Peoples Daily Newspaper, Thursday, July 26, 2012 by Peoples Media Limited

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 89

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Jos flood: 8year-old missing girl found

. . . putting the people first

EFCC fails to arraign sons of Bamanga, Ahmadu Ali

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>> PAGE 5

Ramadan 7, 1433 AH

Suswam admits politicising fertiliser sale >> PAGE 11

N150

Ramadan Timing for Abuja Magrib 6.54

Alfijr 5.05

See other towns on Page 3

Impeachment threat

Forget 100% budget implementation – FG Govt moves against Gbajabiamila I’m not an ex-convict, says Rep By Lawrence Olaoye & Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

ollowing the impeachment threat issued to President Goodluck Jonathan by the House of Representatives over alleged poor implementation of the 2012 budget, the Federal Government came off the block yesterday to defend its handling of this year’s Appropriation. Putting up a defence for the government, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday said no country in the world had ever achieved 100 percent budget implementation. Okonjo-Iweala, who spoke with State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Contd on Page 2

Jos crisis: Lawyers sue FG for N1bn By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

group of lawyers practicing in Jos, the Plateau state capital, has approached a Federal High Court, Abuja with a suit demanding the sum of N1 billion from the Federal Government as compensation for alleged unlawful arrest torture, and Contd on Page 2

Mamman Nasir Ali (right), and Mahmud Tukur (middle), leaving an Ikeja High Court in Lagos where the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to arraign them over the fuel subsidy scam, yesterday. Photo: NAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-11

Editorial

Op.Ed

Letters

Opinion

Metro

16-17

Business

19-20

S/Exchange

S/Report

Earth

Newsxtra

Steve Nwosu, The Sun Editor, shot, Page 2

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU The Peoples Daily wants to hear from you with any news and pictures you think we should publish. You can send your news and pictures to: letters@peoplesdaily-online.com pictures@peoplesdaily-online.com contact@peoplesdaily-online.com

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

Forget 100% budget implementation – FG Contd from Page 1

Council (FEC), however, assured that the Federal Government was committed to implementing the 2012 national budget to a reasonable level. She also disclosed that the budget implementation rate had improved from 39 percent at the end of May to 56 percent in July. Her words: “My experience worldwide is that there is hardly any country where you would implement 100 percent even by the end of the year and this is based on very broad experience. But people try to get at least to 80 percent, sometime 90 percent of the budget, as much as can be done. “We have been working quite collaboratively with the National Assembly on the budget. We have met with the various committees of both the House and the Senate and we appreciate the cooperation that we have from them in trying to get this budget and also in working to achieve its implementation. “We have been very transparent about the information we have and share with them. I think the point is that Mr. President is determined to implementing the budget,” she stressed. The finance minister also disclosed that N404 billion had so far been released to ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), assuring that the third quarter release for the year would be made in a fortnight. She attributed the delay in implementing some capital projects to the strict provisions of the procurement laws, saying: “When you follow the law and the way projects are implemented, it really takes time.” Also, Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, insisted that there had been “great improvement” in budget implementation rate in the last three months. But Maku said “the budget cycle, which runs till the following year, does not help adequate

implementation of budget.” It was in realisation of this, he added, “that President Jonathan directed that the 2013 budget proposals must get to the National Assembly latest by September so it could be passed by December.” Maku stressed: “The current budget circle does not favour adequate implementation of the budget but the new cycle of January to December will give the President 12 months to implement the 2013 budget.” Meanwhile, there were indications yesterday that the government might have resolved to move against the arrowhead of the impeachment threat, the House of Representatives Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila. Gbajabiamila had proposed that impeachment process be initiated against President Jonathan should the executive fail to fully implement the 2012 budget at the resumption of the House plenary by September 18. An unsigned advertorial was placed in several national newspapers on Tuesday exhuming a 10-year-old allegation that Gbajabiamila is an ex-convict, having been allegedly convicted by the Supreme Court of Georgia, United States (US). It was alleged that Gbajabiamila, who practiced law in the US before coming home to join politics, admitted to stealing $25,000 belonging to his client and absconded to Nigeria to contest the House of Representatives election on the platform of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2003. Consequent upon his admission and filing for Voluntary Discipline, the advertorial alleged, the lawmaker was suspended from practicing law in the US for 36 months. It also alleged that the Minority Leader changed his name from Femi Gbaja to Femi Gbaja-Biamila to avoid detection while contesting the House of Representatives election in 2003.

But in swift reaction to the unsigned advertorial, Gbajabiamila denied being convicted by a court of law but admitted that he was sanctioned by the Georgia Bar Disciplinary Board for professional misconduct and negligence. Gbajabiamila said: “Let me state very clearly that yes I was sanctioned by the Georgia Bar Disciplinary Board for professional misconduct and negligence due to an unfortunate ethical violation that took place about 10 years ago in 2003. There are no ifs, buts or ands about it. However here are the facts: This was a matter of not complying with strict ethical rules. At no time was I tried by any court for any criminal offence as it was never such.” According to Gbajabiamila, the paid advertisements was a calculated attempt at disparaging his person and aimed at discouraging him from discharging his responsibilities as a legislator and as the leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives. He said: “To the discerning, it is obvious where these attacks are

coming from and indeed a crying shame that an elected representative can no longer speak freely in defence of those who elected him and in the interest of the country. I find it rather curious that these attacks came on the heels (only 3 days) of my moving for articles of impeachment against Mr. President come September 18 if the proper thing is not done and the Constitution and laws of the country continue to be violated. At no time did I ever think taking on a powerful office would be a tea party or would not produce virulent attacks. Such would be naivety on my part. However I am propelled by the belief that the hottest part of hell is reserved for those who say nothing when they should. “To my traducers, let me quickly and unequivocally state that I am not deterred but remain focused and even emboldened in my determination to continue to bring germane national issues to the fore and to hold the Presidency and those in charge of our affairs accountable. Because I believe in accountability, I also must be accountable to the electorate,” he stressed.

Steve Nwosu, The Sun Editor, shot By Udenna Orji

ditor of Nigeria's most popular tabloid, The Sun, Mr. Steve Nwosu, was yesterday attacked and shot in the head by unknown gunmen. Peoples Daily gathered that Nwosu was shot around Maza Maza, Lagos, as he walked out from a bank. Confirming the incident to our reporter on phone yesterday, Deputy Managing Director/Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Sun newspapers, Mr. Femi Adesina, said though the motive of the attack was unknown, they suspect that the youthful and lively editor was victim of an armed robbery incident. According to Mr. Adesina,

this suspicion is further strengthened by the fact the money Mr. Nwosu withdrew early yesterday was carted away by his assailants, whom the DMD said attacked the editor while he was driving in traffic. The deputy deitor-in-chief who also confirmed that The Sun editor was still on admission in hospital as at the time he spoke to our reporter last night, however assured that the injuries sustained by Mr. Nwosu in the attack "were not life threatening". "But the doctors insisted on keeping him overnight just to ensure that he's okay before he'll be discharged", Mr. Adesina further revealed.

Jos crisis: Lawyers sue FG for N1bn Contd from Page 1

detention by security agencies in the state. The Applicants, Gyang Zi, Livinus S. Pam, Tan Peter Chigero, Jugu Tiri and Luka Pam who are 1st to 5th Applicants in the suit, joined the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Attorney General of the Federation, Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Henry Ayoola and Lt. CDR A.A.Jaiyeola as 1st to 5th Respondents respectively. No date has been fixed for hearing of the suit. The Plaintiffs, who seek to enforce their fundamental rights, prayed the court for “an order against the Respondents jointly and severally to pay them the sum of N1,000, 000.00 only as compensation for unlawful arrest, torture, detention, embarrassment, pains and

inconveniences caused to the Applicants by the Respondents.” They also want the court “to make an order directing the 1st to 4th Respondents to surrender the 5th Respondent and all other military officers that participated in the assault, embarrassment and torture of the Applicants on July 18, 2012 for trial by court-martial under Section 104 of the Armed Forces Act CAP.A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.” In a 54-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Gyang Zi, he averred that “in the morning of 18th July, 2012, I received a call from Gyel Community of Jos South L.G.A, Plateau state as to a mayhem that took place on the 17th July, 2012 which led to the death of three members of the same family in the said Community.” He further said that: “When we

entered the Districts Head’s Palace to greet him, to our chagrin and dismay we saw men, women, aged and children, some laying on the ground almost death with various kinds of injuries sustained from gun shots, military boots, helmet and all sorts of military weapons. And we were told by the District Head and other Chiefs with people around that it was the military that carried out such heinous assault on people while peacefully protesting the gruesome murder of three members of the Community by unknown gun men; “That they poured dirty water on the said 2nd and 3rd Applicants, from a bucket.” Gyang Zi further claimed: “even when blood was gushing out of the bodies of the 2nd and 3rd Applicants, the military men continued the brutalisation

despite every effort to stop them by me, the 4th and 5th Applicants, adding that the 2nd and 3rd Applicants knelled down and the military men poured water on them; “That the military men removed the neckties of the 2nd and 3rd Applicants and used them to tie their both hands behind their back and rolled them on the ground and they also pulled off their shoes, removed their socks and forced the socks into their mouths; “That the 2nd and 3rd Applicants were thrown into the carriage/back of a military Hilux van and moved to the Special Tax Force headquarters in Jos; “The 5th Respondent said he has dealt with and tortured judges and very senior lawyers, yet nothing happened to him talk more of tissue papers like us.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

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Subsidy: ‘FG owes NNPC N1.08trn’ T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said it is being owed $7 billion (about N1.08 trillion) by the Federal Government for fuel import subsidies. Central Bank Governor, Malam Lamido Sanusi had on Tuesday during the monetary policy committee meeting, pointed restated the risks of high government spending, worsening security problems and lower oil

output which he said were "ominous". “As at the end of May 2012 NNPC had unpaid (subsidy) claims of N1.134 trillion ($7.06 billion)”, Fidel Pepple, spokesman for the NNPC said. It would be recalled that fuel marketing unions have threatened to embark on strike this week over unpaid subsidies, risking fuel shortages. However, NNPC said it has 46 days of fuel supplies and it would

do its best to meet demand despite “limited resources”. “Yes we are concerned about the shortages but just to put it on record NNPC has been the only organisation importing products since January when the fuel subsidy issue began”, Pepple said. The finance ministry declined to comment on the missed subsidy payments but has previously said it is waiting for the results of probes into fuel importers before resuming payments.

Police kill suspected robbers in Jigawa From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

he Jigawa state Police Command has gunned down two suspected armed robbers who allegedly terrorised Hadejia local government area of the state. State Commissioner of Police, Theophillus Kayode, who disclosed this yesterday, said the armed robbers were killed in a 45-minute shootout with the police. According to the police commissioner, the police were alerted by a resident that an armed

robbery attack was on at Muazu Quarters. A patrol team set to the area came under fire from the hoodlums during which the two suspected robbers were gunned down. Kayode said one of the dead robbers was a notorious Fulani man known as “Alto” who had been on the wanted list of the police for a long time. The commissioner also stated that a syndicated gang of cattle thieves was nabbed with a trailerload of 44 cows at Kumsa village in Birniwa local government.

The cows, which were in a trailer with registration number SX 683 KMC, allegedly stolen from Zuntu town in Fambeguwa local government of Kaduna state. He said those arrested included one Rabiu hashimu and Alhaji Mohammed Usman, who attempted to bribe the police with the sum of N12,000. The police commissioner said he has planted some anticorruption crusaders within the entire police Divisions in the state who report any irregularity to him directly.

Gunmen kill two Indians in Borno Patience Mustapha Isah Kwaru, central mosque. The identities of Jonathan lays From the deceased foreigners could not Maiduguri be ascertained as at press time, but ragedy struck the Railway they were killed behind the foundation Quarters in Maiduguri, the destroyed enclave of the slain leader Borno state capital of the Boko Haram sect, Malam for AFLPM yesterday morning when Mohammed Yusuf. Residents of the area, told unknown gunmen raided a gum secretariat arabic factory and slaughtered two newsmen that the attackers took

ife of the President, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, yesterday in Abuja laid the foundation of the permanent secretariat of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM). In her address, Mrs. Jonathan, who is the President of the AFLPM, expressed the hope that the secretariat would serve as a venue for discussions on how to promote peace, security and development in Africa. She thanked the Federal Government for providing the land for the secretariat project, while commending the efforts of the founding members of the mission. Earlier, Mrs Jonathan inaugurated an interim secretariat for the AFLPM, pending the completion of the permanent secretariat. The First Lady also used the occasion to condole with the government and people of Ghana over the death of President John Atta Mills. She particularly commiserated with the wife of the late Ghanaian President, who is also a member of the mission. Dignitaries at the occasion include the First Ladies of other African countries, wives of state governors, wives of diplomats and the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Helen Mark.

Indian nationals, while one other escaped with gunshot injuries. The latest attack came less than a month after a similar incident at Bolori Ward where unknown gunmen raided a large compound and killed 14 artisans working at the construction site of the Maiduguri Central Mosque. It also came two weeks after the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi and the state Deputy Governor; Zanna Umar Mustapha had escaped suicide bomb attack at the Maiduguri

advantage of the absence of vehicular and pedestrian movements caused by torrential downpour and stormed the factory at about 10am. The assailants had reportedly fired sporadic shots in the air before entering the factory and held the two of the Indians at gun point, while other workers immediately escaped through the backyard. The gunmen had reportedly used sharp knife to slit the throats of the men who bled to death on the spot, before fleeing the scene.

Jos flood: 8-year-old missing girl found From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

wo ladies were yesterday found out of the hundred persons said to be missing as a result of last Sunday’s flood disaster which killed almost 50 people and rendered hundreds homeless in some communities of Jos north local government area of Plateau state. Among them, eight-year-old Aisha was found alive. Aisha was found alongside her sister, Hauwa, who later died on the way to the hospital for medication. Aisha and Hauwa are

daughters of one Malam Kabiru (aka Usama). It would be recalled that Aisha’s father had reported that his wife and four children were missing on Sunday night while he was away attending Tafsir at a nearby mosque. He however, disclosed that he has since reunited with his daughter who is the only surviving member of the family. Our reporter gathered that Aisha was on Tuesday evening identified by one of her uncles after a rescued team had taken her to the hospital for medication.

RAMADAN TIMING Day 07 Towns

Magrib

Alfijr

Aba Abakaliki Abeokuta Abuja Akure Argungu Ankpa Auchi Azare Bama Bauchi Benin Bichi Bida Birnin Gwari Birnin Kebbi Biu Calabar Damaturu Daura Dutse Enugu Funtua Gombe Gwoza Gumi Gusau Gwadabawa Hadejia Ibadan Ife Ilorin Jalingo Jere Jos Kabba Kafanchan Keffi/Nasarawa Kaduna Kano Katsina Kontagora Lafia Lagos Lokoja Maiduguri Makurdi Malumfashi Minna Port Harcourt Ringim Shagamu Sokoto Warri Yola Zaria Cotonou-Benin Ndjamena-Chad Niamey – Niger Younde – Cameroun

6.50 6.48 7.07 6.54 6.58 7.09 6.50 6.55 5.46 6.32 6.45 6.57 6.54 6.59 6.57 7.11 6.34 6.45 6.39 6.54 6.50 6.50 6.58 6.41 6.32 7.06 6.59 7.07 6.48 7.05 7.04 7.05 6.37 6.53 5.48 6.58 6.51 6.48 6.55 6.53 6.58 7.02 6.48 7.06 6.55 6.34 6.48 6.58 6.58 6.50 6.53 7.05 7.07 6.56 6.33 6.55 7.09 6.37 7.20 6.31

5.07 5.07 5.24 5.05 5.16 5.08 5.06 5.12 4.48 4.35 4.54 5.17 4.56 5.10 5.06 5.11 4.36 5.08 4.41 4.53 4.53 5.08 5.01 4.48 4.37 5.08 5.01 5.06 4.48 5.21 5.18 5.17 4.58 5.02 4.57 5.12 5.00 5.00 5.02 4.55 4.57 5.11 5.00 5.24 5.09 4.36 5.02 4.57 5.07 5.13 4.55 5.22 5.06 5.17 5.20 5.00 5.29 4.39 5.17 4.56

RECOMMENDED DU’A FOR DAY 07 Pray 4 Raka’at Nawafil. Recite in every Raka’ah after Alfatihah, Sura Qadr 13 times, then recite: Allahumma swalli ‘alaa Muhammadin wa aali Muhammad – 100 times: The say the following DU’A: “Allahumma a’innee feehi ‘alaa siyaamihee wa qiyaamihee wa jannibnee feehi min hafawaatihee wa aathaamihee war-zuqnee feehi dhikriKa bi dawaamihee bitawfeeqi Ka yaa haadiyal-muz-‘ileen.” Meaning: O Allah assist me, in this month, to observe fast in its days and worship Thee in its nights; restrain me from indulging in frivolities and transgressing the divine laws; keep me alive praising Thee day in and day out through Thy guidance and grace O the Guide of those who are apt to go astray. Source: Mafatihul Jinan

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

PAGE 4

Kano cautions officials against corruption From Bala Nasir, Kano

eputy Governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has warned both political and administrative officials of the 44 local governments of the state to shun corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Ganduje stated this in a remark on the removal of chairmen of the interim management committees of some local governments in the state during a courtesy call on him by some media managers. He stressed that public officials were supposed to be servants of the people, hence they were expected to give their best while serving the public they were elected or appointed to serve. Ganduje also called on local government employees across the state to make honesty and transparency their watch word while carrying out their assignments. He added that “good governance and proper management of resources are two key factors that would restore public confidence in leadership at the grassroots, which our people have been yearning to see.”

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

cores of students were injured yesterday at the College of Agriculture, Yandev Gboko local government of Benue state during a clash with the police. Trouble started after a student of the institute was knocked down by a car and his colleagues staged a protest, blocking the Gboko highway and preventing motorists from plying the route.

Scores injured as police, students clash in Benue The students also held their Rector, Dr. Orgbenyi Gbonko, hostage during the crisis. New Benue Police Public Relations’ Officer, Donatus Ezeala who confirmed the incident, said it was at this point that the police

was invited to ensure peace. He said on sighting the police, the students, along with some hoodlums who attempted to cash in on the crisis to cause destruction, threw objects at the police injuring some.

Some of the students were also injured as the police brought the situation under control. Ezeala added that the police had restored normalcy in the area and launched an investigation into the incident.

Wife of the President and Chair, African First Ladies Peace Mission, Mrs. Patience Jonathan (3rd left), with other African first ladies, during the inauguration of the interim secretariat of the Mission, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Jigawa FG seeks contractor to rehabilitate Carter Bridge he Federal Ministry of discussing the issue of the bridge Mr. Ejikeme Mgbemena, noted the mainland. When it was spends Works says it will embark now. We have just made the paper that routine work had been constructed, it was the only bridge on the rehabilitation of the for the award of the contract to regularly carried out on the connecting the mainland with the N63bn on Carter Bridge in Lagos as soon as it repair the bridge. bridge. island. The other two are the Eko gets a reliable contractor for the “We have provision in the NAN reports that the Carter Bridge and the Third Mainland road projects project. budget which we think we want Bridge, first constructed in 1901, Bridge, which is also currently

he Jigawa state government has spent N63 billion on the construction of 1,300 kilometres of roads in the last five years. Commissioner of Works and Housing, Baba Santali, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse yesterday that the projects were spread across the 27 local governments of the state. Santali said the state government had initiated a road development programme designed to open up the state and enhance transportation. He said some of these were the Gwaram-Basirka road, the BirninKudu-Kiyawa road, and the Kiyawa-Jahun-Gujungu road, adding that all the projects had been completed. The commissioner said: “All the road projects were executed under phases I, II and III in the last five years. We have concluded arrangements to embark on construction of additional roads under phase IV. It is a people oriented policy designed to enhance road transportation and open up the state.” According to Santali, the state government has established an agency to ensure effective maintenance of the roads. He added that Jigawa had spent N200 million procuring operational vehicles and other equipment for the agency to enhance its operations. (NAN)

The ministry’s Director of Bridges, Mr. Abishigh Dominic, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos that once the contract was awarded, work would start on the bridge. Dominic said: “We just finished

to use to do the bridge. Work will start this year, but I do not know in what month the work will start.” Corroborating this, the Director of Highways, Federal Ministry of Works, South-West,

has lost some of its expansion joints, just as the covers of some manholes on the bridge have also disappeared, constituting danger to motorists. Carter Bridge is one of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to

undergoing rehabilitation. It was originally constructed as a steel bridge by the British colonial government prior to independence in 1960 and was dismantled, redesigned and rebuilt in1970. (NAN)

Violence mars PDP councillorship primaries in Kebbi From Ahmed Idris, Birinin Kebbi

rgungu local government, Kebbi state was turned into a battlefield yesterday as clashes broke out in the course of conducting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councillorship primaries in the area. At Felende ward, an elector al officer was beaten and stripped of his shirt. The clashes were allegedly

between the supporters of Alhaji Salihu Ahmed and Alhaji. Musa Kalle Baraya. It led to the stoppage of the primary election. Clashes broke out when it came to the notice of the Baraya faction that Alhaji Musa Dagwaya, the Argungu local government chairman had allegedly connived with the party electoral officers to rig the polls in favor of the Ahmed faction’s candidate by filling

result sheets in the council chairman’s house. Eyewitnesses told newsmen that following the failed attempt to rig the election in Dagwaya’s house, the member representing Argungu/Augie Federal Constituency, Malam Garba Musa, allegedly suggested the use of his farm located along Sokoto road to rig the polls. As the rigging allegedly went on at the farm, members of the Baraya faction got wind of it and

Suswam locks out commissioners for lateness From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

overnor Gabriel Suswam yesterday locked out three members of the Benue state executive council for arriving late at their weekly meeting. Those shut out were the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Benjamin Ashaver, Commissioner for Youth/ Sports, Mr. Aondowase Chia and the Head of Service Mr. Michael Iordye. The governor, who arrived

Government House very early for the meeting, ordered that any member of the executive who came in late should not be admitted. The cabinet members locked out were seen making frantic calls apologising for their lateness and pleading that they be allowed into the executive chambers for the meeting without success. Another anonymous source said the governor was piqued at the nonchalant attitude of his

commissioners. “I don’t know why the governor has kept this bunch of commissioners for too long. They are more of businessmen who own hotels and beer parlours. One of them is even collecting salary from two sources yet he is still in the state cabinet. They are not concerned with the development of the state but their personal and selfish interest”, lament Mr. Peter Shim, a public commentator.

stormed the farm, beating up the electoral officers who ran for their dear lives leaving their vehicles behind. While the scenario unfolded, party faithful who turned out in their large numbers waited in the sun only to be told that the electoral officers were at the lawmaker’s farm. One of them, Aliyu Bandado, told newsmen: “We have been in the queue since 7.30 a.m. up till now (1pm) no electoral officer has turned up. We just heard that one politician took them to his farm.” Dagwaya confirmed the incident even as he could not comment further until tension subsided in the council. In a reaction, the Kebbi state Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson, Hajia Ada Kaoje, told newsmen that it was a party affair, hence she would not comment on the incident. Local government polls are scheduled to hold in the state on September 15, 2012.

PAGE 6

Immigration denies soliciting funds from embassies By Josephine Ella

he Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Rose Uzoma has denied authorising a group to use the name of the service to raise money for a tennis tournament. Uzoma, who said: "It has come to the notice of the service that the organisers of the Rose Uzoma Tennis Tournament (RUTT) are contacting corporate bodies and organisations seeking for sponsorship for the competition." she maintained that she did not authorise any person to use the name of the service to raise money for the said tournament. Uzoma told journalists that the group had been approaching corporate organisations and embassies that had expatriate dealings with the service to solicit sponsorship of the tournament. "This is against the fact that such solicitation contravenes some fundamental provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap. C. 15 Laws of the Federation of the Nigeria, 2004. "Consequently, I want to use this medium to request corporate bodies, embassies and construction companies approached by the organisers of the tournament not to make any monetary donation to them," she said.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Nigeria will not collapse if Jonathan is impeached â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ex NBA chair From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

ollowing the impeachment threat by the House of Representatives against President Goodluck Jonathan on his failure to implement budget, the former chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Kwara state branch, Barrister

he Presidency has made an express denial of a newspaper report that the Federal Government purchased 200 new "exotic" cars for the African First Ladies Summit which formally opens in Abuja today. The African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) it said, is a Non-Governmental Organisation while Its activities are funded by stakeholders and members of the private sector who support and identify with its objectives. The Presidency stated further that the said cars were not bought but were hired for use and that Codcharis Motors made them available as part of its sponsorship of the summit. A statement signed by

was if the lawmakers have that courage to exercise their constitutional rights since failure to implement budget itself was violation of the Constitution. The legal practitioner e x p l a i n ed further that the executive might use all its power, both materially,

financially to ensure that the House did not carry out its threat. "Nigeria will not collapse if he is impeached and Nigerians would not collapse for anybody. But I think the House can go ahead without the Senate's approval because the Senate is conservative.

Kwara govt denies sacking 150 LG staff From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

he Kwara state government yesterday denied the rumour that it has relieved about 150 local government staff of their jobs, stressing that the insinuation was false. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Isa Bawa, argued that the delay in the salary payment of the state could not result into sacking of workers. "It is not t r u e t h a t t h e state has sacked 150 employees. Delayed salaries are not peculiar to Kwara state. It is after FAC meeting that we have our own JAC meeting. Without FAC meeting you cannot have JAC meeting. It is when we get allocation from the Federation Account that we allocate our resources. The delay is not our own making. It is from the Federal Government.

FG denies buying 200 cars for African First Ladies' summit By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

Salman Jawondo, has noted that if the lawmakers carried out their threat, the nation would not collapse because of an individual. Jawondo in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Ilorin yesterday said that his fear

Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati said : "In accordance with its modus operandi, the AFLPM set up several committees, including a finance committee to raise funds and sponsorship for the organization of its Abuja Summit. As part of its own contributions to the successful hosting of the summit by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Coscharis Motors Ltd. Offered to provide some cars for the event at no cost to the organisers or the Federal Government of Nigeria. Under an agreement signed by the committee and Coscharis Motors, all the cars will be returned to the company after the summit." The statement described the report as false, unethical and unprofessional.

L-R: Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Mailafiya, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Minister of Labour, Chief Chukwuemeka Wogu, Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, and Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ama Pepple, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

JNI wants relief materials for Plateau flood victims FromAgaju Madugba, Kaduna

he Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has embarked on a campaign for relief materials for victims and survivors of the recent flood disaster in Jos, Plateau state. The group, in a statement in Kaduna yesterday, urged persons willing to make donations to do so through its national headquarters in Kaduna or through any of its branches in the states. According to the statement

signed by the JNI SecretaryGeneral, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, "The JNI under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and PresidentGeneral, JNI, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, expresses its utmost grief and concern to the Muslim Ummah, the Plateau state government and the good people of Plateau state over the havoc wrecked on Jos due to flooding. "It is in this light that we call on Nigerians, particularly

the Muslims to generously assist the Plateau people by donating building materials and or cash and any relevant valuables that will facilitate the affected victims' resettlement. "Therefore, scholars of Tafseer (interpretation and commentary of the Qur'an) are implored to call on the Muslim Ummah during Tafseer sessions, to assist in kind or cash. All assistance could be channeled through the JNI Headquarters or its state branches.

Night flight: Nigeria loses $35m â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aero MD From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

he Federal Government has again been alerted on the need to urgently address the infrastructural deficit playing the aviation industry if the plan by government to transportation in the country is to yield any meaningful result. The country it was also learnt post a loss of $35 million due to the inability to fully operate airports in the night. The call also advised that

government needs to create an enabling environment to ensure the survival of the airlines by means of a cohesive policy in the sector. Addressing journalists yesterday in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors Airlines, Captain Akin George, said with the current rate of operations in the industry, it will be a herculean task to have viable airlines operating in Nigeria. Among recommendation he posits include granting full

autonomy to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA to allow the regulator to carry out its duties without interference, the elimination of import duty on aircraft and spares (including aircraft on ground) as well as eliminating domestic navigational charges by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Others are a reduction in double taxation, ticket sales tax, Passenger service charges tax, Fuel tax and excess baggage sales tax.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Senate c’ttee commends army on security By Joy Baba

he Nigerian Army has been applauded for its efforts in containing the present security challenges in the country and for effective utilisation of funds allocated to it. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence and Army, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, gave the commendation when he led other members of the committee on an oversight function to the Army Headquarters, in Abuja. A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Col. K.M Samuel, commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for their efforts in refurbishing obsolete equipments and the massive renovation of barracks, including the construction of new accommodation blocks for officers and soldiers. In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika, thanked the committee for its continued assistance to the Nigerian Army.

PAGE 5

Susidy fraud: Absence of AGF frustrates trial From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

he absence of the Minister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), yesterday, stalled the expected arraignment of some oil marketers by the Federal Government (FG) and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), at the Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja.

Also absent in court were two key persons among the defendants. This development was said to have compelled Justices Habeeb Abiru and Adeniyi Onigbanjo to adjourn the matters before them till Thursday (Today). As at 10:29am, four among the five defendants that were supposed to appear before Justice Abiru were present. The first defendant in that

matter, Walter Wagastsoma was absent. Others expected to be arraigned before Justice Abiru includes; Adaoha-Ugo Ngadi, Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer, Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele and Ontario Oil and Gas. Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, applied for an adjournment on the grounds that the Attorney-General who had

Benue Speaker sued for refusing to vacate office From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

NPA gets new MD By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

resident Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Habibu Abdullahi as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). According to a release by Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media, Abdullahi replaces Engr. Omar Suleiman who has been relieved of his appointment. The new Managing Director hails from Kano state and was the Acting Executive Director (Finance & Administration) of the NPA. He holds a bachelors degree in Political Science and masters degree in Public Administration. President Jonathan also approved the appointment of three new Executive Directors for the Nigerian Ports Authority. They are Engr. David Omonibeke (Executive Director, Marine & Operations); Mr. Mohammmed Sani Saleh (Executive Director, (Engineering & Technical Services); and Mr. Olumide Oduntan, Executive Director, Finance & Administration). Similarly, the President approved the appointment of three new Executive Directors for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). They are Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, Executive Director, (Maritime Safety & Shipping Development); Barrister Obi Callistus Nwabueze, (Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services); and Mr. Baba Haruna Jauro, (Executive Director, Finance & Administration).

decided to lead the prosecution and the first defendant were not around. But Justice Adeniyi Oniganjo did not sit for the matter involving Mahmud Tukur, Alex Ochonogor, Abdulahi Alao and Eternal Oil and Gas. The judge after meeting with counsels in his chamber decided to adjourn till 12:00 pm on Thursday.

Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Sheikh Musa Muhammad reading from the Holy Qur’an to the Muslim faithful during the Ramadan Tafsir, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Police arrest 150 kidnappers, robbers in Delta From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

ore than 150 persons have been arrested for kidnapping, armed robbery and related criminal offences by the Delta state police command in the last three months. Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, disclosed this yesterday in Asaba

while chatting with the executive council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who paid him a courtesy visit in his office. He gave the assurance that the police was prepared to stamp out criminality in the state, adding that since he became police commissioner in the state, crime had been on the decline. Aduba attributed the high crime

rate among youths to drug addiction and unemployment. He urged government at all levels to sustain efforts towards building industries that can employ young people in order to take them off the streets. He applauded journalists for their support in the war against crime and advised them to report issues that would encourage investors to the state.

Man docked for duping undergraduate From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

w e n t y - t h r e e -year- old Austin Giwa has been docked before an Egor Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Benin City for allegedly duping an undergraduate, Joy Aibangbe of the sum of N400,000 under the false pretense of procuring for her travelling documents to the United States to complete her studies. According to the prosecution led by Thomas Omokaro, the accused committed the offence between the months of June and December 2010 around S/T Road, Uselu, Benin City, upon which he allegedly obtained two passport photographs from the unsuspecting victim. The accused person was also charged for stealing the sum of N400,000 from the victim. The victim had testified to the

effect that the accused person collected the money in different installments at various times and took her to Oshodi in Lagos state in a bid to introduce her to one of his aunties who would perfect her travelling abroad. She added that on getting to

Oshodi, the accused person pretended to be putting calls through to his aunt and eventually requested that they return to Benin City having failed to locate the aunt. The victim also testified that she raised alarm upon her sensing that the young man had some sinister motives.

group known as G10 Concerned Benue Citizens headed by Mr. Philip Agbese, yesterday filed a suit against the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. David Iorhemba at the High Court of Makurdi, Benue state. Counsel to Agbese, Barr. Ikechukwu Ibe who signed the suit with number MHC/259/2012, a copy of which was also made available to our reporter urged the Speaker, the Clerk of the House, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Benue state, the Commissioner for Finance, the Accountant-General, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to enter appearance as defendants within eight days of service of the court summon. The Federal High Court in Makurdi presided over by Justice Abimbola Obaseki had a month ago, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to restore the suppressed constituencies of Agasha in Guma local government and Otukpa in Ogbadibo LGA of the state. The court also directed INEC to conduct fresh election into the two constituencies within one month from the day of the judgment. But state INEC has appealed against the judgment of the Federal High Court claiming that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Communities shield Boko Haram – SSS By Lambert Tyem

he Director of Department of State Security Service (SSS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command, Mr. Little John Okojie, has said that the menace of the militant group popularly called Boko Haram is intractable because most communities show sympathy to the members. Speaking with some officials of

the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja council during a visit to his office, the director said the service and other security agencies were doing their best to protect lives and property in the country. Okojie who narrated that the job of the agency was principally to prevent crime, stated that the invisible mode of operation of members of the sect has made it difficult to successfully dialogue

with them. He decried the unwillingness of the people to provide useful information to security agencies on the identity of the sect members and its operation notwithstanding the fact that they exist and operate among the people. Commending the NUJ for its support to the service and other security agencies in the fight against crime, he expressed readiness to work with the union.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Max Air commences Umrah operations From Bala Nasir, Kano

any Nigerian Muslims who use the Ramadan fasting period to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah through several travel agencies now have an additional airline to airlift them to Saudi Arabia for the trip. This was disclosed by the spokesman of Max Air Limited, Malam Ibrahim Dahiru, during an interview with newsmen in Kano last weekend. Dahiru said Max Air will carry out well over 50 flights during this year’s Lesser Hajj within the fasting period alone making the only indigenous air carry to be hired for these number of flights within Ramadan period alone. He said that they expect to conduct hitch free operations like what obtained last year as they have made all the necessary arrangements to achieve good results, adding that about 1,000 passengers have been airlifted to the holy land. He stated that his company offered a 10 percent discount to the passengers airlifted at the commencement of this year’s Lesser Hajj airlift operations. Alhaji Dahiru added that they have fully prepared for both the Umrah and the next Hajj operations as their five planes are in good condition after undergoing all the regular and necessary checks for safety and comfort.

Katsina Assembly wants land compensation reviewed From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

atsina state House of Assembly has appealed to the state government to review upward the compensation to be paid to land owners whose lands were taken by the government at the GRA layout. The House took the decision following the recommendation made to it by its committee of land and survey on the payment of compensation to the affected land owners. Presenting the report before the floor of the house, the chairman of the committee, Alhaji Nuhu Adamu Baban-Mutum, said although the compensation rate had been increased from N5million to N300 million but the government should look at the possibility of increasing the rate. The committee also advised the government to embark on vigorous awareness campaign to the members of the public to make them understand that land is always a government property which could be appropriated at anytime.

PAGE 7

Planning is essential for effective economic development – NPC By Muhammad Sada

ffective and well organised planning is essential for Nigeria to develop economically and to achieve her dream of becoming one of the top 20 economies in 2020. This was disclosed by the secretary of the National Planning Commission, (NPC), Ntufam Fidel Ugbo in Enugu during the Joint Planning Board and National Council on Development Planning meetings tagged: “Development Planning And Transformation: Key To National Economic Growth And Development”. According to the secretary, a country that fails to plan has planned to fail and as technocrats and experts, much is expected of the council on development planning and economic management. While speaking, the Director Macro Economic Analysis, Mr. Tunde Lawal, also noted that Nigeria’s economy witnessed a lot of improvements in the periods when strategic plans were fully implemented in 1962-1975.

We’re committed to retail banking – Unity Bank MD By Abdulwahab Isa

he Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, Alhaji Ado Wanka, has reiterated commitment by the management to making the bank a top player in retail banking services. Towards this end, he assured that the financial institution will not relent in the pursuit of its goal of becoming a leading retail bank in the country. Wanka‘s comment came on the heels of second quarter report which recorded improvements both in the balance sheet and earnings on assets. During the period, the bank grew its risks assets by about N44 billion of which significant portion went to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which indicates a positive focus on retail banking. He noted that the improvement in the deposit mix accounted for the bank’s drive for stable and low cost deposits through the on-going savings promotions known as Aim, Save & Win as well as development of retail market-fit products. Unity Bank grew its interest income by 26% from N15.4billion in the corresponding period of last year to N19.4billion as at June 30, this year.

L-R: Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke, during a workshop on “Do the Right Thing" by NOA in collaboration with Global Priority (USA), on Tuesday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Nigeria to adopt ISO 26000 standard on social responsibility By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

igeria is set to commence the adoption process of the international standard on Social Responsibility, ISO 26000. After the successful completion of the first phase where corporate organisations were invited to express interest as technical partners, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) announced the first technical meeting of the adoption process. According to a statement

signed by the Director-General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, the adoption process which is being kick-started in partnership with ThistlePraxis Consulting, will commence in Abuja on Tuesday next week. ISO 26000 is an international standard elaborated to guide organisations on social responsibility. It is a consensus guidance document that provides support or a reference for all kinds of organisations in both private and public sectors both in developed and developing countries, as well as those who may be referred to as ‘being in transition’. It could be recalled that in

July 2010, at the 9th Plenary meeting of the ISO Working Group on Social Responsibility (ISO/WG/SR) held in Copenhagen, 450 participating experts and 210 observers from 99 ISO member countries which included Nigeria and 42 liaison organisations deliberated and ratified the final draft standard. When the adoption process is completed, Nigeria will join many other African countries such as Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Malawi, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Ghana who have adopted the standard.

Senior advocate backs new NBA exco From Iliya Garba, Minna

he newly elected executives of the Nigeria Bar Association have been commended by a Senior Advocate Dr. Garba UsmanTetengi for returning Barrister Okey Wali as president in the just concluded election of the association. He said the delegates that

attended the election were satisfied that the process was transparent and acceptable. Tetengi, a newly appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria, explained that the winner and loser after the election hugged each other to show they accepted the outcome of the polls and wondered why anyone could cry foul after the election. “Anything after that

(election) is an afterthought and is unacceptable”, he submitted while briefing newsmen after being introduced to the Niger state executive council meeting presided over by Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu. The legal luminary said that all parties should accept the outcome of the election and move n because “we don’t want a split in the NBA”.

Waste management is world problem, says geologist From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

retired university lecturer and first prof of geology in Africa, Mosobalaje Oyawoye, has described the management of waste as a challenge to all countries of the world including the developed ones noting that this covers every facet of human endeavour. He stated this in Ilorin at the 8th Mosobalaje Oyawoye Faculty of Science endowed lecture series entitled: Integrated Waste ManagementA Global

Perspective”, held at the University of Ilorin. “In Nigeria, pure water sachets clog our drains everywhere and in the past years, there have been stories of companies shipping hazardous waste from their country to dump in Nigeria after bribing some ignorant people. “The summation of global concern, in fact, is that how we mange waste has far reaching implications for the collective health and well-being of all living things on earth, so we need to learn more about in”. Earlier in his address, Dean

Faculty of Science of the institution, Prof. Sylvia Malomo, stated that, “environmental pollution and degradation resulting from urbanisation, fast industrial and technological advancement has no doubt resulted in various effects of climate change , which we all witness today. “In Nigeria, the growth in population while a blessing in many ways, poses its own problem in terms of the increase in generation of wastes with the attendant challenges of our waste management efforts”.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Children carrying firewood for domestic use, yesterday at Sabon Gayan village on Kaduna-Abuja road in Kaduna.

Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi leaving the court where she was to have been arraigned by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over fuel subsidy scam, yesterday at Ikeja High Court, in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Photo: NAN

L-R: Oyo state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, representative of President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of State for FCT, Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, and Director of Special Duties, FCTA, Alhaji Sagir Hamidu, during a condolence visit by the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delegation to the governor over the death of his mother, on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) towing van blocked the Shehu Shagari Way along Federal Secretariat, during the 7th Summit of African First Ladies Peace Mission, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Bauchi commiserates with Plateau over flood disaster From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

auchi state government has commiserated with the government and people of Plateau state over the recent flood disaster which claimed many lives and properties worth millions of naira describing it as most unfortunate. A press statement from the Government House signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ishola Michael Adeyemi made available to newsmen in Bauchi yesterday says that the tragedy which came

barely few weeks after the tragic deaths of a number of people in some parts of the state including Late Senator Dantong and Gyang Fulani, Majority Leader of the Plateaus State House of Assembly was shocking and painful. The release however urged the government and people of Plateau state to take as an act of providence because according to the Bauchi state governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, every mortal must taste death but no one knows when, how and where death will catch up with him or her.

Taraba Fadama III beneficiaries enjoined to be prudent From Yusha’u Alhassan, Jalingo

he Taraba state Commissioner for Agriculture, Anthony Jellason, has appealed to beneficiaries of Fadama III projects to effectively utilise funds allocated to them for the progress of the state. Jellason made the appeal yesterday while presenting keys of an 18-seater bus and a Toyota Hilux van to the acting Project Coordinator, Regina Festus at the ministry. He hoped that the vehicles would assist officials of the

project to supervise projects situated in the rural areas of the state. The commissioner commended Governor Danbaba Suntai for paying the counterpart fund for the sustenance of the project. Receiving the vehicles, the acting project coordinator, Regina Festus, thanked the state government for the provision of the vehicles which would assist in no small measure in alleviating the logistic problem of the project and pledged to use them judiciously.

...as Assembly verifies revenue sources

five-member committee has been set up by the Taraba state House of Assembly to verify the sources of revenue in both the state and the local government areas. This followed a motion on matter of urgent public importance raised by the member representing Lau constituency, Joseph Albasu Kunini. The committee will among other things verify government revenue accounts, establish evidence of revenue accruing into government

accounts in the last 12 months and also determine the process and procedures for the collection of government revenue. Kunini said despite the many sources of government revenue in both the state and the local government, the revenue base of the state was still dwindling. He suggested that government should establish a data bank for the state which would enhance the promotion of transparency in revenue generation.

Eggon community leaders pledge unity From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

he newly constituted national executive council of the Eggon Cultural Development Association (ECDA), has vowed to unite all Eggon people through the harmonisation of the peoples talents, resources and wealth of experience. In a statement issued to the press yesterday in Lafia, signed by Mr. Akpalakpo A. Namo and Mr. Ibrahim Aza, national president and secretary respectively, the Eggon cultural association, lamented the lack of a viable blueprint

which it said, was responsible for the low development recorded within Eggon communities, as well as cultural backwardness. The new ECDA exco while pledging to work hand in hand with governments at all levels, corporate organisations and well meaning Nigerians to achieve its goals, listed some programme of activities it intends to execute, to include among others; providing access road to Eggon Hills to attract tourists, build a befitting secretariat for the association and provide scholarship to brilliant indigent students.

L-R: President, Association of Pathologists of Nigeria (APN), Dr. Kenneth Iregbe, member, Conference Planning Committee of APN, Dr. Princewill Philips, and Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Professor Hassan Rafindadi, during the 12th Annual General Meeting of APN, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Ramadan: Food prices rise in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

ix days into Ramadan fast, the prices of foodstuff and other essential commodities have escalated in most markets across Bauchi state. Our correspondent, who monitored market prices in Bauchi metropolise reports that the prices of foodstuffs and other essential commodities, such as fruits, vegetables, eggs and beverages that are in high

demand during the Ramadan fast had soared. Traders in Wunti and popular Muda Lawal market attributed some of the reasons for the hike in price to the Ramadan fast and that there has been increase in cost of transportation, diesel amongst others. Some traders in the market visited, attributed the rise in cost of commodities to “high demand during the Ramadan fast, increase in the minimum

wage of workers, in addition to personal costs incurred by retailers from suppliers”. Survey in some markets showed that the price of bags of the various brands of imported rice had gone up to between N9, 500 and N10, 000 as against the former price of between N7, 500 and N8, 000 some days ago. Similarly, a bag of beans, which formerly sold for between N6, 500 and N7, 000 had also increased to N8, 000.

Preview-expert says environmental hazards accountable for health risks From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

n effort to tackle menace of global warming, Gombe state government has raised 1 million assorted trees to plant in all the 11 local government areas. The state Commissioner of Water Resources and Environment, Alhaji Idris Mahadi, represented by Alhaji Nasiru Bunu, Director of Environment, disclosed this while speaking at workshop organised by the Nigeria

Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Gombe in collaboration with the state Ministry of Water Resources and Environment. Alhaji Mahadi commended NAWOJ saying that the workshop was timely because of the increasing cases of environmental degradation. Presenting a paper title ‘the Role of Women Journalists in the Sustenance of the Environment’, an environmentalist, Malam Adamu Muazu, says environmental hazards account

for a significant portion of health risks facing the poor with children bearing the brunt. Speaking earlier, the chairperson of NAWOJ, Mrs. Ruth Absalom, said women being the custodians of environment needed to be educated and enlightened on ways to sustain the environment. According to her, “The workshop is meant to highlights some of the problems that affect the environment, leading to degradation.”

Kogi doctors set to eliminate sectoral brain drain From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

he Kogi state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) says it has set in motion strategies to encourage members to be posted to rural areas as most terminal diseases are prevalent in the rural areas. This was disclosed yesterday by the chairman of the association, Dr. Attah Ameh during a press briefing at NUJ secretariat Lokoja as part of activities marking this year Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association.

Attah noted that proposal has already been sent to the state government to ensure that adequate facility and welfare packages are enhanced for all categories of medical professionals who are posted to the rural areas as a panacea for rural urban brain drains. He noted that it was unfortunate that most people are living with some killer diseases like hypertension and diabetes without knowing saying that his association will use the event to offer free diagnosis and treatment to the populace. He stated further that the

three days event will focus attention on its awareness campaign on the treatment of diseases like hypertension, hepatitis B, diabetes ; HIV /AIDS and malaria as mosquitoes treated nets will be distributed to women. He called on the populace to avail themselves this opportunity to come to the designated centres for counseling and treatment stressing that the process of using information from antenatal to measure HIV/AIDS prevalence was not adequate rather want to use general population as a base data.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

NASS mourns late Ghanaian president

Teenagers with their wheelbarrows waiting for patrons, yesterday at Sabon Gayan village, in Kaduna.

Photo: NAN

Nigeria not against DlaminiZuma’s victory – Ashiru By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

inister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, has stated that Nigeria is never against the emergence of Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Briefing journalists in Ethiopia shortly after the African Union election for a new Chairperson of AU Commission for a fresh tenure

of four years, Ashiru explained that the contest was not against Nigeria or Nigeria’s preferred candidate, but rather a democracy in action where the best candidate emerged. Speaking further, the minister admitted that the election was free and fair despite the absence of some heads of government, including President Goodluck Jonathan, pointing out that even if they were present, the outcome of the election

would not have been different. Ashiru also noted that Nigeria was duty bound to abide with the position of the ECOWAS, insisting that the most essential consideration was to showcase to the world the true spirit of brotherhood by Africa. According to him, “If a clear lead has happened, it is usually difficult to reverse the trend, because peoples usually vote in line with the lead that has emerged and

nobody can stop it.” He also argued that it is better for African Union to have the election and elect a Chairperson so that Africa can be put in good light, adding that the most important thing was that at least Africa has been able to unite and elect a leader. However, the South African Internal Affairs Minister was returned elected as the new Chairperson of the AU’s Commission for the next four years.

he National Assembly has lamented the sudden death of the Ghanaian President, Prof. Atta Mills. The Senate and the House of Representatives in separate releases signed by the spokesmen of the two chambers, commiserated with the people of Ghana over the death of their leader. The Senate in a statement signed by its spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe described the death of Mills as a colossal loss that would no doubt shake the African continent. The Upper Chamber described Mills was sure and simple, a quintessential African statesman who will be sorely missed. According to him, Senate was of the view that President Mills’ victory in Ghana's presidential election, coming from an opposition political party catapulted that country to the enviable height of one of the stable and matured democracies. "In that case he would be remembered mostly for his astuteness in the political turf and forthright in entrenching deep democratic culture in Ghana nay Africa. "Senate therefore commiserates with the Government and People of Ghana on the death of this illustrious African patriot", he said. Similarly, Chairman, House of Representatives committee on Media and Public Affairs, Zakari Mohammed, described Mills death as a great loss not only to Ghana but to Africa.

Ramadan: Zamfara LG chairman preaches peace time for sacrifice, time when all

Labour essential for development – Wogu

From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

he Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, has described the organized labour as an essential partner in national advancement, saying that Nigeria is already on the path to national development. In a paper titled, "Labour and National Development" which he delivered at the 11thEni-Njoku Memorial Lecture of the University of Nigeria Nsuka, Wogu noted that Nigeria is already on the path of National Development. He said that various current

uslims in the country have been urged to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for the continual peace, love and understanding among the Nigerians, as well as unity and progress of the nation. The Chairman of Bakura local government area of Zamfara State, Bello DanKande Gamji, made the call in Gusau while speaking to our reporter. According to him,“Ramadan is

Muslims are expected to abstain from physical pleasure of life and seek blessings from Allah through the reading of the holy Qur’an.” He explained that it is also obvious to cultivate the teachings and habit of the holy prophet by sharing with the neighbours and needy. DanKande also stated that it is obligatory on all the people of the country, particularly Muslims, to dedicate more of their time to worship in order to enjoy maximum favour from the Almighty God.

By Muhammad Nasir

national programme and projects of the Federal Government such as the YouWin, Sure-P components and the National Action Plan on Employment Creation and the National Productivity Policy, bear witness to it. Wogu maintained that the Labour union and employers of labour, as social partners, have major roles to play in ensuring that their voices are heard in order to eradicate poverty and entrench a lasting peace and prosperity that can only be realized on the basis of social justice. In another development, the

Coalition of Civil Society and Media Executives for Policy Stability (COCMEP) has commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko for his achievements in improving workers welfare, describing him as a comrade and good friend of the workers in the service. In a statements jointly signed by National President, Dr. Innocent Okadigbo and National Secretary, Isa Abdullahi, the coalition said, since taking over office in 2008, the custom’s boss has also reduced corruption as well as improved the service delivery.

‘Agric ministry received only 29% of 2012 capital budget’ By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

oming at a time the House of Representatives is threatening to commence impeachment proceedings against President Goodluck Jonathan over alleged unsatisfactory implementation of the 2012 budget, it has been revealed that the ministry of agriculture has only received N13.8 billion or 29 percent of its N48.1 billion capital allocation in this year's budget. Out of this figure, the sum of

N9.4 billion or 68 percent has so far been utilized. The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina who gave a progress report of budget implementation to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Aso Chambers of the State House yesterday, later told State House correspondents that the amount utilized was mainly for commitments in the procurement of fertilizer and seedlings. Giving the achievements of his ministry, the minister who was the

third minster to present such report to the President after his Interior and Police Affairs counterparts, said the President insisted on the presentation because he wanted to know the progress, challenges and how to support the ministries to end such challenges to proper implementation of their budgets. Noting that about 20 million metric tonnes were expected to be added to available food in the country by 2015 through the efforts of government working with the private sector, he pointed out that

the electronic wallet created by the ministry has succeeded in eliminating fraud in the distribution of fertilizer in the country. “It has taken away a situation where farmers need to know people in high places before they can get fertilizer,” he said. The minister revealed that the progress in the agriculture sector has attracted the attention of the international community with founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates agreeing to serve in the Eminent Person Group to advise Nigeria on

the sector. He added that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has also indicated its interest to set up an office in the country because of the growing stature of Nigerian agriculture. Other international agencies he mentioned that have interest in the nation’s agriculture sector are the World Bank which he said would invest $900 million, International Fund for Agriculture (IFAD), $80 million and African Development Bank (ADB), $250 million.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

PAGE 11

Nigeria releases vitamin A maize to improve nutrition From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Nigerian government has released two new maize hybrids that can provide more vitamin A in the diets of millions in the country, raising optimism about stemming the menace of vitamin A deficiency in the years ahead, especially among children, pregnant women, and

mothers. The pro-vitamin A is converted by the body into vitamin A when the maize is eaten. The hybrids, which are the first generation vitamin A-rich maize, were released on 4 July 2012 by the National Variety Release Committee of Nigeria as Ife maizehyb 3 and Ife maizehyb 4. They are recognised as IITA hybrids A0905-28 and A0905-

32, respectively. “The hybrids are a product of nearly a decade of breeding for enhanced levels of pro-vitamin A,” says Dr. Abebe Menkir, maize breeder with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), who led the development of the new maize hybrids”. The hybrids outperformed local checks with yields ranging

from six to nine tonnes per hectare compared with 2 tonnes per hectare recorded on most farmers’ fields. The vitamin A hybrids were developed by IITA in partnership with the Institute of Agricultural Research & Training (IAR&T) using conventional breeding in a project funded by the Harvest Plus—a Challenge Programme of

the CGIAR as part of strategies to address the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency. Other collaborating partners include the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria; University of Maiduguri; International Maize and Wheat Center (CIMMYT), University of Illinois, and University of Wisconsin. Farmers who participated in

Suswam admits politicising fertiliser sale From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue state has admitted playing politics with the sale and distribution of fertiliser last year because he was campaigning for re-election. The governor who made this admission at the flag off of the 2012 sales and distribution of fertiliser in Igbor, Gwer local government area of the state, said his government could not prosecute politicians alleged to have been involved in fertiliser racketeering because it did not want to over-heat the polity. He however, warned sternly that government would not condone diversion of fertiliser for this year’s cropping insisting that it must get to genuine farmers. “Last time some politicians wanted to blackmail my government and so I had to look the other way. But this time, we are going to be very hard on individuals who get fertiliser and resell to black marketers. We are going to monitor the sales very well and we not hesitate to sanction any person no matter how highly placed that indulges in this nefarious act”, he warned. Governor Suswam intimated that his administration has procured over 400 trucks of fertiliser as well as ordered for the procurement of 20 units of performance tractors for farmers.

Flooding: ACF commiserates with Plateau people, govt By Austine Aminu

he Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has commiserated with the people and government of Plateau state over the flooding in Jos which claimed several lives and properties. In a press statement signed by the national publicity secretary of the forum, Anthony Sani and made available to newsmen, the Forum said it commiserates with the people and government of the state over the incident which claimed about 40 lives and did away with over 200 houses. The forum prayed to the Almighty to provide those who lost loved ones and property the fortitude to endure what cannot be changed, as well as the spirit needed to enable the people of Plateau state come together in a united whole and live up their common challenges for the good of all.

L-R: Chairman, Food Bank, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation, Alhaji Suleiman Faruk, presenting sewing machine to a beneficiary, Salamatu Yakub, during Zakat presentation ceremony organised by Al-Habibiya Islamic Society of Nigeria, on Tuesday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Nigeria unable to feed population, says minister From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

he Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has lamented that Nigeria, with its over 167 million population, is finding it difficult to feed herself, with the country importing food running into trillions of naira yearly, with an annual growth of 11 percent. The minister stated this in a speech he delivered at the flag off

ceremony for the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) in Nasarawa state, which held in Awe, headquarters of Awe local government area. Describing the situation the country has found itself as a path to destruction, Adesina, who was represented by Engr. Sunday Edibo, regional director, Northcentral for GES, stated that it is unacceptable for Nigeria to continue to import food commodities like rice, sugar,

Lagos to erect toll gates on Badagry Expressway From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Lagos state government has announced plans to construct toll gate on the main carriageway of the LagosBadagry Expressway which is under construction. The road is being expanded to 10 lanes to accommodate a BRT lane and a light rail system and the project is being undertaken by the state government directly. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Hamzat at an interactive session with

newsmen, said government would toll the main carriageway in order to recoup what it spent on constructing the road. He said the service lanes would not be tolled and would be left for those who do not want to pay toll. “Let us look at it this way. As to how to get back what we spent, it is a 10-lane road with service lanes. And then in the middle, there is a light rail. We have two BRT lanes. The two middle lanes will be tolled. But the service lanes will be there for those who do not want to pay toll,” he said.

vegetable oil, even food commodities that can be produced in the country. The minster disclosed that so far, Nigeria has spent N1 billion on the importation of rice from Thailand, Indonesia and the USA, with the country spending similar amounts importing vegetable oil, wheat flour etc, stressing that the country cannot continue on that path. He lamented that Nigeria continues to import food from

countries over which she has comparative advantage, recounting that in 1961, Nigeria was a leading producer of groundnuts, exporting 300,000 metric tonnes of shelled groundnuts, representing 42 percent of the world market, with the country exporting 187,000 metric tonnes of cocoa in 1961, as well as 167,000 tonnes of palm oil, with a 27 percent share of the market, as well as 194,000 tonnes of cotton.

Izala group sells N250m subsidised commodities From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

he Jama'atul Izalatul Bid'ah Wa'ikamatus Sunna, (JIBWIS), Katsina state chapter has disclosed that it has purchased commodities worth N250 for sale to Muslim Umma at a 20 percent discount. The leader of the group, Sheikh Yakubu Musa Hassan stated this in Katsina while speaking with newsmen,

yesterday. Hassan stated that already a 10-man committee under the leadership of Justice Musa Danladi has been appointed to oversee the pilot take-off of the programme across the state. Similarly, the Islamic scholar said the committee would establish two sales points in each of the 34 local government areas where the commodities would be sold at 20 percent discount.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

Akwa Ibom, Cross River should sheath the swords

hese are not the best of times between the two sister states of Cross River and Akwa Ibom. Before the creation of Akwa Ibom by the Babangida administration in the mid 80s, the territory now occupied by the two states was known as Cross River state. Since 1999, Cross River has twice taken Akwa Ibom to court. Preceding the recent controversial case of 76 oil wells, Cross River had sued its neighbour in a land boundary dispute (northern non-estuarian boundary) involving the 24 villages of Oku/Itu/ Ayadehe ward of Itu Local Government Area and the southern estuarian boundary between the two states in suit No. SC.124/1999. The Supreme Court on June 24, 2005 gave a judgement in favour of Cross River in respect of the those villages but declined to grant ownership of territory within which the 76 oil wells are located. Again on September 14, 2009 Cross River instituted suit No SC. 250/2009 against the Federal Government and Akwa Ibom state government. However, it lost its bid to reclaim ownership of the 76 oil wells that had been at the heart of the conflict between the two states. The Supreme Court, in its judgement of July 10, this year, said that Cross River became a non-littoral state since 2002, when Bakassi Peninsula was handed over to Cameroun by the International Court of Justice, ICJ. “The facts before the court do not support the claim of the plaintiff to being a littoral state”, said Justice Olufunlola Adekeye, who read the lead judgement. “A non-littoral state cannot

claim oil wells offshore as she has no maritime territory. “The plaintiff has no maritime territory since the cessation of Bakassi Peninsula and the Cross River estuary which used to be part of the state prior to August 2008. The present position of the plaintiff cannot be blamed on any government agency particularly the National Boundary Commission and the

“

These are definitely the drum beats of war. Unfortunately the “drummer boy” is a state governor who should have known better. We remind Governor Imoke that when Akwa Ibom lost its villages to cross River in 2005, we did not hear these drum beats of war from the former. Even now in triumph, the state is not gloating Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC.” Addressing the press on the same day, after the judgement, Chief Paul Erokoro (SAN), lead counsel to Cross River government, accepted the Supreme Court decision in good faith and regretted the opprobrium the Court was subjected to in the build-up to the judgement. However, it is regrettable that this commendable conciliatory position of

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the Cross River government’s counsel was not followed through by Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River who literally hit the roof top in his reaction. In a state broadcast, he said the judgement lacked equity and justice, denigrating it further as a miscarriage of justice. He said, “As a wronged but law-abiding people, we had hoped for justice. We had hoped for a dispensation of justice that would restore our hope. “We maintained our peace and dignity even in the face of what could easily have provoked unprecedented violence and reprisals. We hoped for justice from the highest court in the land. But our hope was dashed”. He questioned the integrity of the Supreme Court and described the 76 oil wells as “stolen”. These are definitely the drum beats of war. Unfortunately the “drummer boy” is a state governor who should have known better. We remind Governor Imoke that when Akwa Ibom lost its villages to Cross River in 2005, we did not hear these drum beats of war from the former. Even now in triumph, the state is not gloating. We wish to remind Governor Imoke that his government it was that took the Akwa Ibom government to court. It is a cardinal principle of law that you cannot approbate and reprobate or accept only the benefit of a decision of the court and reject the burden. Having accepted the aspect of the Supreme Court judgement of 2005 in suit SC. 124/1999 that ceded some villages to Cross River state, the Cross River government cannot now question part of the same judgement.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

By Tijjani Ahmad

t this crucial period of security crisis in the country, any statement directly or indirectly connected to security matter faces enormous risk of not only being misconstrued and so misinterpreted, but also stands the risk of being played out with monumental height of sensation particularly on the platform of the media, including social network platforms. Therefore, the statement by the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir to the effect that corps members of southern origin posted to northern states said to be engulfed with crisis of insecurity should see their posting as sacrifice in the efforts to unite the country (a cardinal principle of the NYSC scheme) has taken a center stage in the media as well as some social network domains attracting comments and condemnations of all sorts. No sooner had the minister made the statement than the media and those who felt aggrieved and uncomfortable with the minister’s statement began to bombard Nigerians through all available mass and social communication platforms with their comments and criticisms with claims by some that the minister did not meant well for the southerners as, according to them, his statement is an order directing

By Nasiru Suwaid

he employments trend on the bench confirms the appointments of judges purely based on filial roots, as only spouses and scions of gentlemen in black robes get elevated to the higher bench, creating an erroneous perception that juristic erudition is beholden to lineal blood ties. Last week was an exceedingly exciting period in the annals of the Nigerian judiciary because of the apparent ascension of the first female Chief Justice of the Federation. It was also a sad reminder on the apparent ills bedevilling a calling that thrives on the imagery of ethical behavior of its membership. But the opportunity of changing over of juristic robes provided a catalyst for a strategic unburdening by the just retired Chief Justice, Dahiru Musdapher, on an issue of much interest—being the Justice Isa Ayo Salami saga. Lest we forget, this was when a single incident of a conversation between the former Chief Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and Justice Salami himself as President of the Court of Appeal, on the judgment tempering charge in the Sokoto governorship elections, only added another version of the sordid affair of judicial independence and integrity. The problem then was how could three eminent jurist of the same peerage give a recount of a single incident that ends up being significantly different from their peers, yet they insist on the claim of truth expected? For a profession that thrives on the perceptive image of its membership, the legal family has a very contradictory way of

PAGE 13

NYSC posting and security challenges: Let the minister be corps members from the South to be sent to the North where they will get killed due to the existing security challenges in the region. Habba! How on earth will an Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic ever dream of such a heinous idea about the citizens of this country, irrespective of where they come from? This claim is surely and most definitely untrue and indeed mischievous! Prominent among critics of the minister’s statement were southern leaders comprising of the South-West, South-South and South-East geopolitical zones who rose from a conference convened in Uyo, capital city of the new oil rich state of Akwa Ibom with a call to the Federal Government to reverse posting of corps members of southern extractions to some states of the north tagged terrorhit states. In their candid opinion and resolve, ‘until the security situation in the volatile and life threatening areas of the North improves, we insist that none of the youths should be posted to serve the compulsory one year national service in any part of these areas In the north’ stressing further that ‘it is regrettable that

terrorism had gone beyond the norm in Nigeria’, and urged for religious tolerance from Islamic groups in the north. Others too who do not take kindly to the minister’s statement even went as far as to suggest that the minister relocates his office to one of the so called volatile states of the north as well as the most ridiculous suggestion that the federal executive council convenes some of its sessions in the said northern states especially Borno, Yobe and Bauchi as a mark of evidence to prove to Nigerians that all is well in terms of security and safety of lives and properties in those states. That I must say is the beauty of democracy, providing a platform for display of a broad specter of opinions and feelings about issues of local, national and international concerns. The practice of democracy also provides people with diverse thoughts and ideas to lay them bare before the public for informed decisions and directions, so that at the end of the day, what is liked and preferred most by the majority prevails! I believe the minister’s statement is the

reflection of government’s stand on the issue at stake. Government wants the NYSC scheme will continue to benefit people and the country the more. Should government yield to calls and mounting pressure to alter the statute of the scheme on posting of corps members by opting to post every corps member to a state of his or her choice or better still, states of origin, then the very tenets and foundation upon which the scheme was built would have been dismantled and the essence of the scheme totally defeated. The National Youth Service Corps scheme, which came to being by Decree No. 24 of 22nd May, 1973 and amended by Decree 51 of 16th June, 1993 created the scheme with the intent to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild Nigeria after the civil war. The scheme was also meant to break cultural and social barriers among the diverse Nigerian communities as well as facilitate national integration and cohesion and strengthen unity. Today, a year less to the scheme’s celebration of 40 years of its creation, how much of these lofty ideals can one boast of the scheme

to have achieved? Certainly, one can say the scheme has made some remarkable progress in terms of building bridges among the vast ethnic groups of the country. But there is much still to be done and achieved by the scheme, and it is for this reason and many more that the sustenance of the scheme is a paramount duty for all in the country.Therefore, issues about the scheme, meant to unite us, should not be the source of disuniting the country as a means of resolving a security crisis situation that has already tensed the airwaves of the country. We should also bear in mind that the Decree establishing the NYSC scheme has policy frameworks and guidelines which must be strictly observed in the way and manner the scheme is managed. Except in some rare cases and for some genuine reasons, these guidelines cannot be overlooked without recourse to an amendment of the provisions of the Decree. As doing so will amount to a flagrant abuse disrespect and disregard for the legal provisions

guarding and guiding its honor, integrity, and the fundamental ethos of its fold. In the nearly centurial history of the judicial profession, there has never been a time in Nigeria when such an honorable calling came under hostile glare of the public, due to the acts of commission or omission of its most senior membership, as the recent verdicts from the courts became. First, what started as an unverified rumour within the circle of unlettered laymen, who assert the placement of price tags on judgments obtained from our virtuous temples of justice, by unconscionable judges that have sold their souls to the evil gods of corruption, was confirmed earlier in the year by Chief Joseph B. Daudu, the immediate past National President of the Nigerian Bar Association, during the valedictory session of Late Justice Anthony Aniagolu, at no less a place than the hallowed chambers of the Supreme Court Complex, Abuja. According to the former leader of the Bar, the era of election cases witnessed the arrival of a new, if odd, phenomenon when former judges became liaising consultants to active justices on the bench, to negotiate the price of any judgment to be purchased, thus making a mockery of the age old adage: Justice is not for sale. Indeed, the situation now is that it is obtainable by the highest bidder. However, it was during the regime of the current republic, when the unethical behaviour gained momentum in the behavioral

psyche of the ever cautious conservative legal fold, for it is at this time, when the same Nigeria’s un-prosecutable Chief James Onanefe Ibori (apologies to former President Olusegun Obasanjo), had the temerity to cause the publishing of a Supreme Court verdict a day earlier to its deliverance, during the tenure of Chief Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais, who had to institute an investigation over such incredible breach. Perhaps, had the retired judge followed the attitudinal precedence of his earlier predecessors and an advice from an interview with the Late Justice Muhammadu Bello in 1992, it would have saved the greater judiciary the embarrassment of today, for the rare breed admonished judicial officers against consorting with politicians, as he stated: I respect them, but I prefer to deal with them from distance. To be honest, the title of this exploratory treatise came from no less a personality than the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Muhammed Bello Adoke (SAN) who upon alighting from a journey to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was cornered by journalist and interrogated on why he did not advice the president to put into effect, the directives of the National Judicial Council on the recall of Justice Isa Ayo Salami, the erstwhile President of the Nigerian Court of Appeal. His robust reply was that as the chief law officer of the government, he does not act on the whimsical urgings of a mob! Although the clarion calls

across the established media never withered until the annual democracy day ministerial briefing, for it was on that day Nigerians learnt of the reason why the government cannot give effect to the National Judicial Council directive, because it is a matter that is presumably sub-judice. However, impliedly the minister of justice was wearing the garb of a political adviser to the government, rather than that of the chief legal advisor of the Republic, and the least expectation of the offices of an attorney general, is a dispassionate interpretation of the position of law, before the availing of advices to the authorities on how to satisfy the demands of any legal matter. Indeed, even when the courts quashed any attempt at giving effect to the directive, the government’s chief legal adviser dithered in performing the functions of his office Perhaps, we should now ponder on how we came to such sorry present, but the simple truth is that the long cherished professional ideals of the legal profession have long been subverted, for issues of reform from within have been in every report unveiled. A little observation of the employments trend on the bench, confirms the appointments of judges purely based on filial roots, as only spouses and scions of gentlemen in black robes get elevation to the higher bench, creating an erroneous perception that juristic erudition is beholden to lineal blood ties. Indeed, the recently unveiled

Uwais Judicial Reform Committee report alluded to such concern by its membership, which might have cajoled the immediate past Chief Justice of the Federation, to announce a national common entrance examination for all those aspiring membership to the judicial bench, because the fundamental requirements for qualification to be a judge should only be training, character, honesty, piety, high philosophical knowledge and deep comprehension of jurisprudential thoughts. For a Chief Justice of Nigeria who had promised reform on her Senate confirmation hearings and as Justice Aloma Maryam Muktar settles in the inner chambers at the Supreme Court Building, graceful accepting congratulatory messages from the gentlemen of the bar and especially the bench, mostly there by virtue of any other reason than merit. It is pertinent to ponder at the year 1979 in her life, when mere chauvinism and preponderance of issue irrelevant to her competence, caused her to be bypassed into the office of Kano State Chief judge. Indeed as fate has played it perfectly, it was the same Justice Dahiru Musdapher who bypassed her at the lower court, that destiny has enabled to be the individual who passes the baton of leadership of the Nigerian judiciary, evidently for the purpose of being the beacon of light that ennobles the courts as the impartial arbiters of justice. Nasir Suwaid wrote in from Kano, Kano state

Continued on page 14

The judicial mob within

PAGE 14

By Andrew Bowman

frica’s oil and gas industry has gained a lot of new players in recent times, but Nigeria remains by far the biggest producer on the continent. Pumping oil for over 50 years, it still has three times more in reserves than its nearest rival Angola. Its gas reserves could supply the EU for 11 years. However, as a new FT Special Report shows, a range of problems prevent Nigeria realising the potential of these endowments. At 2-2.5m barrels per day, Nigerias oil production is little changed from a decade ago and still well below the government’s target of 4m b/d. As Xan Rice reports, the main obstacle to industry expansion is regulatory uncertainty. Sweeping reforms to taxes and royalties, transparency, local participation and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation have been promised for four years in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), but are still not on the statute books. According to one estimate, oil companies have held back as much as $40bn of investment whilst waiting to see what happens. 2012 could

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Challenges ahead for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry Nigeria has made be the year though. The PIB has Though measures to spur local progress in been approved by President ownership have been in play significant Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet, since the 1990s, currently only reducing the militancy in the 5 per cent of production comes Niger Delta which crippled and now faces lawmakers. production at Analysts times during interviewed the past decade. for the report Following an suggest the amnesty in bill will be Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text 2009 which watered down messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written gave militants by vested contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 a wage of $400 interests, but per month it is still words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and (four times the welcome. As a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed minimum local one industry to: government figure quoted salary), attacks in the report The Editor, have dwindled. s a y s , Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, However, “whether it’s 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. t h e good or bad, at Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com sustainability least people SMS: 07037756364 of the will know programme is what they are open to dealing with and can do the financial from independent Nigerian question, and the underlying of poverty, firms. This combined with an problems modelling.” and As Guy Chazan reports, the expansion in the use of unemployment PIB may also provide a boost for Nigeria’s gas for domestic environmental degradation indigenisation of the oil electricity generation could remain. Replacing militancy as the industry and efforts to tap bring substantial benefits to major drain on the industry is unexploited potential in gas. Nigerian citizens.

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pervasive oil theft, known as bunkering. Ministry of Finance estimates suggest that bunkering takes a staggering 400,000 b/d of Nigeria’s oil production – a fifth of the national total, and more than all but two other African producers (Sudan and Angola). Illegal refineries across the delta sell the stolen product on at half the normal price. The $9bn proceeds reach powerful figures throughout the state and military. The government has now acknowledged the problem and established a task force to deal with it. However as William Wallis writes, the vested interests to be overcome are such that no effective measures have been taken so far. Guest columnist Patrick Dele Cole argues that ultimately international assistance will be required. This means not only holding to account Nigerian elites, but the international firms which benefit from the illicit trade.

NYSC posting and security challenges: Let the minister be Continued from page 13

and guidelines of the NYSC scheme. Herein lies the wisdom of the minister’s stand on the issue and call for the corps members to accept their posting as sacrifice, at least until it is legally and constitutionally feasible to alter the procedure of posting corps members against the laid down rule. Lest we forget, the minister is a legal luminary to the core professionally and by practice! His call that corps members see their posting to any part of the country as sacrifice essentially summed up the very essence of the scheme and certainly not the corps members

to be killed and assume that is their sacrifice. As far as the security situation in the country is concerned, the unfortunate incident of the Bauchi killings of some corps members has no bearing or link whatsoever with what is happening now of the Boko Haram scourge. Rather, the Bauchi incident was the manipulation of election crisis that later turned bloody. Nowhere in the recent or past attacks were they in anyway, deliberately or by omission, targeted at Youth corps members. This, I think, equally informed the minister’s statement of the corps members to

be posted to the North without recourse to their lives being in danger of attack due to the existing security challenges in the North. Almost every region at one time or the other has its own share of security challenges but which did not deter authorities of the NYSC scheme from posting corps members of other regions to the affected region. Take the issue of the Niger Delta crisis. Never was it suggested then that corps members from either any part of the North, South-West or SouthEast should not be posted to the Niger Delta region because of the exiting security challenges in the

area as at then. Yet, the scheme continued undisturbed. When the OPC uprising in the south west became a security issue, no one raised an eyebrow as to whether or not corps members from the South-South, south east or the North be posted to the region. And the NYSC programme went on unhindered. Inspite of the spate of kidnapping and unwholesome activities of the Bakassi Boys in the South-East, there was never a foul cry as to why corps members from the South-South, South-West or the North should be posted to the region. Still, the NYSC programme did not suffer any hiccup.

I, therefore, believe that the NYSC programme is a laudable scheme that has come to stay as a means of further uniting, integrating and binding this country as one indivisible entity no matter what and under whatever circumstance. The Minister of Youths Development made a call, which to me is a patriotic call to keep Nigeria one which we all should see as a statement from a patriot who is truly interested and committed to the oneness of this great country. Tijjani Ahmad wrotein from No. 80, Lagos Street, Garki 2, Abuja.

Technology, knowledge, and limits By Seyi Olanihun

he information superhighway is open and everyone is moving at supersonic speeds. Thus, ignorance is no longer bliss and the best use of the ‘common’ knowledge on hand is what will be evaluated. It is interesting how much the world has changed in the past five years. The terrain is vastly different and for the new generation of students, workers, entrepreneurs etc., there are certain things that are totally inconceivable. The most obvious is the ready access to information courtesy of the internet. Anything from ancient Egyptian history, to the recipe for chocolate chip cookies is there for the asking...just Google it! There’s no need to trek or seek any physical location (think library) in order

to retrieve this type of information. Electronic libraries abound and everything’s just a click away and on something no bigger than your palm too. For individuals that were educated prior to the mobile internet era it takes some getting used to the ready news and knowledge that’s also easily accessible. Here in Nigeria mobile phones were not even common until a decade ago. Thus that generation of students (tertiary inclusive) didn’t have the joy of sending text messages, pictures, videos and the ability to answer calls during classes. Information retrieval took the usual route of going to the library and searching for the relevant tomes. Lucky for you if the required material was found it in its proper place and better yet if all its pages were intact. Study groups were usually physical and the concept of groups

gathering any other way was the stuff fantasies were made of. Fast forward to the current dispensation and a few questions (did I say a few?!) about how bygone generations acquired knowledge, retrieved, stored and passed it along can be freely asked. This becomes a futile exercise and not worthwhile for those making the enquiries...what’s the point they ask? How in the world did you get the necessary information for assignments, tests and the dreaded examinations? How did you cram without the latest facts readily available? The world is awash with information about any and everything and the imminent problem the new crop of students is burdened with is information overload as opposed to a dearth! Technology has made it much easier to learn, discover and share during this journey. Mobile

telephony and tablets of various types ensure that you have no ready excuse to be ignorant. The choice of what to consume is now a major responsibility (headache!) left to the discretion of the individual learner. Materials abound, thus other things not quite as edifying are near enough to distract or serve as a reward for work done. Everything fights for the most precious of all commodities...attention and concentration from people. Since technological advancement has changed the way we learn it has also changed what we learn too. This means that facts previously restricted (available) to later classes are now ingested by a much younger group. This keeps the seniors (think parents, aunties etc) on their toes to continue knowledge acquisition just to keep up! When

class two (seven to eight years old) and five (between nine and ten year old) are given ‘homework’ that requires they use the internet in order to complete these assignments pray tell who really does this work? Adequate supervision is needed when children do assignments and also places more demand on adults to be better informed. The information superhighway is open and everyone is moving at supersonic speeds. Keeping up, growth, development and balance are crucial in this current dispensation. Ignorance is no longer bliss and the best use of the ‘common’ knowledge on hand is what will be evaluated. This evaluation starts from the individual and spreads, excuses are no longer tenable and the challenge only becomes more daunting daily.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

By Olurotimi Adeola

igeria is indeed a metaphor; a place where both the rich and poor cry without ceasing. Endless tales of wanton destructions – communal crises, Boko Haram phenomenon, petrol tankers explosions with charred victims, floods, countless fatal roads accidents and air mishaps. Recently electrocutions from poorly maintained electric poles have been added to the travails of Nigerians. Despite all these, here we are saddled with a government that do little but talk too much. Our country has joined the list of countries where life is very cheap. The truth is, lives are lost cheaply per seconds in Nigeria; while those of us alive are only waiting to be counted among the next victims or those that escape the next mishap. Paradoxically, our plights are man-made. In the last thirty years, our country have had the misfortune to be ruled by uninspiring and misguided rulers. People whose ascension to power is more by opportunism than any clear cut vision to serve. Rulers who superintended the affairs of this country like morons. Empty in visions, clueless on the ways forward; yet they sit over a country of great wealth and potentials. Refusing to a take a bow or allowing those who perhaps have alternatives

By Abdallah Suleiman

t took the people and observers of Katsina politics about a year to understand the wisdom behind the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman’s panic endorsement of Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Shema for reelection as the state’s governor. It has now become evident that the emir did not act based on mere sentiment but his belief in the capacity of Shema to deliver. And the governor has not disapointed. For instance, Shema ensured he completed all the ongoing projects he inherited from his immediate predecessor Umaru Yar’adua before embarking on new projects. The projects such as Katsina-state airport, Katsina state university inherited by Shema administration have been completed. Likewise, the construction of about 200 bed space children and maternity hospital project pioneered by Yar’adua as a governor, has also been completed by Shema’s administration, with the hospital well equipped with necessary facilities and equipment. Similarly, under the schools expansion programme, all the construction of classroom blocks project started by Yar’adua’s administration was also completed by Shema. All these steps taken by Shema’s administration have further demonstrated his commitment, not only to preserve the eight years legacies of Yar’adua as a governor, but he has proven to be a worthy son of his political mentor.

PAGE 15

Crying for beloved Nigeria ideas from contributing their quotas. Those of us who believed Nigeria’s problems were because our leaders were not well educated can now bury our heads in shame. With a doctorate degree holder as president, all that we see is a country on the brink of collapse; a president who is fast losing his grip on the myriads problems confronting the country, but blames someone else. Our country is destroying its heritage today and by so doing killing the future; we are now a people who place no value on the sanctity of human life. We murder each other over mundane issues like ethnicity and religion. Incapacitated by poverty, most Nigerians have long lost faith with the country. We are becoming a people who see our nationhood as a burden not a blessing. Even our political elites are only Nigerians when they are sharing our collective wealth. This, they easily discard when they leave office and return back to their ethnic zones; there, they drum the songs of war and disunity. All is not well with Nigeria; why is it difficult for Mr. President to come terms with this? The fresh breathe he

promised, is now suffocating. Corruption have taken over the land; while those indicted but with pretty faces are left off the hooks. Guess, many of us are still at lost if Aruma Oteh and Diezani Alison-Madueke’s pretty faces have made them above the law. Most of our state governors are running their states aground. Today, majority claimed they are broke. Most of these governors cannot manage mere ‘pure’water sachet factory but had power dubiously thrown on them. Some even had the effrontery to demand that they be pensionable after leaving power. See why we have to cry for dear country? Leadership is about leading by example; Mr. President have clearly not shown that. Our president seems to be docile in tackling the excesses of his subordinates. Even the so called fight against corruption by this present government is seen as a lip service by most Nigerians. Rather than put more effort in establishing new refineries, the president is bent on removing oil subsidy; and believes that they only way he can galvanise the economy. Is it ideas that are lacking? Or we are just a country of people with the misfortunes of rulers without

conscience? If not, why can’t the president insist that those who are importing refine oil into the country, should start building their own refineries or have their importation licences revoke. At least the phenomenal and ill gotten wealth they’ve made from dubious subsidy payments over the years should be enough to build refineries across the country. Beside why can’t NNPC singlehandedly carry out oil importation? What is the big deal in making orders for refine fuel from different refineries across the world? All NNPC needs to do is to post different officials to countries where they intend getting the refine fuel to keep close monitoring. Our legislative chambers across the country are equally centres of corruption and fraudulent money exchanges. From dubious foreign workshops on capacity building, to senseless shopping sprees across Europe by their spouses in the name of matrimonial seminars. Even bills and notices of national interest brought before the legislative chambers are always made for selfish reasons. About four ago, a shameless parliamentarian asked his colleagues through a bill he

presented, to protect Nigerian corrupt past leaders from prosecution; he asked that they should be begged to come and reinvest their loots back in the country. Though the bill never saw the light, it was painful to have presented and discussed it. Sadly, they cannot probe an institution without being entangled in corruption mess themselves. Past national leaders that cannot be credited with anything meaningful while in power are today courtesy of our sham national assembly be pamper for life. They are to enjoy choice houses, cars, huge monetary compensation and security for life; even though these heartless leaders have cornered enough resources from our national coffer to last their tenth generations. Our country cannot continue on this too familiar destructive path; Nigerians of goodwill must come together to halt this. Our country is blessed and does not deserve the kind of leaders fate is throwing at it. Honestly, for the love of this beleaguered country called Nigeria, is time to shed tears. Olurotimi Adeola is reachable at rowiade@yahoo.com.

Katsina at present provides a positive impression to visitors – with the emphasis the Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema’s administration on infrastructure development, particularly in the education and health sectors - which is why interlocutors from the government, ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), universities, and civil society generally evince overall satisfaction and pride over their state’s progress in the Shema years. The educational sector under Shema’s administration has witnessed tremendous transformation in the last three years. Shema inherited a total number since the state‘s creation. He took a giant step of establishing new additional 109 secondary schools within three years to make the total number of 364 secondary schools in Katsina state. This record is there for anybody to verify and counter the claim if it is not true. It is on record that Katsina people are now openly proud that the state government had improved access by its citizens to water, constructed “excellent” school structures, improved power supply “significantly,” and maintained road networks. Upon assumption of office, Shema pledged not to complete projects begun during the tenure of his predecessor, who had served two terms as Governor (from 1999 until

2007) before becoming Nigeria’s President. The government has so far succeeded in providing infrastructure development, education and vocational training, and health care. This is despite the fact that in reality, Katsina’s geographical location left it vulnerable to desertification, which, combined with high adult illiteracy, resulted in low incomes among members of the state’s predominately agricultural society. Shema’s government confronted this challenge by deciding to promote a paradigm shift away from government dependency to a “cottage industry” society. This move has earned him the respect of recognised responsible organisations that are largely apolitical that have variously expressed satisfaction with the government’s positive strides. An instance is when the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) Katsina Branch Secretary General Safiya Usman commended the government efforts on educating and training youth, both through formal education and vocational training at the newly-created craft village. Similarly, interlocutors have provided positive perspectives on relations between the state’s Muslim majority and Christian minority in that the state had not experienced any major sectarian crises, because officials consistently provide religious

groups with opportunities to express their views. It is in Katsina that the implementation of Shari’a law occurred with conflict because the state Shari’a Commission conducted a mismanaged public awareness campaign. Various Muslim sects operated in Katsina without conflict, and Christians and Muslims integrated into the same neighbourhoods without forming “strangers’ quarters” as happen in some cities in other states. Even the Christian Association of Nigeria has at a point admitted that Katsina has avoided religious conflict, thus far, because the Christian community in Katsina has remained dedicated to living peacefully with neighbours, while local Muslim traditional leaders have accommodated Christian neighbours. This perhaps explains why the Katsina electorate are almost always willing to tow Shema’s party line and support his government, which has provided many benefits. It is ironical however that selfproclaimed opposition contraptions directly or indirectly, by any form of words, impute to their leaders who are not in their groups any conduct or motive unworthy or unbecoming a leaders. This observation is made in view of a recent paid advertisement in which the minority leader of the Katsina state House of Assembly disregarded every rule of

decorum and political ethics to dish out unsubstantiated misrepresentations for the consumption of the Katsina public. He attempted to use distorted figures to present facts in their most warped sense in a desperate effort to discredit the administration of the state governor, Ibrahim Shema. However, even to the generally believed gullible Nigerian public, figures become facts only in comparison to real situation. Thus where a government is able to showcase physical development strides, no amount of figure work on paper can thereafter impress the recipient public. This perhaps is not why Shema’s unprovoked opponents are ignored and with every word of opposition uttered or penned, the higher the stakes are raisedin the governor’s favour of course. Katsina state has long enjoyed nationwide respect as the greatest home of hospitality in the country. This hospitality character extends to both indigenes of the state and the settler class that has deliberately been assimilated into every available sphere of activity. In this respect, one rightly expects that politics is played in. Katsina with decorum and humility and most importantly, opposition should be sincere and constructive. Abdallah Suleiman contributed this piece from PW2 Kubwa, Abuja

Shema: Raising the stakes

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

NURTW appeals to FCT minister to rebuild Gwagwalada park By Usman Shuaibu

Working and cooking in unsafe place for public consumption in FCT.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

FCTA raids illegal orphanage home By Josephine Ella

he Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), yesterday raided an illegal orphanage home at Area 7, Garki, Abuja, Rachel’s Homes for the Orphans and Vulnerable Children, rescued and took custody of 25 children found in the home. Embarked upon by the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) of the FCTA, the operation followed a tip-off by concerned neighbours, who alerted the secretariat of the orphanage which was being operated in a multi-tenanted-apartment building on Nsadup Close. The home is allegedly operated from a two bedroom apartment owned by Mr and Mrs. Alaja, who occupy a bedroom with their children while the other 25 kids were cramped in one room measuring about 10" X 11.” Social department officials described the space as grossly

inadequate. Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Blessing Onuh, who led the operation, said the Rachel’s orphanage failed in all areas of its operation as it did not obtain approval to create. “It is the mandate of the FCT SDS to manage orphanages and also ensure that they private orphanages operate based on approval. We got a hint that there was an illegal orphanage operating within the city and we sent our officers to find out and it was discovered that about 25 children were jam-packed in a two bedroom with a single toilet and evacuated the children who are in our custody and we are taking them over to our orphanages for proper care,” Onu explained. Onuh, who spoke through the Director, Gender Development in the Social Development Secretariat, Amina Abubakar insisted that anyone who wants to operate an orphanage home must be

properly equipped. According to her, defaulters would be made to face the wrath of the law as the children deserved to be properly nurtured as a God given right and other lower laws. The Secretary ordered that the 25 children be taken to the Gwagwalada Orphanage where they would be properly looked after both emotionally and medically for their upkeep. Reacting to the development, the proprietor, Rachel Alaja said she had earlier applied to the SDS for approval but was yet to get it. She said, her passion for orphans could not make her hold back from taking custody of the children who by no fault of theirs, were brought to her. Mrs. Alaja, a staff of the FCTA UBEB in the quality assurance department in Bwari, said she is an orphan and went through a lot of pain in life and that experience has continued to drive her

Contractor in remand for duping client of N1m

n Abuja Upper Area Court has remanded a 34-year-old contractor, Clement Akinwale, in prison custody for allegedly converting N1,043, 000 to his personal use. The accused is standing trial on a three-count charge of criminal trespass, mischief and misappropriation contrary to Sections 342, 327 and 308 of the Penal Code. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Garba Abdul, told the court that the case was reported to the Police Area

Command office, Kubwa, by one Frank Omo-Amadasun on June 30, 2012. Abdul said that the complainant gave the accused, a three-bedroom duplex situated at 8B, 51 Crescent Phase 4, Kubwa, to supervise. He said that when the complainant, the manager of the property, visited the house, he discovered that it was separated into different parts. Abdul said that the accused rented out the entire duplex for a total sum of N1, 043,000 with a

different tenant for each part of the house. He added that the accused also converted the money to his personal use. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. Abdul prayed the court to fix a date for hearing, in view of the plea entered by the accused. The presiding Judge, Lawal Mannir, remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned the case to August 9, 2012 for hearing. (NAN)

favourably towards orphans who needed to be catered for. Mrs. Alaja said that she has been catering for the orphans for past 22 years and all orphans of school-age in her custody are in school while three have graduated with Higher National Diploma, HND, National Certificate Exams NCE and Ordinary National Diploma, OND and these three have been married. Furthermore, she disclosed that she has been sustaining the children with her salary and support from spirited Nigerians. She however, regretted that her solicitation for support from her neighbours prompted this circumstance she now finds herself.

he Vice Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Gwagwalada branch, Alhaji Sani Mohammed Yewuti has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed to rebuild the demolished Gwagwalada Central Motor Park in order to boost economic activities in the area. This followed the recent demolition of the park by the Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). Yewuti, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman, Alhaji Abbas Sani, in an interview with Peoples Daily, said that the demolition of the park had brought a lot of hardships to residents of Gwagwalada Area Council. He debunked the allegation that the park served as hideout for criminals in the area as was insinuated by the FCDA officials. Yewuti expressed dismay over the state of the park, which according to him, was demolished without the knowledge of the union, noting that many properties were destroyed. He said the park was allocated to the union by the past administration of the council and fenced by the present Deputy Governor of Kano state, Alhaji Umaru Ganduje.

Jolatsen Basic Academy to graduate 150 students, pupils By Usman Shuaibu

he Proprietor of Jolatsen Basic Academy in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Ola Senjirin has disclosed that a total of 150 students and pupils would be graduating from the school this year. Senjirin made this disclosure while speaking to Peoples Daily on the preparations for this year’s graduation speech and prize giving day ceremony, which is scheduled to take place this week. He advised the students and

pupils to face their studies squarely in their further educational pursuit, urging them also to be good diplomats of the school. He urged school proprietors to be dedicated to their work, towards providing quality education for their students and pupils. This was as he further advised them to recruit qualified teachers in their schools. Speaking on the state of social amenities, the proprietor appealed to the government to provide good roads, electricity and potable drinking water for the masses in order to boost socio-economic activities in the area.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Kuchigoro residents protest against demolition exercise S

ome residents of New Kuchigoro in Abuja on Tuesday protested against the demolition of their houses by the Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesters mounted a road block along the Games Village route in the Federal Capital Territory and made bonfires to express their anger. However, a large contingent of security personnel was at the scene to calm down the protesters and maintain peace. A resident of the village, Mr Johnson Garba, told NAN that only one week notice was given to them to leave the area and stressed that the time was too short for them to relocate elsewhere. “Most residents in the village had gone to their various places of work before the demolition team came and they destroyed all our property,’’ he said. Garba said the residents of the village were non-indigenes, who bought plots from the indigenes. Another resident, Grace Ayuba, also expressed anger over the demolition, saying their property, including farms, was destroyed during the exercise. The residents claimed that some villagers died during the demolition. The Head of Public Relations

Unit, Department of Development Control of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Mrs Josie Mudashiru, told NAN that the people were given sufficient notice. “We gave them enough notice before we commenced

the demolition. There was no life lost, rather they attacked us; injured one of our officers; vandalised our vehicle and prevented us from carrying out our duty,’’ Mudashiru said. She said that the

demolition to be carried out in 19 villages, would affect only the buildings of non-indigenes, shanties and illegal structures. Also, the leader of the police contingent, ACP Sunday Odukoya, said no life was lost during the demolition. (NAN)

Physically challenged people begging, recently at Kubwa, in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Three ladies attack another, cut her with razor blade

he Police on Wednesday arraigned Uju Okoye, 26, Moreen Igboakwu, 25 and Blessing Johnson, 26, before an Abuja Senior Magistrate’s Court for allegedly causing grievous hurt. The accused of Galadimawa, Abuja, are also standing trial for joint acts contrary to Sections 79 and 247 of the Penal Code. The Police Prosecutor,

Inspector Jeremiah Elijah, told the court that the case was lodged at the Lugbe police station by one Cass Okoye of the same address. According to Elijah, the three accused went to the complainant’s house and beat her, resulting to her sustaining injury on her body. He added that the first accused used razor blade to cut

the complainant’s left hand. The three accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Counsel to the accused, Godwin Chukwukere, who cited Section 340 and 341 of the Penal Code, pleaded with the court to grant the accused bail. In her ruling, the Magistrate, Omolola Akindele, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 each and two sureties

each in like sum. She added that one of the sureties must be a civil servant and that all the sureties must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction. Akindele also ruled that the accused should attach their passport photographs on the court’s bail bond and adjourned the case to August 30, 2012 for hearing. (NAN)

Bizman in court over alleged N.5m land scam

ne Akinyele Abadunmi, 44, has been arraigned before an Abuja Area Court in Karu in connection with a N500, 000 fraud. The complainant, Mathew Makinde was said to have entrusted his allocation papers for land valued at N700, 000 to the accused to sell.

According to the Police Prosecutor, Corporal Pascal Njokwu, the accused sold the paper and gave Makinde the complaint of N200, 000 and converted the balance of N500, 000 to his personal use. He told the court that the case was reported to the Jikwoyi Police

Station by the complainant who lives in Jikwoyi, Phase 2, Abuja on May 21, 2012. Abadunmi, who resides at 6 Hilltop Avenue, Jikwoyi Phase 2, however denied the allegations. The presiding judge, Justice Umar Kargo, granted bail to the

accused in the sum of N500, 000. Kargo ordered him to produce a surety in like sum, who must be a resident in the jurisdiction of the court. He adjourned the case September 19, 2012 for further hearing. (NAN)

Parents, teachers decry dearth of classrooms By Adeola Tukuru

he Chairman, Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of Kuje Model Primary School, Mr. Simon Makama has decried the lack of basic infrastructure in most of the government schools in the country. Simon, who spoke at the second graduation and prize giving day of the school called for urgent attention of the Federal Government, to provide additional classrooms for pupils of the school. Expressing dismay over failure of government to provide classrooms for the pupils, he said the school had operated in a block of two classrooms since its inception in 2006 without additional efforts by relevant authorities to provide more classrooms. “Considering the pressure on the available two classrooms without support from government and the fact that the school already has six classes, the PTA decided to construct some batchers for the children. “Learning in batchers that is very hot when there is sun and very cold when there is rain, will no doubt affect teaching and learning in the school,” he said. He further called on stakeholders especially the Kuje Area Council and FCT Primary Education Board to expedite actions in providing conducive environment for the pupils before the commencement of next academic session. Also the Secretary, Local Education Authority (LEA), Kuje Area Council, Mr Sunday Kaka, said the authority was aware of the challenges facing pupils of the school, assuring that efforts were being made to relocate the school to another site. He said the decision to relocate the school followed the fact that the land where the school is currently located belong to a private individual. His words:”The chairman of Kuje Area Council has constituted a 5-man committee to see how the school can be relocated since the school is currently situated on a private land”. “The committee has been able to identify a permanent site for the school and plans are on to ensure that structures are constructed at the site before the commencement of next session,” he added.

Family planning reduces maternal mortality by 30% Board By Josephine Ella

ffective family planning reduces maternal mortality rate by 30 percent, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB), Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed has said. Dr. Mohammed, who stated this at a training workshop, organised

for health workers on family planning methods by the PHCDB in conjunction with United Nations Funds for Population Activities(UNFPA), said family planning could reduce the chances of death resulting from pregnancy complications by 30 per cent. While underscoring the importance of family planning, he explained that: “It is the ability of a couple to decide when, if and how

many children they want to have”. He added that:”Family planning has a lot of benefits. In 2011, statistics in the FCT showed that maternal mortality rate was 281 per 100,000, against the previous. 400 per 100, 000 which shows some improvement”. Enumerating other benefits, Dr. Mohammed said family planning allow mothers to recover physically and emotionally before taking in

again. He further pointed out that family planning could reduce cases of unplanned or unwanted pregnancies and abortion which is unsafe for women and equally an illegal practice in the country. This was as he noted that: “Unsafe abortion leads to a lot of complications like infections, haemorrhage, uterine rupture, subsequent infertility and, in some cases even death’’.

He commended efforts of the government through the relevant health departments and agencies towards making family planning materials free at public hospitals. Dr. Mohammed advised men and women to utilise these facilities, urging health workers to be give them the necessary cooperation towards achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on the reduction of maternal mortality.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

PAGE 17

A car wading through a deplorable road yesterday in Nyanya.

A scavenger looking for valuables, yesterday in Area 1, Abuja.

Cobblers looking patrons, yesterday in Mpape, Abuja

A middle-aged man loading tomatoes for a customer in his car, yesterday in Durumi Orange sellers waiting for patronage, yesterday at the entrance of Garki market in Abuja. Photos: Justin Imo-Owo market, Abuja.

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

How we discovered ‘Cassava Flour’ – FIIRO

Mob: 08033644990

CBN Headquarters, Abuja, FCT

Naira, bond yields up after CBN moves

Cash-Less: Banks flag-off road shows in Lagos From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

anks in Lagos state have flagged-off pilot road shows to enlighten and encourage traders and the public at large to embrace the cash-less banking initiatives, recently introduced by the Bankers'Committee. The theme of the show was: "Go cash-less, use Point of Sales (PoS), Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Internet, Chequebook and Phone." Cashless banking is currently limited to Lagos state. The show, which started at the Trade fair Complex Lagos, would move to different parts of the state this week to make the initiative more widely

understood. Other markets billed for the hosting of the show include Alaba, Mile 11 and Idumota. The road show format also uses drama skits to drive home salient points on the benefits associated with this technology initiative to individuals and corporate organisations, among others. At the event, traders were not only made to understand how the PoS works, but were also advised to see the technology as the only solution to problems such as theft, and delay in payment for goods and services. Banks will also be testrunning the machines this week at the venues of the show, and would give prompt feedbacks/ comments to their management

CFA • £ RIYAL $

25th July, 2012 BUYING 0.2664 187.8674 239.9246 41.2863 154.84

SELLING 0.2864 189.0807 241.4741 41.5529 155.84

PARALLEL RATES • £ RIYAL $

BUYING 207 258 40 165

SELLING 209 260 42 169

Niger renegotiates terms of N156.8bn Chinese refinery loan

iger announced on Tuesday that it had succeeded in renegotiating the terms of a $980 million (N156.8 bn) loan from China's Export-Import Bank that covered the cost of building an oil refinery in the east of the West African nation. The government called for an audit of the cost of the 20,000 barrel-per-day Soraz plant just days before it opened in November after the price tag rose to $980 million from the $600 million agreed at signing. "The commercial loan from Exim Bank will be transformed into a preferential loan, which means the interest rate will not

Management Tip of the Day

EXCHANGE RATES

CBN

as required. "Each bank would give PoS machines to their customers who have come to the show. Now, we are doing the testrunning of the machines. The banks would get feedback on the issue later. Giving the machines to traders would not be based on the feedback given to the banks, but on the basis of the accounts they are operating with the banks", the sources added. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) commenced the pilot scheme of the cash-less programme in January 1, 2012 in Lagos and rolled out 150,000 point of sales machines few weeks ago, to complement the existing ones and the outlook now appears very promising.

he Naira firmed 1.5 percent against the U.S. dollar and bond yields climbed 0.5 percent yesterday, a day after the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) took measures to stabilise the weak local currency, which is adding to inflation pressure. The CBN left its benchmark interest rate on hold at 12 percent on Tuesday, as expected, but took surprise measures to tighten liquidity. It raised cash reserve requirement for lenders in Africa's second biggest economy to 12 percent from 8 percent and reduced net open foreign exchange positions to one percent from three percent to support the naira. The naira opened for trade on Wednesday at 158.15 naira to the greenback, stronger than 160.70 it closed on Tuesday before the announcement. Financial markets were closed on Tuesday when the rate decision was announced. (Reuters)

Make your presentation’s visual aides easy to follow

hen presenting, it's essential to keep your audience clued into where you are in your speech. Structure helps them follow along and receive your message. But if you're using slides, the repetitive use of an agenda can be annoying, and even patronising. Instead of

littering your presentation visuals with this device, focus on creating a straightforward narrative. Look at a panoramic view of your slides. Then rehearse your presentation aloud several times, moving from frame to frame. Along the way, you may want to add, delete, or shuffle slides to

improve the flow. Come up with verbal connections that link the slides together. The result: a story that's easy for you to deliver, and more importantly, easy for your audience to follow. Source: Harvard Business Review

exceed 2 percent," Mamane Mamadou, special advisor to President Mahamadou Issoufou, announced on state radio. Niger signed a $5 billion joint venture deal with Chinese oil company CNPC in 2008 to build the refinery and develop crude oil from the Agadem field a further 700 km east. China's Exim Bank initially made the loan at an interest rate of 3.5 percent reimbursable over 10 year, but lowered the rate to 3.1 during negotiations last year. The Soraz refinery is 60 percentowned by CNPC and 40 percent by Niger. Niger, whose uranium supplies the French nuclear industry, initially put its oil reserves from Agadem at 268 million barrels, but the estimate has risen to 480 million barrels following tests. Niger had already awarded four out of a total 35 blocks across the country, with Algerian state energy firm Sonatrach due to start drilling in the northern block of Kafra this year.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS SON to seize, destroy used tyres in Nigerian markets

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has warned traders of used tyres in the country to desist from selling the product or face the wrath of the agency. Accordingly, it has vowed to clamp down on the perpetrators of the illegal trade within...

Nigerian firms storm London 2012 for business opportunities

ith few days left for the official commencement of the 2012 London Summer Olympics, over 20 Nigerian firms have finalised plans to storm the United Kingdom to tap into the various business opportunities.

Unfriendly business environment worries Chamber

he Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (Abuccima), has attributed the unfriendly business environment in the country to the state of infrastructure and power supply, which in turn, drive cost production, saying it is a major setback.

Ondo targets N10bn revenue from tax, pursues urban renewal projects

n the heels of spirited efforts at widening its tax net to include professionals and the reengineering of its Board of Internally Generated Revenue, Ondo State may achieve to hit N10 billion, mark in revenue from taxes in the 2012 fiscal budget.

Nigeria’s external trade hits N17tr in three months

igeria may have started to balance its trade figures with trading partners, going by all-high transactions balance of $10.67 billion (N16.63 trillion) it recorded during the first quarter of this year.

How we discovered ‘Cassava Flour’- FIIRO Stories from Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

ollowing dispute over the research on cassava flour for use in baking bread between the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), FIIRO has claim ownership of the research. FIIRO’s Director-General, Mrs Gloria Elemo told Industry Correspondents in Lagos that the institute had worked on the innovation for over three decades. IITA had claimed to have conducted the research and found cassava flour invaluable for

baking bread. She said it was not right for IITA to claim to an innovation which another institution devoted considerable time and resources to work on. “It is worthy of note that at no time was the Ministry of Agriculture/IITA involved in the cassava flour project, though they have been present at stakeholders meeting as crop producers and researchers.” She said FIIRO has been in the forefront of the use of cassava for food products such as gari, fufu, lafun, chips, pellets starch and composite flour as far back as the 60s.

Mrs Elemo said “The composite flour programme was initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 1964. The programme was conceived as an intervention by FAO primarily to reduce importation bills on wheat of developing countries by stimulating local production and processing of non-wheat flour(s) to be incorporated into wheat flour. Composite flour was identified and funded by various international donors and agencies. Nigeria, through some research institutes and institutions benefited from such intervention, one of which is the

FIIRO. “FIIRO made cassava the golden crop it is today. Agitation for the use of detoxified cassava flour in composite flour production for bread and confectioneries baking began when it was discovered that the economics of production did not favour the use of cassava starch “The composite flour research work in FIIRO culminated in the first production of 10 per cent cassava/wheat bread which was presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), under the administration of former President Shehu Shagari in 1982.”

SON storms markets for sub-standard goods

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on last week stormed major markets across the country and seized products suspected to be substandard. The exercise follows the expiration of the two weeks ultimatum issued to manufacturers and traders by the standards body to remove such products from the market Dr Joseph Odumodu, Director General, SON who led the Abuja leg of the exercise, told journalists that the latest raid was in continuation of his agency’s bid to rid the country of substandard products. He said the simultaneous storm of Aba, Onisha. Lagos, and Port Harcourt markets and outlets for substandard products in the country was a deliberate strategy of the agency to stop the perpetrators from flooding the markets with substandard products. Odumodu, described the exercise as “ Market Storm” adding that it came after a 16day ultimatum given to the traders to remove substandard

products from their shelves lapsed.. “ I introduced zero Tolerance to substandard products on resumption of office which was aimed at sensitising the various stakeholders on the hazards and economic implications of substandard products. Our storming the markets is justified because aside the dangers of dealing in substandard products, no trader would say he had not been informed”, he said. He urged the traders to conduct self check to rid the market of substandard products, adding that the presence of such products was denying the genuine manufacturers and importers returns on investment. Mr Samuel Adegun, Zonal Coordinator South West Zone, SON who lead the enforcement exercise in Lagos said that SON have done enough sensitisation before embarking on the operation. “ We have the statutory powers to remove substandard products. We will not stop here but will take a step further to prosecute importers

SMEDAN, Pakistan to sign deal on SMEs development

he Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan in areas of cluster development and capacity building for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Pakistani Acting High Commissioner in Nigeria, Ahmed Ali Sirohey said the pact would also afford both agencies the opportunity to cross fertilise and interface on areas that would be beneficial to SMEs in both countries. DirectorGeneral of SMEDAN, Alhaji Muhammad Nadada Umar, expressed delight that the Pakistani government had really lived up to expectations in the area of developing the SME sector, adding that Nigeria has a lot to learn from the experience of the Asian country. Umar noted that the presentation of Pakistan at the D-

8 meeting was an eye-opener to Nigeria. He informed Sirohey about various achievements of SMEDAN, which include carrying out a final ratification of the SME policy, soon to be passed on to the Federal Executive Council(FEC) for approval; scripting of the One Local Government One Product (OLOP) programme, which it borrowed from the Japanese model in various parts of the country; establishing the Rural Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (RUWEDEP); and recently, completing the compilation of a comprehensive database of MSMEs in Nigeria. The partnership, which is being facilitated by the Pakistani High Commission in Nigeria, is a fallout of the recent D-8 Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Working Group meeting held in Abuja, with objective to diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations.

apart from p r o d u c i n g substandard products, also committed a another offence of faking the products of known manufacturers as well as the Nigeria I n d u s t r i a l Standards ( NIS) logo, to deceive c o n s u m e r s , stressing that the SON, would penalize the culprits and bring their illegal activities to a stop. According to him, such substandard products are not only killing the economy, but also injurious to health D-G SON, Dr. Joseph Ikemefuna Odumodu of consumers, who purchase such p r o d u c t s and dealers in substandard unknowingly. products,’’ he said. “Surprisingly, we got a report According to him, the agency that within this Aba, that there had expected the traders and are so many people making subother stakeholders in the sector standard foam products. Not to cooperate and obey requisite only do they produce instructions on safe importation substandard products, they also or dealing on products, but that commit another offence by since some people were still bent faking the products of known on trading illegally, tha the manufacturers as well as the agency had no option than to SON’s NIS logo to deceive perform its statutory functions. consumers. We have seen Mouka Adigun said the organisation and Vita foam products, faked. sealed over 40 shops trading in “We don’t want this type of such substandard products as thing to continue. We have cable, electrical accessories, given them enough warning and generating sets, among others. that is why we are embarking According to him SON also on this exercise to rid this area of seized a large quantity of substandard products, because substandard gas cylinders. we want to ensure that He said that the exercise was substandard products are not on-going adding that sold in the country. unscrupulous importers should “Times are hard. Money is desist from their practice, not scarce and so nobody would want only to enable consumers have to waste money on goods that value for their money, but also would not worth money spent on to safeguard the economy and it. Some of these substandard Nigerian lives foams are also injurious to health Damian Agbanelo, director, and people are selling it and National Technical Services, making money from it. SON, who led an enforcement “It is the responsibility of SON team of the organisation on the to ensure that these illegal exercise in Aba, explained that practices stop in this market. they got a report that people were People doing this would face the still producing substandard law. The standard of foam was foams in Aba, even after not written by SON, rather, it appealing to them to desist from was written by stakeholders and such activities. so, must be complied with,” he He explained that the culprits stressed.

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Airtel rewards business partners with SUVs, cash prizes, others Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

t was a season of rewards for over 100 channel partners of foremost telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria as the company celebrated its business partners at the 2012 Channel Partners’ Awards in Lagos. Airtel at the one-day event held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island gave its channel partners 12 Sports Utility Vehicles, millions in cash prizes, refrigerators, motor Bikes, laptops and Printers, LED TVs and Home Theatres. Winners emerged in 13 different categories. Mr. Nwabueze Nwachukwu of C &N Abuson Enterprises won the CEO’s National Champion Award. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Rajan Swaroop said the Channel Partners Awards celebrates the efforts of trade partners in advancing the business objectives of the company just as it also encourages more mutually productive collaboration. According to Swaroop, “Today is a memorable day for this great family of ours as we gather this moment to celebrate those that have stood out in the last financial year as worthy champions amongst us. We want to remind us that Airtel cherishes meaningful relationships across all board. “We believe in promoting a reward culture that reflects our

12 Toyota SUVs were among the top prizes for Airtel's channel partners at the Awards ceremony, Thursday, July 19 belief in mutual partnerships. Let me encourage other partners to take due advantage of the opportunities before them and see what initiatives to take in the market place where they conduct their businesses.” Top winners on the night include Stanqueen Investment Limited (Lagos Region), Idems

Ultimate Limited (South Region), Alennsar Infinity Coy Nigeria Limited and C & N Abuson United Investment who won the CEO’s National Champion Award for 20112012 Financial Year. Airtel International CEO & Joint Managing Director, Mr. Manoj Kohli graced the occasion

that also featured Chairman of Zinox Computers Limited, Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Coscharis Nigeria, Cosmas Maduka, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Airtel Nigeria, Deepak Srivastava. The Airtel Channel Partners Awards is an annual event put together by the telecoms firm in

Masterclass training series organised by the Etisalat CSR Centre, in partnership with the LBS of the Pan African University. Speaking during the workshop, Director, Sustainable Business Initiative, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Dr. Kenneth Amaeshi said for companies to drive innovation and sustainable economic growth, they have to adopt the concept of creating shared value. Similarly, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager,

Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Ismail Omamegbe affirmed that it is imperative for businesses in Nigeria to practice responsible business models that are innovative aswell as sustainable. He explained that the training which is now in its second year is aimed at giving managers and practitioners in CSR, Sustainability Reporting, Corporate Affairs, Ethical investments and other CSR related professionals an overview of the relevance of CSR in today’s socio-economic sphere.

tisalat has announced the launch of the new Easyblaze promo which rewards new customers who purchase a USB and Mi-fi with free bonus data at the end of every 30 days for a consecutive period of six months. The promo, which kickedoff last week allows customers to enjoy a modem, data SIM card and 200MB free monthly data the cost of N5, 500 or a Mi-Fi, data SIM and 1GB monthly data at the cost of N20,000. Announcing the promo in Lagos, Director, Products and Services, Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada, said the offer was to reward its customers who subscribe to data packages on the Etisalat network and also to encourage new subscribers to its network. Dada further explained that data is the future of telecommunications. “In the light of this, the new Easyblaze promotion is not only designed to encourage consumers to enjoy high speed internet at the most affordable prize, but also encourage new customers to take advantage of the different data packages on offer by the network that makes your

Etisalat, LBS offer guidance on business sustainability strategies

fforts to chart an enduring business sustainability strategy in Nigeria was again brought to the fore in Lagos when Etisalat Nigeria and the Lagos Business School (LBS) urged businesses in Nigeria to first develop a sustainability strategy if they are to add value to the society and minimise negative impacts caused by their business processes. The success tips formed one of the major solutions put forward to business executives at the just concluded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Cowbell Olympic medal rush promo produces winners

inners have begun to emerge in the on-going Cowbell Olympic Medal Rush promo that was recently launched by Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk, to reward loyal customers and create excitement around the 2012 London Olympics. The winners are Mrs. Akinola Bosede, a business woman who won a gold medal of N50,000 and Mrs. Akinbola Bolanle, also a business woman that won a bronze medal of N20,000. The winners were at the head office of Promasidor in Lagos

to collect their cash prizes recently. In an interview, Mrs. Bosede expressed delight after receiving the prize, saying she could not believe it was real until the cheque of N50, 000 was handed over to her by Mrs. Chioma Ajunwa Oparah, the Cowbell Olympic Medal Rush promo ambassador. She said: “This is the first time I have won something, I feel so happy; I am going to use part of the money to pay my tithe and use the remainder to buy foodstuffs. Promasidor is a fantastic company which makes

very good products.” In the same vein, Mrs. Bolanle, said she had never participated in any promo before because she did not believe in it. She stated that this is the first time she has won in a promo even though she never knew that Cowbell was doing a promo. However, one of her children encouraged her to participate in the promo when she saw the sticker in the 400 grammes sachet of Cowbell that she bought. She said she called the phone number in the sticker and she was asked to come to Promasidor office to claim her cash prize.

honour of its business partners across the Nigerian market. It provides opportunities to review and share insights into the operations of the business, engage the partners on the company’s vision, strengthen existing relations, promote networking and reward loyalty and excellence.

. . . Offers 6 months free Internet subscription

communications lives easier”. Highlighting the mechanics of the new Easyblaze package, he said that to enjoy the promo, subscribers are required to purchase a data plan of 200MB (worth N1,000) every month after the first month of activating the Easyblaze data plan. This gives them 30% instant bonus when they subscribe to any of our data plans from 200MB. “To participate in the promo, you have to buy either a USB (for N5, 500) or a Mifi (for N20, 000) from any of the Etisalat Experience Centres. The USB comes with pre-loaded 200MB free data while the Mi-fi comes with pre-loaded 1GB free data, but to enjoy the free data for the remaining five months, you are required to purchase a minimum of 200MB (i.e. N1,000) on your line within each month,’’ Dada concluded. Etisalat Nigeria rolled out the unique High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) 3.75G technology offering speed that is up to 42Mbps in September 2011. This allows Etisalat subscribers to achieve high speed internet access, faster file downloads, video calling, live streaming and other related activities.

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Niger spends N138m to start Zenith Bank H1 pretax profit rises 36% Z Minna School of Aviation From Iliya Garba, Minna

he Niger state government has spent the sum of one hundred and thirty-eight million (N138m) to start Minna satellite campus of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT). The state Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed Garba disclosed this yesterday while speaking to newsmen shortly before signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the management of NCAT in Minna. He unveiled that, the amount consists of the school fees of the ten pioneer students of the school, mobility, hostel

accommodation and as well, accommodation for instructors. Alhaji Garba said the state government is resolute to ensure that the Minna campus came on stream before the first week of August. The Rector of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Captain Chinyere Onyenucheya Kalu expressed satisfaction with the logistics provided by the state government. “I can say that the state government has provided over 80 percent of our needs for the take-off of the Minna campus of the school”. She calmed fears being expressed in some quarters that

the satellite campus students may not attain the high standards that is known of the college. “We will not compromise on quality because aviation is a thing that your training will surely reflect sooner than later”. According to Captain Kalu, each of the ten students after the 1-2 years training will be granted private and commercial pilot licenses of the college, adding that the institution is known for churning out high quality manpower into the aviation sector. “The Federal Government has mandated us to train pilots to meet the needs of the aviation sector”.

enith Bank yesterday said its half year pre-tax profit rose 36.34 percent to N50.16 billion ($312.17 million), from N36.79 billion in the same period last year. First half gross earnings rose to N151.10 billion, compared with N123.19 billion a year ago,

while the bank’s loan portfolio jumped by 8.77 percent to N972.24 billion versus N893.83 billion the pervious year. Zenith stock was trading at 14.67 naira per share on the Nigeria exchange, 0.20 percent lower than the previous day’s closing price. (Reuters)

Etisalat Q2 profit up 17%; to focus on high growth markets

tisalat, the Gulf’s No.2 telecoms operator, posted a 17-percent rise in quarterly profits on Wednesday, topping forecasts, and said it would shift its focus to high growth, populous markets in the Arab world, Africa, Asia to drive revenues. The Abu Dhabi-based operator, which operates in 17 countries, saw higher revenue from its international operations partly offset slipping local business. Etisalat second-quarter net profit of 1.9 billion dirhams ($517.28 million) in the three months to June 30, up from 1.59 billion dirhams in the yearearlier period. Analysts forecast average profit of 1.78 billion dirhams, in a Reuters poll. Quarterly revenue rose 4 percent to 8.3 billion dirhams from 7.93 billion dirhams a year ago. The former monopoly reported a 0.4-percent drop in revenue from its home market over last year while sales from overseas operations rose 14

percent to 2.3 billion dirhams. “Following the industry trend to invest in overseas markets over the past decade, we are now focusing on creating value in high population, high growth markets such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Etisalat chairman Eissa al-Suwaidi said in the statement. Etisalat has reported declining profits in eight of the previous nine quarters as rival du, which ended its domestic monopoly in 2007, won market share. At the same time, the telco’s subscriber growth stagnated and its foreign operations failed to add much to the bottom line. Earlier this month, the government overhauled Etisalat’s board and replaced its long-time chairman in a sign of growing royal dissatisfaction with the operator’s performance. About 89 percent of the UAE’s population are expatriates and the surging use of internet-based phone services has also hurt Etisalat’s lucrative international calls business. (Source: Reuters)

Biotechnology agency calls for states’ collaboration on food security

T L-R: NNPC Group Managing Director, Mr Andrew Yakubu, with Group Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr Bernard Otti, after their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday at the State House, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

AfDB injects N2.4bn equity into African agency to support African trade and investment By Muhammad Nasir

he Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved recently a USD15 million (N2.4 billion) equity investment in the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) to increase its capital base. This contribution will allow ATI to increase its provision of trade, credit and political risk insurance products that encourage foreign direct investment and trade in Africa. ATI was founded in 2001, Based in Nairobi, Kenya under an International Treaty by African Member States at the initiative of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and with the technical and financial support of

the World Bank. ATI has a mandate to increase investment and trade in Africa through the provision of mediumlong term credit and political risk insurance as well as other risk mitigation products to African countries and related public and private sector actors. However, AfDB’s equity investment in ATI will increase its capital base and allow the underwriting of more business in trade, political and credit insurance to meet strong demand as well as to enhance overall profitability. “ATI uses innovative risk mitigation instruments to catalyze private sector financing into a range of critical sectors from core infrastructure to trade

finance” said Tim Turner, AfDB Private Sector and Microfinance Director. The director of the AfDB’s private sector department, Tim Turner added: “By 2014, the total value of trade and investment projects in Africa supported by ATI is forecast to be as high as USD 8.6 billion. ATI further provides political risk and credit insurance targeted at infrastructure and construction projects in Africa, crucial for development in Africa. “By 2014, it is expected that about 37 infrastructure projects will be supported by ATI per year with a total value of USD 4.6 billion. This level of investment and trade will generate many additional jobs on the continent,” he further stated.

he National B i o t e c h n o l o g y Development Agency (NABDA) has urged state governments to collaborate with its various bio-resources centres in the deployment of biotechnology to improve national food security. Prof. Bamidele Solomon, NABDA’s Director-General, made the call in Abuja yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Solomon said that the agency would be delighted to work with various state governments in the adoption of biotechnology resources to improve the farming system in the country. According to him, the agency has many bio-resources centres across the country that could be used in the rearing of animals and growing of plants to harness the county’s potential in agriculture. Solomon said that the agency had, through the use of biotechnology, recorded some achievements in the cultivation of banana, plantain, mushroom and other crops as well as rearing of animals such

as sails, grass cutter and fishery, among others. The director-general said that the state governments could collaborate with the agency in rearing these animals and growing crops at a commercial scale. “States can easily work with us; we have the expertise to be able to impact on the people and make sure that they can do this not only in production but also in the area of management.” He said that achieving this required the country to have the best species of crops and animals that meet international standard. He added that the agency’s aquaculture efforts had received commendation from the Fishery Association of Nigeria. According to him, the agency has bio-resources centres for the production of fingerlings are located in Odi in Bayelsa, Isanlu in Kogi, Katsina, Ogbomoso and Kano metropolis. Solomon added that the bioresources centre in Jalingo would soon become functional as the construction work had been been completed. (NAN)

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Child spacing the best way to reduce maternal mortality, says outgoing UNICEF country rep W

hat was your best moment in Nigeria? One of the best moments I had was when I visited a nutrition clinic in Northern Nigeria; we were supporting the state we visited to run it and one of the things we learnt from the mothers was that before the clinic was opened, they had to go to the other side of the border because there was no operating clinic in their area and that they were happy they had one. One mother said before the clinic was opened, she had sold her chickens, she had sold even her goats in order to go to a traditional healer to heal her child but the

The outgoing UNICEF Country Representative, Dr. Suomi Sakai, has a Doctorate degree in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States. Dr. Sakai recently in Abuja spoke with a number of journalists, including Peoples Daily reporter, A’isha Biola Raji, during a send forth party organised for her by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. She spoke about her Nigerian experience and the way forward concerning health care system in the country. Excerpts: child was still getting sicker. However, when she went to the clinic, she was able to get treatment for malnutrition. I think the good moment is when we can talk to people and see how what we are doing together make a difference to mothers and children.

Can you recall any sad moment in Nigeria? Of course, we had our sad moments when we lost colleagues to bomb blast at the UN house and not just colleagues but partners who were working hard to save children. That was probably the saddest moment. There

something that you can reduce by making sure that mothers are healthy, that children are well spaced so that the mother’s health is good, child’s health is good and knowing when they need to go for help and all families know about the danger signs; when they will need a health facility and if they can handle certain amount of emergency care. I think that all of these have been done in countries with fewer resources than Nigeria so it can be done in

Nigeria too. Nigeria’s population is about 167 million; do you any have reservations about the growing population? The issue is not about the growth in population; we, as an organisation, we should be concerned about the health of the people, how do you make sure that the babies are healthy, the mothers are healthy and in order to do this, we need to consider child spacing as the best way to have a healthy family and a

Outgoing UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Suomi Sakai

A breast feeding mother

are other moments of sadness, when you hear that, children are used for violence, for crime and other vices. When you hear this, it is sad because you know that the potential of that child is reduced and also the potential of Nigeria. In terms of security, how did you fare, how

were you able to surmount your fear? Generally, life is a game. We realised we needed to take precaution, we needed to be more careful but in the end, life is meant to be lived. What happened could have happened anywhere. What has been your perception about

Nigeria in the last four years? I think it’s a colourful country and the people, very energetic. I enjoyed every moment I have worked in Nigeria. You have worked in Nigeria for four years, what legacy are you leaving behind

especially in health sector? I suppose I will say I’m leaving behind for Nigeria something but if I have to say this is what I am leaving behind, I would say I’m leaving behind dialogue, ideas, strategies, actual programmes and indices that Nigeria’s

health system and Nigerian communities are now able to carry on because of things that we started while I was here. What is the hope of reducing maternal mortality in the country in the near future? Maternal mortality is

Minister for Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu

healthy population. Would you want to share the story of how you got to UNICEF? How I got to UNICEF? I applied! What I did was to study public health in countries where the health system was fast growing. In the course of those studies, I learnt about UNICEF and other organisation partners, what kind of skills they required; I checked if it was a good organisation and I prepared myself and applied.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

EMERGENCY UPDATE NEMA officials presenting relief materials to victims of recent violence in Barkin Ladi, Plateau state

Plateau state govt commiserates with flood victims, pledges assistance

he Plateau Government has commiserated with the families and surviving victims of Sunday’s devastating flood in some communities within the Jos metropolis. Pastor Abraham Yiljap, the Commissioner for Information, who made the pronouncement in a press statement in Jos, described the flood as “devastating, painful and unfortunate”. He recalled with regret that the flood resulted in the death of persons and missing of many others., adding that, “Government is saddened by this unexpected natural phenomenon which has brought grief to the people in its wake.” Yiljap said that the Governor Jonah Jang had ordered the State Relief Committee to take steps in providing immediate relief for the surviving victims. He added that the governor had urged all citizens of the state to pray against any situation that would bring further pain and discomfort on the people. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that the flood killed 16 persons and left several others missing with houses and other property worth millions of naira destroyed in its trail. (NAN)

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EMERGENCY UPDATE

Disaster risk mgt: NEMA trains more stakeholders I

n its effort to educate Nigerian citizens on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has organised a training programme for various stakeholders in the South-East zone to mitigate incidents of disasters in the country. The agency’s DirectorGeneral, Alhaji Muhammed Sani-Sidi, who made the call during a one-day stakeholders’ training titled “Reducing disasters through adequate education of citizenry’’, in Anambra State, the event followed the on-going sensitization efforts carried out the agency in the first half of 2012. Sani-Sidi said the training was part the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) priority 3, which emphasized the use of knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels. Represented by the South-East Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, Sani-Sidi said: ‘’The Nation is threatened by increasing vulnerabilities related

to changing demographics, technological and socio-economic conditions, unplannedurbanization and environmental degradation.’’ He further stated that other vulnerabilities included development within high risk zone, climate change, geological hazards, competition for scarce resources and the impact of epidemics such as HIV/AIDS. According to him, the inauguration of Disaster Risk Reduction Clubs in secondary schools across the federation as well as the interactive session which the agency organised to discuss with traditional rulers in all the geo-political zones were part of the DRR strategies being adopted by the NEMA to achieve the objective of Hyogo Framework of Action. “The recently concluded emergency evacuation drill exercise for public servants in public building conducted in the 36 States of the Federation and FCT were part of the Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies being adopted by the Agency to achieve the objective of Hyogo Framework of Action 2005-

2015,” he stressed. He reminded participants that the increasing complexity of emergencies confronting the nation at all levels had called for sustained collaboration between stakeholders to strengthen humanitarian operation to cater for the most vulnerable group. He reiterated that recent security and climate change phenomena in the country were exacerbating such emergency challenges, which serve as “wakeup call to strengthen contingency plan and emergency response capacity.” Meanwhile, the meeting was well attended by traditional rulers, school principals, representatives of of Police, members the Federal Road Safety Corps and officer and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. Other are the Local government caretaker committees, staff and chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), member of the media, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and NYSC Emergency Management Vanguards (EMV).

LASEMA to train LG officials on disaster mgt L

agos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said it would train local government officials on disaster management. The General Manager of LASEMA, Mr Femi-Oke Osanyintolu, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday. Osanyintolu said that the trainees would be drawn from the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Development Councils. He said the training, which would focus on emergency prevention and response strategies, was to enable the officials complement the State Government‘s efforts on emergency management. “They are the people at the grassroots and we believe by including them in the emergency management plan of the state, we will achieve much more. “We want to train them on how to detect early warning signals in their respective communities and how they can respond to emergency situations quickly. “Our objective is to effectively manage emergencies in the state, using the bottom-up approach, and the planned training for the local officials is one step toward achieving that,” he said. The general manager also said that the local governments had been provided with emergency response tools and equipment to sharpen their

response to emergencies. “We have given the councils tools like helmets, communication gadgets and others, with which they can respond and manage emergencies on their own. That is not to say LASEMA is taking its hands off the management of emergencies at the grassroots,” Osanyintolu explained.

Osanyintolu urged the residents to refrain from practices that could cause disasters in the state, pointing out that some disasters were caused by residents themselves. He advised property owners to conduct structural test on their buildings to determine their safety, describing the test as a veritable way to check cases of collapsed buildings. (NAN)

NEMA DG, Alhaji Mohammad Sani-Sidi

YOUTHS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY By Abubakar Jimoh abujimoh01@yahoo.com

Averting oil spill in Nigeria (I)

s the Nigerian government intensifies effort in its search for serenity having confronted with various challenges of protracted insecurity, escalating population and poverty related issues, it seems to gripping with the spate of killings arising from oil spill pollution and accidents, especially in the Niger Delta region of the country. Barely a week after a fuel tanker inferno which killed over 100 people in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, another dreadful account of a vessel carrying crude oil reportedly exploded in the same city capital leaving no fewer than 30 persons on board dead. It would be recalled that several incidents of oil related disasters have occurred in different parts of the country after the discovery of crude oil in the late 1950s. Nigerians have suffered repeated socioeconomic, health and environmental damages resulting from oil spills in the Niger Delta region, which has grasp the attention of the international communities, governments and the media. An oil spill is a form of pollution involving the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially marine areas, due to human activity such as crude oil from tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs and wells, as well as spills of refined petroleum products (like gasoline, diesel), by-products, heavier fuels used by large ships such as bunker fuel, or the spill of any oily refuse or waste oil. Meanwhile, these human activities especially by multinational oil companies in the Niger Delta region have impacted negatively on the health condition of residents of these communities. Despite their complaint about health risk emanating from oil exploration, exploitation and spills, successive government have not been able to show any doggedness towards their plights. Most residents have suffered breathing problems and skin lesions. Also, bitter tales absent of basic human rights such as access to health facilities, food, clean water, and shelter as well as intimidation and eventual massacre of rights advocates have greeted particularly the Ogoni kingdom in the past. One of such memorable experiences was the death of a famous Ogoni political and environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa with nine others who were executed in the struggle against the degradation of Ogoni land by Shell Oil Company. So many others who choose to rebel

against the government through militancy also followed. However, in the analysis of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), over fifty percent oil spills occurred due to corrosion of pipelines and ruptured tankers. This is also caused by leaking of production infrastructures as a result of equipment outdate, irregular inspection and maintenance of facilities. “Attempts to tap oil through bunkering activities accounts for 28%; oil production operations has caused not less than 21% damage; and 1% of the spills being accounted for by inadequate or non-functional production equipment.” There are also issues of sabotage and theft via oil siphoning. This has become a major issue in the Niger Delta, and it has contributed to further environmental degradation. Besides, while there are cases of unreported damaged pipes in the area, oil bunkering has become a lucrative business for the youths, who earn their living in this deadly job. It should be noted that the incidence of oil spill in the biohabitat environment poses many negative effects when it penetrates into the structure of the plumage of birds, marine mammals, people which may result to major damage in their airways, lungs, and cause congestion, pneumonia, emphysema and even death by breathing in droplets of oil, or oil fumes or gas. There is no doubt that oil spills and gas flaring constitute actual danger to bio-human environments which leads to acid rain thereby acidifying the lakes and streams; damage crops and vegetation, reduce farm yields and harms human health. It also increases the risk of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, cancer and chronic bronchitis. Other effects are blindness, impotency, miscarriages, premature deaths, ulcers, conjunctivitis and starvation. It can exposed residents to skin, mouth or nasal cavities damage; secondary bacterial infections, red blood cells disorder and decrease lung function. Spills in populated areas often spread out over a wide area, destroying crops and aquacultures through contamination of the groundwater and soils. The consumption of dissolved oxygen by bacteria feeding on the spilled hydrocarbons also contributes to the death of fish. In agricultural communities, yearly food supply is affected causing food shortage thereby making life miserable for the inhabitants of the area.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Minister lauds Nigeria, EU partnership on desertification By Mohammed Kandi

he Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia has applauded the resolve of the Federal Government to check the problems of land degradation, desertification, food insecurity and poverty stricken communities in the dry land regions of Nigeria. Mailafia, made this known in yesterday Abuja while inaugurating a technical committee to review the current strategy and approach to the implementation of the Great Green Wall (GGW) programme, in collaboration with the European Union, said partnering various organizations was commendable. Her words: “The Federal Ministry of Environment is fully committed to the implementation of the Great Green Wall Programme in Nigeria and has already embarked on baseline studies, with a view to developing action plan that would ensure effective conclusion of the programme. We

are also making efforts to mobilize funds from external sources in order to enhance the performance of the programme”. She commended the European Union (EU) for taking the lead in supporting the implementation of the Great Green Wall Project since 2007, particularly the EU support project for which Nigeria is a beneficiary. Mailafia further stated that the implementation of the Great Green Wall has commenced with support projects across the countries involved. Meanwhile, the African Union Commission (AUC) is

presently implementing two support projects in 13 countries to develop action plans and projects portfolio for the implementation of the great green wall. The first project is funded and executed by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), through a technical cooperation programme covering 5 countries, including Chad, Dji bouti, Ethiopia, Mali and Niger. The second project (EU support to the implementation of the great green wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative is cofunded by the EU, Global Mechanism of the UNCCD and executed by FAO and covers 8

countries – Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, the Gambia, Mauretania, Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan. However, members of the inaugurated technical committee on european support for the Great Green Wall Programme in Nigeria include Mr. Taye Haruna, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Bukar Hassan, Director, Drought, Desertification Amelioratio, and Mr. E.C. Emecheta, Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Environment. Others are Mrs. Kate, Project officer, representing the

European Union, Mr. Chamberlain Okoro (NPC) and Mr. V.E. Malu, (NPC) The committee is expected to review the current strategy to the implementation of the great green wall programme and identify areas of interests of the EU, as they relate to sustainable land management of dry lands in Nigeria among other issues. But the committee was given four weeks to submit a report for the consideration of the Ministers of Environment and that of National Planning Commission, and the Head of the EU delegation.

Borno Govt. to fumigate drains, canals against diseases

he Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) is to embark on the fumigation of public drains and canals in the Maiduguri, as part of measures to prevent outbreak of diseases. The agency’s General Manager, Alhaji Abba Aji, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Maiduguri. “We are working towards fumigation and spraying of chemicals in the entire metropolis to prevent disease outbreaks. “The objective is to prevent malaria and cholera outbreaks, which are associated with the rainy season,” Aji said. He said that the chemicals will be sprayed in drainage and water channels to prevent the growth of vermin and disease-carrying vectors from multiplying. Aji added that the exercise would also concentrate on densely populated and flood ravaged areas for effective result. He explained that the exercise would have taken place at the start of the rains, but for the curfew imposed on parts of the state by the Joint Task Force (JTF) on operation restores order. “We could not pray the chemicals due to the curfew, which restricted movements of individuals from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Now that the curfew is relaxed we have enough time to spray,” Aji said. (NAN)

L-R: Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Taiye Haruna, and Director, Drought, Desertification Amelioration in the ministry, Dr. Bukar Hassan, during the inauguration of Technical Committee on European Support for the Great Green Wall Programme in Nigeria

L-R: Director, Drought, Desertification Amelioration in the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Bukar Hassan, Project Officer, representing the European Union, Mrs. Kate and representative of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Mr. Chamberlain Okoro are all members of the recently inaugurated committee.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Environmental hazards accountable for health risks, says expert

n environmentalist, Malam Adamu Muazu, has said environmental hazards accounted for much of health risks facing the poor with children bearing the brunt. Muazu said this in a paper: ‘The Role of Women Journalists in the Sustenance of the Environment’, during a workshop by the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Gombe. The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Gombe State Ministry of Water Resources and Environment. “Although children constitute of only 10 per cent of the world population, they suffer 40 per cent of the environmental-related burden of disease,” he said. According to him, the burden of disease is closely linked to inadequate environmental management practices and the lack of opportunities available to poor people. Muazu also said understanding the link between environmental hazards and health was fundamental to the development of good public health environment and economic policy. In his speech, Alhaji Idris Mahadi, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, said the workshop was timely because of the increasing cases of environmental degradation. Represented by Alhaji Nasiru Bunu, the Director of Environment in the ministry, Mahadi said environmental degradation was one of the major threats to socio economic development of the country. The commissioner said the State Government had purchased 400 waste bins, which were stationed in the metropolitan city, while more would be bought to ensure hygiene. He also said the ministry had raised and planted one million trees to tackle the menace of global warming in the state. Mahadi commended NAWOJ for organising the workshop, adding that women were the custodians of the environment. In her welcome address, Mrs Ruth Absalom, NAWOJ Chairperson in the state, said women needed to be educated and enlightened on best ways to sustain the environment. “The workshop is meant to highlights some of the problems that affect the environment, leading to degradation,” she said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 100 women drawn from the various women groups in the state participated in the workshop. (NAN)

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Fire disaster: NDDC orders release of funds for victims T

he Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has ordered the immediate release of funds and relief materials to victims of the recent Okogbe petrol tanker explosion in Rivers. The order is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt by its Head of Media Relations, Mr Silas Anyanwu. It said the commission’s Managing Director, Dr Christian

Oboh, gave the directive when he visited victims of the disaster at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Oboh said the Okogbe petrol tanker explosion could have been avoided if the victims had used their sense of reasoning rather than the quest to solve their immediate hardship. “I think we need to be responsible no matter the situation we find ourselves. We have seen the victims and our

heart are actually bleeding; we pray for God’s intervention because the burns are quite severe,” Oboh said. Oboh directed the immediate release of funds to assist in the procurement of drugs for the victims, adding that the commission would partner with the hospital to improve healthcare delivery in the state. The statement said that Prof. Aaron Ojule, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, told Oboh that

no fewer than 156 persons lost their lives in the disaster. According to him, there are still some survivors and we are doing everything to ensure that we do not lose more lives. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that many people lost their lives on July 12 while scooping fuel from a petrol tanker which crashed at Okogbe in the Ahoada-West Local Government Area of Rivers. (NAN)

Scene of the recent explosion in River state

Ocean warming: Bacteria outbreak hits north Europe

an-made climate change is the main driver behind the unexpected emergence of a group of bacteria in Northern Europe which can cause gastroenteritis, new research by a group of international expert’s shows. The paper, published in the journal Nature Climate Change recently, provided some of the first firm evidence that the warming patterns of the Baltic Sea have coincided with the emergence of Vibrio infections in northern Europe. Vibrios are a group of bacteria which usually grow in warm and tropical marine environments and cause various infections in humans, ranging from cholera to gastroenteritislike symptoms from eating raw or undercooked shellfish or from exposure to seawater. A team of scientists from institutions in Britain, Finland, Spain and the U. S. examined sea surface temperature records and

satellite data, as well as statistics on Vibrio cases in the Baltic. They found the number and distribution of cases in the Baltic Sea area was strongly linked to peaks in sea surface temperatures. “Each year the temperature rose one degree, the number of vibrio cases rose almost 200 per cent. The big apparent increases that we’ve seen in cases during heat wave years, tend to indicate that climate change is indeed driving infections,” Craig BakerAustin at the UK-based Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aqua culture Science, one of the authors of the study, told Reuters. Climate studies show that rising greenhouse gas emissions made global average surface temperatures increase by about 0.17 degrees Celsius a decade from 1980 to 2010. The Vibrio study focused on the Baltic Sea in particular because it warmed at an unprecedented rate of 0.063 to

0.078 degrees Celsius a year from 1982 to 2010, or 6.3 to 7.8 degrees a century. “(It) represents, to our knowledge, the fastest warming marine ecosystem examined so far anywhere on Earth,” the paper said. Many marine bacteria thrive in warm, low-saline sea water. In addition to warming, climate change has caused more frequent and heavier rainfall, which has reduced the salt content of estuaries and coastal wetlands. As ocean temperatures continue to rise and coastal regions in northern regions become less saline, Vibrio bacteria strains will appear in new areas, the scientists said. Vibrio outbreaks have also appeared in temperate and cold regions in Chile, Peru, Israel, the northwest U.S. Pacific and northwest Spain, and these can be linked to warming patterns, the scientists said. “Very few studies have

looked at the risk of these infections at high latitudes,” Baker-Austin said, adding that “certainly the chances of getting a vibrio infection are considered to be relatively low, and more research is focused on areas where these diseases are endemic or at least more common.” Previous Vibrio outbreaks in colder regions have often been put down to a sporadic event or special conditions rather than a response to long-term climate change. This is because the effects of global warming can be more pronounced at higher latitudes and in areas which lack detailed historical climate data, the study said. Baker-Austin said there was a growing realisation that climate and the emergence of some infectious diseases were closely linked but there are some “huge data gaps in that area which need addressing”. (Reuters/NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

PAGE 30

hese are the heartwrenching images of a toddler who suffers from a rare disease which has caused her head to inflate to three times the size of an average adult. Dilla Anargia Adilla, 3, was born with Hydrocephalus - a rare condition that blocks the flow of spinal fluid through the brain. The excess fluid has collected in her skull causing her head to grow at an alarming rate. When she was born her head was a little larger than average, now it measures a whopping 100cm from ear to ear. The debilitating condition has left the brave toddler, who had been able to say a few basic words, unable to walk or talk. She also suffers from blurred vision and stiff lower limbs and is cared for by her father Azwar Anas, 31, mother Puspita, 28, and sister Fazira, 7, at their home in Bogor, Indonesia. The condition used to be described as ‘water on the brain’, although more correctly it is caused by a build up of cerebrospinal fluid. It was probably caused as the result of an infection that Puspita developed during pregnancy. The condition affects 1 in 500 babies and is treatable in the UK through a standard two-hour procedure. A neurosurgeon implants a thin tube called a shunt, which drains the fluid through to the abdomen, where it is absorbed into the blood stream. However, Mr Anas only earns

Brain defect inflates 3-year-old’s head three times normal size 20 thousand rupiah a day as a driver - which is equivalent to just £1.36. It would cost him two months salary to cover the medical costs. Doctors in Indonesia are now reluctant to carry out the operation due to the severity of Dilla’s condition and her parents are praying for a miracle. It is likely that Dilla has developed brain damage due to the delay in treatment. Mrs Anas said: ‘Ever since I was told by the doctors before her birth about her disabilities I have accepted it from the start. ‘But seeing Dilla in so much pain is obviously tearing me apart. It doesn’t just affect me, it upsets everybody when we see her in pain. ‘I don’t know whether she will survive this illness because she needs special and intensive care. ‘A doctor has told me that they can’t operate on Dilla because she is also getting weaker. I can only accept the gift that God has given to me and my husband. ‘I know that God sent Dilla to me to take care of her with all my heart. ‘We are not sure there’s going to be a miracle but we can only hope and the rest is up to God.’ Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Young Dilla is fed by her mother Puspita. She is now unable to walk and talk due to pressure on the brain

Dilla is fed by her sister Fazira. Dilla suffered from hydrocephalus from birth.

Dilla is lifted into a van.

Dilla is tended to by a doctor. Medics say they fear Dilla is now too ill to survive an operation.

Dilla with her father Azwar. An ultrasound scan picked up the problem before her birth.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

ANALYSIS

eographers might disagree, but as a resident I can attest that for two months a year, Washington DC lies in the tropics. Its days are stultifyingly hot and humid, and its evenings are punctuated with monsoon-like downpours, frequently accompanied by lightning and high winds. In such storms, trees in the residential areas surrounding the US capital, over-grown and top-heavy from lack of competition for water and nutrients, frequently fall like ten-pins. A particularly violent storm slashed through the area just two weeks ago, uprooting hundred-year-old trees, downing power lines, and leaving more than four million homes in the densely populated area in darkness. A local columnist, finding that three large trees originating on a neighbour's property had fallen into his own and a third neighbour's yards had suggested what he thought was an equitable solution: Rather than fight over who was at fault, or who would benefit most from the local woodcutter's efforts, why not pool resources equally to have the toppled trees cut up and carted away? This seemed both fair and neighbourly. But the neighbour on whose property the offending trees resided while still vertical instead consulted the local county statutes. There he discovered that if a tree in this area falls onto a neighbour's property, it is deemed the responsibility of the receiving party to deal with it, irrespective of where the tree originated. Had this neighbour felled the trees intentionally, the law would have taken a different view; but as their falling was deemed an "act of God", the neighbour who had previously provided sanctuary to these wayward boughs could claim innocence, and decline to contribute to the removal effort. To the columnist who related this tale, his neighbour's attitude was not only unjust and short-sighted he may someday need his neighbours' help - but ethically wrong, irrespective of the fact that the law was on his side. And like many, I suppose, I am inclined to agree. Moreover, as if to add insult to injury, our columnist friend would have been legally barred from taking any preventive action to remove trees standing in his neighbour's copse, lest they likewise fall and incur on him yet added expense. This little parable would surely not be lost on those responsible for US relations with Pakistan, or indeed upon those involved in US dealings with a growing number of countries around the globe.

PAGE 31

Terrorism, responsibility and bad neighbours

Pakistani policy is greatly driven by rabid domestic politics largely impervious to government influence The crux of the US complaint with Pakistan, at its most benign - that is, when the US is not claiming direct Pakistani complicity with its enemies in Afghanistan and the border areas - is that Islamabad has a moral obligation to curtail the activities of militants launching cross-border attacks both into Afghanistan and much further afield and, if it lacks the ability to do so, it should acquiesce in American efforts to address such threats in its stead. Pakistan takes a rather different view. Like our Washington DC landowner, it claims it has no responsibility for the actions of militants who are beyond its effective control. Their actions, whether deemed worthy or otherwise, are essentially "acts of God". Impotence regarding its ability to maintain a relative monopoly of violence within its own borders - considered a basic requirement of statehood - has not, however, inhibited Pakistan from invoking its sovereign rights. It complains

bitterly about the United States' regular violations of its airspace to launch deadly missile attacks on militants and on those non-combatants who through complicity or simple bad luck happen also to be in the cross-hairs. In claiming rights without corresponding responsibilities, however, Pakistan should not be surprised that it elicits little sympathy from the US government, to say nothing of the American public. "The problem of ungoverned space is not unique to Pakistan and Afghanistan. We see it in Somalia and in Yemen, in much of Sahelian Africa and in Egypt's Sinai." Of course, our metaphor of the neighbourhood tree dispute is of limited utility in making judgments regarding the issues in contention between the US and Pakistan - and still less when making policy decisions. One must take into account the fact that Pakistan is already beset with domestic terrorists, and that hostile engagement with

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

outward-looking extremists will make them yet more vulnerable in the heartland; that Pakistani policy is greatly driven by rabid domestic politics largely impervious to government influence; that unilateral US efforts to curb threats in the tribal areas which Pakistan cannot or will not address risk destabilising a nuclear-armed state of far greater intrinsic importance than Afghanistan will ever be. All of this is true, and all of this should inform and constrain US policy, which has undoubtedly been too aggressive in its pursuit of secondary interests in Afghanistan. And yet there is a simple truth at work here, and one which Pakistan should acknowledge: The requirements of sovereign statehood, to say nothing of political self-respect or simple good-neighbourliness, demand that sooner or later Pakistan address the deadly threats to others emanating from its territory. If prudence dictates

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The problem of ungoverned space is not unique to Pakistan and Afghanistan. We see it in Somalia and in Yemen, in much of Sahelian Africa and in Egypt's Sinai.â&#x20AC;?

that the means or the timing of such efforts cannot meet US demands, then so be it. It may well be that full exertion of Pakistani sovereignty in the tribal areas will be the work of a generation, and that Pakistan will need much international assistance and even more international patience before it reaches that goal. But if that is the case, then Pakistan should at least have a rational plan, and one that it can articulate, for eventually meeting its responsibilities. The problem of ungoverned space is not unique to Pakistan and Afghanistan. We see it in Somalia and in Yemen, in much of Sahelian Africa and in Egypt's Sinai. The inability of nominally sovereign governments to control threats from their territory that affect the interests of their neighbours both near and far removed is not a new phenomenon, and it is a growing one. But at least one necessary component of the solution, particularly when the combined assistance and forbearance of others will be an important part of the solution, is at least a candid acknowledgement of the problem, and of where the ultimate responsibility must lie. Source: Aljazeera Former CIA station chief Robert Grenier heads ERG partners, a financial consultancy firm.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

PAGE 32

Ghanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s President promises unity, stability Sudan accuses S. Sudan of treating wounded Darfur rebels

arfur rebels wounded in the latest fighting with Sudanese troops have gone to South Sudan for treatment, the army said yesterday, as Khartoum pushes Juba to end alleged backing for rebels. The army and insurgents gave conflicting accounts of Monday's fighting, which came while Sudanese negotiators at fragile peace talks in Addis Ababa turned down South Sudan's proposal for settling oil fees and other critical issues by a United Nations-imposed deadline of August 2. Khartoum said security is a key priority and issues such as South Sudan's "support" for rebels need to be settled. In a statement carried by the official SUNA news agency, Sudanese army spokesman Sawarmi Khaled Saad said the government killed more than 50 fighters of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and wounded a large number of others. The fighting erupted just inside South Kordofan state near southeastern Darfur. Saad said a "big number of vehicles were seen carrying the injured elements of the rebels for treatment in South Sudan." Casualty claims are difficult to verify in the region, where access is restricted,. In a statement late on Monday, the JEM made no mention of killed or wounded but said it had seized 36 military vehicles as it gained control of the Tabaldi oil field, as well as the Karkada area. The rebels earlier Monday said they had seized a Sudanese military compound in the same region. Sudan accuses South Sudan of working with the JEM and of backing insurgencies in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. The South denies supporting the rebels but suspected JEM fighters were seen alongside its troops during border fighting between Sudan and South Sudan in April. On Sunday, the JEM again denied any presence in South Sudan, which accuses the north of backing insurgents in the South as well. The UN has called on both sides to halt any such support, under a May 2 Security Council resolution which ordered a ceasefire along the border.

hanaian Vice-President John Dramani Mahama, who was sworn in as the country's leader following the sudden death of President John Atta Mills, has plaged to strengthen unity and stability of the country. Mahama took the oath of office as head of state before a sombre parliament on Tuesday, hours after the announcement of Mills' death in the afternoon of the previous day. The swift adherence to Ghana's constitution on succession underlines the country's reputation as one of the most mature democracies in the region, commentators said. "This is the saddest day in our nation's history. Tears have engulfed our nation and we are deeply saddened and distraught," Mahama said after being sworn in. "I never imagined that one day that it would place our nation in such a difficult circumstance. I'm personally devastated, I've lost a father, I've lost a friend, I've lost a mentor and a senior comrade," he said. "Ghana is united in grief at this time for our departed president." The president's office said that Mills, who had celebrated his 68th birthday last Saturday, died a few hours after being taken ill, but no further details were given. Meanwhile, the new President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to uphold stability following the death of his predecessor John Atta

Mills. Mr Mahama, 53, was sworn in several hours after the 68-year-old president died at a hospital in the capital, Accra. Taking the oath at an emergency parliamentary session, Mr Mahama said he would govern for all Ghanaians. "I wish Ghanaians to be assured that all is well," Mr Mahama said.

"We are going to maintain the peace, unity and stability that Ghana is noted for." Opposition New Patriotic Party (NNP) presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo has suspended campaigning out of respect for Mr Atta Mills, our reporter says. NPP chairman Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey praised the

smooth transfer of power that happened within hours of the president's death. "Ghana actually has handled itself very well. We have never been through this before," he said. "Yet the transition that we saw in parliament has been very well handled, very smooth. We are showing a maturity that must encourage all Ghanaians."

Ghana's vice-president John Dramani Mahama (R) taking the oath of office as head of state, hours after the announcement of the death of his boss John Atta Mills, in the capital Accra, July 24, 2012.

Mugabe will accept election result, says PM

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.

imbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says longtime ruler Robert Mugabe is ready to give up power if he loses the next election. Tsvangirai made the comments yesterday in New Zealand, part of a tour to ask numerous countries to end limited sanctions against

Zimbabwe. He said he's confident free elections will be held within 12 months, after a new constitution was drafted Friday. Tsvagirai said Mugabe "will accept the result," noting he didn't "see any reason why he should plunge the country again into another dispute."

He said Mugabe is "committed for his own legacy and for the legacy of the country to move forward in a stable way." Tsvangirai competed against Mugabe in a disputed 2008 election that sparked violence before the pair agreed to a power-sharing arrangement.

DR Congo's M23 rebels 'under attack' near Goma

ebel troops are under pressure in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following an offensive by UN-backed government forces, reports say. The two sides have been involved in fierce fighting about 50 km (31 miles) north of the provincial capital, Goma.

The latest unrest began in April, with the UN and DR Congo government accusing neighbouring Rwanda of backing the rebels - a charge it denies. More than 200,000 people in the region have been displaced by the conflict. The BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse in Goma says the fighting is

The M23 rebels are said to be in retreat

centred around the Rutshuru area, about 50 km north of Goma. This could mean government forces, supported by UN peacekeepers, have pushed the M23 rebels back, he says. But this is a conflict without

3 (independent): Women members of a self-defence militia calling itself the FLN (Front for the Liberation of the North) train in Sevare, about 600 kms (400 miles) northeast of the Malian capital, Bamako.

traditional front-lines, and fighting is taking place on multiple fronts, our reporter adds. Civilians have been fleeing the area, seeking shelter in Goma or around nearby UN bases.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Syrian opposition rejects unity government led by regime

he opposition Syrian National Council (SNC) will not accept a unity government led by a member of the regime, spokeswoman Bassma Kodmani said. "There was never any question of a national unity government led by a member of the regime," Kodmani told AFP. "There is of course a question of a transitional government, but of the opposition, not led by a member of the state." An emailed statement from the SNC also ruled out a unity government led by a member of President Bashar Assad's regime. The Arab League on Monday called on Assad to swiftly step aside in order to end the fighting that has swept across the country. The Syrian regime has rejected all Arab League calls for a transition plan that would see Assad leave power. Meanwhile, Syria's rebels accused Bashar Assad of moving chemical weapons to the country's borders, a day after his beleaguered regime said it would use its stockpiles if attacked. "According to our information, the regime began moving its stocks of weapons of mass destruction several months ago... with the goal of putting pressure on the region and the international community,"

PAGE 33

Pakistan court extends ultimatum to PM Ashraf P akistan's Supreme Court has given the country's prime minister another two weeks to reopen an investigation into the affairs of President Asif Ali Zardari. The court had ordered Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to comply by yesterday with an order

to write to authorities in Switzerland asking them to reopen multimillion dollar corruption probes into the president. Ashraf's predecessor, Yousuf Raza Gilani, was thrown out of office for refusing to write to the Swiss and the court this month made veiled

threats that the new prime minister could suffer the same fate. But yesterday, Judge Asif Saeed Khosa adjourned the case until August 8 after the attorney-general, representing the government, asked for time to make "serious and genuine efforts" to resolve the stand-

For over two years the government has resisted judges' demands to reopen investigations into Zardari

…Damascus ‘sends troop reinforcements’ to Aleppo

Bangladesh police arrest 4 in killing of Saudi diplomat

ctivists say "thousands" of troops have been sent to Syria's second city, Aleppo, as clashes were reported in the city for the sixth consecutive day. Fighting was reported in the central al-Jamaliya neighbourhood yesterday, close to the local headquarters of the ruling Baath party. In Kalasseh, in the south of the city, rebels set fire to a police station, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The 16-month revolt against President Bashar al-Assad has in recent weeks been transformed from an armed uprising in remote provinces into a battle for control of the two main cities, Aleppo and the capital, Damascus, which have been the regime's main bases of support. A spokesman for rebel Free Syrian Army said thousands of Syrian soldiers had been moved from the northwestern province of Idlib to fight in Aleppo. "A large number of troops is being redeployed from Jabal alZawiyah to Aleppo, which is strategically more important for the regime than Idlib," Colonel Abdel Jabbar al-Oqaidi, the FSA's Military Council spokesman in the city told AFP.

off with the judiciary. "We trust that it is not impossible to bridge the gap between stated positions of the two institutions," the judge said. But Sohail Mahmood, a professor at the National University in Islamabad, told Al Jazeera that nothing would change in the twoweek extension that was given. "The Zardari government has made up its mind - the prime minister is not going to write any letter to the Swiss," Mahmood said. "The whole point is that they are going to take on the Supreme Court head on - no letter is going to be written regardless what happens." On Tuesday, the attorneygeneral had urged the court to withdraw its orders, calling them "un-implementable" and contrary to the constitution. For more than two years, the government has resisted judges' demands to reopen investigations into Zardari, arguing he enjoys immunity as head of state. The showdown could force elections before March 2013, when the government would become the first in Pakistan's history to complete an elected, full five-year mandate under wholly civilian leadership. The allegations against Zardari date back to the 1990s, when he and his late wife, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, are suspected of laundering $12m allegedly paid in bribes by companies seeking customs inspection contracts.

Syrians look at buildings destroyed by heavy shelling in the Al-Qadam district of Damascus. In this March 2012 file photo, police and Saudi officials in Dhaka inspect the spot where Khalaf Al Ali was shot dead.

angladesh police said Tuesday that they have arrested four suspects accused of killing a Saudi diplomat in Dhaka earlier this year and it appears the incident was a street crime gone wrong. Khalaf bin Mohammed Salem Al-Ali, a 45-year-old official in the Saudi Embassy's consular section, was shot and killed 30 meters from his home shortly after midnight on March 6. Days after the killing, Saudi Arabia sent a team of investigators to consult with Bangladeshi detectives. Initial speculation about the death focused on Iran, which has been accused of other international attacks or attempted attacks against diplomats, including Saudis. Iran denies the accusations. Police official Mollah Nazrul Islam said yesterday that the four Bangladeshi men arrested this week told investigators they tried to rob the diplomat as he was going for a walk on the deserted street and shot him accidentally during a scuffle. He said the men were detained after a revolver and a car used in the killing were found in their possession. Islam said a Dhaka court is allowing investigators to question the suspects further. Muslim-majority Bangladesh enjoys good relations with Saudi Arabia, which is a top destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers.

PAGE 34

Three arrested in separate US movie incidents

t least three men accused of making threats during or after watching the new Batman movie have been arrested in separate incidents, underscoring US moviegoers' anxieties and heightened security in the wake of a deadly mass shooting at a Colorado theater showing the film. Moviegoers in Sierra Visa, Arizona, panicked when a man who appeared intoxicated was confronted during a showing of the movie. The Cochise County Sheriff's office said it caused "mass hysteria" and about 50 people fled the theater. Michael William Borboa, 27, was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct, and threatening and intimidating. A Maine man was arrested when he told authorities that he was on his way to shoot a former employer a day after watching "The Dark Knight Rises," Maine state police said Monday. Timothy Courtois of Biddeford, Maine, had been stopped for speeding, and a police search of his car found an AK-47 assault weapon, four handguns, ammunition and news clippings about the mass shooting that left 12 people dead early Friday, authorities said. In Southern California, a man at a Sunday afternoon showing of the film was arrested after witnesses said he made threats and alluded to the Colorado shooting when the movie didn't start.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

US Monsignor sentenced in sex abuse scandal

he highest-ranking US church official to be convicted of covering up child sex allegations, Monsignor William Lynn, has been sentenced to three to six years in prison. Lynn, whose job it was to investigate reports of abuse in the archdiocese from 1992 to 2004, was found guilty last month of one count of child endangerment. Defence lawyers had pushed for Lynn to be spared prison, but Judge Teresa Sarmina on Tuesday imposed close to the maximum sentence of between three-and-a-half and seven years. "It was three to six years," an official at the court in Philadelphia told AFP news agency by telephone, confirming the tough sentence. Lynn, 61, who took the witness stand for three days during his 10-week trial, was not charged with molesting children, but rather with covering up the crimes of priests who did. He argued that he may have been out of his depth, but had never acted criminally. Victims' groups hailed the verdict as a major step forward as a court had acknowledged that someone in Lynn's position had endangered a child. The trial, the first in the US involving such a senior official in the Catholic Church, also centered on two more Philadelphia priests. Reverend James Brennan,

who was suspended from his duties as a priest, stood accused of attempting to rape a teenaged boy in the 1990s. The jury was hung over the charges dealing with Brennan, who will not face a new trial. Defrocked priest Edward Avery pleaded guilty on the eve of trial. Avery was sentenced to between 2.5 and five years in prison. During the trial the court

Monsignor William Lynn was found guilty last month of one count of child endangerment

struggled within a rigid church hierarchy to act against abuse by documenting it and compiling the voluminous records that prosecutors used to build their case. The defence said a prison sentence was unfair and that Lynn should not be punished in the same way as Avery, who had actually committed sexual abuse. Prosecutors portrayed Lynn as a keeper of the secrets who was obliged to compile the records and thought they would never see the light of day. Prosecutors allege that in failing to remove abusive priests from positions where they had contact with minors, Lynn put children in danger. Prosecutors wrote in their pre-sentencing memo that Lynn showed "constant deceit" and "a striving to please his bosses no matter how sinister the business". Shockwaves from the trial are expected to keep reverberating. "The Lynn trial is of lasting significance because of its guilty verdict, and because the record of the trial contains a dramatic analysis for a single archdiocese of the two crimes that constitute the ongoing sex abuse crisis: a) the sexual abuse of children by priests and b) the enabling and cover-up of the abuse," wrote bishop-accountability.org, which tracks reported abuses.

provide for financing facilities for manufacturers and suppliers suffering from a major drop in European car sales. Peugeot, France's biggest carmaker and the second-largest in Europe, had been expected to announce a first-half net loss but the final figure was more than double analysts' expectations. Peugeot said overall revenues were down 5.1 per cent in the first half to 29.6 billion euros while the auto division alone suffered a net loss of 662 million euros. Sales in Europe fell 15.2 per cent. The cost-cutting plan includes 600 million euros in savings from reorganising French production, which includes the previously announced job cuts, reductions in capital spending and savings from a tie-up with US giant General Motors. "The group is facing difficult times," Peugeot chief Philippe Varin said in a statement. "The depth and persistence of the crisis impacting our business in Europe requires the launch of the reorganisation of our French production base and a reduction in our structural costs," he said. "Restoring the group's competitiveness will secure its future." Hollande's new Socialist government has attacked Peugeot's strategy and called the job cuts "unacceptable."

The cuts announcement sparked anger among France's powerful unions and dealt a blow to Hollande's efforts to get the economy back on track amid concerns the country might be heading for a recession after an expected contraction in the second quarter. Peugeot, which employs 100,000 people in France, is a key

have confidence in its management. Company Chairman Thierry Peugeot said last week the attacks have put PSA in a "dangerous" position and France's right-wing opposition has accused the government of creating a toxic business atmosphere that threatens the economy.

heard graphic testimony describing sexual abuse in the Philadelphia archdiocese. Lynn was found not guilty of endangering Brennan's accuser and not guilty of conspiring to endanger that accuser. He was found guilty of endangering Avery's victim, but not guilty of conspiracy with regard to that victim. Lynn's lawyer described him as a low level functionary who

France unveils plan to revive auto industry

he French government has unveiled a plan to revive the country's struggling automobile industry, as about 8,000 jobs remain under threat at automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen. The recovery plan presented on Wednesday will boost support for environmentally-friendly cars amid growing concern for the country's auto industry. The plan is part of a grand scheme by President Francois Hollande's administration to keep and lure manufacturing jobs to France - the so-called reindustrialisation of the country. Highlighting the difficulties facing the crisis-hit auto sector, Citroen announced on Wednesday it had suffered a first half net loss of $989m, more than reversing a year-earlier net profit. The recovery plan includes a range of measures to boost cleaner vehicles amid hopes French carmakers can carve out a niche in the market. But it also contains hints of protectionism, with France planning to ask the European Union to put its 2010 Free Trade Agreement with South Korea under surveillance so as to "defend the interests of the French automobile industry". It will see the government commit to 25 per cent of its new vehicles being electric or hybrid and

symbol of the country's industry and its problems highlight France's difficulty in competing with rivals with lower labour costs. Hollande's government has lashed out at Peugeot over the cuts, with Arnaud Montebourg, the minister for industrial renewal, saying he had a "real problem" with the company's strategy and did not

PSA Peugeot Citroen, which already announced 8,000 job cuts in France, suffered a first half loss of $989m

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

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Police hunt for barbaric thugs who glued fivemonth-old kittenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth shut in horrific attack

he poor cat was found in pain at a petrol station in County Durham Vets say she is lucky to be

alive after the brutal attack Police are searching for 'despicable' thugs who glued a defenceless kitten's mouth

Defenceless: This poor young kitten was found after its mouth had been glued shut in a vicious attack

Man frees 17-pound lobster from Conn. restaurant

Connecticut man purchased a 17-pound lobster at a Waterford restaurant, then released the crustacean back into Long Island Sound. Don MacKenzie of Niantic tells The Day of New London (http://bit.ly/MGvGHb ) he knew the lobster, nicknamed "Lucky Larry" by local children, would have to be about 80-years-old to reach his current size and felt it deserved to live. "It takes seven years for him to even become a lobster big enough to keep," MacKenzie said. "For a lobster to live this long and avoid lobster traps, nets, lobster pots ... he doesn't deserve a bib and butter." MacKenzie won't say how much he paid The Dock restaurant to take Larry off the menu Tuesday. "Let's just say that it's the most expensive lobster I never ate." MacKenzie told the newspaper. He took the lobster back to sea Tuesday, releasing it in a secret location, where he said it would be almost impossible for fishermen to drag their nets. "They drag during the day, so if he does venture out of this area, hopefully it will be at night," said Steve Wilson, who works with MacKenzie at a local

marina and helped him set Larry free. MacKenzie received a sendoff from a group of children chanting "Let Larry Live" and the lobster was given a salute from the Niantic River Bridge operator who sounded the lift bridge's siren as the boat carrying it headed to sea. Mackenzie kept a memento of the experience, the two thick rubber bands that had been wrapped around Larry's claws to keep him from pinching anyone.

shut. The five-month-old black cat, which has no name, was spotted by a night-shift worker at the Shell garage, in Peterlee, County Durham, after it had wandered on to the forecourt in the early hours of July 18. The tiny animal, which was wearing a bright pink collar, had its mouth glued shut as well as glue on its paws, probably from where it had struggled to clear it from its face. Police and RSPCA officers are now investigating the barbaric act. The worker who found the stricken animal alerted Peterlee Police and the RSPCA. She also contacted the Clifton Lodge veterinary practice, in Horden, County Durham, where the cat has since made itself at home. Staff are appealing for its owner to come forward, though the worker who found it is willing to take it in as it is such an affectionate kitten. Sergeant Iain Dickinson, of Peterlee Police, has branded those who left the kitten as 'despicable'. He said: 'This was a despicable act on a defenceless animal and we are conducting a joint investigation to find the person responsible.' Vet Geoffrey CliffordBrown, who was called out in

the early hours to tend to the kitten, gently removed the glue to allow the five-monthold animal to be able to eat and breathe easier. And he believes the cat is lucky to have survived its ordeal. Mr Clifford-Brown said: 'The people who did this have got a

very warped sense of humour and are incredibly cruel. 'I was able to pull the glue off, but fortunately I didn't need to sedate the cat. 'This could have been even more serious as cats are quite sensitive to poisons.' Source: Dailymail.uk.co

Sad: The five-month old, pictured with Kayleigh Huggett at the Clifton Lodge vets in Horden, County Durham, is lucky to be alive

Germans blow off steam with swearing hotline

wo German entrepreneurs have devised a way for passiveaggressive citizens to blow off some steam - dial a telephone number and give the person on the other end a verbal lashing. The swearing hotline, know as "Schimpf-los" ("swear away") in German, has operators standing by seven days a week for frustrated individuals to jeer at and taunt using the most unsavoury language they can muster. "We don't judge people who are angry," said Ralf Schulte, who set up the hotline with his

fellow media services provider Alexander Brandenburger. "It happens. It's natural. With us you can blow off steam no strings attached," 41-yearold Schulte told Reuters. The creators of the service found inspiration in their own stressful daily routines. The way Schulte sees it, he is doing people a favour by providing a release for pent-up aggravation and helping to avoid altercations in the workplace or at home. "If you're stressed out at work, you go home and your partner gets an earful," he

said. "Even though it's not her fault." When callers are not creative in their cursing, or find themselves tongue-tied, operators on the hotline prod them with cheeky provocations like: "That's the third time I've heard that today - is that all you've got?" The service costs 1.49 euros per minute - a figure Schulte feels is completely justified. "For getting everything off your chest, it's a bargain." (Reporting by Chris Cottrell; Editing by Stephen Brown)

Pieces of balloon boy saucer sold as trading cards

ieces of the infamous flying saucer that starred in Colorado's balloon boy hoax are now available as trading cards. Michael Fruitman, the

balloon's current owner, struck a deal with New York-based sports and entertainment card company Topps to use a segment of the Mylar saucer for individual trading cards.

The cards are included in the recently released 2012 Topps Baseball Allen & Ginter Relics Set, the Loveland ReporterHerald reported (http://bit.ly/ MGRmkt).

man who'd just been released from jail in northern North Carolina was arrested again for refusing to leave the jail after authorities wouldn't give him a ride to a motel. The News & Record of Greensboro reports (http://bit.ly/OZm7NK) that

37-year-old Rodney Dwayne Valentine was charged with trespassing. Valentine was released from the Rockingham County jail Saturday morning after being behind bars since May 22. The sheriff's office says he asked them to drive him to a local

motel and they refused. Deputies charged Valentine with seconddegree trespassing when he had refused to leave the jail by Saturday afternoon. He's being held on $500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 9. It was not clear if he has a lawyer.

Man charged for refusing to leave NC jail A

The silver, UFO-like helium balloon gripped the country's attention in 2009 when Richard and Mayumi Heene said their 6-year-old son had floated away in it. The parents were charged when it was discovered the boy was never onboard the saucer, and they were ordered to pay $36,000 in restitution. The Heenes lived in Fort Collins at the time but have since moved to Florida. Fruitman acquired the balloon from the couple's California attorney, who says the Colorado man paid $2,502 for it in an auction. The Mylar-adorned trading cards are available from eBay sellers seeking anywhere from 99 cents to $49.99 each. They also can be bought for $3 a pack from mass retailers.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Eating oily fish regularly ‘can significantly cut risk of prostate death’ A diet rich in oily fish can significantly improve prostate cancer victims’ chances of surviving the disease, research shows. The findings in the American Journal of Epidemiology revealed sufferers who regularly ate the highest amounts of omega-3 fish oil were between 34 and 40 per cent less likely to die from the disease, which kills 10,000 men every year in the UK. The long-term study at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston also found the patients who consumed the highest amounts of saturated fats were twice as likely to die from their tumour as those who ate smaller amounts. The US scientists tracked 525 men who had an average age of 70 and signed up to the study in 1989. By last year, 222 had died from prostate cancer and 268 from other causes. Nearly 40,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK and 10,000 men die from it - the equivalent of more than one an hour. The risks increase with age, with men over 50 more likely to develop a tumour, and there is a strong genetic element to it. As with some other types of cancer, diet is thought to be a key factor in the development of the

Fishy tale: A diet rich in oily fish can significantly improve prostate cancer victims' chances of surviving the disease, research shows

disease. To see exactly how different types of fat affect survival, scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, USA, tracked 525 men from Orebro County in Sweden who had signed up to a long-term study back in 1989 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. At the time, the men, who had an average age of 70, were quizzed on their dietary habits, including consumption of different types of fats. For the next 20 years, all the

“

Fish consumption may have a modest protective effect on prostate cancer risk and progression, as well as diseasespecific mortality

men were followed up to monitor survival rates. The results showed that, by March 2011, 222 of the men had died from prostate cancer and 268 from other causes. When the researchers compared the causes of death with dietary habits they found the men who regularly ate fish with high oil content were between 34 and 40 per cent less likely to have died from their prostate cancer. In a report on their findings the researchers said diet appears to have a powerful effect on tumours that are in the early stages of development. ‘Fish consumption may have a modest protective effect on prostate cancer risk and progression, as well as diseasespecific mortality. ‘These results suggest early stage tumours may be more responsive to dietary factors and that diet may influence prognosis following a diagnosis of early stage prostate cancer.’ Last year’s study, carried out at the University of California at Los Angeles, found fish oil reduced the number of rapidly dividing cells in the prostate cancer tissue, potentially reducing the chances of the disease spreading to other parts of the body. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

A father’s job can raise his child’s risk of a birth defect

athers who do certain jobs may be more at risk of having children with birth defects, a study has found. They include artists, photographers, hairdressers, mathematicians and office support workers, the researchers said. But stonemasons, firemen, painters and car assembly workers, among others, have no added risk from their work. Researchers at the University of North Carolina examined data from the US National Birth Defects Prevention Study. They obtained the career histories of around 1,000 men who had fathered a child with one or more birth defects born between 1997 and 2004. This data was compared with information from 4,000 men whose children did not have congenital abnormalities. Researchers used a mathematical model for their analysis, classifying the jobs into 63 groups based on assumed exposure to chemicals or other potential hazards. Just over two-thirds of the jobs analysed seemed to be linked to having a child with a birth defect. A third were not associated with any increased risk at all. These included architects and designers, healthcare professionals, dentists, firefighters, fishermen, car assembly workers, entertainers,

smelters and foundry workers, stonemasons and glass blowers/ cutters, painters, train drivers/ maintenance engineers, soldiers and commercial divers. The study, published online in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, also found some jobs were associated with specific types of defect. These were artists (mouth, eyes and ears, gut, limbs, and heart), photographers and photo processors (cataracts, glaucoma, absence of or insufficient eye tissue), drivers (absence of or insufficient eye tissue, glaucoma) and landscapers and groundsmen (gut abnormalities). Dr Andrew Olshan, of the university’s North Carolina Centre for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, said some occupations were even associated with more than one defect within the same part of the anatomy. He said: ‘For example, photographers and photoprocessing workers were associated with three distinct eye defects. ‘Landscapers and groundskeepers were associated with three categories of gastrointestinal defects. ‘Artists were associated with the most number of individual defects, including several eye/ ear defects, oral clefts and defects of the gastrointestinal system. ‘To our knowledge, an

Higher risk: The children of groundskeepers and landscape gardeners are more susceptible to gut abnormalities. increased prevalence of birth defects among offspring of artists has not been previously reported.’ The researchers did not attempt to look at particular exposures to chemical or other potentially harmful hazards, but they said the findings reflect those of other research on dads’ roles in foetal damage and may help to

inform further study on specific occupational harms. Previous research has linked certain occupations with a higher risk of birth defects in offspring. But it has tended to lump together very different types of defects and occupations, in order to achieve large sample sizes, with the attendant potential to skew the results, said the researchers.

Dr Olshan added: ‘Findings from this broad screening analysis can be used to inform further investigation of specific paternal occupations found to be associated with birth defects and to generate hypotheses about chemical or physical exposures and exposure mixtures common to such occupations.’ Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

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Furore in Kebbi over Haliru Mohammed's replacement insinuation that General Mogoro has shortlisted somebody from Emirate has been penciled down for the position when his Senatorial zone equally have qualified candidates as replacement. Mallam Alhassan in Badariya Mosque while preaching recently lamented that the issue of Mohammed's replacement in the federal cabinet has been turned into a religious debate. He pointed out that the governor's nominee is a Muslim while Ushe is a Christian. According to him, Magoro nominated Ushe because of his governorship ambition in the state by 2015. A political analyst, Usman Alhaji Kao'oje, who spoke to our reporter on phone explained that it would be unfair if actually the President has accepted Ushe's nomination to replace the former Acting National Chairman of the PDP. He however urged the President to look carefully and reject his candidature. He said "Now kebbi need youth like Kabiru Tanimu [SAN] and other who as political wheel and can deliver good to its people's".

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

ince the announcement of the removal of the former Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Defence Minister, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, by President Goodluck Jonathan, the ruling party and the entire state has been in disarray as to who succeeds the ousted minister in the federal cabinet. Alhaji Haruna Mohammed who is a strong member of the party in the state regretted a recent publication in a national daily that Senator Mogoro has nominated Brig. General Bitrus Ushe. He said "we don't know him; he is not a politician; he doesn't come home and is not our candidate. So, Mr. President should not made a mistake and appoint him a Minister at this crucial time the country is advocating for peace and harmony. I also want to use this medium to tell the President that Kebbi state is a peaceful state and he should not create rift and fracas among the party supporters and state at large because people of Kebbi don't know him; even people from his village said they don't know him too." Mohammed further explained that already political positions in the state had been zoned. He said while Kebbi South, where General Ushe hails from has produced the Deputy Governor, Kebbi Central which produced the former minister should be allowed to present a replacement. According to him, Kebbi North had already produced the governor of the state even as he maintained that retaining the ministership slot in the Cetral would only balance the equation. "So we're calling on the Mr. President to do justice to this key position'' he said.

Lagos Speaker condoles with Ghanaians on death of Mills

Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed But there are indications that none of the names proposed by the governor, Usman Dakingari, to the Presidency is being considered and this, it was learnt, has constituted a source of worry to him. He has however assured party faithfuls that he was going to take the matter up with the Presidency to ensure that General Ushe does not get the job. Our reporter who visited Gen. Ushe's village in Zuru Emirate and

interviewed some of his people discovered that the rumoured nominee was not on ground politically. Solomon Ushe said Ushe was alien to the people because he does is not in touch with his people just as he insisted that the army General should not be appointed to the exalted office. "We don't know why General Mogoro short listed his name; we don't want him and he is not

representing us. Must President Goodluck Jonathan use the retired Generals to fix the position? It is not necessary to bring a General from Kebbi state to be given the same portfolio'' he said. Commenting in similar vein, a youth leader from the area, Comrade Usman Adamu who also expressed dismay over the issue adding that they were also not happy over the recent

Ondo guber: Mimiko declares for second term By Lawrence Olaoye

ndo state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko yesterday officially declared his intention to contest the October 20th governorship election in the state. His chance of winning the election was bolstered with the decampment of prominent members of the opposition decamping into the ruling Labour party in the state. Former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye made good his farewell to the Action Congress of Nigeria over

the governorship race of Ondo state. Agunloye, who was one of the aspirants of the ACN campaigned for Governor Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party even as the governor today declared his intention to run for a second term as governor of the state. Those currently eyeing the Alagbaka Government House of the state alongside Mimiko include former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Rotimi Akerede-Olu of the Action Congress of Nigeria and the former Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP)'s National Legal Adviser, Chief Olusola Oke. Speaking at the rally held in Akure, the state capital, Mimiko commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his support for free and fair election in the country. He said "I want to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his support for free and fair election "I have enjoyed the robust cooperation of our legislature and by this I will continue to work for you (People of Ondo state) "Our desire at the end of the

second term would be that we have been able restructure good governance in Ondo". Iroko as he is popularly called urged the people of the state to come out en masse to vote for the Labour Party. Present at the Labour Party's declaration today are Abdulwaheed Omar, Peter Esele who are Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC respectively. Other notable dignitaries include; Chief Olu Falae, Chief Frederick Faseun and a host of Afenifere leaders.

he Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji, on Wednesday condoled with the government and people of Ghana following the sudden of President John Atta Mills on Tuesday. Ikuforiji said in a statement in Ikeja that Africans must take solace in the fact that the late president came, saw and conquered. He said it was on record that Mills was an internationally acclaimed university teacher who impacted positively on thousands of university undergraduates, with many scholars receiving legal training under his tutelage. “He will be greatly remembered as one of the best brains to rule over Ghana. “He was, indeed, one who was transparent and an uncommon visionary, who vigorously attained sustainable economic growth, prosperity, and good governance for his country, Ghana. “He will be sorely missed,’’ he said. Ikuforiji also commiserated with the new Ghanaian President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, who was the former Vice-President. He said that it was a well-known fact that he shared a lot in common with his predecessor, whose sudden death must have affected him.

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Taraba PDP crisis: Alhassan slams N500m suit on NASS members By Lawrence Olaoye

enator Aisha Alhassan has Slammed a N500 million libel suit against six members of the National Assembly led by Senator Emmanuel Bwacha. Senators Alhassan (Taraba North) and Abubakar Tutare (Taraba Central) have been at loggerheads with Governor Danbaba Suntai over the outcome of the last congresses in the state, insisting that PDP must hold fresh congresses as recommended by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Since the outcome of the Taraba congress was made public, the state chapter of the party has been split into two with aggrieved members who were denied participation in the country pitching tent with the Senators Alhassan and Tutare. The subsequent media war between supporters of Governor Suntai led by Bwacha and the aggrieved group culminated in paid advertisement in one Abuja based newspaper which has given rise to the libel suit against signatories of the advert. In the suit number FCT/HC/ CV/13987/2012 filed at the FCT High Court, Apo, Senator Aisha Alhassan is asking for N500 million damages for libel against Leadership newspapers, Senator Bwacha and five members of the House of Representatives who cosigned the controversial advert. Others joined in the suit are Honourables Ishaka Bawa, Jerry Manwe, Sam Tsokwa, Haruna Manu and Ibrahim El-sudi. In the 35-point statement of claim the plaintiff said that “on page 49 of the Leadership newspaper of Wednesday, May 9, 2012 under the caption ‘Aisha

Jummai Alhassan’s Tissues of lies’ the defendants with reckless abandon jointly and severally, falsely and maliciously” libeled her by alleging that she is corrupt and that she is engaged in illicit conducts. She said the allegations as contained in the publication are completely false in every material particular as she “has never been found guilty by any court of law of any deceitful, illicit or

fraudulent practice or conduct in all her public or private life and that she has never been convicted of any corrupt practice by any court of law”. The statement of claims further stated that the advertorial published by the defendants was a conscious falsehood which smacks of malice and hatred against the integrity of Senator Alhassan which the defendants knew and ought to

have known was totally false and malicious. “The plaintiff avers that based on the said offensive publication of the defendants, her hard earned name, reputation and integrity have been unjustifiably maligned and she has been exposed to public ridicule and odium in the hallowed chambers of the Senate of the federal republic of Nigeria, in her constituency in Nigeria and all over the world”.

L-R: Former Speaker, Lagos state House of Assembly, Chief Abayomi Kiyomi, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chairman, Amuwo Odofin local government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, and Vice-Chairman, Alhaja Quadrat Dada, during the foundation laying ceremony of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu legislative building, on Tuesday at Amuwo Odofin, in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Don't destabilise Nigeria, group cautions ACN From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has been cautioned against the use of inciting languages and other acts that are capable of undermining the peace and continued existence of Nigeria. A socio- political group, United Nigerian Professionals for Democracy and Justice (UNPDJ) issued the warning recently while addressing a select number of journalists at their Jabi Abuja Secretariat. According to the National President of the organization, Otunba (Dr.) Bayo Adeleke, who was flanked by four other members, the ACN is always looking for one thing or the other to say or do against President Goodluck Jonathan and the Federal Government, a trend he said has transformed the Party as an irritant to the nation. He also expressed shock that Congress of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) could join in the call for impeachment of the President, saying such was not the solution to

Nigeria's problems. "The antics of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in fuelling instability in the polity have become worrisome. If it is not leading assault on President Goodluck Jonathan on imaginary issues, it is recycling old issue in attempt to maintain presence in the media. But there is a limit to everything. "Recently, the ACN has been acting as the mouth piece of the House of Representatives. Otherwise, how come it is the one now giving the impression that it is dictating the pace of proceedings or direction of the 7th session of the House of Representatives? "Even if the ACN did help enthrone the current leadership of the House, it should not push the House into taking a position that would alienate it from the majority of Nigerians who believe that the current call for impeachment proceedings is ill-timed, unnecessary and a merry-go-round intended only to massage the egos of the shadow sponsors," Adeleke said. On the threat of impeachment

of the President by some opposition elements in the House of Representatives, Bachuwaya said it is an exercise in futility as it was meant to be an irritant on the body polity. "The ACN is already drawing up the alleged offences of the President in its current drive to force the House to start impeachment proceeding against the President. But it already knows it is all noise as it would not achieve its intended purpose. It would only overheat the polity. This unnecessary impeachment move would not serve the National Assembly, the polity or the nation any good, except to keep hired goons in business. "Instead of the current unending search for issues to tackle the Presidency with, the ACN should look at the leadership of the National Assembly which testifies to the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan has no interest in interfering in the work of the other two arms of government. It is not his style. And it is part of his style of nurturing and deepening the

nation's democracy. The ACN should not bee allowed to continue to foul up the air and constitute a clog in building a harmonious Executive-Legislative relationship," the group said.

Kogi youth to Echocho: Leave Wada out of your travails with EFCC By Lawrence Olaoye

ome Youths in Kogi state under the of aegis Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Rebirth Forum yesterday debunked insinuations that the state governor, Captain Idris Wada was behind the ordeals by his challenger, Alhaji Jibril Isa Echoch before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This is coming as the keen rivalry between the state governor and Echocho intensifies over the governorship seat of Kogi which the Court had ruled in favour of Wada. The Youths at a Press Conference addressed in Abuja said the alleged infractions by Echocho during his service years in the distressed Afribank which the EFCC is currently probing was never known to Wada, and as such could never be accused of instigating the EFCC after him. The PDP youth group noted that the allegation of political witch-hunt leveled by Echocho against the state governor was unfortunate, malicious and intended to unnecessarily whip public sentiment against the governor. The group urged Echocho and his supporters to leave Wada out of his ordeal with the EFCC if only to allow him maximum time to concentrate on the onerous task of governing Kogi state effectively in accordance to the oath of office he had taken. The National Leader of the group, Prince Adeyemi Olabode John, supported by other members including the National Secretary, Abdulwaheed Umar and the National Publicity Secretary Okonta Johnson, said, “Since Echocho has not denied that he was a staff of Afribank during the period under investigation, he is at liberty to explain his role in what led to the collapse of the bank” On the controversy over Wada’s victory during the PDP governorship primaries, the group said, “Suffice it to say that the Primary that produced Echocho had already been declared null and void via a Supreme Court Jugdement which extended the tenure of former governor Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and four other state governors.”

Ondo lawmakers ask govt. to tackle encroachment on schools’ land

he Ondo State House of Assembly asked the state government to tackle the encroachment on land belonging to public schools. The Assembly gave the directive in Akure during its plenary which followed a motion by Mr Olatunji Dairo of Owo II Constituency. The Deputy Speaker, Mr Dare Emiola, who presided over the session, directed the House Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the Committee on Education to convene a meeting with principals of public schools to stop the practice.

“ The Surveyor-General should make available copies of the approved layouts of land duly allocated to each public school for absolute compliance and effective occupation by rightful owners. “ The Office of the state’s SurveyorGeneral should desist from granting approval of any portion of the land as stated while those who are currently occupying such land should vacate such parcel of land immediately,’’ he said. Dairo, who sponsored the motion, said there must be enough land mass for public schools if government must fulfill its obligations and responsibilities in the education sector.

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Edo Assembly summons Oshiomhole's aides over demolition From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

hree Commissioners in the cabinet of the Edo state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole have been summoned to answer queries on demolition exercise embarked upon by the state government. Those invited include Commissioners in charge of Land and survey, Barr. Anselm Ojeizua, Environment and Public Utilities, Clement Agba and Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Abdul Oroh. The trio scheduled to keep a date with the lawmakers next Monday are to explain their roles over alleged encroachment and demolition of over 35 houses at Utagban Community, off Ekenhuan road, near Ogba Zoological garden in Benin City. Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe who gave the indication on Tuesday during the plenary equally ordered the managing Director of Zoological Garden and District Head of Utagban Community as well as other parties involved in the acquisition and allocation of the parcel of land to appear on the same day. The invitation was sequel to the consideration of the report of the Assembly's committee on Land and survey on a petition of illegal demolition of properties in Utagban community by the erstwhile commissioner for Land and Survey. Igbe however stepped down the report in order to seek further clarifications from all the concerned parties. Before the report was stepped down, Chairman of committee, Mr Sunday Osazemwinde, member representing Ovia North-East told the house that the community had encroached upon Ogba Zoo. Osazemwinde further explained that the state government through its ministries had earlier allocated 35 hectares of land to Utagban community. He added that of those 35 hectares, there was a clear case of encroachment on Ogba Zoo by 17.5 hectares. He also explained that government through its ministries made effort to revoke the 17.5 hectares of land for which certificate of occupancy were issued to members of utagban community. Reacting to the recommendations of the committee, the majority leader, Philp Shaibu, member representing Etsako West noted that the revocation process recommended by the committee would displace so many people, which informed the House decision to step down the report for relevant stakeholders involved in the encroachment to resolve.

L-R: Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and Egbaen of Siluko and Vice President, Association of Enigies, HRH Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, during a congratulatory visit by royal fathers in Edo South to the governor over his re-election, yesterday in Benin City.

ACN/CPC, others mergers will dislodge PDP in 2015, says Lai Mohammed From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

he National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Lai Mohammed yesterday said new platform that would emerge from the consultation going on between his party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and other opposition parties would sweep the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) out of power in 2015. Muhammed who stated this in Oro, Irepodun Local government area of Kwara state while speaking with Journalists shortly before the commencement of the 6th Lai Mahammed Annual Ramadan lecture said all Nigerians are fed up with the PDP-led government in the country. He said that all other political parties in the country were looking for a ‘Noah’s Ark’ to rescue them saying “actually what is happening is not just talk between CPC and ACN, no political party is satisfied with this government. ANPP, even PDP are

now looking for what I will call a Noah’s ark to rescue them. “So make no mistake about it. It is a reality. It is going to happen and it will sweep PDP out of power. All these stupid insinuations that we tried it 10 years ago it did not work. Why are they afraid if it won’t work? They leave to us but I can assure you by God’s willing it will work. “We will resolve all our differences and that new platform will sweep PDP out of government.” Speaking on security challenges in the country, Alhaji Mohammed accused fifth columnists of thwarting attempt at ending the Boko Haram insurgency. He said “there are fifth columnists within the government that would not want an end to Boko Haram insurgency, as they are feeding fat on the situation. Almost a trillion naira was voted for security in 2011. This would translate to almost N2billion a day. “Those who are managing this funds, some of them do not

actually want an end to the menace. The economic situation does not help the situation either. I think this government has several times actually told Nigerians that it is helpless; that it is incapable of securing Nigerians and the primary responsibility of any government even before providing infrastructure is securing lives and property. “Whichever government fails to do that does not deserve to be in power one day longer. Nigeria is facing security challenges borne out of economic, social, political and ineptitude, but what made the matter spiral out of control is the manner this government has managed this problem. It has managed it with a lot of issuance, a lot of incompetence. “The Boko Haram started as a local issue. It was a protest by basically some people from the north-Eastern part of this country to the way they perceived their government was being run inefficiently, to the unacceptable level of

poverty in their state and to the lack of infrastructure and unemployment. In their own way, they saw politicians, traditional rulers as the enemies of the people. “The way the government handled the Boko Haram constraint militarized them more and more and started attacking soldiers and policemen. Because they felt the way their leader and hundreds of their members was killed was unfair. But we must be careful not to equate Boko Haram at the beginning with either religious or ethnic struggle. Because it was not nipped in the bud Boko Haram has now gone out of control and to all intent and purposes, has been hijacked by international terrorist group. “We believe however, that it is still within the purview and competence of a competent and focused administration to bring this matter under control. Unfortunately, the mindset of this government at the beginning was very unhelpful, as it said it was not ready to dialogue with terrorists.”

Lawmaker donates ambulance to Ogun hospitals

on. Abiodun AbuduBalogun, the member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal constituency, has donated an ambulance each to the state hospital at Ijebu-Igbo and Ijebu-Ife. Abudu-Balogun, who presented the vehicles on Tuesday, lamented the state of the hospitals. “It is shocking to find out that there is no ambulance at the two state hospitals. “As a responsive representative,

this is not acceptable. “ We shall continue to play our role as much as possible to support government where necessary and this is part of such a step to join the present government in rebuilding Ogun state in the area of health,” he said. He blamed previous administrations in the state for refusing to provide the health facilities with the necessary equipment to work with. The lawmaker, however,

cautioned against wrong usage of the ambulances, saying, “the siren should only be used when necessary. “We should not create more havoc to the lives that we are striving to save. “I will not be pleased if reports of abuse is reported,” he said. Dr Adeniyi Olanihun, who received the ambulance on behalf of the hospital at Ijebu Igbo, described the gesture as unprecedented. He said the hospital had written several letters to influential people in the local government seeking for

assistance in this regard. Olanihun said the gesture was a surprise to the staff and management of the hospital and promised that it would be judiciously used in the interest of the people. He urged the lawmaker to consider hospitals in other areas with a view to assisting them. The Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba Adesesan Oguntayo, commended the lawmaker and urged the hospital’s management to imbibe the spirit of maintenance culture.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

First Ladies' summit: CPC accuses Patience of wasting Nigeria's money By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has expressed disgust over the hosting of the Africa's First Ladies Peace Mission by Patience Jonathan, saying it is another way of squandering the nation's scarce resources. In a press statement issued yesterday by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Rotimi Fashakin, CPC also condemned the reported procurement of over two hundred exotic cars, with street value running into several millions of Naira, to ensure the convenience of the participating first ladies. The party further regretted that the unbudgeted spending is coming when many states of the federation are on critical budget due to depressed economy which the country is facing, pointing out that the May allocations from the Federation Accounts is yet to be fully released to these states. While insisting that the time at hand does not call for hosting of useless and extravagant celebrations, CPC noted that Dame Jonathan, in words and deed, does not give a damn if the nation is broke, so long as her avarice is accomplished. According to the statement, "There is palpable unease in the land because of the depressed economy; many patriotic leaders in other climes would have used times like this to invest the scarce resources in invigorating the productive capacity of the economy."

The party also berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by saying that profligate spending has become synonymous with the ruling party, citing the similar action by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom it said wasted a good chunk of the nation's resources in hosting the fruitless COJA games in 2003. Against this background, CPC called on the National Assembly (NASS) to query the source of funding the first ladies

summit since it is not provided for in the 2012 budget presented by President Jonathan to the NASS. It would be recalled that President Jonathan, while presenting the 2012 budget, disclosed his administration's determination to cut unnecessary expenditures so as to enable the country grapple with the economic challenges facing the country. Against this background, he gave a matching other to the

Ministries, Departments and agencies to compulsorily desist from hosting international conferences and events, to forestall further depletion of the nation's economy. Meanwhile, this hosting of the Africa's First Ladies Peace Mission by Patience Jonathan has come as a surprise to many political and economic observers in the country, who argue that such summit is not beneficial to a country that is struggling to resist broke.

L-R: National Coordinator, Coalition of Civil Societies for National Unity and Co-existence, Dr. Chucks Alozie, National Chairman, All Nigeria Peoples Party, (ANPP), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and National Women Coordinator of the coalition, Dr. Ngozi Chianakwalam, after the coalition's meeting with ANPP national chairman, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Nyako extends olive branch to ACN as Gundiri considers appeal From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

damawa state Governor, Murtala Nyako, has described the ruling of the Election petition Tribunal as victory for democracy and a confirmation that Nigeria’s judiciary could be trusted to always dispense unbiased justice. “Today’s ruling is a good one for me and for the people of Adamawa state. The outcome of the tribunal’s judgment has

vindicated supporters of the PDP and we are happy,” a highly elated Nyako told hundreds of his supporters in his Yola country home. Speaking, Nyako urged the ACN to accept the tribunal’s ruling in good faith and advised them to wait for the next governorship election for another outing at the polls. “I expect the petitioner to accept defeat at the tribunal in good faith, the people of Adamawa first spoke at the polls, now the

tribunal has spoken; it is finished unless they feel otherwise. For us in the PDP, we are forging ahead to ensure we fulfill our pact with the people of Adamawa state.” But the running mate to ACN’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Namdas has said the last has not been heard of the matter. “Right from the onset when we instituted our petition at the tribunal, officials of the ruling PDP had boasted that we in the ACN should not waste our money

and time going to the tribunal.” Namdas insisted “we are going to explore other options, we cannot fight and run, the appeal court is there and we must seek for justice in order to claim our stolen mandate.” One of the counsels to the petitioner Barrister Micah Musa also corroborate d Namdas position by saying “there is likelihood that the ruling would be appealed but it all depends on the mindset of our clients.”

Ekiti 2014: Group insists Southern senatorial district must produce governor From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

head of the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti state, a group, Ekiti South Emancipation Agenda (EKSEA) has insisted that the Southern Senatorial District must produce the next governor of the state. The group said the Ekiti North/ South Agenda, which made the Northern Senatorial district to produce the governor in 2007 was still in force, adding that the North would complete its own eight years term, leaving the South as the next beneficiary of the agenda. In a release issued yesterday by EKSEA Coordinator, Honourable Bunmi Olugbade, the group said anyone jostling for the state governorship outside the Southern senatorial zone was just wasting his or her time. Olugbade advised those having ambition to contest the governorship from the Central and Northern senatorial districts to bury their governorship ambition. He described as ridiculous, claim by some supporters of former Governor Ayo Fayose that the South does not have credible and sellable people to fly the PDP flag. He queried "How can a zone that has former deputy governors, diplomats, commissioners, senators, heads of government parastatals, and so on be said not to have credible people to be fielded for governorship election?" "Those that are saying there is no zoning are just being mischievous and wasting their time. "If there was no zoning, especially in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), why was it that the party chairmanship position was contested exclusively by candidates from the Northern senatorial district? Why was it that both the PDP and Action Congress (ACN) fielded candidates from the Northern Senatorial district in 2007? "Our main agenda therefore is for the South Senatorial District to produce the next governor of the state and there is no negotiation about that," Olugbade declared.

Why Nigerian politicians play do-or-die politics - Ajimobi From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state on has reflected on Nigerian politics, concluding that most politicians in the country play do-or-die politics because of lack of visible means of livelihood. He stated this in Ibadan while receiving the Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, who led other members of her delegation to deliver President Goodluck Jonathan's condolence letter to the governor over the death of

his mother, Alhaja Dhikrat Abeje Ajimobi, last week. According to the governor, anybody who had a definite profession or job would not take politics as a matter of life and death. "It is unfortunate that politics, as it is played in Nigeria, is in a do or die manner, and it is because you have a lot of people there who have no job and no profession. When they eventually come into politics, that is the only thing they know because they are professional politicians," he said.

He described himself, the visiting minister and President Jonathan as professionals in politics and not professional politicians, adding that this had accounted for their liberal disposition towards politics and governance. “In our own case, we are professionals in politics. Even the President himself, who is a man of no mean achievements, is a professional in politics, and that has manifested in this condolence visit. “This is the way politics should be played. When it is time

to rejoice together, we rejoice together; when it is time to share sorrow, we share it together because in the end, we are all fighting for the betterment of Nigeria. “But those who are fighting for the betterment of themselves are those who take politics as do or die. We must, as much as possible, discourage those who see politics as a matter of life and death,'' Ajimobi said. He expressed appreciation to President Jonathan for raising such a high-powered delegation to condole with him over his

mother's death. Earlier, Ms. Akinjide had said that she and members of her delegation were in Ibadan to deliver the President's condolence letter to the governor and to celebrate the life and times of Alhaja Ajimobi whom she said lived a long and fulfilled life. “We are happy today because Mama saw fulfillment that any mother would want to see, which is the success of her children, especially Governor Abiola Ajimobi,'' the minister remarked, after which she read the letter to the governor.

He urged Muslims to imbibe the dictates of piety during the Holy month of Ramadan, stating that there was the need for them to live above board in all their undertakings during and even after the 30days of fasting.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

IAAF bans nine in doping crackdown

ine track and field athletes have been banned for doping violations in a crackdown on the use of banned substances in the lead up to the London Olympics, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said on Wednesday. “ T o d a y ’ s announcements underline the IAAF’s continued and u n w a v e r i n g campaign against doping in Athletics,” said IAAF President Lamine Diack. “They demonstrate the IAAF’s commitment to use advanced methods to detect doping and to enforce increased sanctions when justified. We will not stint in our resolve to do everything in our power to eradicate cheating.”

Eaglets resume training Saturday

igeria U17 team will resume a training camp in Calabar on Saturday, officials have disclosed. “The team will resume their training ahead of their qualifier against Niger on Saturday, July 28 in Calabar,” said Emmanuel Ikpeme, director technical of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The Eaglets, under coach Manu Garba, also spent a month in Calabar recently. Last week, Manu Garba was in Abuja to finalise arrangement for his team to resume training. Three-time world champions Nigeria at U17 level are pitched against next-door neighbours Niger in a qualifying match for the 2013 African Junior Championship to be hosted by Morocco in April.

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Mills’ death won’t stop Nigeria, Ghana friendly today Fed Cup:

he sudden demise of President John Atta Mills of Ghana on Tuesday will not affect the return leg fixture of the International friendly duel between the Falconets and their Ghanaian counterparts. The hosts had beaten their Nigerian counterparts 3-2 on Tuesday but following the death of the president it was rumoured that the game would be postponed. However, yesterday, board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Mrs. Dilichukwu Onyedinma confirmed that the game will proceed as planned, meaning that it would be played today. Fears had emerged that the match may be cancelled following the sudden death on Tuesday of Ghana President, Professor John Atta Mills of acute cardiac attack.

FF chieftain Chris Green has promised Tanzania a Nigerian backlash after the Flying Eagles fell 1-0 to Rwanda in a warm-up game. “Tanzania will suffer for the loss in Rwanda,” said a confident NFF technical committee chairman Green after the friendly against Rwanda in Kigali on Tuesday. “The team played very well and I strongly believe that if they continue to improve and listen to the instructions from their coach, John Obuh, who I have full confidence in, not only will Tanzania fall, we will go all the way to retain our African crown and make a bigger impact at the World Cup in Turkey.” Green, who is the leader of the Nigerian delegation to Tanzania, therefore called on the Flying Eagles to imbibe the

“We have just been informed by the Ghana FA that the game will still be played on today,”said Onyedinma who is the leader of delegation. Falconets lost the first leg played on Tuesday afternoon 3-2. “We have spoken to the girls to forget the loss and brace up for the today’s game which they have promised to win in order to redeem the nation’s image,” she added. Matches between both Countries, at any level, irrespective of the teams involved have never been taken lightly. This would be Nigeria’s first loss at the age grade category to one of its closest rivals. Both countries will be representing Africa at next month’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan.

Flying Eagles’ll punish Tanzania for Rwanda loss, says Green Nigerian spirit of fighting from start to finish. “The only thing that I saw was missing in this game was that you need to have the

Nigerian spirit of never say die. Once you have this, there will no stopping you here in Africa and beyond,” he declared. “We played a good

game only to lose concentration in the dying minutes of the game and we paid for this.” The Flying Eagles will trained on the

Flying Eagles players celebrating victory after emerging champions of the AYC in South Africa

...Ikpeme expresses confidence in F/Eagles

he Director in the Technical Department of the NFF, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, has expressed confidence in the Flying Eagles and charged them to win Sunday’s 2013 AYC qualifier against Tanzania, despite their disappointing 10 loss to their

grass pitch of the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali yesterday evening before departing for Tanzania later this afternoon.

Rwandese counterparts in Tuesday’s friendly game. Ikpeme, who charged them to keep a positive mental attitude in spite of the loss since the game was merely a build-up to Sunday’s crucial qualifier, expressed confidence in the players. The director, who is accompanying the

team to the AYC qualifier in Dar es Salam, advised the players to draw lessons from the loss and apply themselves to the task of securing a better result in Tanzania. “Don’t dwell on the past game because yesterday is past,”Ikpeme, a trained sports p s y c h o l o g i s t ,

addressed the team yesterday at their Alpha Palace Hotel in Kigali. “We must now be positive because negative forces affect performance as you cannot express yourself fully when you are not happy. “That we have setbacks does not mean we are not good. We

are bound to make mistakes but we must be committed to correct them. “You are good and I have confidence in you,” he declared. Skipper Chinenye Okani promised victory on Sunday. “We will beat Tanzania on Sunday because we will give 150% in this match so as to make Nigeria proud,” said the goalkeeper.

Siasia organises summer soccer camp for kids in Abuja

mmediate past Super Eagles Head Coach, Samson Siasia, will take kids from the ages of seven to 15 years through the rudiment of soccer as part of his Sia-One Soccer Academy Summer Football Camp for this year. The summer fiesta, which is scheduled to be held at the National Stadium Abuja, will be conducted for three days each week by the former silver winning coach along with some of his assiatance. The programme will starf from August 1 and ends August 31. “This is my own little way of getting these kids from the primary and secondary schools familiarised with the techniques of the game.

This should help to develop their skills in the game, shape them mentally and tactically for the game. This type of training lays the foundation for future growth. Some of them could eventually become national assets, Siasia said. Accordingly, he appealed to parents within Abuja and its environs to bring their wards to the summer exercise. The days for the camping exercise are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. However, the children would have to be registered and Siasia said the forms for registration are available at the Rudder Sports Management, Suite E6 Bobsar Complex, Michika street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

Samson Siasia

NFF admits fixtures mix-up, apologises

he NFF have apologised for the erroneous semifinal fixtures of this year’s Federation Cup which it released to the public on Tuesday. The semifinal pairing will thus be Heartland against Prime FC in Ilorin on Wednesday, August 15, while the other clash will be between Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars in Calabar, same day. Director of competitions, Mohammed Sanusi, said the officer who caused the fixtures mix-up has already been relieved of his duties and will be sanctioned by the f e d e r a t i o n accordingly. “We apologise profusely to all the teams and football stakeholders for the error made in those fixtures, and this will never happen again,” Sanusi said. S a n u s i announced that the correct fixtures will see Lobi Stars of Makurdi, who defeated Sharks FC of Port Harcourt in the quarterfinal played in Bauchi, take on Kano Pillars, while cup holders Heartland are up against surprise package Prime FC of Oshogbo. All four teams are already bound for the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos for the grand finale on Sunday, August 26, with the loser’s final starting at 2pm, while the cup final will kick off at 4pm.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Jamaica’s Olympic 100m and 200m champion talks about his rivals for the sprint crown, the horror of false starts and how he plans to make history at London 2012 “

his will be the moment, and this will be the year, when I set myself apart from other athletes in the world,” Usain Bolt says in a quiet but dramatic statement of intent on the brink of the Olympic Games in London. The world’s fastest man talks with unusually deep concentration, and a calm seriousness of purpose, as he stresses his belief that he will seal his dizzying legacy in the

“

A lot of legends, a lot of people, have come before me. But this is my time, Bolt says.

Usain Bolt

London Olympics: 100m, 200m gold medals are mine, Usain Bolt warns peers coming days. “A lot of legends, a lot of people, have come before me,” Bolt says. “But this is my time.” There is composure, rather than arrogance, in Bolt’s voice. In a candid and open interview, the 25-year-old Jamaican has already dealt with the shadows of his recent dips and doubts and the threatening figure of his friend, and now imposing rival, Yohan Blake. Bolt knows that if he can overcome all his new challenges, and disappointments over the last year, he can join sport’s most exalted pantheon. No man has ever successfully defended his 100m Olympic and 200m titles on the track. Carl Lewis’s name is now in the record books after his secondplace finish to Ben Johnson in the 1988 Olympic 100m final in Seoul was upgraded to a gold medal following the doping scandal which ruined that race forever. But no sprinter has retained his 200m Olympic crown let alone repeated a hat-trick by also winning the 4x100m relay for a second successive time. If

Bolt replicates his feats from the Beijing Olympics, where he won three gold medals with blistering speed and irresistible panache, his name will echo alongside near mythic sporting figures like Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, Pele and Michael Phelps. In 2008, three billion people, apparently, watched Bolt shatter the world record and win the Olympic 100m final with ridiculous ease in Beijing. His blurring 6ft 5in frame, and huge stride, helped produce the most exhilarating trick of time. Running faster than any man had ever run before, Bolt was so far ahead of his straining rivals he made it appear as if he had slowed to a saunter as he spread his arms wide in a “look-at-me” gesture and crossed the winning line. He wore the expression of a man who had conquered the world. his time, in London, will be different. Bolt could be tested in exacting ways. Yet an even larger global television audience will be entranced by the prospect of him securing his reputation as the greatest sprinter in history. The mistaken assumption used to be that Bolt simply needed to turn up, mug for the camera with some dance-hall stepping’, and then run and win, before reaching for his arrowshooting victory pose. “What can I do?” he says. “You can only do your work and let people believe what they want. I work my hardest because I know what it takes to be a champion. I know what I want and I’m focused on what I need to do to win.” Yet a contrasting quartet of races now flits across the usually sunny outlook of the brilliant and charismatic Jamaican. Last year, at the world championships in Daegu, South Korea, Bolt lost his 100m title after he was disqualified following a false start. While Bolt cried out in agonised frustration, as he stalked around a confined area behind the track, the restarted race was won by Blake, his club-mate and younger rival. Two months ago, in late May, Bolt ran the worst 100m of his professional career and recorded a time of 10.04sec in Ostrava, failing to break 10 seconds for the first time in three years. “I had a bad start and had no feeling the whole race,” a dejected Bolt told the massed cameras and recorders. “My legs kinda felt dead. I don’t know the reason. The first 40 metres were really bad. I never felt the power out of my legs.” Bolt still won that low-key race but, tellingly, he suffered two defeats in three days at the Jamaican trials. On 30 June, he was beaten in the 100m by the 22 year-old Blake, who won in

9.75sec – 0.11sec quicker than Bolt. More shockingly, on 1 July, Blake defeated Bolt in the 200m, a distance over which the Olympic champion had been considered “unbeatable” for years. These setbacks have deepened an already consuming interest in the men’s sprint for the battle between Bolt and Blake adds another dimension to the glamour and thrilling blur of the 100m. Bolt retains his grip on his romantic title as the world’s fastest man and his 9.58 record has been unmatched for almost three years, but Blake has won the three races that have mattered most to them over the last 11 months. Yet, training in Birmingham as he winds down his preparations for London, Bolt remains engagingly uncomplicated. He does not shy away from a single question or seek refuge in evasive selfeffacement. Instead, he is honest in underlining a belief that his “ups and downs” will make retaining his three Olympic titles all the sweeter. “Definitely,” Bolt says, reaching for his favourite word. “When you go through a lot it helps because you can say all these things happened for a reason. The key thing to remember is that hard work does pay off. If you put the work in, it will definitely pay off in the long run.” olt speaks plainly when suggesting that, after enduring unfamiliar adversity, he has become mentally stronger. “Yeah, definitely. It gets annoying but, after a while, you get used to people making their own comments and just judging you. But I’m always positive. I know what I want. I know what I am capable of. But it makes you stronger when you have to work so hard to get better and you have to go through all these trials. So I don’t stress. I just focus on what is necessary.” He sounds convinced he is now in the kind of shape that will ensure his victory in both the 100m and 200m Olympic finals. “Definitely,” Bolt says, relishing the familiar punch of that same old word. “Each training session I’m getting better and better. I have no other duties now, no worries, it’s all about training, eating and sleeping. I have a lot more time and can put a lot more effort into training. I’m feeling better every day. As long as I’m feeling myself I’m definitely in no doubt I can go to the Olympics and win.” It’s easy to believe in Bolt primarily because of his outrageous speed and ebullient

Yohan Blake conviction but today I am utterly persuaded by his willingness to confront some darker moments. It can be heard in his insistence that “it’s always good to lose. It wakes you up.” This does not sound like a distressed lament. Culled from guardian.co.uk

Asafa Powell

“

I’m feeling better every day. As long as I’m feeling myself I’m definitely in no doubt I can go to the Olympics and win.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Transfer

The season is over. Clubs are counting their blessing as well as losses and would like to make amends and even beef up their squads where noticeable lapses exist. And the transfer market is agog barely 24 hours after major European leagues dropped the curtain. And so to keep abreast with latest rumours, we begin daily doses of movements within the market both for players and coaches like.

Newcastle admit Demba Ba exit for £7m

ewcastle have dismissed claims that striker Demba Ba is on the verge of joining Rubin Kazan. Reports from Russia said the club was on the verge of discussing personal terms with the Senegal striker after offering the £7million which will invoke his release clause. But Newcastle insiders said there had been no contact with the Russian club and they remain optimistic that the former West Ham striker, who joined Newcastle on a free transfer a year ago, will remain on Tyneside for the new season.

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Henry open to Arsenal return

ew York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry is not ruling out the possibility returning to Arsenal again in January. Henry, 34, spent time training with Arsenal during the off season of the MLS last winter before agreeing a shortterm loan agreement in January with the club he left for Barcelona in 2007.

The Frenchman scored twice during his loan spell, his first of those strikes on his comeback match in the FA Cup against Leeds, and he has admitted he sees his future back at Emirates Stadium. Henry said “I would like to go back to England with Arsenal for sure. I wasn’t planning to go back to play last season. It was only because Gervinho and (Marouane) Chamakh went to

Spurs set to hijack Chelsea’s target

T Demba Ba The clause which will allow him to quit the club expires at the end of the month. Newcastle have been linked with a move for Marseille striker Loic Remy who has been told he can leave the French.

ottenham have made an enquiry for long-time Chelsea target Willian of Shakhtar Donetsk. The 23-year-old Brazilian revealed last week that he was upset when his club rejected an offer from Chelsea but remained hopeful of a move. Shakhtar want £19million for the attacking midfielder and Tottenham, who lost out to Chelsea over Internacional midfielder Oscar, are considering a bid. Andre Villas-Boas also had scouts watch Brazil’s Leandro Damiao and Hulk last Friday. Villas-Boas, who was also linked with a loan move for Roma striker Marco Borriello, 30, is keen on Fulham’s Moussa Dembele but resigned to losing Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor as talks over his wages hit an impasse.

Arsenal close in on £15.6m Bayern reject De Jong link deal for Malaga’s Cazorla ayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has

rejected reports linking his club with a bid for Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong. A number of newspapers this week reported the Bundesliga side was lining up an approach for the 27-year-old Netherlands international, which has a year to run on his deal at the Etihad Stadium. But responding to the speculation on Bayern’s pre-season tour of China, Rummenigge told Sport Bild: “We know that De Jong’s agent offers him everywhere. But it is not true to say there is interest from FC Bayern.” De Jong, who has previously played in the Bundesliga with Hamburg, joined City in 2009 but saw his first-team chances limited last season as the club secured their first league title in 44 years.

rsenal is closing in on the signing of Spain’s Santi Cazorla after the maestro agreed terms with the club. The versatile Malaga man looks set to complete a move to

Galliani drops Kaka hint

Kaka

C Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has hinted that the Serie A club could look to bring Kaka back to the San Siro. Kaka, 30, has struggled to live up to the £50.7 million transfer fee paid to AC Milan by Real Madrid for his services in 2009.

The Brazilian has regularly been linked with a return to Milan, and this week Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka appeared to indicate that the playmaker’s future is uncertain. “Kaka and the club are working to find a solution that is good for both parties,” Karanka said after Kaka was left out of Real’s friendly against Oviedo. Speaking yesterday, Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Some loves never end, they may go away for a long time, but they always return.” Kaka made 17 starts for Real Madrid in La Liga last season, scoring five goals and managing seven assists.

Santi Cazorla

Swansea value Allen at £15m and should Liverpool offer that they would trigger a release clause in his contract. Although the new Liverpool manager has an written agreement with Swansea not to return to his former club to try to sign any of their players for the next 12 months, the Welsh club can waive that clause if a deal is deemed to be in the best

north London in the coming weeks, a year after first being pursued by Arsene Wenger. The Gunners have tabled a bid of around £15.6million for one of La Liga’s brightest talents and hope that any deal can be concluded swiftly considering the player’s desire to move. Cazorla joined Malaga last summer from Villarreal - who were subsequently relegated but has been in dispute with the club over unpaid wages. The financial situation is such that the threat of relegation looms over the Arabowned club with a hefty tax bill owed to the Spanish government, as well as a number of unfulfilled obligations on transfer repayments. Cazorla, who scored four freekicks last season, played in almost every position across the midfield and attack, and would be the third addition to the forward ranks this summer, after Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.

QPR consider Cardiff target Bellamy

ardiff City could face competition for Craig Bellamy from Queen’s Park Rangers if the forward

Swansea reject Liverpool bid for Allen iverpool and Swansea have opened negotiations over a deal for midfielder Joe Allen, 22, but the Anfield club’s opening bid has been rejected. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers offered around £10m plus Jonjo Shelvey on loan, but that deal has been turned down by Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins.

the African Nations Cup. “I was there to train and they asked me if I wanted to play. Who knows what might happen in the future? I’ve not yet spoken to Arsene about it so I don’t know what capacity I could go back in. “Coaching does interest me but I don’t know what my talent is going to be after I have finished my career. But I will go back to Arsenal.”

interests of the club. While Swansea does not want to lose Allen, who is currently training with the Team GB Olympic squad, they are aware a move to Liverpool interests the player. Swansea is currently in Colorado on a pre-season tour, with Liverpool based in Boston, Massachusetts as they prepare for the new season.

leaves Liverpool. Ranger’s vice-chairman, Amit Bhatia, says there is the possibility they could make an offer to Liverpool for the 33year-old. “Craig is definitely a name that has been mentioned, a name we’ve discussed. There are a few options,” Bhatia said. Bellamy played for hometown club Cardiff on a seasonlong loan spell in 2010-11 after being marginalised at Manchester City. The forward was eventually sold to Liverpool and has one year left on a two-year deal at Anfield, his second spell with the Merseysiders.

Willian of Shakhtar Donetsk

PSG ready to outbid Real Madrid for Spurs’ Modric

panish champions claim they’ll only pay £27m for the Croatian but bigspending French side is willing to match his 40m valuation Real Madrid claims they urged wantaway Tottenham star Luka Modric to end his oneman protest. The Spanish champions also insist Modric acted alone when he went AWOL from Spurs’ preseason training programme, amid suspicions they put him up to it. Real president Florentino Perez is still hoping to sign the Croatia playmaker, which is now back in training at Spurs’ Essex base but will not be jetting out to join their pre-season tour in the US. Modric would prefer to join Real, but PSG’s interest could spark a bidding war which Perez insists his club cannot afford. Kaka is being linked with a return to South America, and the fee he’d bring would enable Mourinho to give PSG a run for their money.

AC Milan reignite interest on Tevez

C Milan is pushing for talks with Manchester City over a deal for striker Carlos Tevez. The Serie A side wanted the 28-year-old in January and have maintained an interest in the Argentine and his teammate Edin Dzeko. Inter Milan, meanwhile, have offered around £6.5m for City left back Aleksandar Kolarov, 26.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Boyd excited by Sydney Olympic Games Gold award

Basketball fans hail security at Final 8 tourney

ans at the ongoing 2011/12 DStv Men’s Basketball League Final Eight tournament in Lagos on Wednesday applauded the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the championship for providing adequate security at the match venue. Some of the fans, in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed satisfaction at the marked improvement in the security arrangements. Olu Atafo, a basketball enthusiast and an advertising practitioner, said: “I have to confess that I love the level at which security men are deployed at this championship. “It gives me the assurance that even criminals who usually lurk around the stadium will certainly be too scared to operate, even when the matches end late.” Atafo said he watched the opening match of the championship on the DStv channel and that he felt he could get good value for his time. He added that he was happy that the competition was worth its while. Nkechi Akashili, a female basketball player, also said she was impressed with the security arrangements of the

championship’s Local Organising Committee (LOC). Akashili, however, noted that the security challenges in some parts of the country now called for increased security awareness from all Nigerians, especially at occasions where there were invited guests. “With the presence of the security men at the match venue, anyone who wants to play smart will have to think twice,’’ she said. Fidelis Usiagwu, a businessman, commended the security arrangement at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos venue of the competition. “I always think twice before I go to watch any championship, although Lagos State is relatively safe. That notwithstanding, life has no duplicate; so, everyone now needs to be security conscious,” Usiagwu said. He attributed the encouraging turnout of spectators at the tournament venue to the heavy presence of the law enforcement personnel. Muhammed Bashir, a fan of the Kano Pillars Basketball Club, also applauded the security initiatives of the organisers of the competition.

Adesina upbeat about Prime FC’s Federation Cup victory

he coach of Nigeria National League Club, Prime FC of Osogbo, Ademola Adesina, says the club is on the right track to winning the ongoing Federation Cup. The lower division side as been in stunning form and hopes to climax their campaigns with victory at the grand finale on August 26. Prime reached the semi-finals after defeating one of the Nigeria Premier League leaders, Enyimba International FC of Aba 2-0 in the quarter-finals on Monday in Ibadan. The “giant killers’’ will meet defending champions, Heartland FC of Owerri, at the Ilorin Township Stadium on August 15 in the semifinals. Also in the second semifinals on the same day, Lobi Stars of Makurdi will confront Kano Pillars at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar. Adesina said yesterday on phone that the success of the team was due to discipline, hard work and the motivation they were receiving from the Osun government. According to him, the government is very supportive and pays the allowances of players as at when due, while the

players are hard working, highly committed and disciplined. “So far so good, the performance of the players is really encouraging and

Enefiok Udo Obong, a member of Nigeria’s 4x400m that were awarded Sydney gold 12 years after

r William Boyd, a former top Olympic official, has hailed the eventual award of the 4X400 Sydney Olympic Games gold medal to Nigeria. Boyd, who was Secretary-General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to the 2000 Games, said the award was a case of justice delayed. “I can recall the moments of that race in my mind’s eye. It was the best of Nigeria’s moments at the Games. Nigeria deserved the gold because it achieved it with sheer determination,” Boyd said. According to him, this is a just reward for hard work from the four athletes who ran a race of their lives: the late Sunday Bada, Clement Chukwu, Jude Monye and Enefiok Udo-Obong. Boyd, who added that the award could be a good motivation for “Team Nigeria’’ at the London Games, urged them to go all out as they were capable of winning gold medals. A member of the U.S. Team, late Antonio Pettigrew, confessed to taking performance-enhancing drugs before the race and that compelled the IOC to strip them of the medal.

Ondo kick boxer ready to defend medal

ndo State kick boxer, Ayodele M i c h a e l , yesterday vowed to defend the gold medal he won at the 17 th National Sports Festival in 2011 in Port Harcourt. Ayodele, who spoke from his base in Akure, said he does not intend to relinquish the gold he won

they are on the right track to success. Although two plus two in football is not always four, the players will carry the cup if the current tempo is

in the 81 kg otherwise known as ‘low contact’ division. “I am ready to defend my gold medal at the next festival in November in Lagos,” he said. He said that he had been winning medals for the state in national festivals since 2002 and that he was ready to defend his gold in

sustained,’’ he said. It will be recalled that Prime’s midfielder, Taiwo Mayegun, opened scoring in the 21st minute of play against Enyimba followed

‘Eko 2012’. “I have always been a finalist since 2007 in boxing and I won gold in Port Harcourt in kick boxing’s low contact division in 2011. “I had to switch from boxing to kick boxing, having exceeded the three times an athlete can represent a state in a

by another goal in the by 78 th minute Christopher Aguero. In the round of 16 qualifying series, Prime FC had defeated Rangers

Sharks and Dolphins T for sale

Dolphins FC, insert Gov. Rotimi Amaechi

particular sport. I have always been a champion; I am fit and ready to defend my title in kick boxing,” he said. Ayodele had at the 2007 Gateway Festival represented Ondo State in boxing and won silver and also represented the state in KADA Festival in 2009 and also won gold.

International 1-0, drew 11 with Sharks FC of Port Harcourt and beat Dynamite FC of Benin 2-1 to enter the quarter-finals stage.

he Rivers State government, the sponsors of Nigeria Premier League (NPL) clubs, Sharks and Dolphins have declared that both clubs will be put up for sale if the right offer is put on the table. This declaration was made by the Rivers State governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who said that the running both clubs has constituted a huge financial strain on his administration. Further, he revealed that the Rivers State government would “listen to offers” for both clubs and act subsequently. “Honestly it is not easy to run two professional football clubs. The financial obligations are immense to say the least and the clubs will be sold if (the Rivers State government) receives the right offer,” Amaechi told SuperSport.com. The governor said the reasons for the planned action were informed by the need to make both football clubs models in Nigerian football. “The long-term plan is to make both clubs professional models in the country but government alone cannot do everything. “We are looking to involve members of private Nigeria in all sectors and that also includes Sharks and Dolphins. We will listen to offers for both clubs and if we are satisfied, then the clubs will be sold,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

PAGE 45

1 1/ Cuban boxers look to prove their potential at London 2012 after winning no gold medals at last Olympics.

2/ Sepp Blatter says Gareth Bale could be banned for playing for Spurs during the Olympics if the FA lodges a complaint about him featuring while unavailable for Team Britain.

3/ Shinji Kagawa opened his account for Manchester United as they beat Shanghai Shenhua 1-0 to lift the Chevrolet China Cup. Bebe also impressed for the Red Devils at the Hongkou Stadium.

4/ AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has hinted the Serie A club could look to bring Kaka back to the San Siro. 5

5/ England should not rush into making changes after their 'annihilation' by South Africa at the KIA Oval, says ex-Test captain Alec Stewart. 6/ British athletes have a duty to inspire future generations at the London Olympics, says basketball's Pops Mensah-Bonsu. 7/ Great Britain's Heather Watson is handed a place in the women's singles in the Olympics after Ukraine's Alona Bondarenko withdraws.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Joe Allen of England

Sixteen teams begin gold hunt today

our years after Angel Di Maria’s 58th minute goal gave Argentina the Gold Medal at Beijing’s iconic Bird’s Nest stadium, the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament begins across Great Britain today with Spain’s game against Japan at Glasgow’s Hampden Park the first of 32 matches in just 17 days. The world champions and UEFA EURO 2012 winners will be looking to add Olympic glory to their list of growing achievements since 2004 and history certainly favours the teams from Europe. Sixteen out of the last 22 winners have emerged from the Old Continent, withGreat Britain also in the running to win gold for a record fourth time. Should Stuart Pearce’s side achieve that feat, they will end an unwanted run for host nations at the four previous tournaments, which has seen USA, Australia, Greece and China PR exit at the group stage. Yet an even longer time has elapsed for Brazil, who despite winning five FIFA World Cups and eight Copa Americas, have never been crowned Olympic champions, despite participating in 11 previous editions of the tournament. Mano Menezes has been tasked with fulfilling the ambitions of the

Mohamed Diamé of Senegal Carlos Calcido of Mexico

Uruguay’s Lius Suarez

2014 hosts and has at his disposal a strong squad including Santos duo Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso, Sao Paulo’s Lucas and Internacional forward Leandro Damiao, who will no doubt be boosted by the experience of over-age trio Hulk, Marcelo and Thiago Silva. There are plenty of stars on show at London 2012, not least among some of the veterans. Egypt’s Mohamed Aboutrika, Team GB’sRyan Giggs and Mexico’s Carlos Salcido will all be looking to roll back the years to inspire their teams, while established internationals Park Chu-Young (Korea Republic), Juan Mata (Spain) and Luis Suarez (Uruguay) are currently missing the pre-season campaign with their respective Premier League sides in order to participate in the Olympics. They will, of course, be familiar with the majority of venues used for the tournament with some of the UK’s most iconic stadiums in use: Hampden Park, the Millennium Stadium, Old Trafford, St. James Park, the City of Coventry Stadium and Wembley will all host large crowds eager to see some fantastic football. Alongside Great Britain in Group A are Senegal, who required a play-off win over Oman to qualify for the tournament, Olympic debutants United Arab Emirates and Uruguay. Indeed, the last time the South Americans were at the games, back at Amsterdam 1928, they won gold. Group B sees the CONCACAF champions Mexico go head-tohead with African winners Gabon, with Switzerland andKorea Republic the other sides in the section. With Brazil in Group C are Egypt, who finished fourth in 1928 and 1964, New Zealand who are coached by former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Neil Emblen and Belarus, the first European debutants since Israel in 1968. Completing the 16 teams are Luis Milla’s Spain side, who are in Group D alongside Japan, who lost

Juan Mata of dreaded Spain

Olympic soccer

Egypt’s Mohammed Aboutreika

PAGE 46

only one game in qualifying, Morocco whose victories at the Games have only come against Asian opposition and Honduras, who have recorded just one win in six Olympic matches. This is the 23rd Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, which has been organised under the auspices of FIFA since 1908. It was a demonstration sport at the 1900 and 1904 Games and was a strictly amateur event until 1992, which was the first time professionals were allowed to take part. The rules state that players must be under the age of 23, with the exception of three ‘over-age’ players.

Senegal aim high

Brazil’s Neymar and team mate

Oscar of Chelsea

ollowing a thrashing by South Korea 3-0 on Friday in a friendly, the Lions face their opening Olympic match against England tomorrow. Senegal fell heavily against the South-Koreans, following their two consecutive victories against Spain and Switzerland without conceding a single goal. And their opening 2012 Olympic Games match on Friday at Old Trafford against the host national promises to be a challenge. This even more so given the withdrawals of Papiss Demba Cissé and Dame N’Doye, both held back by their respective clubs, and then Victor Bindia, following an injury picked up against Switzerland. The defender was replaced by Epinal player, Ibrahima Seck. But despite all of this, the Lions express high ambitions in this prestigious competition. “My goal at the Olympic Games is to write Senegal’s football history by going right to the end. Of course this will not be easy because we face tough opponents, but we will fight to get there,” shared Mohamed Diamé, one of the top players of the Senegalese Olympic team. Karim Séga Diouf’s men meet Uruguay and the United Arab Emirates next, in the tournament that takes place in England from July 27 to August 12.

Brazil kickstart elusive chase against Egypt

razil kick off their latest attempt to win their Holy Grail of Olympic footballing gold today as their star-studded side take on Egypt in Cardiff. The most successful nation in football history, Brazil have won an unrivalled five FIFA World Cups and no fewer than eight South American continental championships since 1916, but despite repeated attempts at Olympic glory, the gold medal has remained stubbornly elusive. Most gallingly, the Brazilians have had to endure the sight of bitter South American rivals Argentina winning gold at the last two Men’s Olympic Football Tournaments, triumphing in Beijing four years ago after beating Brazil in the last four. However Brazil’s chances of finally landing the Olympic crown have been boosted by Argentina’s failure to qualify for London, an absence which removes a major barrier from their path to the August 11 final at Wembley. A squad bristling with star names including the highly sought-after Neymar, Oscar and Lucas, and bolstered by established overage players Thiago Silva, Hulk and Marcelo, looks like the team to beat on paper. Although the squad suffered a setback on Tuesday when goalkeeper Rafael Cabral was ruled out with an elbow injury, it will be a major surprise if Brazil fail to emerge from a straightforward-looking first round group which also includes Belarus and New Zealand. Brazil coach Mano Menezes has attempted to play down the expectations of his side while acknowledging what a gold medal would mean for the country. ”It’s huge for Brazilian fans, it’s a dream to get this gold medal,” Menezes said. “It’s the only title we’re missing. We feel we’re capable of getting this gold medal, but we don’t see ourselves as favourites.” Brazil certainly looked like potential gold medallists, however, with their stylish 2-0 dismissal of Great Britain’s inexperienced side last Friday. The biggest threat to Brazil’s chances could come from Spain, who face Japan, Honduras and Morocco in Group D. Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata is hoping to complete a remarkable clean sweep of silverware having been a member of Spain’s UEFA EURO 2012-winning squad after earlier lifting the UEFA Champions League in May with his club.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

PAGE 47

‘Fasting now tells on weightlifters’

he Lagos State Weightlifting Association said yesterday that the it had adjusted its training schedule for the Muslim weightlifters, due to the ongoing Ramadan fasting. Ene Bassey, the association’s Head Coach, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the training schedule for the Muslim athletes had been reduced from thrice to once daily. The weightlifters were training morning, afternoon, and evening sessions for the National Sports Festival (NSF), scheduled for Nov. 27 to Dec. 9 in Lagos, before the Ramadan fasting.

Felix Ekpoh, Nigerian weightlifter

hukwuemeka Ofolomah, the Chairman, Nigeria Pro-Wrestling Federation (NPWF), Anambra Chapter yesterday called for the building of a multipurpose indoor sports hall in Anambra. Ofolomah said in Onitsha, Anambra that the hall would help to promote wrestling and other sports in the state. He lauded the federal and state governments’ drive to develop other sports other than football especially at the grassroots and added that such drive should begin with recognising a top wrestling prodigy such as Mike Okpala. He said through hard work and resilience, Power Mike made Nigeria proud through his wrestling exploits. “Power Mike is a wrestler, well known, reputable wrestler in the world. In Anambra, we do not have an indoor sports hall.

oach Destiny Da Silva, the organiser of the ongoing summer holiday tennis coaching clinic in Lagos, on Tuesday said that the clinic was aimed at discovering young talents at the grassroots. Da-Silva, a national player, stated that the clinic, now in its fourth edition was in conjunction with the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) and added the programme, for children between the ages of four and 15, started on Monday at the National Stadium, Lagos and would hold for three weeks. Da Silva said that the programme holds three times weekly, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. “The clinic will later organise series of age group competitions for the participating children to determine their level of understanding the game. “The federation in its efforts to raise young

talents will later select some players according to their age group and monitor them for grooming,” he said. According to him, children during vacation needed to be engaged in sporting activities to keep them fit and develop their sporting skills. Da Silva, the proprietor of “Let’s Play Tennis Academy”, said that the programme would also help develop the children’s mental ability. He said the programme has recorded tremendous success in the past. “It has been a huge success as children trained at the clinic had featured prominently in a number of tennis championships home and abroad,’’ Da Silva said. He said that about 30 children from different schools in Lagos and neighbouring states of Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti and Ondo were participating in the clinic.

According to Bassey, the fasting weightlifters now train only in the morning, when they still have some strength, and also have a reduction in the weight they carry. He saidt the step was taken to ensure uninterrupted flow in the preparation for the sports fiesta. “I know that the fasting period has been affecting some Muslim athletes, but we have provided measures to arrest it, so that the entire training activities are not grounded. “The fasting should not affect them if they comply with the initiative, that those participating in the fasting should always come in the morning,” the coach said.

Bassey said inadequate training facilities was the major problem facing the weightlifters, adding that the training equipment was not enough for the Muslims, let alone all the athletes. “Even though we told the Muslims to report in the morning hours for training, the association still has the problem of weight inadequacy for them,” the weightlifting official said. Bassey said inadequate training facilities compelled the association to adopt the three training sessions. “It is because we do not have enough facilities for training, so we have to separate the time of training for all categories of athletes.”

Wrestling chairman wants Power Mike immortalised “An indoor sports hall should be built in the name of Power Mike so that wrestling and combat activities would be held there. Two, the statue of Power Mike that was built at Neni Roundabout should be beautified. “Three, a wrestling tournament needs to be hosted in his name so that notable wrestlers from across the world can come to Anambra state and wrestle for Power Mike’s belt.” Ofolomah, a current national Super Heavyweight Champion of NPWF, noted that Power Mike lived his life promoting and developing wrestling; which motivated many people to take to the sports. “Power Mike has trained a lot of people in the area of wrestling. Great Power Uti was trained and brought up

by Power Mike; Iron Saigon was trained and brought up by Power Mike; Mr Keys. “Power Mike is my mentor. After Power Mike retired as World Heavyweight undisputable champion, he came down to Anambra State to build a stadium, which sporting activities had been taking place there. So this man has done a lot in area of sports, so he needs to be immortalised. Ofolomah said immortalising wrestling legends would encourage upcoming wrestlers and those in combat sports to achieve greater glory for the country. He appealed to the Anambra sports ministry to assist the federation in procuring standard wrestling facilities to promote the sport in the state.

Tennis coach urges parents to engage children in vacation sports

Table tennis players during games

Postponed Sen Adefuye volleyball tourney re-scheduled

he Lagos State Volleyball Association yesterday rescheduled the final stages of Sen. Anthony Adefuye Lagos State Secondary Schools boys and girls Volleyball competition for July 27 and July 28, respectively. The Technical Director of the association, Taiwo Oladipupo, who disclosed this in Lagos, said that the competition was originally scheduled for June 28 to June 30. Oladipupo said the competition was already on at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Yaba, earlier in the month, but had to be postponed twice due to incessant rainfall. “The incessant rainfall disrupted the male’s

quarterfinals and the female’s semifinals for two consecutive days and so we had to stop the competition because we play outdoors. “We could not also fix a date immediately because the students were about to take their terminal examination. So, we had no option than to postpone the final stages indefinitely for the rain to subside and for the students to finish their examinations,’’ he said. “Now that the students have completed their examinations and the rains have subsided, we have decided to fix new dates for the completion of the competition,” Oladipupo said. He listed the male teams in the quarterfinals as

Rockford College,Ikorodu; Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja; Birrel Avenue Secondary School, Sabo and Ajeromi-Ifelodun Senior High School. Others are Baptist Academy, Obanikoro; De Vickys Group of Schools, Ebute Meta; Kuramo College, Lagos Island and United Christian Secondary School, Apapa. The female schools in the semifinals are Rockford College, Command Day Second School, De Vickys Group of Schools and the United Christian Secondary School. Oladipupo urged the qualified schools to bear with the association and to take note of the new dates. The competition is being sponsored by Sen. Anthony Adefuye.

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Olympic women’s soccer: US, Japan, Britain win women’s openers

he United States and Japan, the two favourites for women's football gold, both made winning starts yesterday as hosts Great Britain also enjoyed a victory in the first fixture of the 2012 Olympic Games. Japan, bidding to add the Olympic title to the World Cup they won by beating the USA on penalties in the final in Germany last year, defeated Canada 2-1 in Coventry, central England but the Americans had to come from 20 down to beat France 4-2 at Glasgow's Hampden Park, Scotland's national stadium. In Coventry, Nahomi Kawasumi gave Japan a 33rd minute lead after finishing a slick passing move with a powerful shot from an acute angle. Then a blunder by Canada keeper Erin McLeod, who failed to collect a cross, allowed Japan captain Aya Miyama to head into an unguarded net as the 'Nadeshiko' doubled their lead before halftime. Canada pulled a goal back through Melissa Tancredi early in the second half but couldn't force an equaliser in this Group F clash. At Hampden, reigning Olympic champions the United States found themselves 2-0 down inside 15 minutes, Gaetane Thiney firing Les Bleus ahead with a long-range effort that left USA keeper Hope Solo groping at thin air. Great Britain, playing their first ever Olympic women's football match, got their London Games off to a winning start in Wales on Wednesday with a 10 victory over New Zealand. In a match played in bright sunshine but in front of a sparse crowd at the 75 000-capacity Millennium Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby, Britain were just about worthy winners. Houghton buried a 25-yard free-kick with a curling effort over the wall and past Jenny Bindon in the Kiwi goal. Results G/Britain Japan USA Cameroon

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE Late President (John Evans) Atta-Mills... did his best during his ten ur e to car orw ar d tenur ure carrr y fforw orwar ard the process of democratic consolidation and socio-economic development in Ghana — President Jonathan’s tribute to late Ghanaian leader

Tunde Bakare on peaceful change I

have not always been a keen reader of Pastor Tunde Bakare’s opinions, even his preaching, not for any reason other than that I don’t take interest in his views on especially fasting, neither did I support or vote for him in the last general elections, again not because he paired with General Muhammed Buhari (rtd) but because having followed the humiliation Mr. Goodluck Jonathan was subjected to before and after the death of President Umaru Yaradua, I made up my mind to vote against any other presidential candidate than Mr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. But recently, I was captivated by the caption of Pastor Bakare’s article, which I later learnt, was actually a sermon he delivered on Sunday in his Later Rain Church, Lagos. The title ‘’How to Change Government Peacefully...’’ was the catch especially the “peacefully” aspect. I couldn’t stop thinking how an African government could be changed peacefully. At this juncture, my curiosity forced me to read the full article. In fact, I studied it because I had to bring out my cross reference Bible to be sure Pastor Tunde Bakare was not out to pull a funny one on me by cutting and joining verses to make his points. I was wrong, after all, as the cross references were as accurate as the message he was trying to send out. In the sermon I agreed totally with the Man of God. I was rather surprised by the comments some contributors were making about the piece and the author. For instance, if someone were insinuating that PTB was having a ‘’bad dream’’ and was “enraged’’ because he lost an election, my memory could not fail me if I say that PTB fought harder than any living Nigerian pastor/man of God, imam , herbalist or even witch, for that matter, to see the same Mr. Jonathan we talk about was enthroned as President of Nigeria after the death of President Yar’adua. It was said that even Governor Timipre Sylva of the same Bayelsa as Jonathan openly worked against Jonathan becoming President. It is amazing that memories

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GUEST COLUMNIST Ayobanna Ikeanumba ayobanna@live.com

Pastor Tunde Bakare

are failing some people in such a short time as 12 months on the role the so-called “enraged” PTB played in pulling us this far. It reminds me of the late Nigerian goal machine Rahidi Yekini who was called a “mad man”, “demented man” and all sorts of names when he was roaming Ibadan as a moving image of the Nigerian sorry football story only to be immortalized just last week by the same government that saw him roam like a “demented man”. Two key areas of Pastor Bakare’s sermon made an immediate impact on me: 1. Demon can rule through men. I agree totally. A case fresh in history was the story of a state governor in the Southeast. Pictures of this man standing stack naked in a shrine, chained and forced to take the oath of perpetual allegiance to his mentor and the latter’s mother was all over the news. If those pictures were true we should simply ask on whose authority today is the governor standing to “rule” the state? The carriage and utterances of Mr. Jonathan implicitly point that he may be but a dangerous medium to rule Nigeria. This

suspicion was climaxed at the infamous media chat he granted some weeks ago from which he has been baptised “President I-don’tgive-a-damn”. a. If demons and Satan, or God at that, do not rule the world through man as a medium, why was it rumoured and reported that General Obasanjo (rtd) had to engage the services of 30 Men of God to ‘’sanitize’’ Aso Rock before he occupied it for 8 years? I am sure he was suggesting that God ruled through him b. Jezebel was a human being but demons ruled through her to the point she exhibited “I don’t give a damn’’ attitude as we are experiencing in Nigeria today and she wanted to “steal” the vineyard of the helpless man, as we seem helpless to in Nigeria, before God used another medium in the person of Jehu to crush the lesser medium! c. Who says God cannot use any medium to crush a lesser medium? d. King Ahasuerus, Mordecia, even Esther were all mediums the Almighty used to change the government and the people prospered. e. If Pastor Tunde Bakare (PTB) makes noise, as he is being accused of doing, so be it so long as a bad government is kicked out for good and better. 2. Elections may hold before 2015. Who says this is not possible? If Mr. Jonathan was sworn in before 2011 when general election were to take place why can’t it happen in his time? a. It is great the House is moving for the impeachment of this President that has refused to remove what is clogging the nation’s wheel of progress – corruption. b. It is also not out of place if the people would revolt as PTB

predicted to be the last option. Historically, popular revolts or revolutions have always been instigated by the ruling political class. What should one make in a society where N155 billion just vanished with evidence of where it was later found yet the rulers could not give any good reason for its disappearance? Going back, I am of the opinion that issues PTB is raising are as genuine as the options available to confront them. For anyone to say that this genuine call for change and progress is because of his having lost an election is as barbaric as the result of not saying anything. And for anyone to think that the pulpit is sacrosanct only for preaching ‘’Repent for God loves you, and not ’’ Repent or perish’’ is as laughable as the poverty of ideas that seems to have overtaken most of the leaders of today. The Expo (exam malpractice) generation of the early 80s who are indeed the ruling class of today seem to be making a laughing stock of the entire polity. I do not think that the preaching by PTB or that of any Imam somewhere in Damaturu is causing as much heat in the polity as the broad day robbery of the common wealth of the nation. As a matter of fact, if 1/10 of the ‘’big’’ Nigerian preachers or Men of God as they are called, could raise the heat and their voices as PTB, may be we will get to the Promised Land sooner than in 40 years! A commentator on TBB’s piece actually audaciously declared that it was only the prayers of the pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) that would ‘’redeem’’ Nigeria. If only donkeys had wings then it would be easier for the merchant to get to Jericho on time! I want to believe that the commentator was not speaking officially for the RCCG because the Catholics, Anglicans, and many more have paid as much dues to save Nigeria as the ordinary student in the out-of-reach school of some of these acclaimed ‘great men of God’. Rev. Ayobanna Ikeanumba is Director, African Debate Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.

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