling.

Nigeria, Africa’s secondbiggest bourse is automated, but the technology is old and pricerather than quote-driven. The new system is supposed to make

the market more efficient, liquid and easier for traders to use.

Analysts expect 2012 to end on a gain, and stock exchange officials hope the new system will restore confidence in the transparency of the market in future years.

Officials said the NASDAQ technology would also reduce transaction times, but did not say by how much.

“The new platform will allow

UBA may merge Zambian unit with rivals

U

nited Bank for Africa (UBA) is considering merging its Zambian unit with one or more other local lenders to meet a new regulatory minimum capital of $100 million, its group chief executive said on Tuesday.

It is just one option being considered, chief executive Phillips Oduoza told an investors’ conference call. He also said the group returned to profitability in the first quarter, after a 2011 loss caused by bad-debt writedowns.

Zambia’s central bank raised the minimum capital for foreign banks operating in the country from around 12 billion kwacha

($2.31 million) to $100 million, a move it said would help boost the country’s financial sector.

Shareholder funds for the Zambia unit stood at 2.48 billion naira ($15.77 million), it said in a presentation to investors.

The bank said African operations outside Nigeria had turned profitable in the first quarter, with 12 out of 18 subsidiaries reporting pre-tax profits. The Zambia unit posted a pre-tax loss of 76 million naira.

Oduoza said the pan-African lender will tap equity markets to raise finance in order to boost its African operations when stock markets improve. (Reuters)

automatic integration of dealers with the exchange system, customers should be able to use their smart phones to access their accounts,” Oscar Onyeama, NSE chief executive said at the ceremony. (Reuters)

Belgian Group, Buck Consultants International is planning to stimulate and drive its investments into Nigerian Free Trade Zones.

The group’s Director, Karel Varonye, who led a delegation to meet with the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr Samuel Ortom on Tuesday, said Nigeria’s free trade zones had a lot of untapped potentials.

He added that the conditions of the free zones were favourable to multiple foreign investments and business development.

According to him,”We are in this country to stimulate diverse investments into the country taking advantage of the huge potentials in Nigeria’s free trade zones. Many of our clients worldwide have shown interest in Nigeria and that is why we are seeking the support of the Federal Government to start businesses there.”

Though, the licenses in your 23 free zones are untapped and the industrial parks too largely unused. We also need to ask ourselves why this is so and what can be done to make them receptive to enterprises that will bring development.” he said.

Passengers safety is ensured, says NCAA

By Muhammad Sada

T

he Director-General (D-G) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Dr. Harold Demuren, has pledged to protect passengers interests and rights and also guard against passengers exploitations as a result of cancellations and delays of flights by airline operators.

The pledge was made during a presentation to the house committee on Aviation where he also disclosed that the NCAA handled a total of 28,209 complaints last year out of which 27,861 were resolved. The DG also noted that the regulatory body had stepped up efforts aimed at protecting the rights of air travelers in Nigeria through the deployment of Consumer Protection Officers to all the

airports nationwide.

He noted that the officers’ major tasks were to receive consumer complaints and monitor flight departures and arrivals to identify delays and cancellations for necessary action and the officers have to maintain 24 hour presence at all the major international airports across the country so as to check mate the dubious activities of some airlines most of which are domestic airlines.

A glance at the complaints handled chart submitted before the House Committee on aviation by the Director General showed that Aero Contractors had the highest number of cases recorded against her with its 206 cases last year on the domestic scene while Arik and Air Nigeria followed with 101 and 86 cases respectively.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Exploiting the dialogue option to end the Boko Haram crisis

By Sani Adamu

B

y all accounts, Abdullahi No-Sweat remains one of Nigeria’s most adventurous journalists in history.

This is because the 74year-old veteran journalist had spent a greater part of his productive years in some of the world’s most dangerous spots in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Kashmir and Algeria, among others.

Presumably talking from personal experience, NoSweat faults the use of force in addressing the Boko Haram crisis.

He says from his personal experience, there is no country that succeeds in fighting religiouslymotivated armed struggles through the use of force alone.

“We have seen what happened in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Kashmir and Algeria.

“The U.S., initially during the administration of George Bush, said it would not negotiate with “terrorists’’ in Afghanistan; but now, President Barack Obama is negotiating with the Taliban through Hamid Kharzai, Afghanistan’s President.

“Nigeria should take a lesson from what happened when the Soviet Union

invaded Afghanistan in 1979 and pledged never to negotiate with the Mujahideen; but at the end of the day, it was a disastrous withdrawal for the Soviets after 10 years of fighting.

“Force should not be the only option to solve the Boko Haram problem, because if government insists on it, no one can predict the end of the problem,’’ says the partially blind seasoned journalist.

No-Sweat, who in the 70s and early 80s, worked and lived in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Algeria, believes that the best way to tackle the Boko Haram crisis is for the government to negotiate with the militant sect.

He says that countries with similar problems such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Kashmir and Algeria have all realised that negotiation is the best way out of the problem.

He specifically advises government not to worry about the “hard conditions’’ initially given by the Boko Haram sect for dialogue.

No-Sweat believes that once the process of genuine dialogue with the sect members and their leaders starts; the group’s position might shift to more acceptable conditions.

“Government should

Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno state

President Gooodluck Jonathan enter into negotiations so that tempers can be cooled down,” he says.

No-Sweat, nonetheless, emphasises that the security challenges facing Nigeria are more of a sociological phenomenon, adding that its solutions should also be viewed from that angle.

Sharing similar sentiments, security experts and psychologists insist that apart from adopting the dialogue option, security agencies should intensify their surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts across the country.

For instance, Mr Mohammed Sabo, a Psychologist at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), attributes the Boko Haram crisis to factors such as social injustice, maladministration, nepotismandfavoritismwithintheNigerian society.

“These are some of the grievances which the leaders of the sect were agitating against.

“It is only that the sect members are bold enough to use force to seek redress.

“The authorities should, as a matter of fact, emphasise the use of diplomacy, as against force, in curtailing the spread of the phenomenon.

“Realistic efforts should be made toward finding a way to

reach the leaders of the sect, with a view to initiating a dialogue with them to resolve the crisis,” he says.

Sabo, who is a member of the Nigerian Psychological Association, insists that in building public confidence in the country’s governance, the leaders should be seen as serving with the fear of God, equity and fairness in all their dealings.

Sharing similar sentiments, Alhaji Hamma Misau, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, stresses that for the security agencies to gain the people’s confidence and acceptance, they should strive to get across to the sect’s leaders for genuine dialogue.

The retired police chief also urges security operatives involved in patrol duties to desist from unduly h a r a s s i n g the public, stressing that they should be rather civil in conducting their operations.

Misau says that it is only through such civil dispositions that the security operatives can attract public confidence.

“If they treat the public in a civil manner, some of them will be willing to feed the security operatives with important intelligence data which can give a lead on how to reach the Boko Haram

leaders for dialogue.

“Members of the sect are part of us; they live among us. Therefore, it is important to reach them and dialogue with them so as to know their grievances and address them.

“Besides, security chiefs should also avoid making inflammatory statements,’’ he says.

To achieve a fruitful dialogue with the Boko Haram sect, Misau advises government to contact some respected personalities to act as mediators between it and the sect’s leadership.

“Non-partisan opinion leaders should be contacted to play the role of mediators,’’ he adds.

Malam Sanusi Mohammad, a social commentator, corroborates Misau’s viewpoint.

Mohammad says that genuine dialogue is the most potent way out of the current security challenges confronting the country.

He urges the government to critically look into the conditions given by the Boko Haram sect for the initiation of dialogue in order to resolve the impasse.

Mohammad expresses optimism that once negotiations start, the two parties would be able to reach an agreement on the way forward, adding that

the people, particularly those living in troubled areas like Maiduguri, would then be able to have a respite and live without the fear attacks.

Besides, he urges the government to urgently address the issue of poverty in the country to enable the citizens to earn a living and fend for their families.

However, some religious leaders have been blaming the government for its failure to tackle the security challenges in time Dr Lateef Adegbite, the Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), belongs to that school of thought.

Adegbite, who support calls for amnesty for the Boko Haram sect as part of measures to end the crisis, stresses that the sect members should be “pacified, rather than punished’’.

“While the Federal Government should do everything possible to curtail their excesses, those of them who are ready to embrace peace should be granted amnesty,” he says.

Adegbite, who insists that poverty, illiteracy and unemployment are part of the factors behind armed struggles in any society, calls for the immediate rehabilitation of all militant groups so as to reintegrate them into the society.

He also urges the government to initiate plans to provide jobs for members of such groups, as part of efforts to keep them busy.

However, a former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, holds a contrary opinion.

For him, the current security challenges in the country have to do with the lack of accurate intelligence on the activities of militant groups by security agencies.

The ex-police chief stresses that the sporadic bomb blasts, threats of Boko Haram militants and other security lapses could all be traced to the lack of effective and accurate intelligence by security agencies.

“We have dealt with militant groups such as Maitatsine sect in Kano and other parts of the country with the help of efficient intelligence,’’ he adds.

Coomassie advises

the Federal Government and other stakeholders to go back to the drawing board and evolve highly effective strategies that will engender improved security arrangements via accurate and efficient intelligence gathering.

He insists that the Boko Haram crisis should be a d d r e s s e d through “restricted dialogue” with members of the sect once the government is able to ascertain its leadership.

“However, the security operatives should watch their utterances, especially on issues pertaining to Boko Haram,” Coomassie adds.

However, Sheikh Yakubu Hassan, the Katsina state Chairman of an Islamic group, Izalatul Bid’a wa Ikamatul Sunna, blames the current security situation in the country on factors such corruption and injustice.

“The only solution to the security situation in Nigeria is for our leaders and other stakeholders to ensure fairness, justice, honesty and transparency,’’ he says.

Hassan, who is a member of the Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria, urges the Federal Government to dialogue with the Boko Haram members the same way it did with the Niger Delta militants.

Some observers, however, attribute the deteriorating security situation in the country to

the neglect of the traditional and religious leaders in the country’s scheme of things.

This, perhaps, explains the call by the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Danyaya, for convocation of a national unity conference to address the security challenges threatening the country’s unity.

“If we really want to address all the problems bedevilling Nigeria, we must call all stakeholders to a meeting where we will address all the challenges facing the country, especially those relating to security, indiscipline and corruption, among others.

“Presently, we have deviated from the footsteps of our forefathers like the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, who mobilised all northerners without discrimination and made them members of the same family.

“During the proposed

Boko Haram Leader, late Mohammed Yusuf meeting, stakeholders will be able to discuss openly what they have observed and proffer solutions in the interest of the country’s unity, peace and stability.

“There is still time; I believe if we make pragmatic efforts, we will succeed and we will surely come out with

“

The sophistication in the professional way targets are chosen suggest a deliberate attempt to broaden the insurgence effects with a view to creating widespread disaffection within and outside Nigeria

Chief of Defence Staff, Oluseyi Petinrin

solutions to all our problems.

“I am not hiding under this proposal to seek for a constitutional role for traditional rulers.

If government decides to give us specific roles to play in the country’s affairs, it will be a welcome development but in my own opinion, it’s not a constitutional role that matters.

“Even, if constitutional roles are not assigned to us, our subjects have given us roles to play; they came to us to settle squabbles and disagreements on land matters and others. Whether Muslims or Christians, our subjects respect traditional institutions,’’ Danyaya adds.

Sharing similar sentiments, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the

Federation (SGF), believes that dialogue should be used as a tool for enhancing national security.

Speaking while receiving a delegation of the Forum of Former Members of House of Representatives in his office, the SGF says: “We can overcome crisis through dialogue. Through dialogue, we can solve problems and our country will be better for it.’’

Some human rights, including Mr Shehu Sani, President of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, however, insist that efforts to tackle the security challenges facing the country should also be hinged on strategies aimed at promoting justice and protecting human rights.

Sani argues that the process of initiating genuine dialogue with the Boko Haram sect ought to have started with the payment of adequate compensation to the family of the late leader of the sect, Malam Mohammed Yusuf, who was extra-judiciously killed.

He says that the fight against armed groups should not be an alibi to promote “arbitrariness and human rights’ violation’’.

As part of efforts to resolve the crisis, the Northern leaders and elders have also called for resumption of talks with the Boko Haram sect.

At their recent meeting in Abuja, the northern elders, who comprise elder statesmen, former ministers, former university administrators, former ambassadors and businessmen, stressed that with the emerging scenario and circumstantial

evidence; the current security threats might surpass the handiwork of Boko Haram sect.

For them, the level of sophistication displayed in the attacks is obviously beyond the local competence of the Boko Haram sect.

“The sophistication in the professional way targets are chosen suggest a deliberate attempt to broaden the insurgence effects with a view to creating widespread disaffection within and outside Nigeria.

“Mr President himself suggested in a declaration that Boko Haram elements have infiltrated his government, including the security agencies of the nation.

Our country and people deserve to know who these infiltrators are, while appropriate actions taken.

“The escalation of the Boko Haram crisis has unfortunately provided a convenient cover for all manner of criminal elements to perpetrate other forms of atrocities such as armed robbery, kidnapping and assassinations in the society,’’ the elders said.

All the same, analysts insist that government should now start to think seriously of how to engage religious and traditional leaders in efforts to manage country’s affairs.

They say that such arrangements can also be achieved via the establishment of a national commission on religious affairs to serve as a platform for addressing various religiously-motivated crises threatening Nigeria’s unity and survival.

Source: NAN

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

EMERGENCY UPDATE

African nations must prepare against disasters, says Gambian govt V

By Mohammed Kandi

ice President and Minister of Women Affairs of The Gambia, Dr. Isatou NjieSaidy has urged Africa nations to be adequately prepared against natural and man-induced disasters due to various factors that include the climate change and the increase rate of terrorism in the continent.

The Vice President, according to a statement issued by head of press and public relations of and Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Yushau A. Shuaib, said at the weekend after a bilateral agreement between the Gambian National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and NEMA, that the accord was on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

Njie-Saidy also said “the key word in disaster management is preparedness and putting in place mechanisms to ward off and prevent disaster from wreaking havoc on humanity and their

means of livelihood.”

She also described Nigeria has “a big brother in Africa which always supports sister countries towards socio-political development in the region.”

Leading the Nigeria delegation in signing the agreement, the Director General of NEMA, Alhaji

Muhammad Sani-Sidi said “the partnership between NEMA and Gambia in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a beginning of SouthSouth cooperation that include sharing of knowledge and ideas and provision of logistical supports for disaster management in the subregion.”

He said: “NEMA would send two technical officers to Gambia to strengthen the capacity of NDMA and we offer placement for disaster managers for studies in any of the six government-owned universities in Nigeria that offer postgraduate programme in disaster management and a Centre for Simulation exercise.”

Present at the occasion were the Nigeria’s Ambasador to Gambia,

Mrs Esther Audu, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mrs. Chinwe Dike, Executive Director National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Mr. Essa Khan and some relevant cabinet ministers and Service chiefs in The Gambia.

The three day study tour and for bilateral agreement included visit to strategic areas and hotspots that are relevant to disaster management in Gambia.

NEMA to assist victims of windstorm in Niger

R Executive Director NDMA Gambia and DG NEMA Muhammad Sani-Sidi after signing a bilateral agreement on DRR in Gambia.

esidents of Kotonkoro community in Niger state who were affected by the recent windstorm that destroyed property worth millions of Naira will soon relieve support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

This followed an assessment exercise carried out by the agency to determine the extent of damages as well as the level of assistance required by the victims.

It was learnt that officials of NEMA and tose of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) swung into action following request by member of the state House of

Assembly representing area.

Investigations by NEMA assessment team, however, revealed that about 233 households were affected.

“126 households in the new town, 3 mosque, 1 church, 1 primary school and 20 shops in the market,” it said.

It further noted that “the entire household ware built with mud, no tress planted around the houses, school and market to serve as a preventive measure.”

The team therefore recommended that building materials and household items be provided to the victims just more sensitisation on climate change effect needs to carried out before the peak of rainy season.

...appeals to Cross River on displaced nomads

T Minister of Interior Gambia, Lamin Kaba Bajo looks on while DG NEMA, Sani-Sidi presents a souvenior to Vice President Dr. Isat

Nigeria officials in a group photograph with Vice President of The Gambia in Banjul

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has appealed to the Cross River State Government to hold back its evacuation of the displaced Fulani nomads taking temporary shelter in the state saying the Agency have commenced consultation with the governments of Benue and Taraba States to facilitate a better process for their return and rehabilitation.

Chairman of NEMA special committee on Displaced People, Mr. Mike Adeyanju made the appeal in Calabar during a visit to the Cross State Governor Mr Liyel Imoke. He said the Agency has set up a special committee to meet with the Governors of Benue and Taraba States to discuss about the re-absorption of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to the communities where they had earlier fled.

Mr. Adeyanju, who is also Deputy Director Relief and Rehabilitation in the agency, said the displaced herdsmen like any other citizens were distress persons from conflicts and disasters who deserve sympathy and tender kindness.

He urged the Cross River state government to allow some time for proper coordination among the stakeholders and governments of the states where the people had fled to maintain the dignity and rights of the IDPs.

He said it was expected of the home states of the IDPs to ensure appropriate security in the communities where the IDPs had fled and embark on reconciliation and enlightenment for peaceful coexistence before they are evacuated back.

Speaking further, Mr. Adeyanju said as part of the mandate of NEMA and its system of managing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the Agency was done with the initial phase of relief intervention and is now working towards their rehabilitation and re-integration which would be carried out together with the stakeholders.

The NEMA delegation however, commended the Cross River State Government for providing the temporary shelter for the 3,605 IDPs as well as a borehole, food items and medicare.

He said the committee would also meet with the Governors of Benue and Taraba States to further discuss about the displaced persons.

Responding, the Deputy Governor Mr Effiok Cobham who received the delegation on behalf of the Governor said the government had concluded arrangement for the evacuation with the consent of the IDPs. He appreciated the roles of NEMA but regretted the attitudes of the states where they claimed to have been displaced.

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

EMERGENCY UPDATE

NEMA distributes relief materials in Abia, Imo T

he Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has delivered relief materials worth millions of Naira to the affected persons of communal crisis in Imo state and victims of flood and windstorm disaster in Aba North and South.

Speaking during the flag-off and distribution of the materials in both states, South-East Zonal Coordinator of the agency, on behalf of the Director General, Alhaji Muhammed Sani-Sidi, said that the gesture was aimed at complementing efforts of state governments to enable the victims to cope with the impact of disaster.

The DG, who expressed sympathy for affected persons of the communal crisis, described as unfortunate the incident while

calling on members of the communities to embrace peace for their own good, as no meaningful progress could take place in an atmosphere of crisis.

He also said that increasing exposure of communities to disasters including floods and windstorms which caused havoc in some part of Abia state was as a result of global climate change, requiring collective efforts to address the negative impacts by all the three tiers of government and communities affected.

The DG further informed the Governors of Abia and Imo states on the agency’s confidence their governments with the hope that the states would key into programmes initiated in a bid to reduce disaster incidences in the South-East.

He called on the states to

encourage programmes such as the Grassroots Emergency Volunteer Corps, the follow-up to Emergency Management Vanguards, and Disaster Risk Reduction Clubs in Post-Primary Schools.

Sani-Sidi also urged state governments to provide adequate funding and befitting office accommodation for State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

In their separate speeches, the Executive Secretaries of Abia and Imo States Emergency Management Agency Mrs. Ada Kalu Achi and Mrs. Uche Ezeonyeasi expressed gratitude’s on-behalf of their States Government to NEMA, for its prompt intervention, assuring that the materials would be equitably distributed.

Below show pictures of the visit by officials of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and distribution of relief materials to victims of disaster recently in Imo and Abia state.

YOUTHS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

By Abubakar Jimoh abujimoh01@yahoo.com

Mitigating the hazards of Lake Nyos’ collapse

R

ecently, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) drew the public attention to the imminent collapse of the Lake Nyos by 2015. This according to the agency would pose a negative socio-economic effects to some states in Nigeria including Benue, Taraba, Katsina, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Kogi and Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom states in the event of the eruption.

Geologically, Lake Nyos is located in western Cameroon and adjacent to Nigeria in the elbow region of West Africa. It lies close to the axis of the Cameroon Volcanic Line, which extends for nearly 1,500km from the gulf of Guinea Islands through southwestern Cameroon and goes into northern Nigeria and northern Cameroon.

Hitherto, the emission of Carbon dioxide from the lake in August, 1986, had claimed 1,800 victims; while a lethal gas burst originated from the neighbouring lake Monoun, in the same remote area of Cameroon killed 37 people in 1984.

Both lakes occupy the crater of a supposedly extinct volcano in a region known by geologists for its numerous gaseous water springs and a common feature of old volcanic areas.

In both cases, without prior notice, a cloud of dense gas erupted from the lake, covering the surroundings under a deadly blanket several meters thick, decorating the skins of the victims with burns.

The fact that both disasters occurred at night remained mysterious and had caused dreadful natural catastrophe in the area.

Also, NEMA’s accounts showed physics and chemistry of the lakes still contain huge amounts of carbon dioxide (10 million m3 and 300 million m3 in Monoun and Nyos, respectively) and that this gas is being added at such a rate that saturation could be reached within years in the deep layers of the lakes. This may result to the collapse of the Lake Nyos which is also a volcanic dam that could release up to 50 million cubic metres (1.8 billion cu ft) of water into Katsina-Ala River.

Consequently, the agency has conducted technical study on the situation and developed various measures which is classified under absorption, mitigation, and elimination depending on the location.

Absorption measures involved preparing the threatened areas to absorb the initial effects of the event, considering the prediction of possible collapse of the Lake Nyos Dam and flood arrival time. This include flood inundation mapping, emergency preparedness planning and containment of flood by a buffer dam. Mitigation measures, nonetheless, include reinforcement of the Lake Nyos

dam, control of the dam seepage, control of potential rock- fall into the lake, as well as venting of gas from the lake bottom. The elimination measures were aimed at removing completely the dangers posed by the lake such as draining and de-gassing the lake.

The study also it observed that preventive measures is the best option required to manage socio-economic effects that disasters of Lake Nyos may pose to man and his property.

Besides, geologists have further confirmed that the natural hazards presented by these lakes are unique in that remediation is possible before a disaster occurs. It has been recommended that lowering the density of the gas-water mixture by pumping of gas-rich bottom waters to the surface of the lakes will help to remove the gas currently in the lakes, and possibly prevent future gas that may build up using a pipe that continuously flushes bottom water out of the lake.

Reducing the danger of these hazards is very vital just as residents of the area must be educated about risks involved and the level of danger posed to people living around the lakes.

In this case, there is a need for adequate alert system that will be coded in several languages of the communities to be affected.

This will help to inform the residents about the impending flood and forewarn them to vacate the river banks.

There is an instant need for the states to construct buffer dams in addition to the ongoing construction of buffer dam project across the Benue communities by the federal government to hold the excess water; while the state governments must collaboration with their respective State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to put in place some palliative measure against the impact of the impending disaster. Also very vital is efficient means of transportation and communication to facilitate emergency operation by officials.

Effective collaboration among stakeholders on disaster management such as Fire Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Police, medical services, Federal Road Safety Corps, private, Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Disaster Reaction Units of the military, Search and Rescue and Epidemic Evacuation Teams must be encouraged to provide adequate emergency response, and assist NEMA with its ongoing proffered technical measures against the anticipated Lake Nyos collapse. Besides, if necessary workable evacuating systems should be provided for the population living around the danger zone; and facilities must be sufficient provided in the alternative environments chosen for them.

PAGE 26

Advocacy strong tool to advance climate change actions, says Jibunoh

T

he Founder of Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE), an NGO on Environment, Dr Newton Jibunoh, has canvassed for the use of advocacy as a strong tool to advance actions on Climate Change.

Jibunoh, who made the suggestion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday, said: “Advocacy should be done from the inverted pyramid style of bottom up approach to involve the people at the grassroots and children, as they are the most affected by hazards of climate change.”

He also underscored the importance of tree planting to save lands ravaged by natural disasters and environmental degradation, adding that “there should be coordinated efforts by all stakeholders working together and championing the cause of adopting mitigation policies that will be effective in all localities to address climate change effects.”

“It is also important that local and state governments should have a forum to deliberate on measures thatcan be used to mitigate the the effect of climate change,” he said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Erosion sensitization: Ministry adopts 4 indigenous languages T

he Federal Ministry of Environment has begun the use of four principal indigenous languages to sensitise Nigerians on precautionary measures to tackle erosion problems across the country, an official said.

Director, Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department of the ministry, Mr

Kunle Oshikoya, gave the information in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja recentlt.

Oshikoya said that the languages were Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and Pidgin English and explained that it would help illiterate Nigerians to understand basic methods of managing their environments.

“The minister has put in place jingles which are presented in the four principal languages of the country. Not everyone speaks or understands English Language; we adopted this strategy of indigenous languages to carry everybody along, especially, illiterates and farmers,” he explained.

“Advocacy will be part of our

programme this year and it will be seriously pursued. We are working with our forestry department in the ministry to make the programme concrete at all time,” he said.

The director said that all erosion sites would be covered with vegetative soil in order to plant on land and give it horticultural approach. (NAN)

Kwara moves against illegal felling of trees

T

he Kwara State Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Mr Samuel Bamisaiye, has said cautioned against illegal felling of trees in the state saying anyone caught in the act would face severe sanctions.

Bamisaiye told journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital that charcoal makers, who were indiscriminately felling trees, were causing environmental problems in the state.

The commissioner lamented that most of the charcoal makers in the state were non-indigenes, adding that the rampant illegal exploitation of trees had made the state the largest producer of charcoal in the country.

“Most of the people doing it do it in the night because we have suspended the operation. The reason why we suspended cutting down of trees is that immature trees are being cut.

The whole activities boil down to illegality and anyone found will be severely punished,’’ he said.

According to Bamisaiye, the minimum forest cover a nation should have is 25 per cent, with Kwara maintaining between 14 and 16 per cent.

“In Kwara now, we have 1416 per cent and we are today compared with Maiduguri when we talk of temperature. You see it on television; if Maiduguri is 39, Ilorin is 39. It is not safe,’’ he said. (NAN)

Improper felling can cause considerable damage to advanced regeneration.

Coastal Erosion: LASG wants FG to fulfill pledge

T

he Lagos State Government has appealed to the Federal Government to fulfill its pledge to assist in tackling coastal erosion in the state.

Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr Adesegun Oniru, made the call in Ikeja recently at a media briefing to mark Governor Babatunde Fashola‘s first year of a second term in office.

Oniru said the Federal Government’s urgent intervention on the ecological problem was imperative to arrest the severe threat it posed to the environment and the people.

President Goodluck Jonathan on July 17, 2011 while inspecting coastal erosion sites at Alpha Beach in Lagos promised that the Federal Government would help the state to solve its ecological problems.

Oniru, who said the President was in Lagos last year to inspect some coastal erosion sites, however, expressed shock at the level of devastation at the sites and promised Federal Government‘s assistance to the state on the problem.

“However, a year after that pledge, the state is yet to receive any support from the Federal Government. Even Governor

Babatunde Fashola has written to the president several times on the issue with no response,” he said.

“During the inspection visit, we told the president that if an urgent solution was not found to the erosion at Alpha Beach in six months, the whole place would be wiped off,” he stressed.

“That is exactly what has happened, the erosion that as at that time had claimed only about 18m of land, has now wiped out

the entire communities around the place and has rendered the residents homeless,” the Commissioner explained.

“The state government is urging the Federal Government to fulfill its promise to assist the state by intervening urgently on the problem to save the state from the threats posed by coastal erosion,” he said.

Onirualso urged the Federal Government to help the state

remove wrecks on its waterways, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

The commissioner said the ongoing Eko Atlantic City project by the state government was to reclaim land that had been encroached upon by the ocean.

The commissioner said the project, had so far reclaimed about 2,849,150 square metres of land.(NAN)

NGO urges Bayelsa govt to establish environment protection agency

A

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), known as “Friends of the Earth”, wants the Bayelsa government to establish an environmental protection agency to check degradation of its environment by multinational oil companies.

The Director of the NGO, Mr Inengite Ariweni, in an interview with journalists in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital recently, expressed the organisation’s concern about the continuous degradation of the environment in the state without any

regulation or agency to check the situation.

He called on Gov. Seriake Dickson to urgently establish an agency for that purpose, saying there was need for the government to take proactive steps in stemming environmental challenges through the establishment of a functional institution.

Ariweni said the constant green house gas emission into the environment and several oil spills constituted a breach of the fundamental human rights to life, health and safe environment as

contained in the 1999 Constitution.

He urged the state government to take environmental issues seriously as there would be no development without a sustained environment.

The NGO chief also called on the National Environmental Standards Regulation and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to establish an operational office in the state as a further means of checking unhealthy environmental developments and remedying offensive situations.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 27

Evolving environmental challenges

P

eople in many countries round the world are today on edge over the prevalent environmental disasters that have become a daily occurrence.

People have become more willing to see such disasters as the result of bad environmental policies.

Despite the very importance of The Environment to our very survival and economic progress, it has never been treated as a central issue during and after elections by political parties in Nigeria.

It should be realized that people are becoming worried about environmental issues. The sense of ecological interdependence among nations is today very much pronounced.

The policies of a few countries may determine the fate of the rest. Not only do the intractable environmental issues increasingly tend to be international, they often involve irreversible damage.

It may take centuries for the hole in the ozone layer to repair itself or the oil in the sea to degrade or the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to full to levels that no longer threaten global warming.

In developing countries including Nigeria, economic growth without environmental concern has produced horrific consequences.

A survey conducted sometime ago in 14 countries, nine of them poor, found high levels of alarm about pollution of drinking water and of the air and land. In almost every country majorities of people and leaders thought that pollution would get worse; and in all countries large majorities saw a direct link between environmental quality and public health.

Given that the grisliest environmental horror stories come from third world countries that may not be surprising.

In rich countries, by contrast, 30 years of environmental policies has brought some results. On some measures, rich countries have undoubtedly grown cleaner. Yet, this is not public perception; most people in rich countries believe their environment is continuing to deteriorate.

According to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, “No generation has a freehold on the Earth. All we have is a life tenancy, with a full repairing lease.”

It is recognized that only government can ultimately set the terms of that “full repairing lease.”

When the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN) was registered along with other political parties before the 2003 elections, it was heart-warming for environmental stakeholders who saw the party as a rally point for environmental advocacy in the country.

Though, the party did not

make much impact at that year’s elections, but at least, it had the resemblance of an environmental pressure group.

To the chagrin of environmental stakeholders, the leadership of the party had the name of the party changed for God knows why. Today, there is no single pro-environmental political party in Nigeria.

It may not be out of place to say that most political leaders in the country do not have the idea that the environment is synonymous with our very existence and sustainability.

It is no gain saying the fact that elections in Nigeria were never issues oriented. In 2007, it was expected to a larger extent that that year’s elections would have been issues oriented, but it was not different from other past elections in the country.

It is sad that even the 2011 campaign 11 general elections there was no single political party that made The Environment a campaign issue.

African Ministerial Council on Environment (AMCEN) in its mission statement says that economic and environmental policies, which do not improve the lives of the poor majority of our people, are not socially or politically sustainable.

The overarching goals of alleviation of poverty in our economic development can only be met if we ensure the adequate protection and management of our natural resources.

Principle 25 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development states that Peace, Development and Environmental Protection are interdependent and indivisible.

Given the global search for practical ways to give expression to the notion of Sustainable Development, Sustainable

Development must address the considerable underdevelopment and poverty that plagued most countries round the world, including Nigeria.

Section 20 of the Nigeria Constitution mandates the state to protect and development the environment and safeguards the water, air and land, forest and wildlife of Nigeria.

In compliance with this obligation and exercise of this mandate, a de novo ministry of environment was established in 1999 at the inception of Obasanjo administration and all the state governments took cue by creating ministries of environment in their respective states.

Although, most Nigerians see environmental issues as important objectives, comparatively few articulate their interest through political activism.

It is on record that former president Olusegun Obasanjo as the presidential candidate of the PDP in 1999 general election did not make the environment a campaign issue, but took a laudable step to create the federal ministry of environment as the apex institution on environmental matters in Nigeria. Besides this laudable step core environmental problems remained to be tackled headlong. For years, the federal ministry of environment has been running a near zero budget as major environmental problems have remain unsolved.

In the United States for example, environmental issues have become central during presidential elections, such as green-house emissions responsible for global warming and climate change. This shows that environmental issues in today’s world have taken the

ENVIR ONMENT ENVIRONMENT WATCH

By Ambrose Inusa Sule, mnes globenviron@yahoo.com 0703-441-4410 (sms only) front seat as it is recognized that there can never be a meaningful development without environmental sustainability.

Both the Exclusive and Concurrent Lists in the 1999 Constitution is so silent on matters relating to Environment and Ecology such as what would be the most realistic national policy on environment and ecology and what would be the most equitable and balanced sharing of responsibility for Environmental and Ecological Devolution of Power between the central and federating components of government viza-viz the federal, states and local governments.

It is a known fact that every one of the 36 states of the federation including the FCT has environmental/ecological problems of one form or other. It is desert encroachment in the far northern states, gully erosion in the central states and coastal erosion in the far southern states as well as manmade environmental problems occasioned by mining and treefelling activities. That means that each state has its set of environmental and ecological problems to attend to.

It is no longer news that 70 percent of our health problems have been reported to be environmentally-related.

Diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, cholera, measles, typhoid fever, yellow fever, among others are all products of unsanitary environment besides the debilitating poverty

Biologist Ronald Bassar of UC Riverside hunts for guppies in a stream in Trinidad. Source: redOrbit

occasioned by environmental decline.

Aggregating all the sources of environmental degradation, the ultimate long-term effect of not redressing the problems has been estimated to be as high as US$5 billion per year as reported by the World Bank some time ago.

Redressing the backlog of environmental problems remains a central concern for both the people and all tiers of government.

It is not that there have not been some efforts to protect and develop our environment and its natural resource base in order to achieve sustainable development. In spite of some levels of achievements during the past years, the challenges ahead are quite monumental.

We must recognize that there is no ultimate dichotomy between a sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.

Today, our cities are plagued with smog and blighted neighborhoods too dangerous to enter. Highways are congested and noisy, public transportation systems are inadequate and expensive and water and sewage facilities are often antiquated.

The air we breathe is laden with variety of toxic and hazardous chemicals, so much that tens of thousands of sick and elderly people must stay indoors many days of the year. Solutions are slow coming and those that have emerged fall far short of the mark.

Experts have reported that the widespread of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) has damaged, perhaps irreparably the Ozone Layer. As a result, our vulnerability to diseases is expected to increase substantially in coming decades.

Carbon dioxide and other trace gases from factories, power plants and vehicles are altering global climate in a way that we are just beginning to understand. Toxic wastes has infiltrated our groundwater and streams, poisoned our drinking water and fouled our beaches.

One of our primary energy sources, oil, is in the headlines almost daily. One accident after another contaminates precious coastal waters with oil and devastates marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Even the food we eat is a matter of renewed concern as people become more alarmed about the pesticides used in its production. Indeed, the widely publicized health risk posed by specific chemicals such as the pesticides alar, are prompting us to examine more generally the hazards associated with what we eat.

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Portrait of a tragedy: Mother’s vigil for dying baby victim of West African famine

C

hindo Khady cradles her dying son in her arms. Two of her children have already died from malnutrition and she knows it will not be long until tiny, helpless Kinda joins them.

A drip dangles from his frail arm in a filthy, overcrowded hospital but for the seven-month-old baby, who at 11lbs weighs almost half of what he should, help has come too late.

He is a victim of the food crisis which is threatening 23 million people - almost a third of the population of Britain - in the Sahel region of West Africa within the next two months.

Severe drought, conflict and the decimation of crops by insects have combined to make the situation critical.

Simply put, there is not enough food and the rains are not expected until June, meaning there will be no harvest until October.

International aid agencies, including the Red Cross and United Nations, have called for urgent action to prevent a repetition of the severe famine which ravaged East Africa last year and left hundreds of thousands dead.

Chindo, 29, lives in Burkina Faso - the poorest country in the world and one of the worst affected out of

the 11 nations which make up the Sahel.

As she sits with her son in 50c heat at a medical centre set up in response to the drastic surge in cases of malnourished babies, she fights a losing battle with the flies constantly descending on Kinda’s tear-stained face.

She told the Mail: ‘The rains failed and the crops died. I was not producing enough milk to feed my son properly and then he got sick. I am very worried about him. My other two children have died already.

‘There is not enough food. I do not know what I will do. I pray for the rains to come soon.’

Sitting beside Chindo is 20-yearold Salamata Tambora. Her baby boy Alfa is almost two-and-a-half but at just 13lbs, weighs the same as a four-month-old, instead of the 30lbs he should be.

Alfa is her only child but she knows his life is hanging by a thread.

Like Kinda, he is critically malnourished.

She said: ‘We ran out of food so I had to give my baby flour to eat, which he was not used to. It made him ill and he is not getting better.

He is losing weight each day.’

Christian missionaries have set up an over-flow centre for sick

Chindo Khady's son will become her third child to die in the drought that has hit west Africa.

A child weighs in at one of the emergency stations set up to try and combat starvation that is sweeping across Burkina Faso.

Waiting for death, Kinda lies in the filthy hospital with a drip attached to his fragile arm.

Mossa Camboura was days away from death before her 30year-old mother Salamata brought her there a month ago.

children next to the hospital in the remote village of Djibo.

Here it is the same story desperate mothers whose babies are slowly starving to death because they are too malnourished to produce milk to feed them.

Two-month-old baby girl Mossa Camboura was days away from death before her 30-year-old mother Salamata brought her there a month ago.

She is dangerously underweight at just 4lbs instead of a normal healthy weight of around 10lbs.

Last year, the rains failed in Burkina Faso and most of the crops died. Whatever survived was then destroyed by a plague of giant crickets.

One of the hardest-hit regions is the village of Tin Akoff, where the Red Cross has already started to hand out vouchers for basic food supplies, such as salt, oil and flour.

Mother-of-eight Bazam Adizetta has not eaten for six days as whatever food she has managed to beg or

borrow she shares between her children.

For Bazam, her life and that of her children now depends on her ability to sell four skeletal chickens.

Speaking from her one-room mud hut, the 44-year-old said: ‘We have nothing. I do not know how we are going to survive. My children are so ill and thin and it is only going to get worse.

‘I support my family alone after my husband left me and sometimes my neighbours give them food, but they have so little themselves.

‘The small river near my village will be dry within weeks and the crops have all died. We will not eat today. My only hope, my whole future, is if I can sell my four chickens, which should feed us for a few more weeks.’

Across Burkina Faso, around half of the 14 million population is at risk. To make matters worse, more than 100,000 refugees have fled Mali and settled in refugee camps.

One of these is Ferrerio, a

sprawling, squalid expanse of makeshift tents, which is home to around 20,000 refugees. Zoulo Idrissa, 39, fled Mali the day soldiers arrived in his village.

He is a member of the Tuareg tribe, an ethnic group being driven from the country by government militia.

Zoulo, who arrived at the camp two months ago with his two wives and ten children, said: ‘We left the day the soldiers came into the village.

Lots of people were killed and injured.

‘It’s really hard because there’s nothing to do here. There is no food or work. We don’t know what to do.

We had to come here to save our lives.’

Conflicts in northern Nigeria, the Ivory Coast and Libya have also forced thousands of migrant workers to return home, therefore reducing the money they would have normally been able to send to their families.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 31

Africa: How African dictators corrupt European politics ANALYSIS

By Michael Schmidt

I

t is not only African presidents who are corrupted by European aid-with-strings-attached.

Evidence abounds showing a secret and extensive "suitcase" system in which millions of dollars are sent by African dictators to corrupt the European political process.

We have seen several curious reversals of the usual pecking order in world affairs regarding Africa' status of late, not least of which have been the spectacle of Portugal begging for aid from its former colony Angola, and of European citizens relocating back to their former colonies, fleeing economic crisis in Europe for poorly-paid jobs in the African hinterland. [1] But there is a longer-lived and more secret relationship between Africa and Europe that overturns the conventional view of African presidents being corrupted by European aid-with-stringsattached; this is the phenomenon of la valise, "the suitcase" system of millions sent over decades by African dictators to corrupt the European political process. Seeing as how language differences divide common understanding between Francophone Africa and Anglophone Africa, the two largest colonial-language blocs, it is worth us here in the English-speaking part of the continent to examine this phenomenon so entrenched in Francophone African affairs - and now apparently spreading. The Center for French and Francophone Studies at Duke University in North Carolina hosted a debate on la valise on 5 October 2011 called "The Colonies Pay Back: Culture and Corruption in Franco-African Relations," and this article comprises extracts from that debate.

Philippe Bernard, the outgoing Le Monde correspondent for Africa, initiated the debate by noting that Robert Bourgi, [2] Gaullist French President Nicolas Sarkozy's unofficial advisor, had in September 2011 accused former socialist President Jacques Chirac and his Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, who were in power from 1995-2007, of having received enormous bribes in the form of suitcases stuffed with cash, from five West and Central African states - the Congo, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Gabon - to fund Chirac's campaign.

In a later interview with Canal+, Bourgi claimed that the 1988 campaign of far-right candidate Jean-Marie le Pen of the National Front, had also been partly funded by the valise. Chirac and de Villepin have denied Bourgi's claims.

According to the Telegraph's retelling of the tale, [3] Bourgi claimed in an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche that he had personally "transported 'tens of millions of francs' each year, with the amounts going up in the run-up to French presidential elections - an

intimation the cash was used to fund Mr Chirac's political campaigns. 'I saw Chirac and Villepin count the money in front of me,' he said. He alleged he regularly passed on bank notes from five African presidents: Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal [in power 2000-2012]; Blaise Campaoré of Burkina Faso [1987today]; Laurent Gbagbo of Ivory Coast [2000-2011]; Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Congo [1997-today] and Omar Bongo of Gabon [19672009], whom Mr Bourgi called 'Papa'. Together, he alleged they contributed £6.2-million to Mr Chirac's successful 2002 presidential campaign. A sixth leader, President Obiang N'Guema of Equatorial Guinea [1979-today] allegedly was the last member to join the cash donor club," until, Bourgi claimed, a nervous de Villepin brought the system to a halt in 2005. Bourgi claimed he had personally run the valise system for 25 years and in exchange, the African dictators were granted huge reductions in their debt to France once their sponsored candidate attained office in the Elysée.

Bernard said he believed the system had arisen out of the notion of "France-Afrique, the confusion of French and African interests. It has been a public secret since [African] liberation in the 1960s: in 1960/ 61, deals were signed that France will use its power to defend the [African] regimes and France will have exclusive access to African raw materials and the right of France to intervene militarily in case of threats to African national security.

In the 1980s, the Gaullists [then in opposition against François Mitterand's Socialist government] were similarly accused - that a percentage of Gabonese oil revenues were allegedly used to finance their campaigns - but proof and public testimony was lacking."

Professor Stephen Smith, former Africa editor of Libération, and Bernard's predecessor at Le Monde, recalled rumours that "money smuggled in by Africans to the French Prime Minister's office in djembe drums. The office has no airconditioning, so the thought of him standing there with his sleeves rolled up counting it all is amusing." On a serious note, however, Smith recalled that in 1971, at the very start of a reign that only ended in 1993, it was said that the first

President of Ivory Coast, Félix HouphouÃ"t-Boigny, had donated "bags of money" to the conservative Georges Pompidou government.

There was, Smith said, "a long contuinuity of the practice from the Gaullists [Charles de Gaulle was in power 1959-1969] to [the rightist Republican Valéry] Giscard d'Estaing [1974-1981], a continuity of conservative governments," who had been propped up by la valise: "This amounts to a post-colonial 'informal state,' not on paper, but in practice."

Remember that this period - the Fifth French Republic - was brought into being in 1958 by the crisis in France precipitated by the Algerian Liberation War. So we have half a century of African dictators, installed and propped up by French military power, who in turn propped up with African oil and other revenue, a string of conservative sister regimes in France - although Smith said that the valise system in the six countries also worked via French companies working in parallel in the former colonies: one paid the French conservative Gaullists; the other paid the French socialists and communists. Given France's strategic position within Europe, its influence only matched

by Germany and Britain, anyone able to buy the French Presidency in effect purchases huge influence in Europe itself - so progressive politics on both continents appear to have been bedeviled by these secret transactions.

Smith said that his first newspaper scoop on the secret practice regarding the shadowy character of Bourgi, was in 1995 for Libération when he wrote about the unprocedural write-off of Zaïrean dictator Mobutu Sese Seko's debts: Mobutu "raised his little staff and I was afraid he would hit me! Robert Bourgi earned •600,000 from Mobuto to put out the fire - and he earned •1-million to stop a book that I was writing."

Bourgi's "accounting is pristine; he deals only in cash, so there is little to prove." The bribe money was later deposited in South African or Lebanese bank accounts, Smith claimed. The reach of Bourgi's unofficial power was considerable: Smith claimed that when Sarkozy wanted a rare photo-opportunity with South Africa's now-reclusive and elderly Nelson Mandela, Bourgi

“

Prof Achille Membe, a specialist in post-colonial Africa, responded that the valise system was one of "mutual corruption" that has "shackled France and Africa for decades": "The relationship is not only corrupt in terms of money.

AU Chairman President Yayi Boni of Benin simply phoned up "Papa," Gabonese President Omar Bongo, who persuaded the old man to agree to fly to Paris for the meeting in 2007.

The suitcase system expands Prof Achille Membe, a specialist in post-colonial Africa, responded that the valise system was one of "mutual corruption" that has "shackled France and Africa for decades": "The relationship is not only corrupt in terms of money... It's a deeper form of cultural corruption that has emasculated somewhat African civil societies. In terms of the future, France still has military bases in Africa and can kick out a Gbagbo.

But when France has to pay a heavy price [for intervention], it will think twice."

Bernard said that as France's grip on the African continent started to be eclipsed militarily (by the USA in particular [4]), in terms of the Francophone African CFA currency which is linked to the embattled Euro, in terms of French companies losing their exclusive relationships with African regimes as the International Monetary Fund took the reins in many countries and as Chinese, Brazilian and Indian investment poured into the continent, Sarkozy wanted the "network of go-betweens" such as Bourgi, who had "operated as a parallel diplomat," to end.

Smith agreed that France now made more money from its relations with Anglophone Africa - South Africa and Kenya in particular - than it did from its former colonies, but warned that "now you've got a multiplication of the French exceptionalist models: China's Africa relationship is as corrupt as the French; the French preserve and privilege has now become globalised." Membe added that in his

view, the waning of the French star in Africa - despite French remaining a dominant African language, and despite the existence of an African Diaspora literati in France - was that France itself "has entered a process of re-provincialising," of monocultural conservatism and retreat from world affairs.

Membe said that "Robert Bourgi's 'revelations' weren't revelations in Africa. In Francophone Africa, this hasn't been perceived as a scandal" because the prevailing cynicism about Franco-African relations was underscored by a long-term trend of the decline of the importance of France to its former colonies: "Geography is no longer centred on Paris... Robert Bourgi and others are the last spasms of a dead proposition, something that is on its knees, no longer historical but anecdotal... France will become a parenthesis."

But it is very far from clear whether the valise system has indeed come to an end and lost its ability to shape African history. Smith said that Sarkozy's own reputation was in doubt as he had written off 40% of the debts of Congo and of Gabon - whereas Chirac had capped the write-offs at only 8%, so suspected payments to Sarkozy would have been "a good investment

by African leaders." If Sarkozy is also involved, then Bourgi's end-game in speaking out about the valise system after 25 years - and claiming it ended with Chirac - is clearly not aimed at tarnishing Chirac, who is a dying man and a spent political force, but rather to threaten Sarkozy while he is still President, forcing him to allow Bourgi to retire smoothly, without fear of prosecution, aged 67, to his newly-purchased mansion in Corsica.

Culled from Allafrica.com.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 32

South Sudan frees prisoners to defuse tension S

outh Sudan freed Sudanese prisoners of war yesterday in a gesture it hopes will defuse tensions between Khartoum and Juba whose armies have been embroiled in escalating cross-border fighting that has threatened to tip into all-out war.

Sitting atop one of Africa's most significant oil reserves, Sudan and South Sudan have been unable to resolve a dispute over oil revenues and border demarcation since the South gained independence in July.

Nearly all oil production has now stopped and the border fighting in contested oil-producing regions has grown more intensive, prompting China, which has economic interests in both countries, and the African Union to push for a diplomatic deal.

"The SPLA (South Sudan's army) handed over prisoners of war to the ICRC. They were 14 who were captured during the battles of Heglig from April 10-15," Philip Aguer, spokesman for South Sudan's army,

South Sudan"s President Salva Kiir (L) and his Sudan conuterpart Omar Hassan al-Bashir wave to the crowd during the Independence Day ceremony in Juba, July 9, 2011. said in Juba.

Aguer was referring to the Heglig oilfield which the SPLA had captured earlier this month, but later

withdrew from, under international pressure. Juba has since accused Sudan's armed forces of bombing its territory, a claim Khartoum denies.

he African Union has demanded Sudan and South Sudan resume talks within two weeks, warning both that it would issue its own binding rulings if they fail to strike deals on a string of disputes within three months.

South Sudan accused Sudan on Tuesday of mounting air raids on the newly independent country's oilproducing border region, after weeks of cross-border fighting between the former civil war foes threatened to turn into full-blown conflict.

The AU's Peace and Security Council (PSC) issued a seven-point roadmap late on Tuesday that called on both sides to cease hostilities within 48 hours and called for the "unconditional" withdrawal of troops from disputed areas.

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‌China to send envoy

South Sudan's government and its army have said the deal had been brokered by Egypt during its foreign minister's visit to both countries about 10 days ago, and Aguer said the prisoners would be flown back to Khartoum via Cairo.

He said the men were mostly Sudanese from the north as well as one South Sudanese who he said had been recruited as a mercenary, adding the Sudanese army was holding at least seven SPLA members as prisoner of war.

"We have requested that they be released if they have not been killed," he said. There was no immediate comment on the prisoners from Khartoum.

Clashes appear to have ebbed following weeks of cross-border fighting after Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Karti said Khartoum was ready to resume talks on security issues, a day after President Omar al-Bashir had ruled out negotiations.

‌AU gives the Sudans three months to sign deal

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hina will send its envoy for Africa to Sudan and South Sudan to urge talks as it works with the United States to bring an end to border fighting that has raised fears of a full-scale war, Chinese government officials said yesterday.

South Sudan has accused Sudan of mounting bombing raids on the newly independent country's oil-producing border region after South Sudan said it would withdraw from the disputed Heglig oilfield it seized this month.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, whose country has significant oil and business interests in both African nations, told South Sudan's President Salva Kiir on Tuesday that the two Sudans should return to talks.

"Our special envoy to Africa will soon visit the two countries to continue urging talks," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin told a regular news briefing.

"Actually, he has already gone

Libya bans religious, tribal or ethnic parties

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ibya, preparing for elections in June, has banned political parties based on religion, tribe or ethnicity, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.

National Transitional Council spokesman Mohammed

al-Harizy said the council passed the law governing the formation of political parties on Tuesday evening.

"Parties are not allowed to be based on religion or ethnicity or tribe," he told Reuters.

He did not make clear how

The Muslim Brotherhood held its first public meeting for decades in November

at the beginning of this year. This is the second time he will go to Sudan and South Sudan to promote talks," Liu said, referring to China's newly appointed envoy, Zhong Jianhua.

"China is deeply concerned," he said, reiterating calls for calm and restraint.

The Shanghai leg of Kiir's visit had been canceled and his China trip cut short, Liu said without giving details. this would affect a political party formed in March by Libya's Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists. The new party is viewed as a leading contender in the June polls, the first since last year's overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising.

Islamist parties had been expected to vie with secular ones for seats in a national assembly that will draft a new constitution for the North African country.

Political analysts say the Muslim Brotherhood is likely to emerge as the most organised political force and an influential player in the oil-exporting country where Islamists, like all dissidents, were harshly suppressed for 42 years.

Islamists have performed strongly in post-uprising elections in Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco since October and they are also likely to do well in Libya, a socially conservative country where alcohol was already banned before the revolution.

The AU has spearheaded mediation efforts between the two foes in the past with the backing of the United Nations, the United States and other major powers. The U.N. Security Council said the AU's roadmap was a constructive contribution and would inform its own consultations on further action.

Talks brokered by an AU panel (AUHIP) and led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki collapsed last month after Khartoum asked for time to review recommendations, before Juba briefly seized the disputed Heglig oilfield.

The Addis Ababa-based bloc gave the two adversaries two weeks to resume negotiations on a litany of disputes, including oil, the status of disputed areas and the demarcation of their porous frontier.

Fraud cost Africa at least $10.9 billion in 2011-study

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ribery, theft and other kinds of fraud cost African governments and companies at least $10.9 billion last year, auditing firm KPMG estimated in a study yesterday, a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the fast-growing continent.

KPMG said it arrived at the figure after scouring Englishlanguage news reports and databases of fraud cases from 2011.

The actual cost of fraud is likely much higher, given that the study was limited to information in the public domain, said Petrus Marais, a forensic investigator with KPMG. However, he said many governments appear to be making headway in fighting fraud and other types of corruption.

"There is a strong sense that the tide is turning. More and more countries are making combating corruption an issue of government."

The inaugural "Africa Fraud Barometer" found a total of 875 cases of fraud in Africa last year.

Management were responsible for $4.5 billion worth of fraud, or 40 percent of the total for the year.

Governments and the public sector were the most frequently impacted by fraud, accounting for 44 percent of all cases in the first half of 2011 and 39 percent in the second half.

South Africa and Nigeria had the highest number of reported cases.

Mali gives military personnel key government posts

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he interim president of Mali has announced a new government, giving key posts to three military personnel.

The military representatives have been appointed ministers for defence, internal security and the interior.

Soldiers ousted the democratically elected government in a coup just over a month ago.

Coup leaders agreed to hand control to an interim president, Diouncounda Traore, who has been tasked with overseeing a timetable for elections.

The deal was struck with the West African regional organisation Ecowas which wants to ensure a return to a democratically elected government.

But the leader of the junta, Capt Amadou Sanogo, has insisted his military committee "will continue to play a supervisory role until new

elections are held," Bamako journalist Martin Vogl told the BBC. Mr Traore and his prime minister, Cheick Modibo Diarra, have appointed 24 ministers in total, none of whom were part of the old government.

It is not known how long they will serve or when elections will take place.

Diouncounda Traore has given the military control over key security positions Continue reading the main story

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 33

Pakistan conducts ballistic missile test

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akistan has successfully conducted a test of an intermediate range ballistic missile, the country's military has said.

The Hatf-IV Shaheen-1A missile is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department said yesterday.

The missile test was aimed at a target in the Indian Ocean. The ISPR

said the new design implemented "improvements in range and technical parameters", but declined to provide specific details.

Previous versions of the missile are believed to have an approximate range of about 750km. Pakistan's longest range successfully tested ballistic missile, the Shaheen 2, has a range of 2,000km.

General Khalid Kidwai, the director-general of the Pakistan army's Strategic Plans Division,

witnessed the test, saying "the improved version of Shaheen 1A will further consolidate and strengthen Pakistan's deterrence abilities", according to the ISPR statement.

On April 19, India, Pakistan's neighbour and regional rival, announced that it had successfully launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile, with a range of 5,000km.

India and Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars since they

achieved independence from the British Empire in 1947. They conduct missile tests regularly and inform each other in advance.

Al Jazeera's Imtiaz Tyab, reporting from Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, said that the trading of missile tests came at a time when the often tense relationship between India and Pakistan had begun to thaw.

"It comes at a very interesting time. Over the past few months ... this very tense relationship between India

and Pakistan has started to thaw a little bit," he said.

"You have Pakistan offering India 'Most Favoured Nation' [trading partner] status.

"As a result, India opened a key border post, allowing goods to flow between India and Pakistan, and of course not very long ago you had Pakistan's president, Asif Ali Zardari, travel to New Delhi, where he also met the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh."

Israel army chief says Iran unlikely to make bomb

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srael's military chief said he does not believe Iran will decide to produce an atomic bomb, describing its leadership as "very rational" in an interview published yesterday.

Lt. General Benny Gantz's characterization of Iran's rulers appeared to be at odds with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's oft-stated warnings that Islamic leaders could opt to use nuclear weapons even at the risk of devastating retaliation.

"Iran is moving step-by-step toward a point where it will be able to decide if it wants to make a nuclear bomb. It has not decided yet whether to go the extra mile," Gantz told the Haaretz daily.

"In my opinion, (Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) will be making a huge mistake if he does that and I don't think he will want to go the extra mile," Gantz said.

Israel, believed to have the Middle East's only nuclear arsenal, sees a nuclear armed Iran as an existential threat. Teheran denies seeking the bomb and says it is enriching uranium for peaceful purposes.

Both Israel and the United States have declined to rule out military action against Iran should economic sanctions fail to curb its nuclear program, saying all options were on the table.

"I think the Iranian leadership is comprised of very rational people," Gantz said. "But I agree that such a capability in the hands of Islamic fundamentalists, who at some moments may make different calculations, is a dangerous thing."

In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Netanyahu said he wouldn't want to bet "the security of the world on Iran's rational behavior." A "militant Islamic regime," he said, "can put their ideology before their survival."

Iran this month began negotiations over its nuclear program with six world powers for the first time in more than a year.

"Either Iran takes its nuclear program to a civilian footing only, or the world, perhaps us too, will have to do something. We're closer to the end of the discussions than the middle," Gantz said.

Western diplomats greeted Iran's first meeting with the United States, Russia, China, Germany, France and Britain with cautious optimism, and the two sides agreed to meet again in Baghdad on May 23.

But Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak last week voiced skepticism that negotiations will curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

Netanyahu said the hiatus in talks awarded the Iranians a "freebie" more time to enrich uranium.

The Pakistani military says that it has extended the range of the missile from previous versions

…Supports ‘contiguous’ Palestinian state

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sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced support on Tuesday for the first time for Palestinians to establish a contiguous state, saying their future country should not look like "Swiss cheese."

But only hours earlier, a ministerial committee in his rightwing government granted Israeli legal status to three previously unauthorized Jewish settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank, drawing Palestinian and international criticism.

Palestinians fear such outposts and the 130 formal settlements Israel has built in the territory it captured in a 1967 war will deny them a viable state.

Asked on CNN's Erin Burnett Outfront program whether he would accept the Palestinians' belief they should have a country that is contiguous, Netanyahu replied: "Yes." "Not as a Swiss cheese? No," Netanyahu added, addressing a key Palestinian concern, that the state they seek would be comprised of pockets of villages and towns surrounded by Israeli settlements.

Netanyahu previously has said Israel would be "generous about the size" of a future Palestinian state, but he has not echoed US President Barack Obama's call for a contiguous country to emerge from Middle East peace talks - frozen since 2010 over the settlement issue His change of tone on the nature of a Palestinian state came a week after he received a letter from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that repeated a call for an end to all settlement activity and put the onus on Israel to take action to get peace talks moving again.

Palestinians are awaiting a formal response to the letter.

In a statement before the CNN interview, Netanyahu's office said the ministerial panel "decided to formalize the status of the three communities ... which were established in the 1990s following the decisions of past governments."

Most of the international community views all Jewish settlements in the West Bank as illegal. Israel distinguishes between settlements it has approved and outposts which were never granted official authorization.

Demonstrators protest against Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad in Kafranbel, near Idlib, on April 22, 2012. The banner (C) reads, "Urgent Annan asked the Syrian authority not to use the heavy weapons, means light weapons allowed."

Annan tells UN Syria hasn’t withdrawn heavy weapons

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yria has failed to comply with a pledge to withdraw weapons from population centers, and towns where citizens met with UN truce monitors may have been attacked, international mediator Kofi Annan told the UN Security Council on Tuesday.

As violence flared in the Syrian capital of Damascus, Annan told the 15-nation body "we need eyes and ears on the ground, able to move freely and quickly" to watch over the ragged cease-fire. But the head of UN peacekeeping said deployment was moving slowly.

Annan made clear that Syrian forces had not withdrawn heavy weapons from urban centers and returned to barracks, as they are

required to under a six-point peace plan he drew up.

"The situation in Syria continues to be unacceptable. The Syria authorities must implement their commitments in full, and a cessation of violation in all its forms must be respected by all parties," Annan said, according to a transcript of his remarks.

He suggested the Syrian government was targeting people in areas where the monitors had met with civilians. He noted that he was "particularly alarmed by reports that government troops entered Hama yesterday after observers departed, firing automatic weapons and killing a significant number of people."

"If confirmed, this is totally unacceptable and reprehensible," Annan said. "Two observers have been stationed in Hama today."

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, sent a Twitter message from inside the council where Annan was briefing via video link, saying, "targeting

by Syrian regime of those speaking with UN monitors is outrageous but not unexpected."

Rice said that was a direct violation of two resolutions the Security Council adopted this month to authorize the deployment to Syria of 300 monitors and an unspecified number of civilians as part of a UN observer mission called UNSMIS.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Nobel laureates: War must only be last resort

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overty, a lack of education and arms proliferation present daunting obstacles, yet peace can be achieved if world leaders are more willing to talk and young people are encouraged to get involved, Nobel Peace Prize winners said Monday at their annual meeting.

Former US President Jimmy Carter and ex-presidents Mikhail Gorbachev of the former Soviet Union and Lech Walesa of Poland were among the Peace Prize winners in Chicago for the start of the three-day World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. The summit comes just weeks before Chicago hosts President Barack

Obama, also a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and foreign leaders for the NATO summit, a meeting that is expected to draw large numbers of anti-war protesters. Obama did not attend Monday's meetings.

Carter said that, as the last global superpower, the US has a responsibility to be a leader in peace efforts and set an example to the rest of the world. Instead, he said, the US is "too inclined to go to war" and is contemplating going to war again, "perhaps in Iran."

"Humankind has got to say that war comes last" and negotiation comes first, Carter said during a panel discussion with

Gorbachev, Walesa and former South African President F.W. de Klerk.

All agreed that more young people need to adopt the ideals of peace - including human rights, justice and environmental issues whether it's in the rest of the world or their own communities.

"We need to be reminded of the standards that the Nobel laureates have always tried to achieve ... just because in their own communities they saw a need for change," Carter said.

But de Klerk said many are vulnerable to bad influences

because of poor education, poverty and unemployment.

"They are vulnerable because they have nothing to lose," he said.

It is the first time the Nobel Peace Prize summit has been held in North America. The Nobel Laureates also toured more than a dozen Chicago Public Schools on Monday.

Former President Bill Clinton gave the keynote address late Monday at the opening night dinner, during which actor Sean Penn was presented with the 2012 Peace Summit Award for his work in Haiti.

Clinton said peace isn't just the absence of bad things but also when

people make good things happen, and said people could choose a world of peace and cooperation. He referred to his personal experiences with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda while he was president and as head of the Clinton Foundation.

He also said leaders attending the conference had shown courage in the past and must continue to do so.

"You also have to find a way to step into the gap of where we are and where we ought to be," Clinton said.

The Nobel summit - titled "Speak Up, Speak Out for Freedom and Rights" - ended yesterday.

Mad cow disease found in US Murdoch questioned by British press inquiry

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According to the US Meat Export Federation, beef exports brings in more than $353 million into the economy

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he first new case of mad cow disease in the US since 2006 has been discovered in a dairy cow in California, as the world's top beef exporter scrambled to reassure consumers around the world.

No meat has entered the food chain and the cow "at no time presented a risk to the food supply or human health," the Department of Agriculture said on Tuesday, pointing out that the disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), cannot be transmitted through milk.

Despite the reassurances, the case set alarm bells ringing as previous mad cow discoveries in the US, Canada, Israel, Europe and Japan have caused disruptions to the global food trade worth billions of dollars.

A stream of sanctions and restrictions had to be introduced in some cases, and entire herds of cattle had to be slaughtered, destroying the livelihoods of many farmers.

According to the US Meat Export Federation, beef brings more than $353m into the US, with Mexico, Canada, South Korea and Japan among the main export markets.

The US has an estimated 91 million head of cattle, forming a large chunk of the economy in states like Texas, Nebraska, Kansas and California.

About 40,000 US cattle are tested by authorities each year.

Samples from the infected animal were sent to a laboratory in Ames, Iowa, where they proved positive for a rare form of the disease. The results are now being shared with

laboratories in Britain and Canada.

"The US Department of Agriculture's Animal (USDA) and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the nation's fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a dairy cow from central California," a government statement said.

"USDA remains confident in the health of the national herd and the safety of beef and dairy products.

"As the epidemiological investigation progresses, USDA will continue to communicate findings in a timely and transparent manner."

On the Chicago Mercantile Exchange the price of cattle futures fell following rumours of the news.

The biggest fear for farmers will now be for sanctions on US beef, a possibility the Department of Agriculture tacitly addressed, and denied.

"This detection should not affect US trade," it said.

Two major South Korean retailers have halted their sales of US beef, with ministry officials saying that an outright import ban was unlikely, but that a "suspension" of imports may be considered if necessary.

Lotte Mart, a unit of Lotte Shopping, said it had suspended sales due to what it said was "customer concerns", as did Home Plus, a unit of Britain's Tesco.

"We need to find out what exactly happened in the US ... We will make a decision soon over necessary measures," a spokesman at the Korean agriculture ministry said.

upert Murdoch has begun giving evidence to an inquiry into press ethics on his role within the media, and to confront charges that he used his clout to curry favour with a succession of British leaders.

Murdoch's appearance yesterday at the Leveson Inquiry came as Adam Smith, a special advisor Jeremy Hunt, the UK culture minister, resigned over his dealings with Murdoch's News Corp.

The resignation came a day after Murdoch's son, James, released emails to the inquiry which showed that Smith effectively supplied News Corp. with information about the progress of its bid to take full control of BSkyB. It was Hunt's job to assess whether the government should approve the BSkyB bid for complete control in the face of opposition from other media groups who feared it would give

the Murdochs too much influence over the British media.

The bid was dropped in July 2011 amid a scandal over phonehacking at Murdoch's News of the World, which led to the closure of the tabloid and sparked the creation of the Leveson Inquiry.

In his resignation statement, Smith said: "I appreciate that my activities at times went too far."

Cameron appointed judge Brian Leveson to examine Britain's press standards after journalists at Murdoch's News of the World tabloid admitted widespread hacking into phones to generate exclusives.

The media inquiry has become increasingly damaging for the British government and Prime Minister David Cameron, who is already seen to be too close to the Murdochs.

Al Jazeera's Laurence Lee in London, said that while the inquiry may implicate previous prime ministers and governments

it could be damaging for the current British government.

That is why Cameron has said that the politicians had gotten too close to the media, Lee said.

The 81-year-old Murdoch, watched by his son Lachlan and wife Wendi Deng, was immediately asked about his relationship to UK politics.

Murdoch told the Leveson Inquiry that he had 'never asked a prime minister for anything'

Embattled Sarkozy rules out deal with far-right

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rench President Nicolas Sarkozy ruled out any deal with the far-right National Front of Marine Le Pen, backed by nearly a fifth of voters in a presidential election first round, to give them cabinet jobs or help them win seats in parliament.

An opinion poll showed two-thirds of Sarkozy supporters want him to break

with past policy and strike an alliance with the Front after Le Pen's 17.9 percent score on Sunday made her 6.4 million backers key to a May 6 presidential runoff.

Both Sarkozy and Socialist Francois Hollande, who beat the conservative by 28.6 percent to 27.2 percent on the first round and leads opinion polls for the runoff, are striving to respond to the protest vote

without angering traditional supporters.

Sarkozy said on Wednesday that listening to Le Pen's backers did not mean he could envisage far-right ministers in a conservative-led government.

"There will be no pact with the National Front," he told France Info radio, saying there were too many issues on which the parties disagreed to imagine giving the party cabinet posts.

French President and candidate for the French presidential election Nicolas Sarkozy shake hands with Armenian supporters after their ceremony marking the 97th anniversary of the Armenian genocide on Tuesday, April. 24, 2012.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 35

Landlady of spy tells court she found him tied to his bed as he tried to escape 3 years before mystery death

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andlady's husband had to cut Gareth Williams free after finding him bound to his bed at 1.30am Williams had shouted 'help!' during the night, so couple raced to his flat Jennifer Elliot, 71, said: 'We both felt it was more likely to be sexual than escapology'.

Friends say Williams was straight and enjoyed DVD nights at Pimlico flat The landlady of MI6 body-inthe-bag spy Gareth Williams once found him tied to his bed by his wrists wearing nothing but boxer shorts.

Jennifer Elliot, 71, said she discovered the panic-stricken secret agent trapped in his bedroom as he shouted 'help' in the middle of the night.

She said her husband cut him free with a knife at their home in Cheltenham, near his base at the GCHQ Government listening station.

The pensioner said Mr Williams told her he was 'just messing about and wanted to get free' before vowing never to do anything like it again and offering to pay more rent.

The bizarre episode took place three years before the naked body of Mr Williams was discovered by police in a bag in the bath of his home.

It will fuel speculation that the high-flying and reclusive codebreaker died in some kind of sex game that went disastrously wrong.

The third day of the inquest into his death also heard he viewed fetish websites for those aroused by confined spaces, as well as bondage and sado-masochism, on his laptop.

In a statement, Mrs Elliot said

'He told my husband there was a knife on the side and my husband cut him free.

'He then said: "Gareth, we can't have you doing this."

'Gareth apologised and said it would not happen again and offered to pay more money. We left and have never spoken to anyone about it since.

'We both felt it was more likely to be sexual than escapology or similar but could not be sure. The flat was immaculate and I never saw anything of a sexual or fetish nature.'

The episode is the latest extraordinary insight into the private life of Mr Williams who travelled to London in 2009 on a secondment to MI6.

The inquest has already heard how he kept a £20,000 collection of women's clothing, including designer shoes in his size in his Pimlico flat.

The agent also hoarded women's make-up and several

wigs, including a brightly coloured party wig, and enjoyed transvestite comedy.

Police have never found a sexual partner of Mr Williams but close friends insisted he was 'straight' and did not wear women's clothing.

An exhaustive 21-month multi-million pound police inquiry has failed to discover how he died and identify anyone else involved.

Today Det Chief Insp Jackie Sebire, who leads the case, said she is convinced someone else either locked Gareth in the bag or put it in the bath.

Earlier today, the inquest heard Mr Williams used an alias and several phones to keep in touch with a handful of friends.

Friend Elizabeth Guthrie said that when the pair met up, they were not out-going and enjoyed staying in watching DVD boxsets and playing computer games.

Courtesy: Dailymail.co.uk

Mystery: The naked and decomposing corpse of Gareth Williams, a fit 31-year-old, was discovered in his home in central London in August 2010 the computer science expert rented a flat in her home for more than a decade, during which he was polite but extremely private.

But one night in 2007 she and

Unsolved: Coroner Fiona Wilcox has said that whether Mr Williams was alive inside the North Face bag like this one and locked it himself 'was at the very heart of this inquiry'

her husband Brian were woken by the sound of him shouting for assistance at about 1.30am.

They used a spare key to get into the flat and found Mr Williams tightly bound by each wrist to 'bobbles' at either side of the headboard.

She said he was only wearing boxer shorts and had used some kind of material, not rope or plastic, which had cut deeply into his flesh.

Mrs Elliot said: 'My husband said, "What the bloody hell are you doing?" He said he just wanted to try and get free.

The bedroom at Williams' rented flat in Cheltenham: His live-in landlady, Jennifer Elliot, discovered him with his wrists attached to the headboard of the bed shown here

Mystery: Mr Williams was found dead locked inside a holdall in the bath of his flat

FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), BICHI, KANO ADDENDUM RE-INVIAITION TO PRE-QUALIFY CONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS FOR TETFUND 2011 SPECIAL INTERVENTION PROJECT Further to the recently published invited interested competent and reputable Contractor/Suppliers in Peoples Daily and Triumph Newspapers of 12th April, 2012, please note the following additional information which was inadvertently omitted in the earlier publication. All interested Contractors/Suppliers must submit their evidence of compliance with Industrial Training Fund (Amendment) Act, 2011 which slated that: “every employer having either 5 or more employees in his establishment or having less than 5 employees but with a turnover of N50 million and above per annum, shall, in respect of each calendar year and or the prescribed date, contribute to the Fund one per centum of his total annual payroll.”

Those Contractor/Suppliers who have already submitted their pre-qualification documents should submit their evidence of such compliance at the opening of pre-qualification on Thursday, 3rd May, 2012 at 12.00 noon.

Signed PPC SECRETARY

'Enjoyed staying in': Friend Elizabeth Guthrie leaving Westminster Coroner's Court in London today

Suspicions: Mr Williams' body is taken out of his flat. Relatives believe a third party was either present when Gareth Williams died or broke into his home afterwards to destroy evidence

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Aspirin could lead to cancer drugs that could beat disease without side-effects

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ancer sufferers have been given hope of an improved treatment after scientists made a key breakthrough in identifying how aspirin protects against the disease.

By isolating the specific cancer-fighting compound the compound it is hoped that they can develop drugs without sideeffects.

Last month, Oxford scientists reported in The Lancet that taking a daily low-dose aspirin for five years cut cancer death risk by 37 per cent.

And now in a major breakthrough separate research has isolated salicylate - a compound that aspirin breaks down into after it’s ingested - as the key cancer-fighting component.

Researchers from Canada, Scotland and Australia found this ingredient may give cancer protection but without the dangerous side-effects of aspirin, such as the increased risk of stomach bleeding.

Aspirin, derived from plants such as willow bark, has been used as a drug for thousands of years.

More recently its efficacy in preventing heart attacks and strokes in high-risk patients has been well documented and now it is giving hope to thousands of cancer patients.

In tests, study co-author Grahame Hardie from the University of Dundee, applied salicylate to cultured human kidney cells.

He found this ingredient

activated an enzyme called AMPK which is involved in how the body breaks down fat and plays a role in cancer and diabetes.

Her concluded that it is specificaly salicylate and not aspirin itself that switches on the key cancer-preventing enzyme.

Professor Hardie, said: ‘Aspirin has many beneficial effects but, despite it being used in humans for over 100 years, we are still finding out how they come about.’

A team led by Dr Greg Steinberg at McMaster University followed up on the research by testing salicylate on mice.

They found it increased fat burning and reduced liver fat in obese mice with the AMPK enzyme but not in those without, confirming the Dundee study findings.

An aspirin derivative called salsalate, has shown promise as a treatment for insulin-resistance and type 2 diabetes, but doesn’t appear to work via the AMPK enzyme.

This suggests that aspirin potentially works through a number of different pathways and that its anti-inflammatory effects may work on different targets to those that protect against cancer.

This could pave the way for cancer drugs with fewer sideeffects.

Scientists will next test salicylate directly in mouse models of cancer and see what role, if any, the AMPK enzyme has on its effectiveness.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Aspirin without the side-effects? Scientists are a step closer to unraveling how the painkiller works.

Gum disease ‘does not cause heart trouble’: Any link ‘coincidental’, say scientists

No causal link: A dentist inspects a man's teeth, but US scientists insist there is no connection between gum disease and heart trouble

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he belief that gum disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes is unfounded, experts said yesterday.

A panel of 13 U.S. scientists insisted there was no evidence for a causal link between bad gums and cardiovascular disease.

They reviewed 500 articles in scientific journals and concluded that while people with gum disease may be at greater risk of heart and artery problems, the association is probably coincidental.

Both conditions shared common risk factors, such as smoking, and both produced similar inflammation markers.

Those common factors could help explain why diseases of the blood vessels and mouth can occur in tandem.

Research has shown that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without gum disease.

‘Much of the literature is conflicting, but if there was a strong causative link, we would likely know that by now,’ said Professor Peter Lockhart, cochairman of the expert panel and chairman of oral medicine at the Carolinas Medical Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina. ‘There’s a lot of confusion out there.’

He cited coincidental lifestyle factors. ‘We already know that some people are less proactive about their cardiovascular health.

‘Individuals who do not pay attention to the very powerful and well-proven risk factors, like smoking, diabetes or high blood pressure, may not pay close

attention to their oral health either.’

Professor Lockhart added: ‘The message sent out by some in healthcare professions that heart attack and stroke are directly linked to gum disease can distort the facts, alarm patients and perhaps shift the focus on prevention away from well-known risk factors for these diseases.’

Only a large, long-term study could prove that dental disease caused heart disease, but there was no likelihood of such an investigation in the near future.

‘It’s most important to let patients know what we know now, and what we don’t know,’ said Professor Lockhart. The panel spelled out their views in a scientific statement published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.

A number of theories have been suggested to explain the association between gum and heart disease.

One is that mouth bacteria attach to fatty deposits in arteries and trigger blood clots. Another is that

they are a source of inflammation, which leads to a thickening of artery walls.

But the experts writing in Circulation said statements that imply a cause and effect relationship between gum and heart and artery disease were ‘unwarranted’ at this time.

Natasha Stewart, of the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘Maintaining good oral hygiene, as well as a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and taking part in regular physical activity, are essential for good health including protecting your heart and gums.’

Professor Nairn Wilson, from the British Dental Association, said: ‘One thing we can say with confidence is keeping your teeth and gums healthy by brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, restricting sugary foods to meal times and visiting the dentist regularly makes an important contribution to oral health and general wellbeing.’

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

“

The message sent out by some in healthcare professions that heart attack and stroke are directly linked to gum disease can distort the facts, alarm patients and perhaps shift the focus on prevention away from wellknown risk factors for these diseases

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 37

Improper environment may hinder foreign investors – Aliyu

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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L-R: Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Mulikat Adeola, British Parliamentarian, Chi Onworah, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, British Parliamentarian, Meg Hilier, and Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during the British Parliamentarians' visit to National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

PASAN election: National Assembly delegates protest exclusion From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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ational Assembly chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN yesterday protested over the exclusion of its members from participating in the triennial conference of the Association.

The conference which is

holding in Makurdi aimed at electing new national officials to the run the affairs of the Association.

However, the events went awry when most delegates, especially from National Assembly, were locked outside the venue on grounds of non compliance with financial dues.

Speaking with Journalists on

the issue, a furious Chairman of the National Assembly chapter, Mr. Mohammed Bawa, lamented over what he described as 'constitutional breach and hoarding' of information from delegates.

Bawa said his Chapter has acted according to the rules, insisting that all their 12 delegates are financially up to

date.

"Our lawyers have interpreted the constitution to us and receipts were even issued to us but only for to get here and be told that we still have balances to pay. We have not defaulted in anyway. Others chapters too are complaining", Bawa fumed.

He wondered what manner of unionism is been operated these days while sensing that the event may end up been a mere jamboree.

2015: No automatic candidate for CPC

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he congress for progressives change (CPC) has debunked the rumour that the party has given automatic endorsement to some candidates to contest the 2015 Presidency on the platform of the party.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the party said, "Our attention in the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has been drawn to the widely circulated rumor as to the Party's endorsement of a candidate ahead of the 2015 general elections."

It said that the piece of misinformation had its roots in PDP, through its large array of paid agents and proxies to castigate notable CPC members ahead of 2015 elections.

It said that it is silly to insinuate that a party, which is already in possible merger talks with other coalition partners, would have a candidate already anointed for the presidential elections.

"Being a political party with deeply entrenched democratic values, we believe our preferred candidate shall emerge from transparent electoral process and not from selection by anointment." CPC

stated.

It therefore called on its supporters to disregard the information, saying it was a ploy to distabilise the party ahead of 2015

by PDP. "For the umpteenth time, we restate our avowed commitment to our charted course and no amount of sponsored innuendos and deliberate mendacity can derail our set objectives." The party concluded.

Meanwhile, it would be recalled that there had been a wildly reported rumours that the leadership of CPC has unanimously endorsed the former Minister of FCT, Nasir

Elrufai to flag the flag of the party in 2015, owing to the insistence by General Muhammadu Buhari to contest the 2015 election.

It would be recalled that Buhari, during a campaign in his last contest with President Jonathan, made it publicly clear that he would not contest for the President of the country if he fails to win the 2011 presidential election.

Efforts by CPC stalwarts to convince him to contest the 2015 presidential election has proved abortive, as he insisted that CPC should find a suitable replacement for him.

Politicians task INEC on prosecution of electoral offenders

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he Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD) yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that its plan to prosecute electoral offenders was implemented without further delay.

Malam Danjuma Mohammed, National Chairman of MRDD, made the plea during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday.

He said that anyone found to have allegedly violated the Electoral Act should be made to face the wrath of the Law. It would be recalled that the Chairman, INEC Board of the Electoral Institute, Prof. Lai Olurode, said last week that the commission would soon begin the trial of about one million suspects over alleged offences arising from the 2011 voter registration exercise and the general elections.

He said that INEC was collaborating with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to facilitate their prosecution at minimal costs, adding that Bauchi, Zamfara, Gombe and Bayelsa were among states with the highest number of suspects. ``INEC has to guarantee its sincerity in the exercise, no matter the positions that the suspects hold, they should be made to face the law. ``The commission is ready to fish out all the alleged suspects and bring

them to book,'' he said.

According to him, INEC has the capacity to prosecute electoral offenders but political will must be applied.

The Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, an NGO, Mr Innocent Chukwuma, wondered why INEC had to wait about a year before making arrangements to prosecute alleged electoral offenders, saying that the issue was almost going out of relevance.

overnor of Niger state, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, says Nigeria full desire for development aspirations may not be actualised unless it opens up and creates excellent environment where others can come in and assist through partnership or direct business.

Speaking during the members of the British parliament courtesy visit to the Government House in Minna yesterday, Aliyu said Nigeria needs to encourage other countries by providing the leeway in which people can come and do business.

The former FCT permanent secretary, who expressed concern over the stereotypical image of Nigeria held by some non-Nigerians, blamed the situation on lack of adequate knowledge dispassionate and understanding of events that are happening in the country.

"There are many people out there when they talk about Nigeria the only thing they remember is Boko Haram and bombs, "The challenges the country is facing are political transition that will soon become history the bomb or terrorists aim to scare people and make them live in perpetual fear such that they are incapable of achieving the good objectives for the society, "he said.

Governor Aliyu emphasized that leaders must also wake up to their responsibilities and ensure that confidence in governance is restored as that was the surest way to mitigate the extreme poverty that make some people to be easily recruited as terrorists and assassins.

The Governor also expressed gratitude to DFID and UNICEF for their assistance and cooperation with the state government in several development areas especially the education sector which has witnessed remarkable improvement in the enrolment figure of pupils from 612,000 to 1.3 million in four years.

Earlier, the leader of delegation Meg Hillier (MP) said they were in the state to consolidate the existing relationship between United Kingdom and Nigeria and to partner with the state and indeed the Northern region in tackling some of its challenges especially in the areas of conflict and security, human rights, good governance and development as well as harnessing human potentials.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Subsidy probe: Group hails Tambuwal, Saraki From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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he Civil Society Network for Good Governance has commended Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki over what it described as his patriotic role in the fuel subsidy probe by the House of Representatives.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, the group’s leader, Malam Idris Mohammed, said no nation can develop when agents of fraud continue to hold the country to ransom.

According to Mohammed, “we have noted with utter dismay and revulsion, the increasing and sustained attempt by disgruntled elements to tarnish the image and the hard earned reputation of Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, for playing a patriotic and justifiable constitutional responsibility as a whistle blower.

“Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki had, out of his patriotic desires for transparency and accountability in governance, championed the reports to the investigation of the fuel subsidy slated for hearing at the National Assembly.

“Since then, several interest groups and unhappy marketers have been doing everything within their power to whip up negative sentiments and mobilize public opinion against Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“For want of any evidence to indict Dr. Saraki, these agents resorted to black mail and falsehood over what they term the Intercontinental Bank Saga, yet all their mischief and attempt at misinformation fell flat on any logic to indict him because he had been given a clean bill of heath on past accusations and petition arising from accusation of fraud or misdemeanor on the Intercontinental Bank Saga. ”One can thus understand why the patriotic attempt by Senator Saraki to engender openness, transparency, justice and accountability in the way and manner government operates can generates unwarranted attacks and blackmail, especially from those who benefit from the rot of the system gives us much concerns.

“The timing of this viscous campaign of calumny is not self betraying but also vindictive, unpatriotic, and baseless and should be condemned by every reasonable Nigerians.

“Senator Saraki’s whistle blowing initiative and courage and desires to promote accountability and

Hon. Waziri Aminu Tambuwal transparency in the nation must be supported and applauded by all patriotic Nigerians, especially coming from one whom Nigerians perceived as wealthy, contented and immune from the scarring corrosiveness of corruption.

“The Hon. Farouk Lawanled committee panel of fuel subsidy reports must see the light of the day and all those indicated by the committee’s report be made to account for their action.

“We call Nigerians not to be distracted from the main issues of implementing the final fuel subsidy report, failure of which we mobilize for mass action.”

Meanwhile, Human Rights Monitor (HRM), has thrown its weight behind the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, over the oil subsidy probe report.

A press statement signed by HRM Executive Director, Festus Okoye, condemned the campaign by a section of politicians, top government functionaries and other business interests indicted in the report.

According to the statement, “the release of the report of the House Committee on the

Sen. Abubakar Bukola Saraki subsidy regime has justified the contention of civil society groups and organizations that the subsidy regime was a Pandora box closely guarded by those in and out of government and using phantom and nonexistent companies to swindle the Nigerian people”. ”We are warning those sponsoring useless advertisements and issuing threats against the Speaker of the House of Representatives that in the second phase of the struggle”, while stressing that “civil society groups and organizations will not make the same tactical and strategic mistakes made during the first phase of the struggle and will not allow their ranks to be infiltrated”.

“Since the House of Representatives has helped in exposing the underbelly of the coalition of evil holding the Nigerian people down, the second phase of the struggle will be direct, targeted, phased, sustained and will lead to the complete overhaul and sanitization of the entire oil industry and the removal of the cancerous groups and organizations holding the Nigerian people down”. ”We shall, in collaboration

with other civil society organizations, mobilize support of the House of Representatives and the prosecution of the indicted oil companies and top government functionaries. ”We must warn that the present state of insecurity in Nigeria threatens the security and values of the Nigerian people and we cannot afford to toy with institutions of democracy that can assist in stabilizing the country.

“Civil society groups and organisations will therefore not accept any attempt, subtle, covert or overt to impeach, blackmail and or harass the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the leadership of the House of Representatives on account of having pitched tent with the Nigerian people and giving leadership and voice to the struggles of the Nigerian people.

“The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the leadership of the House of Representatives have displayed uncommon courage and determination in the struggle for the future of Nigeria especially during the struggle against fuel subsidy.”

I’m a national figure, Tambuwal replies Osun PDP

By Lawrence Olaoye

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peaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has told the Osun Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that as the number four citizen, he has become a national leader who has risen above politics.

The Speaker who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam, in response to the state’s PDP criticism of his visit to the Governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola, recently stated “The Speaker is a leader and rallying point for all Nigerians, irrespective of political, religious or ethnic consideration.

The composition of members of the House is a testament to this fact.

“It is not the intention of the Speaker to join issues with any person or group, however, it has become imperative to state the fact that as the Number Four citizen in the country, The Speaker is a national figure who must be seen to be above partisan considerations at all times.

“To set the records straight, the Speaker visited Osun to commiserate with former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Patricia Etteh, whose mother was buried same day.

As a sign of his respect to constituted authorities and the people of Osun, he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Aregbesola at the Government House in Osogbo,” he explained “It should be noted that before Osun was not the first state under the control of the opposition that the Speaker visited for a function, and paid a courtesy call to its Governor.

A week before the trip to Osun, he paid a courtesy visit to an ANPP Governor, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, when he paid a condolence visit to the state to condole with Hon Ibrahim Gusau and IG of Police MD Abubakar,” he clarified.

While reiterating that he still remains a loyal PDP member, Tambuwal warned that peoples should learn to decipher time for politics from time for governance.

DPP replaces decampee exco in Sokoto From Sadeeq Aliyu, Sokoto

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ew executive council members of Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) have been inaugurated in Sokoto, following the decamping of the former officials into Peoples Democratic Party (PDP. Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu Yabo is now the new chairman of the party while Garba Bashar will serve as Secretary.

In his address to the leaders of

the party, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Katukan Sokoto, and DPP Gubernatorial Candidate during the 2007 election, called on those who emerged as members of the State Executive to rededicate themselves towards reinvigorating the party in the state and also charged them to work hard to return the party to its enviable position it was known in the state.

He urged them to pay special

attention to recruitment of new party members as the doors of DPP are open at all times to those willing to join the party without any hindrance.

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Mahmud Shehu Yabo thanked members of the party for allowing him to lead them at this critical moment when the party is in dear need of more focused leadership.

He assured that he will provide the most needed

quality leadership that will ensure the attainment of the party’s objectives in the state and called on all to support the new party leadership to enable them discharge their duties successfully.

At the end of the meeting the new Executive members of the party inspected the new State Party Office situated at Dambuwa, along Gusau Road, Sokoto.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 39

Bill to amend Governors set for showdown with Jonathan over fuel subsidy December 2012 just as the 36 communiqué of their meeting. monthly deduction from the CBN Act of

By Umar Mohammed Puma Governors resolved to set up three The governors are worried Federation account stood at N74 here are indications that committees to discuss the about the comment of the Central billion monthly and this include 2007 passes the Nigerian Governors withdrawal from Excess Crude Bank Governor (CBN) that the a carryover of last year’s Forum is prepared for Account for subsidy by the NNPC amount budgeted for the 2012 payment. But the Nigerian second reading showdown with the Federal and the PPRA. oil subsidy will not be enough. National Petroleum Corporation

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he bill for an Act to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007 passed the second reading at the Senate on Wednesday.

The bill seeks to amend the act to compel the bank to submit its budget to the National Assembly for approval every financial year as expected by law.

The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Ita Enang (PDP- Akwa Ibom), said that the Fiscal Responsibility Act of July 2007, mandating CBN to submit its budget to the National Assembly, superseded the CBN Act. ``The Fiscal Responsibility Act is later in time and therefore supersedes any provision of the CBN Act. ``But the CBN has relied on the provision in its Act to refuse to submit her budget to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, hence this bill,'' Enang said.

He said the CBN Act of May 2007 gave the CBN Board the power to consider and approve the annual budget of the bank.

He said that it was ``an affront'' for the CBN to claim that the National Assembly had donated its authorisation to the bank by virtue of the provision of the CBN Act.'' Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP- Abia) said the Senate must take appropriate measures to ensure that the existing laws were obeyed by government agencies. ``We have powers to make laws for the CBN. The CBN cannot on its own choose which law to obey. ``This matter was overlooked while enacting the fiscal responsibility law. There's no other way we can help the country than to ensure that this ambiguity is corrected,'' Abaribe said.

Also contributing, Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP- Bauchi) said that the amendment was fundamental and deserved the support of all the legislators. ``This is an amendment that had been canvassed before 2004.

The amendment calls for the support of all legislators. ``It has nothing to do with the personality of the CBN governor.

This matter has been there since 1999,'' Ningi said.

Sen. Victor Lar (PDPPlateau) said that the amendment was not aimed at undermining the core duties of CBN. ``We are saying that whatever funds accrue to the CBN or any amount it wants to expend should go through the scrutiny of the National Assembly,'' Lar said.

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Sen. Ekweremadu, referred the bill to the Banking and Judiciary committees for further legislative action before returning it to the floor of the Senate within two weeks.

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Government over oil subsidy and the withdrawal from the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

At the end of their meeting yesterday, the Governors fear that the subsidy deduction may hit N1.8 trillion by the end

Though, the committees were not mentioned by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Rt.Hon. Rotimi Amechi, he said the Forum will meet with President Goodluck Jonathan on the issues raised in the

The Forum also discussed polio menace and reiterated that their Deputies should continue with the eradication campaign.

Recall that the 2012 Budget the total sum of N888 Billion set aside for subsidy, in which the

and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) have been deducting N150.2 billion monthly from the federation account since the turn of the year, owing largely to increasing landing cost.

State of Osun is constitutional – Rauf Aregbesola From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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Chairman, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State and former ALGON Chairman in the state, Hon. Kemi Nicholas (middle), displaying an award of the Catholic Youth Council of Nigeria, recently in Abuja. With him are Deputy Speaker of the Plateau state House of Assembly, Hon. JohnBull Shekarau (right), and Chief Whip of the Assembly, Hon. Golu Timothy (left).

145 Nigerians languishing in Togo prisons – Minister

By Lawrence olaoye

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he House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs was yesterday told that 145 Nigerians are currenly languishing in Togo prisons.

Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs said this during an interactive session with the House committee on Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Nigerians in various prisons abroad.

The Minister said that out of the 145 Nigerians in Togolese prisons, 60 of them had been convicted and serving various jail terms.

She said the remaining 85 Nigerians are awaiting trial in Togo and Nigeria embassy in Togo are intervening for the Togolese authorities to fast track the prisoners exchange agreement between the two countries.

Onwuliri said that they are certain offences that cannot be transferred to Nigeria to continue their sentences in the country.

She equally lamented the paucity of funds affecting the activities and intervention of the Nigerian Mission s abroad, saying it cost a lot of money to engage lawyers abroad for some of the cases.

The Minister said that the Ministry was in a tight corner on

how to meet up with her financial obligations to the foreign missions this year as over N3 billion was removed from the Ministry 2012 budget.

She said the Ministry in conjunction with the ministry of Justice would soon conclude prisons transfer agreement as a way out to assist Nigerians serving various jail terms in other countries.

Onwuliri, who apologised to the committee for not furnishing it with all the necessary information, promised to get all the details and condemned the deplorable conditions of Nigeria prisons.

Earlier, the chairman of the Committee, Rep Nnenna ElenduUkeje expressed displeasure about the slow response of the Ministry to the plights of Nigerians in various prisons all over the world.

The Committee members one and after another were not happy with the way the Ministry was treating Nigerians in various prisons abroad and not having a data to work with.

Ukeje reminded the Ministry of the prison transfer agreement and other agreements signed with Nigeria especially in ECOWAS countries that a Nigerian must not be held more than three months before being tried.

She also recalled how Britain complained that Nigerians are congesting their prisons and expressed willingness to build more prisons in Nigeria for the offenders to complete their jail terms back home.

The lawmaker, (PDP-Abia), noted with concerns that so much were pending and the committee does not have answers to them as the Ministry was not forthcoming in following up on all the pending issues. ``I am a very depressed person. So much pending matters but we as a committee don't have answers to them. From Togo, to China, India, UK, US, Libya, Spain, Malaysia and so on, why is it impossible for us to have data of all Nigerians in various prisons''? ``We are supposed to show them that we care by visiting and engaging the respective missions to fast track their trial and give them other consular assistance, but we don't. This attitude must change in line with our citizen diplomacy'', she said.

Ukeje, however, gave the Ministry a week within which to furnish the committee with details of Nigerians in various prisons country by country, exchange agreement, how many on death rows, how many are awaiting trial among others.

he Osun state governor, Rauf Aregbesola has insisted that he has not violated any aspect of the Nigerian constitution with the adoption of the “State of Osun” as the name of the state.

Aregbesola in separate television interviews in Lagos yesterday said the recent criticisms by the Peoples Democratic Party over the adoption as against “Osun state”, linking the adoption and the promotion of the state’s anthem and flag to a plot to secede as indication of the acute ignorance among the opposition elements.

Also A member of the Federal House of Representative from Ife federal constituency, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, described the recent allegation of religious extremism levelled against the governor, as one of the tricks of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to destabilise the state and the south west.

Makinde, who addressed a press conference in Lagos, asserts that, "the false alarm from the PDP is the usual but failed antics and ranting of looters who were shamefully sent packing by the people."

"Its a plan by the opposition and the enemies of progress who are not at peace with the steady progress being experience in Osun state at the moment as there is no tension to suggest possible intention to disintegrate.

"It's comical to see those legally deposed of power turning around and wielding evil machinations against the people of the state thereby becoming a threat to the corporate existence of a peaceful state like Osun."

He described Aregbesola as a cosmopolitan leader who associates freely irrespective of religion, color, language or race.

While urging security agents to be proactive in their duties, he advised them not to be sentimental in the discharge of their duties.

Makinde who just returned to the country from an official visit to Brazil, said that the people of the state are now more vigilant to the antics of those that are desperate for power.

"This and other plots to distabilise osun state and its people has failed. The likes of me would not be surprise if these enemies of the people start their stock in trade of throwing bombs here and there in an attempt to hang it on Aregbesola

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

INEC denies UPGA registration

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused registering the United Peoples Grand Alliance (UPGA), a new party recently founded by the former Chairman of APGA, Chekwas Okorie.

The umpire said that the party did not meet up with the Federal Character requirement of Section 223(1) (b) (2) (b) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

In a statement issued by the

party's leadership, UPGA denied not complying with the federal character, expressing bewilderment that INEC did not send any letter to notify it on its alleged failure to meet with the requirements of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, as amended and the Electoral Act 2010, to warrant its non registration as a Political Party from 19th March, 2012, being the date the Commission acknowledged the receipt of its document for registration, to the 18th of April, 2012.

It contested that in accordance with the clear and

unambiguous provisions of the Electoral Act, especially Section 78(3)(4) the United Peoples Grand Alliance, became a full fledged Political Party, from the 18th of April 2012, being the 30th day from 20th April 2012.

It further warned that democracy in Nigeria will be doomed, if outsiders begin to direct and decide for the commission how to carry out its statutory functions, in addition to boasting in the public media in advance of the occurrence of what they boasted about. "The INEC letter under reference is a

rehash of the petition written to INEC by Chief Victor Umeh objecting to the registration of UPGA as a Political Party." He added.

In a related development, the United Peoples Grand Alliance (UPGA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to caution the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, over his alleged blackmail on the commission, by claiming that he sealed off the fate of UPGA registration with INEC. The party, in a statement issued by its National

Secretary, Bello Umar, said that the advertisements placed by Umeh in both the Vanguard and Sun newspapers, where he gave reasons why UPGA should not be registered by INEC amounts to blackmailing the commission.

According to the statement, "Umeh went over board when he sat on a programme of the Anambra Broadcasting Service Television (ABSTV), at Awka called "Face the Press" to assault the sensibilities of viewers when he emphatically and repeatedly informed them, that he had sealed the fate of UPGA at INEC."

INEC begins process of printing of 40 million voters’ card

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L-R: Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and former Ondo state Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, walking out of the Presidential Villa after the meeting of PDP South-West with Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Accept political appointments in good faith- Nyako From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

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overnor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa state has urged loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to be ready to accept in good faith nominations of commissioners and other aides which would be announced soon.

Nyako stated this yesterday in his residence shortly after he was

received at the Yola International Airport by hundreds of his supporters and former aides lobbying for various positions in the yet-to-be constituted state executive council.

The governor who has been away on leave for at least four weeks said "very soon we shall announce those that would steer the affairs of this state, I want you to understand that leadership

comes from God and that is why we should accept it in good faith."

He also vowed to offset salaries and allowances of civil servants as well as Special Assistants in the state while renewing his pledge to provide dividends of democracy in an all-embracing government.

Nyako expressed delight with the relative peace being enjoyed in the state and encouraged

people of the state to maintain the tempo as according to him security is everybody's business.

Those that received the retired Admiral include former commissioner of Local government Abubakar Madawaki, Tijjani Maksha of Agriculture and Hannatu Kadala of water resources as well former Special Advisers and hundreds of other aides.

Group frowns at lawmaker’s bid for vacant traditional stool

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

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group of concerned Ebiras has criticised the candidacy of the present Chief Whip of Kogi state House of Assembly, Hon Saidu Akawu Salihu for the vacant stool of the Ohimege Igu of Koton Karfe.

The group’s spokesman, Alhaji Abdullahi Koto, who addressed pressmen in Abuja yesterday, said the vacant seat left behind by Alhaji Shaibu Mamman Lafiya, who died

recently, is not supposed to be subjected to the intrigues and horse trading that are associated with politics.

Asked to explain their grouse with the candidacy of Hon Salihu Akawu, who was also a former commissioner for water resources in the state and a bonafide citizen of the kingdom, the group’s spokesman said, “We have no grudges with Hon Akawu. All we are saying is that the traditional institution has a laid down rule of succession which should not be

sacrificed to fulfill the inordinate ambition of one man.”

He continued: “And if you look at the way he has been going about his bid for the seat, allegedly bribing three of the four kingmakers and bragging that he has the ears of the powers that be in the state to get the position, you will agree with us that the whole thing is turning into dirty politics.”

“He has even gone ahead to arrange a kangaroo election among members of his clan in

which he was said to have emerged victorious.

The traditional seat of the Ebira people has never been known to be decided by arranged votes. Why must it start now?

The group insisted that one Abdulrazak Isakoto, a police officer is by all laid down rule of traditional succession in the kingdom the rightful person for the position, stating further that the late monarch had even endorsed the man before joining his ancestors.

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the process of printing 40 million permanent voters’ card at a cost of N2.6 billion.

The Director, Information, Communication Technology (ICT) of INEC, Mr Chidi Nwafor, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the contract was awarded to an indigenous printing company.

Nwafor, who gave the name of the company as Art Technology Limited, added that each card would cost N65.

According to him, the company has been paid 15 per cent as mandated by the law for the commencement of the job.

He said that the company had gone to France to source for the materials for the production from its technical partner “Obature”.

The Director said that the voters’ card would contain voters biodata; age, sex, address, finger prints and phone number among others valid for a minimum of 10 years.

“Some of the electronic card features are micro testing security, hologram, finger prints and it will be an electronic card to be used for identification, authentication and for voting “The cards are expected to prevent multiple voting, frauds and also strengthen INEC’s efforts to clean up the nation’s electoral process by achieving more credible and transparent polls.

“There are 73.5 million eligible voters but for the first phase we will print 40 million and another part of it for completion is in the budget for 2012,” he said.

“The states that will share the first 40 million have not been decided, but they will definitely go to the list of states that INEC has concluded both their voters register consolidation,” he said.

Nwafor, who said the production of the cards, would be continuous process to enable those whose names were missing to register “so that nobody will be disenfranchised”.

NAN recalls that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently awarded a N 2.6 billion contract for the printing of 40 million permanent voters to replace the existing 73.5 million temporary cards.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 41

Obuh adds Gero, 11 other fresh faces to Flying Eagles

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Hoodlums vandalise National Stadium electric cables

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he spade of woes that have been the lot of Nigeria’s once glorious edifice, the National Stadium Lagos, are yet to abate with the latest incidence being the vandalisation of valuable electric cables.

National Sports Commission (NSC) Lagos Liaison Officer, Tayo Oreweme, yesterday lamented that in addition to being disconnected because of N1 million debt owed to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), hoodlums had vandalised and stolen some electric cables at the stadium.

Oreweme, who cried out over the ugly development, said yesterday in Lagos that the hoodlums vandalised and removed the electricity transmission cables in the Indoor Sports Hall, mostly used for basketball.

She said the vandals may have gained access into the stadium by disguising as sports persons who want to engage in sporting activities, and after having gained entrance perpetrated their nefarious act.

“Our armoured cables were vandalised on Monday night at the basketball court of the Indoor Sports Hall in the stadium.

The vandals who stole the cables were heartless and enemies of progress,” she said amidst chokes.

According to her, the vandals were attracted by the quality of the cables used in the 1970s when the facility was built, National Stadium, Lagos

Bolaji Abdullahi, Supervising Minister of Sports adding that such materials were no more in the markets again.

Further, she said the hoodlums may have carried out their nefarious activities without being found out because of the persistent power outage. It would be recalled that the stadium had been disconnection by the PHCN in since November last year, because of indebtedness to the PHCN. The Liaison Officer said that many vandals had been arrested in the past and handed over to the police but nothing was done to them stressing that they were granted bail in the court and eventually left off the hook.

Oreweme urged the government to ensure that hoodlums caught for the offence did not go free.

She also urged the government to post armed security agents to the stadium.

“Let us have security men with guns who

will monitor and protect government property in the stadium.”

Oreweme said that unless government addressed the situation, there might not be electricity in the stadium, noting that government spent so much money on the purchase of diesel for generators since the disconnection by PHCN. “For instance, we spend N10,000 averagely on fuel weekly to power my office and the Audit and Account Department of the Stadium Complex only.

“Much money is equally used to power other units on weekly basis and we make special budget for fuel on meeting days so that light will be on till night.’’

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iffed by the poor performance of its players, the management of the Plateau United FC, Jos, has placed the players on half salary.

“We have placed the players on half salary for failing to live up to their responsibilities,” the club’s general manager, Bitrus Bewarang, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos yesterday. He accused the players of “laxity and carelessness” at matches and vowed that the decision would subsist until the players demonstrated more commitment.

Bewarang said that the position of the club on the National League table was “simply unacceptable”.

However, it would be recalled that the same measures were adopted last year when the club’s performance dwindled, but it still did not save the club from being relegated to the lower division of the league. The latest action is coming one week after the team’s Chief coach and two other officials were sacked.

NFF orders board to repackage domestic league

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he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has directed the board of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) to come up with fresh ideas which would turn around the fortunes of the domestic league in terms of packaging and crowd patronage.

Chief Media Officer of the NFF, Ademola Olajire, disclosed this while admitting challenges over poor patronage and security.

According to him, the leadership of the league board has been directed to forge new ideas which would help to re-jig the league and be attractive enough to return spectators to match venues across the country.

“Agreed that we have prevailing security challenges, the league still has to go on and the NPL should be able to take the necessary steps to boost the level of attendance at league matches. They have to re-brand the league in a manner that would entice fans back to the stadium,” Olajire said.

The directive may have become necessary following the vast improvement in the Nigeria National League (NNL) which was previously known as the professional league, but has been repackaged in content and outlook.

The lower rung of the ladder league has introduced among other things best player, club, well behaved teams as well as print and electronic media reporters of the league.

They various winners are given token

Aminu Maigari, President NFF

By Patrick Andrew with agency report

Plateau United FC place players on half salary

Chief Victor Baribote, Chairman NPL

Alhaji Gero

lying Eagles head Coach, Sam John Obuh, has call up former Kaduna United goal poacher, Alhaji Gero along with 11 others to the U-20 camp after dropping 10 others. Gero, now Enugu Rangers player, joins the rest at the screening exercise where the technical crew are working hard to filter the grains from the chaff so that they would begin real preparations for the qualifiers scheduled for July.

The other new call-ups include four players from Nigeria National League (NNL) club, Nembe City, namely Tombiri Dina, Uche Ihuarulam, Dakar Ibiabowa and Brown Braye Okpus.

The other invited players are Adeniyi Tunde (Sunshine Stars), Christian Josiah (COD United), Dan Asabe Umar (Sokoto United), Udoma Chinedu (Abia Warriors), Israel Edward Bamingo (Edwardians FC), Amos Ezechukwu and Abobo Jacob (unattached). The players dropped are Barry Labara, Adamu Hassan, Adamu Kazim, Ijika Churchill Sidney, Sulaiman Ahmed, Sunny Ukoha, Clifford Lawson, Dagogo Charles, Lawal Mohammed and Sampson Chukwuokoli. Obuh says the chopping and changing of the guard will continue until the ‘desired result is achieved.’

“To be honest with you, I can’t tell you how many more players will be dropped but it is a continuous process. We will continue to do what is necessary until we achieve the desired result. “We play a match every two days and the process of assessing the players continues,” Obuh said noting 32 players are currrently training in the camp in Abuja.

awards which serve to ginger them to step up their performances.

The present board of the NPL is headed

by Chief Victor Baribote while Chief Emeka Inyama leads the lower division league, but has been more visible in efforts to reposition the league in an attractive and easily acceptable manner.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Debts: NNL rakes in N12m for players

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he Nigeria National League, (NNL) has realised the sum of N12m from various clubs who were indebted to their players.

The clubs responded positively to the threat of the NNL board which had threatened to ban them from participating in the league unless they

meet their contractual obligations to their players.

The chairman of the NNL, Chief Emeka Inyama who disclosed this to

… Begins weekly meetings with match officials

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he Nigeria National League, (NNL) has introduced a weekly meeting for match commissioners and referees committee in charge of referees’ appointment to league matches to ensure that the rules governing the games are strictly upheld strictly during games.

While making this known to Peoples Daily Sports in Abuja, Chairman of the NNL Chief Emeka Inyama said the board initiated the innovative idea because it believes such meetings would keep them abreast with the rules and the need to be fair and upright while officiating in matches.

He noted that the second stanza of the league has gathered momentum as a result of clubs determination to get promotion to the premier league also to escape being relegated to the nationwide league.

“Before we came on board we assured Nigerians that we will change the fortune of national league by making it an exciting league that the country can proud of. And we think we are doing just that.

“We are taking the league to an enviable height that is why we introduced monthly award to the best club, best player even best sports

journalist. who cover the league with full interest.

“We have introduced weekly meeting that involved match commissioners and referees committee that will create avenue to discuss weekly matches played by so doing will create opportunity to correct mistake committed by referees, players, fans and security personnel’s at match venues, “ he said.

The spokesman of the Nigeria Football Federation board members said the league board will not dance to the tone of clubs’ managements, who would insist on bending rules.

Gombe Utd, Ocean Boys, 3Sc lead NPL players’ transfer record in first stanza Stories by Albert Akota

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etermine to reposition for positive results in the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) clubs had taken advantage of the minor transfer window to beef up their squads for the stiff contest for the elite league shield.

Peoples Daily Sports findings revealed that Gombe United, Ocean Boys of Yenogoa, 3SC of Ibadan were the busiest clubs in the market during transfer window, which last for about two weeks.

However, others also took the opportunity to fortify against possible drop from the elite pack as they hope to intensify their campaign against threatening murky waters of relegation.

Gombe United Chinedu Paul after meeting all requirements crossed over to Gombe united from Aminchi football academy of Kano, Abubarkra Nasim from ABS of Kano, Chigozie Moris from Jigawa

golden stars, Haruna Babalo from Akwa United, Aremu tuned from Wikki Tourists, and Timothy Nwachukwu from Kaduna United to the club.

3SC Ebieaku Sylvernus from Dolphin FC, Edjomariegwu tony Omeyarue from Kwara, others are Amanyi David Christopher from Kaduna United, Gabriel Adikwu from Lobi stars, Asukwo Philip from Kwara United and Christian Kelechi from Rising Stars to the Ibadan side.

Ocean Boys Sani Mohammed from El-Kanemi, Ekeloeuati Fuad from fame football academy, Saka Abudulazeez from Afaria, Others are Lubo Kelly, who graduated from the club feeders, Steven Morah and Zoji Tolayemi from Zatech football academy. Others are Hameed Kadiri from Bayelsa united, Ebitimi Agogo from Bayelsa United, Gift Ibibo from Sharks and Bernard Peter to the club.

Rising stars Adamu Yahaya from Sunshine, Jimo Useni from Dender, Musterfer mukaila

from ocean Boys, Taro Oluwaseun Godswill from Sunshsine to the club.

Enyimba FC Nwangwu Arinze from Rising stars, Okoye Ifeanyi, Sunday John from Warri Wolves, and Fabiyi Saheed Babinton, from CSKA Moscow of Russian.

Wikki Tourists Bosco Okoh from Enyimba, Sani Ibrahim from ABS Kano, Momodou Thiani from Asfag FC Guenea and Alexander Nornor from Optimum academi to the club.

Rangers International Aliu Chatta Jude from young academy, Jero Alhaji from Kaduna united, Egbedi Emmanuel from Niger Tornadoes and Ifeanyi Ede from Enyimba, to the club.

Kaduna United Nwaogu Chimobi from Enyimba while Lobi stars, gets Sunday Johnson from Kaduna united, However, other clubs are still undergoing player’s registration with the NPL to meet up this month deadline.

Adeyemi of 3sc vs Omodiagbe in NPL league. Insert, Victor Baribote, Chairman of NPL board

Chief Emeka Inyama Peoples Daily Sports in Abuja, said the board had earlier threatened to ban clubs from week 10 matches unless they rise to the challenge of paying debts owed their players.

The chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) Reconciliation Committee, said that further the federation’s players’ welfare and arbitration committee had earlier ordered the seven clubs to pay up arrears owed to players and coaches since 2010 season.

Inyama, who is also the chairman of Abia Warriors, could not hide his excitement on the development because according to him such it has shown that with strong resolve things could done correctly.

He reiterated the determination of the NNL board to walk its talk and insisted the threat to stop some clubs which owed their players from participating in the league was no empty one and added should there be a need to repeat the process the league body would gladly do so.

The defaulting clubs were Nasarawa United, Prime FC, Bendel Insurance, Bayalsa United, First Bank, Rancher Bees, and El’ Kanemi Warrior “We are here to satisfy everybody: players, coaches, fans, clubs management, journalists and every Nigerians by doing the correct things.

The major actors who are the players must be carried along with all sense of modesty because without the players, there wouldn’t be clubs managements, spectators even the league board members.

“Clubs have developed the habit of owing players and coaches but we at the NNL board will not allow it, it is unacceptable and clubs managements must awaken to that reality and effect changes which would impact positively on the key actors of the league.

“We realised N12m within one week from clubs who were indebted to their players because we had threatened to ban them from participating in the second stanza of the league. We believe clubs’ managements are not fair to players when they owe them and our stand is to protect every stakeholder of the game,” he said.

Further, Inyama said that the NNL board members will continue to drive the league to the desired height as well as rewarding the best club and best player in monthly to guarantee the stability of the lower rung of the domestic.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

PAGE 43

WBA champ, Balzsay, leaves it late, as Traux thwarts Taylor’s return bid

Mares wins superbantam belt

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aroly Balzsay retained his WBA super-middleweight title when he beat Dimitri Sartison in the twelfth round in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern,Germany over the weekend.

Though the fight in was stopped five seconds before the scheduled end of the bout, it was a more or less even fight until the champion dropped Sartison in the final round.

The challenger beat the count but Balzsay kept up the pressure.

When Sartison stopped fighting back the referee stepped in.

Balzsay improved his record to 25-2, including 18 stoppages.

Sartison dropped to 29-2; 18.

On the same bumper bill, former WBO light-heavyweight champion Jürgen Brähmer improved to 38-2, with 30 knockouts, when he beat Vikapita Meroro (21-4; 9) by unanimous decision over ten rounds. Meroro was down for a count in the fourth round.

Rakhim Chakhkiev, a former Olympic Games gold medallist, remained undefeated and moved to 13-0; 10 by stopping Jaidon Codrington (20-3; 16) after one minute and 56 seconds of the first round of a cruiserweight bout.

In a heavyweight fight, former WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev knocked out Billy Zumbrun in the third round. Chagaev’s record now stands at 29-2-1; 18. Zumbrun’s dropped to 25-13-1; 15.

Veteran heavyweight Juan Carlos Gomez recorded his 50th victory in professional boxing when he stopped Darnell Wilson in the fourth round of a rematch.

Gomez has lost only three times and won 38 of his fights on stoppages. Wilson now stands at 24-15-3; 20.

Middleweight Ante Bilic improved to 26-2; 13 when he outpointed Rafael Bejaran (14-1; 6) to claim the WBO European middleweight title. And in San Juan, Puerto Rico, WBO super-flyweight champion Omar Narvaez improved to 36-1-2; 19 when he beat Jose Cabrera (20-3-2; 8) on points over 12 rounds.

Jermain Taylor, a former middleweight champion, was knocked down in the ninth round but beat Caled Truax on points in a tenround fight in Biloxi, Mississippi. The scores were 98-91, 97-92 and 97-94. Taylor improved his record to 30-4-1, with 18 knockouts.

Truax lost for the first time in dropping to 18-1-1; 10.

Junior middleweight Erislandy Lara, ranked third by the WBC, improved to 16-1-1; 11 when he knocked out Ronald Hearns (26-3; 20) after only 1 minute and 34 seconds.

In Oldham, England, Derry Matthews caused an upset when he stopped Anthony Crolla in the sixth round to take over the British lightweight title.

Matthews, who improved his professional record to 30-6-1, including 16 knockouts, knocked the champion down in the third round. Crolla who dropped to 23-3; 9, never recovered completely and the referee had to intervene in the sixth.

James DeGale, a former Olympian, improved his professional record to 12-1; 9 and retained his European super-middleweight title by knocking out veteran Cristian Sanavia in the fourth round in their fight in Frederikshavn, Denmark.

Sanavia, who dropped to 45-6-1; 13, Sanavia was down four times in the fourth round before the referee stopped the fight at 2:58.

Patrick Nielsen remained unbeaten at 14-0; 8 when he knocked out Gaston Vega (17-5; 6) in the tenth round to win the WBA Intercontinental middleweight title.

Morelia, Mexico: Cristian Mijares, a former super-flyweight champion, knocked out Eddy Julio after 2 minutes 47 seconds of the fourth round. Mijares now stands at 45-6-2; 21 and Julio at 13-4-1; 11. Lightweight Marvin Quintero (25-3; 20) dealt Al Sabaupan his first defeat when he stopped him in the ninth round of an IBF title eliminator. Sabaupan now stands at 18-1-1; 13.

Fort Worth, Texas: Middleweight Brian Vera (20-6; 12) beat Taronze Washington (14-17; 7) on points over eight round – 79-73 on two cards and 80-72.

Montreal, Canada: Adonis Stevenson (18-1; 14) stopped Noe Gonzalez (28-2; 20) in the second round to take the WBC silver super-middleweight title.

Tokyo: Former WBA super-bantamweight champion Akifumi Shimoda moved his record to 25-3-1; 11 by stopping Mexicoan Alberto Gonzalez (16-10; 6) one minute into the tenth round. Shimoda, a southpaw, was well ahead at the time of the stoppage.

Welterweight Yoshihiro Kamegai remained unbeaten and moved to 21-0; 18 when he stopped Mexican Alfredo Chavez (10-4; 8) in the ninth round.

Caguas, Puerto Rico: Jose Miguel Cotto (33-3-1; 24) beat Eric Cruz on points over ten rounds in a super-lightweight bout – 99-89, 98-90 and 97-87.

Karoly Balzsay

bner Mares beat Eric Morel on points on Saturday to claim the vacant WBC super bantamweight title.

The unbeaten Mares won the battle of former champions bout in El Paso, Texas, 119-109 on two cards and 120-107 on the third.

Mares, 26, had moved up in weight after winning the IBF bantamweight title in a fight against Joseph Agbeko last August; a title he retained in a rematch in December.

The Mexican’s speed and work rate wore down Puerto Rico’s Morel, a 36-year-old who once held the WBA super-flyweight title. Mares improved his record to to 24-0-1, with 13 knockouts.

Morel fell to 46-3, with 23 knockouts.

They were fighting for title vacated

by Japan’s Toshiaki Nishioka after he failed to get a fight with Filipino star Nonito Donaire. On the undercard, WBA bantamweight “super champion” Anselmo Moreno of Panama made the tenth successful defence of his title as he stopped David de la Mora in the the ninth round of a lopsided bout.

Moreno improved to 33-1-1 with 12 knockouts. He knocxked De la Mora down in the second and sixth rounds. The challenger indicated he was unable to continue ten seconds into the ninth and the referee stopped the fight. De la Mora, a Mexican dropped to 24-2 with 17 knockouts.

FCE Kano wins 17th NICEGA in Omoku

Cristian Mijares

Derry Matthews

Omar Narvaez

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ederal College of Education, FCE, Kano has emerged the winner of the 17th edition of the Nigerian College of Education Games, NICEGA, hosted by Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Rivers state.

FCE Kano, hauled 13 gold, four bronze medals to emerge first while FCE Zaria, which won nine gold, 10 silver and 7 bronze medals were second, leaving FCE Okene third with five gold, one silver, and five bronze medals.

The closing ceremony held at the newly built ultra-modern FCET Omoku Stadium, Omoku, Rivers state, was climaxed with the final of the male football event won by College of Education, COE Minna, 4 - 3 on penalties after the match had ended in a 1 - 1 draw in normal regulation time.

NICEGA President, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, commended the host college, FCET Omoku , for hosting a hitch-free competition and urged them to make maximum use of their newly acquired sports facilities by creating a Physical and Health Education Department in the school.

“We must commend the host college for a job well done, because when we came during the inspection of facilities, we were skeptical because a thick forest was shown to us as the site of the proposed Games Village. “But what we saw today is marvelous, they have provided good facilities.

However, it is easier to provide good facilities than to maintain them. So, I will advise that they create a Physical and Health Department that can consistently use the facilities,” he said.

In response, the host Provost, Sir (Dr.) Nkasiobi Oguzor, said hosting of the 2012 NICEGA has provided the town of Omoku world class sports facilities which can be used to hosting sports events in future.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Nadal starts Barcelona title defence with win

Saudi girls’ school defies clerics with basketball, says report

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afael Nadal began his title defence at the Barcelona Open yesterday with a 6-1, 6-2 defeat of compatriot Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, who had defeated the king of clay two years ago in Thailand.

Top seed Nadal, champion at the Real Club de Tenis in six of the last seven editions - he missed 2010 with knee trouble - claimed his 30th match victory in a row at his home event.

Nadal didn’t have it all his own way, with his 78th-ranked opponent winning only his second game of the match as he managed a break with Nadal leading a set and 4-0. The top seed eventually finished the job with some slight difficulty after Garcia-Lopez saved a match point with a forehand in the final game before the end came after 81 minutes. Garcia-Lopez beat Nadal in Bangkok two years ago indoors and also put out tournament second seed Andy Murray in Indian Wells in March.

Nadal, the world No 2, picked up where he had left off on his favourite surface last weekend when he won an historic eighth consecutive trophy in Monte Carlo, ending a seven-match loss streak to world No 1 Novak Djokovic.

Nadal was joined in the third round by South Africa’s Kevin Anderson, the tournament’s 13th seed, who secured a tight victory over Argentine qualifier Federico Delbonis 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5).

Also progressing was Nadal’s friend and compatriot David Ferrer. The third seed, who has lost three Barcelona finals to Nadal, crushed Serbian wild card Filip Krajinovic 6-0, 6-3.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori demonstrated his growing confidence on the clay with a battling 6-3, 4-6, 6-0 defeat of Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin which took just under two hours.

The eighth seed from Tokyo has been playing his fourth clay event this season after competing in South America in February highlighted by a quarterfinal in Argentina.

Nishikori has duplicated his third-round Barcelona showing from a year ago and next faces either Spain’s Albert Ramos or Frenchman Benoit Paire.

Canadian Milos Raonic, the number 11, raced through the second set to beat Igor Andreev 64, 6-1.

Rafael Nadal

Chelsea players celebrating after eliminating Barcelona on Tuesday night at the Nou Camp

Teenager dies over Barcelona, Chelsea match, as Grant wants Di Matteo stay

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Chelsea supporter, Chinedu Ibeabuchi, slumped and died at a football viewing centre when Barcelona scored their opening goal against the Blues in second leg of the decisive semi-final match.

Chinedu, who lived with his mother and other family members on Marcus Garvey Street, New Haven, Enugu, and was a student of a secondary school in Enugu, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.

The defending champions had subjected Chelsea to tremendous pressure that culminated in the first goal 35th minutes into the game and according to eye witnesses the teenager could not contained the shock as he simply gave up the ghost.

A lady, who identified herself

as a sister to the deceased, said the family was not willing to talk about the incident but was rather concerned with his burial arrangements.

A source close to the family told NAN on Wednesday that the body had been deposited at the Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre, Enugu.

It was gathered that the Ibeabuchi family lost their father sometime in 2011. The match ended 2-2 at full-time with Chelsea advancing to the final on a 3-2 aggregate.

Meanwhile, Avram Grant, sacked by Chelsea after taking them to within a missed penalty kick of Champions League glory, believes Roberto Di Matteo, the current interim coach, should be spared the same fate whatever happens in this year’s final in Munich.

Di Matteo, like Grant, took

over in mid-season after Russian owner, Roman Abramovich, had wielded his axe and the former Chelsea midfielder has galvanised the squad, taking them to the FA Cup final and now the Champions League final.

“I think Roberto deserves one more year, at least, but (Roman)Abramovich sometimes thinks differently,” Grant, whose Chelsea side lost on penalties to Manchester United in the 2008 final in Moscow.

“He has sacked many managers but until now the football was on the way down and the team was on the way down. I think in his eyes, the team is on the way up and Di Matteo has a chance to continue.”

Of the 15 matches since the Portuguese was sacked, Chelsea have lost only one, away to Manchester City.

Spainish govt, league agree new rules to offset clubs’ debts

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he Spanish government and the football league (LFP) have agreed rules designed to pave the way for clubs to pay off hundreds of millions of euros in tax debts in a case that has attracted the attention of European Union antitrust officials.

Clubs in Spain’s top two divisions, many of which are in dire financial straits, owe some •750 million to the tax authorities plus another •600 million to the social security system.

Spanish sports minister Jose Ignacio Wert, secretary of state for sport Miguel Cardenal and LFP president Jose Luis Astiazaran briefed reporters on the new rules on Wednesday and the LFP said in a statement that clubs which transgressed could be barred from competition.

If the LFP itself failed to enforce the rules its directors could be removed and income from lottery sales withheld, the statement added.

In addition, from the 2014-15 season, clubs will be obliged to set aside 35 percent of revenue from selling audiovisual rights as a guarantee against their tax obligations.

They could even be forced to

sell players to raise cash in a process overseen by a joint commission made up of government, LFP and club officials.

“Economic control will be strict, as well as the sanctions regime,” the LFP said.

“It’s about designing a road map which will allow a definitive change in the current landscape under which (tax)

debt will be reduced over time until it no longer exists.”

A European Commission competition policy spokesman confirmed on Wednesday the EU’s executive body was looking at whether the Spanish clubs’ tax situation violated rules on state aid, after receiving a complaint.

“We asked for information from the Spanish government,” spokesman Antoine Colombani said.

girls’ school in Saudi Arabia has defied a religious ban on female sports by erecting basketball hoops and letting pupils play at break-time, the daily alWatan reported yesterday.

Powerful clerics in the conservative Islamic kingdom have long spoken against allowing girls to play sports, with one senior figure saying in 2009 it might lead them to lose their virginity by tearing their hymens.

Saudi authorities have prevented women from working, opening bank accounts or having some elective surgery without the permission of a male relative, on religious grounds. They are not allowed to drive.

However, King Abdullah has pushed for women to have better opportunities in education and employment and last year said they could vote and run for office in future municipal elections, the only official polls in the monarchy.

The school in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province has now become the first state-run girls school openly to encourage sports, Watan reported, quoting a supervisor as saying it would expend pupils’ energy “in a positive way”.

Private girls schools already offer sports classes. In recent months Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for having never fielded a woman athlete at the Olympics, with Human Rights Watch calling for it be barred from this year’s London Games.

Amid mounting international scrutiny of the issue, local media reported this month that the deputy education minister for female student affairs, the kingdom’s first woman minister, was looking into setting up “a comprehensive physical education programme” for both sexes.

“The school administration is hoping to instil the importance of sports among the students and introduce them to its benefits, as well as allowing them to spend their spare time doing something beneficial,” Amina Bu Bsheit, a school supervisor, was quoted as saying by Watan.

From left: Chief of Administration, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Sidi Usman, National President, Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna, Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigeria Navy, Rear Admiral James Oladimeji, and Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) Ambassador, Tijani Babangida during the YSFON visit to Navy headquarters Abuja yesterday.

Photo: Joe Oroye

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Olympic rings touch down at Birmingham Airport

Lagos Rugby Union League kicks-off May

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he latest set of giant Olympic rings to celebrate the approaching London Games, will be unveiled at Birmingham Airport on Tuesday, the first British airport to be decorated with the iconic symbol.

The rings will sit either side of the airport’s new control tower, and will be visible to passengers on approaching planes, and also car drivers on the busy Birmingham to Coventry road.

Birmingham will host the Jamaican and United States track and field teams prior to the Games. Coventry’s football stadium will kick-off the action at the Olympics, with the first match in the soccer tournament which begins before the opening ceremony.

American former Olympic 400 metre champion, Edwin Moses was in Birmingham to unveil the rings.

“Seeing the Games celebrated in such an iconic way, will be a great inspiration

A

n assistant coach with the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN, Henry Kurumeh, has appealed to the government to adopt martial arts to curb idleness and youth restiveness in the country.

Kurumeh, who reiterated the essence of sports both as means of livelihood and entertainment, said incessant youth restiveness occasioned by idleness could be reduced if the government adopt makes sundry sports a constant feature in the lives of its young people.

“Apart from the fact that karate could be used to develop one’s fitness, it could also be used as a tool to empower youths and help to reduce the rate of crime in the country,” he said adding government should adopt sports as viable means to keep the youth occupied.

Meanwhile, Alice Henry, a female karateka, has said that karate inculcates the art of assimilation and meditation in its adherents. As a karateka of five years, I have been able to learn so many things about the structure of humans and the kind of food one should eat. And all these, I did not need to learn from sitting in a classroom but just being a karateka,” Henry said.

The athlete condemned disregard for sports and sports persons by some people and even poor attention that government pays sports stressing that such negative attitude has affected physical health of the nature as well as denied her the opportunity to win international acclaim.

“I have been in the sport for five years now and it has not been encouraging so far unlike what I saw in Ghana in 2010 when I participated in a tournament.

London 2012 Olympic Torch to the athletes training in the region,” Moses said in a statement from the London organising committee.

Other sets of Olympic rings have been placed at London’s St Pancras railway station, Kew Gardens and at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel. Another set will float down the River Thames on a barge during the Games which start in July.

he Lagos-based “Friends of Rugby” yesterday announced May 12 as the kickoff date for the 2012 Lagos Rugby Football Union League season.

This was contained in a statement signed by the group’s Secretary, Ntiense Williams, in which indicated the formal commencement of the season.

He said: “we are indeed very happy that the much talked about “Lagos Rugby Football Union League will resume this year, after its break since last year.

“We were disturbed when we couldn’t host the League last season due to the expectation of a unified programme from the newly elected board of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation,” it said.

Williams said plans had been finalised for the commencement of the league, which would feature five Rugby Clubs from Lagos and a new entrant, Kwarabased Rugby Club called Ilorin Rugby Football Club.

The Lagos clubs are Lagos Rugby Football Club, Young Lions Rugby Football Club, Gosar Rugby Football Club, Police Rugby Football Club, and the defending champions Cowrie Rugby Football Club.

According to him, matches will be played every fortnight at the main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, from May through November.

The rugby official said the Lagos

Use karate to curb youth restiveness, coach urges govt They had all the requisite facilities to foster an amiable atmosphere for training and development of the sport,” she said.

“It is a sport that disciplines one, thus most karatekas are disciplined and do not make a nuisance of themselves in public,” Henry said.

Nigerian karatekas in action

Rugby Union and the Northern Rugby League would battle for supremacy at the end of the season in December.

Williams said the sponsors had decided to rebrand the rugby league with mouth watering prizes for all the participating teams, and the eventual winners.

“Each club participating in the rugby league will receive a set of brand new customised jerseys, courtesy of the chairman of the group, Mr Kelechi Mbagwu,” the rugby secretary said.

Other programmes to be organised by the group include the traditional rugby tournaments, Independent 7’s Rugby Tournament, Rakia 10’s Rugby Tournament, and Tri-Regional Challenge Championship.

Williams said there would be special focus on female folks with the first ever Women’s Rugby Championship to be hosted in the South-South zone of the country later in the year.

Team Lagos targets boxing record Sports Festival

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he Lagos State Amateur Boxing Association has resolved to surpass its feat at the 17 th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt where it made a clean sweep of the medals table.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Team Lagos won a total of seven gold, three silver, and two bronze medals at the “Garden City Games” to dwarf other states.

The association’s secretary, Adesoye Adejuwon, told NAN in Lagos that the association would strive to select the best boxers at its disposal for the forthcoming 18th National Sports Festival slated for November 27 to December 9 in Lagos.

Adejuwon stated that several boxing clubs in the state had been invited for a two-days trial billed for April 26 to April 27 at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Yaba.

He added that the trials were being staged to discover emerging talents and to increase its pool of boxers in its bid to affirm its supremacy in the pugilistic trade over other teams at the 18 th National Sports Festival.

“We are prepared to select the best boxers for the National Sports Festival in Lagos in order to surpass our performance at the Garden City Games.

“Many of our boxers, who won medals in Port Harcourt, are still fit for the sports festival, we want to use the trials to discover future boxers and increase the number of boxers,” Adejuwon said.

He told NAN that the advantage Lagos had over the other states in boxing, was through the monthly “Saturday Boxing Show” which has kept the boxers perpetually fit.

Adejuwon stressed that no fewer than 20 boxers had commenced preparations for the 30 th edition of the monthly slugfest at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Yaba on April 28.

National coach wants adequate funding, facilities for swimming

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he National Coach, Nigeria Swimming Federation (NSF), Saheed Obadina, has identified inadequate funding, dilapidated facilities and dearth of competitions as the major challenges militating against the sport’s development.

“Our perennial problem is all about finance, poor state of facilities for swimming and lack of regular competitions,” Obadina lamented stressing that the game would have had proper development had these facilities been available.

“The truth is that we have good

swimmers in Nigeria, but many of them are not encouraged before and after most competitions, and this should not be so.”

The coach urged government to upgrade facilities for swimming and build more to meet the modern standard.

“We want the government to build additional Olympic-size swimming pools in different parts of the country for training. If adequate training is given to our swimmers, they will develop the necessary skills as well as the confidence to face their foreign counterparts without feeling inferior,” he said.

Obadina also called on individuals and

corporate bodies to see the reason to sponsor swimming as they do for other sports.

On the National Academicals Swimming Competition (NASCOM) scheduled for next month at the Abuja National Stadium, Obadina said it was a good development for the sport’s growth.

He said that the federation was preparing for the competition which is scheduled for May 2 to May 6.

It would be recalled that the swimming competition, tagged “Peace Trophy” is being sponsored Mrs Patience Jonathan, the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Bolaji Abdullahi, Supervising Minister of Sports

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

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Coordinator laments lack of sponsorship for Howzat Cricket Foundation Endurance Ofem, Nigeria Cricket team Captain

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ongdie Dashback, Nigeria’s number one ranked female Squash Player, has decried the absence of competitions, which she described as bad for the growth of the sport.

Dashback told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that, the absence of regular competitions was killing the morale of the country’s squash players.

She added that even when

oseph Eshua, the Coordinator of Howzat Cricket Foundation, has lamented inadequacy of sponsorships for the foundation and stressed that the challenge has impacted adversely on its developmental programmes.

Eshua, who regretted that the most sponsors would prefer sponsoring tournaments than programmes that would develop the sport in the country, rues the turbulent economic situation in the country adding it has contributed in no small way to the poor attitude to sponsorship.

“We’re finding it difficult to get corporate sponsors or any form of sponsorship for developmental works because they just want to sponsor tournaments.

“But sponsorship in the areas of coaching in the schools for them to play proper and first class cricket is always a problem, people don’t want to get involved in development. ” The coordinator added that over the years because of Howzat’s grassroots programmes, the national teams had been able to

Squash players need competitions to thrive, says Dashback competitions come up in other African countries, the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF) lacked the means to send players to participate.

“Due to the current development, players don’t put in their best in training, because

they know there are no competitions in view.

“You know that the rackets are expensive; imagine you buying one of such and yet you don’t have a competition in view.

“Even as we speak, there are squash competitions going on

outside the country and there are no sponsors to help us out of this difficult situation,” she said.

“If I have my own funds, I would have gone or sourced for a sponsor, which is almost impossible to get,” the number one ranked female player said.

Dashback pleaded with the National Sports Commission

NTTF officials laud ITTF scholarship for Onaolapo O

fficials of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) have described the scholarship awarded by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to one of its players, Ojo Onaolapo, as a reward for excellence.

Onaolapo, 23, ranked number 8 in Nigeria and 609 in the world, was awarded the ITTF scholarship worth 8,000 dollars on April 21.

Kayode AbdulwahabOmotose, the President of NTTF, said on telephone that he was happy for the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship awarded to the junior player.

“I am very glad that Onaolapo’s impressive effort at international championships has been recognised and rewarded by the ITTF, and I see it as a welcome development,” he said.

Abdulwahab-Omotose said the development was as a result of series of meetings held with the ITTF during the World Championships from March 25 to April 1, in Germany.

“This opportunity is fallout of series of meetings and consultations with the NTTF during the recently concluded World Championship in Dortmund, Germany,” he said.

According to him, the letter conveying the message was dated April 21, 2012 and signed by the ITTF Deputy Executive Director Education and Training, Polona Cehovin Susin.

“In the letter, Polona expressed the desire of ITTF to nurture talented youths to stardom via its HOPES Programme started in 2011, and under which Ojo is being piloted,” he said.

Abdulwahab-Omotose added that Dotun Omoniyi, the coach of Ondo State Table Tennis Association would accompany the double gold medal winner at the 17th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt to his foreign trainings.

He disclosed that the federation is expected to shoulder some responsibilities, including the travelling arrangements for him and his coach, Omoniyi.

“We have commenced travelling arrangements by registering Onaolapo for the Slovak Open Championship and will soon apply for visa to enable them enjoy the facility,” he said.

Abdulwahab-Omotose said the ITTF identified Onaolapo during the 2010 Junior Olympics in Singapore, where he emerged the only non-Asian that got to the quarter-finals of

the event.

The federation’s secretary, Segun Oguntade, also expressed delight with the ITTF noting that the international federation was now recognising the efforts of Nigerian players.

“It is a good development and will encourage the upcoming players to put in their best in

their chosen sport,” Oguntade said.

The national coach, Nasiru Bello, advised young players to emulate Onaolapo’s hard work and determination to succeed.

He noted that such developments would enhance the development of the sport.

On his part, Onaolapo said that

Table tennis player, Obiora Faith

get a steady supply of players.

“Howzat has been a pathway for players in the grassroots to get into the national teams of the various age grades. This is only a part of Howzat’s aim in cricket development as a sport in the country. ” Endurance Ofem, the captain of the senior male national team, is a product of Howzat Foundation and the newly formed female national team are also Howzat’s products.

Further, Eshua said that the development of the sport across the nation had not been even because some board members of the Nigeria Cricket Federation have not been aggressive enough.

“In the South-East, SouthSouth and South-West cricket has been active and developing. And this is because the board members representing the zones ensure that cricket activities are ongoing unlike what we have in the northern zones.”

It would be recalled that the board members of the NCF are made up of representatives from each geopolitical zones of the country.

(NSC) to urgently address the lack of competitions currently besetting the game of squash.

“I want to use this medium to prevail on the NSC to come to our rescue, through the release of funds to NSF to pursue its programmes for the year.

“Last year, we had only one competition and this year, we have not had any yet and the first quarter of the year has just gone by, we don’t know what to expect,” she said. he was delighted when he got the news of the ITTF scholarship award, adding that it would afford him the opportunity to maximize his God-given talent in table tennis with standard facilities.

He promised to put in his best during the period of the scholarship and maintain his ranking as well as make the country proud in international competitions.

“I think this is another opportunity to improve on my skill. I have been working hard and I am happy that my efforts in the last two years have been rewarded,” he added.

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE

Until y ou mak e peace you make with who you are, you'll ne ver be content with nev wha ou ha ve hatt y you hav tman — Doris Mor Mortman

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

SPORTS

Corruption roulette and geo-political games (I)

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I

LA TEST LATEST Bayern stun Real to set up Chelsea final

ayern Munich reached the Champions League final last night by beating nine-time champions Real Madrid 3-1 on penalties after the two-legged match finished 3-3 on aggregate.

Bastian Schweinsteiger slotted home the winning penalty in a thrilling shootout which saw Bayern lead 2-0 at one point after Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka missed theirs for Real.

However, Toni Kroos and captain Philippo Lahm then missed theirs with Xabi Alonso getting one back for Real but Sergio Ramos blasted his effort high into the stands and Schweinsteiger made no mistake.

A double from Ronaldo early in the match looked to have set the hosts on their way but an Arjen Robben penalty in the first period made the match all square.

It was some compensation for Robben, who had somehow missed an open goal from two yards out in the first-half.

The winners will meet Chelsea in the May 19 final in Munich - the English side having eliminated holders Barcelona on Tuesday 3-2 on aggregate.

This means that for the first time in the last four seasons that the UEFA Champions League final will be played without a Spanish team. The last time that happened was when two English teams-Chelsea and Man United played with United emerging champions after John Terry slipped to miss a vital penalty kick.

Arjen Robben NPL Results Wikki 1 Akwa Utd 2 Kaduna Utd 1 Gombe Utd 2 Pillars 2 Golden Stars 2 ABS FC 0 Ocean Boys 1 Enyimba 2

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

Rangers 1 Lobi Stars 1 Dolphins 1 3SC 1 Rising Stars 1 Sharks 1 Wolves 0 Tornadoes 0 Kwara Utd 0

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s it possible that the era of 'meaningless probes' of public officials and lack of capacity to be outraged by 'staggering revelations of old, well-established criminal enterprise' is over? Is it possible? The fact that a man who won an election not once but twice, to govern one of Nigeria's richest states, was actually a convicted shoplifter may have finally shamed most Nigerians into acknowledging the depths to which they have fallen - and resolving to do something about it.

Celebrating gangsterism Ideally one would have wished that James Ibori's latest conviction this month to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty in a British court to stealing from the coffers of Delta state, would also serve as a lesson in international politics. We all know that he is not the only or even, the worst thief. In fact the well-publicised and documented prosecution of two other former Nigerian governors by British authorities (Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and Joshua Dariye) even led to the repatriation of £12million pounds under a process known as civil asset recovery in 2007). Yet neither of these men nor even Ibori for that matter, are really considered thieves by their own people today are they?

If indeed Nigerians as a people have cast away their cynicism and self-immolating tolerance of 'wealth' however terribly acquired, it would be nothing less than revolutionary - earth shaking - in fact. It would be: about time! And we would then have joined the rest of the worldincluding scores of much poorer, fellow African and other developing countries. There is corruption in all human societies but in very few is it so tolerated and even celebrated! Great, big good-natured but bumbling 'Nigeria' has become at best, cause for worried puzzlement or at the very worst, for withering derision and outright disrespect.

And yet because of our size and resources, such as 60% percent of proven oil reserves in the Gulf of Guinea.... Even after deporting us 'maliciously' they always come back apologising... We wait anxiously for example, to see how the altercation with foreign airlines who charge Nigerians more than all other human beings for the same service, will pan out.

Perhaps after that, our Parliamentarians can be better placed to empathise with the routine exploitation and unnoticed

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CAR TEL OPIA CARTEL TELOPIA

By Aisha Yolah ayolah06@yahoo.com 08086296783 (text only please)

Ex-Gov. James Ibori 'extortion' of all Nigerians, rich and poor, by certain powerful brands in the telecoms and other service sectors within Africa's biggest consumer market of 160 million strong.

The butt of jokes, endless lamentation Most Nigerians who have travelled to other countries will have some dreadful story on this our legendary world status. Over the years, we have simply used such experiences to add more useless detail to our constant national lamentation - endless meaningless and ineffectual complaint. And what happens when foreigners in our midst criticise us? Usually such criticism is done 'diplomatically' as they agree indulgently with Nigerians that there are problems and paste smiles on their faces, affecting encouragement.

Veiled condescension, perhaps? We posit here that the developed world, in between smiles and smirks, has in fact helped sustain our current state.

It is like this. Nigeria is a country of vast wealth and opportunity. With skill, talent and a little (or rather a lot of hard work) one can make a living of sorts. If perchance or by good luck(!) one is endowed with contacts or networks that give undue advantage in a system where such 'memberships' are paramount, then untold

advantages (money, immunity from prosecution) can also be acquired. This works the same way for Non-Nigerians who have also set up their own networks and interconnections with Nigerians.

Not-for-profit but for...?

Most surprising of all is the possibility that this 'club' mentality - to take what can be got as a group- is reflected by those who come here ostensibly to 'help' us: the so-called not-for -profit development industry. This page is not the place to indulge in the discussion of the political economy of such 'aid' relationships but suffice it to say that most such friends however well-meaning, usually get very, very well paid to do so.

Often they have lifestyles, while in Nigeria, that in naira terms would be difficult to replicate in their home countries. Could such 'advantages' be more than sufficient trade-off for continuing to smile affably at heads of parastatals, ministries and departments who they know to be little more than criminals? At the individual level, bearing in mind plush villas, SUV's, and jet set clubhopping - very likely.

But why should a government which professes to uphold the highest standards of good governance knowingly interact with hundreds of corrupt officials? National interest. Theirs.

Which brings us to the fact that most of the money stolen by Nigerians or from Nigeria (over $400billion since independence is it not?) is actually housed very comfortably in foreign (mostly European) banks! Global Witness, a United Kingdom based watchdog puts it like this: 'Without access to the international financial system it would be much harder for corrupt politicians from the developing world to loot their national treasuries'.

Plain, uncomfortable logic.

Geo-politics of stolen money and oil In the context of current world politics it should be quite clear that geo-politics (such as vast oil and

gas reserves) shapes our relationships with donor governments and powerful (broke) world institutions much more than the shady character of military despots, convicted shoplifters or incontinent drunkards (or is it drinkards?)

Real politick means that at country level, the smiles (and hidden smirks) may not really be because they like our president or his activities. Similarly Nigeria's rapidly multiplying Binational commissions and positive Presidential report cards written by foreigners even as our own Nigerian lives become more unbearable, should cause some to stop and think. It appears that 21st century Nigerians unlike our compatriots of old, of the analogue 60's and 70's, rarely think geopolitics exists.

One is inclined to wonder why James Ibori was made such an example of - he was really not that unique in his behaviour which in truth bought him exceptional power and prestige, even in Britain, until recently. Clearly the fact that he was not part of the current ruling elite club or network (not a Jonathan fan) has contributed to his well-deserved predicament. If perchance or by good luck, he had been part of today's elite club would this prosecution have ended as it did?

Like Russian roulette, prosecution after criminal behaviour- stealing huge amounts of public money- is in Nigeria or even as a rich Nigerian abroad, still a matter of luck. That single bullet in the barrel may get you, if ....

It all depends on your degree of bad luck , relative to geo-political clout, that is.

The politics of 'not knowing' As we listen to the enormity of corruption in our fuel subsidy regime - just one part of this pivotal and very opaque petroleum sector - let us remember a few preceding signposts. Like the fact that the Minister of Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala publically deposed at the National Assembly that she did not know on whose authority the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) routinely deducted its own 'payments' at source. If even she, backed by decades of World Bank 'clout' and best practices, had no idea nor it seems sought to know, in all her many years in this same ministerial post, why the NNPC behaves like a state within a state, then we should know we are on our own.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 803 606 3308. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com ISSN: 2141– 6141